MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP

The Montville Township Community values education at its highest level. Our mission is to guarantee an exceptional education for our children, to maximize individual potential, and foster a life-long commitment to learning through a strong partnership of educators, families, and community.

Montville Township Public Schools Strategic Plan, January 2000

BELIEFS

We believe that…

· A good education empowers children to become critical thinkers and life-long learners maximizes individual potential, and provides the necessary skills to succeed in life.

· A good education encourages students to take personal and civic responsibility.

· Our children learn best when they are stimulated and challenged through teaching styles best suited to the individual.

· Our children need to be motivated to learn and have excellent teachers in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment where they feel respected, understood, and valued.

· Our children deserve a great education.

· Children need to respect diversity and appreciate the world around them.

· The role of the parents is to be positive role models providing a supportive and loving environment where values are instilled and personal responsibility are encouraged.

· The role of parents is to be a partner in their children’s education.

· Support and involvement from the community are vital to the success of education.

Montville Township Public Schools Strategic Plan, January 2000

Message from the Principals

Welcome to Montville Township, a community that cares about YOU! Our outstanding staff offers students an exemplary elementary learning experience. The formative years present a challenge for us to help develop children’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well being in a context that is appropriate for each student. We continue to create an atmosphere which builds lifelong and positive attitudes towards school and learning.

We have prepared this handbook so you will become more familiar with our schools. You will find that the rules and regulations make it possible for all of us to live, learn, work, and play together in a safe environment.

You are invited and encouraged to play an active role in the education of your child. The possibilities for becoming involved are numerous. Volunteering to assist in the classrooms, working in the media center, or serving on one of the committees sponsored by the schools or parent groups are only a few of the activities from which to choose.

Close cooperation between home and school is essential in promoting the best interests of the child. Parents are encouraged to visit school and to attend scheduled meetings. A meaningful exchange of information between us benefits everyone.

We trust that you will keep this booklet handy and refer to it during the school year. Our partnership in providing an outstanding educational experience for all of our students can only grow stronger with close communication between the school and the home.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

It is the policy of the Montville Township Public School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, social or economic status, or handicaps in its educational programs or activities and employment policies, as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments 1972 (prohibiting sex discrimination in education), N.J.A.C. 6:4 (Equality in Education Program), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (prohibiting discrimination on the basis of handicaps).

The Assistant Superintendent shall serve as district Affirmative Action Officer and shall coordinate all activities designed to implement this policy. The local principals are the ADA/504 Compliance Officers.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

All elementary schools begin at 8:20 AM every day. Students may arrive between

8:05 AM and 8:15 AM. Students are not allowed in the building prior to 8:05 A.M. Classes begin promptly at 8:20 AM and students arriving after that time are marked tardy. The ideal time to arrive at school is at the beginning of homeroom so the students can settle in for the day without rushing and missing the morning announcements from the principal and teacher. Students who ride the school buses arrive at the appropriate time for the start of the day.

ASSEMBLIES

Various assemblies are sponsored throughout the school year by each school’s parent/teacher organization. These assemblies can be related to the curriculum, expose students to cultural arts, teach an important life skill, and are a valuable part of the educational program.

The assemblies will be announced in the schools’ newsletters so that parents can attend and discuss them with their children at home.

ASSIGNMENT PLANNER

All students are encouraged to use an assignment planner as directed by the teacher. This is a very important study skill that will be introduced at the elementary level. Parents should check the planner at home each night to encourage the skill of organization and good study habits.

ATTENDANCE/TARDINESS

It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that students arrive at school by 8:20 AM every day. This is the time when the teacher outlines the activities for the day, collects homework and other information, and prepares the children for the day. Those students who arrive at school late (after 8:20 AM) have missed that important part and must catch up on important activities.

The children that arrive after 8:20 AM must be accompanied into the building and signed in by the adult driving them to school.

An instructional day consists of four hours, excluding lunch and recess. Students arriving at 9:55 AM or later are considered absent. Students dismissed prior to 1:20 PM are also considered absent for the day. A copy of the district’s Attendance Policy (Policy 5200), and the Promotion Policy (Policy 5410), may be found in the Appendix of this handbook. Please read them carefully.

