Galloway Township

Galloway Township Public Schools

STAFFSTAFF HANDBOOKHANDBOOK

“Where Children and Learning Come First”

1 Board of Education President – Ernest Huggard Vice President – George Schwenger Richard Dase Kathleen Huenke Rosemary Hollway Robert Iannacone Eileen Kasunich John W. Knorr Gary Panter

Administration Douglas B. Groff, Superintendent of Schools Annette C. Giaquinto, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Vickie L. Tomasco, Board Secretary/School Business Administrator Marilyn A. Moore, Supervisor of Testing, Guidance, Health Services & Grants Mgmt. Michael Hinman, Curriculum Supervisor K-4 Dr. Bonnie LaFave, Curriculum Supervisor 5-8 Thomas Hand, Director of Special Education Terry Zane, Food Services Manager James W. Bruffy, Human Resources Manager Gil Chapman, Manager of Technology Resources Allyn Snavely, Manager of Buildings and Grounds Cathy Hilferty, Child Care Program Coordinator

School Administrators Arthur Rann Elementary School Mr. John Gibson, Principal Mr. Kevin McGloin, Assistant Principal Galloway Township Middle School Ms. Robin L. Moore, Principal Mr. Melvin Allen, Assistant Principal Ms. Janet Wilbraham, Assistant Principal Oceanville Kindergarten Learning Center Ms. Sharon Kurtz Pomona Kindergarten Learning Center Ms. Sharon Kurtz Reeds Road Elementary School Dr. William Zipparo, Principal Mr. Terry O’Connor, Assistant Principal Roland Rogers Elementary School Dr. Donald Gross, Principal Ms. Ellen Ward, Assistant Principal Smithville Elementary School Dr. Kathie Hathaway, Principal Mr. John Billen, Assistant Principal

Table of Contents 2 TEACHER INFORMATION PAGE

3 Lines of Communication 5 Faculty Dress 5 Teacher Absences 5 Personal Leave 6 Tuition Reimbursement 6 Travel & Expense Reimbursement 6 Drug Free Workplace 6 Tobacco-Free Workplace 7 Pre-Employment Drug Testing 7 Payroll 7 Public Relations 7 Grant Writing 7 Staff Physicals/Annual Health History 8 Affirmative Action 8 Affirmative Action Grievance Procedure 8 Professional Development 9 Teacher Websites/eBoard System 9 Food Services Department 10

REPORTING TO HOME Record Keeping 11 Parent Conferences 11 Preparing Yourself 12 Preparing the Parent 12 Suggested Conference Techniques 12

MANAGEMENT Plan Books 14 Provisions for Substitute Teachers 14 Substitute Folder 15 Daily Opening Exercises 15 A.V. Material 15 Use of Telephone 16 Posters, Contests & Mailings 16 School Parties 16 Home Instruction 16 Pupil Assistance Committee (PAC)/I & RS; Procedures, Assistance Plan, Intervention, Follow-up 17 Referral to Child Study Team 19 Attendance/Residency 20 Illnesses/Absences/Hospitalizations/Surgery 20 Pre-arranged Absences 20 Truancy 20 Homework 21 Promotion Policies 21 Textbooks 22 In-School Suspension 22 Alcohol, Tobacco & Narcotics 22 Report of Vandalism & Violence 22 Acceptable Use Policy 23 School Safety/Security 23 4 Child Abuse 23

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES Notice of Privacy Practices 24 Medication 24 Accidents/Injuries 25 Physical Education/Recess Exclusions 25

SCHOOLS School Cleanliness 26 Evacuation Drills 26 Head Teacher 26

THE UNIT Faculty and/or Unit Meeting with Principal 27 Unit Communication 27

TEACHER INFORMATION

Lines of Communication Problems or concerns should first be discussed with unit/team leaders or Supervisor or Director (if

5 applicable). Concerns will be addressed either by the unit/team leader or the principal of the school. Please remember, problems are best handled at the immediate level of concern.

Faculty Dress Because the teacher’s appearance coupled with behavior creates the first and lasting impression, teachers have to assume the responsibility for portraying the image that warrants respect. Jeans and frayed or patched slacks, flip-flops, and bare midriff shirts are not acceptable forms of dress. It is preferred that men wear shirts and ties and women wear skirts, dresses or dress slacks. More informal clothing is acceptable for after-school activities and recreational programs. Remember, YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL, please have your image reflect this.

Teacher Absences The reporting of teacher absences and the assignment of substitutes will be coordinated by the District Office. Requests for Professional Days are to be submitted to the school/office secretary at least 30 days in advance to allow time for Board of Education approval. Staff members are requested to submit Personal Day leave requests to the Principal/Supervisor and Superintendent on the appropriate form at least two days before the day needed. Notices of Absence must be completed and submitted immediately upon return. Once signed by immediate supervisor, changes to these forms will not be accepted.

TO REPORT ALL STAFF ABSENCES: All staff who will be absent are required to call 748-1250 ext. 1005 and follow the directions on the message. State your name, name of school, subject/grade taught, reason for absence, date of absence, and length of absence. Obviously, if you are ill, these calls should be made from your home or from the place where you are recuperating. The substitute caller will retrieve the messages up to 7:00 a.m. in order to secure substitutes. Please note that 748-1250 ext. 1005 is in service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year and is to be used for all calls requesting substitutes including emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. Any staff member who does not have a touch-tone phone must notify the building secretary to make alternative arrangements. Daily records will be maintained of all teacher absences including the time of the reported absence, the reason for the absence, the names of the substitutes assigned and any other information required by the school system. A daily report will be submitted to the appropriate individual in the school office for information and payroll purposes. Principals will be notified of teacher absences and substitute assignments before the start of each school day. Teachers who are absent for a doctor’s appointment are taking a personal day – not a sick day. Please be aware that both the students and programs suffer when an instructor is absent.

