Student Development Programs

ALEXANDRIA TOWNSHIP

2013-14 STAFF HANDBOOK

of2 POLICIES/REGULATIONS/LAWS

Table of Contents

Curriculum/Program Affirmative Action Program for School and Classroom Practices------6 Controversial Issues------7 Religion in the Schools------7 Homework------8 Field Trips------9 Intervention and Referral Services------10 Resource Materials------12 Use of Copyrighted Materials------12 Live Animals in School------13 Grading System------14

Personnel Assignment of Teaching Staff Members------16 Assignment of Additional Duties------17 Resignation------17 Nonrenewal of Nontenured Teaching Staff Member------17 Code of Ethics------18 Discipline------19 Withholding an Increment------20 Consulting Outside the District------20 Attendance------21 Conflict of Interest------21 Dress and Grooming------22 Use of Corporal Punishment------23 Evaluation of Nontenured Teaching Staff Members------23 Evaluation of Tenured Teaching Staff Members------24 Outside Activities------25 Tutorial Services------26 Outside Employment as Athletic Coach------27 Political Activities------27 Professional Development------28 Professional Responsibilities------28

of2 Professional Responsibilities Lesson Plans and Plan Books------29 Liability for Pupil Welfare------30 Inappropriate Staff Conduct------31 Staff Member’s Use of Cellular Telephones------33 Loan of School Equipment------33 Sexual Harassment------34 Anticipated Disability------34 Sick Leave------35 Personal Leave------35 Religious Leave------36 Jury Duty------36

Pupils Pupil Suicide Prevention------37 Promotion and Retention------37 Expectations for Pupil Conduct------37 Dress and Grooming------37 Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying------40 Remotely Activating Communication Devices Pagers & Cellular Phones----49 Suspected Gang Activity------50 Plagiarism------51 Equal Educational Opportunity------52 Equity in Educational Programs and Services------53 Social Events and Class Trips------54 Public Performances by Pupils------55

Finance Expenditures for Non-employee Activities, Meals & Refreshments------56 School District Travel------57

Property Eye Protection------63 Smoking on School Grounds------64 Alcoholic Beverages on School Premises------65 Drug Free Workplace------65

of2 Operations Managing Electronic Mail------66 Personnel Records------67 Care of Injured and Ill Persons------69 Reporting Accidents------69 Reporting Violence, Vandalism, Alcohol, and Other Drug Abuse------69 Religious Holidays------70 Transportation by Private Vehicle------71 Opening Exercises------71

Community School Visitors------72 School Volunteers------72 Parent Conferences------73 Cooperation between Parents and School------74

of2 Contained within the pages that follow are the most relevant and appropriate policies, regulations and laws related to Alexandria Township Board of Education employees. In many cases, the documents these policies, regulations and laws have been drawn from contain more detailed information. Any employee may request to see the entire Board Policy Manual by making an appointment with their Supervisor.

Prior to student arrival in September, all personnel will receive a copy of this handbook. Principals and Supervisors will review required information from this handbook at an initial faculty meeting. Staff members may be required to sign that they have received a copy.

At the conclusion of each school year, as a part of the check-out procedures, staff will turn their Staff Handbook back into their Supervisor. The purpose for this will be to provide the opportunity to update and revise the handbook on an annual basis.

It is the responsibility of each staff member to know and understand the information contained in this handbook. If something is not clear, the staff member must seek the appropriate school administrator for additional clarification.

of2 CURRICULUM/PROGRAM

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM PRACTICES

The Board of Education shall, in accordance with law, strive to overcome the effects of any patterns of discrimination in school and classroom practices and shall systematically monitor district procedures to ensure continuing compliance with anti-discrimination laws and regulations.

A district administrator shall serve as Affirmative Action Officer and shall coordinate all activities designed to implement this policy. The Affirmative Action Officer shall identify and recommend the correction or removal of impermissible bias based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectational or sexual orientation or sex, social or economic status, or disability. He/she shall:

1. Review current and proposed curriculum guides, textbooks, and supplemental materials for bias and determine whether such materials fairly depict the contribution of both men and women and various racial and ethnic groups in the development of human society;

2. Develop an ongoing program of in-service training for school personnel designed to identify and solve problems of bias in all aspects of the school program;

3. Review current and proposed programs, activities, and practices to ensure that all pupils have equal access to them and are not impermissibly segregated in any duty, work, play, classroom, or school practice except as may be permitted under rules of the State Board of Education;

4. Ensure that similar aspects of the school program receive commensurate support as to staff size and compensation, purchase and maintenance of facilities and equipment, and access to such facilities and equipment;

5. Ensure that tests, procedures, and guidance and counseling materials that are designed to evaluate pupil progress or rate aptitudes, or analyze personality or in any manner establish or tend to establish a category by which a pupil may be judged are not impermissibly differentiated or stereotyped.

Parent(s) or legal guardian(s), pupils, staff members, and members of the public shall be informed annually about the district's affirmative action plan for school and classroom practices, the designation of the Affirmative Action Officer, and the procedure by which an affirmative action complaint may be filed and processed.

of2 The Affirmative Action Officer shall report, as required, to the Board on progress made in the affirmative action program for school and classroom practices. The Board will annually review district progress toward the objectives of any state-approved affirmative action plan

of2 CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

A. The Board of Education has specified certain guidelines to protect the rights and sensibilities of children in school from doctrinaire, inappropriate and disruptive discussions that might take place in the classroom. To avoid situations which violate the Board’s policy regarding the teaching of controversial issues, it is requested that all instructional staff members observe the following rules:

1. Teachers should use the curriculum guide, textbooks and supplementary materials specified by the Board for the course(s) they have been assigned to teach.

2. If teachers wish to supplement the course guide with material that may be of a controversial nature, i.e., subject to interpretation as obscene, profane, doctrinaire or inappropriate, each in relation to the maturity level of the class, they should review the material with the Principal first.

3. To help in determining whether material may fall into one or more of the proscribed areas noted above, teachers should check with the media specialist for similar Board- approved supplementary materials known to be read by children of the age concerned. Proposed material should also be checked against that shown on the supplementary reading list for the course.

4. Teachers who use unreviewed material for teaching without the approval of the appropriate superior may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal if the material is subsequently judged to be inappropriate for the class in which it was used.

5. If classroom discussion strays from the assigned curriculum, the teacher must give all objective information and differing interpretations. He/she may also express personal opinion, but must acknowledge the rights and privileges of others to hold differing opinions. Emotional criticism and the promotion of a cause within the classroom are inappropriate and unscholarly. The teacher’s attitude and actions should always encourage open-mindedness and truth seeking.

All staff members are required to secure permission of their Building Principal in advance of an invitation to anyone invited to speak.

RELIGION IN THE SCHOOLS

The Board of Education recognizes that religious belief and disbelief are matters of personal conviction rather than governmental authority and the pupils of this district are protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and by Article I, Paragraph 4 of the New Jersey State Constitution from the establishment of religion in the schools. School officials will be neutral in their Page 8 of2 treatment of religion in the school district, showing neither favoritism toward nor hostility against religious expression. The school district will not permit an activity if the activity advances or inhibits any particular religious expression that is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

The Board believes that an understanding of religions and the contributions that religion has made to the advancement of civilization is essential to the thorough education of young people and to their appreciation of a pluralistic society. To that end, the curriculum may be developed to include, as appropriate to the various ages and attainments of the pupils, instruction about the religions of the world.

The Board also acknowledges the degree to which a religious consciousness has enriched the arts, literature, music, and issues of morality. The instructional and resource materials approved for use in the schools of this district frequently contain religious references or concern moral issues that have traditionally been the focus of religious concern. That such material may; therefore, be religious in nature shall not, by itself, bar their use by the district. The Board directs that teaching staff members employing such materials be neutral in their approach and avoid using them to advance or inhibit religion in any way.

The Board recognizes that religious traditions vary in their perceptions and doctrines regarding the natural world and its processes. The curriculum is chosen for its place in the thorough and efficient education of the children of this district, not for its conformity to religious principles. Pupils should receive unbiased instruction in the schools so that they may privately accept or reject the knowledge so gained in accordance with their own religious tenets.

The Board of Education acknowledges the educational validity of work assigned to pupils for completion outside the classroom as an adjunct to and extension of the instructional program of the schools.

HOMEWORK

The Superintendent shall develop regulations for the assignment of homework according to these guidelines:

1. Homework should be a properly planned part of the curriculum, extending and reinforcing the learning experience of the school;

2. Homework should help children learn by providing practice in the mastery of skills, experience in data gathering and integration of knowledge, and an opportunity to remediate learning problems;

3. Homework should help develop the pupil's responsibility and provide an opportunity for the exercise of independent work and judgment;

of2 4. The number, frequency, and degree of difficulty of homework assignments should be based on the ability and needs of the pupil and take into account other activities that make a legitimate claim on the pupil's time;

5 As a valid educational tool, homework should be clearly assigned and its product carefully evaluated and that evaluation should be reported to the pupil;

6. The schools should recognize the role of parent(s) or legal guardian(s) by suggesting ways in which parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may assist the school in helping a child carry out assigned responsibilities;

7. Homework should always serve a valid learning purpose; it should never be used as a punitive measure.

FIELD TRIPS

The Alexandria Township Board of Education believes that properly planned field trips which supplement or enrich the program of classroom instruction are a valuable part of the learning experience. In order to attain the greatest educational value and to ensure that all safety precautions are met:

A. Each trip must be justifiable as a means of meeting a specific educational objective;

B. Adequate class time shall be used to develop worthwhile objectives for the trip. These objectives should be within the scope of the unit of work in progress at the time of the trip;

C. School rules and regulations shall apply while pupils are away from the building;

D. Each trip will depart from and return to the school;

E. In that pupil safety is of prime concern; all trips shall include one teacher and an adequate number of parent(s) or legal guardian(s) per class.

F. A parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a pupil who requires medication will be asked to accompany his/her child on the field trip. In the event a parent(s) or legal guardian(s) cannot go on the trip, a certified nurse will be assigned to the trip.

G. The Board shall permit self-administration of medication on field trips for asthma or any other potentially life-threatening illness by pupils. All conditions established by law and Board policy shall be met.

Teachers shall see that pupils follow all district rules and regulations in the use of buses. Teachers are responsible for ensuring that the bus is as clean as possible after a trip.

of2 A summary report on the trip shall be filed with the Building Principal within seven days.

A child shall not be permitted to go on a field trip unless a permission slip is signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). These must be kept on file for at least three months after the trip.

The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to approve field trips, staying within the parameters of educational policy and budget.

The Board does not endorse, support, or assume liability in any way for any staff member of this district who takes pupils on trips not approved by the Superintendent. No staff member may solicit pupils of this district for such trips within the facilities of this district without Board permission.

Teachers are responsible for issuing written instructions to the chaperones, a copy of which is to be submitted with the request for field trip transportation.

If, for some reason, a pupil does not attend a field trip and cannot be programmed into a regular school schedule, he/she will remain in the school building under the supervision of the certified staff.

The Board of Education directs the establishment and implementation of a coordinated system in each school building in which general education pupils are served, for the planning and delivery of intervention and referral services that are designed to assist pupils who are experiencing learning, behavior, or health difficulties and to assist staff who have difficulties in addressing pupils’ learning, behavior, or health needs in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8.1.

The intervention and referral services shall be provided to aid pupils in the general education program and, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:46-18.1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8.1 et seq., may be provided for pupils who have been determined to be in need of special education programs and services. The intervention and referral services provided for pupils who have been determined to be in need of special education programs and services shall be coordinated with the pupil's Individualized Education Program team, as appropriate.

INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES

The functions of the system of intervention and referral services in each school building shall be to:

1. Identify learning, behavior, and health difficulties of pupils;

2. Collect thorough information on the identified learning, behavior, and health difficulties;

3. Develop and implement action plans which provide for appropriate school or community interventions or referrals to school and community resources, based on the collected data and desired outcomes for the identified learning, behavior, and health difficulties; Page 11 of2 4. Provide support, guidance, and professional development to school staff that identify learning, behavior, and health difficulties;

5. Provide support, guidance, and professional development to school staff who participate in each building’s system for planning and providing intervention and referral services;

6. Actively involve parent(s) or legal guardian(s) in the development and implementation of intervention and referral services action plans;

7. Coordinate the access to and delivery of school resources and services for achieving the outcomes identified in the intervention and referral services action plans;

8. Coordinate the services of community-based social and health provider agencies and other community resources for achieving the outcomes identified in the intervention and referral services action plans;

9. Maintain records of all requests for assistance, intervention and referral services action plans, and related pupil information pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8.2(a)9;

10. Review and assess the effectiveness of the provisions of each intervention and referral services action plan in achieving the outcomes identified in each action plan and modify each action plan to achieve the outcomes, as appropriate; and

11. At a minimum, annually review the intervention and referral services action plans and the actions taken as a result of the building’s system of intervention and referral services and make recommendations to the Building Principal for improving school programs and services, as appropriate.

The Board of Education establishes the following guidelines for the involvement of school staff and community members in each building’s system of intervention and referral services pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8.3.

Each I&RS Team will be composed of the Principal or a regular teaching staff member appointed by the Principal to act in his/her place; a regular teaching staff member; an educational services staff member; the staff member who referred a pupil in need of assistance or identified an issue requiring remediation; and such other staff members as may be required to assist the pupil or study the issue.

The I&RS Team will identify pupils in need and plan for appropriate intervention or referral services and/or referral to community resources, based on desired outcomes.

When a pupil is referred to the I&RS Team, the team may provide support and guidance to the pupil's classroom teachers, plan and provide for appropriate interventions, coordinate access to and delivery Page 12 of2 of school services to the pupil, and coordinate the services of community members and/or community- based social and health provider agencies that may aid in the development and implementation of intervention and referral services action plans.

Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall be notified whenever a pupil is referred to the I&RS Team, except as such notice may be waived by laws protecting abused children and the confidentiality of persons seeking drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall be offered an opportunity to participate in the development and implementation of intervention and referral services action plans.

The Principal shall, in consultation with the I&RS Team, report to the Superintendent at the end of the school year on the concerns and issues identified by the team and the effectiveness of the services provided in achieving the outcomes identified in the intervention and referral services action plans.

RESOURCE MATERIALS

The Board of Education shall provide resource materials to implement district and school educational goals and objectives as pupil needs dictate and district resources permit. Such materials include reference books, other supplementary titles, maps, library print and non-print materials, and other sources of information for use by pupils that are not designated as textbooks.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for the selection and maintenance of all resource materials, in accordance with the following standards:

1. Material will be suited to the varied interests, abilities, reading levels, and maturation levels of the pupils to be served;

2. Wherever possible, materials will provide major opposing views on controversial issues so that pupils may develop under guidance the practice of critical reading and thinking;

3. Wherever possible, materials will represent the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contribution to American heritage;

4. Materials will be factually accurate and of genuine literary or artistic value;

5. Materials will be of a quality and durability appropriate to their intended uses and longevity;

6. Materials will relate to, support, and enrich the courses of study adopted by the Board.

of2 The Superintendent will develop regulations for the selection of resource materials that provide for the effective consultation of teaching staff members at all appropriate levels; ensure that the Board's budgetary allotment for resource materials is efficiently spent and wisely distributed throughout the instructional program and the district; and ensure an inventory of resource materials that is well balanced and well rounded in coverage of subject, types of materials, and variety of content.

The Superintendent will evaluate the continuing effectiveness and utility of resource materials and recommend to the Board the removal of those materials that no longer meet the standards set forth in this policy. Any request for the removal of resource materials will be governed by Policy No. 9130 on public complaints.

USE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS

The Board of Education encourages teaching staff members to make judicious use of appropriate printed materials, sound recording, televised programs, and computer software in the curriculum but recognizes that federal law, applicable to public school districts, protects the originators of those materials from the unauthorized use of their copyrighted works. The Board expressly forbids the use of school equipment for the illegal reproduction of copyrighted materials.

In order to define the fair and reasonable use that teaching staff members may make of copyrighted works for educational purposes without the permission of the copyright owner and to reduce the risk of copyright infringement, the Board directs the Superintendent to promulgate regulations regarding the copying and distribution of copyrighted materials for instructional purposes.

Computer software may be reproduced only for archival purposes or when copying is an essential step in the utilization of the program. Computer software should be purchased in sufficient quantity to permit its classroom use without simultaneous loading. Where appropriate, the Superintendent shall seek a licensing agreement with the software publisher that permits the reproduction of software, the simultaneous use of software, and the purchase of multiple copies of software at discount prices.

Pupils and staff members shall be instructed that copyright infringement is a form of theft. A pupil or staff member who reproduces or uses copyrighted material in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline.

LIVE ANIMALS IN SCHOOL

The Board of Education recognizes the appropriate use of live animals as instructional resources can enrich the educational program. The observation and nurture of live animals can help children learn specific biological and behavioral principles and gain respect for all living things.

A staff member who uses live animals shall observe proper precautions for the safety of pupils and the animals. The Principal or designee must approve a live animal being brought into the Page 14 of2 school building and the use of any animal in a course of instruction or the establishment of an animal habitat in a classroom.

Any animal used in school must have been lawfully acquired in accordance with applicable State law and local ordinance. An animal susceptible to rabies must have been vaccinated against rabies and proof of such vaccination must be included with the request to bring a live animal into the school submitted to the Principal or designee before a live animal is brought onto school grounds or into a school building. No animal shall be permitted in any area of the school where a pupil who is allergic to the animal might be exposed to the animal.

A teacher or other qualified adult must assume primary responsibility for the animal, its nourishment, and its sanitary living conditions. The staff member in charge must make proper arrangements for the animal's care and feeding over weekends, holidays, and school vacation periods.

No experiment that deprives a living animal of nourishment or exposes the animal to harm shall be conducted.

A pupil in Kindergarten through grade twelve may refuse to dissect, vivisect, incubate, capture, or otherwise harm or destroy animals or any parts thereof as part of a course of instruction. In the event the school program will require any such activities, the school will notify the pupil and parent(s) or legal guardian(s) at the beginning of each school year of the right to decline participation in such activities. Within two weeks of the receipt of the notice from the school, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall notify the school if the right to decline participation in such activities will be exercised. Any pupil who chooses to refrain from participation in or observation of such activities shall be offered an alternative education project for the purpose of providing the pupil with the factual knowledge, information, or experience required by the course of study. A pupil may refuse to participate in an alternative education project which involves or necessitates any harmful use of an animal or animal part(s). A pupil shall not be discriminated against, in grading or in any other manner, based upon a decision to exercise the rights afforded pursuant to this act.

GRADING SYSTEM

 Definitions: o Criterion referenced – Assessment of students’ success in meeting stated learning goals. o Formative assessment – assessment designed to provide direction for improvement and/or adjustment to a program for individual students or for a whole class. o Grade – The number or letter reported at the end of a period of time as a summary statement of student performance. o Mark – The number or letter score given on any single test or performance.

of2 o Summative – Assessment designed to provide information about a student’s achievement at the end of a period of instruction.

 Purpose of Grading:  The Board of Education believes that the primary purpose for grading is the communication of student progress toward the district’s stated curriculum objectives. Grades shall also be used as one source of information to determine instructional priorities.

