LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK MISSION Inspire and empower all students to become productive members of a 21 st century global society through an engaging and rigorous curriculum. VISION LHS is a leader in education engaging students in challenging and relevant learning experiences. Strong partnerships are necessary to attain excellence. Together, the school, families and the community support each other to design an education that meets the needs of all students. Our highly qualified and high quality staff is committed to excellence in teaching and learning. All students graduate equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of a global society. Revised September 10, 2012

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents... 2 BELL SCHEDULE... 5 Lunches... 5 IMPORTANT SCHOOL DATES... 5 MARKING PERIOD DATES... 5 TESTING DATES... 5 MID-TERM EXAMINATION DATES... 6 FINAL EXAMINATION DATES... 6 SENIOR FINAL EXAM EXEMPTION... 7 ACADEMIC INFORMATION... 7 Report Cards... 7 Final Grade Computation... 7 Letter/Grade Equivalents (Subject to Change)... 7 Grade Point Average and Class Rank (Subject to Change)... 8 Student Transcripts... 8 Schedule Changes/Dropping Courses... 8 Transfer/Withdrawal Procedures... 8 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS... 8 Graduation Ceremonies... 9 HOMEWORK ATTENDANCE Attendance Policy Tardiness to Class Hall Passes Leaving School Building/Grounds Vocational Students Class Trips ATHLETICS Academic Eligibility

3 Age Eligibility Attendance Eligibility Cause for Suspension from an Athletic Team/Club Activity STUDENT SERVICES Guidance Office Scholarships Working Papers Child Study Team Nurses Office/Student Illness Emergency Contact Cards Medication Suicide Prevention STUDENT EXPECTATIONS Dress Code Bullying/Bias Incidents Backpacks Public Displays of Affections Loitering Gambling Detention/Saturday School/Suspensions Weapons DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES GENERAL INFORMATION Visitors Student Drop Off/Pick Up Messages/Items for Students Daily Announcements Telephone Use Cafeteria/Commons Bicycles Student Driving

4 Signage/posters Media Center Child Abuse Fire Extinguishers Photo ID Cards Lockers After School Activities Fire Drills/Emergency Safety Drills Lost and Found Thefts ANNUAL INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT NOTICE

5 BELL SCHEDULE Warning Bell Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4/5 Period 5/6 Period 6/7 Period 7/8 Period 9 Period 10 Regular School Day 7:12 AM 7:15-8:12 AM 8:15 9:12 AM 9:15 10:12 AM 10:15 11:12 AM 10:48 11:45 AM 11:15 12:12PM 11:48 12:45 PM 12:48 1:45 PM 1:48-2:45PM Lunches Lunch 4 10:15 10:45 Lunch 6 11:15 11:45 Lunch 8 12:15 12:45 IMPORTANT SCHOOL DATES Lakewood Public Schools calendar is available online at MARKING PERIOD DATES 1st Marking Period: November 15 2nd Marking Period: January 31 3rd Marking Period: April 16 4 th Marking Period: June 19 TESTING DATES High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) for first-time 12th grade students who did not pass or did not take the HSPA, and for retained 11th and 12th graders: October 2,3,4 October 2,3,4 HSPA Testing (Mathematics) HSPA Testing (Language Arts Literacy) 5

6 October 9,10,11 HSPA Make-Up Testing High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) for ALL first-time 11th grade students, retained 11th and 12th grade students, and for first time 12th grade students who did not pass or did not take the HSPA: March 5,6,7 March 5,6,7 March 12,13,14 HSPA Testing (Mathematics) HSPA Testing (Language Arts Literacy) HSPA Make-Up Testing A Pre-HSPA Assessment will be administered to all 9th and 10th grade students on the above listed dates. May 21,22 May 23,24 End of Course Biology Testing End of Course Biology Make-Up Testing MID-TERM EXAMINATION DATES Examination Dates Thursday, Jan. 24 Friday, Jan. 25 Monday, Jan. 28 Tuesday, Jan. 29 Content Areas Tested: Mathematics, Health and Physical Education Full Day Session Science, 21 st Century Full Day Session English Full Day Session Social Studies, World Languages, Music Full Day Session FINAL EXAMINATION DATES All students are required to take a final exam at the conclusion of each subject. Wednesday, June 13 Period 1 One 90 minute exam given in the morning Full Day Session Thursday, June 14 Period 2, 4/5, 5/6 Two 90 minute exams given in the morning 6

