Our District » District Handbook

District Handbook

Attendance
 
The Board of Education requires the pupils enrolled in the schools of this district attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the State. The educational program offered by this district is predicated on the presence of the pupil and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. The regular contact of pupils with one another in the classroom and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose.
 
Attendance at school may be excused for certain absences as defined by the Board. All absences for reasons other than excused, shall be unexcused. Pupils absent from school for any reason are responsible for the completion of assignments missed because of their absence. No pupil excused for a religious holiday shall be deprived of an award or eligibility to compete for an award or the opportunity to make up a test given on the religious holiday.
 
Prolonged or repeated absences, excused or unexcused, from school or from class, deprive the pupil of the classroom experience deemed essential to learning and may result in retention at grade level or loss of credit toward the high school diploma in accordance with policies of this Board.
 
Truancy: All cases of truancy will be reviewed by an Assistant Principal or Principal and may be referred to the district truant officer.
 
Absences for Religious Reasons
 
According to New Jersey law, any student absent from school because of a religious holiday may not be deprived of any award or of eligibility or opportunity to compete for any award because of such absence. Students who miss a test or examination because of absence on a religious holiday must be given the right to take an alternate test or examination. To be entitled to the privileges set forth above, the student must present a written excuse signed by a parent or person standing in place of a parent. Any absence because of a religious holiday must be recorded in the school register or in any group or class attendance record as an excused absence. Such absence must NOT be recorded on any transcript application, employment form or on any similar form.
 
Asbestos, Pest and Air Quality Management Plans for the 2018 - 2019 School Year
 
Asbestos Management Plan: The East Windsor Regional School District is required to notify all parents and employees that an asbestos management plan is available for inspection in each school office. The plan is updated every three years with inspections scheduled every six months. Any response actions also are available. Please be advised that students are not exposed to friable asbestos.
Annual Integrated Pest Management Notice : This notice is being distributed/posted to comply with the New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management Act. East Windsor Regional School District has adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy and has implemented an IPM Plan to comply with this law. IPM is a holistic, preventive approach to managing pests that is explained further in the school's IPM Policy. All schools in New Jersey are required to have an Integrated Pest management Coordinator (IPM Coordinator) to oversee all activities related to IPM and pesticide use at the school. The Building IPM is the current Principal. The District IPM Coordinator is: Director of Buildings and Grounds, 384 Stockton Street, 2nd Floor, Hightstown, NJ 08520. (609) 443-7846.
Indoor Air Quality Notice : Acording to the New Jersey Indoor Air Quality Standards; please note there will be painting done during the school year. If you have any questions or concerns please call the Director of Buildings and Grounds, (609) 443-7846.
 
Attendance and Release
 
If it is necessary for a student to be dismissed prior to the end of the normal school day, the parent must send a note to the base teacher. The student will be sent to the office at the appropriate time to wait for an adult to pick him/her up. While most students are released only to parents/guardians, another adult will be allowed to take the student if permission IN WRITING is received from a parent. The parent (or authorized adult) must sign-out the student in the office before leaving the building with him/her. If a note HAS NOT been sent to the base teacher, the parent must wait in the office while the secretary or clerk goes to the base area, explains the situation to the teacher and returns to the office with the student.
 
Basic Skills Program
 
Federal, state and local funds are used to provide students who have been identified as needing supplemental instruction in reading, writing and/or math based upon standardized test scores and other measures.
Title I -A federally funded program which provides supplementary instruction in language arts and math.
At Risk - Local funds also provide supplemental reading, writing, and/or math instruction to identified students in
grades K-12.
 
Questions about this program should be directed to your child's principal.
 
Behavior
 
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is safe and courteous so they are able to participate in school activities while enjoying their rights and privileges. Mutual respect for the rights of other students and adults and also respect for the rights of others’ personal property should provide a safe and orderly school environment for everyone. Student behavior which infringes on the rights of other persons or on personal or community property will not be tolerated. Students engaging in such behavior should expect consequences for such behavior. Verbal or physical harassment of students by other students violates individual rights and will not be tolerated. Deliberate damage to another student’s property or school property will result in payment by parents for such damage. Taking property of another student or of the school will be treated in a serious manner. Each student is expected to respect and to understand the differences they see in their classmates’ abilities, appearance, dress, etc. Student and parent handbooks address these issues in more detail.
 
Bicycle Safety
 
All bicycles must be placed in the bicycle racks provided and should be locked to the rack. Remember to record the bicycle serial number at home and on the school bicycle permission form. Children under 17 must wear helmets. Bicycle permission slips are available in each school front office and must be on file at the school if students are going to use their bicycles to ride to and from school. It is suggested that bicycles be registered with the local police departments. There is a municipal ordinance to this effect in East Windsor Township.
 
Board Entrance Policy
 
All PreK to grade 12 students who are new to the district are to register at the Office of Community Services/Central Registration. Please call 609-443-2881, ext. 6800 to schedule an appointment.
 