 Development of Grades o Grading procedures shall be related directly to the district’s stated curricular objectives. o Criterion-referenced standards shall be used to distribute grades and marks. o Individual achievement of stated learning goals shall be the sole basis for determining grades. o Non achievement factors shall not be included in the academic grade. Instead a separate grade shall be provided for the category of effort. Effort shall be defined as class participation, assignment completion, classroom behavior and school attendance. District developed rubrics shall be used by staff members to determine and assign effort grades. o Late work shall be handled as follows: . Teachers may set due dates and deadlines for all marked work that will be a part of a student grade. . Work handed in late if penalized shall not exceed 2% per day to a maximum of 10% . Teachers may exempt students from penalties. o Care should be taken to ensure that penalties (if used) do not distort achievement or motivation. o Absences shall be handled as follows: . Students shall not be penalized only for absence. . Absent students shall be given make-up opportunities for all missed summative assessments without penalty. o Incomplete work shall be handled as follows: . Work that is not submitted will be identified as I (incomplete). Zeros will not be used. . Students are required to complete all assigned work and will be given opportunities to do so. This may include detention, supervised lunch and other opportunities as appropriate and necessary. . When determining final grades teachers must decide whether they have sufficient evidence of achievement. If not, the grade recorded on the report card shall be an “I” for Insufficient Evidence. o Teachers shall mark and/or provide quality feedback on formative assessments. o Marks from formative assessments shall not be included in grades. Page 16 of2 o Only marks from summative assessments shall be included in grades. o When repetitive measures are made of the same or similar knowledge, skills or behaviors, the more recent mark or marks shall replace the previous marks for grade determination. o Second chance (or more) assessment opportunities may be made available to students; students shall receive the highest, most consistent mark, not an average mark for any such multiple opportunities. o Consideration shall be given to the use of statistical measures other than the mean for grade calculation; for example, the median and mode shall also be considered. o Teachers shall base grades on quality assessment instruments. Each assessment must meet the following five standards of quality. . Arise from a clearly articulated set of achievement expectations; . Serve an instructionally relevant purpose, . Rely on a proper method, . Sample student achievement in an appropriate manner, . Control for all relevant sources of bias and distortion. o Teachers shall properly record evidence of student achievement on an ongoing basis. o Teachers shall discus assessment with students, in an age appropriate manner, at the beginning of instruction. Where appropriate teachers shall include students in decisions relating to assessment criteria and levels of quality. o During the first week of classes in each course or grade, teachers shall provide students and parents with a written statement of assessment practices, including grading. o The following grading scales and indicators shall be used: Primary Grades (K-2)

C = Consistent (95-100)

P = Progressing (75-94)

N = Needs Improvement (60-74)

Middle School (Grades 3-8)

A+ = 97-100 A = 94-96 A- = 90-93

of2 B+ = 87-89 B = 84-86 B- = 80-83

C+ = 77-79 C = 74-76 C- = 70-73

D+ = 67-69 D = 64-66 D- = 60-63

F = 0-59

PERSONNEL

ASSIGNMENT OF TEACHING STAFF MEMBERS

The Superintendent will strive to assign teaching staff members to positions in which their service will best benefit the educational program of the district. Each teaching staff member must possess the certificate and endorsement appropriate to the position to which he/she is appointed. The Superintendent shall require each newly employed or reassigned teaching staff member to exhibit the appropriately endorsed certificate before the member assumes responsibility for the duties of the position.

The Board will approve an assignment that requires a teaching staff member's transfer to a different building, upon recommendation of the Superintendent and by a roll call majority vote of the full membership of the Board. The Board will not withhold its approval of the Superintendent’s recommendation for arbitrary and capricious reasons. A teaching staff member may be transferred without the teaching staff member's consent.

The Superintendent shall recommend such teaching staff member transfer as will contribute to the provision of a thorough and efficient educational system. No teaching staff member shall be transferred for disciplinary reasons.

ASSIGNMENT OF ADDITIONAL DUTIES

A teaching staff member who requests appointment to an extra duty position may be given preference over other candidates for the position.

A teaching staff member can accrue no tenure or seniority rights in an extra duty position and is not entitled to reappointment to an extra duty position.

of2 Performance in an extra duty position will be considered in a teacher staff member's evaluation, in determining whether to renew a nontenured member, and in determining which of two or more tenured members with identical seniority entitlements will be retained in a reduction in force.

The Superintendent will inform the Board of extra duty positions required for the implementation of the district's program, post notice of vacancies in those positions, and recommend appointments to those positions.

RESIGNATION

The Board of Education will enter a contract with each nontenured teaching staff member providing, in part, for the termination of employment by either party on proper notice in accordance with Policy No. 3124.

An employee's resignation must be tendered to the Board through the Superintendent who may accept the resignation on behalf of the Board. Any such acceptance of a resignation will be ratified by the Board at its next meeting.

A member who offers insufficient notice of resignation will be paid only through the last day of service. In addition, the Board may notify the Commissioner of Education of any tenured teaching staff member who terminates his/her position without having given sixty days notice to the Board and without the express permission of the Board. The certificate of any such member may be suspended.

NONRENEWAL OF NONTENURED TEACHING STAFF MEMBER The Board of Education recognizes its obligation to employ only those professional staff members best trained and equipped to meet the educational needs of the pupils of this district. The Board shall discharge that obligation by retaining in service only those nontenured teaching staff members who meet those standards. The Board shall renew the employment contract of a teaching staff member only upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and by a recorded roll call majority vote of the full membership of the Board. The Board shall not withhold its approval for arbitrary and capricious reasons. When the nontenured teaching staff member's performance does not meet the standards of the district, the Superintendent shall recommend not to renew the teaching staff member’s contract. A nontenured teaching staff member who is not recommended for renewal by the Superintendent shall be deemed nonrenewed. Prior to notifying the staff member of the nonrenewal, the Superintendent will notify the Board of the recommendation not to renew the staff member’s contract and the reasons for the recommendation. The Superintendent may notify the Board in a written notice or in executive session at a full Board Meeting. In the event the Board is notified in executive session, the Superintendent will comply with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act and provide reasonable notice to the staff member their employment will be discussed in executive session in order for the staff member to exercise their statutory right to request a public discussion.

of2 The Superintendent shall notify each teaching staff member to whom reemployment will not be offered of such nonrenewal in writing on or before May 15. Any teaching staff member who received written notice a contract will not be offered may within fifteen days of notification request in writing a statement of the reasons for nonrenewal. The Superintendent will provide a written statement of reasons within thirty days after the receipt of any such request. The nontenured teaching staff member shall have the right to an informal appearance before the Board to permit the staff member an opportunity to convince the members of the Board to offer reemployment. The staff member must request the appearance before the Board within ten calendar days of receipt of the statement of reasons. The Board is not required to offer reemployment or vote on reemployment after an informal hearing with a nontenured teaching staff member who was not recommended for reemployment by the Superintendent. The Board may, with a majority vote of its full membership in public session and without the recommendation of the Superintendent, offer the teaching staff member reemployment after an informal hearing.

CODE OF ETHICS

The written standards for professionalism in the workplace issued by the Alexandria Township School District Professionalism Committee are approved and endorsed by the ATEA and ATBOE. The professionalism standards will guide staff members in conducting themselves in accordance with the ethical standards of their position in the district. All staff members employed by the district will abide by the standards.

Standards for Professionalism in the Workplace

The term “professionalism” utilized in this document applies to all staff members employed by the Alexandria Township School District.

Goal and Vision

All employees of the Alexandria Township School District will conduct themselves, in both appearance and performance, to a high standard of professionalism that encourages growth of mutual respect in the work environment. Professionals are people who will share the best version of their productive selves. They will be able to maintain demeanor in all situations and respect others. Their professional growth should be innovative, ongoing, and increase knowledge and skills that will be shared with all stakeholders. Professionals should be well prepared, cooperative, and collaborative when interacting with others in order to promote a positive work ethic. People should foster positive partnerships by building solid reputations as effective staff members in the school, as well as in the community. All staff members should support the policies and procedures of the district.

Rights

of2 All employees of the Alexandria Township School District have the right to work in a safe environment where they are treated with respect by the students, staff, Board of Education, parents, and community members. In such an environment, professionals would have the right to respectfully voice their opinion and be heard. In order to grow professionally in their area of expertise, professionals will be provided with the materials needed to successfully do the job. Professionals will be encouraged and supported to take thoughtful risks in pursuit of their professional growth.

Responsibilities

In order to secure these rights, all employees of the Alexandria Township School District will follow the Code of Ethics adopted by the Board of Education, as well as their respective code of ethics for their area of expertise as mandated by the State of New Jersey. Employees will use and share all resources responsibly. It is the responsibility of all professionals to treat others with respect and keep information confidential. Professionals should work collaboratively and collegially as members of productive teams. Whenever possible, all employees are expected to resolve problems/differences directly with the individuals involved, learn from mistakes, and take the necessary steps to improve working relationships.

DISCIPLINE

The Board of Education directs all teaching staff members to observe statutes of the State of New Jersey, rules of the State Board of Education, policies of this Board, and duly promulgated administrative rules and regulations governing staff conduct. Violations of those statutes, rules, policies and regulations will be subject to discipline.

The Superintendent shall deal with disciplinary matters on a case by case basis. Discipline measures will include verbal and written warnings as appropriate and will provide, wherever possible, for progressive penalties for repeated violations. Penalties may include suspension, withholding one or more increments, and dismissal.

In the event disciplinary action is contemplated, notice will be given to the teaching staff member in ordinary and concise language of the specific acts and omissions upon which the disciplinary action is based; the text of the statute, policy, or rule that the member is alleged to have violated; a date when the member may be heard and the administrator who will hear the matter; and the penalty that may be imposed.

of2 WITHHOLDING AN INCREMENT

Advancements on the salary guide, including annual employment and adjustment increments, are not automatically granted and must be earned by satisfactory performance. Advancements require favorable evaluations of the employee's performance of assigned duties, a satisfactory attendance record, and adherence to the rules of this district and high standards of professional conduct.

The Board of Education may determine, by recorded roll call majority vote of the full membership and at any time prior to the commencement of the school year or contract year in which the employee's salary will vest, to withhold any or all of the increments indicated by the salary guide or by Board policy. In no case will the Board withhold a portion of an increment.

The Board shall, within ten days of its formal action to withhold an increment, give written notice to the affected employee of both the action and the reason or reasons for which it was taken.

The purpose of the Board in withholding increments is to improve the educational program and encourage the highest possible professional performance of its employees. Accordingly, all reasonable efforts will be made to inform employees of any deficiencies that may result in the withholding of an increment and to assist them in the correction of those deficiencies.

An increment withheld may be restored only by action of the Board. Nothing in this policy shall limit the right of a successor Board to restore an employee from whom an increment or increments have been withheld to that place on the salary guide he/she would have achieved had the increment or increments not been withheld.

CONSULTING OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT

The Board of Education recognizes that teaching staff members will have expertise and knowledge in areas that other school districts, agencies, and other entities may desire. Recognizing that the school district will request the expertise from teaching staff members from other school districts, agencies and other entities, the Board supports sharing of its teaching staff members with other school districts, agencies, and other entities to the extent it does not interfere with the efficient and effective operation of the school district.

The Superintendent may recommend to the Board a teaching staff member’s attendance in another school district, agency or other entity without additional remuneration to the teaching staff member or school district, upon a written request from the agency or from the teaching staff member.

The Board of Education recognizes teaching staff members will have expertise and knowledge in areas that other school districts, public and private agencies, and private business organizations may desire to compensate as a paid consultant. When a teaching staff member serves as a paid consultant, the teaching staff member is not permitted to use normal work hours for any paid consulting activities.

of2 The teaching staff member must complete any paid consulting activities on their own time to include vacation days, evenings, weekends, and/or school holidays.

ATTENDANCE

The regular and prompt attendance of teaching staff members is an essential element in the efficient operation of the school district and the effective conduct of the educational program. Because absenteeism exacts a high cost in the depletion of district resources and in the disruption of the educational program, the Board of Education is vitally interested in the attendance of each employee and considers conscientious attendance an important criterion of satisfactory job performance.

The privilege of district employment imposes on each teaching staff member the responsibility to be on the job on time every scheduled working day. This responsibility requires that the employee maintain good health standards, take intelligent precautions against accidents, both on and off the job, and manage his/her personal affairs to avoid conflict with district responsibilities.

A teaching staff member who fails to give prompt notice of an absence, misuses sick leave, fails to verify an absence in accordance with Board policy, falsifies the reason for an absence, is absent without authorization, is repeatedly tardy, or accumulates an excessive number of absences without good cause may be subject to discipline, which may include the withholding of one or subsequent salary increments and/or certification of tenure charges.

No teaching staff member will be discouraged from the prudent, necessary use of sick leave and any other leave provided for in the contract negotiated with the member's majority representative or provided in the policies of the Board.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No teaching staff member of the Board of Education shall have any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engage in any business or transaction or professional activity which is in conflict with the proper discharge of the teaching staff member’s duties.

No teaching staff member shall use or attempt to use his/her position to secure unwarranted privileges or advantages.

No teaching staff member of the Board shall act in his/her official capacity in any matter wherein he/she has a direct or indirect personal financial interest.

No teaching staff member of the Board shall accept any gift, favor, service or other thing of value under circumstances from which it might be reasonably inferred that such gift, service or other thing of value was given or offered for the purpose of influencing the teaching staff member in the discharge of his/her duties.

of2 The Board directs that teaching staff members instruct their pupils to express their appreciation by means other than gifts.

Teaching staff members may receive gifts of only nominal value from pupils or their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

The Superintendent may approve an act or gift of appreciation to an individual teaching staff member when special circumstances warrant.

DRESS AND GROOMING

The Board of Education believes that the appearance and dress of teaching staff members is an important component of the educational program of this school district. The attitude of teaching staff members about their professional responsibilities and the importance of education in the lives of their pupils are reflected in their dress and appearance. Accordingly, in order to create an atmosphere of respect for teachers and an environment conducive to discipline and learning, the Board establishes the following rules for the dress of teaching staff members in the performance of their professional duties. All staff members, when pupils are present, shall:

1. Be physically clean, neat and well groomed.

2. Dress in a manner which reflects favorably upon the teaching profession.

3. Unacceptable dress for all personnel:

• Shorts and miniskirts (less than three inches with hands at sides).

• Transparent garments.

• Exposed midriff.

• Blue jeans.

• T-shirts and sweatshirts/sweatpants.

• Sunglasses within the building (except for documented medical reasons).

• Flip flops, sneakers (may be worn by physical education teachers) and work boots (except for documented medical reasons)

• Ripped or torn clothing.

of2 Physical education teachers may wear uniforms, which are conducive to their subject area. Athletic jackets, pullover shirts with collars, slacks, jogging suits, shorts and T-shirts in gym or outdoors are acceptable. Physical education staff must wear sweat pants, jogging pants or warm up type pants and a collared shirt when out of the gym and in health class, working in an office, on duty, in the cafeteria and/or in the hallway. When not in the gym all day, physical education teachers come under the regular dress policy.

Related arts teachers, science teachers and preschool/kindergarten teachers may wear appropriate clothing to accommodate special teaching situations after discussion and approval from the Principal.

Teacher aides are expected to adhere to the same dress code as professional staff.

When desired, in a consistent manner, the Building Principal may relax the dress code for members of the faculty.

USE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

The Board of Education cannot condone an employee's resort to force or fear in the treatment of pupils, even those pupils whose conduct appears to be open defiance of authority. Each pupil is protected by law from bodily harm and from offensive bodily touching.

Teaching staff members shall not use physical force or the threat of physical force to maintain discipline or compel obedience except as permitted by law, but may remove pupils from the classroom or school by the lawful procedures established for the suspension and expulsion of pupils.

A teaching staff member who:

1. Uses force or fear to discipline a pupil except as such force or fear may be necessary to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others, to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects upon the person or within the control of a pupil, to act in self-defense, or to protect persons or property;

2. Touches a pupil in an offensive way even though no physical harm is intended;

3. Permits pupils to harm one another by fighting; or

4. Punishes pupils by means that are cruel or unusual; will be subject to discipline by this Board and may be dismissed.

EVALUATION OF NONTENURED TEACHING STAFF MEMBERS

The Board of Education recognizes the importance of implementing a program for the evaluation of nontenured teaching staff members in accordance with law for the purposes of identifying and Page 25 of2 correcting deficiencies, improving professional competence and excellence, improving the quality of instruction received by pupils of this district, and assisting the Board in determining the member's reemployment.

The program of evaluation of nontenured teaching staff members shall include the observation and evaluation of each such employee in the performance of his or her duties by an appropriate supervisor no fewer than three times during each school year. Evaluations are to take place before April 30 th of each year. The evaluations may cover that period between April 30th of one year and April 30th of the succeeding year except in the case of the first year of employment where the three evaluations must be completed prior to April 30th. The number of required observations and evaluations may be reduced proportionately when an individual teaching staff member’s term of service is less than one academic year. Each evaluation shall be followed by a conference between the teaching staff member and his or her superior or supervisor(s). The purpose of the observation and evaluation of nontenured teaching staff members shall be to improve professional competence, identify deficiencies, extend assistance for the correction of such deficiencies, provide a basis for recommendations regarding reemployment, and improve the quality of instruction received by the pupils served by the school(s) in the district.

Supervisors shall make every effort to assist nontenured teaching staff members in the remediation of deficiencies disclosed by observation and evaluation and may conduct additional observations and evaluations. Supervisors should recognize the purposes of this policy cannot be realized by evaluations that do not record the weaknesses, as well as the strengths of teaching staff members.

EVALUATION OF TENURED TEACHING STAFF MEMBERS

The Board of Education recognizes that the continuing evaluation of tenured teaching staff members is essential to the achievement of the educational goals of this district. The purpose of a program of evaluation will be to promote professional excellence and improve the skills of tenured teaching staff members, improve pupil learning and growth, and provide a basis for the review of teaching staff member performance. The Board will provide leadership, adequate resources for supervision and professional development, time for the proper conduct of evaluations, and time for in-service training.

Each tenured teaching staff member except the Superintendent and administrators, who will be evaluated in accordance, shall be evaluated annually by appropriately certified and trained administrators or supervisors against criteria that evolve logically from the instructional priorities and program objectives set forth in the teaching staff member's job description.

Each tenured teaching staff member shall also be evaluated against available indicators of pupil progress and growth.

The Superintendent shall develop, in consultation with tenured teaching staff members, job descriptions and evaluation criteria for each teaching staff member position. Job descriptions will be clearly and concisely stated and will be provided to the Board for its information.

of2 The Superintendent shall distribute to each teaching staff member, no later than October 1st of each school year, a copy of this policy and the teaching staff member's job description and evaluation criteria; any amendments made subsequently to these documents will be distributed no later than ten days after their adoption.

The Superintendent shall develop, in consultation with teaching staff members, procedures for the evaluation of tenured teaching staff members that include, as a minimum:

1. The collection and reporting of data that is appropriate to the job description and includes as a minimum the observation of classroom instruction;

2. Observation conferences between the tenured teaching staff member and the evaluating supervisor;

3. The preparation of individual professional improvement plans;

4. The preparation by the supervisor of an annual written performance report, which shall include the teaching staff member's performance areas for strength and development, an individual professional improvement plan developed by the member and the supervisor, and a summary of the results of formal and informal assessments of the member's pupils along with a statement as to how these pupil indicators relate to the effectiveness of the overall program and to the member's performance;

5. The conduct of an annual summary conference between the supervisor and the member that will include a review of the member's performance, progress toward the objectives set forth in the professional improvement plan developed at the previous annual conference, pupil assessments and growth toward program objectives, and the written performance report prepared by the supervisor; and

6. The signing of the annual written performance report within five working days of the annual summary conference and the provision that the member may, within ten working days of the signing of the report, augment the report with additional performance data.