7 Early Dismissal Session Friday, June 17 Period 3, 6/7, 7/8 Two 90 minute exams given in the morning Early Dismissal Session Monday, June 17 Period 9, 10 Two 90 minute exams given in the morning Early Dismissal Session Tuesday, June 18 Makeup exams - Failure notification to students Early Dismissal Session SENIOR FINAL EXAM EXEMPTION Seniors, who maintain a minimum grade of 90% in any course for each marking period and on the mid-term exam, are eligible for exemption from the final exam ACADEMIC INFORMATION Report Cards Report cards for each marking period will be mailed home and will be available on the Parent Portal of the district s home page. Final Grade Computation 1. Full year course: Each marking period is equivalent to 1/5 and the exams together equal 1/5. 2. Semester course: Each marking period is equivalent to 2/5 and the final exam is equal to 1/5. Letter/Grade Equivalents (Subject to Change) Grade Letter Numerical System A B C D F Below 60 7

8 Grade Point Average and Class Rank (Subject to Change) Grade Point Average (GPA) will be the average of the grade equivalents for the credit received and shall be calculated as follows: Grade Weighting A 4.0 B 3.0 C 2.0 D 1.0 F 0.0 Class rank is determined by the grade point average. Class rank is calculated and given to students during the first marking period of their junior year. Student Transcripts Transcripts are available through the guidance department. Schedule Changes/Dropping Courses A course may not be dropped or added without the administration s prior approval. Transfer/Withdrawal Procedures Students transferring or leaving school are to make an appointment to see their counselor as soon as possible. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 1. For each year enrolled, a student shall carry a minimum of 30 credits unless excused under specific guidelines promulgated by the Superintendent of Schools. 2. Each student is required to take a minimum of 30 credits per year in order to graduate in four years. Sophomores must have successfully completed 30 credits; juniors must have successfully completed 60 credits; and seniors must have successfully completed 85 credits to be a senior of good standing. Each student must earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate. 3. All students in the graduating class of 2014 must complete a minimum of 2.5 credits in financial literacy. 4. The following years or courses must be completed successfully: a. At least 20 credits in language arts literacy. 8

9 b. At least 15 credits in mathematics, including Algebra I or the content equivalent. c. At least 15 credits in science, including at least 5 credits in laboratory biology/life science or the content equivalent. d. At least 15 credits in social studies, including satisfaction of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-I and II. e. At least 3-3/4 credits in health, safety, and physical education during each year of enrollment, distributed as 150 minutes per week, as required by N.J.S.A. 18A:35-5, 7 and 8. f. At least 5 credits in visual and performing arts (art, music, theatre, dance); and 5 credits in 21st century life and careers or career-technical education. g. At least 5 credits in world language or student demonstration of language proficiency. h. At least 2.5 credits in financial literacy are required. i. Technological Literacy, consistent with the core curriculum content standards, must be integrated throughout the curriculum. j. Cross-content workplace readiness which may be satisfied through infusion into existing courses, course equivalence, or career education courses. 5. Students MUST demonstrate proficiency by passing all sections of the HSPA and additional state mandated end of course exams or by completing the AHSA (Alternate High School Assessment) process. The AHSA process is available to students graduating in June or the summer of the year they meet all other graduation requirements. Remediation and multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery are provided to students who fail the HSPA multiple times. Students with deficiencies in communication/computation will be provided remediation. 6. Special Education Students -Graduation requirements established by policy shall apply to classified students unless exempted in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) required for each special education student. The Individual Education Plan (IEP) shall specifically address the graduation requirements of that pupil. Fulfillment of the IEP requirements shall qualify the classified student for a diploma. 7. Out-of-School-Youth - Any out-of-school youth or adult age 18 or over who has otherwise met all State and local graduation requirements but has failed to pass the State Assessment Tests, may return at times which have been scheduled and publicly announced for the purpose of taking the necessary test(s). Upon certification of passing the test(s), a diploma will be granted by the high school of record. Graduation Ceremonies STUDENTS WHO DO NOT MEET THE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ON OR BEFORE THE DAY OF THE GRADUATION CEREMONY SHALL NOT MARCH IN THE PROCESSIONAL, NOR PARTICIPATE IN GRADUATION EXERCISES. 9