The student MUST live in the district with the parent or legal guardian. ONLY the parent or legal guardian may register the student. All registrations are done by appointment. The following documents are examples of acceptable items that must be presented at the registration appointment:
 
HOMEOWNERS:
  1. Current property tax bill, mortgage statement, or closing disclosure (if the home was recently bought)
  2. One (1) document with name and address such as voter registration, license, permit, financial account information, utility bill, delivery receipt, court order, canceled check, etc.
RENTERS: 
  1. Current lease or letter from leasing agent.
  2. One (1) document with name and address such as voter registration, license, permit, financial account information, utility bill, delivery receipt, court order, canceled check, etc.
IF YOU LIVE WITH ANOTHER FAMILY:
  1. Affidavit of Residency Form A. (This needs to be notarized and completed by the person with whom you reside with)
  2. Current lease or letter from leasing agent, landlord or tenant, property tax bill, mortgage statement or closing disclosure of the homeowner (if home was recently bought) This should be the same person listed on the Affidavit of Residency Form A.
  3. One (1) document with name and address such as voter registration, license, permit, financial account information, utility bill, delivery receipt, court order, canceled check, etc.

Note: If your current living arrangements are NOT listed above, please call the office for guidance.

 

The following additional documents are required for school enrollment and should be presented at the registration appointment: Failure to present these documents may delay actual attendance at school.

  1. Proof of Age. Original birth certificate, passport, or other official document indicating age.
  2. Health and Immunization Records. Current records can be obtained from your previous school or pediatrician. These must be current with dates and translated into English. Please note that the physical examination forms must be dated no more than one year (365 days) prior to the entry into EWRSD schools.
  3. Previous School Records. School records may include transfer card, last report card, IEP, test scores such as WIDA, PARCC, etc.
  4. Proof of Custody, if applicable. Legal divorce decree, or other custody document indicating physical or residential custody of the student.
 
Books and Property
Students are responsible for the care and condition of the school’s books and property assigned to them. Students should:
 
1. Check lockers and books when they are issued and report any damage to homeroom or class teacher.
2. Handle books in such a manner that they will not be torn or otherwise damaged.
3. Write their names and school year at the place provided inside the book.
 
Buses
 
Students may ride only on the bus to which they have been assigned and must board the bus at the designated stop. All students must carry their bus passes at all times. Bus drivers will ask to see them periodically throughout the school year. Please do not ask to have a friend who is not assigned to a bus ride with your child to your home. We are not able to grant these requests. Transportation is not provided for students for after school jobs or other appointments.
LATE BUS FOR GRADES 6 THROUGH 12 STUDENTS : The use of the late bus is for student transportation for after school, supervised activities. To ride the late bus, the student needs a bus pass from the school office. Members of a school team, cheerleaders or other groups that meet regularly will be given a pass for the entire season.
 
Change of Address
If your place of residence changes and you still reside within the school district, you must contact the Office of Community Services/Central Registration at 443-2881, ext. 6800 to report the change. New proof of residency will be required.
 
Child Custody
 
If your child is living with one parent who has legal custody and the other parent is not entitled to contact the child at school or remove the child from school, the school office must be provided an order by the court of such custody. Without such order, we would have difficulty in refusing either parent access to the child at school. Any change in custody status must be reported to the school office.
 
Communication Procedures
 
The East Windsor Regional School District is committed to providing an optimal environment of communication for all the members of its educational community. The district has developed a communication plan that will facilitate better communication among its members. We are confident that if followed as suggested, the steps outlined in the communication plan will result in timely resolutions to district issues, questions and concerns as well as improved communication in all areas of our school district. The following procedure is the order to follow when contacting district staff: teacher(s), guidance counselor/content specialist, supervisor/coordinator, assistant principal, principal, central office administrator, superintendent and, if needed, the board of education. More specific information will be shared with parents by their child's school principal.
 
Computer Use
 
All students are required to abide by the EWRSD Acceptable Use Agreement. All computer hardware and software belong to the district and the district retains the right to access e-mail, files or other material maintained on a district computer as it believes necessary. From time to time, EWRSD will make determinations on whether specific uses of the equipment are consistent with the district policy and acceptable use agreement. Thus, users should not view any data or communications as confidential. Violations of the rules and code of the Acceptable Use Agreement will be dealt with seriously. Violators may lose computer privileges and may be subject to other disciplinary action.
 
Curriculum and Instruction
 
East Windsor Regional School District has developed a sophisticated set of curriculum objectives for each curricular area that is correlated to the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. A continuing program of educational assessment through national and state standardized tests, as well as district-developed tests, provides a foundation for ongoing review and revision of the curriculum objectives and the instructional programs developed to implement them.
 
Dress Code
 
We do not operate with a formal dress code. However, we encourage children to dress appropriately and tastefully for all school activities. When the weather turns cool, we suggest all children bring a sweater or jacket to school. We respect the right of each student's selection of appropriate clothing for school. All students are to present themselves in attire which does not disrupt nor distract from the educational process (e.g., T-shirts with profanity, torn clothing, bare midriff shirts). For grades K-12, hats or other headwear are not to be worn at any time in the school building during school hours: 1st offense - verbal warning; 2nd offense - confiscation; 3rd offense - suspension.
 
Drug Free School Zone
 
New Jersey Statute 2C:35-1.1 was developed by the legislature as a result of a determined effort to create a drug-free safety zone extending 1,000 feet from the property line of each of New Jersey’s schools and from each school bus.
 