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES The Board of Education recognizes that teaching staff members enjoy a private life outside the schools in which they enjoy associations and engage in activities for a variety of personal, economic, religious, or cultural reasons. The Board believes that the role of the teaching profession is such that teachers exert a continuing influence away from the schools. Further, the Board has directed the evaluation of staff in terms of their faithfulness to and effectiveness in discharging professional duties. Accordingly, the Board reserves the right to determine when activities outside the schools interfere with a staff member's professional performance and the discharge of the member's responsibilities to the pupils of this district.

of2 The Board directs that all teaching staff members be governed in the conduct of personal activities by the following guidelines: 1. Teaching staff members should refrain from conduct, associations, and offensive speech that, if given publicity, would tend to have an adverse or harmful effect upon pupils or the school community;

2. Teaching staff members should not devote time during the working day to an outside activity without valid reason. They will not solicit or accept customers for private enterprises on school premises or during the school day without the express permission of the Principal;

3. The Board does not endorse, support, or assume liability in any way for any staff member of this district who takes pupils on trips not approved by the Board or Superintendent, and shall not be liable for the welfare of pupils who travel on such trips. No staff member may solicit pupils of this district for such trips within the facilities or on the school grounds of the district;

4. Teaching staff members shall not campaign on school premises on behalf of any candidate for local, state, or national office or for any public question on the ballot;

5. Teaching staff members should not tutor pupils currently enrolled in their classes privately for compensation;

6. Professional staff such as but not limited to school and related services personnel shall not provide services to students currently enrolled.

TUTORIAL SERVICES

A. Tutoring in the Instructional and Athletic Program

1. Teachers or coaches will make every reasonable effort to assist pupils assigned to them who need extra help in the reinforcement of skills.

2. In-school tutoring or coaching assistance may be given during the course of the school day or during the periods immediately before or after the school day.

3. In-school tutoring and coaching is part of a teaching staff member’s district responsibility and no teacher or coach may charge a fee for such services.

B. Tutoring or Coaching Outside the School

1. A teacher or coach who believes that a pupil would profit educationally by regularly scheduled outside tutorial or coaching help will so inform the

of2 Building Principal. No such recommendation may be made until the teacher or coach has offered extra help in accordance with paragraph A.

2. If the Building Principal concurs in the teacher’s recommendation, he/she will notify the pupil’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

3. The responsibility of securing a tutor or coach rests with the parent or legal guardian, but the teacher or coach and, where applicable, the pupil’s guidance counselor should be prepared to discuss the pupil’s performance and needs with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

4. On the parent’s or legal guardian’s written request (in accordance with Policy No. 8330), the teacher or coach should cooperate with the tutor or coach providing services, in providing information and materials used in class and in specifying skills needing reinforcement.

5. Private tutoring or coaching is to be provided off school premises, and reimbursement is to be made by the pupil or parent(s) or legal guardian(s) directly to the tutor or coach.

6. Teachers and coaches are prohibited from providing private tutoring or coaching services to pupils assigned to them in the regular school program.

7. No tutoring or coaching for which a teacher or coach receives a fee shall be carried on in the school building.

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT AS ATHLETIC COACH

The Board of Education will permit, in accordance with this Policy, staff members of this school district to serve as an athletic coach in another school district providing the responsibilities in the other district do not interfere with the performance of the staff member’s professional responsibilities in this district.

A staff member who wishes to accept employment as an athletic coach in another school district must request and receive permission to do so from the Superintendent of this district if the staff member may need to request any special accommodation(s) from this school district to fulfill their coaching responsibilities in another school district. A special accommodation may be consideration for a requested duty assignment(s), a temporary work schedule adjustment and/or other considerations. The staff member’s request to the Superintendent must be in writing and must indicate with specificity the accommodation(s) that may be required. The Superintendent, in consultation with the staff member’s Building Principal and/or immediate supervisor, will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis.

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

of2 The Board of Education recognizes and encourages the right of all citizens, including teaching staff members, to engage in political activity. The Board prohibits the use of school premises and school time, however, for partisan political purposes.

The Board establishes the following guidelines to govern teaching staff members in their political activities:

1. A teaching staff member shall not engage in political activity on school premises unless permitted in accordance with Board Policy No. 7510 - Use of School Facilities and/or applicable Federal and State laws;

2. A teaching staff member shall not post political circulars or petitions on school premises nor distribute such circulars or petitions to pupils nor solicit campaign funds or campaign workers on school premises;

3. A teaching staff member shall not display any material that would tend to promote any candidate for office on an election day in a school facility that is used as a polling place;

4. A teaching staff member shall not engage in any activity in the presence of pupils while on school property, which activity is intended and/or designed to promote, further or assert a position(s) on labor relations issues.

No teaching staff member who holds elective or appointive office is so entitled to time off, except as such time off may be provided for by Board policy or negotiated agreement.

The provisions of this policy do not apply to the discussion and study of politics and political issues appropriate to the curriculum, the conduct of pupil elections, or the conduct of employee representative elections.

Nothing in this Policy shall be interpreted to impose a burden on the constitutionally protected speech or conduct of a staff member or pupil.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Board of Education encourages all teaching staff members to pursue a program of continuing professional development by course work or matriculation in institutions of higher learning, participation in workshops and conferences, membership in professional organizations, and independent scholarship.

Teaching staff members may be permitted to: visit other schools and classrooms; attend local, regional, or national conferences; participate in committees, workshops, and panels, both within and outside the district. Requests for participation in such professional development Page 30 of2 activities must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent or designee for approval. In addition, the Board of Education must approve all travel expenditures in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12 and the State of New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Office of Management and Budget Circulars 08-19-OMB and 06-14-OMB (OMB Circulars) and any superseding circulars and any additional requirements set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7 et seq.

A teaching staff member who has been granted time off and/or approved to be reimbursed for a professional development activity shall submit to the Superintendent or designee, with a copy to the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, within 10 working days, a brief written report that includes the primary purpose of the travel, the key issues addressed at the event, and their relevance to improving instruction or the operations of the school district.

Each active teacher shall be required to complete 100 clock hours of State-approved continuing professional development and/or in-service every five years pursuant with N.J.A.C. 6A:9-15.2 et seq. Professional activities/meetings referenced in this Policy shall align with the Professional Standards for Teachers as set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:9-3.3.

The Superintendent shall prepare and distribute to all teaching staff members regulations governing professional development activities. The Superintendent shall report regularly to the Board on the professional development activities of teaching staff members.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board directs the Superintendent to require the preparation of lesson plans by each teacher that implement the goals and objectives of the educational program. Teachers shall also be responsible for providing adequate direction and guidance to substitutes. Lesson plans will be subject to periodic review by the Building Principal.

The Superintendent shall apply uniformly throughout the district, except as may otherwise be provided in this policy, the following additional rules for teaching staff member conduct:

1. During the work day, teaching staff members may be assigned extra or alternative duties by the Building Principal;

2. Teaching staff members are expected to attend every faculty meeting unless expressly excused by the Building Principal;

3. A teaching staff member who is excused from attending a faculty meeting must meet with the Building Principal the following day to review the topics covered at the meeting;

4. Teaching staff members may leave the school grounds during mealtime provided they sign in and out in the main office.

LESSON PLANS AND PLAN BOOKS Page 31 of2 A. Lesson Plans

1. Each teaching staff member assigned specific instructional responsibilities shall prepare regular lesson plans.

2. The primary focus for instructional planning will be on the development of common instructional units. Each unit of instruction shall include a description of: i. New Jersey Core Curriculum Content standard(s) ii. District progress indicator(s) iii. Habits of Mind iv. Core vocabulary words v. Technology infusion vi. Description of formative and summative assessments vii. Sequence of instructional activities

3. Classes identified as “in-class support” shall also include a description of the necessary and appropriate modifications for special needs learners.

4. Instructional unit plans must be completed at least one week prior to implementation.

5. It is understood that the format of daily instructional plans may differ based on student needs and teacher preferences. However, daily instructional plans must, at a minimum, include a description of: i. Content area ii. Timeframe iii. Lesson title iv. Instructional objective(s) v. Sequential description of the learning activities vi. Formative assessment method(s) vii. Methods of differentiation

B. Plan Books

1. A plan book will be kept by each teacher. As part of routine check out procedures at the end of the school year, the principal shall collect all plan books.

of2 2. In the case of tenured teachers in good standing, plan books do not need to be submitted for review. However, if requested these plans must be made available in a timely manner.

3. Non-tenured teachers and tenured teachers identified as requiring assistance with instructional planning will submit daily instructional plans to a designated administrator. The schedule for submission of plan books will be provided by that designated administrator.

C. Substitute Lesson Plans

1. Each teacher shall submit a substitute folder to the front office before the end of the first full week of school. These plans shall contain the following: i. 3 days of lesson plans. ii. A master copy of any special materials required to complete those lessons. iii. Classroom rosters. iv. Daily schedules including any assigned duty periods. v. Procedures for taking student attendance. vi. Names of pupils receiving remedial instruction or removed from the classroom for any reason during the school day. vii. Location of crisis response materials.

2. It is the staff member’s responsibility to update their substitute folder when necessary.

LIABILITY FOR PUPIL WELFARE Teaching staff members are responsible for supervision of pupils and must discharge that responsibility with the highest levels of care and prudent conduct. All teaching staff members of this district shall be governed by the following rules in order to protect the well-being of pupils and to avoid any assignment of liability to this Board of Education or to a staff member personally in the event a pupil is injured. The Superintendent shall prepare such regulations as may be required to enforce the following rules: 1. Each teaching staff member must maintain a standard of care for supervision, control, and protection of pupils commensurate with the member's assigned duties and responsibilities; 2. A teaching staff member should not voluntarily assume responsibility for duties he/she cannot reasonably perform. Such assumed responsibilities carry the same potential for liability as do assigned responsibilities;

of2 3. A teaching staff member must provide proper instruction in safety wherever course guides so provide; 4. A teaching staff member must report immediately to the Building Principal any accident or safety hazard the member detects; 5. A teaching staff member must not send pupils on personal errands; 6. A teaching staff member must never transport pupils in a personal vehicle without approval of the Building Principal; 7. A teaching staff member must not require a pupil to perform tasks that may be detrimental to the health or well-being of the pupil or other pupils; 8. A teaching staff member will refrain from the use of personal furnishings and equipment in the classroom without the express permission of the Principal; 9. A teaching staff member must immediately report any instance of substance abuse, violence, vandalism, accidents, or suspected child abuse in accordance.

3281- INAPPROPRIATE STAFF CONDUCT

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of all pupils within this school district. Furthermore, the Board recognizes there exists a professional responsibility for all school staff to protect a pupil’s health, safety and welfare. The Board strongly believes that school staff members have the public’s trust and confidence to protect the well-being of all pupils attending the school district.

In support of this Board’s strong commitment to the public’s trust and confidence of school staff, the Board of Education holds all school staff to the highest level of professional responsibility in their conduct with all pupils. Inappropriate conduct and conduct unbecoming a school staff member will not be tolerated in this school district.

The Board recognizes and appreciates the staff-pupil professional relationship that exists in a school district’s educational environment. This Policy has been developed and adopted by this Board to provide guidance and direction to avoid actual and/or the appearance of inappropriate staff conduct and conduct unbecoming a school staff member toward pupils.

School staff’s conduct in completing their professional responsibilities shall be appropriate at all times. School staff shall not make inappropriate comments to pupils or about pupils and shall not engage in inappropriate language or expression in the presence of pupils. School staff shall not engage in inappropriate conduct toward or with pupils. School staff shall not engage or seek to be in the presence of a pupil beyond the staff member’s professional responsibilities. School staff shall not provide transportation to a pupil in their private vehicle or permit a pupil Page 34 of2 into their private vehicle unless there is an emergency or a special circumstance that has been approved in advance by the Building Principal/immediate supervisor and the parent/legal guardian.

The Commissioner of Education has determined inappropriate conduct by a school staff member outside their professional responsibilities may be considered conduct unbecoming a staff member. Therefore, school staff members are advised to be concerned with such conduct which may include, but are not limited to, communications and/or publications using e-mails, text-messaging, social networking sites, or any other medium that is directed and/or available to pupils or for public display.

A school staff member is always expected to maintain a professional relationship with pupils and to protect the health, safety and welfare of school pupils. A staff member’s conduct will be held to the professional standards established by the New Jersey State Board of Education and the New Jersey Commissioner of Education. Inappropriate conduct or conduct unbecoming a staff member may also include conduct not specifically listed in this Policy, but conduct determined by the New Jersey State Board of Education, the New Jersey Commissioner of Education and/or appropriate courts to be inappropriate or conduct unbecoming a school staff member.

School personnel, compensated and uncompensated (volunteers), are required to report to their immediate supervisor or Building Principal any possible violations of this Policy. In the event the report alleges conduct by the Building Principal or the immediate supervisor, the school staff member may report directly to the Superintendent. In addition, school personnel having reasonable cause to believe a pupil has been subjected to child abuse or neglect or acts of child abuse or neglect as defined under N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10 are required to immediately report to the Division of Youth and Family Services in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-10.1 et seq. and inform the Building Principal or immediate supervisor after making such report. However, notice to the Building Principal or designee need not be given when the school staff member believes such notice would likely endanger the referrer or child(ren) involved or when the staff member believes that such disclosure would likely result in retaliation against the child or in discrimination against the referrer with respect to his/her employment.

Reports may be made in writing or with verbal notification. The immediate supervisor or Building Principal will notify the Superintendent of Schools of all reports, including anonymous reports. The Supervisor of Student Services will investigate all reports with a final report to the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent may, at any time after receiving a report, take such appropriate action as necessary and as provided for in the law. This may include, but is not limited to, notifying law enforcement, notifying the Division of Youth and Family Services in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-10.2 et seq., and/or any other measure provided for in the law.

This Policy will be distributed to all school staff and provided to staff members at anytime upon request. Page 35 of2 STAFF MEMBER’S USE OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES

The Alexandria Township Board of Education recognizes a school teaching staff member may need to make a personal telephone call during their workday when the telephone call cannot be made before the staff member reports to work and/or after the staff member’s workday has concluded.

In the event the staff member has an occasion to make a personal telephone call during their workday, and the telephone call is of such a nature that it cannot be made before the staff member’s workday begins or after the workday has concluded, the school staff member may make a personal telephone call using their personal cellular telephone during the workday provided the telephone call is made during the staff member’s duty free lunch or break periods and is made outside the presence of pupils either in an area inside or outside the school building designated by the staff member’s Building Principal or immediate supervisor.

A personal telephone call by a school staff member on their personal cellular telephone shall not be made while the staff member is performing assigned school district responsibilities.

In the event the staff member has an emergency requiring immediate attention that requires the personal use of their personal cellular telephone, the teaching staff member shall inform their Building Principal or immediate supervisor before or immediately after using the cellular telephone, depending on the nature of the emergency.

Employees’ cell phones are to remain “off” during the instructional day (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).

LOAN OF SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

The Board of Education believes that district owned equipment is a valuable resource that may be loaned for community use under certain conditions and when such use does not interfere with the educational program of the school.

The Board may lend specific items of equipment on the written request of the user when approval has been granted by the Superintendent and School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and when such equipment is unobtainable elsewhere.

School equipment may be removed from school property by pupils or staff members only when such equipment is necessary to accomplish a task arising from their school or job responsibilities. The consent of the Building Principal is required for such removal. The removal of school equipment from school property by pupils or employees for personal use is prohibited.

The user of school owned equipment shall be fully liable for any damage or loss occurring to the equipment during the period of its use, regardless of any assignment of negligence, and shall be responsible for its safe return. When equipment authorized for loan requires the services of a qualified

of2 operator, the user shall employ the services of a person designated by this district and shall pay such costs as may have been set for such services.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Board of Education recognizes that an employee's right to freedom from employment discrimination includes the opportunity to work in an environment untainted by sexual harassment. Sexually offensive speech and conduct are wholly inappropriate to the harmonious employment relationships necessary to the operation of the school district and intolerable in a workplace to which the children of this district are exposed.

Sexual harassment includes all unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical contacts of a sexual nature that would not have happened but for the employee's gender. Whenever submission to such conduct is made a condition of employment or a basis for an employment decision, or when such conduct is severe and pervasive and has the purpose or effect of unreasonably altering or interfering with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment, the employee shall have cause for complaint.

The sexual harassment of any employee of this district is strictly forbidden. Any employee or agent of this Board who is found to have sexually harassed an employee of this district will be subject to discipline which may include termination of employment. Any employee who has been exposed to sexual harassment by any employee or agent of this Board is encouraged to report the harassment to an appropriate supervisor. An employee may complain of any failure of the Board to take corrective action by recourse to the procedure by which a discrimination complaint is processed. The employee may appeal the Board's action or inaction to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights. Complaints regarding sexual harassment shall be submitted following the procedures outlined in Regulation No. 1530, Equal Employment Opportunity.

The Affirmative Action Officer shall instruct all employees and agents of this Board to recognize and correct speech and behavior patterns that may be sexually offensive with or without the intent to offend.

ANTICIPATED DISABILITY

The Board of Education shall provide for leaves of absence, in accordance with law and the policies of this Board, for any employee of this district not covered by the terms of a negotiated agreement whose absence from duties will be required for a foreseeable event of disability such as childbirth or surgery.

An employee who anticipates disability shall so notify the Superintendent as soon as the employee is under medical supervision for the condition and a date is projected for the anticipated disability. Because of the potentially disabling nature of pregnancy and the certainty of temporary disability at birth, the Board will presume that a pregnant employee is disabled for work thirty days before the anticipated date of childbirth and continues to be disabled for thirty days after birth, except that any Page 37 of2 such employee who presents medical certification of her fitness may continue to work until she is actually disabled and may return to work as soon as she is able.

The Board reserves the right to require an employee who requests an extended leave of absence that includes anticipated disability to commence and/or terminate the leave at times that ensure continuity in the educational program. No person who is required to take leave at a time other than that requested will be denied the use of sick leave for the anticipated disability that occurs or is presumed to occur during the leave.

An employee who anticipates a disability may request a leave of absence to commence before disability and to extend beyond the period of disability. Any such request shall be subject to Board discretion and the Board's policy on leave of absence. An employee on voluntary leave of absence is not eligible for sick leave pay for disability occurring during the period of that absence.

SICK LEAVE

The Board of Education shall grant sick leave, in accordance with law, to teaching staff members absent from work because of personal disability or quarantine. Each steadily employed employee eligible for sick leave will be entitled annually to the number of paid sick leave days negotiated with the employee's majority representative or provided in this policy or in an individual contract with the Board.

PERSONAL LEAVE

The Board of Education will provide compensated absence for reasons of personal necessity for teaching staff members not covered by the terms of a negotiated agreement or in an individual contract with the Board.

The Board reserves the right to determine the reasons for which personal leave will be granted, the number of days that may be used in any one school year for personal leave, and the manner of proof of personal necessity.

The Board of Education recognizes that certain absences are justifiable and will provide for employee absences authorized by law and consistent with contractual agreement.

1. Definition of Unauthorized Leave

Unauthorized leave is defined as nonperformance of those duties and responsibilities assigned by the district and its representatives including all duties and responsibilities as defined by statute, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, policies of the Board and administrative regulations of this school district. Such unauthorized leave may include but is not limited to collective refusals to provide service, unauthorized use of sick leave, unauthorized use of other leave benefits, nonattendance at required meetings and failure to perform supervisory functions at school-sponsored activities. Page 38 of2 An employee is deemed to be on unauthorized leave at such time and on such occasions as the employee may absent himself/herself from required duties without prior approval.

of2 2. Disciplinary Action

Unauthorized leave shall constitute a breach of contract and, therefore, may result in the initiation of dismissal procedures, loss of salary or such disciplinary action as may be deemed appropriate.

Beginning on the first day of unauthorized leave, no warrant shall be drawn in favor of any employee who has not faithfully performed all duties prescribed.