10 PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT. Students demonstrating willful disobedience and/or with severe disciplinary infractions may be denied the privilege of participating in graduation. Seniors who do not attend graduation rehearsal may not participate in the graduation ceremonies unless approved by the building principal. Seniors who do not participate in the graduation ceremony may pick up their diploma on the day after the graduation ceremony. The graduation ceremony is normally held outdoors in the stadium. Inclement weather, however, may cause the activities to be moved indoors where limited seating exists. Additional information on the number of tickets available for guests will be given to seniors during the school year. Students are required to dress appropriately. Seniors with outstanding fines will also have their diploma withheld until the debt is cleared. However, every attempt will be made to clear up these problems prior to the actual commencement ceremonies. HOMEWORK Homework will be given at the discretion of each teacher. ATTENDANCE Attendance Policy High School Regular attendance by all students in the Public Schools of New Jersey is a well established, long standing State Policy (NJSA 18A 38:25,26) that has been repeatedly upheld by the courts of the state as well as by the Supreme Court of the United States. Regular attendance is fundamental to the academic achievement of students in secondary schools. The self-discipline and sense of responsibility that students acquire clearly relate to post high school experiences in the world of work or in additional educational endeavors. Lakewood School District places a high value on student attendance and requires high standards for its students. 10

11 The Board of Education requires 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 for certain absences as defined by the Board. All absences for reasons other than excused, shall be 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 or loss of credit toward the high school diploma in accordance with policies of this Board. Pupils shall be subjected to the school district response for unexcused absences during the school year as outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A: In addition, unexcused absences from school or from classes within the school day shall subject a pupil to the disciplinary rules of the Board, which may include the denial of a pupil s participation in co-curricular activities and/or athletic competition and denial of class credit. 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. 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 for the district or for a school in the district does not meet the New Jersey Department of Education requirements the Superintendent or designee shall develop performance objectives to improve pupil attendance pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A: (a) The basic objective of the policy is to minimize or eliminate cuts, tardiness and absences. To this end, the following steps will be taken: A. Student Responsibilities: a. a. To arrive on time to school (7:05 a.m.) and present valid school ID upon entering the building. b. b. To attend class regularly and to make every effort to arrive on time to each 11

12 period class. c. c. If a student is absent due to an illness he/she must provide medical documentation to the attendance department upon return to school within (2) days. d. d. To make up any assignments that will be missed during his/her absences. B. Teacher Responsibilities: a. a. Teachers should record attendance in the designated data system by the end of each period. b. b. Before marking a student cut teachers must verify student s absence/cut by checking with other departments (i.e. guidance, nurse, school base or CST) before marking them as a cut. c. c. Teachers must make contact with a parent when a student has been absent 3 times consecutively or 5 times within a two week period. d. d. If a student has been absent 5 times within that marking period the teacher must notify the attendance office as well as their guidance counselor via . C. Unexcused Absences a. In order to receive course credit a student may not exceed a total of (18) absences for a full-year course. Once a student has reached (10) unexcused absences truancy charges will be filed at the Lakewood Municipal Court. D. Absences that are exempt (not unexcused) based on the Attendance Policy include the following: a. Personal Observance of Recognized Religious Holiday(s) as published by the New Jersey Department of Education. b. Death in the immediate family which includes a parent or guardian, sibling, grandparent, and others at the discretion of the administration. c. Bedside Instruction d. Administrative excuse with required documentation, which includes, but is not limited to, the following: i. Chronic illness with written verification from a physician, which should be registered in the nurse s office by September 15th of the academic year or within three weeks of the diagnosis. In the event that verification of a chronic illness is not provided within the time limits set forth above, it must be provided promptly after the first absence caused by the chronic illness. ii. Court appearance with written documentation from the court. iii. iv. Driver s test with appointment card presented to the administration. Students will be excused for college visits. Juniors will be allowed (2) visits for the year and seniors will be allowed (4) for the year. 12