Personal Leave As defined in the current Negotiated Agreement between teachers and the Board of Education, leave shall be granted for the reasons specified below: . Death in the immediate family – up to five days . Serious illness in the immediate family – up to three days 6 . Death of other relatives – one day . Personal Leave – up to three days

A teacher is requested to apply for leave from the Principal/Supervisor and Superintendent at least two days before the day needed for personal leave. In the event of unforeseen emergencies, the determination of the request will be at the Superintendent’s discretion. Tuition Reimbursement The staff is reminded that reimbursement is only for those courses approved in advance by the Superintendent. Please forward a completed TUITION REIMBURSEMENT FORM to the Superintendent prior to taking any college course. These forms are available at each school office and/or the Administration Office. Forms NOT pre-approved by the Superintendent will not qualify for reimbursement from remaining pooled funds when available. Compliance with this requirement will prevent disappointment later. Upon completion of course, submit a prepared purchase order, attaching grade achieved and receipt of payment. Paperwork should be submitted prior to June 30th of the applicable school year.

Travel and Expense Reimbursement Please forward a completed Expense Report Form along with applicable receipts for all requests for travel reimbursement to your building principal/supervisor (forms are available at each school office and the district office). These vouchers are to be submitted and paid quarterly during the school year. Travel and expense reimbursement must be included on your Request for Professional Time form—requests are limited to the amounts submitted and approved by the Superintendent on the original form. Requests under $25 will be paid from individual school petty cash accounts upon submission of form to building principal. Requests for reimbursement will not be accepted after June 30th of the applicable school year.

Drug Free Workplace The Galloway Township Board of Education prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of any controlled dangerous substance by any person in any school building, on school grounds, or during any activity or event sponsored by the Board. Every employee of the district must, as a condition of employment, agrees to be bound by Policy #4119.23. An employee who violates the prohibitions or reporting requirements of this policy will be subject to discipline, which may include dismissal or certification of tenure charges, as appropriate. An employee whose involvement with drugs results in a conviction for a crime of the third degree or above or for an offense touching his/her position will be deemed to have forfeited his/her public employment, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:51-2. An employee who is convicted of a drug related offense must report the conviction to the Superintendent within five days of its occurrence. The Superintendent will report the conviction within ten days of the date on which notice of conviction is received to any federal agency for which the district has received funds through a grant.

Tobacco Free Workplace P.L. 2001, c.226 prohibits the smoking of tobacco anywhere on school grounds, including sidewalks, athletic fields, parking lots and automobiles on the parking lots. The law establishes fines and penalties for violations of the act. Any person smoking on school premises in violation of this act is subject to a fine not to exceed $100.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing 7 Pursuant to Regulation 4112.40, all prospective new employees or rehires with a break in service exceeding ninety (90) days who have been conditionally offered employment shall submit to drug screening. Applicants who decline to participate shall be denied employment. Applicants who test positive shall be similarly denied employment and may reapply after one year, and after rehabilitation is proven.

Payroll Paychecks are issued in equal installments on the 15th and 30th of the month. Paychecks are distributed to your “home” school location and are available on the morning of the payday. Timesheets must be submitted for any pay that is in addition to regular contracted salary. Forms are available at each school office and the district office and must be received in the Business Office by the close of business on pay day in order for compensation to be included in the following paycheck. Timesheets must be submitted no later than the end of the month in which services were performed. Requests for changes in payroll deduction must be in writing and must be received in the Business Office by the close of business on pay day in order for it to be implemented in the following paycheck.

Public Relations Public relations is a very important area that needs constant attention. After all, the only thing the public knows about the schools is what we tell them! Regardless of how large or small your story, please draft a brief article and present it to your principal for review and forward it to Joanna Babcock, Public Information Officer (x. 1001). She is also available to take pictures and make any necessary contacts in the media. Please be sure to give her at least one week notice to arrange for coverage. You may also want to publicize your classroom activities on your class web page or videotape activities for publication on GTV Channel 2. This is a vital area which needs our constant attention. For assistance, please contact Ms. Babcock at the above listed extension, or e-mail her: [email protected].

Grant Writing Many of you have shown interest in securing grant monies for the “additional” items you would like for your program that the budget doesn’t currently cover. We are delighted with your interest! Board of Education approval is needed in order to submit a grant since despite how small the money allotment, they involve substitute time, financial accounting, professional expenses and administrative costs that are the district’s responsibility. Marilyn Moore, Supervisor of Testing, Guidance, Health Services and Grants Management (x. 1012) is able to assist you through the steps of this process.

Staff Physicals and Annual Health History Pursuant to Policy #4212.40, the Board of Education requires that when a candidate has been given a conditional offer of employment, he/she shall be required to submit to a medical evaluation and a physical examination as outlined in the administrative code for all newly employed staff before employment is finalized. Each teaching staff member employed in this district, AFTER YEAR ONE, shall annually submit an updated Employee Health History which contains an Assurance Statement certifying, over the member’s signature, that the information supplied is true to the best of his/her knowledge. Any 8 employee who refuses to submit an updated Health History with a signed Assurance Statement shall be required to submit a full Health History and undergo a medical evaluation. This will be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office no later than September 30th of the current school year. An additional form will be provided by your building based school nurse. This allows you to notify them of any medical concerns that would be important for them to know in an emergency situation. The forms submitted to the Superintendent’s Office are not available to them. Any employee whose condition of physical or mental health is thought to be a deviation from normal may be required by the board at any time, upon recommendation of the chief school administrator, to submit to physical or psychiatric examination.