An employee shall receive as salary only an amount that has the same ratio to the established annual salary as the time he/she serves has to the required days of service.

RELIGIOUS LEAVE

No paid leave can be granted employees specifically for religious observance. Employees may use personal leave or apply for unpaid leave.

JURY DUTY

The Board of Education will indemnify any teaching staff member against loss of pay incurred by a call to jury duty. No such employee will be penalized in any way for an absence caused by service on a panel of grand or petit jurors. The time any such employee is absent on jury duty will not be charged against personal leave and will count as school district service.

Teaching staff members shall report a call to jury duty during the school term to the Principal or their immediate supervisor who shall determine whether or not a replacement is available. Teaching staff members scheduled for jury service during the school term for whom the administration indicates a replacement cannot reasonably be found shall seek from the Assignment Judge an excusal or deferment of service. Teaching staff members shall obtain from the Superintendent, or designee, a letter indicating the lack of availability of a substitute in such instances.

A teaching staff member who is a full-time teacher and is absent from school duties on jury duty for any court of New Jersey, any court of any other State, any federal district court, or in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey will receive their usual compensation from the school district for each day the teaching staff member is present for jury duty. In the event there is any jury duty compensation, excluding mileage and lodging, paid to the teaching staff member for their time on jury duty, the teaching staff member will reimburse the school district the amount of any jury duty compensation paid to the staff member.

An employee summoned to jury duty shall promptly report the summons to his/her immediate supervisor. On return from jury duty, the employee must submit to his/her immediate supervisor a court record of the number of days served on jury duty.

of2 While on jury duty, an employee must report daily to his/her supervisor the schedule for the following day and must report to work when he/she is excused from jury duty for half a day or more or suffer loss of pay.

PUPILS

PUPIL SUICIDE PREVENTION

The Board of Education recognizes that depression and self-destruction are problems of increasing severity among children and adolescents. A pupil under severe stress cannot benefit fully from the educational program and may pose a threat to himself or herself or others.

The Board directs all school personnel to be alert to the pupil who exhibits signs of potential self- destruction or who threatens or attempts suicide. Any such signs or the report of such signs from another pupil or staff member should be taken with the utmost seriousness and reported immediately to the Building Principal, who shall notify the pupil's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and other professional staff members in accordance with administrative regulations.

A potentially suicidal pupil shall be referred to the Child Study Team for appropriate evaluation and/or recommendation for independent medical or psychiatric services. In the event that the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) objects to the recommended evaluation or indicates an unwillingness to cooperate in the best interests of the pupil, the Child Study Team may contact the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services to request that agency's intervention on the pupil's behalf.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

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

Standards for pupil promotion shall be related to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and district goals and objectives and to the accomplishments of pupils. A pupil in the elementary grades will be promoted to the next succeeding grade level when he/she has completed the course requirements at the presently assigned grade; has achieved the instructional objectives set for the present grade; has demonstrated the proficiencies required for movement into the educational program of the next grade; and has demonstrated the degree of social, emotional, and physical maturation necessary for a successful learning experience in the next grade.

Promotion policies and procedures will be provided to parent(s) or legal guardian(s) as appropriate. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and pupils shall be regularly informed during the school year of the pupil's progress toward meeting promotion standards. A teacher who determines that a pupil's progress may not be sufficient to meet promotion standards shall notify the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and the pupil and offer immediate consultation to the pupil's parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Page 41 of2 Every effort shall be made to remediate a pupil's deficiencies before retention is recommended. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and, where appropriate, the pupil shall be notified of the possibility of the pupil's retention at grade level in advance and, whenever feasible, no later than ten weeks prior to the end of the school year.

I&RS Team shall recommend to the Superintendent the promotion or retention of each pupil. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and adult pupils may appeal a promotion or retention decision to the Superintendent whose decision shall be final.

EXPECTATIONS FOR PUPIL CONDUCT

The Board of Education believes that pupils should commit themselves to learning and to the development of their unique potential. Pupils should know that their attitudes and acts affect both their own and their classmates’ learning and should accept responsibility for helping to create a positive school environment. With the support and assistance of school staff members and parent(s) or legal guardian(s), all pupils can contribute to the effectiveness of the schools and the value of their education.

The Board expects all pupils in this school district, commensurate with their age and ability, to:

1. Prepare themselves mentally and physically for the process of learning;

2. Respect the person, property, and intellectual and creative products of others;

3. Take responsibility for their own behavior;

4. Use time and other resources responsibly;

5. Share responsibilities when working with others;

6. Meet the requirements of each course of study;

7. Monitor their own progress toward school objectives; and

8. Communicate with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and appropriate school staff members.

The Superintendent shall, in consultation with staff members, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and, where appropriate, pupils, develop a statement of specific pupil behaviors that exemplify these expectations and shall publish both this policy and the statement of behaviors to all pupils, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and professional staff members.

DRESS AND GROOMING

of2 It is the purpose of the Alexandria Township Board of Education, in the matter of pupil grooming/dress code, to enhance the health and safety of the pupil and to avoid distractions to the educative process. It is not the intention of the Board neither to usurp parental prerogative in the determination of appropriate grooming for their children, nor to infringe on an individual’s freedom of speech.

Through out many school systems in the United States, schools have found a relationship between proper school dress and proper school behavior and grades. Therefore, pupils are encouraged to be neat, clean, and well groomed when attending classes, representing the school on field trips, and at all school functions. Clothing must be neat and not distracting or offensive to the pupils, staff, and citizens of the school community.

Therefore, during the school year, the following grooming/dress code regulations will be enforced in keeping with the policy, whereby, certain dress may be distracting or disturbing or causing danger to a pupil’s, staff member’s, citizens’ of the school community, or visitor’s to the school, health and/or safety.

A. Pants/Shorts

1. Must be worn at waist level;

2. Shorts are to extend no shorter than extended fingers with arms at side;

3. Undergarments are not to be visible;

4. No chains may be worn as belts or as accessories to pants/shorts.

B. Dresses/Skirts

1. Must be worn at waist level and extend no shorter than extended fingers plus three inches with arms at side;

2. Undergarments are not to be visible.

C. Shirts/Blouses

1. Must be “tuckable”, but not necessarily tucked in;

2. No half shirts exposing the midriff or shirts that expose the midriff when hands are raised straight up above the person’s head.

3. Males: Tank top/muscle shirts may only be worn with a T-shirt underneath;

4. Females: If "tank tops" (more-than sleeveless type of shirt), a double shirt must be worn. Appropriate undergarments are to be worn and not visible;

5. Fishnet shirts (with holes or see through) – must have a shirt underneath; Page 43 of2 6. Any skin-tight tops (i.e. leotard, swimwear, spandex etc.) must have a double shirt worn.

D. Footwear/Shoes

Must be firmly attached to the foot with a strap around the back of the foot.

E. Other

1. No outer coats are to be worn in class;

2. No sunglasses are allowed to be worn in the school building;

3. No hats are allowed to be worn in school;

4. No articles of clothing which are markedly soiled with grease, paint or dirt;

5. No articles of clothing which display indecent writing, pictures, slogans, inappropriate advertising(i.e. drugs, alcohol, tobacco products or of sexual nature), or slogans/pictorial effects degrading any cultural, religious or ethnic values;

6. No articles of clothing or other nature that could cause damage to other people or property;

7. No clothing that is extremely torn, slit, drags on the floor or is a state of disrepair;

8. Pupils may not change their clothing during regular school hours other than for gym class. After gym class, pupils must change into clothes they wore to school;

9. Any other articles which may be deemed by the administration as distracting or disruptive to the educational process.

5512- HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING

Table of Contents

Section Section Title

A. Policy Statement

B. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Definition

of2 C. Pupil Expectations

D. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions

E. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Off School Grounds

F. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reporting Procedure

G. Anti-Bullying Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Specialist and School Safety Team(s)

H. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Investigation

I. Range of Responses to an Incident of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying

J. Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited

K. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Action for False Accusation

L. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Publication and Dissemination

M. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Training and Prevention Programs

N. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Reevaluation, Reassessment and Review

O. Reports to Board of Education and New Jersey Department of Education

P. Reports to Law Enforcement

Q. Collective Bargaining Agreements and Individual Contracts

R. Pupils with Disabilities

A. Policy Statement

The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a pupil. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a pupil’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its pupils in a safe and disciplined environment. Since pupils learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Page 45 of2

For the purposes of this Policy, the term "parent," pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.3, means the natural parent(s) or adoptive parent(s), legal guardian(s), foster parent(s), or parent surrogate(s) of a pupil. Where parents are separated or divorced, "parent" means the person or agency which has legal custody of the pupil, as well as the natural or adoptive parent(s) of the pupil, provided such parental rights have not been terminated by a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

B. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Definition

“ Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, as defined in N.J.S.A. 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

3. Takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15.3, that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the Alexandria Township School District or the rights of Alexandria Township School 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 reasonable 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 pager.

C. Pupil Expectations

of2 The Board expects pupils to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of development, maturity and demonstrated capabilities with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other pupils and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities and the care of school facilities and equipment consistent with the Code of Pupil Conduct.

The Board believes that standards for pupil behavior must be set cooperatively through interaction among the pupils, parents, school employees, school administrators, school volunteers, and community representatives, producing an atmosphere that encourages pupils to grow in self-discipline. The development of this atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for school district and community property on the part of pupils, staff, and community members.

Pupils are expected to behave in a way that creates a supportive learning environment. The Board believes the best discipline is self-imposed, and it is the responsibility of staff to use instances of violations of the Code of Pupil Conduct as opportunities to help pupils learn to assume and accept responsibility for their behavior and the consequences of their behavior. Staff members who interact with pupils shall apply best practices designed to prevent pupil conduct problems and foster pupils’ abilities to grow in self-discipline.

The Board expects that pupils will act in accordance with the pupil behavioral expectations and standards regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying, including:

1. Pupil responsibilities (e.g., requirements for pupils to conform to reasonable standards of socially accepted behavior; respect the person, property and rights of others; obey constituted authority; and respond to those who hold that authority);

2. Appropriate recognition for positive reinforcement for good conduct, self- discipline, and good citizenship;

3. Pupil rights; and

4. Sanctions and due process for violations of the Code of Pupil Conduct.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(a) and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)1, the district has involved a broad-base of school and community members, including parents, pupils, instructional staff, pupil support services staff, school administrators, and school volunteers, as well as community organizations, such as faith-based, health and human service, business and law enforcement, in the development of this Policy. Based on locally determined and accepted core ethical values adopted by the Board, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)2, the Board must develop guidelines for pupil conduct pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1. These guidelines for pupil conduct will take into consideration Page 47 of2 the developmental ages of pupils, the severity of the offenses and pupils’ histories of inappropriate behaviors, and the mission and physical facilities of the individual school(s) in the district. This Policy requires all pupils in the district to adhere to the rules established by the school district and to submit to the remedial and consequential measures that are appropriately assigned for infractions of these rules.

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1, the Superintendent must annually provide to pupils and their parents or guardians the rules of the district regarding pupil conduct. Provisions shall be made for informing parents or guardians whose primary language is other than English.

The district prohibits active or passive support for acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Pupils are encouraged to support other pupils who:

1. Walk away from acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying when they see them;

2. Constructively attempt to stop acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;

3. Provide support to pupils who have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, or bullying; and

4. Report acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying to the designated school staff member.

D. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions

The Board of Education requires its school administrators to implement procedures that ensure both the appropriate consequences and remedial responses for pupils who commit one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, consistent with the Code of Pupil Conduct, and the consequences and remedial responses for staff members who commit one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The following factors, at a minimum, shall be given full consideration by school administrators in the implementation of appropriate consequences and remedial measures for each act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying by pupils. Appropriate consequences and remedial actions are those that are graded according to the severity of the offense(s), consider the developmental ages of the pupil offenders and pupils’ histories of inappropriate behaviors, per the Code of Pupil Conduct and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.

Factors for Determining Consequences

1. Age, developmental and maturity levels of the parties involved and their relationship to the school district; Page 48 of2 2. Degrees of harm; 3. Surrounding circumstances; 4. Nature and severity of the behavior(s); 5. Incidences of past or continuing patterns of behavior; 6. Relationships between the parties involved; and 7. Context in which the alleged incidents occurred.

Factors for Determining Remedial Measures

Personal

1. Life skill deficiencies; 2. Social relationships; 3. Strengths; 4. Talents; 5. Traits; 6. Interests; 7. Hobbies; 8. Extra-curricular activities; 9. Classroom participation; 10. Academic performance; and 11. Relationship to pupils and the school district.

Environmental

1. School culture; 2. School climate; 3. Pupil-staff relationships and staff behavior toward the pupil; 4. General staff management of classrooms or other educational environments; 5. Staff ability to prevent and manage difficult or inflammatory situations; 6. Social-emotional and behavioral supports; 7. Social relationships; 8. Community activities; 9. Neighborhood situation; and 10. Family situation.

Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a pupil or staff member who commits one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion of pupils, as set forth in the Board’s approved Code of Pupil Conduct pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1. Consequences for a pupil who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall be varied and graded according to the nature of the behavior, the developmental age of the pupil and the pupil’s history of problem behaviors and

of2 performance, and must be consistent with the Board’s approved Code of Pupil Conduct and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7, Student Conduct.

Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent another occurrence of the problem, protect and provide support for the victim of the act, and take corrective action for documented systemic problems related to harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The consequences and remedial measures may include, but are not limited to, the examples listed below:

Consequences

1. Admonishment; 2. Temporary removal from the classroom; 3. Deprivation of privileges; 4. Classroom or administrative detention; 5. Referral to disciplinarian; 6. In-school suspension during the school week or the weekend; 7. After-school programs; 8. Out-of-school suspension (short-term or long-term); 9. Reports to law enforcement or other legal action; 10. Expulsion; and 11. Bans from providing services, participating in school-district-sponsored programs, or being in school buildings or on school grounds.

Remedial Measures - Personal

1. Restitution and restoration; 2. Peer support group; 3. Recommendations of a pupil behavior or ethics council; 4. Corrective instruction or other relevant learning or service experience; 5. Supportive pupil interventions, including participation of the Intervention and Referral Services Team, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8; 6. Behavioral assessment or evaluation, including, but not limited to, a referral to the Child Study Team, as appropriate; 7. Behavioral management plan, with benchmarks that are closely monitored; 8. Assignment of leadership responsibilities (e.g., hallway or bus monitor); 9. Involvement of school disciplinarian; 10. Pupil counseling; 11. Parent conferences; 12. Alternative placements (e.g., alternative education programs); 13. Pupil treatment; or 14. Pupil therapy.

Remedial Measures – Environmental (Classroom, School Building or School District) Page 50 of2

1. School and community surveys or other strategies for determining the conditions contributing to harassment, intimidation, or bullying; 2. School culture change; 3. School climate improvement; 4. Adoption of research-based, systemic bullying prevention programs; 5. School policy and procedures revisions; 6. Modifications of schedules; 7. Adjustments in hallway traffic; 8. Modifications in pupil routes or patterns traveling to and from school; 9. Supervision of pupil before and after school, including school transportation; 10. Targeted use of monitors (e.g., hallway, cafeteria, locker room, playground, school perimeter, bus); 11. Teacher aides; 12. Small or large group presentations for fully addressing the behaviors and the responses to the behaviors; 13. General professional development programs for certificated and non- certificated staff; 14. Professional development plans for involved staff; 15. Disciplinary action for school staff who contributed to the problem; 16. Supportive institutional interventions, including participation of the Intervention and Referral Services Team, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8; 17. Parent conferences; 18. Family counseling; 19. Involvement of parent-teacher organizations; 20. Involvement of community-based organizations; 21. Development of a general bullying response plan; 22. Recommendations of a pupil behavior or ethics council; 23. Peer support groups; 24. Alternative placements (e.g., alternative education programs); 25. School transfers; and 26. Law enforcement (e.g., safe schools resource officer, juvenile officer) involvement or other legal action.

The district will also impose appropriate consequences and remedial actions to a person who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a pupil. The consequences may include, but not be limited to: verbal or written reprimand, increment withholding, legal action, disciplinary action, termination, and/or bans from providing services, participating in school district-sponsored programs, or being in school buildings or on school grounds. Remedial measures may include, but not be limited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and work environment modifications.

E. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Off School Grounds Page 51 of2

This Policy and the Code of Pupil Conduct shall apply to instances when a school employee is made aware of alleged harassment, intimidation, or bullying occurring off school grounds when:

1. The alleged harassment, intimidation, or bullying has substantially disrupted or interfered with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other pupils; and either

2. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the alleged behavior will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a pupil or damaging the pupil’s property, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or

3. The alleged behavior has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils; or

4. The alleged behavior 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.

F. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reporting Procedure

The Board of Education requires the Principal at each school to be responsible for receiving complaints alleging violations of this Policy. All Board members, school employees, and volunteers and contracted service providers who have contact with pupils are required to verbally report alleged violations of this Policy to the Principal or the Principal’s designee on the same day when the individual witnessed or received reliable information regarding any such incident. All Board members, school employees, and volunteers and contracted service providers who have contact with pupils, also shall submit a report in writing to the Principal within two school days of the verbal report. The Principal will inform the parents of all pupils involved in alleged incidents, and, as appropriate, may discuss the availability of counseling and other intervention services. The Principal, upon receiving a verbal or written report, may take interim measures to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of all parties pending the findings of the investigation.

Pupils, parents, and visitors are encouraged to report alleged violations of this Policy to the Principal on the same day when the individual witnessed or received reliable information regarding any such incident. Pupils, parents, and visitors may report an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying anonymously. Formal action for violations of the Code of Pupil Conduct may not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.

of2 A Board member or school employee who promptly reports an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth in this Policy, is immune from a cause of action for damages arising from any failure to remedy the reported incident.

In accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-18, the harassment, intimidation, and bullying law does not prevent a victim from seeking redress under any other available law, either civil or criminal, nor does it create or alter any tort liability.

The district may consider every mechanism available to simplify reporting, including standard reporting forms and/or web-based reporting mechanisms. For anonymous reporting, the district may consider locked boxes located in areas of a school where reports can be submitted without fear of being observed.

A school administrator who receives a report of harassment, intimidation, and bullying from a district employee, and fails to initiate or conduct an investigation, or who should have known of an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying and fails to take sufficient action to minimize or eliminate the harassment, intimidation, or bullying, may be subject to disciplinary action.

G. Anti-Bullying Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Specialist and School Safety Team(s)

1. The Superintendent shall appoint a district Anti-Bullying Coordinator. The Superintendent shall make every effort to appoint an employee of the school district to this position.

The district Anti-Bullying Coordinator shall:

a. Be responsible for coordinating and strengthening the school district's policies to prevent, identify, and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils;

b. Collaborate with school Anti-Bullying Specialists in the district, the Board of Education, and the Superintendent to prevent, identify, and respond to harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils in the district;

c. Provide data, in collaboration with the Superintendent, to the Department of Education regarding harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils;

d. Execute such other duties related to school harassment, intimidation, or bullying as requested by the Superintendent; and

of2 e. Meet at least twice a school year with the school Anti-Bullying Specialist(s) to discuss and strengthen procedures and policies to prevent, identify, and address harassment, intimidation, and bullying in the district.

2. The Principal in each school shall appoint a school Anti-Bullying Specialist. When a school guidance counselor, school psychologist, or another individual similarly trained is currently employed in the school, the Principal shall appoint that individual to be the school Anti-Bullying Specialist. If no individual meeting this criteria is currently employed in the school, the Principal shall appoint a school Anti-Bullying Specialist from currently employed school personnel.

The school Anti-Bullying Specialist shall:

a. Chair the School Safety Team as provided in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-21;

b. Lead the investigation of incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in the school; and

c. Act as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying, and addressing incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in the school.