13 e. Classified students are expected to adhere to the same attendance regulations as general education students, unless otherwise noted in the student s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Any additional exception(s) would be determined by the Child Study Team (CST) in consultation with the school administration. Remember: All excused and unexcused absences count against the student in determining the threshold for denial of credit. However, it remains important for a student to provide a parent or doctor s note for the absence in order to make up class work, assignments and tests missed as a result of the absence. If a student does not provide a valid note the student will be considered truant. In such cases, the student will not be permitted to make up class work missed and will be subject to disciplinary action. The attendance department or school nurse will determine the validity of notes. The principal (or his designee) and Attendance Review Committee may consider the nature of any absences and the reasons for which some of the absences may have occurred in deciding whether credit should be awarded or denied in cases in which the threshold number of absences is exceeded. Routine illnesses, doctor visits and college visits are considered part of the 18 absences. Unusual circumstances such as major surgery, death in family or extended illnesses are legitimate reasons for appeal. Absences due to OSS, ISS or early dismissal because of LHS athletic department scheduling will not be considered as part of the 18 absences. ATTENDANCE APPEALS Parents will be notified on a regular basis of the student s accumulated absences from class. This information will be provided on the interim reports, report cards, phone calls, warning letters as well as being accessible via the parent portal. A student who exceeds the number of allowable absences will lose credit for the course. A student who wishes to appeal his/her case should submit the extenuating circumstances in writing to the Attendance Review Committee for an appeal. This committee will include an administrator, school nurse, school counselor and teacher. ATTENDANCE QUESTIONS Questions about missed assignments and class absences should be directed to the teacher, school counselor or supervisor of guidance. Questions and concerns about records and dates of absences should be directed to the High School Attendance Office. Appeals and requests for conferences regarding attendance matters should be directed to the assistant principals or principal. Further information or questions about missed assignments and class absences should be directed to the teacher or guidance supervisor. 13

14 ATTENDANCE STANDARD AND CONSEQUENCES Students are expected to attend school and all scheduled classes daily. In accordance with school board policy, state law and regulations, the administration has set the minimum attendance for earning credit in a course. The following are the maximum number of permitted absences in any course for any reason: quarter courses (PE) 14 days Any student who is absent from any class for more than the above stated number of days will be subject to denial of credit in that class. If absent from school for more than 18 days, the student will be subject to denial of credit in all courses. All absences are counted and included in determining whether the maximum absences have been exceeded. While there is an appeal procedure for obtaining credit if the maximum absences are exceeded, the presumption will be that credit will be denied, and the burden will be on the student and parents to show that special circumstances justify a restoration of credit. E. Notification Process Warning Letter: The Office of Attendance will generate a form letter that is mailed to the home of the student informing the parent/guardian of excessive absences. The office will keep a copy of the letter. This warning letter will state that because of excessive absences, the student is in danger of being denied credit and in danger of facing truancy charges. This letter is generated at the 5th unexcused absence in a semester course and the 10th unexcused absence in a full year course. a. Phone Call to Parent/Guardian: An automated phone call will be made to the parents/guardians of the student alerting them of their child s absences/tardies. b. Filing Letter: The Office of Attendance will generate a form letter informing the parents/guardians that truancy charges are filed in the Lakewood Municipal Court after the student has 10 unexcused absences in a course. F. Intervention process for unexcused absences. a. Students with 5 unexcused absences in a semester course will receive a letter notifying parents/guardians that their child has exceeded the allowable number of absences. b. Students with 10 unexcused absences in a full year course will receive a letter notifying parents/guardians that their child has exceeded the allowable number of absences. c. Following the letter, a parent conference will be scheduled with the attendance counselor, guidance counselor and all other needed parties to discuss attendance concerns as necessary. Student and parent will sign an attendance contract and student 14

15 will be given 5 days to improve attendance. If needed, the student will be referred to the Intervention and referral Services Committee (I&RS) for further services. d. After the 10th absence the attendance office will generate a letter notifying the parent that truancy charges will be filed. G. Discipline for Unexcused Absences a. When a student has 5 unexcused absences this is considered a Level I Violation as listed in the Student Code of Conduct. Administration should reference the code to determine the appropriate action. b. When a student exceeds 5 unexcused absences in a marking period this is considered a Level II Violation as listed in the Student Code of Conduct. Administration should reference the code to determine the appropriate action. When a student reaches Level II the attendance officers are permitted to file truancy charges and loss of course credit. H. Discipline for Unexcused Tardiness and Cuts a. When a student has 5 consecutive daily tardies or 8 consecutive period tardies this is considered Level I Violation as listed in the Student Code of Conduct. b. When a student exceeds 5 consecutive daily tardies or 8 consecutive period tardies this is considered a Level II Violation as listed in the Student Code of Conduct. c. If it is determined that a student has cut a class this is considered a Level I Violation as listed in the Student Code of Conduct. d. If a student is found cutting more than 5 times in any class they are considered truant and this is considered a Level II Violation. Tardiness to Class If a student is late for class, he/she must report to the assigned class without a pass. Students are not to report to the Main Office for a late pass. Students will be marked absent from any class, if more than half of the period is missed. Hall Passes Students must obtain a hall pass from their teacher to be in the halls while classes are in session. Students MUST wear their school ID at all times. Leaving School Building/Grounds Students are not permitted to leave the school building/school grounds without the permission of the administration 15