The legislature calls for mandatory penalties for students under age 18 who distribute, dispense, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance in this safety zone as outlined in 2C:35 -1, et seq.:
 
1. A fine up to $500 for manufacturing or dispensing and up to $35,000 for possessing.
2. Mandatory requirement to perform not less than 100 hours of community service.
3. Revocation of driving privileges for a period of at least six months. If the offender is under 17 years of age, the minimum six month suspension of driving privileges does not take effect until the student reaches his/her seventeenth birthday.
 
These penalties are established by statute and are above and beyond any school discipline which may include suspension, expulsion, or any other school penalty imposed by the district.
 
Adults, inclusive of students 18 or over, who violate New Jersey Statute 2C:35-5a while inside the 1,000 foot safety zone MUST be sentenced to a minimum term of three years without parole. A minimum term of one year without parole is mandated if distribution is less than 25 grams of marijuana or less than 5 grams of hashish.
 
Drugs and Alcohol
 
The possession, selling or distribution, use, or being under the influence of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), dangerous chemicals or chemical compounds, or alcohol on school property is illegal and regarded as a most serious offense which constitutes a danger to health and the general welfare and is, therefore, forbidden. Individuals or groups participating in such actions are subject to applicable civil and/or criminal procedures and may be denied future use of these facilities.
 
All employees are responsible for reporting immediately to the principal-in-charge any suspected or actual violations of this policy. Employees are protected in exercising this responsibility by statute.
 
Further, it is a New Jersey state law that a staff member who suspects drug or alcohol use by a student must report that student to the nurse. Sleeping in class, having one's head down on the desk, loud and unusual behavior may be cause for referral to the nurse.
Confirmed possession or use of a CDS (including steroids) occurring on or off school grounds will result in a 45-day ban (applicable to only those days when school is in session) on all privileges and extracurricular activities.
 
Procedures Involving Drugs and Alcohol
 
The school district takes any and all form(s) of substance abuse or suspected substance abuse by students very seriously. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of an intoxicating drug or alcohol as well as possession and/or distribution of alcohol and dangerous substances. Please refer to the Board of Education policies and regulations for more information.
 
District-Wide Assessment Program
 
The East Windsor Regional School District’s K-12 instructional program is organized around curriculum guides developed through both staff and community input as well as the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. In order to assess the impact of the district’s instructional program, a variety of local, state, and national assessment instruments are administered annually. Currently, the district’s assessment program includes the following:
Kindergarten-Grade 1 (District checklist)
A performance assessment checklist is used in kindergarten and grade one focusing on student attainment of specific curriculum objectives.
Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 - PARCC
A national standardized test, the PARCC, is administered to students each spring in the above listed grades. Only students who are Special Education IEP exempt are excused from participating in the test administration. The test measures student achievement in reading, mathematics and language skills. The skills assessed are crucial to current day-to-day learning activities as well as future educational development.
Grade 11 HSPA
In order to receive a high school diploma in the State of New Jersey, a student must pass the High School Proficiency Assessment. The HSPA is administered in the spring of the junior year. Only special education students who are IEP exempt are not required to participate in this assessment. However, an alternate state assessment is required for these students.
Grade 12 HSPA
Any grade 12 student who has not passed one or more sections of the High SchoolProficiency Assessment, or any grade 12 student new to our high school from outside New Jersey, must pass all sections of the HSPA in order to receive a New Jersey high school diploma.
 
English Language Learners (ELL) Program
 
The East Windsor Regional School District English Language Learners (ELL) program is made up of students ranging from ages 5 to 18. Among this group of ELL students, individuals vary greatly from one another in their English proficiency and academic needs. Learning a second language bears many similarities to learning a first language. The process is complex and lengthy, encompassing basic social communication as well as academic and cultural knowledge. Students may learn more quickly or more slowly depending on a number of factors, particularly their past educational experiences, age, levels of literacy in their first language, learning style, personalities, and motivation for learning English. Our high intensity ELL program offers the students the benefit of small group instruction at their appropriate age level and the Bilingual program offers the students the opportunity to develop their BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills) and CALPS (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency).
 
ELL students progress through stages of improving listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, but at different rates and in different sequences. ELL teachers assess their students’ prior knowledge and learn about their background in order to design appropriate instruction.
 
Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination
 
The East Windsor Regional School District has adopted policies which guarantee that all students shall have equal educational opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin, social/economic status, sexual orientation or English proficiency and that all students are entitled to learn in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Any student who alleges that there has been an incident of discrimination/harassment should report the allegation in writing to the Affirmative Action Officer. Copies of the district policies and Multiyear Equity Plan are available at the Board of Education Office.
 
Extra Curricular Activities
 
The board believes that the educational goals and objectives of the district are best achieved by a diversity of learning experiences, some of which are more appropriately conducted outside the regular classroom program through extra curricular activities. The goal for each student will be a balanced program of academic studies and activities to be determined by the school, parents/guardians and the student. Guidance is necessary to encourage non-participants and to prevent the over enthusiastic from emphasizing activities at the cost of their academic performance. To insure this balance, students must meet academic and citizenship (conduct) requirements for participation in athletic and non-athletic extra curricular activities. See your child's student handbook for specific information.
 