Affirmative Action The Galloway Township Public School System is an equal opportunity employer. The district has an affirmative action program and does not discriminate against applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission or students because of race, color, religion or national origin, ancestry, age, political affiliation, sex, armed forces liability, handicap, social or economic status.

Affirmative Action Grievance Procedure In keeping with federal/state anti-discrimination legislation, the Galloway Township Board of Education has adopted and hereby publishes the Grievance Procedure providing for the resolution of student, employee, and parent complaints. Currently, the district Grievance Officer is Ms. Annette C. Giaquinto (x. 1011).

PROCEDURE: Step #1 The grievant must present in written form the complaint to the responsible person designated as Grievance Officer. (Use Grievance Report – Form A)

Step #2 The Grievance Officer has five working days in which to investigate and respond to the grievant. (Grievance Officer is to use the space provided on Grievance Report – Form A)

Step #3 If not satisfied, the grievant may appeal within ten working days to the Superintendent or his designee (not Grievance Officer). (Use Appeal – Form B)

Step #4 Response by the Superintendent or designee must be given within five working days. (Superintendent to use space provided for on Appeal – Form B)

Step #5 If the grievant is not satisfied at this level, an appeal may be made within ten working days to the Galloway Township Board of Education which will hear the complaint at the next regular meeting or within thirty calendar days (Use Appeal – Form C). A local Board hearing shall be conducted so as to afford due process to all parties involved in the complaint such as written notice of hearing dates, right to counsel, right to present witnesses, right to cross examine and to present written statements. The decision of the Board shall be by a majority of the members at a meeting which shall be public.

Step #6 The Galloway Township Board of Education shall respond to the grievant within thirty 9 (30) calendar days. (Use space provided on Appeal – Form C)

Step #7 If the grievant is not satisfied with the Board’s decision, the grievant may file the complaint to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. The grievant maintains the right to by-pass the grievance procedure and submit the complaint directly to the Office for Civil Rights.

Grievance forms A, B, and C are available in each of the Principal’s Offices in the district and from the Affirmative Action/Grievance Officer.

Professional Development As per New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC 6:11-13), every teacher in the State of New Jersey is required to complete 100 hours of professional development every five years. This requirement begins when the individual obtains a standard certificate, usually the second year of teaching. The 100 hours must be aligned to the “Standards for Required Professional Development for Teachers: A New Vision” and the teacher’s Professional Improvement Plan (PIP). Responsibility for completion and record keeping of the 100 hours is the teacher’s. In Galloway Township, we have an active Local Professional Development Committee, which works with our district administration to plan and implement professional development opportunities for all teachers. Therefore, teachers receive a great deal of support in completing the 100 hours. All teachers, through the district and NJEA, should have received a copy of the standards. If you need a copy, contact your Principal or Supervisor.

Teacher Websites/ eBoard System The district maintains a website (http://www.gtps.k12.nj.us) to ease communication with parents, students, community members, etc. In this capacity, we have a venue for teachers to display information throughout the school year that is pertinent to their individual classrooms. We also belong to the eBoard bulletin board system, which is a standardized, user-friendly system of Internet-based communication. We trained over 100 staff members during the 2002-03 school year, and plan to continue offering this training during the coming years. To receive training on creating a website or eBoard for your classroom, please contact Ms. Toni Fauntleroy, Technology Teacher Trainer, at 748-1250, ext. 1013, or Ms. Betty Garrity, Instructional Technologist, at 748-1250, ext. 1047.

Food Services Department We provide breakfast and lunch to both students and staff, following the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans and School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children”. . A monthly menu is posted both in the schools and on our district website (http://www.gtps.k12.nj.us) . In addition to the menu items, the following is available to staff daily: o Soup o Salad bar o Sandwiches 10 . Specials are offered, time permitting. . Catering services are available for meetings, etc. on request. Please contact your school food services manager for more information.

Adult meal/a la carte price list is posted in each kitchen. Pricing is board approved and established following the “School Nutrition Programs Sponsor Agreement” between Galloway Township Board of Education and the State of New Jersey, Department of Agriculture Bureau of Child Nutrition Programs. N.J.A.C. 6:20-9.9b “requires that adult meal prices shall be established to cover all costs associated with production and service of the adult meal.”

Please contact your food service manager or Terry Zane, Director of Food Services at 748-1250, ext. 4407 with any questions. We hope you will join us!

REPORTING TO HOME

Record Keeping In order to best monitor the progress of individual students and to be better able to communicate skills mastery to both pupil and parent, the teacher must keep accurate records. Under specific directions of the building principal or immediate supervisor, it is important that records be kept for academic progress and that these records be supported by samples of the child’s work. It is especially crucial that records and documentation be maintained for mid-period marking, parent- teacher conferences, report cards, and for end-of-the-year decisions concerning retention, promotion or

11 other recommendations. Such records, of course, involve standardized test results, academic progress and social behavioral observations and notes. It is essential that all teachers, including specialists, maintain accurate attendance records and that such attendance be reported as directed.