16 Vocational Students Students returning from or departing to another school between class periods must show their school ID at the school s security desk and report directly to the library. Class Trips Students must submit a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian prior to the trip. ATHLETICS Academic Eligibility To be eligible for athletics during the first semester of the school year, a student must have successfully completed at 27.5 credits (30 credits effective for Class of 2014 and 2015) in the previous academic year. To be eligible to participate in a spring sport/activity, a student must have successfully completed at least credits (Class of 2013) and 15 credits (Class of 2014 and 2015) at the end of the first semester of the current school year. Students must submit a physical packet and other paperwork prior to the start of each sport season. NJSIAA mandates that all athletes and their parents sign a consent form permitting random testing for steroids and performance enhancing drugs. Age Eligibility A student may not participate in interscholastic athletic competitions if he/she has reached the age of 19 prior to the date of September 1st of the current school year as per NJSIAA regulations. Attendance Eligibility In order for a student to participate in a scheduled athletic event or extracurricular activity, he/she must be in school on the day of the event or last day of school for a Saturday event Cause for Suspension from an Athletic Team/Club Activity The use of and/or possession (in or out of school) of any chemical substance, in any form, is prohibited. 16

17 STUDENT SERVICES Guidance Office A student who wishes to schedule an appointment with the counselor should obtain a pass from the guidance office. Students are expected to sign in at the guidance office. Scholarships Scholarships are announced by the guidance department. Please see your guidance counselor for details. Working Papers All students between the ages of 14 and 18 must have working papers before they obtain employment. Working papers are available in Guidance Office. Child Study Team Child Study Teams consist of a School Social Worker, Learning Disabilities Consultant, and a School Psychologist. The Child Study Team identifies and works with students who have difficulty learning and have been determined to have a learning disability. Nurses Office/Student Illness The nurses office is staffed by a qualified school nurse whose primary objective is to provide emergency first aid in event of an accident or sudden illness. The nurse does not diagnose illness, prescribe treatment or dispense medication of any type, including aspirin, unless it is in a prescription form. Students who do not feel well before coming to school should advise their parent/guardian and should not come to school. If a student becomes ill during the day, he/she should request a pass from a teacher and report immediately to the Nurses Office. Emergency Contact Cards All students must have Emergency Contact Cards on file. These cards are sent home annually and must be completed and returned to the school promptly. Medication No student may bring prescribed or over-the-counter medications to school. 17

18 Please note that the self-administration by a pupil for asthma or other potentially lifethreatening illness or a life-threatening allergic reaction is permitted in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A: Suicide Prevention Students may also call the 2nd Floor Youth Helpline at This free community service provides a confidential toll-free helpline staffed with accredited professionals and trained volunteers. If you or someone you know needs assistance, SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY; DO NOT WAIT. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS Dress Code The Lakewood Board of Education has approved a mandatory dress code for students in grades K through 12. Any attire or grooming which is considered to be immodest, sloppy, or affects classroom atmosphere adversely, or which creates a behavioral problem will be considered unacceptable. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing that is unsafe, dangerous or a health hazard; clothing that contains offensive or obscene symbols, slogans or words that degrade gender, culture, religion, ethnic background or sexual orientation; clothing that contains language or symbols dealing with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, violence, vandalism, gangs or sex; halter tops, tank tops, tube tops, thin-strapped tops, mesh, fish-net styles, spandex-type materials or clothing which exposes the back, chest and shoulders, seethrough, shiny nylon, denim or denim-like tops; strapless and backless garments; low cut necklines; short shorts and skirts; bare midriffs; cutoffs or cut-off sleeveless tee shirts; exposed underwear; dog collars and chains that connect one body part to another; hats, flip-flops, shower shoes, bedroom slippers, hooded sweaters and hooded sweatshirts; painter's pants, overalls, hip-huggers, sweatpants, pajama pants, pants with drawstring bottoms, denim or denim-like pants (jeans); *** Students are forbidden from wearing hooded sweaters, hooded sweatshirts, coats, jackets, windbreakers, warm-up jackets, hats, gloves and any type of outerwear in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, and the commons during the regular school day; or any combination of clothing that law enforcement officials consider gang related.*** Mandatory Dress Code for Male Students Dress shirts, polo shirts & turtlenecks (Navy Blue) Loosely fitted shirts only one size larger than normal size (Navy Blue) Covered midriffs Dress shirts buttoned above the chest line (Navy Blue) Docker style or dress pants with no more than four regular size pockets and worn at 18