Family Life Education
 
Recognizing the mandate of N.J.A.C. 6:29-7.1 for a program of Family Life Education and the value of a positive family nvironment in the development of healthy members of society and the enrichment of the community by such individuals, the district has undertaken all steps necessary for the development of a Family Life Education Program. This program provides an opportunity to acquire family life knowledge, including suitable instruction which will help develop an understanding of interpersonal relationships, human development, sexuality and reproduction. Through this knowledge, the program supports the development of responsible personal behavior, which strengthens present and future family life.
 
The district’s Family Life Education Program was developed with broad-based community support. Instructional objectives are geared to the age, development level and maturity of students. Staff members qualified to teach Family Life Education have received training in the district curriculum. Curriculum and training are continuously updated and supplemented.
Any student whose parent or guardian presents to the school principal a signed statement that any part of the instruction in Family Life Education is in conflict with his/ her conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs, will be excused from that portion of any course where instruction is given without penalty to course credit or graduation.
 
All instructional materials related to the Family Life Education Program are available for review upon request of the parent/guardian from the principal. The entire Family Life Education curriculum is available for review and copy through the Curriculum, Technology and Grants Office (443-7717, ext. 2035).
 
Final Examinations (Grades 9-12)
 
Final examinations are administered to students at the high school level. The purposes for these assessment instruments are as follows:
 
1. To provide an individual comprehensive assessment of student performance.
2. To provide information that will serve the district's program assessment needs.
3. To serve, where appropriate, as practice for student final examination experience in further education.
 
A periodic, reliable measurement of the development of skills provides an incentive to the student, a tool for the teacher, a guide for the school administration, and an accounting to the parents. Tests are aids to better instruction. As with other such aids, the usefulness of tests will depend upon the extent to which test results are interpreted with wisdom and caution. Test results in East Windsor are used in conjunction with everything else that teachers know about each student to meet his/her individual instructional needs.
 
Gang Activity Policy
 
To further enhance the safety and well-being of all students and staff, and to increase the awareness within the school community of potential gang activity, the board of education has adopted a policy regarding suspected gang activity (policy # 5615). This policy was developed in an effort to be pro-active and not as a result of any occurrence or situation.
 
Some of the highlights of this policy are:
 
• Gang activity will not be tolerated.
• Students involved with unacceptable conduct associated with suspected gang activity will be assigned appropriate disciplinary action as well as offered counseling by school staff.
• The principal will notify parents and local law enforcement of unacceptable conduct associated with suspected gang activity.
• Students are prohibited from wearing clothing or accessories associated with criminal gangs.
• Staff will be provided in-service training on gangs and gang related conduct.
• Information regarding potential gangs will be shared by the school district staff with local law enforcement.
 
A complete copy of the suspected gang activity policy #5615 can be found on the district website under the Board of Education link.
 
Gifted and Talented
 
East Windsor Regional School District is committed to providing appropriate, high quality K -12 educational services for gifted and talented students. To the extent that resources permit, students identified as gifted and talented will be provided an educational program directly connected to the continuous growth and development of the natural capabilities of the gifted learner. The identification process for gifted and talented students includes multiple measures that are developmentally appropriate, nonndiscriminatory, and related to the programs and services offered. The district's position is in accordance with NJAC 6A:8-3.1(a),5, which states that "district boards of education shall be responsible for identifying gifted and talented students and shall provide them with appropriate instructional adaptations and services."
 
Programs and resources are continually evaluated to best meet the needs of our gifted and talented learners. The district strives to maintain open communication with parents regarding gifted and talented education.
 
Gifts to Staff Members
 
Students and parents are discouraged from presenting gifts to district employees.
 
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
 
The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or passive support for those acts. A safe school environment is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying is conduct that disrupts both a pupil’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its pupils. “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication (phone, computer, etc.), that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus that is motivated by an actual or perceived characteristic, (race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, etc) and has the effect of harming a pupil or damaging the pupil’s property, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of harm or damage to his/her property; or is insulting or demeaning to any pupil to cause substantial disruption in, interference with, the orderly operation of the school.
 
This policy will impose appropriate consequences and remedial actions in response to acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying and applies to all pupils, school district employees and volunteers.
 
A complete copy of the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying policy can be found on the district website under the Board of Education link to policies.
 
Health Immunization
 
Students registering in the school district must be in compliance with the N.J. State Immunization Law for D.P.T., Polio, Measles, Mumps, Hepatitis, Varicella and Rubella. Students not in compliance will be excluded from school until evidence of inoculation is presented to the Health Office.
 
Medications
In compliance with New Jersey Department of Education Guidelines and Regulations, and the East Windsor Regional School District Board of Education, any medication which is to be administered during school hours:
 
1. Must be accompanied by a note from parent/guardian giving permission for the nurse to give the medication.
2. Must have a note/order from a physician, dentist, orthodontist (on form or letterhead) containing the following:
a. Student’s name
b. Date
c. Medication name
d. Dosage
e. Time to be given
f. Diagnosis
g. Side effects to be observed
h. Length of time order is in effect. (maximum: one school year)
i. Physician's signature
3. Must be in its original container (ask your pharmacist for a separate bottle for school). Over the counter items MUST be in original packaging.
4. A student may self-administer medication without supervision of the school nurse for asthma or other life-threatening illnesses with the permission of the doctor, school nurse, parent and principal. "Life-threatening illness" has been defined as an illness or condition that requires an immediate response to specific symptoms that if left untreated may lead to potential loss of life such as, but not limited to, the use of any inhaler to treat an asthma attack or the use of an adrenaline injection to treat a potential anaphylactic reaction.
5. All medications whether prescribed or across the counter including Tylenol, Advil, Midol, Benadryl, cough medicine, etc., shall be administered by only the school nurse or school nurse substitute.
 