Parent Conferences There will be two conference periods – Fall and Winter. The Middle School has only a Fall Conference Period and then schedules meetings during the year as needed. Every parent must be scheduled for the fall conference. Suggestions for conferences are noted below. Teachers need to be prepared to present meaningful data to parents, make suggestions for ways parents can help, and to analyze the students’ academic program. Conference time is an opportunity to communicate and not just to “unload” problems and bad news.

We believe a good system of reporting to parents is one that: 1. Builds the child’s self-respect and self-concept 2. Brings the school and home together in mutual understanding of the child and helps him overcome his difficulties and experience success as he reaches for knowledge. 3. Clearly communicates the strengths and successes of the child but does not convey the idea that the top of the child’s potential has been reached and, therefore, no further effort is required on the part of the child. 4. Clearly communicates the child’s weaknesses but not in such a fashion that such weaknesses are a failure on the part of the child. 5. Provides both teacher and parent with information about the child that will assist and help the child overcome difficulties and gain as much success as he can in each of his school subjects. 6. Make the parents aware when it is necessary to consult with other professionals (school nurse, counselor, CST member, Pupil Assistance Committee). 7. Is continually under discussion and revision by both teachers and parents so that such a system stays alive, relevant, and pertinent to the needs of the teachers, parents, and most of all, the child.

Preparing Yourself As the teacher, you will want all the background material you can obtain on the child. This means searching the permanent files for data and other available information that is on hand. Know each child’s ability in relation to the benchmarks to be accomplished while the child is in your class. Be ready to tell the parent on what instructional level (grade level) the child is working, where the child is weak and where the child is strong. In preparing: . Remember that the child is the focus of the conference. . Prepare a folder of each pupil’s work to give to parents/guardians. . Make a check sheet from the benchmarks of various items to be covered. . Consider making a tape of the pupil’s oral work in class. . Be flexible in scheduling. 12 . Schedule an easy conference as a starter. . Have a comfortable place for parents to wait if they arrive early. . Parents of two or more children in school should receive special consideration to avoid making repeated trips to school.

Preparing the Parent/Guardian Conferences aren’t easy for some teachers. They are not always easy for parents either. Sometimes they feel they are looking at themselves in a mirror, which makes them apprehensive of what they might hear in a report. Remember to: . Confirm all conference appointments. . Be sure to note and discuss topics parents indicate on the invitation. . Extend a warm, friendly invitation to parents. . Let parents know in advance how many minutes of conference time is set aside for them.

Suggested Conference Techniques: The following are some tested tips that should help the 15-20 minutes of conference time to proceed smoothly: . Be the same host/hostess in your classroom that you would be at home. . Begin and end the conference with positive comments. . Be tactful with your remarks. . Sit at the child’s desk or in a group. Do not let your desk be a barricade. . Be specific—do not deal in generalities. . Evaluate with constructive criticism. . When you offer suggestions to the parent, offer alternatives so the parents can make a decision as to which one to use. . Let the parent interact with you regarding their child. . Avoid arguments. . If a parent suggests a plan of action, accept if at all possible; however, leave no doubts as to who runs the class. . Do listen...listen...listen! . Do not send the parent away loaded with suggestions, stick to two or three. . Unflattering comments about “that teacher” should be reflected by you in a positive light, if possible. . Do not slough school responsibilities on the home. . Convey to the parents that you care about the child. . Watch for facial expressions. Attempt to get an honest picture of the parent’s concerns. . It is a mistake to try to be the psychologist, never offer a diagnosis. . Show parents the whole range of the child’s work – not the best or the poorest. . Keep the conference from dragging by an approach to indicate the conference is over. . Give the parents the impression that the first conference is the beginning, not the end. Welcome suggestions to further conferences. Summarize major areas discussed. . Agree upon the action needed. Clarify the steps to be taken. See the parent to the door – allow a break for yourself and smile. . WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE. Like most professionals, we teachers have developed our own special language. If you want your conferences to be successful, you will have to toss much of 13 that language out the window. Speak plainly, but tactfully, when in conference with a parent.

MANAGEMENT

Plan Books Plan books are to be completed one week in advance which will be reviewed by the Principal EACH WEEK. These are to contain daily lesson plans for the entire week; specific instructions for substitutes, e.g., special handling necessary for certain students, schedule changes, special duties; a seating chart for all classes along with class lists; and any special problems that need addressing. Lesson plans should contain specific instructions for each day such as texts used with page numbers, goals and objectives for the day, special films and/or programs, and any special procedures to be used. Remember – lesson plans are road maps for you, fellow teachers, substitutes, and administrators to know where you are taking the students. Plans should be comprehensive, explicit, easily followed, and correct. The following is a suggested lesson plan format: Core Curriculum Content Standard: The number of the standard(s) and the indicator(s) addressed in the lesson.

Lesson/Objective: An indication of what the student will be able to do as a result of 14 the instruction (SWBAT) . Activity/Materials: A description/outline of what will happen during the lesson; any materials needed. Assessment of the objective: A description of how the teacher will know that the student has achieved the objective (i.e. student writing, teacher made test, student project, conference with student, etc.)

Provisions for Substitute Teachers Substitute teachers are often at a distinct disadvantage due to unfamiliarity with the students, schools and procedures. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that every effort be made to provide all essential information needed in your absence.

Each teacher is responsible for maintaining a Plan Book, Substitute Folder, and Emergency Plans. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT.