19 the waist (Khaki) Pant cuffs within the heel to toe of student's footwear Bermuda or walking shorts covering at least mid thigh (Khaki) (September1to November1 and April I to end of school year) Mandatory Dress Code for Female Students Long and short sleeve blouses (Navy Blue) Slacks and dresses that reach at least to lower thigh no shorter than fingertips Skirts and pants no longer than floor length (Khaki) Capris (Khaki) Pant cuffs within the heel to toe of student's footwear Loosely fitted shirts with collar (Navy Blue) Covered midriffs Sweaters Bermuda or walking shorts covering at least knee length (September to November 1 and April 1 to end of school year) Leggings under shorts or skirts Dress for Physical Education Athletic type shorts without pockets or fringes Plain tee shirt Sweatshirt with school logo (optional) for outdoor activities in cool weather Sneakers or rubber soled athletic shoes, (slip-on shoes, hard soled shoes and bare feet are prohibited) STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE DRESS CODE POLICY SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE DISTRICT'S DISCIPLINE POLICY Bullying/Bias Incidents Harassment, intimidation, bullying, means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication (as defined in NJSA 18A:37-14) whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents that: 1. Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by either any actual or perceived characteristic such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical, or sensory disability; or 2. By any other distinguishing characteristic; and that 19

20 3. Takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, or off school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A.18A: , that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other pupils; and that 4. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a pupil or damaging the pupil s property, or placing a pupil in reason able fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or 5. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils; or 6. Creates a hostile educational environment for the pupil by interfering with a pupil s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the pupil. Electronic communication means a communication transmitted by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, cellular phone, computer or wireless communication device. Backpacks Backpacks are to be stored in your locker during the school day. Public Displays of Affections Students are to refrain from public displays of affection. Loitering Loitering in the areas outside the building is prohibited. Gambling Any form of gambling is forbidden in any part of the school building or grounds. Detention/Saturday School/Suspensions Detention Detentions are assigned for minor disciplinary infractions. Detention is held on Wednesdays in the Cafeteria. Saturday School Saturday School is assigned for more serious disciplinary infractions. Saturday School is held twice a month. Suspension 20

21 Suspensions are assigned for severe disciplinary infractions. Students assigned in-school suspension must report each day by the beginning of first period to the location designated by school administration. Students assigned out-of-school suspension are NOT PERMITTED ON SCHOOL PROPERTY AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON Weapons The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, Title 2C definition of "weapon" means "anything readily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury... including firearms, firearm components which can be readily assembled for operation; knives; stun guns; and any weapon or device which projects, or emits tear gas or any other substance intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air" (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1r). DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES Arson Violation Consequence 10-day suspension and automatic recommendation to the Board of Education for a Discipline Review Hearing. Assault Assault, Battery, Harassment of School Personnel Being under the influence of an illegal substance, including alcohol Cheating Damaging school property Lost/Missing Textbooks/Library Books Defiance of Authority/Insubordination Disruption of school time Extortion Fighting Automatic 4-day suspension 10-day suspension and automatic recommendation to the Board of Education for a Discipline Review Hearing. 3-day suspension and removal from all extracurricular activities Automatic failure of the test in question and after school detention 3-day suspension and cost of restoring property Responsible for the cost of replacing the book 2-day suspension 2-day suspension 4-day suspension Automatic 3-day suspension of ALL parties involved 21