These regulations are for the protection and well-being of all the children. If you have any questions concerning these procedures, please contact the school nurse.
TB Test : N.J. State Law, in accordance with Rules of N.J. State Department of Education, states that the Mantoux tuberculin test is the only acceptable TB screening for staff and new students.
 
Nurse

First Aid is administered to any child injured at school. If the injury or illness is such that the student requires to be either taken home or needs medical attention, parents will be notified by telephone. It is the responsibility of the parent to transport a sick child. It is extremely important that you provide the school office with current home, work and emergency telephone numbers. Questions regarding school health matters should be directed to your school nurse. The administration of epinephrine via epi-pens by the school nurse or trained designee is permitted with authorization from parent or guardian.
Sports Physicals: Students interested in participating in any extra curricular sport must be examined annually by the school physician or a private physician. Examinations by a chiropractor cannot be accepted for this purpose as per NJAC 6:29-6.4. The results of examinations completed by a private physician must be submitted to the school nurse on an approved school examination form available in the nurse's office. Information about specific dates and times will be published by the Principal/School Nurse.
 
Home Instruction
 
To be eligible for home instruction, a determination by the physician must be made that a student will be unable to attend school for a period of at least two weeks because of illness or injury. Instruction is to be provided at home or other place of confinement for a minimum of five hours per week and not less than three daily visits.
 
Students who are classified as eligible for special education services, and who are placed at home instruction by the child study team, are eligible for a minimum of 10 hours of instruction per week. Parents or guardians of the students may initiate the request for home instruction by requesting and submitting an application through the school nurse.
 
Homeroom Period
 
During the homeroom period, teachers will take attendance, conduct opening exercises and make necessary announcements. The flag salute and Pledge of Allegiance are part of the daily school activity. State law requires that students show respect to the flag of the United States of America. If students are conscientiously opposed to The Pledge or Salute, they are not required to participate, but the law does require them to stand or sit respectfully and not cause any disturbances during The Pledge.
 
Inclement Weather
 
Precautions for Delayed Openings/Early Dismissals/Closings :
In case of inclement weather you will be notified via the School Messenger automated calling and email system. In addition you may check the following information sources:
    • Comcast Channel 27
    • Verizon Channel 38
    • News Channel 12
    • www.1015.com (Storm Emergency Page)
 
In-School Suspension
 
When it has been determined by a principal or assistant principal that a student’s behavior has been so inappropriate to necessitate a placement in the “In-School Suspension” area, the parents will be notified. The student will be excluded from class and assigned to work silently, under staff supervision, for a specific number of days.
 
Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS)
 
Occasionally, students experience difficulties in school (academic or social) which the teacher is unable to successfully address alone. Each school in the district has Intervention and Referral Services available to work with the teacher and, if necessary, the parent to resolve concerns and conflicts. The I&RS is chaired by the principal or assistant principal and meets as needed at the request of teachers to discuss strategies and ideas which can be implemented in the classroom. Parents can discuss the I&RS with the classroom teacher or principal.
 
Lockers
 
All students are assigned lockers. If the locker does not have a lock, it will be necessary for students to purchase a quality lock. The combination should not be shared with anyone. Lockers must be kept clean.
 
Lockers assigned to students are the property of the school district. Student lockers are subject to searches without notice by the school administration in the interests of school safety, sanitation and discipline.
 
Lost and Found
 
Lost and found articles are collected regularly and made available for anyone to identify and claim. Please urge your child to look in the Lost & Found box for any lost item. Periodically, unclaimed articles are sent to a local charity. We suggest that parents label children’s lunch bags, lunch boxes, raincoats, hats, boots and such items which may be misplaced. hundreds of items are lost and unclaimed each year due to an absence of labels.
 
Lunch Program
 
A hot lunch program is available daily. Milk and snacks may be purchased separately. Students are not permitted to leave the building for lunch. Thermos bottles are permitted, but discouraged because they are often dropped and broken. Lunch periods are scheduled for approximately thirty minutes.
 
Children of the Free and Reduced Lunch Program for the 2017-2018 school year will receive lunch until 10/20/2018 or unless their determination has been updated.
 
Make-Up Work
 
It is the student’s responsibility to check with each teacher after an absence in order to determine whether or not there is a need to make up any of the work missed during the absence. Please allow 24 hours for this work to be compiled.
 
Newsletters
 
A newsletter from the principal will be distributed to all students/parents periodically. Superintendent newsletters are also distributed within the community.
 
Outside/Play Recess
 
Good conduct and observance of safety are necessary so that students may enjoy the time available after lunch. Children should stay in the area to which they have been assigned since other classes may be using sections of the athletic fields. Weather permitting, students will be allowed outside after lunch. The recess leader will assign areas outside where students play. We ask that students respect the property of neighbors and not play near fences so that balls and equipment do not end up on private property. Students may not leave the play area during school hours. Children have an outside play period every day unless it is raining, or it is an unusually cold day. Please do not send a request to the teacher asking that your child stay inside as outside play is an important part of the school day.
 