ABSENCE PROCEDURES

In order to ensure the safety of students, you are requested to call the school nurse by 9:00 AM every day your child will be absent from school. The school nurse will call the home or place of business until a parent is located, if no call has been made to school. Any absence from school requires a written note from you or your doctor upon your child’s return to school. Please remember that a student must be in school for four instructional hours to be considered in attendance.

It is of great concern that each student be accounted for each day. Parental cooperation is appreciated.

A student with an elevated temperature should remain at home for at least 24 hours after the temperature has returned to normal.

The school nurse is to be notified immediately if a student has a communicable disease or head lice. A note, signed by the attending physician, is required before a student may return. A student with a rash is excluded from school until the nature of the rash is determined.

In the event of illness, it is recommended that every student make arrangements with a sibling or friend to obtain and deliver work. If this is not possible, parents are asked to call school by 9:00 AM. Homework may be picked up between the hours of 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

When your child is absent for a religious holiday, please send a note to school. Religious holidays and tardiness due to attendance at houses of worship are considered excused absences.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Many students celebrate their birthdays in school by bringing individual healthy treats. Please avoid snacks that contain nuts due to an increasing number of students with food allergies. Most classes include the birthday treat as part of the brief snack time and therefore, parents are asked not to visit the class. The birthday treats should be brought to the main office. Birthday invitations may not be distributed in school.

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES

There is a copy of all Board of Education policies in the main office. Parents should be aware of Board policies and request to review them if necessary. The Policy Book cannot leave the office. Copies of various policies may be found in the Appendix of this handbook.

BUSES

Students living two or more miles from school are eligible for school busing by State Law. The transportation office may decide to pick up students at a shorter distance, if safety becomes an issue.

Bus schedules and information on pick-up locations are handled by our district’s transportation office.

Children who are not bus students may not ride on the school bus with a friend for an after- school play date. Insurance requirements do not allow this practice. Children may only ride their assigned bus and are expected to behave in a responsible manner. The privilege of riding the school bus will be revoked for any child who interferes with the rights of other children to have a safe bus ride.

BUS EVACUATION, LOCKDOWN, AND FIRE DRILLS

Bus evacuation drills are held twice a year as practice for emergency conditions on a school bus. Children are instructed in safety procedures for the bus and while waiting at bus stops. Reinforcement of these safety rules occurs throughout the school year.

Lockdown drills are held at least twice a year as practice for emergency conditions that may require sheltering in place. Children are instructed in safety procedures to maintain an orderly and safe environment in the event of a security threat.

Fire drills are held twice a month to provide building evacuation practice. Students are expected to follow their teachers’ directions and quietly exit the building. Exit directions are posted in every classroom.

BUILDING USE AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

The elementary schools are open to many organizations and groups after school hours. The building may be used after 3:00 PM each day. Anyone who would like to use the school must complete a “Use of Facilities” form three weeks prior to the use of the building. The form will be processed by the principal, sent to the school business administrator for approval, and returned to the organization with the proper notification. Groups that do not have the approval of the school business administrator to use the building will not be permitted to do so. Adults are welcome to use the building with elementary age children. Older groups of children are encouraged to utilize the middle school or high school facility.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER

Please notify the main office immediately if there is a change in your address or telephone number. The school office is open from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Our schools strive to create a school climate that is caring, respectful, and orderly. We believe it is important to recognize and commend students for considerate and responsible behavior and to clearly identify the consequences when expectations are not followed. We reinforce students’ thoughtful and responsible behavior in a variety of ways. It is essential for the home and school to support each other in order for children to be responsible and caring.

The elementary schools’ Code of Conduct outlines acceptable student behavior. It is recognized that every student has rights:

· The right to learn and the right to be taught

· The right to be respected and the right to respect others

· The right to respect the classroom setting and school property.

Therefore, in order to ensure the rights of everyone, as outlined above, the guidelines below will be followed without exception.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS & CONSEQUENCES

Each staff member shall share the responsibility for supervising the behavior of students through the enforcement of school rules. Students’ behavioral expectations and consequences will be based upon the district’s Code of Conduct. Children will understand the rules and follow them. Consequences will be clear and fair. Children will be sent to the principal immediately for severe incidents. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a proper and orderly fashion at all times. Staff members shall encourage the growth of students towards self-discipline through consistent, impartial, and fair implementation of this code. The school shall retain authority over every student as prescribed by law (In loco parentis, N.J.S.A. 18A: 25-2). The Code of Conduct shall be in effect in every part of the school property and at all school functions, regardless of location and time.