Substitute Folder A folder containing other pertinent information must be kept in the top drawer of the teacher’s desk, in the main office of the school, or in the case of special teachers, in a place designated by the Principal. The substitute folder should contain the following items: 1. Fire Drill Procedure 2. Class Roster 3. Daily Schedule Sheet (including time schedule for subjects) 4. Lunch Count, Attendance and Money Collection Details 5. Notes about those children whose physical, mental or emotional characteristics may need special attention 6. Seating Chart for each class 7. Group lists – names of the group, list of children in each group, text title, etc. 8. Class Rules and Regulations. Are they posted? 9. Student helpers and their duties 10. Instrumental Music, Speech Lessons, EI, ESL, Resource Center – times and lists of pupils who participate 11. Special directions for Art, Music, and Physical Education

15 12. Dismissal Procedures – times and lists of children for each bus. Also list of names of non-bus students and, where applicable, the list of Child Care Program children 13. A set of directions, activities, and materials are to be available at all times in the event you will be away from your class without being able to provide regular plans for a substitute. Activities and materials must be sufficient for one full day of lessons and may include things such as word games, puzzles, how-to-study skills, read aloud stories, etc. School nurses should prepare their folders in accordance with the directions in your procedures manual. Please be sure to over-plan! Your knowledge of curriculum and of your students will vary greatly from the substitute’s. The substitute folder should periodically be updated due to changes in program.

Daily Opening Exercises Flag salute is mandatory each morning. Students who do not participate in opening exercises must remain silent during exercises but it is not compulsory for them to salute or stand.

A.V. Material The proper utilization of audio-visual aides can serve as an effective tool to supplement the curriculum. To obtain the optimal use of such aides, teachers should have a definite educational purpose which would require a follow-up activity or discussion. All A.V. materials should be listed in the lesson plans.

Use of Telephone Personal telephone calls are permitted only in emergencies. If you must use the phone for a personal toll call, you must bill that call to your home phone or use your credit card. Staff members are responsible for toll call charges. Any staff member not adhering to this practice may face serious disciplinary action including possible termination of employment. Obviously, this procedure must be strictly followed.

Telephone directories should be used whenever possible. Calls to the “information” operator now carry a service charge. If your school does not have an adequate number of directories, please contact the principal so adequate provision can be made.

All schools now have voicemail capabilities. Every staff member should be responsible for regularly checking messages, returning phone calls, and basic maintenance of voicemail services. For more information, please refer to the district Technology Manual. Any problems should be reported to Ms. Joanna Babcock via e-mail ([email protected]) or phone (748-1250, x. 1001).

Posters, Essay Contests and Mailings 16 Any poster, essay contest or activity sponsored by non-school connected organizations must be approved by the Superintendent.

School Parties Classroom parties for students should be limited to special occasions and should be approved by the principal beforehand. Preferably, they should be held near the end of the school day.

Home Instruction: When a child is expected to be out of school for at least a two week period of time because of certain illness or immobility, parents may request that a teacher be furnished for home instruction—a doctor’s note must accompany the request. Please refer all questions to your building principal.

Pupil Assistance Committee/Intervention & Referral Services for General Education Pupils Successful intervention by the Pupil Assistance Committee (PAC)/Intervention & Referral Services for General Education Pupils (I & RS, being piloted in the Arthur Rann Elementary School during the 2000-01 school year) promote student achievement within the context of regular education. Students not classified as eligible for special education services, and who are experiencing mild learning and/or behavior problems can be referred to the PAC/I & RS Committees by ANY TEACHER within building.

Procedures for PAC/I & RS: . Discuss concern(s) within the Unit/Team for possible solution at this level. Document, in writing, attempts for improvement at the classroom or Unit level. Consultation with support personnel is encouraged and could include the following: School Nurse, Guidance Counselor, CST member, etc.

Prior to referral to PAC/I & RS: . Parents/guardians MUST BE INFORMED that their child is to be discussed by the PAC/I & RS. Parent conferences are recommended but a written note is acceptable.

17 This should not come as a surprise to the parents/guardians. You should be clear in discussing the problem and your attempt to solve it by maintaining communication with the home prior to the PAC/I & RS referral through: . routine conferences . telephone contacts, and . written communications

. Parents/guardians should feel confident that you are working together to resolve their child’s difficulty. Parental permission is NOT required. If a parent does not agree with PAC/I & RS intervention for their child, they would have the same rights and follow the same procedure for any other regular education program.

. You must complete a REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE form available from your Building Principal. o Previous attempts to resolve the problem must be documented. Examples include: . Previous teaching strategies that have been employed. . Teacher/parent conferences in which alternatives have been discussed, . Teacher/principal conferences regarding the problem and suggested solutions, . Review of student records, including attendance, educational history and test scores. . On the REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE, the following is important to the PAC/I & RS: o Pupil identifying information, e.g., name, sex, grade, birth date, and teacher; o Concise statements of the reason for the request, e.g., what the student is doing or not doing that causes concerns; o Summary of strategies previously attempted; Summary of parent conference; o Compilation of pupil work samples, previous test results and school history; . Submit the REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FORM to the PAC/I & RS Chairperson (Building Principal or Assistant Principal).