3. A School Safety Team shall be formed in each school in the district to develop, foster, and maintain a positive school climate by focusing on the on-going, systemic process and practices in the school, and to address school climate issues such as harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Each School Safety Team shall meet at least two times per school year. The School Safety Team shall consist of the Principal or the Principal’s designee who, if possible, shall be a senior administrator in the school and the following appointees of the Principal: a teacher in the school; a school Anti-Bullying Specialist; a parent of a pupil in the school; and other members to be determined by the Principal. The school Anti-Bullying Specialist shall serve as the chair of the School Safety Team.

The School Safety Team shall:

a. Receive any complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils that have been reported to the Principal;

b. Receive copies of any report prepared after an investigation of an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;

of2 c. Identify and address patterns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils in the school;

d. Review and strengthen school climate and the policies of the school in order to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils;

e. Educate the community, including pupils, teachers, administrative staff, and parents, to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils;

f. Participate in the training required pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 et seq. and other training which the Principal or the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator may request;

g. Collaborate with the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator in the collection of district-wide data and in the development of district policies to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of pupils; and

h. Execute such other duties related to harassment, intimidation, or bullying as requested by the Principal or district Anti-Bullying Coordinator.

The members of a School Safety Team shall be provided professional development opportunities that address effective practices of successful school climate programs or approaches. Notwithstanding any provision of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-21 to the contrary, a parent who is a member of the School Safety Team shall not participate in the activities of the team set forth in 3. a., b., or c. above or any other activities of the team which may compromise the confidentiality of a pupil.

H. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Investigation

The Board requires a thorough and complete investigation to be conducted for each report of an alleged incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The investigation shall be initiated by the Principal or the Principal’s designee within one school day of the verbal report of the incident. The investigation shall be conducted by the school Anti-Bullying Specialist. The Principal may appoint additional personnel who are not school Anti-Bullying Specialists to assist the school Anti-Bullying Specialist in the investigation.

The investigation shall be completed and the written findings submitted to the Principal as soon as possible, but not later than ten school days from the date of the written report of the alleged incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Should information regarding the reported incident and the investigation be received after the end of the Page 55 of2 ten-day period, the school Anti-Bullying Specialist or the Principal shall amend the original report of the results of the investigation to ensure there is an accurate and current record of the facts and activities concerning the reported incident.

The Principal shall proceed in accordance with the Code of Pupil Conduct, as appropriate, based on the investigation findings. The Principal shall submit the report to the Superintendent within two school days of the completion of the investigation and in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act (N.J.S.A. 52:14B-1 et seq.). As appropriate to the findings from the investigation, the Superintendent shall ensure the Code of Pupil Conduct has been implemented and provide intervention services, order counseling, establish training programs to reduce harassment, intimidation, or bullying and enhance school climate, or take or recommend other appropriate action, as necessary.

The Superintendent shall report the results of each investigation to the Board of Education no later than the date of the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting following the completion of the investigation. The Superintendent’s report also shall include information on any consequences imposed under the Code of Pupil Conduct, intervention services provided, counseling ordered, training established or other action taken or recommended by the Superintendent.

Parents of the pupils who are parties to the investigation shall be provided with information about the investigation, in accordance with Federal and State law and regulation. The information to be provided to parents or guardians shall include the nature of the investigation, whether the district found evidence of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, or whether consequences were imposed or services provided to address the incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. This information shall be provided in writing within five school days after the results of the investigation are reported to the Board of Education.

A parent or guardian may request a hearing before the Board of Education after receiving the information. When a request for a hearing is granted, the hearing shall be held within ten school days of the request. The Board of Education shall conduct the hearing in executive session, pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4- 1 et seq.), to protect the confidentiality of the pupils. At the hearing, the Board may hear testimony from and consider information provided by the school Anti-Bullying Specialist and others, as appropriate, regarding the alleged incident, the findings from the investigation of the alleged incident, recommendations for consequences or services, and any programs instituted to reduce such incidents, prior to rendering a determination.

At the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting following its receipt of the report or following a hearing in executive session, the Board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the Superintendent’s decision. The Board’s Page 56 of2 decision may be appealed to the Commissioner of Education, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:3, Controversies and Disputes, no later than ninety days after issuance of the Board of Education’s decision.

A parent, pupil, legal guardian, or organization may file a complaint with the Division on Civil Rights within one hundred eighty days of the occurrence of any incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying based on membership in a protected group as enumerated in the "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.).

I. Range of Responses to an Incident of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying

The Board authorizes the Principal of each school, in conjunction with the Anti- Bullying Specialist, to define the range of ways in which school staff will respond once an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying is confirmed, and the Superintendent shall respond to confirmed harassment, intimidation, and bullying, according to the parameters described in this Policy. The range of ways in which school staff will respond shall include an appropriate combination of counseling, support services, intervention services, and other programs. The Board recognizes that some acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may be isolated incidents requiring the school officials respond appropriately to the individual(s) committing the acts. Other acts may be so serious or parts of a larger pattern of harassment, intimidation, or bullying that they require a response either at the classroom, school building, or school district level or by law enforcement officials.

Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a pupil who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1, Discipline of Pupils and as set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2, Short-term Suspensions, N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.3, Long-term Suspensions and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.5, Expulsions.

In considering whether a response beyond the individual level is appropriate, school officials shall consider the nature and circumstances of the act, the degree of harm, the nature and severity of the behavior, past incidences or past or continuing patterns of behavior, and the context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred. Institutional (i.e., classroom, school building, school district) responses can range from school and community surveys, to mailings, to focus groups, to adoption of research-based harassment, intimidation, or bullying prevention program models, to training for certificated and non-certificated staff, to participation of parents and other community members and organizations, to small or large group presentations for fully addressing the actions and the school’s response to the actions, in the context of the acceptable pupil and staff member behavior and the consequences of such actions, and to the involvement of law enforcement officers, including safe schools resource officers.

of2 For every incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, the school officials must respond appropriately to the individual who committed the act. The Board is encouraged to set the parameters for the range of responses to be established by the Principal, in conjunction with the Anti-Bullying Specialist, and for the Superintendent to follow. The range of responses to confirmed harassment, intimidation, or bullying acts should include individual, classroom, school, or district responses, as appropriate to the findings from each incident. Examples of responses that apply to each of these categories are provided below:

1. Individual responses can include positive behavioral interventions (e.g., peer mentoring, short-term counseling, life skills groups) and punitive actions (e.g., detention, in-school or out-of-school suspension, expulsion, law enforcement report, or other legal action).

2. Classroom responses can include class discussions about an incident of harassment, intimidation or bullying, role plays, research projects, observing and discussing audio-visual materials on these subjects, and skill-building lessons in courtesy, tolerance, assertiveness, and conflict management.

3. School responses can include theme days, learning station programs, parent programs, and information disseminated to pupils and parents or guardians, such as fact sheets or newsletters explaining acceptable uses of electronic and wireless communication devices or strategies for fostering expected pupil behavior.

4. District-wide responses can include community involvement in policy review and development, professional development programs, adoption of curricula and school-wide programs, coordination with community-based organizations (e.g., mental health, health services, health facilities, law enforcement officials, faith-based organizations), and disseminating information on the core ethical values adopted by the district Board of Education’s Code of Pupil Conduct, per N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)2.

The district will identify a range of strategies and resources, which could include, but not be limited to, the following actions for individual victims: counseling; teacher aides; hallway and playground monitors; schedule changes; before and after school supervision; school transportation supervision; school transfers; and therapy.

J. Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited

The Board prohibits a Board member, school employee, contracted service provider who has contact with pupils, school volunteer, or pupil from engaging in reprisal, retaliation, or false accusation against a victim, witness, one with reliable information, or any other person who has reliable information about an act of harassment, Page 58 of2 intimidation, or bullying or who reports an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The consequence and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the administrator after consideration of the nature, severity and circumstances of the act, in accordance with case law, Federal and State statutes and regulations and district policies and procedures.

All suspected acts of reprisal or retaliation will be taken seriously and appropriate responses will be made in accordance with the totality of the circumstances. Examples of consequences and remedial measures for pupils who engage in reprisal or retaliation are listed and described in the Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions section of this Policy.

Examples of consequences for a school employee or a contracted service provider who has contact with pupils that engages in reprisal or retaliation may include, but not be limited to: verbal or written reprimand, increment withholding, legal action, disciplinary action, termination, and/or bans from providing services, participating in school district-sponsored programs, or being in school buildings or on school grounds. Remedial measures may include, but not be limited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and work environment modifications.

Examples of consequences for a Board member who engages in reprisal or retaliation may include, but not be limited to: reprimand, legal action, and other action authorized by statute or administrative code. Remedial measures may include, but not be limited to: counseling and professional development.

K. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Action for False Accusation

The Board prohibits any person from falsely accusing another as a means of retaliation or as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

1. Pupils - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a pupil found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of retaliation may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1 et seq., Discipline of Pupils and as set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2, Short-term Suspensions, N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7, Long-term Suspensions and N.J.A.C. 6A:16- 7.5, Expulsions and those listed and described in the Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions section of this Policy.

2. School Employees - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee or contracted service provider who has contact with pupils found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of retaliation could entail discipline in accordance with district policies, procedures, and agreements which may include, but not be Page 59 of2 limited to: reprimand, suspension, increment withholding, termination, and/or bans from providing services, participating in school district-sponsored programs, or being in school buildings or on school grounds. Remedial measures may include, but not be limited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and work environment modifications.

3. Visitors or Volunteers - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a visitor or volunteer found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of retaliation could be determined by the school administrator after consideration of the nature, severity, and circumstances of the act, including law enforcement reports or other legal actions, removal of buildings or grounds privileges, or prohibiting contact with pupils or the provision of pupil services. Remedial measures may include, but not be limited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and work environment modifications.

L. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Publication and Dissemination

This Policy will be disseminated annually by the Superintendent to all school employees, contracted service providers who have contact with pupils, school volunteers, pupils, and parents who have children enrolled in a school in the district, along with a statement explaining the Policy applies to all acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14 that occur on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or on a school bus and, as appropriate, acts that occur off school grounds.

The Superintendent shall ensure that notice of this Policy appears in the pupil handbook and all other publications of the school district that set forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards for schools within the school district.

The Superintendent shall post a link to the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy that is prominently displayed on the homepage of the school district’s website. The district will notify pupils and parents this Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy is available on the school district’s website.

The Superintendent shall post the name, school phone number, school address, and school email address of the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator on the home page of the school district’s website. Each Principal shall post the name, school phone number, address, and school email address of both the Anti-Bullying Specialist and the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator on the home page of each school’s website.

M. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Training and Prevention Programs

of2 The Superintendent and Principal(s) shall provide training on the school district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy to current and new school employees, contracted service providers, and volunteers who have significant contact with pupils. The training shall include instruction on preventing bullying on the basis of the protected categories enumerated in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14 and other distinguishing characteristics that may incite incidents of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The school district’s employee training program shall include information regarding the school district’s Policy against harassment, intimidation, or bullying, which shall be provided to full-time and part-time staff members, contracted service providers, and school volunteers who have significant contact with pupils.

Each public school teacher shall be required to complete at least two hours of instruction in harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention in each professional development period as part of the professional development requirement pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18:37-22.d.

The required two hours of suicide prevention instruction for teaching staff members shall include information on the relationship between the risk of suicide and incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:6-112.

Board members shall be required to complete a training program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:12-33.

The school district shall provide time during the usual school schedule for the Anti- Bullying Coordinator and each school Anti-Bullying Specialist to participate in harassment, intimidation, and bullying training programs.

A school leader shall complete school leader training that shall include information on the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying as required in N.J.S.A. 18A:26-8.2.

The school district shall annually observe a “Week of Respect” beginning with the first Monday in October. In order to recognize the importance of character education, the school district will observe the week by providing age-appropriate instruction focusing on the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14. Throughout the school year the district will provide ongoing age- appropriate instruction on preventing harassment, intimidation, or bullying, in accordance with the Core Curriculum Content Standards, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37- 29.

The school district and each school in the district will annually establish, implement, document, and assess harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention programs or approaches, and other initiatives in consultation with school staff, pupils, Page 61 of2 administrators, volunteers, parents or guardians, law enforcement, and community members. The programs or approaches and other initiatives shall be designed to create school-wide conditions to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, and bullying in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17 et seq.

N. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Reevaluation, Reassessment and Review

The Superintendent shall develop and implement a process for annually discussing the school district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy with pupils.

The Superintendent and the Principal(s) shall annually conduct a reevaluation, reassessment, and review of the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy, with input from the schools’ Anti-Bullying Specialists, and recommend revisions and additions to the Policy as well as to harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention programs and approaches based on the findings from the evaluation, reassessment, and review.

O. Reports to Board of Education and New Jersey Department of Education

The Superintendent shall report two times each school year, between September 1 and January 1 and between January 1 and June 30 at a public hearing all acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The information shall also be reported to the New Jersey Department of Education in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The information reported shall be used to grade each school and each district in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The grade received by a school and the district shall be posted on the homepage of the school’s website and the district’s website in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. A link to the report that was submitted by the Superintendent to the Department of Education shall also be available on the school district’s website. This information shall be posted on the websites within ten days of receipt of the grade for each school and the district.

P. Reports to Law Enforcement

Some acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying may be bias-related acts and potentially bias crimes and school officials must report to law enforcement officials either serious acts or those which may be part of a larger pattern in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement Between Education and Law Enforcement Officials.

Q. Collective Bargaining Agreements and Individual Contracts

of2 Nothing in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 et seq. may be construed as affecting the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement or individual contract of employment in effect on the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act’s effective date (January 5, 2011). N.J.S.A. 18A:37-30.

The Board of Education prohibits the employment of or contracting for school staff positions with individuals whose criminal history record check reveals a record of conviction for a crime of bias intimidation or conspiracy to commit or attempt to commit a crime of bias intimidation.

R. Pupils with Disabilities

Nothing contained in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 et seq. may alter or reduce the rights of a pupil with a disability with regard to disciplinary actions or to general or special education services and supports. N.J.S.A. 18A:37-32.

The school district shall submit all subsequent amended Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policies to the appropriate Executive County Superintendent of Schools within thirty days of Board adoption.

REMOTELY ACTIVATING COMMUNICATION DEVICES PAGERS & CELLULAR TELEPHONES

Pupils are not permitted to bring or possess a remotely activating paging device on any school district property at any time regardless of whether school is in session or other persons are present.

Pupils are not permitted to use cellular telephones while school is in session.

Cellular telephones that are turned on in violation of this policy will be confiscated by the Building Principal and the pupil will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Possession and Use

While on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, whether on or off school property, pupils shall be permitted to possess and use personal telecommunication devices as defined by law and other related electronic devices, provided they observe the following conditions:

1. Cell phones are prohibited in all testing sites during state and district assessments.

2. Cell phones are prohibited in locker rooms and lavatories.

of2 3. Devices shall be turned off upon entering the building and operated only before and after the regular school day. They should not be seen or heard during the school day.

4. Pupils are required to store cell phones in their assigned school locker.

5. Devices shall not be used in a manner that disrupts the educational process including, but not limited to, posing a threat to academic integrity or violating confidentiality or privacy rights of another individual.

6 When pupils violate this prohibition, they shall be subject to disciplinary action, including losing the privilege of bringing the device onto school property. In addition, an administrator may confiscate the device. Procedures for return will be outlined in the pupil code of conduct.

7. Pupils are responsible for the safekeeping/security of the devices they bring to school. The District shall not be responsible for loss, theft, or destruction of devices brought onto school property. The responsibility for filing a police report will rest with the pupil/parent and not the District.

8. Pupils shall comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning appropriate use of telecommunication or other electronic devices.

9 Pupils shall not utilize a telecommunication or similar electronic device in a manner that would violate the District's Acceptable Use policy or procedures or its Code of Acceptable Conduct and Discipline.

SUSPECTED GANG ACTIVITY

Pupils that initiate, advocate, or promote activities, openly or otherwise, and/or threaten the safety or well-being of others disrupt the school environment and are harmful to the educational process in this school district. Any physical or verbal harassing, intimidating, or bullying conduct by a pupil or group of pupils directed toward any school staff member or any other pupil or group of pupils any where on school grounds, at any school related or sponsored activity, on school buses, at school bus stops, and any other place where pupils are supervised by school district staff will not be tolerated.

In the event the Principal or designee, believe any physical or verbal harassing, intimidating, or bullying conduct was, or is being committed, for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a group of three or more persons, the school staff will investigate further to determine if the conduct was committed by those pupils representing a criminal street gang (hereinafter referred to as a “gang”) as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:44-3.h. If it is determined unacceptable conduct was committed by pupils representing a gang, the Principal or designee will assign appropriate disciplinary action and will notify the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the victim and the offender. The Principal or designee will also inform the Superintendent of Schools and local law enforcement.

of2 To further ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils in the district and to increase awareness within the school community regarding potential gang activity, pupils are prohibited from wearing on school grounds, at any school related or sponsored activity, on school buses, and any other place where pupils are supervised by school district staff, any type of clothing or accessory that would indicate a pupil has membership in, or affiliation with, any gang associated with criminal activities pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:11-9.

The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of any pupil identified as being potentially involved in gang-related activities shall be notified by the Principal or designee. A pupil identified as being potentially involved in gang-related activities shall be offered appropriate counseling by school district staff.

School staff members shall be provided in-service training on gangs and gang related conduct and activities including, but not limited to, recruitment procedures; threats/intimidation; clothing; insignia; hand signs; symbols; graffiti; terminology; or other indicia of gang association.

Information regarding gangs shall be shared by school district staff to local law enforcement officials and the school district’s administrative staff members will encourage local law enforcement to share gang related information with school officials.

PLAGIARISM A. Pupils are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. This means that they will not engage in any of the following acts: 1. Cheating on examinations, including but not limited to, the non-authorized use of books or notes, the use of crib sheets, copying from other pupils'' papers, exchanging information with other pupils orally, in writing, or by signals, obtaining copies of the examination illegally and other similar activities. 2. Plagiarism is not permitted in term papers, themes, essays, reports, images, take-home examinations, and other academic work. Plagiarism is defined as stealing or use without acknowledgment of the ideas, words, formulas, textual materials, on line services, computer programs, etc. of another person, or in any way presenting the work of another person as one’s own. 3. Falsifications, including forging signatures, altering answers after they have been graded, the insertion of answers after the fact, the erasure of grader’s markings, and other acts that allow for falsely taking credit. B. A pupil found guilty of academic dishonesty may be subjected to a full range of penalties including, but not limited to, reprimand and loss of credit for all of the work that is plagiarized. C. A teacher who believes that a pupil has been academically dishonest in his/her class should resolve the matter in the following manner:

of2 1. Reprimand the pupil orally and/or in writing. The teacher is also authorized to withhold credit in the work tainted by the academic dishonesty. 2. If warranted, the teacher shall file a written complaint against the pupil with the Principal, requesting a more stringent form of discipline. The complaint must describe in detail the academic dishonesty that is alleged to have taken place, and must request that the matter be reviewed by the Principal. 3. The Principal will determine if further discipline of the pupil is appropriate, and will determine the nature of the discipline on a case-by-case basis. 4. If the pupil is not in agreement with the disciplinary action of the Principal, he/she may appeal the action to the Superintendent. If the pupil is dissatisfied with the Superintendent’s disposition of the case, he/she may grieve the action.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

The Board of Education directs that all pupils enrolled in the schools of this district shall be afforded equal educational opportunities in strict accordance with law. No pupil shall be denied access to or benefit from any educational program or activity or from a co-curricular or athletic activity on the basis of the pupil’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectational or sexual orientation or sex, social or economic status, or disability. The Board shall assure that all pupils are free from harassment, sexual or otherwise.