SCHOOL RULES & DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES

Rules

1. Children will respect others by using appropriate language and avoiding physical contact.

2. Children will follow the rules in all school settings.

3. Children will practice the school safety rules at all times.

4. Children will follow the district dress code.

Disciplinary Guidelines

The administration and staff will apply the following guidelines for the consistent administration of discipline. Decisions regarding disciplinary matters will depend upon the following:

1. A complete investigation of the matter

2. Consideration of the severity of the offense

3. Consideration of the developmental age of the child

4. Consideration of repetitive behavior of the student

5. Fairness in light of mitigating circumstances

6. Guidelines as set forth in the Code of Conduct.

Consequences may include, but may not be limited to the following: warning by the teacher, loss of recess, parent communication, conference with principal, central detention, and/or suspension.

NOTE: The Board of Education policy on weapons, substances, harassment, and fighting will be implemented on the first offense with zero tolerance.

COMMUNICATION

Communication among administration, teachers, and parents is very important. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher, if they have a question or comment. The teacher will return the call or set up a conference as soon as possible. For any classroom based concern, the parent is expected to contact the teacher before contacting the principal. Parents should be informed on a regular basis of upcoming projects and activities in school, and the teacher should be informed of any situation at home that may affect a child’s school performance.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

The elementary schools dismiss at 2:55 PM on regular days. Walkers and carpools leave soon after the buses. Parents who choose to pick up their child must send a note or call the office in the morning. Those children will be dismissed at the regular dismissal time immediately after the buses. Parents who are picking up their children are requested to wait outside the building, rather than blocking the front hallway. Since most buses are filled to capacity, no child is permitted to change buses for any reason. Drivers are instructed to accept only those children assigned to that bus. If a student leaves before dismissal time, due to an emergency, he/she will be picked up in the main office to be signed out by the parent or designated adult. Please do not go directly to the classroom to pick up your child. Children who are not picked up on time will be placed in the school’s MEDLC, and parents will be charged appropriately.

DRESS CODE

Students are encouraged to wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for school. Safety is a priority, and clothing should not drag on the floor. Sneakers should be worn on days for the physical education program. Any garments that distract from the educational setting are not permitted, and students will be asked to change. Hats are not permitted in the building. All dress code guidelines apply to both boys and girls. Please read the dress code policy (Policy 5511) carefully located in the Appendix.

EMERGENCY CARDS

Emergency cards must be filled out and returned at the beginning of the school year. Parents are asked to provide work numbers and at least two local telephone numbers of people who will be responsible for the child when the parent is not available. DO NOT list persons who are working, unable to drive, or are unavailable during school hours. PLEASE NOTIFY THE SCHOOL NURSE IMMEDIATELY OF ANY CHANGES ON THE EMERGENCY CARD.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND DELAYED OPENINGS

Before School Starts: If it begins snowing before your child leaves for school, it is recommended that parents/guardians listen to these specified media: WMTR - 1250 AM, WOR - 710 AM, WHDA -105.5 FM, WHTZ - 100 FM, Channel 5 News, News 12 NJ for announcements regarding school closings or ninety-minute delayed openings. The emergency and district information sources are (973)808-4012 or www.montville.net. Please do not contact the Police Department or the school regarding school closings, because they are extremely busy. IN THESE SITUATIONS, COURTESY PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE MADE BY PARENT VOLUNTEERS!

Delayed Opening Schedule: When the district has a delayed start, classes begin ninety minutes later than usual as follows:

High School 9:00 AM

Elementary – Grades K-5 9:50 AM

Lazar School 10:20 AM

IN THESE SITUATIONS, COURTESY PHONE CALLS WILL NOT BE MADE BY PARENT VOLUNTEERS!

Early Dismissal Schedule: In case of inclement weather after the school day begins, classes will be dismissed in the following order:

High School at 12:05 PM,

Elementary Schools at 12:50 PM,

Lazar at 1:25 PM.