Pagers/Cellular Phones
 
The possession of these items on school grounds for personal use is prohibited. Should a teacher request that a student bring to school any of the above items, it will be that teacher's responsibility to provide written authorization. Any violation will result in the items being confiscated and turned over to the proper authorities. Possession of pagers/cell phones by students is a violation of NJ statutes.
 
Permanent Records-Parents/Students Rights
 
The district maintains permanent student records which are required by law and are relevant to the education of the student including the final grades for each year and results of standardized tests. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with regard to the student’s education records. These rights include:
 
• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
• The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school district to comply with these requirements. The office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office,
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920
 
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
 
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These rights include:
• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s family, mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family, sex behavior or attitudes, illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior, critical appraisals of others whom respondents have close family relationships, legally recognized privileged relationships, religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents, or income, other than required by law to determine eligibility.
• Receive notice and opt a student out of any other protected information survey, any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or distribute information to others.
• Inspect, upon request and before administration or use of protected information surveys of students, instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes, instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
 
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or who is an emancipated minor under State law.
 
Promotion and High School Graduation
 
Promotion from one grade to the next at all levels, with the exception of 12th grade, shall be achieved when the principal certifies that the student has successfully mastered the district’s objectives and goals relative to the individual student’s needs and abilities. Promotion from 8th to 9th grade also must include the principal’s certification of satisfactory progress on the Individual Student Improvement Plan (ISIP).
 
Graduation from high school will be achieved by a student when he/she has been certified by the principal as having satisfactorily completed the Board of Education approved program consistent with or equivalent to requirements established by the State Department of Education. In addition, a student must pass the New Jersey High School Proficiency Assessment in language arts and math.
 
Pupil Publications Policy
 
The Board of Education believes pupil publications are important elements of the instructional program. However, pupil expression may be restricted when censorship action is reasonably related to legitimate educational concerns, and the pupil expression, if not restricted, would undermine or disrupt the basic educational activities of the school, interfere with educational continuity of instruction, subject the board to legal action for copyright infringement or libel, is obscene or inappropriate for a specific age group, or is inconsistent with the district's stated educational goals. For the purposes of this policy, "publication" shall include written or printed matter, audio or video publications, or other media for communications with pupils, school personnel or the general public which are distributed or posted on school property, placed electronically on or disseminated through school-owned or controlled equipment of any kind.
 
Pupil Supervision After School Dismissal
 
The Board of Education has recently adopted a Pupil Supervision After School Dismissal policy to insure the safety of our young children. This policy enables the parents of “non bus students” (walkers) in grades K-5 to request the school to release their child at dismissal only to the parent/guardian or designated escort. Children enrolled in this program will not be permitted to walk home from school alone. Parents or the designated escort only are responsible for picking up their child at the designated dismissal time. This request will be honored for one school year, for every school day including half days and early closing due to emergencies. Parents who request that their child participate in this program must complete a “Request for Supervision After School Dismissal” form found in the main office of each school. Parents are not required to have their children participate in this program.
 
A complete copy of the Pupil Supervision After School Dismissal Policy #8601 can be found on this website under the Board of Education link to district policies.
 
Pupil Searches
 
Possessions: A student's possessions may be searched by a school official provided that the official has reasonable grounds to suspect that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school. The extent or scope of the search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the suspected infraction.
Person: A physical search may only be conducted by a staff member of the same sex as the student or the police may be contacted to conduct the search. Before instituting a physical search, except in cases of emergency, the principal shall try to inform the parents/ guardians and request their presence. If the parents/guardians cannot be present, another staff member of the same sex as the student must be present. The extent or scope of the search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the suspected infraction. Legal References: N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1 General mandatory powers and duties N.J.S.A. 18A:36-19.2 Search of pupils lockers
Requesting Access to Government Records under the NJ Open Records Act (pdf)
 
Right to Know
 
Notice of any construction or other activities involving the use of any hazardous substances will be posted on a bulletin board in the each school building where construction within that building is taking place. In addition, sealed containers of hazardous substances may be stored at each school at various times throughout the year. Hazardous substance fact sheets for any of the hazardous substances being used are available at the school. Hazardous substances will never be used when children are present in the building unless an emergency has been declared by the Board of Education or the Superintendent. A minimum two day notice will be given before any hazardous substance will be used stating what substance will be used and where in the building it will be used. Hazardous substances will be used when staff are present only during emergencies or when staff have been given the option to not be present during the use of such hazardous substance. Any hazardous substances used in or stored in a school building or on school grounds will be used or stored in compliance with regulations adopted by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
 
Safety
 
The safety of students and staff is of paramount importance. The teaching of safety and the practice of methods to insure safety of all of the students and staff will be a part of the curriculum of the schools and is part of the general administrative practices and procedures of each building and building associated events.
Fire Safety - The rooms and assembly areas of every school are posted with a map indicating the approved routes to be used for the evacuation of the building in the event of an emergency.
Student Conduct - At the beginning of each year and periodically throughout the year, all students will be instructed in the proper procedures for classroom conduct and for the safe and orderly passing from class to class in the hallways.
Automobile Traffic - Students will be given instruction as to the proper sidewalk path to and from school and to their responsibilities for safety as it pertains to following instructions of monitoring paraprofessionals or crossing guards.
Playgrounds and Athletic Fields - Students will be instructed as to the proper use of the playgrounds, designated areas for athletic activities, and in the proper use of playground equipment. The building administration will insure that the playgrounds are supervised at all times when they are occupied by students.
Gymnasium and Natatorium - Students will be instructed in the proper use of gymnasium equipment and will be instructed in the use of proper footwear to promote safety on the gymnasium floor.
Classroom and Laboratories - Students will be instructed in the proper use of any equipment to be used in the classroom and particular attention will be given to the safety procedures which are required in science, chemistry, and industrial technology laboratories
 