The Board directs the Superintendent to allocate faculty, administrators, support staff members, curriculum materials, and instructional equipment supplies among and between the schools and classes of this district in a manner that ensures equivalency of educational opportunity throughout this district. The school district’s curricula in the following areas will eliminate discrimination, promote mutual acceptance and respect among pupils, and enable pupils to interact effectively with others, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectational or sexual orientation or sex, social or economic status, or disability:

1. School climate/learning environment;

2. Courses of study, including Physical Education;

3. Instructional materials and strategies;

4. Library materials;

5. Software and audio-visual materials;

6. Guidance and counseling;

7. Extra-curricular programs and activities; Page 66 of2 8. Testing and other assessments.

The school district’s curricula will include Multi-cultural Education content and practices, instruction on African-American History in the teaching of U.S. History and instruction on the Holocaust and Genocide.

Affirmative action shall be taken to ensure that pupils are protected from the effects of discrimination, in accordance with Policy No. 2260. Pupils who experience less than equal educational opportunities or experience discrimination shall use the procedure established by Regulation No. 5750 to report and appeal any harassment or discriminatory practice.

The conduct of teaching staff members shall exemplify the highest principles of equality and democracy. Conduct and attitudes that display discrimination are contrary to the policies of this Board and, further, are destructive to the self esteem that this Board wishes to encourage in all pupils. A teaching staff member’s act of derision or enmity, in any form, against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectational or sexual orientation or sex, social or economic status, or disability shall be considered to be conduct unbecoming to a professional staff member of this district and shall be subject to appropriate discipline.

EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Equity In Pupil Access

It is the policy of the Board of Education to ensure equal and bias-free access to all school facilities, courses, programs, activities, and services, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectational or sexual orientation or sex, social or economic status, or disability.

The school district administration will ensure: that all pupils will have equal and barrier-free access to all school and classroom facilities, that minority and female pupils are not under-represented in gifted and talented or accelerated/advanced courses and that minority and male pupils are not over- represented in detentions, suspensions, expulsions, dropouts, or special needs classifications. Support services will be available to all pupils and that all limited English-proficient pupils and pupils with disabilities will have equal and bias-free access to all school programs and activities. The school district will ensure equal and bias-free access for all pupils to computers, computer classes, vocational education classes, and technologically-advanced instructional assistance, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectational or sexual orientation or sex, social or economic status, or disability.

The Board of Education will refrain from locating new facilities in areas that will contribute to imbalanced, isolated, or racially identifiable school enrollments. The school district administration will assign pupils to ensure that the racial/national origin composition of each school’s enrollment Page 67 of2 reflects the composition of the district-wide enrollment and so that school and classroom enrollments are not identifiable on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectational or sexual orientation or sex, social or economic status, or disability.

Pupils will not be separated or isolated by race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectational or sexual orientation or sex, social or economic status, or disability within schools, courses, classes, programs, or extracurricular activities. Bias-free multiple measures for determining the special needs of language-minority pupils and pupils with disabilities will be utilized. Pregnant pupils will be permitted to remain in the regular school program and activities and if not permitted to attend school by her doctor, the pupil will be provided equivalent instruction.

Equity in Guidance Programs and Services

The school district will ensure the guidance program provides access to adequate and appropriate counseling services for minority pupils, limited English-proficient pupils, non-college bound pupils, and pupils with disabilities. A full range of possible career, professional, and/or vocational choices will be presented to all pupils.

Equity in Physical Education Training

All school district physical education programs will be co-educational, with the exception of wrestling practice and a minimum of 75% of the electives are chosen by at least 30% of enrolled male and female pupils, when the physical education programs are elective.

Equity in Athletic Programs

The school district’s athletic program will provide equitable opportunities for female and male pupils to participate in athletics and equitable support for cheerleading programs and comparable facilities for male and female teams. The athletic program will have relatively equal numbers of varsity and sub-varsity teams for male and female teams and equitable scheduling of night games, practice times, and numbers of games for male and female teams.

SOCIAL EVENTS AND CLASS TRIPS

The Board of Education recognizes the value of social events and class trips that will enhance and enrich the school experience for the pupils of this district.

A "social event" is a party, celebration, or dance organized for the participation of pupils, and "class trips" are trips taken by pupils in a single graduating class, pupils who share a particular interest in an activity, or pupils who are enrolled in a particular subject area. Social events and class trips are not related or are only indirectly related to the curriculum.

The Board will make school facilities available and assign staff members as appropriate for the conduct of social events on school premises that have been approved by the Building Principal and for Page 68 of2 social events and class trips away from school premises that have been approved by the Building Principal. The Board will assume no responsibility for a pupil social event or trip that has not been approved in accordance with this policy.

The Board will not approve a social event or class trip that has the effect of reducing the school year for participating pupils to fewer than one hundred eighty days.

The Board reserves the right to cancel any scheduled trip.

Social events or class trips are not part of the thorough and efficient system of education provided by the Board. Participation in them is therefore not a right and may be denied to any pupil without the due process of notice and an opportunity to be heard. A pupil who demonstrates disregard for school rules may summarily be denied participation in social events and class trips.

Pupils who participate in approved social events and class trips are subject to district rules for pupil conduct and must submit to the authority of assigned chaperones. Infractions of the rules will be subject to discipline in the same manner as are infractions of rules during the regular school program.

A pupil who possesses or consumes alcohol or drugs in the course of an approved social event or class trip will be deemed to have placed all other participating pupils at risk and shall be immediately dismissed from the event or trip. Any such pupil will be returned home by appropriate and safe means of transportation in the company of a chaperone, the pupil's parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or a representative of the pupil's parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Any expenses incurred by the dismissal will be the responsibility of the pupil and/or the pupil's parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES BY PUPILS

The Board recognizes the value of pupils for sharing their talents and skills with the community through participation and performance in public events.

The Board endorses such performances when:

A. They constitute a learning experience which contributes to the educational program;

B. They do not interfere with other scheduled activities of the school;

C. The circumstances of the event do not pose a threat to the health, safety and well-being of the pupils who will be involved.

All requests for public performances by pupils require the approval of the Superintendent who shall report such approval to the Board. The Superintendent shall ensure that:

A. All requests for public performances by pupil groups are presented to the Superintendent; Page 69 of2 B. Parental permission is sought and received before pupils may participate;

C. No pupil is compelled to participate in a public performance or penalized in any way for failure to do so;

D. No pupil or group of pupils receives compensation for their performance in public in an organized school activity. Donations may be given to the general school funds by the sponsoring organization;

E. Sponsoring organizations pay the expenses of transportation when appropriate.

of2 FINANCE

EXPENDITURES FOR NON-EMPLOYEE ACTIVITIES, MEALS AND REFRESHMENTS

There may be school district activities where expenditures for non-employee activities, meals, and refreshments may occur. Expenditures for non-employee activities, meals, and refreshments for school district activities are allowed provided the expenses are in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-5.8. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, “activities” means events or functions provided or held for the benefit of pupils, dignitaries, and other “non-district” employees (e.g. parents) which are paid from public funds. “Dignitary” means a notable or prominent public figure; a high level official; or one who holds a position of honor. A dignitary, for purposes of this Policy, is not a school district employee or Board of Education member.

Allowable expenditures for non-employee school district activities shall include:

1. All reasonable costs, including light meals and refreshments, directly related to activities that benefit pupils and are part of the instructional program including expenditures for field trips and extracurricular programs that are not solely for entertainment. Nothing in this Policy or N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-5.8 shall preclude the district from using student activity funds or accepting donations to support pupil activities that are solely for pupil entertainment;

2. All reasonable costs directly related to activities of dignitaries and other “non-district” employees (e.g. parents), including light meals and refreshments and any other directly related expense. Expenditures for this purpose shall be minimal and infrequent;

3. All reasonable costs of commencement and convocation activities for pupils; and

4. Expenditures related to district employees to the extent such employees are essential to the conduct of the activity.

The Board shall, at a minimum, take actions regarding pupil activities as follows:

1. Pre-approve field trip destinations;

2. Establish dollar thresholds for awards to recognize special pupil accomplishments; and

3. Establish a budget supported by general fund revenues for each category of activity in a non-discriminatory manner (e.g. football, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, photography club). Student activity funds are excluded.

of2 Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12 and State of New Jersey Department of Treasury, Office of Management and Budget Circular 08-19-OMB and 06-14-OMB, the following costs shall not be permitted using public funding:

1. Receptions, dinners, or other social functions held for or honoring any employee or group of employees of the district (retirement, awards, appointments, recognition, etc.);

2. Meals or refreshments served to guests at any athletic event or other games or contests, concerts; and/or

3. Expenses for alcoholic beverages.

The School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and/or designee shall maintain documentation to support activities, meals, and refreshments at district events. The documentation shall include a description of the activity, the purpose/justification of the activity, expressed in terms of the goal(s) or objective(s) of the district, the make-up of the group participating in the activity, and the names and titles of Board members or employees included in the group.

SCHOOL DISTRICT TRAVEL

The Board of Education shall ensure the effective and efficient use of funds by adopting and implementing policies and procedures that are in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12 and State of New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Office of Management and Budget (NJOMB) Circulars 08- 19-OMB and 06-14-OMB (OMB Circulars) and any superseding circulars pertaining to travel, meals, events and entertainment, and the additional requirements set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7. If any superseding circulars of the Office of Management and Budget conflict with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7, the provisions of the superseding circulars shall govern.

A. Definitions

1. For the purposes of this Policy, “travel expenditures” means those costs paid by the school district using local, State, or Federal funds, whether directly by the school district or by employee reimbursement, for travel by school district employees and district Board of Education members, to the following five types of travel events:

a. Training and seminars - means all regularly scheduled, formal residential or non-residential training functions conducted at a hotel, motel, convention center, residential facility, or at any educational institution or facility;

b. Conventions and conferences - means general programs, sponsored by professional associations on a regular basis, which address subjects of particular interest to a school district or are convened to conduct association business. The primary purpose of employee attendance at conferences and conventions is the development of new skills and knowledge or the reinforcement of those Page 72 of2 skills and knowledge in a particular field related to school district operations. These are distinct from formal staff training and seminars, although some training may take place at such events;

c. School district sponsored events - means conferences, conventions, receptions, or special meetings where the school district plans, develops, implements, and coordinates the event and is the event’s primary financial backer. School district employees are actively involved in working the event and other employees may attend as participants;

d. Regular school district business - means all regular official business travel, including attendance at meetings, conferences, and any other gatherings which are not covered by the definitions included in a., b., and c. above. Regular school district business travel also includes attendance at regularly scheduled in-State county meetings and Department of Education sponsored or association sponsored events provided free of charge and regularly scheduled in-State professional development activities with a registration fee that does not exceed $150 per employee or Board member. Beginning in 2009-2010 the $150 limit per employee or Board member may be adjusted by inflation; and

e. Retreats - means meetings with school district employees and school Board members, at which organizational goals and objectives are discussed.

B. School District Travel Expenses

1. Any sections in either the State or Federal Circulars that conflict with New Jersey school law (N.J.S.A. 18A:1-1 et seq.) shall not be included in this Policy nor authorized under N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7.1 et seq. This includes, but is not limited to, the authority to issue travel charge cards as allowed under the State Circular, but not authorized for school districts under New Jersey school law.

2. School district travel expenditures shall include, but are not limited to, all costs for transportation, meals, lodging, and registration or conference fees directly related to participation in the event.

3. School district travel expenditures in accordance with this Policy and N.J.A.C. 6A:23- 7.1 et seq. shall include costs for all required training and all travel authorized in school district employee contracts and school Board policies. This includes, but is not limited to, required professional development, other staff training and required training for Board members, and attendance at specific conferences authorized in existing employee contracts, provided that such travel meets the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-7.1 et seq.

of2 4. All such expenditures are subject to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:23-7.1 et seq., including but not limited to, inclusion in the annual travel limit, prior Board approval, separate tracking, and per diem reimbursements.

C. School District Travel Requirements 1. All travel by Board of Education employees and Board members must be educationally necessary and fiscally prudent and all school district travel expenditures shall be: a. Directly related to and within the scope of the employee's or Board member's current responsibilities and, for school district employees, the school district's professional development plan, the school building professional development plan, and an employee’s individual professional development plan; b. For travel that is critical to the instructional needs of the school district or furthers the efficient operation of the school district; and c. In compliance with State travel payment guidelines as established by the Department of the Treasury and with guidelines established by the Federal Office of Management and Budget; except those guidelines that conflict with the provisions of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes shall not be applicable, including, but not limited to, the authority to issue travel charge cards. The Board specifies in this Policy the applicable restrictions and requirements set forth in the State and Federal guidelines including, but not limited to, types of travel, methods of transportation, mileage allowance, subsistence allowance, and submission of supporting documentation including receipts, checks, or vouchers. 2. Reimbursement for all in-State and out-of-State travel shall be made pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12. In accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-5.9: a. Out-of-State travel events shall be limited to the fewest number of Board members or affected employees needed to acquire and present the content offered to all Board members or staff, as applicable, at the conclusion of the event. Where the event is sponsored by a New Jersey-based organization and targeted to employees and/or Board members of New Jersey school districts, reimbursement for lodging may be permitted only where the sponsoring organization obtains a waiver pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A- 7.11. Where the event is national or regional in scope and targeted to school district employees and/or Board members from multiple States, reimbursement for lodging may only be provided if the event occurs on two or more consecutive days and where home to event commute exceeds fifty miles.

b. Where a travel event has a total cost that exceeds $5,000, regardless of the number of attendees, or where more than five individuals from the district are to Page 74 of2 attend a travel event out-of-State, the school district shall obtain the prior written approval of the Executive County Superintendent. The Executive County Superintendent shall promptly review the request and render a decision within ten working days.

c. For all employee and Board member travel events out of the country, regardless of cost or number of attendees, the school district shall obtain the prior written approval of the Executive County Superintendent. Such requests must be supported by detailed justification. The Executive County Superintendent shall promptly review the request and render a decision within ten working days. It is expected that approvals will be rare.

D. Travel Reimbursements

1. Travel reimbursements will be paid only upon compliance with all provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7 and the Board's procedures and approval requirements. The Board will not ratify or approve payments or reimbursements for travel after completion of the travel event, except as provided at N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7.4(d).

E. Travel Approval Procedures 1. All travel requests for employees of the district shall be approved, in writing, by the Superintendent of Schools and approved by a majority of the full voting membership of the Board, except where the Board has excluded regular business travel from prior approval pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7.3(b), prior to obligating the school district to pay related expenses and prior to attendance at the travel event. a. The Superintendent shall designate an alternate approval authority to approve travel requests in his/her absence when necessary to obtain timely Board approval. b. Regulation 6471 provides the procedures for the internal levels of approval required prior to the Superintendent’s or designee’s approval of the travel event, as applicable. 2. All travel requests for Board members shall require prior approval by a majority of the full voting membership of the Board, except where the Board has excluded regular business travel from prior approval pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A- 7.3(b), and the travel shall be in compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24 and N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24.1. 3. The Board may approve, at any time prior to the event, travel for multiple months as long as the Board approval, as detailed in Board minutes, itemizes the approval by event, total cost, and number of employees and Board members attending the event. General or blanket pre-approval is not authorized.

of2 4. Where occasional unforeseen emergent situations arise wherein a travel request cannot obtain prior approval of the Board, justification shall be included in the text of the travel request. Such requests shall require prior written approval of the Superintendent or designee and the Executive County Superintendent or designee. The Board shall ratify the request at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Travel to conferences, conventions, and symposiums are not considered to be emergencies and shall not be approved after the fact.

5. The Board, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7.4(d) excludes from the requirements of prior Board approval any travel caused by or subject to existing contractual provisions, including grants and donations, and other statutory requirements, or Federal regulatory requirements.

a. For the exclusion of prior Board approval to apply, the required travel event must be detailed, with number of employee(s), Board member(s), and total cost in the applicable contract, grant, donation, statute, or Federal regulation.

(1) This does not include general grant guidelines or regulations that are permissive but do not require the travel event, unless the specific travel event, number of employee(s), Board member(s) and total cost is detailed in the approved grant, donation, or other fund acceptance agreement.

(2) This does not include general contractual provisions in labor agreements for continuing education or professional development, except where the Board has included in its policy, a maximum amount per employee for regular business travel that does not require prior Board approval pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7.3.

F. Required Documentation for Travel

1. Neither the Superintendent or designee, nor the Board shall approve a travel request unless the written request for travel includes the following information:

a. Name and dates of event;

b. A list of Board members and/or employees to attend either by name or title;

c. Justification of the importance of these individuals attending the event;

d. Estimated cost associated with travel (if lodging is shared with others, the fact must be stated);

e. Copy of agenda or itinerary for travel and subsequent schedule of events; Page 76 of2 f. A brief statement that includes the primary purpose for the travel and the key issues that will be addressed at the event and their relevance to improving instruction or the operation of the school district;

g. For training events, whether the training is needed for a certification required for continued employment, continuing education requirements, requirements of Federal or State law, or other purpose related to the programs and services currently being delivered or soon to be implemented in the school district, or related to school district operations;

h. Account number and funding source – Federal, State, private, or local; and

i. In the case of annual events, total attendance and cost for the previous year.

2. Detailed documentation shall be maintained on file in the school district which demonstrates compliance with the Board's travel policy, including travel approvals, reports, and receipts for all school district funded expenditures, as appropriate.

G. Prohibited Travel Reimbursements

1. The following types of expenditures are not eligible for reimbursement:

a. Subsistence reimbursement for one-day trips, except for meals expressly authorized by and in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:23A- 7.12;

b. Subsistence reimbursement for overnight travel within the State, except where authorized by the Commissioner in accordance with the procedures set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7.11;

c. Travel by Board members or employees whose duties are unrelated to the purpose of the travel event or who are not required to attend to meet continuing education requirements or to comply with law or regulation;

d. Travel by spouses, civil union partners, domestic partners, immediate family members, and other relatives;

e. Costs for employee attendance for coordinating other attendees' accommodations at the travel event;

f. Lunch or refreshments for training sessions and retreats held within the school district including in-service days and for employee participants traveling from other locations within the school district; Page 77 of2 g. Training to maintain a certification that is not required as a condition of employment (example: CPE credits to maintain a CPA license if the employee is not required to be a CPA for continued school district employment);

h. Charges for laundry, valet service, or entertainment;

i. Limousine services and chauffeuring costs to or during the event;

j. Car rentals, either utilized for airport transportation or transportation at a conference, convention, etc., unless absolutely necessary for the conduct of school district business. Justification must accompany any request for car rentals. If approved, the most economical scheduling of car rental is to be used, including the use of subcompacts, discounted, and special rates. An example of the justified use of car rental is when an employee is out of State, making inspections at various locations, and the use of public transportation is impracticable. When car rental is authorized, the employee shall not be issued an advance payment for the anticipated expense associated with the rental;

k. Alcoholic beverages;

l. Entertainment costs including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any costs directly associated with such costs (such as tickets to shows or sports events, meals, lodging, rentals, transportation, and gratuities);

m. Gratuities or tips in excess of those permitted by Federal per diem rates;

n. Reverse telephone charges or third party calls;

o. Hospitality rooms;

p. Souvenirs, memorabilia, promotional items, or gifts;

q. Air fare without documentation of quotes from at least three airlines and/or online services; and

r. Other travel expenditures that are unnecessary and/or excessive.