An emergency contact form must be returned at the beginning of the school year. COURTESY CALL(S) WILL BE MADE IN THESE SITUATIONS to try and make live contact so that students will not be sent home to an empty home. In the event that none of the contacts listed on the district form can be reached, the student will be placed in MEDLC for pick-up by the parent. Parents will be charged accordingly for this service. Please review a copy of this form in the Appendix.

Please review an emergency plan with your child in case you are not home!

FAMILY LIFE CURRICULUM (K-5)

The Montville Township School District provides a health education program designed to encourage the attitudes and practices that are conducive to good health, promote well-being, and prevent disease. The health education curriculum includes instruction in personal health and hygiene, growth and development, safety, and family life.

Listed below are the grade level instructional areas of the Family Life curriculum for kindergarten through grade 5. A parent/guardian may present a signed statement to the principal to excuse the student, if any part of the Family Life curriculum is in conflict with the family’s religious or moral beliefs. The student shall be excused from that portion of the course and no penalties as to credit or graduation shall result therefrom (N.J.S.A.18A:35-4.6 et.seq.). The curriculum in its entirety may be reviewed at school by calling the school nurse.

K - Self Family Friends	1 - Self Family Friends Personal Safety Growth and Development	2 - Self Family Friends Personal Safety Growth and Development
3 - Self - Concept Responsiblity Friends Families Communication Growth and Development	4 - The Family Concept Relationships Family Influences Growth and Development Friendships	5 - Physical, Social, and Mental Development Peer Pressure and Stress Friendships – Benefits and Responsibilities Family Relationships Puberty – Physical and Emotional Changes Making Healthful Choices

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are planned by the teachers. Parents that volunteer as room representatives during the school year may be invited to chaperone the trips. At times other parents are needed to help with the field trips and are invited by the teacher at the teacher’s discretion.

Field trips are an extension of the curriculum and all students are expected to participate on the trips. Often there are follow-up lessons that directly relate to the field experience.

Students with medical conditions will be required to submit an additional parental form (copy in Appendix) to express wishes for handling their needs.

FUND RAISING – BOARD POLICY NO. 5830

Students are strictly prohibited from participating in the solicitation and collection of money from other students for any purpose in exchange for tickets, papers, or any other goods or services. Please review the policy in the Appendix.

GIFTS TO STAFF

The school board believes that gifts to staff members should be discouraged. The policy states “in most circumstances a letter of appreciation from a student to his teacher is a more appropriate gesture.”

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING

BOARD POLICY NO. 5512.01

The board of education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic success. Harassment, intimidation or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a pupil’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its pupils in a safe environment. Since pupils learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation or bullying.

HOMEWORK – BOARD POLICY NO. 2330

The Board of Education recognizes the need for a moderate amount of homework at each grade level. Home assignments, an integral part of the learning process, extend and reinforce the learning experiences that occur in the classroom. Long term and nightly assignments include reinforcement, research, and creative project activities. Homework is assigned at a level which students can accomplish independently.

Primary Level – Assignments will be given minimally three times each week and should

reasonably take twenty-minutes to complete.

Intermediate Level – Assignments will be given minimally four times each week and

should reasonably take forty-five minutes to complete.

If a child experiences difficulty completing the homework, parents are asked to send a note to the teacher in the assignment planner. Homework assignments are not expected to be returned perfectly if a child has trouble. That is a signal for the teacher to re-teach a skill or re- view the assignment.

If a child is absent for just one day, homework will not be sent home. However, if a child is absent due to illness two or more days, the teacher, upon request from the parent, will prepare work for the child to complete at home. The child is expected to complete that work and return it to the teacher within a reasonable amount of time.

Homework will not be provided for unexcused absences.

HOME INSTRUCTION

Home instruction is provided to students confined to home or hospital by physical, psychological or psychiatric disability, school exclusion or suspension. A physician’s note listing the diagnosis, probable duration of illness, and a recommendation for home instruction, as well as written parental request is required to initiate the process. Home instruction shall commence as per Board of Education Policy after student eligibility has been established.

HOUSEKEEPING

Students in all grades are capable of accepting responsibilities to assist in tidying their classroom and lunch area each day. If each class helps in some way, both in the room and around the school, every elementary school will be an attractive building for everyone.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Immunizations are reviewed annually to be sure all student records are up-to-date. The nurse would appreciate your forwarding verification from the physician when any booster is given.

INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS

The instructional day for the elementary schools is from 8:20 AM-2:55 PM. Students should arrive at school between 8:05 AM and 8:15 AM. Students arriving after 8:20 AM are considered tardy. They must report to the office with the adult who transported them prior to reporting to class.

INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES TEAM (I&RS TEAM)

(formerly known as the Pupil Assistance Committee or PAC)

At each elementary school, each student is treated with individual attention and provided with an education as customized as possible within the framework of the school curriculum. The I&RS Team meets once a week to discuss various situations that may be of specific concern to individual children. Parents will be invited to attend the meeting to discuss concerns regarding their child’s performance. The committee is comprised of the principal and members of the professional staff. Intervention strategies are decided upon and the teacher follows up in the classroom and contacts the parent with updates.

Teachers can request and I&RS meeting by speaking to the principal and are encouraged doing so at any time. Parents can also request an I&RS meeting by discussing it with the teacher first.

MEDICATION POLICY

No student is to carry medication to the classroom. In order to take medication during school hours, the following must be submitted to the school nurse:

1. A doctor’s note indicating the medical reason for the medication and the time medication is to be given.

2. A parent note indicating the student must take medication.

3. Medication is to be in its original container, labeled with name of child, current dosage, date of prescription, prescription number and name of doctor.

According to New Jersey State Law, only the nurse is permitted to dispense medication.

Non-prescription medications (such as Aspirin, Tylenol, Midol, cough drops, cough syrup, etc.) may not be administered except on written order from the physician. These medications must also come in their original containers.

Please send in the necessary medication accompanied by a doctor’s note and parental note requesting medication be given, if your child has seasonal allergies or reacts to insect stings.

PARKING PROCEDURES

Parking (leaving the car unattended) is prohibited at all times along the yellow painted curbing. Park in legal spaces whenever you plan to enter the building. Observe handicap parking, no parking areas, bus lanes, and fire zones. Driveways, by ordinances, must be kept accessible to emergency vehicles.

PETS

Animals are discouraged from visiting the elementary schools. If a teacher would like a particular animal for a lesson or visit, the teacher must check with the nurse for allergies and seek permission from the principal. The teacher will then contact the parent. Animals are also prohibited on school grounds at all times.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND SCREENINGS

During the school year, third and fifth grade students receive physical examinations by a Board of Education approved physician. Fifth graders also receive a scoliosis examination. All students receive annual vision and hearing screenings. Kindergarten, first, third and fifth grade students receive dental examinations. Notification to parents is sent home with the student when these examinations are scheduled.

PUPIL RECORDS/APPEAL OF RECORD

BOARD POLICY NO. 8330

The Board of Education believes that information about individual pupils must be compiled and maintained in the interest of the pupil’s educational welfare and advancement. The Board will strive to balance the pupil’s right to privacy against the district’s need to collect, retain, and use information about individual pupils and groups of pupils. The Board authorizes the establishment and maintenance of pupil files that include only those records mandated by law, rules of the State Board of Education, and authorized administrative directive and those records permitted by this Board. No liability shall be attached to any member, officer, or employee of this Board for the furnishing of pupil records in accordance with law and rules.

The following excerpt is provided so that you have a better understanding of your rights relative to pupil records:

A parent or adult pupil may challenge the pupil’s record and may request the addition of material or comments or the deletion of material from the record. The parent or adult pupil may request a stay of disclosure pending final determination of any such challenge. An appeal must be made in writing to the superintendent, who shall attempt to resolve the issue within ten days. The issue may be further appealed within ten days of the superintendent’s determination to the Commissioner of Education or the Board of Education. Any appeal made to the Board will be determined within twenty days and after opportunity has been offered for a hearing. A record of the appeal will be made part of the pupil’s record.

A parent or adult pupil may place a statement in the record, which will be maintained with the contested portion of the record and disclosed whenever the contested portion is disclosed. The district does not release any directory information (name, address, telephone number, etc.) to any educational, occupational, or military recruiter.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued four times a year for students in grades one through five. Kindergarten students receive report cards three times a year. Report card envelopes must be signed and returned to the classroom teacher. Progress reports may be sent home or phone calls made to indicate a student’s success or weaknesses by mid-marking period. In addition to scheduled conferences, parents are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher through the office, when necessary. Final report cards are not issued until all materials or book fines have been submitted to the classroom teacher in June.