Prior to PAC Meeting: The PAC Chairperson will review the REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FORM to see that all necessary information if included and may confer with you

Prior to PAC/I & RS Meeting: . The PAC/I & RS Chairperson or designee will review the REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FORM to see that all necessary information is included and may confer with you for clarification and/or additional information. . The PAC/I & RS Chairperson or designee will request health information from the School Nurse for all pupils to be discussed. The School Nurse shall review the pupil’s health records and apprise the committee of all educationally relevant information about the pupil. . You will be notified of the date and time of the PAC/I & RS meeting by the Chairperson or designee. At the PAC/I & RS Meeting:

18 . Members will reach consensus on the nature of the problem. . Members will brainstorm intervention strategies.

. You will select an intervention strategy which you will believe will work best in your situation.

. A written Assistance Plan is developed for pupils who require modifications to their regular education program. These plans will provide details of the modification(s) with objectives and follow-up will be scheduled as needed. These recommendations must be followed and include: o List of specific modifications to be made; o Person(s) responsible for implementation o Person responsible for review of pupil progress; o Person designated to communicate with parents regarding the nature of modifications. o Indicate how often and in what classes the intervention should be utilized. Intervention (Assistance Plan): . As designated in the Assistance Plan, you are responsible for carrying out the interventions and/or modifications agreed to by the PAC/I & RS membership. All interventions, as well as all intervention results, must be fully documented.

* * * Points to Remember * * * When attempting to reduce or eliminate unwanted behavior, the first reaction of the child is to INCREASE THE BEHAVIOR. Don’t give up, but recognize this as the first small step towards improvement. Expect at least two weeks to see any change in behavior and allow additional time if interrupted by a holiday. You may find changes to be as difficult for yourself. Old habits (and expectations) die hard. When you are targeting only one behavior for improvement, don’t expect the child to become perfect. PAC/I & RS is a function of general education and is not a function of special education. * * * * * *

Follow-up Meeting : . At this meeting, the effectiveness of the plan is discussed. . If no further assistance is needed, the case is closed and you have been successful. . If the intervention is not effective, another Assistance Plan is developed following the above procedure and success is around the corner. If the committee agrees that everything possible has been done and the problem remains unresolved, then CST referral is recommended. 19 Referral to Child Study Team Pupil was involved in PAC Process: . Follow above procedures for Pupil Assistance Committee.

. Prior to any decision regarding referral of a pupil to a CST for determination of eligibility for special education programs or services, a request by a staff member shall be made of the Pupil Assistance Committee to recommend interventions in the regular public school program to alleviate educational problems. Exceptions to this are listed in the next section.

Pupil Did Not go through PAC Process: . Pupil Assistance Committee involvement is not required for a pupil whose educational problem(s) is such that a direct referral to the Child Study Team can be supported. You must consult with the Building Principal if you feel your student fits this category.

. Parents/guardians may refer their child to the Child Study Team directly. The Child Study Team shall determine the appropriateness of such a referral.

Attendance/Residency Student absences and tardiness must be recorded on the homeroom attendance sheet daily, and the sheet is to be sent to the office at the end of homeroom period. Children who attend school for 4 hours are considered to be present for the day. Please inform the principal of any student who may have an attendance problem such as excessive absenteeism (5-8 days), patterned absences (Mondays and Fridays) or repeated lateness. Students returning to school following an absence must bring a note from home which gives the reason for the absence—these are to be sent to the office with your daily attendance. A student who has been absent for five or more consecutive days may be required to present a doctor’s note stating that the child may return to school. Galloway Schools are for Galloway residents. Please notify the school principal if you believe one of your students is not a resident. When a parent/guardian notifies you that they have moved, please refer them to Ms. Debbie Sheetz (x. 1015), the District Registrar at the Central Office. Decisions regarding remaining in the school when a family has moved from the school zone or district are made ONLY by the Superintendent of Schools who will adhere to the criteria outlined in Board Policy #5111 Please refer these requests to Ms. Sheetz as well.

Illnesses/Absences/Hospitalizations/Surgery Please forward all correspondence regarding extended illnesses, hospitalizations or surgeries to the school nurse. 20 Pre-Arranged Absences The pupil must present a note from a parent or guardian stating the reason for the proposed absence. The pupil may be held accountable for completing missed work. The issuance of assignments in advance shall be completed whenever possible and with proper notification from the parent/guardian.

Truancy Any child who is absent from school without the consent and knowledge of a parent is considered truant. Should you suspect that a child is out of school illegally, please inform the principal so that a check can be made. A child that has been truant shall complete the work missed and may be required to make-up the time he was truant.

Homework 1. The following guidelines shall be adhered to when assigning homework: 2. Homework should be a planned part of the curriculum, extending and reinforcing the learning experience of the school. 3. Homework should help develop the student’s responsibility by providing an opportunity for the exercise of independent work. 4. Individualized homework may be assigned by teachers Monday through Thursday and at the teacher’s discretion on Friday. During holidays or when special events are scheduled that make a legitimate claim on the individual student’s time, homework shall not be assigned. Unit/team teachers should coordinate assignments utilizing ten minutes per grade as a guideline (i.e. 1st grade, 10 minutes; 7th grade, 70 minutes) Grades 1-2 0-15 minutes Grades 3-4 0-45 minutes Grades 5-8 30-60 minutes 5. Teachers should encourage students and parents to review the class web page or eBoard for upcoming projects and other assignments. 6. Teachers are to be certain that all homework is reviewed and returned to the student promptly. It is helpful to parents who take an interest in their children to see the child’s work and, therefore, it should be returned.

21 7. Homework cards are designed to promote student responsibility. All teachers are expected to inform parents of a child’s failure to complete homework.