22 Food fight/inciting a riot Forgery Gambling Leaving campus without permission Littering Possession or sale of illegal substances, weapons, or explosive devices Pulling the Fire Alarm Racial/Religious slurs Repeated Violation of Dress Code 4-day suspension 2-day suspension 3-day suspension 2-day suspension After school detention and cleanup detail 10 day suspension and automatic recommendation to the Board of Education for a Discipline Review hearing. 4-day suspension 10-day suspension 1-day suspension Sexual harassment, intimidation 3-day suspension and an apology Bullying 3-day suspension and an apology Smoking 3-day suspension Theft 3-day suspension Retaliation/False Allegation for reporting 3-day suspension harassment, intimidation or bullying Electronics 1 st offense Electronics confiscated, student may retrieve at the end of the day, parent/guardian notified 2 nd offense Electronics confiscated, parent/guardian may retrieve from an administrator at the end of the day 3 rd offense Students in K-8 receive detention/students in grades 9-12 receive in-school suspension. Electronics confiscated, parent/guardian may retrieve from an administrator at the end of the day Dress Code Violation 1 st Offense Phone call home, parents/guardian must bring a change of clothes. 2 nd Offense Students in K-8 receive detention/students in grades 9-12 receive in school suspension. Parent/guardian must bring a change of clothes. 3 rd Offense Grades K-8, 1-day suspension/h.s.-1 day of in-school suspension Inappropriate Accessories 1 st offense Accessory will be confiscated, student may retrieve at the end of the day, parent/guardian notified 2 nd offense Accessory will be confiscated, parent/guardian may retrieve from an administrator at the end of the day 3 rd offense Students in K-8 receive detention/students in grades 9-12 receive in-school suspension. Accessory 22

23 confiscated, parent/guardian may retrieve from an administrator at the end of the day GENERAL INFORMATION Visitors Visitors (former students, friends or relatives of students, etc.) are not permitted in school during school hours. Student Drop Off/Pick Up Parents who drive their children to school are to drop off their students in the main parking lot. Parents who pick up their students are to pick them on the on North side (High School Side) of 7 th St. Cars will not be allowed in the parking lot during dismissal time. Messages/Items for Students Please be advised that only emergency messages will be delivered to students and that these messages must go through the Main Office. Students can pick up items left for them in the Main Office. Daily Announcements Announcements of are made daily over the PA system during first period and at the end of day. Telephone Use Students who need to contact their parent/guardian due to an emergency during the instructional day may use the main office phone to call home. Cafeteria/Commons The cafeteria is open for breakfast and lunch. Bicycles Students may use bicycles as transportation to/from school. Student Driving To register a car, students must present a copy of their license, vehicle registration, and insurance card, in addition to the official school registration form. Signage/posters All posters and notices require the approval of the building principal or his/her designee. 23

24 Media Center All materials are available to students through a computerized system which includes many fulltext databases, indices, and materials owned by the Media Center. Child Abuse (For suspected abuse, call or ) Recognizing that child abuse and neglect is a serious problem in New Jersey, the State Legislature enacted laws requiring Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse or acts of child abuse shall report the same promptly to the Division of Youth and Family Services by telephone or otherwise (NJSA 9:6-8.10)." New Jersey Law states that "Anyone acting pursuant to this Act in making of a report under this Act shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed. Any such person shall have the same immunity with respect to testimony given in any judicial proceeding resulting from such report (N.J.S.A.9:6-8.13)." "Any person knowingly violating the provisions of this Act including the failure to report an act of child abuse having reasonable cause to believe that an act of child abuse has been committed, is a disorderly person (N.J.S.A.9:6-8.14)." If there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse or acts of child abuse, staff shall promptly notify the Division of Youth and Family Services, the local police department, and possibly, if appropriate, the Ocean County Prosecutor s office. Anyone, especially a student, having any concern or questions about child abuse should contact the school counselor, teacher, nurse, or administrator immediately. Fire Extinguishers Anyone who improperly uses or removes a fire extinguisher can be charged with violating N.J.A.C. 5:18-3.3(a) 1.ii (conditions that would interfere with the efficiency and use of any fire protection equipment). The student would be suspended for this offense. Photo ID Cards Students must display their photo ID card at all times. They must present their ID to any staff member upon request. Lockers All students are assigned a locker in which they are to store their belongings. 24

25 After School Activities Students may stay after school if they are involved in school sponsored extracurricular activities. There is a 4:00 late bus to take students home. Fire Drills/Emergency Safety Drills Fire drills/emergency safety drills are necessary for the safety and security of all students, staff and others. Everyone should know the specific direction for reaching a point of safety from those areas of the building in which he/she may be. For fire drills, the information is posted on a sign adjacent to the exit door of each room. Any specific directions regarding a fire/emergency safety drill will be announced at that time via the P.A. system. ANY STUDENT WHO PULLS A FALSE ALARM WILL BE SUBJECTED TO SERIOUS DISCIPLINARY ACTION INCLUDING SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL AND A POSSIBLE REFERRAL TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS WITH A RECOMMENDATION FOR EXPULSION. ADDITIONALLY, A POLICE COMPLAINT SHALL BE FILED. The District conducts annual Evacuation and Lock-Down Drills. During an Evacuation Drill students are instructed to vacate the building. During A Lock-Down Drill students and staff remain in the classroom or other designated area until the end of the drill. Lost and Found Lost and Found is located in the Main Office. Thefts Do not leave personal items unattended. Students should not share their locker combination with other students. If your personal items are stolen please complete a missing/stolen item report. ANNUAL INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT NOTICE School Year This notice is being distributed to comply with the NJ School Integrated Pest Management Act. Lakewood Public Schools has adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy and has 25