SCHOOL VISITATION/SECURITY

Parents and visitors are always welcome in our schools. As a matter of security, all school doors are locked at all times. Therefore, parents and visitors must ring the security bell and state the reason for visiting. When entering or leaving the school building, a parent or visitor must report to the main office to sign in/out. A school badge must be worn at all times when in the school building. Lock down procedures are practiced each year in case an emergency situation arises.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited on school property at all times. The Board of Education follows very clear rules about students possessing cigarettes or other substances. The guidelines set by the Board are strictly followed regarding cigarettes, illegal substances, and weapons at school.

SNACKS

Most classes in grades K-5 have a daily snack time. Snacks should be healthy in nature. Fruit, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, crackers or a small drink are good choices.

STUDENT BELONGINGS

Student belongings (sweaters, jackets, lunch boxes, book bags, spirals, etc.) should be marked with the child’s name. If something is lost, please check our Lost and Found area.

Please review your child’s daily schedule re: music lessons or specials and stress the importance of student responsibility. Remembering to bring one’s lunch, musical instrument, homework, or school supplies promotes good organizational skills, which will carry over into other areas of the curriculum.

TEXTBOOKS

Students are responsible for all books issued to them. Books are very expensive and should be treated with care. No writing is permitted in the hard cover books and book covers must be used to protect them. Please do not use contact paper. In case of damage or loss, fines will be imposed to fund necessary replacements for classroom and library books.

TOYS AND VALUABLE ITEMS

Children should bring to school only what they need for their academic experience. Toys are not necessary and not permitted in school. Items such as CD players, Walkman, tape players, Gameboy, card collections, etc. are prohibited in school. The school takes no responsibility for any items that are lost, stolen, or damaged at school.

TRANSFER PLANS

Please notify the main office as soon as possible if you plan to move. Health records and transfer cards must be prepared and sent to your child’s new school. Student records are mailed directly to the new school district upon their request.

VACATIONS

We expect families to adhere to the district school calendar. Every day at school is meaningful to our students. Therefore, we expect family vacations will be planned according to the school calendar.

APPENDIX

Policy No. 5200

ATTENDANCE

The Board of Education requires that the pupils enrolled in the schools of this district attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the state. The educational program offered by this district is predicated on the presence of the pupil and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. The regular contact of pupils with one another in the classroom and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose.

Attendance at school may be excused when the demonstrated mental or physical condition of the pupil is such as to interfere with learning or prevent attendance, or by the observance of the pupil’s religion on a day approved by the Board as a religious holiday, or by such circumstances as the Building Principal may determine constitute good cause. No pupil, staff member, or visitor may attend or visit school if he/she has an uncoverable and/or uncovered weeping skin lesion, whether or not the person has been screened for HIV. All other absences are unexcused.

Pupils absent from school for any reason are responsible for the completion of assignments missed because of their absence. No pupil excused for a religious holiday shall be deprived of an award or eligibility to compete for an award or the opportunity to make up a test given on the religious holiday.

Prolonged or repeated absences, excused or unexcused, from school or from class, deprive the pupil of the classroom experience deemed essential to learning and may result in retention at grade level.

Unexcused absences from school or from classes within the school day constitute truancies and shall be subject to the disciplinary rules of the Board. Repeated truancies that interfere with efforts of this Board and its staff in the maintenance of good order and the continuity of classroom instruction may result in the suspension or expulsion of any pupil from the course of study during which absences have occurred or the suspension or expulsion from school of a pupil over sixteen years of age, in accordance with Policy Nos. 5610 and 5620. Before any such action is taken, every effort shall be made to identify the habitual truant, investigate the cause or causes of the pupil’s behavior, and consider the modification of the pupil’s educational program.

The Superintendent shall calculate and monitor the average daily attendance rate for the district and for each school in the district. Whenever the average daily attendance rate is below ninety percent for the district or below eighty-five percent in any one school, the Superintendent shall develop and implement an attendance improvement plan. The attendance rate shall be calculated by dividing total pupil days present for all pupils by the total possible pupil days for all pupils and multiplying the result by one hundred.

N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14 et seq.; 18A:38-25 et seq.