PROPERTY

EYE PROTECTION

of2 The Board of Education directs the rigorous implementation and enforcement of eye safety practices for pupils, staff members, and visitors exposed to conditions potentially hazardous to the eyes in the instructional program of this district.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for the continual monitoring of the school program, including, but not limited to, all vocational education, industrial arts education, science education, technology education and arts education, for conditions under which pupils, staff members, or visitors are exposed to a process or activity that might have a tendency to cause damage to the eyes.

Each pupil, staff member, and visitor exposed to a condition identified as hazardous to the eyes must wear an eye protective device appropriate to the activity and certified to meet the standards established by the State Board of Education, the American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, ANSI Z87.1-1979, and American National Standard Practice for the Safe Use of Lasers, ANSI Z136.1-1986 and the New Jersey Administrative Code. The eye protective device shall be supplied by the Board, except that the pupil, staff member, or visitor may wear personal eye wear that is appropriate to the activity and certified, in writing, by a licensed optician or other qualified licensed eye professional to meet or exceed those standards. District owned eye protective devices shall be inspected regularly by the appropriate staff member, and defective or poorly fitting devices shall be returned to the Principal for repair or discard. Any shared eye protective devices shall be disinfected between uses by the method prescribed by the school medical inspector.

Each classroom, shop, laboratory, and other area of the school in which pupils or staff members are exposed to caustic materials that can cause damage to the eyes shall be equipped with an emergency eye wash fountain in accordance with standards established by the Department of Education.

The Building Principal shall ensure that each area in the school identified as housing an activity hazardous to the eyes shall be posted with conspicuous signs that warn participants that an appropriate eye protective device must be worn during the activity. Staff members of such activities are responsible for instructing pupils in appropriate eye safety practices and for serving as exemplary models in the implementation of such practices.

The Board authorizes each staff member responsible for an activity or process hazardous to the eyes to compile and maintain, for the duration of the course of study, a list of pupils in the course who wear contact lenses.

A pupil who refuses or persistently neglects to wear an eye protective device when required to do so or fails to observe established eye safety practices shall be dismissed from the day's class by his/her teacher. Any such dismissal from class will be considered to be an absence, in accordance with Board policy on pupil attendance, and an accumulation of such absences may result in loss of course credit.

of2 A staff member who refuses or persistently neglects to wear an eye protective device when required to do so or fails to observe established eye safety practices may be disciplined for insubordination for failing to obey the rules established by this Board. The proper implementation of eye protection practices shall be a criterion in the evaluation of every staff member required to observe such practices.

A visitor to the schools who refuses or persistently neglects to wear an eye protective device when required to do so or fails to observe established eye safety practices may be requested to leave the school premises.

The Superintendent shall promulgate regulations to implement this policy that conform to rules of the State Board of Education and shall provide in-service training to staff members whose instructional duties include activities hazardous to the eyes.

SMOKING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

The Board of Education believes that the right of persons to smoke must be balanced against the right of nonsmokers to breath air untainted by tobacco smoke.

For purposes of this policy, “smoking” means the burning of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other matter or substance that contains tobacco.

For the purposes of this policy, “school grounds” means and includes land, portions of land, structures, buildings, and vehicles when used for the provision of academic or extracurricular programs by the district or community provider and structures that support these buildings, including, but not limited to administrative buildings, kitchens, maintenance shops, and garages. “School grounds” also includes other facilities as defined in N.J.A.C. 6A:26-1.2, playgrounds, and other recreational places owned by the local municipalities, private entities or other individuals during those times when the school district has exclusive use of a portion of such land.

In accordance with law, the Board prohibits smoking at all times anywhere on school grounds, except as part of classroom instruction or a theatrical production.

Notwithstanding any provision of this policy, smoking by pupils is governed by Policy No. 5533.

Notice that smoking is prohibited on school grounds as defined above will be posted at each public entrance in accordance with law. The Principal of each school building is authorized to report violations, in accordance with law, to the Board of Health. Failure to report violations may subject the Principal to fines in accordance with N.J.S.A. 26:3D-20. The Building Principal will not be liable for a fine if he/she has taken reasonable steps to enforce the prohibition on smoking in school buildings or on school grounds. Pupils and district employees who violate the provisions of this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON SCHOOL PREMISES Page 80 of2 The knowing possession, without legal authority, or knowing consumption of any alcoholic beverage by any person on school premises is a disorderly persons offense.

The Board of Education prohibits the possession and consumption of an alcoholic beverage, by any person in any school building and on school property or at any school sponsored activity.

The Board will report to law enforcement officials and prosecute as appropriate any person who violates law and this policy, except that any pupil who possesses or uses or is under the influence of alcohol on school premises or at any school sponsored activity will be treated in accordance with law and Policy Nos. 3218, 4218, and 5530.

School district employees who violate this policy or are present on school premises or at any school sponsored activity while under the influence of alcohol will be subject to discipline, which may include dismissal or certification of tenure charges, as appropriate.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE The 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 this district must, as a condition of employment, agree to be bound by this policy. 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, within ten days of the date on which notice of the conviction is received, report any such conviction resulting from drug use in the workplace to any federal agency from which the district has received funds through a grant. The Board directs the Superintendent to establish and maintain a program to: 1. Alert employees as to the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; 2. Inform employees of the prohibitions against drugs set forth in this policy; 3. Inform employees of available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and assistance programs; and 4. Warn employees of the penalties that may be imposed for violations of prohibitions set forth in this policy.

of2 The Board will report to law enforcement officials and prosecute as appropriate any employee or visitor who violates the prohibitions of this policy. A pupil or employee who violates this policy will be treated in accordance with law and Policy Nos. 3218, 4218, and 5530.

OPERATIONS

MANAGING ELECTRONIC MAIL

School district e-mail messages, like paper records, must be retained and destroyed according to established records management procedures as required by New Jersey’s Division of Archives & Records Management (NJDARM). E-mail messages are electronic documents created and sent or received by a computer system. This definition applies equally to the contents of the communication, the transactional information, and any attachments associated with such communication. Thus, e-mail messages are similar to other forms of communicated messages, such as correspondence and memoranda.

N.J.S.A. 47:3-16, as amended, defines public records as follows:

“Public records” mean any paper, written or printed book, document or drawing, map or plan, photograph, microfilm, data processed or image processed document, sound recording or in a similar device, or any copy thereof, that has been made or required by law to be received for filing, indexing, or reproducing by any officer, commission agency, or authority of the State or any political subdivision thereof, including any subordinate boards thereof, or that has been received in the course of his/her or its official business by such officer, commission, agency, or authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof, in connection with the transaction of public business and has been retained by such recipient or its successor as evidence of its activities or because of the information contained therein.

An e-mail message that meets the criteria of the definition of public records per N.J.S.A. 47:3- 16, as amended, whether it is subject to access by the general public or not, must be retained according to records retention and disposition schedules approved by the State Records Committee. No public record e-mail may be destroyed without prior consent of the NJDARM and the State Records Committee, even if the retention period for a record has expired.

Retention or disposition of e-mail messages must be related to the information they contain or the purpose they serve. The content of e-mail messages may vary considerably and therefore, the content must be evaluated to determine the length of time the message must be retained.

For the purposes of this Policy, there are non-record e-mail messages and public record e-mail messages.

Non-record e-mail messages are personal correspondence that do not meet the criteria of public records as per N.J.S.A. 47:3-16, as amended, and may be deleted at any time unless they Page 82 of2 become part of some official record as a result of a special circumstance. These types of messages may include personal correspondence not received or created in the course of school district business and may be deleted at any time since it is not an official public record. Non- record e-mail messages are also non-governmental publications that are publications, promotional material from vendors, and similar materials that are publicly available to anyone. These e-mail messages are not public records as defined by N.J.S.A. 47:3-16, as amended, unless specifically incorporated into other official public records, and may also be deleted at any time. However, if an e-mail message is used to justify an expenditure or is included in a proposal, the e-mail message becomes an official public record and must be retained according to records retention and disposition schedules in accordance with the appropriate retention schedules.

All public record e-mail messages shall be maintained by the individual who sends the e-mail message and the primary recipient. The sender and primary recipient are encouraged to print a hard copy of a public record e-mail and file the e-mail in school district files for continued access. The district may establish a district-wide system to facilitate public record e-mail management for continued access and retention. All public record e-mails shall be retained according to records retention and disposition schedules approved by the State Records Committee and no public record e-mail may be destroyed without prior consent of the NJDARM and the State Records Committee, even if the retention period for a record has expired.

An e-mail message that meets the criteria of the definition of a “government record” per N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1 must be made available to the public upon request under New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act during the required retention period, unless the content of the message falls under one of the exceptions contained in the Act or any other statute, regulation, Executive Order by the Governor, rule of Court, or Federal law, regulation or order.

PERSONNEL RECORDS

The Board of Education believes that the orderly operation of the school district requires the retention of all records bearing upon an employee's qualifications for employment and employment history.

The Board requires that sufficient records be compiled and maintained to demonstrate an employee's qualifications for the position assigned; compliance with federal, state, and local benefit programs; conformity to district rules; the proper conduct of evaluations; and the employee's entitlement, as appropriate, to tenure and seniority.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for the custody and maintenance of personnel records. A single, central file of documents shall be maintained; temporary, subsidiary records will be permitted for ease in data gathering only. An employee's personnel file shall be maintained for six years following his/her termination of district service, provided the employment history record card is maintained a minimum of eighty years.

of2 Records maintained in the personnel files of this district are not public records and are not open to inspection except as provided for in this policy. Board minutes and other public records of this district and any computerized files maintained by this district may include only an employee's name, title, position, assignments, salary, payroll record, length of service in the district and in military service, the date and reason for separation from service in this district, and the amount and type of pension a former employee receives.

Personnel records may be inspected by school administrators to the extent that such inspection is required in the performance of the inspector's duties.

Board members may have access to confidential information in the personnel files of only those employees recommended for or subjected to an employment action requiring a vote of the Board or where access to the information is essential for the performance of the Board member's duties. Board member access to personnel files is limited to the relevant portion of the file and is available only through the Superintendent. Board members may freely inspect employment applications filed by candidates for district positions.

An employee may inspect his/her personnel file provided that the employee requests such access in writing, reviews the record in the presence of the administrator designated to maintain the file, makes no alteration or addition to the file nor removes any material from it, and signs a log attached to the file indicating the date on which it was inspected.

An employee may appeal to the Superintendent the inclusion or exclusion of records or for appropriate administrative review of the accuracy of any record in his/her personnel file.

The Superintendent shall prepare rules enumerating the records to be maintained for each employee of this district, including, as a minimum and as appropriate to the position, the completed application form, employment contract(s), a copy of the employee's qualifying certification, transcripts, report of an employment physical examination, oath of allegiance, criminal background check, income tax forms, retirement registration, hospitalization forms, annuity forms, rate of compensation, attendance record, assignments to positions, completed evaluations, reports of disciplinary incidents, records of special awards or distinctions, and reports of annual or special physical and mental examinations.

of2 CARE OF INJURED AND ILL PERSONS

Any injury or illness shall be reported immediately to the school nurse or, in the absence of the school nurse, the Building Principal, who will determine whether an emergency exists. Immediate steps may be taken as necessary to remove the injured or ill person from imminent danger and/or prevent exacerbation of the disability. Routine first aid will be administered by district personnel as necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of the injured or ill person.

The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of an injured or ill pupil and, if necessary, the family of an injured or ill staff member or adult visitor will be notified promptly and tactfully of the injury or illness. If the school nurse or school medical inspector or, in the absence of both, the Principal, determines that the injured or ill person should be removed from school for rest and/or treatment at home or for consultation with a private physician, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or family member shall be requested to provide transportation.

In a serious emergency requiring immediate medical attention, an ambulance may be summoned for transportation to a hospital or the school nurse may drive the injured or ill person to the hospital.

REPORTING ACCIDENTS

The Board of Education directs that all reasonable efforts be made to ensure a safe learning and working environment for the pupils and employees of this district. To that end and to the end that legitimate employee claims for worker's compensation be expedited, the Board requires that accidents be reported and evaluated. Any accident that results in an injury, however slight, to a pupil, an employee of the Board, or a visitor to the schools must be reported promptly and in writing to the district business office. Injured persons shall be referred immediately to the school nurse for such medical attention as may be appropriate.

The injured employee or visitor or the staff member responsible for an injured pupil shall complete a form, available in the office of the Building Principal, that includes the date, time and place of the incident; the names of persons involved; the nature of the injury, to the extent that it is known; and a description of all relevant circumstances.

A copy shall be retained by the Building Principal and a copy shall be sent to the business office.

Any employee of the Board who suffers a job-related injury must report the injury and its circumstances to the Building Principal or job supervisor, as appropriate, no later than twenty-four hours following the occurrence of the injury. The failure of an employee to comply with this mandate may result in disciplinary action.

REPORTING VIOLENCE, VANDALISM, ALCOHOL, AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE

of2 Any school employee who observes or has direct knowledge from a participant or victim of an act of violence or the possession or distribution of alcohol or other drugs on school grounds, and any school employee who reports a pupil for being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, according to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-12 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3, shall file a report describing the incident to the school Principal, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The report shall be on a form to include all of the incident detail and offender and victim information that are reported on the Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System (EVVRS).

Whenever it is alleged a school employee has knowingly falsified the annual report on violence and vandalism required under N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46, the Board shall make a determination regarding whether the employee committed the act. The Board shall provide written notice of the allegations to the employee and the employee shall be entitled to a hearing before the Board in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.3(g)2. Upon a determination by the Board that an employee has knowingly falsified the annual violence and vandalism report, the Board may take appropriate action as outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.3(g)3. Any action taken by the Board shall be based on its consideration of the nature of the conduct, the circumstances under which it occurred, and the employee’s prior employment record. Any employee having been found responsible for the falsification of the annual report by the Board shall have the right to file a grievance under their respective bargaining agreements, appeal the Board’s determination to the Commissioner of Education and subsequently to the State Board of Education, or appeal the decision to the Superior Court of New Jersey. The availability of appeal options shall be based upon the action taken by the Board.

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

The Board of Education recognizes the acknowledgment of religious holidays in the public school may be a source of community concern. It is a goal of the district educational program to teach mutual understanding and brotherhood and respect for group differences. In pursuing this goal, the educational program may recognize that various religious groups celebrate different holidays with different practices.

In the acknowledgment or observance of any religious holiday, the Superintendent shall ensure the school and/or school officials do not mandate, organize, participate in an official capacity, endorse, persuade, compel, prevent or deny participation in constitutionally protected prayer or religion in violation of the governing principles of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Consistent with these principles, the Superintendent shall ensure:

1. No worship or religious service of any kind is sponsored by the school district and conducted during the school day, whether or not conducted by a clergyman;

2. Religious exhibits or displays include only materials that are a necessary or integral part of the curriculum;

3. Any religious music played is selected primarily for its artistic or historic content; and

of2 4. Any acknowledgment of a religious holiday neither advances nor inhibits any particular religious sect or religion consistent with the governing principles of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

of2 TRANSPORTATION BY PRIVATE VEHICLE

The Board of Education authorizes the transportation by private vehicle of pupils of this district between the school and a school activity approved by this Board in accordance with this policy.

Any such transportation must be approved in advance and in writing by the Building Principal. The writing must set forth the date, time, and reason for the transportation; the places from and to which pupils will be transported; the name and address of the driver; the names of the pupils to be transported; a brief description of the transportation vehicle; and the signature of the driver. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a participating pupil will be given, on request, the name of the driver and the description of the vehicle.

No person shall be approved as driver for the transportation of pupils in a private vehicle who is not an employee of this Board or the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a pupil enrolled in this district and the holder of a currently valid license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of New Jersey.

The Board may withdraw the authorization of any private vehicle driver.

Any private vehicle used for the transportation of pupils must be owned by the approved driver or the spouse of the approved driver; have the capacity to hold not more than eight persons; and must conform to registration, inspection, and insurance requirements of the State of New Jersey for privately owned vehicles. Seat belts shall be worn by the driver and the passengers while the vehicle is in motion. No vehicle may be used to transport more persons than its normal load capacity.

The responsibility of teaching staff members for the discipline and control of pupils will extend to their transportation of pupils in a private vehicle. Drivers who are not teaching staff members are requested to report pupil misconduct to the Building Principal.

Expenses incurred by drivers of private vehicles in the course of transporting pupils will be reimbursed by the Board at the approved mileage rate and upon presentation of evidence of costs for tolls and parking fees.

OPENING EXERCISES

The Board of Education requires that the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States be conducted during each day's opening exercises in each school classroom in accordance with law. A pupil who has conscientious objections that interfere with his/her full participation in the salute to the flag and the pledge of allegiance shall be exempted from the exercise but shall be required to maintain a respectful attitude throughout the ceremony. Page 88 of2 The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of any pupil who refuses to salute the flag shall be so informed by the Building Principal, and any such parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or the adult pupil shall be required to furnish a written statement of the pupil's conscientious objection.

COMMUNITY

SCHOOL VISITORS

Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of pupils, Board of Education members and other visitors shall always be made to feel welcome in the building on business, as well as for classroom visits (room permitting). No unauthorized person shall be allowed in the school beyond the office. All visitors must wear the official visitor pass (distributed in Main office, Child Study Team office or Superintendent's office).

All visitors shall be required to report to the Principal's office, or Child Study Team office when appropriate, upon entering the building. No person shall be allowed to deliver any address or lecture on any subject unless authorized by the school Principal or Superintendent. All visitors shall be required to wear the school's official visitor's pass to designate their status on a daily basis.

A "visitor" is anyone other than a pupil enrolled in or a staff member employed in the particular school. Visitors may not consult with the teaching staff or pupils during class time without the Principal's permission.

When the parental rights of a parent have been terminated by a court of appropriate jurisdiction, the legal guardian must inform the school so that the administration may apply appropriate regulations.

All visitors to the schools must obey no smoking regulations and any other regulations designed to prevent interruption of the educational process.

All persons violating this policy shall be considered "disorderly persons" and subject to action in accordance with the appropriate statutes.

SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

The Board of Education recognizes that the services of community volunteers can enrich the educational program, assist teaching staff members in the performance of their duties, and enhance the relationship between the school district and the community. The Board directs the institution of a program for the utilization of volunteer services in grades Pre-Kindergarten through eight.

of2 The Building Principal shall be responsible for the recruitment and screening of volunteers, may delegate the assignment of volunteers to specific tasks.

Volunteers must be persons of known character, responsibility, and integrity and must be approved by the Building Principal.

Neither the Superintendent nor any Principal shall be obligated to utilize the proffered services of a volunteer whose abilities or interests do not serve the needs of pupils.

The following guidelines shall govern the service of school volunteers:

1. Volunteers may serve only under the direction and supervision of a teaching staff member;

2. Volunteers should clearly understand their duties and responsibilities and perform no service outside those duties;

3. Volunteers serve only in a support capacity; only teaching staff members are responsible for educational planning and decisions and the teaching of new concepts;

4. Volunteers shall respect the individuality, dignity, and worth of each child;

5. Volunteers are not permitted access to pupil records;

6. Volunteers should exercise discretion in discussing their school activities with others in the community;

7. Volunteers may consult with the Principal regarding their duties and responsibilities;

8. Volunteers shall receive no financial remuneration from the Board.

The Superintendent may report periodically to the Board on the number of volunteers serving in the schools of the district, the duties performed by volunteers, and the number of volunteer hours served, by school.

PARENT CONFERENCES

The Board of Education endorses the parent-teacher conference as an effective means of permitting parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and teachers to share information about and when possible and appropriate with pupils and the educational program in a constructive setting.

of2 The Superintendent is directed to schedule parent-teacher conferences at such times as will permit the maximum attendance of parent(s) or legal guardian(s), including working parent(s) or legal guardian(s); to encourage the participation of parent(s) or legal guardian(s); and to provide in-service training to teachers to assist them in making most effective use of the conference.