26 implemented an IPM Plan to comply with this law. IPM is a holistic, preventive approach to managing pests. All schools in New Jersey are required to have an Integrated Pest Management Coordinator to oversee all activities related to IPM and pesticide use at the school. The IPM Coordinator for the Lakewood High School is Doug Riley, 855 Somerset Ave, Lakewood, NJ, and can be contacted at The IPM Coordinator maintains the pesticide product label and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), when one is available, for each pesticide product that may be used on school property. The label and MDS are available for review by parents/guardians, staff, and students attending the school. Also the IPM Coordinator is available to parents/guardians and staff members for information and to discuss comments about IPM activities and pesticide use at the school. As part of a school pest management plan, Lakewood Public Schools may use pesticides to control pests. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) register pesticides in order to determine that the use of a pesticide, in accordance with instructions printed on the label, does not pose an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. Nevertheless, the EPA and DEP cannot guarantee that registered pesticides do not pose any risk to human health; thus unnecessary exposure to pesticides should be avoided. The EPA has issued the statement that where possible, persons who are potentially sensitive, such as pregnant women, infants and children, should avoid unnecessary pesticide exposure. A Model Integrated Pest Management Policy for New Jersey Schools The New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management Act of 2002 requires schools to implement a school integrated pest management policy. The law requires the superintendent of the school district, for each school in the district, the board of trustees of a charter school, and the principal or lead administrator of a private school, as appropriate, to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures to control pests and minimize exposure of children, faculty, and staff to pesticides. The Lakewood Public Schools has developed and maintained an IPM plan as part of the school s policy as outlined below: Integrated pest management procedures in schools: Implementation of IPM procedures will determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, cultural, biological or chemical methods. Applying IPM principles prevents unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. Each school shall consider the full range of management options, including no action at all. Non-pesticide pest management methods are to be used whenever possible. The choice of 26

27 using a pesticide shall be based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are not effective or not reasonable. When it is determined that a pesticide must be used, low impact pesticides and methods are preferred and shall be considered for use first. Development of IPM plans The school IPM plan is a blueprint of how Lakewood Publics School will manage pests through IPM methods. The schools IPM plan states the school s goals regarding the management of pests and the use of pesticides. It reflects the school s site-specific needs. The IPM plan shall provide a description of how each component of the school IPM policy will be implemented at the school. For public schools, the Local School Board, in collaboration with the school building Principal, shall be responsible for the development of the IPM plan for this school. IPM Coordinator The Board of Education shall designate an integrated pest management coordinator, who is responsible for the implementation of the school integrated pest management policy. Education /Training The school community will be educated about potential pest problems and IPM methods used to achieve the pest management objectives. The IPM Coordinator, other school staff and pesticide applicators involved with implementation of the school IPM policy will be trained in appropriate components of IPM as it pertains to the school environment. Students, parents/guardians will be provided information on this policy and instructed on how they can contribute to the success of the IPM programs. Record keeping Records of pesticide use shall be maintained on site to meet the requirements of the state regulatory agency and the school board. Records shall also include, but are not limited to, pest surveillance data sheets and other non-pesticide pest management methods and practices utilized. Notification/Posting The Lakewood Public Schools is responsible for timely notification to students parents or guardians and the school staff of pesticide treatments pursuant to the School IPM Act. Re-entry Re-entry to a pesticide treated area shall conform to the requirements of the School IPM Act. 27

28 Pesticide applicators The IPM coordinator shall ensure that applicators follow state regulations, including licensing requirements and label precautions, and must comply with all components of the School IPM Policy. Evaluation Annually, for public schools, the Principal will report to the local school board on the effectiveness of the IPM plan and make recommendations for improvement as needed. The local school board or other respective governing boards directs the Principal or Lead Administrator to develop regulations/procedures for the implementation of this policy. Authorizing Regulatory references The School Integrated Pest Managment Act of 2002 NJAC Title 7 Chapter 30 subchapters 1-12 Pesticide Act of