Promotion Policies 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. The basic purpose of these regulations is to ensure that a standard procedure is established for promotion. A pupil 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 experience in the next grade. Classroom teachers shall recommend to the Building Principal the promotion or retention of each pupil.

Teachers shall regularly inform pupils and their parents/guardians of the student’s progress towards meeting promotion standards through personal and telephone contacts and written progress reports during the school year. When a teacher determines that a pupil’s progress may not be sufficient to meet promotion standards, immediate consultation shall be offered to the pupil and the student’s parents/guardians so that every effort is made to remediate the identified deficiencies. A timely referral to the Pupil Assistance Committee must be a component of this remediation plan. Whenever a student is in danger of being retained, his/her parents/guardians must be notified. The option of retention will be on a case by case basis. In grades K-2, a building Retention Committee, consisting of but not limited to: the Classroom Teacher, the Principal, the Curriculum Supervisor and Early Intervention /AIM/STAR Teacher, will convene in May to review all cases. After all circumstances have been discussed, the Principal shall make a decision and notify the parents/guardians. School attendance shall be a factor in the determination of a pupil’s promotion or retention. Only extenuating circumstances should permit the promotion of a pupil who has been in attendance fewer than 160 days during the school year. (Refer to Policy #5112)

Textbooks Textbooks will be provided by the Board of Education for all students. Textbooks should be used as a guide and as reference tools, but not as a curriculum itself. Should a student lose a book, or should the book be unavailable, it should be reported to the principal’s office and another book issued immediately. It will be the obligation of the parent to pay for lost or damaged books. The Principal and staff must follow through in the collecting from the parents. The teacher should write a note to the parents or contact them by telephone initially following the loss or misplacement of the book itself. ALL books issued to students that are taken home must be covered by the student.

In School Suspension Students who misbehave may be assigned “in school” suspension by the principal. Students will be required to attend school the following day.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Narcotics State law dictates that the effects of alcohol, tobacco and narcotics be a part of the instruction in each grade. The Board shall provide a program of instruction on the nature and effects of substances and 22 tobacco. The program will be included in the health education curriculum and conducted in accordance with law, rules of the State Board of Education, and Policy #5131.61. All staff members shall be alert to the signs of substance abuse by pupils and shall respond to those signs in accordance with administrative regulations. When a pupil’s substance abuse or suspected substance abuse threatens the pupil’s life or places the pupil and/or others in imminent peril, all procedures shall be expedited in accordance with the emergency. It is the teacher’s responsibility to report the observation of all forms of student participation concerning drug abuse to the building principal or designee immediately. Please see your principal for the “Teacher Referral for Intervention of Possible Substance Abuse” form.

Report of Vandalism and Violence It is now a state law that any vandalism and violence to any degree must be reported to the State Department of Education in a form specifically prepared for the purpose. A portion of the form must be completed by the observer of the incident or the person who found evidence of the incident. Failure to report such incidents is a violation of the state law and appropriate penalties may be levied.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) The Galloway Township Public School District is very proud of our continued innovations in terms of technological advancement. In order to ensure that technology is being used in an acceptable manner and for educational purposes, an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) has been adopted by the Board of Education. All staff are required to sign an AUP upon being hired by the district. All students and their parents/guardians will be asked to review and sign this document at the beginning of the school year. Any student who fails to return this document will have no access to the available technology until this signed form is returned to the school. Any violations of the AUP will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the individual school’s discipline code.

School Safety/Security The Galloway Township Public School District is committed to keeping our children safe in their schools. Safety measures already in place in the district’s schools include the following: All schools have safety and security plans that are reviewed and updated regularly. Security cameras and a “buzz-in” system are in place in all schools. Galloway Township Public Schools have strict disciplinary actions for incidents involving weapons. All visitors and staff members must wear ID badges when in schools. If you lose your ID, contact your principal or supervisor for a replacement. All IDs are to be handed in upon separation from the district. All visitors must check in at the school office. Elementary students are regularly instructed on how to deal with strangers. The district offices have trained crisis teams to work with school staff members. 23 The school system has programs for students in grades K-8 to resolve conflicts, prevent violence, prevent harassment, and promote tolerance and social skills. Counselors and administrators are trained to identify and assist students as needed. Trained mediators are available to help students in need of mediation services and conflict resolution. A number of school-community organizations provide ongoing support on preventing violence and substance abuse. School staff members work with parents, guardians and students to help them understand and recognize student depression, addiction, and other serious mental health problems.

Child Abuse: Whenever an employee has suspicion that a pupil of this District has been subjected to child abuse or neglect, regardless of the identity of the suspected abuser, the employee shall immediately report that information by telephone call to the Atlantic County Office of Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS): 441-3164. In the event the report is made after working hours, on a weekend, or on a holiday, the employee shall call DYFS at 800-792-8610. (NJSA 9:608-10: NJAC 6:3-5.2(a)1). The principal or his/her designee should also be notified.

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

Notice of Privacy Practices On April 14, 2003, the Health Information Privacy Act (HIPA) was passed. It applies to all protected health information as defined by federal regulations. This notice describes how information about students may be used and disclosed. Access to the information is limited to those who need it to perform their jobs. Communication with Physicians and their Staff: The preferred method of interacting will be to obtain a written authorization from the parent/guardian to allow each party to disclose information relative to the child’s treatment plan, diagnosis, etc. for a specified period of time.