The Board believes that the information exchanged in parent-teacher conferences can be of great importance to the pupil's ability to profit educationally; such conferences are, therefore, an essential part of the instructional program and an integral part of a teacher's professional responsibility. Accordingly, all teachers are required to attend the parent conferences scheduled for the children assigned to them. A teacher's failure to observe this policy may be cause for discipline.

The Board regards parent-teacher conferences as non-adversarial meetings in which all persons present are united in a common interest in the educational well-being of the pupil. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the pupil will be encouraged to have the student attend the conference.

The purposes of the parent-teacher conference are best served when all persons present share freely and candidly their knowledge of the pupil's educational progress and information relating to that progress. Any person present may make and preserve notes, for his/her benefit, of the information shared and may, if permitted, make a tape recording of the conference as an aid to memory or to share with an absent parent or legal guardian. Because the presence of the tape recorder may act to impede the free exchange necessary to an effective conference, however, either the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or the teacher may refuse the other's request that a tape recorder be used.

COOPERATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOL

The following general principles of successful cooperation between parent and school, when adhered to by school staff members, will promote a positive parent-school relationship. A. General Principles for School Personnel

School personnel will adhere to the following guidelines in working with parents. School personnel will 1. Follow through on the actions they agree to take. If it turns out to be impossible to meet an agreed upon commitment, school personnel shall let the parent know as soon as possible.

2. Show good judgment related to the disclosure of confidential information. Staff members will only share the necessary information with those individuals whom need to know it in order to achieve their work related responsibilities.

of2 3. Strive to strike a balance between identifying a child’s areas of weakness and a clear, accurate description of the strengths a child displays in school.

4. Solicit, listen to and respect parents’ knowledge of their children.

5. Seek to understand parents’ thoughts and feelings.

6. Demonstrate respect for parents’ time by starting and ending meetings promptly.

7. Avoid the unnecessary or excessive use of educational jargon in their communications with parents and present the information shared with parents in a manner most understandable to the parent.

8. Strive to create and promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for parents who attend school functions.

9. Demonstrate through their words and actions the commitment to their professional responsibilities.

B. School personnel will follow the general principles of cooperation outlined below with parents regarding certain media communications with parents.

1. E-Mail Communications a. All e-mail replies to parents shall contain proper spelling, grammar and punctuation. b. All e-mail sent by parents shall be replied to within a 24 hour time period. If the e-mail requires a complicated reply, the staff member shall send an e-mail to the parent letting them know it has been received and approximately when a reply will be forthcoming. c. As a general rule, only use read delivery or read receipt for time- sensitive e-mails.

of2 d. When e-mailing a group of parents, use Bcc unless parents give permission for e-mail address to be shared. e. Do not forward or cc: a parent message or attachment without their permission. f. E-mail is an appropriate means of providing quick answers to parent inquiries. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for telephone or face- to-face communication. If a parent sends an e-mail that expresses a concern, the staff member is expected to respond with a phone call or by attempting to arrange a face-to-face meeting. The exception to this is when a parent indicates that a reply by e-mail is preferable. 2. Telephone Communications a. School personnel shall always identify himself/herself properly at the beginning of the telephone call with a parent. b. Staff personnel shall be aware of their surroundings when making a telephone call to a parent to be sure the telephone conversation is confidential. c. When leaving a telephone message, school personnel shall make the message concise and include the time the parent should attempt to return the call.. d. School personnel shall not place a telephone call with a parent on speaker phone unless the parent provides their permission to do so. e. School personnel shall not eat or chew gum while talking on the telephone. f. All telephone calls received from a parent must receive a reply within a 24 hour time period. 3. Electronic Grade Books and Websites a. Team Calendars i. Due dates for long-term projects and the dates of summative assessments shall be posted as far in advance as possible.

ii. Homework assignments shall be posted on the day they are assigned.

iii. The descriptions provided for information posted on team calendars shall be clear and specific. No potentially unfamiliar abbreviations will be used.

of2 iv. Special activities unique to the team must be posted on the team calendar.

b. Subject Areas of Team Sites

i. Prior to the start of each unit of instruction, the teacher shall post:

 The approximate dates for the start and end of the unit.

 The learning objectives to be accomplished for during the unit.

 A description of how learning will be assessed during the unit.

 Links to resources parents may use to assist their child learning the material in the unit.

c. Electronic Grade books

ii. All assessment marks that will count toward the final trimester grade must be recorded in the district provided electronic grade book within one week of students submitting the assignment.

of2 JOB TITLE: CLASSROOM TEACHER

JOB DESCRIPTION: This employee is responsible for instructional planning, management of behavior, delivery of instruction, and assessment of performance for all assigned students.

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Professional Knowledge: The teacher demonstrates an understanding of the curriculum, subject content and the developmental needs of students by providing relevant learning experiences. Examples of meeting this performance expectation include, but are not limited to:  Effectively addressing appropriate curriculum standards.  Integrating key content elements and facilitating students’ use of higher level thinking skills in instruction.  Demonstrating the ability to link present content with past and future learning experiences, other subject areas, and real world experiences and applications.  Demonstrating accurate knowledge of the subject matter.  Demonstrating skills relevant to the subject area taught.  Basing instruction on goals that reflect high expectations and an understanding of the subject.  Demonstrating an understanding of the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of the age group.  Communicating clearly and checking for understanding.

2. Instructional Planning: The teacher plans using the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, the school’s curriculum, effective strategies, resources and data to meet the needs of all students. Examples of meeting this performance expectation include, but are not limited to:  Using student learning data to guide planning.  Planning time realistically for pacing, content mastery, and transitions.  Planning for differentiated instruction.  Aligning lesson objectives to the school’s curriculum and student learning needs.  Developing appropriate long- and short-range plans, and adapting plans when needed.

3. Instructional Delivery: The teacher effectively engages students in learning by using a variety of instructional strategies in order to meet individual learning needs. Examples of meeting this performance expectation include, but are not limited to:  Engaging and maintaining students in active learning.  Building upon students’ existing knowledge and skills.  Differentiating instruction to meet students’ needs.  Reinforcing learning goals consistently throughout the lesson. Page 95 of2  Using a variety of effective instructional strategies and resources.  Using instructional technology to enhance student learning.  Communicating clearly and checking for understanding.

4. Assessment of, and for, Learning: The teacher systematically gathers, analyzes, and uses all relevant data to measure student academic progress, guide instructional content and delivery methods, and provide timely feedback to both students and parents throughout the school year. Examples of meeting this performance expectation include, but are not limited to:  Using pre-assessment data to develop expectations for students, to differentiate instruction, and to document learning.  Involving students in setting learning goals and monitoring their own progress.  Using a variety of assessment strategies and instruments that are valid and appropriate for the content and for the student population.  Aligning student assessment with established curriculum standards and benchmarks.  Using assessment tools for both formative and summative purposes, and using grading practices that report final mastery in relationship to content goals and objectives.  Using assessment tools for both formative and summative purposes to inform, guide and adjust students’ learning.  Giving constructive and frequent feedback to students on their learning.

5. Learning Environment: The teacher uses resources, routines, and procedures to provide a respectful, positive, safe, student-centered environment that is conducive to learning. Examples of meeting this performance expectation include, but are not limited to:  Arranging the classroom to maximize learning while providing a safe environment.  Establishing clear expectations, with student input, for classroom rules and procedures early in the school year, and enforcing them consistently and fairly.  Maximizing instructional time and minimizing disruptions.  Establishing a climate of trust and teamwork by being fair, caring, respectful, and enthusiastic.  Promoting cultural sensitivity.  Respecting students’ diversity, including language, culture, race, gender, and special needs.  Actively listening and paying attention to students’ needs and responses.  Maximizing instructional learning time by working with students individually, as well as in small groups or whole groups.

6. Professionalism: The teacher maintains a commitment to professional ethics, communicates effectively, and takes responsibility for, and participates in, professional growth that results in enhanced student learning. Examples of meeting this performance expectation include, but are not limited to:  Collaborating and communicating effectively within the school community to promote students’ well-being and success.  Adhering to federal and state laws, school policies and ethical guidelines. Page 96 of2  Incorporating learning from professional growth opportunities into instructional practice.  Setting goals for improving knowledge and skills.  Engaging in activities outside the classroom intended for school and student enhancement.  Working in a collegial and collaborative manner with administrators, other school personnel, and the community.  Building positive and professional relationships with parents/guardians through frequent and effective communication concerning students’ progress.  Serving as a contributing member of the school’s professional learning community through collaboration with teaching colleagues.  Demonstrating consistent mastery of standard oral and written English in all communication.

7. Student Academic Progress: The work of the teacher results in acceptable, measurable, and appropriate student academic progress. Examples of meeting this performance expectation include, but are not limited to:  Setting acceptable, measurable and appropriate achievement goals for student academic progress based on baseline data.  Documenting the progress of each student throughout the year.  Providing evidence that achievement goals have been met, including the state-provided growth measure when available, as well as other multiple measures of student growth.  Using available performance outcome data to continually document and communicate student academic progress and develop interim learning targets. REPORTS TO: Principal or Supervisor

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•Valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate

•Required criminal history check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

•Salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education

Board Approved: January 26, 2012

of2 JOB TITLE: EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PROVIDER

JOB DESCRIPTION: This job description applies to all employees requiring an educational services certification. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Knowledge of the Learning Community: The educational services provider identifies and addresses the needs of the target learning community by demonstrating respect for individual differences and understanding of cultures, backgrounds and learning styles. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include, but are not limited to:  Using district, school, family and community resources to help meet student and/or program needs.  Demonstrating an understanding of developmental stages of students.  Identifying and accommodating various learning styles and cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds to assist in the implementation of intervention plans.  Using a variety of data sources to determine student needs and supporting instructional programs.

2. Program Planning and Management: The educational services provider plans, implements, and manages programs and/or services to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include, but are not limited to:  Understanding and following applicable local, state & federal regulations, policies, guidelines and procedures.  Demonstrating current knowledge of field/subject/content matter.  Providing a safe environment for interactions.  Organizing and maintaining appropriate program records.  Demonstrating effective scheduling and time management skills.  Identifying and managing available resources to address learner needs.

3. Program Services and Support: The educational services provider uses knowledge of subject/content/field/technology to implement services and support for the targeted learning community consistent with established standards and guidelines. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include, but are not limited to:  Selecting, developing, organizing, implementing, or supporting curriculum for specific learner and/or program needs.  Using technology as appropriate to deliver services and programs.  Presenting information and services using varied strategies to meet learner needs and diversity.  Providing services that will support mastery of state and national standards.

of2  Collaborating with instructional staff to design, implement, or support services for specific learner or program needs.  Consulting on a continual basis with administration, parents, community agencies, school, and support personnel to resolve issues and/or inform on progress related to the provision of programs/services to individual learners.

4. Assessment: The educational services provider gathers, analyzes and uses data to measure students or program progress, guide instruction, and provide timely feedback to students, families and staff. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include, but are not limited to:  Using state and local assessment data to modify strategies/interventions/services and programs.  Demonstrating proficiency in administering, scoring, evaluating and interpreting data from instruments or records.

5. Communication: The educational services provider communicates effectively with students, parents, guardians, and the community. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include, but are not limited to:  Using precise language and acceptable forms of oral and written expression.  Initiating and maintaining communication with stakeholders to support the needs of the learning community.  Supporting, promoting, and communicating the mission, vision, and goals of the school division and program.  Working collaboratively with stakeholders (colleagues, parents, supervisors, community resources, etc.) to support the success of the learning community.  Using technology effectively.

6. Professionalism: The educational services provider maintains a professional demeanor, participates in professional growth opportunities, demonstrates an understanding of the program and contributes to the profession. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include, but are not limited to:  Following federal, state, and local laws, and school board rules, guidelines and policies.  Maintaining a positive pattern of professional behavior (appearance, punctuality and attendance).  Respecting and maintaining confidentiality.  Performing assigned duties and following policies and procedures.  Demonstrating knowledge and skills relevant to the profession.  Evaluating and identifying areas of personal strengths and weaknesses related to professional skills.  Setting goals for improvement of skills and professional performance.  Participating in professional growth activities and incorporating learning into the program.  Mentoring, training, and/or supporting colleagues in professional growth opportunities. Page 99 of2 7. Student/Program Progress: The work of the educational services provider results in acceptable, measurable student or program progress based on established standards, district goals/and or school goals. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include, but are not limited to:  Demonstrating an understanding of the concepts, principles and strategies that enable learners to achieve and be academically successful.  Using systematic procedures to review and document student progress including use of state and local assessments.  Working collaboratively with others to establish student achievement or program goals.  Demonstrating necessary evidence of student achievement and/or program goals.

REPORTS TO: Supervisor and/or Principal

I. EVALUATION: Employees categorized into this job description will be evaluated by expectations and processes outlined in the district’s Educational Services Provider Performance Evaluation Handbook.

II. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  Valid New Jersey Educational Services Certification.  Required criminal history check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education

Board approved: May 22, 2008 Board approved: January 26, 2012

of2 JOB TITLE: EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL

JOB DESCRIPTION: This job description applies to all employees providing support to the operations of the school district. This includes but is not limited to secretarial staff members, custodians, paraprofessionals, computer technicians. Duties of this position include but are not limited to:

1. Job Proficiency: The educational support provider demonstrates initiative as well as the ability to effectively perform tasks associated with his or her position. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include but are not limited to: • Completes the expected volume of assigned work. • Delivers completed work on time. • Efficiently completes assigned job tasks with accuracy, thoroughness and dependability. • Performs work to be done without being told. • Demonstrates willingness to take action beyond the minimum required. • Substitutes for fellow employees when necessary. • Demonstrates a willingness to seek solutions to problems. • Accepts additional duties as assigned. • Responds appropriately and effectively to new and changing conditions.

2 . Communication: The educational support provider communicates effectively with students, parents, guardians, and the community. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include but are not limited to: • Maintaining a cooperative working relationship with fellow employees. • Maintaining a courteous, willing and helpful manner when interacting with all staff members, students, parents and the general public. • Respects others in all aspects of job performance. • Maintains the confidentiality of records and information. • Uses grammatically correct, Standard English in all communications.

3 . Professionalism: The educational support provider maintains a professional demeanor and participates in professional growth opportunities. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include but are not limited to: • Attends work on a regular basis. • Arrives to work on time and remains until the end of the work day. • Practices appropriate personal hygiene, being well-groomed and appropriately attired for his or her assignment.

of2 • Accepts constructive supervision cooperatively and willingly. • Willingly attends in-services and recommended continuing education opportunities. • Demonstrates the ability to apply the knowledge and skills learned through professional development opportunities. • Seeks to improve job skills. • Keeps work area orderly, clean and sanitary as needed.

4. Program Progress: The work of the educational support provider results in acceptable, measurable program progress based on departmental, school or district goals. Examples of responsibilities demonstrating performance of this performance standard include but are not limited to: • Sets acceptable, appropriate, measurable goals for departmental, school or district progress based on baseline data. • Documents progress towards attainment of goals throughout the course of the school year. • Provides evidence that established goals have been met.

REPORTS TO: Supervisor and/or Principal

EVALUATION: Employees categorized into this job description will be evaluated by expectations and processes outlined in the district's Educational Support Personnel Evaluation Handbook.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • High School Diploma. • For paraprofessionals - 60 college credits and NJ substitute teaching certification. • Required criminal history check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: • Salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education

Board approved: May 22, 2008 Board approved: January 26, 2012

102 JOB TITLE: EXTRACURRICULAR ADVISOR

JOB DESCRIPTION: This individual is responsible for providing students with an opportunity to explore their interests and talents through extracurricular activities.

Instruction  Instructs individual participants in the skills necessary for success in the extracurricular activity.  Organizes and supervises a series of regularly scheduled extracurricular activities for students after school hours.  Attends all activity meetings and in-school events and supervises students on related field trips and other out-of-school functions.  Maintains responsibility for the collection, depositing of funds, payment of bills and financial reporting according to Board policies and regulations.  Oversees the development, production, sales/distribution and advertising of any product produced by the students.  Arranges for necessary transportation or scheduling of competition officials related to the activity.

Assessment  Completes an annual summary describing participation, results and recommendations.

Learning Environment  Ensures the safety of the students and maintains responsibility for the security of equipment and facilities.

Communication/Community Relations  Actively promotes the program and seeks student participation.  Communicates to participants, expectations for attendance and commitment.  Recommends to the school principal equipment and supplies to include in the school budget.

Professionalism  Assumes responsibility for all equipment and supplies related to the extracurricular activity.  Upholds and enforces school rules, administrative regulations and Board policy.

103  Participates in professional development activities designed to improve knowledge and skills specific to the extracurricular activity assigned.

REPORTS TO: Principal

QUALIFICATIONS:  Valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate or eligibility/substitute certificate.  Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

Board approved: August 28, 2008

104 JOB TITLE: SPORTS DIRECTOR

JOB DESCRIPTION: This individual is responsible for providing leadership in the implementation and coordination of the district’s athletic program.

Program Management  Organizes and administers the district’s program of extracurricular athletics and assumes responsibility for the scheduling of athletic events.  Arranges for the transportation to athletic competition.

Direct Services/Instruction  Assumes responsibility for the proper supervision of home games and the availability of game officials, team physicians and security personnel.  Assumes responsibility for vouchers and payments to game officials.

Assessment  Maintains and verifies all records pertaining to athlete’s eligibility including physical, academic and parental permission forms.  Maintains inventory records of all equipment and uniforms.  Maintains all practice schedules.  Completes an annual summary describing participation, results and recommendations.

Collaboration  In conjunction with the school principal, develops and implements appropriate rules and regulations governing the conduct of athletic activities.  Coordinates facility use with the business office including the head custodian for preparation of facility.  Promotes good school-community relations and support through effective communication of the district’s athletic program.

Professionalism  Upholds and enforces school rules, administrative regulations and Board policy and all regulations governing sports.

105  Participates in professional development activities designed to improve general coaching knowledge and skills as well as skills specific to the sport assigned.

106 JOB TITLE: ATHLETIC COACH

JOB DESCRIPTION: This individual is responsible for providing leadership in the development and improvement of the sports program through the development of athletes’ knowledge, skills, sportsmanship and motivation to excel.

Duties of this position include but are not limited to: Instruction  Coaches individual participants in the skills necessary for success in the sport involved.  Plans and schedules a regular program of practice in season and attends all contests of the assigned sport.

Assessment  Assumes responsibility for the selection of team members and verifies their eligibility according to established physical and academic requirements of eligibility for participation in each sport.  Completes an annual summary describing participation, results and recommendations. Learning Environment  Promotes good sportsmanship through instruction and modeling.  Through high quality feedback, emphasizes the improvement of skills and active participation over the outcomes achieved.  Oversees the safety conditions of the facility or area in which the assigned sport is conducted at all times the students are present.

Communication/Community Relations  Obtains written parental permission for students to participate and files team member records.  Maintains communication with parents and students regarding information and events related to that sport.  Collaborates with other coaches including those at the high school to promote the consistency of instruction and expectations.  Informs administration of pertinent incidents occurring during competitions and practices.  Assists the sports director in making arrangements for athletic competitions and related transportation.

107  Assists in the preparation and administration of the athletic program budget by preparing a budget for the assigned sport. Professionalism  Assumes responsibility for all team equipment during practice and contests and in the distribution and collection of athletic gear.  Upholds and enforces school rules, administrative regulations and Board policy and all regulations governing sports.  Participates in professional development activities designed to improve general coaching knowledge and skills as well as skills specific to the sport assigned.