School Nutrition
 
In an effort to encourage the consumption of healthy and nutritious food in school, the Board of Education has adopted a policy which requires that that all meals provided by our food service must meet the federal nutrition standards as required by the US Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program regulations. The following items may not be served, sold, or given out in school: food of minimal nutritional value, all food and beverage listing sugar as the first ingredient and all forms of candy. Included in this policy are efforts to reduce the purchase of items containing trans fats and the total fat per serving. The policy does not apply to medically authorized special needs diets. Food and beverages served during special school celebrations or during curriculum related activities are exempt from this policy. The Board of Education is
committed to promoting healthy eating practices and encourages all parents, students and staff to join with them in implementing these standards. A complete copy of the School Nutrition Policy #8505 on this website under the Board of Education link to district policies.
 
Special Rules
 
1. Students are not permitted to bring any item to school which could be considered dangerous to themselves or to others. This includes knives of any kind and other objects which may be used to inflict harm.
2. The use, possession and distribution of drugs and alcohol will not be tolerated.
3. Radios, tape recorders, and electronic games may not be brought to school except with special permission on special occasions.
4. Expensive personal items should not be brought to school as they may be lost or stolen.
5. Students may never leave the building or school property without permission.
6. Students are expected to walk, not run, while inside the building.
7. Students are not permitted to smoke.
8. Students are not permitted to buy/trade personal possessions in school.
9. Students may not carry a beeper without permission of the principal.
 
Speech-Language Services
 
Speech-language services are available for students in grades K-12 who have disorders of articulation, language, voice or fluency. Students may be referred for assessment for the school speech program by a teacher or parent when their oral communication skills are noticeably different from those of their peers. Eligibility for the speech-language services is determined through evaluation by the speech-language specialist after written parental consent is obtained.
 
If enrollment in the speech and language program is recommended and agreed upon, the student is classified as eligible for speech and language services. An Individual Educational Program (IEP) is developed cooperatively by parent(s) and the Speech/Language Specialist.
 
Student Assistance Counselors/Coordinator
 
The district offers an extensive student assistance program available for all students in grades K through 12. Counselors work with students in groups or on an individual basis discussing topics related to substance abuse. Counselors may refer students to outside agencies, if required. Counselors may be contacted at the following telephone numbers: K-5: School Guidance Counselor, 6-8: Student Assistance Coordinator at 443-7767, ext. 4175; 9-12: Student Assistance Counselor at 443-7738, ext. 1342.
 
Student Conduct
 
Our Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct includes the process we use to develop, review and update our Code of Conduct as well as a description of the behaviors which may result in suspension or expulsion. Through community and administrative input, the policy was developed to include a description of each school’s responses and the consequences for violations of the behavioral expectations. The Code of Conduct incorporates a progressive disciplinary process. Discipline is determined by the severity of the offense, the developmental age of the student offender, and the student’s history of inappropriate behaviors. In addition, a student’s disciplinary record follows him/her from grade to grade and in the event that a student transfers, the disciplinary record must be forwarded to the receiving school.
 
Our administrators and staff continually address issues related to the prevention, intervention and remediation of violations to the Code of Conduct to insure the safety of students, staff and school property as well as the orderly operation of our school.
 
A complete copy of the Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct Policy # 5600 can be found this website: under the Board of Education link to the district policy manual.
 
Student Insurance
 
Supplemental accident, medical expense insurance has been purchased by the East Windsor Regional School District Board of Education for every student. This coverage is provided on a FULL EXCESS basis. This means that you must first claim benefits under any other medical expense coverage you have. This coverage is in effect for the regular daytime program and supervised school sponsored activities, inclusive of interscholastic athletics.
 
Student Services
 
The Office of Student Services will comply with the federal mandate under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and the New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14 (NJAC 6A:14) to locate all students with disabilities between the ages of three to twenty-one who reside in the East Windsor Regional School District in order to provide a free, appropriate public education.
 
Children identified as potentially disabled are referred to the Child Study Team for a determination of eligibility. When a student is referred, a meeting is held with the CST, teachers, and parents to determine whether an evaluation will be conducted. If the student meets eligibility and criteria and is in need of special education and/or related services, the district provides assistance based upon specific needs described in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parent consent and participation is required.
 
You have the right to make a request for a Child Study Team evaluation for consideration of special education and related services. Requests must be in writing and directed to the Director of Student Services, East Windsor Regional School District, 25A Leshin Lane, Hightstown, NJ, 08520.
 
For students with disabilities for whom special education is not required but accommodations are needed, a "504 Accommodation Plan" can be developed by the 504 committee. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Student Services at 443-7717, ext. 2012.
 
Telephone Calls to Staff
 
Teachers are available to receive telephone calls before or after the regular school day. If you call during class, leave a voice mail Please do not telephone teachers at their homes.
 