If authorization cannot be obtained from the parent or guardian, communication between the school nurse and the physician can occur in the following instances: . A request for a copy of a physical or determination of ability to participate in physical education, competitive sports, etc. . Any interaction with school representatives for the purpose of school re-entry post injury and treatment, . A request for a list of immunizations administered to the child.

Please note that any communication between a non-medical licensed professional (all staff members other than the school nurse) will require a written authorization for the parent/guardian i.e. physician and their staff to school principal or teaching staff member.

Additional Disclosures: Teachers directly involved with students will be advised of health concerns.

24 Medication Medication may only be dispensed by the school nurse. These rules should be followed: 1. There must be a written request from the parent or guardian and the doctor must provide written orders for all medications, both over-the- counter and prescribed. A form is available to the parent/guardian from the school nurse. Medication must be brought to school by the Parent/Guardian in the original container and kept in the school nurse’s office. Unless the above conditions are met, the nurse will be unable to give medication. 2. Special arrangements for field trips must be made a month in advance. You MUST notify your school nurse of scheduled trips as soon as they are submitted for Board of Education approval in order to assure that children may be able to attend the trip.

In accordance with state law, the School Board permits self-administration of medication for asthma or other potentially life threatening illnesses by pupils in grades one through eight, both on school premises during regular school hours and off site after regular school hours when a pupil is participating in field trips or extra curricular activities and the school nurse, school administrator, or his/her designee is present. Life threatening illness means an illness or condition that requires an immediate response to specific symptoms or sequelae that may indicate the potential loss of life, e.g., adrenaline injection in response to an allergic/anaphylactic reaction due to an allergen. Parents/guardians of the pupil must meet the following conditions: . provide the Board with written authorization for the pupil’s self-administration of medication; . provide written certification from the pupil’s physician that the pupil has asthma or another potentially life-threatening illness and is capable of and has been instructed in the proper method of self-administration of medication; and . sign a statement acknowledging the District shall incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from self-administration of medication by the pupil and that the parent/guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the District and its employees or agents against any claims arising out of self-administration of medication by the pupil. . the privilege of self-administering medication may be revoked if the pupil fails to comply with school policy.

The parent/guardian should be referred to the school nurse for assistance in this process. This information is only to familiarize you with the process.

Accidents/Injuries All students or staff members injured while at work or school must be seen by a school nurse immediately for evaluation. Your assistance will be needed in completing the district’s injury report, which is due to the Superintendent’s Office within 3 days. Failure to comply with these steps may hinder your claim. If you are not injured and do not want to complete an injury report but rather want the principal to know of the injury, please see the principal, NOT the school nurse.

Physical Education/Recess Exclusions The Physical Education/Recess Exemption form is available to parents/guardians through the school nurse. All exclusions are for BOTH Phys. Ed. classes and Recess. For the middle school, if a student is excluded from physical education, he/she may not participate in after school sports. 25 SCHOOLS

School Cleanliness The attitudes of people are effected by the environment. If we expect standards of cleanliness, everyone must be involved in good housekeeping practices. Children should be taught the need for keeping their school, room, and work areas neat. Teachers are responsible to be sure that their rooms are kept neat. At dismissal time, be sure that windows are closed and shades are drawn. Students are to be taught proper housekeeping attitudes and neatness must be enforced throughout each school.

If damage to a room occurs, it is to be reported immediately to the principal. Please be sure to investigate each instance of damage. If a student is observed defacing or destroying school property, he/she is to be stopped and the incident reported immediately to the principal. Consequences should be assigned as per the discipline code.

The school district has its own custodial staff. If your room is not being kept in a clean and orderly fashion on a daily basis, this should be first discussed with the custodian. If nothing changes, consider speaking to the Head Custodian. Finally, if there is no progress, it should be reported to the building principal in writing. Be precise as to what is occurring.

Evacuation Drills During the first day of classes each teacher must be sure that each class knows the proper evacuation procedure for the room and the building. Evacuation procedures and/or maps must be displayed in each room.

Fire drills will be held twice per month and bus evacuation drills twice per year. Though specific instructions will vary, it is to be emphasized that students are to remain silent and vacate the school promptly and safely, without running. Lock down drills occur twice a year. Teachers are to assure that 26 students remain silent. The principal will provide staff with additional directions to follow.

Head Teacher The elementary schools (wherein two buildings are served by one principal) have a designated “head teacher”. The head teacher is in charge when an emergency arises and the principal is not available and/or cannot be reached. The head teacher has the authority to make a decision on his/her own or to seek advice from an administrator in one of the other schools or from the Superintendent. If it is not an emergency, please wait for the principal to return.

THE UNIT (ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ONLY)

Faculty and/or Unit Meetings with Principal Faculty meetings will be conducted as designated by individual building principals. Information obtained from administrative meetings with the Superintendent will be presented to staff members in a continuing effort to improve school communication.

Unit Communication All units are required to publish a minimum of three unit newsletters. These newsletters are to advise parents about the educational program that will be presented in the next few months. The intent is to not only let parents and students know what they can expect educationally, but also to enable parents to participate with you in their child’s education. School secretaries will type newsletters.

Resource Room teachers will be required to provide similar information for their students to accompany the unit newsletters.

Units are requested to periodically prepare newspaper releases about school or classroom activities. They must be written in a newspaper format. You might want to study the format in your local newspaper before writing your article. The article should be submitted to the principal for approval. Pictures for newspapers are very important. Contact Joanna Babcock, Public Information Officer (x. 1001) for further assistance.