N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.1 et seq.

N.J.A.C. 6:20-1.1 et seq.

Adopted: 15 February 2005

Policy No. 5410

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

The Board of Education recognizes that each child develops and grows in a unique pattern and that pupils should be placed in the educational setting most appropriate to their social, physical, and educational needs. Each pupil enrolled in this district shall be moved forward in a continuous program of learning in harmony with his or her own development.

Standards for pupil promotion shall be related to district goals and objectives and to the accomplishments of pupils. A pupil in grades kindergarten through eight will be promoted to the next succeeding grade level when he or she has completed the course requirements at the presently assigned grade; has achieved the instructional objectives set for the present grade; has demonstrated the proficiencies required for movement into the educational program of the next grade; and has demonstrated the degree of social, emotional, and physical maturation necessary for a successful learning experience in the next grade. A high school pupil will be promoted to the next grade when he or she has completed, in the current school year, twenty-five percent of the credits required for high school graduation.

Promotion standards will be announced to parents and pupils at the beginning of each school year and course of study. Parents and pupils shall be regularly informed during the school year of the pupil’s progress toward meeting promotion standards. A teacher who determines that a pupil’s progress may not be sufficient to meet promotion standards shall notify the parent and the pupil and offer immediate consultation to the pupil’s parent. Every effort shall be made to remediate a pupil’s deficiencies before retention is recommended. The parent and, where appropriate, the pupil shall be notified of the possibility of the pupil’s retention at grade level in advance and, whenever feasible, by the end of the second marking period.

School attendance shall be a factor in the determination of a pupil’s promotion or retention. Only extenuating circumstances should permit the promotion of such pupils who have been in attendance fewer than ninety percent of the days during the school year.

Classroom teachers shall recommend to the Building Principal the promotion or retention of each pupil. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and adult pupils may appeal a promotion or retention decision to the Principal, whose decision shall be final.

The Superintendent shall distribute this policy to all parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and all pupils in grades kindergarten through twelve at the beginning of each school year and shall invite their participation, along with the participation of teachers, in the development of revisions of the policy.

N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.9

Adopted: 15 February 2005

Policy No. 5511

DRESS AND GROOMING

All students are expected to dress appropriately at all times. Clothing and accessories should be neat, clean, inoffensive, safe and decent. Examples of inappropriate attire during school hours include, but are not limited to, hat and head scarves (unless worn for religious purposes), sunglasses (unless prescription with a note that indicates the sun glasses need to be worn inside the school), bare midriffs, clothing with obscene or profane language or that reference drugs, alcohol, tobacco, racism or violence, sandals, and outside garments and beach wear (plastic thongs, beach jackets, swim wear, etc.)

Shorts are acceptable attire, but must be no shorter than mid-thigh length. Cut-off or frayed shorts and spandex (biker) shorts are not acceptable. The Building Principal shall be responsible for determining the appropriateness of student attire. If a student is determined to be in violation of the Board Policy and Regulation on Dress and Grooming, his/her parent/guardian will be called and the student will be sent home to change. If it is not feasible to send the student home, he/she will be kept in an alternative educational setting for the remainder of the school day. The student must report to the Principal at the beginning of the next school day for readmission.

N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1, 18A:11-7, 18A:11-8,

18A:11-9.

Adopted: 15 February 2005

Policy No. 5830

PUPIL FUND RAISING

The Board of Education will limit the solicitation of funds by and from the pupils of this district in order to protect pupils from unnecessary pressures and the instructional program from disruption.

“Pupil fund raising” means the solicitation and collection of money by pupils, on or off school premises, for any purpose associated directly or indirectly with the school district or under circumstances in which the solicitors are identified as pupils of this district.

Pupils may solicit and collect money on behalf of approved school organizations, provided the fund raising has been approved by the Building Principal and/or designee.

No fund raising activity involving door-to-door solicitation shall be permitted.

Out-of-school solicitation of money for school organizations must be approved by the Building Principal.

The Board prohibits any fund raising activity that includes incentive awarded to pupils through which the pupil may earn a prize or be given other remuneration for raising funds.

Pupils may solicit and collect money on behalf of nonschool organizations, provided the fund raising has been approved by the Building Principal.