Telephone Calls to Students
 
We are unable to accept telephone messages for students except in the case of an emergency.
 
Telephones: Use By Students
 
Students are not permitted to use office telephones except in the case of an emergency.
 
Transfer of Students
 
If you plan to move, please notify the school office (in writing) at least one week prior to your intended date of departure. The note should include: your child’s name, grade, date of transfer, and the name of the school your child will be attending after you move (if known). You will receive the necessary documentation via your child.
 
Transportation
 
Transportation is provided to K-8 students who live in excess of two miles and 2 1/2 miles for students in grades 9-12. Measurement is made by the shortest route along roadways or walkways from the entrance of the student’s residence nearest such public roadway to the nearest entrance of the school. Transportation for students classified by the Child Study Team is available as a related service, described in the IEP.
 
Transportation Guidelines
 
The East Windsor Regional School District shall provide transportation for all children residing in the district according to the procedures of the School District and the rules and regulations set forth by the New Jersey Department of Pupil Transportation.
 
Prior to the opening of school in September, all eligible students shall receive a bus pass and bus stop assignment. Students are to board and disembark the bus only at their assigned stops.
 
There will be no provisions for stops at a child care provider unless the stop is in the same attendance area as the student and the student utilizes such stop 5 days a week. All requests for bus stop location changes must be made through the Transportation Department.
 
Bus routes are designed to accommodate the largest number of students while providing safe transportation in a reasonable length of time. Bus routes and stops may be changed at any time as deemed necessary by the Transportation Department. Parents and students will be notified of any change. Bus drivers cannot make bus stop or route changes.
 
Each student waiting at a bus stop is expected to adhere to all district policies just as in the school buildings. Students are expected to be at their bus stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick up time. Buses shall adhere as closely as possible to the time schedule established for said route and are not to run more than 5 minutes ahead of schedule. No kindergarten student will be dropped off without a parent/guardian or adult designee present unless we have a signed note from the parent/guardian giving us permission to do so.
 
N.J. Statute 18A:25-2 states that the “driver shall be in charge of the school bus at all times and shall be responsible for order. The driver shall never exclude a student from the bus, but if unable to manage any student shall report the matter to the Principal of the school the student attends.
 
A student may be excluded from the bus for disciplinary reasons by the Principal, and the student’s parents shall provide transportation to and from school during the period of such exclusion.”
 
The bus driver will forward all written referrals to the building Principal after review by the Transportation Department.
 
First Offense (Warning): Discussion with the Principal or Assistant Principal with notification sent to parents.
Second Offense: Exclusion from the bus for one day.
Third Offense: Exclusion from the bus for five days.
Subsequent Offense: Exclusion from the bus will be determined by the Administration on an individual basis.
 
Serious violations may require skipping steps and imposing immediate extended exclusion from the bus and for school. This is an addition to the school disciplinary policy.
Examples of serious violation:

• Fighting, threatening or aggressive conduct
• Possession of drugs, alcohol, or weapons
• Lighting a lighter or match
• Throwing objects in, out of, or at a bus
• Protruding body parts out of the bus
• Damaging the school bus
• Other behavior relating to safety and well being of others
 
Parents will be responsible for reviewing these guidelines with their children emphasizing the importance of proper conduct while waiting for and riding the school bus. Parents will be held liable for any willful and/or malicious damage to bus stops and school buses. Parents will also be responsible for the conduct of their children at the bus stops and on the school buses.
 
Misbehavior observed at a bus stop before or after the bus arrives should be reported to the school office.
 
Weapons
 
The possession of firearms or weapons by students is regarded as a most serious offense. The Board of Education has established a formal agreement with the appropriate law enforcement authorities and set forth the following policy.
 
Any student who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for possession of firearms or of a crime while armed with a firearm or is knowingly in possession of a firearm or commits an assault with a weapon upon another student, teacher, administrator, board member or other school employee on any school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored function, shall immediately be removed from the school’s regular education program pending a hearing before the Board of Education to remove the student from the regular education program for a period of not less than one calendar year subject to modification on a case-by-case basis by the Superintendent.
 
Working Papers
 
Promise of Employment - Have your “Promise of Employment” form filled out by your employer. Your employer must indicate the number of hours you will work each day, then total the hours. The employer must also indicate the salary he/she intends to pay or papers cannot be issued. School Record - Have the “School Record” form filled out by personnel in the main office or working papers office. This form does not apply to students who are out of school. Physician’s Certificate -You must have the completed “Promise of Employment” and “School Record” forms with you in order to receive your physical. Only one physical is required within a 12-month period and must have the name of doctor and date of physical on the medical form.
Birth Certificate/Baptismal Certificate/Passport - One of these is needed on the initial application for working papers. It will be copied and returned immediately. It will not be needed again for working papers.
Social Security Card - This is necessary to obtain working papers. The applicant must return the forms in person to the office at HHS. No one other than the student's legal parents or a legal guardian can sign the working papers. Working papers must be completed in the school district in which the student lives. Working papers will be issued only to those persons who reside in the Borough of Hightstown, East Windsor Township, and to those who live out of state, but are employed in our district. The working papers office is at Hightstown High School. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information call 443-7738. Working papers are also available online via the high school and middle school webpage.