SOUTH PLAINFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL 2020 - 2021 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK SPMS Student Handbook 2019-2020 T ABLE OF CONTENTS The Beginning Principal’s Welcome.............................................................................................................................5 ​ ​ Board of Education Members District Central Administration Middle School Administration Phone Numbers THE MIDDLE SCHOOL DAY School Bell Schedules..........................................................................................................................8 ​ ​ The Academic Program (Marking Periods Reports) Parent/Teacher Conference Schedule Beginning of the School Day (Student’s Arrival) Dismissal & Emergency Closing Procedures HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED Medical Information, Rules, Regulations...........................................................................................12 ​ ​ Emergency Cards Examinations and Screenings Vacation Notification Use of Medications Medical Aid School Insurance STUDENT SERVICES COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE Guidance Department........................................................................................................................13 ​ ​ Intervention and Referral Services (I & RS) ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT Grading Policy……………….............................................................................................................14 ​ ​ Honors Status Honor Roll & Promotional Guidelines National Junior Honor Society Criteria Eighth Grade Promotion Exercises Guidelines for Retention Summer School Homework Make Up Work Extra Help - After School Plagiarism PHYSICAL EDUCATION Rules & Regulations..........................................................................................................................20 ​ ​ Physical Education Excuses Health Special Note on Communicable Diseases SPMS Student Handbook 2020-2021 Page 2 ​ GEORGE L. FALLIS INFORMATION CENTER Information Center............................................................................................................................22 ​ ​ Information Center Rules and Procedures for Borrowing Book Overdue & Lost Books and Magazines STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR SCHOOL PROPERTY Care of School Property.....................................................................................................................23 ​ ​ Conditions of Books Issue & Return of Textbooks and Fines EXPECTATIONS & STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Rules & Regulations for Student Code of Conduct.........................................................................24 ​ ​ Middle School Dress Code District Policy #5511 Dress and Grooming Backpack Policy Hall Passes & Hall Lockers Fire Drill Instruction Lunch Program Assembly Programs Buses Bicycles, Skateboards/Roller-Blades/Scooters Lost and Found Visitors/ Student Guests Telephone/ Cell Phones Electronic Devices Fighting Eligibility Requirements for Middle School Activities Discipline Policies & Procedures Suspension and Expulsion In-School-Suspension Procedures Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Complaint or Grievance Procedure Additional Student Discipline Policies STUDENTS SUSPECTED OF DRUG OR ALCOHOL ABUSE Procedures.........................................................................................................................................40 ​ ​ Procedure Upon Return to School after Drug/Alcohol Use Incident Illegal Substance Activity and Due Process Right to Search DISTRICT & STATE POLICIES School Law.......................................................................................................................................42 ​ ​ Smoking, Drinking, & Use of Drugs On School Property SPMS Student Handbook 2020-2021 Page 3 ​ STUDENT ATTENDANCE General Provisions/Expectations…....................................................................................................46 ​ ​ School Attendance Interventions Student Tardiness Procedures for Students Tardy to Class Class Cuts Truancy Early Release/Late Arrival Procedures Governing Approved Release of Student during School Hours Make Up Work Reporting Attendance to Parents CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS & ELIGIBILITY Introduction.........................................................................................................................................52 ​ ​ District Policy Middle School Co-Curricular Activities/Athletic Eligibility Procedures for Implementation Co-Curricular Activities Athletic Program Music Program ADDITIONAL SCHOOL LAWS AND POLICIES Notification of Rights under FERPA..................................................................................................56 ​ ​ Section 504 Compliance Policies & Procedures Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act Policies & Procedures South Plainfield Board of Education Affirmative Action Officers Affirmative Action/Grievance Procedures Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Sexual Harassment/Equal Educational Opportunity Rights of Handicapped Persons/Students Child Abuse or Neglect Internet Acceptable Use Policy Board of Education Policies School – Parent Compact Integrated Pest Management Act Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) List of Religious Holidays – Calendar for 2020-2021 SPMS Student Handbook 2020-2021 Page 4 ​ WELCOME SPMS Students & Parents On behalf of the South Plainfield Middle School Faculty and Administration, I would like to welcome you to the 2020-2021 school year. We are thrilled to begin another exciting year at South Plainfield Middle School. Our goal is to positively develop our student’s intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs during their middle school years. South Plainfield Middle School offers a wide variety of opportunities for all students, both in academics and extracurricular activities. This handbook is designed to familiarize students and parents with our expectations and guidelines for student conduct. We ask each student to read the handbook and discuss it with a parent or guardian. It is our hope that you will be proud of our school and that your experience here will be pleasant and rewarding. Our success at South Plainfield Middle School is the direct result of the combined efforts of home and school. With our dedicated staff, administration and supportive parent community, the South Plainfield Middle School will continue to provide the best educational experiences for our students ensuring their success as they prepare to lead responsible and productive lives. Thank you for your ongoing support of South Plainfield Middle School. I look forward to working together to ensure the success of all our students. I wish you a safe and productive school year. Yours in education, Leo Whalen Leo Whalen, Principal SPMS Student Handbook 2020-2021 Page 5 ​ SOUTH PLAINFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION Mr. Douglas Chapman, President Mr. Thomas Cassio, Vice President Mr. Keith Both Mrs. Debbie Boyle Mr. John Farinella Mrs. Sharon Miller Mr. Pio Pennisi Mr. William Seesselberg Mrs. Stephanie Wolak CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION Dr. Noreen Lishak.….……………………………….…………….... Superintendent of Schools Ms. Mary Flora Malyska..………………………………..………….... Assistant Superintendent Mr. Alex Benanti..…………………............................. Board Secretary/ Business Administrator Mr. Sam Fierra……………………….…………..…....……...…...Director of Guidance K – 12 Mrs. Annemarie Stoeckel………………………....Supervisor of Technology and Library Media Mrs. Anu Garrison………….................................................................Director of Math & Grants Mrs. Shanti Murray….....................................Supervisor of Science, Visual/Applied Arts, Music Mr. Kevin McCann..………………………………...………………... District Athletic Director Mrs. Pamela Ackerman-Garcia......…....…………......Supervisor of ELA, Social Studies, & ESL Mr. Andrew Brandon.........……………………................................. Director of Special Services Ms. Lisa Cook…………………………………………..….………...Transportation Supervisor Mrs. Joanne Ryan………………………..…………........…..…...Supervisor of Special Services Mr. Michael Estrada……………………….…………….....………... Chief Technology Officer Mr. Thomas Wiggins……………………………………...... Supervisor Buildings and Grounds SOUTH PLAINFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Mr. Leo Whalen……….........................................................................................................Principal Mrs. Kelly Richkus................................................................................................Assistant Principal SPMS Student Handbook 2020-2021 Page 6 ​ SOUTH PLAINFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL PHONE NUMBERS Main Number.................................................................................................................908-754-4620 Principal............................................................................................................................... Ext. 2601 Assistant Principal................................................................................................................Ext. 2602 Information Center...............................................................................................................Ext. 2680 Main Office Numbers...........................................................................................................Ext. 2000 Guidance...............................................................................................................................Ext. 2631 Health Office.........................................................................................................................Ext. 2620 Child Study