No pupil will be permitted to solicit and collect money on school premises or at a school-sponsored event for the pupil’s own benefit.

The Superintendent shall develop regulations regarding pupil fund raising that establish times and places in which pupil fund raising may be conducted and ensure adequate accounting of funds collected. The Building Principal shall distribute this policy and the Superintendent’s regulations to each recognized pupil organization.

Adopted: 15 February 2005

Montville Twp. Elementary School Early Dismissal Form

In the event that school must be closed for early dismissal and/or other emergencies, school closing information is available on the district web site at www.montville.net and announcements are made via television, radio, a telephone recording at each school, and local stores. You may also elect to receive a courtesy call from a parent volunteer. If you would like to receive a call, please fill out this form providing your contact information. If you do not wish to receive a courtesy call, you must indicate your preference below. One form must be filled out for each family. Please ensure that the information provided is accurate and that you notify the head room parent and the school office of any changes that may occur during the year. Note that all telephone numbers must include an area code.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FORM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD

Child's Name	Teacher	Grade	Home Number




Parent/Guardian Name	Home Number	Work Number	Cell Number
Mom:
Dad:
Guardian:
Guardian:

You may also designate an alternate contact who will be notified if a parent/guardian cannot be reached. The alternate contact should be LOCAL since he/she will have the responsibility to meet your child(ren) at the bus or pick your child(ren) up at school when school is closed early.

In the event of an unscheduled early dismissal and I cannot be reached, the following people have my permission to pick up my child(ren) from of school. I have notified my alternate contact(s) of this designation.

Name

Relationship

Home or Work Number

please indicate H or W

Cell Number

My child(ren) ride the bus to school - YES or NO Bus # _______

My child(ren) attend(s) MEDLC - M T W TH F NOT AT ALL

___ In the event of an early dismissal and none of my contacts have been reached, I give permission for my child(ren) to be dismissed from school as usual and not sent to MEDLC.

___ I do not wish to receive a courtesy call in the event school is dismissed early. I understand that my child(ren) will be dismissed from school as usual.

Parent/Guardian Signature __________________________ Date:__________________

For the safety of all of our students, Parents/Guardians are requested to make arrangements for their child(ren) in the event school is dismissed early. If neither a parent/guardian nor a designated alternate can be reached, your child(ren) will be directed to MEDLC and you will be billed. All children must be picked up from MEDLC by 2:55 pm, the end of the normal school day.

MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SPECIAL MEDICAL NEEDS FIELD TRIP REQUEST

New Jersey State law specifies that only a Registered Nurse or a student’s parent may administer medication to a student while he/she is at school or on a school-sponsored field trip.

Please be aware that there is a possibility that a Registered Nurse will not be available for this field trip. If your son/daughter takes any prescription medication on a daily or emergency basis (oral, inhaler, injectable, topical), please complete the following information and designate the option you prefer. This information applies to this field trip only.

_____ OPTION 1

I will accompany my child on this field trip at my own expense and will

administer the required medication.

_____ OPTION 2

I will call my child’s physician and obtain written permission to withhold the

dose(s) of required medication during this field trip, or change the time of

administration in order to accommodate the field trip schedule.

_____ OPTION 3

I am requesting the school’s assistance in delegating a CPR certified Montville staff

member to administer my child’s Epi-Pen, if necessary. (NOTE: If benadryl or any

other medication is prescribed with Epi-Pen, a delegate can not be assigned.)

_____ OPTION 4

I will provide (or have already provided to the school nurse) written

permission from my child’s physician allowing him/her to self-administer an

inhaler, Epi-Pen, or insulin, if needed. I understand that the medication

must be provided by my child and will be appropriately labeled by the

pharmacy.

_____ OPTION 5

I do not want my child to participate in this field trip.

In the event I am unable to be reached, and my child, in your opinion, requires EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT during the time he/she is on this school-sponsored trip, I grant you permission to obtain any necessary transportation and medical care until I can be contacted. I hereby designate the teacher in charge as my agent, to act in my child’s best interests, and release him/her from any claim out of the physician’s actions. I also agree to pay for any professional medical services incurred which are not fully covered by insurance.

Emergency Contacts: 1. _____________________________ Phone: ______________

2. _____________________________ Phone: ______________

Name of Student: _____________________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian: ___________________________________