BeachwoodElementary

School

2015-2016Student/Parent

Handbook

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WELCOME TOBEACHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL“HOME OF THE BEACHWOOD BEARS”

ADMINISTRATION

Mrs. Josberger Principal

Mrs. Muir Supervisor of Instruction

SECRETARIES

Mrs. Santos Head Secretary

Mrs. Beard Secretary

Ms. Boris Media Secretary

Mrs. Capoano C.S.T Secretary

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

School Main Number: (732) 505-5820

School Nurse:

Mrs. Fitzgerald (732) 505-5823 Fax: (732) 240-3879

Child Study Team: (732) 505-5584/5585

Cafeteria: (732) 505-5827

Website - www.trschools.com

Fax # - (732) 341-1659

This handbook will be presented to each student and family at Beachwood Elementary School. The purpose of thebooklet is to provide general information about the school and an outline of basic rules, regulations and policies thatwill benefit our students and their parents.

BEACHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSTAFF LIST

2015-2016

Kelly Josberger, Principal Mrs. Santos, Senior SecretaryKimberly Muir, Supervisor Mrs. Beard, Main Office Secretary

Ms. Boris, Media SecretaryMrs. Capoano, CST Secretary

RM. NO.

KINDERGARTEN Allison Allikmaa K1

Brenna Ireland 27

Kristy Salkewicz 26

Brianne Sandberg K2

Jennifer Meyer 29

GRADE ONE Marilyn Gonzalez 34

Kristin Clayton 31

Lisa O’Donnell 30

Tiffany Scamporino 32

Donna Torre 33

GRADE TWO Angela Huhn 3

Lisa Mabie 4

Sharon Wiest 28

Michelle Lupacz 5

Marissa Ankiewicz 25

GRADE THREE Lynda McGovern 20

Lauren Liston 6

Dawn Elmo 7

Suzanne Krean 8

Dana Staffieri 16

GRADE FOUR Barbara Sullivan 21

Heather Gelnaw 22

Amy Nylander 23

Brianne Betz 24

GRADE FIVE Mary Meola 12

Kathryn Mayer 13

Mariann LaRoche 14

Jacqueline Citta 15

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BEACHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSTAFF LIST

2015-2016RM. NO.

SPECIAL EDUCATION Dana Calabrese 35Michele Castor 18Kaitlyn Coleman 38Jennifer Jones 21 & 23Rebecca Lunn 9Danielle Marler 18Heather Steadman 37Susan Wallace 9/10

PARAPROPROFESSIONAL Debra Zisa 38

NURSE Diane Fitzgerald Nurse’s Office

MEDIA/TECH Denise Cameron Media Center

ART Lynne Tagliaferro 29

MUSIC Robin DeMarsico Music Room

INSTRUMENTAL Chris Burbank Music RoomSTRINGS Elizabeth Lee Music Room

PHYS ED./HEALTH Paul Brush GymDanielle Baxter Gym

GUIDANCE Christine Sorrentino Guidance

SPEECH Justine Cookson 1

GIFTED & TALENTED Laura Ackermann 11

WORLD LANGUAGE Raffaela Camporeale Media Center 211

CUSTODIANS Mitch Bradley / Head CustodianLaura PeinsPhilip Strawder / Night Supervisor

CHILD STUDY TEAM Nancy Simpson Social Worker 139/231Jason Ruch Psychologist 139/231Paul Fink LDTC 139/231Gail Capoano Secretary 139/231

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HANDBOOK CONTENTS

The areas listed below are those areas in which parents and students have the most questions or concerns. Pleasereview carefully before the start of school.

PAGE 5 - General Information

PAGE 6 - Parent Conferences

PAGE 6 - Health, Safety & Security

PAGE 8 - Attendance Policy

PAGE 8 - Walking or Driving to School

PAGE 9 - Emergency School Closings

PAGE 10 - Cafeteria Rules & Regulations/Playground Rules & Procedures

PAGE 14 - District Calendar

PAGE 15 - Bell Schedule

PAGE 17 - Anti-Bullying Policy

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Beachwood Elementary School is the eleventh of the district's 13 elementary schools that comprise the Toms RiverRegional School District. Beachwood Elementary opened its doors in September, 1988 and is a 39 classroom schoolthat is made up of grades K-5. The school is located on a 14 acre tract of land. The administration consists of aPrincipal and one Supervisor. The teaching staff consists of approximately 55 full and part time teachers.

BEACHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COLORS AREROYAL BLUE AND WHITE

BEACHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MASCOT IS THEBEACHWOOD BEAR

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GENERAL INFORMATION

CHILD STUDY TEAMThe Toms River Regional School District provides Child Study Team Services to every school in our district. Thepurpose of a referral to the team is to obtain the best educational setting and resources for your child. The CST consistsof a school psychologist, social worker, and a learning disability teacher/consultant. Please call (732) 505-5584 foradditional information.

CURRICULUMThe general curriculum of the Beachwood School follows the course proficiency outline of the Toms River SchoolDistrict. Copies of the outlines are available at www.trschools.com, by clicking on curriculum. This curriculum allowsfor the sequential concept and skill development in all areas based on the needs and abilities of the individual student. Allcurriculum is driven by New Jersey Core Curriculum standards and/or Common Core State Standards.

GIFTED AND TALENTEDPrograms exist for children in K-5 who meet the identification criteria established by the district and are designed to meet theneeds of gifted and talented children. The Discovery Program addresses the needs of children in grades K-3. The OmniProgram addresses the needs of children in grades 4-5. A gifted and talented school level committee exists that deals withrecommendations, gifted and talented issues, and monitoring of services.

GUIDANCEBeachwood Elementary school is assigned a Guidance Counselor, who is available Monday through Friday. The counselorworks with students to provide them with support and appropriate coping strategies. The parent/guardian, the classroomteacher and/or the student may request services. Ongoing counseling services require a second permission slip. The GuidanceCounselor also provides small group sessions and classroom lessons. The KESLO and Lion's Quest Programs support gooddecision-making strategies and anti-bullying behaviors. Contact the Guidance Department at Beachwood by dialing (732)818-8573.

I & RSC (Intervention and Referral Service Committee)The Intervention and Referral Services Committee's (I & RSC) mission is to "leave no child behind by providing assistance,strategies and support to staff members, parents and the child. The committee consists of professional staff members and meetsseveral times each year. The committee meets with the current classroom teacher to obtain an overview of the educational,social and emotional needs of the student. Suggestions are discussed and a course of action is developed to ascertain thestudent's strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide instructional and behavioral strategies that might increase the child'sproductivity. Parents/Guardians are advised of a student's referral prior to the I & RSC meeting.

MEDIA CENTERThe Beachwood Elementary School Media Center (MC) is a fully computerized service available to all of our students. Inaddition to reference and reading materials, the MC offers audio-visual materials for classroom use. The MC is open for bookexchange on a daily basis. Housed in the MC is the Technology Learning Center (TLC). Both the MC and the TLC are designedto support and enhance the classroom experience.

SPEECHBeachwood Elementary has the services of a full time speech therapist. Referrals are accepted from teachers, parents or otherqualified agents. A student must be classified as "Eligible for Speech Services" through a evaluation process as designed bystate guidelines.

SPECIAL SUBJECTSStudents are scheduled, according to grade level directives, for classes in Art, Vocal Music, Physical Education, Technology/ Media, Health, World Language and Instrumental Music. Academic grades are given in Art, Vocal Music, Physical Educationand Health. Students enrolled in Instrumental Music, as an optional program, do receive a grade.

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PARENT CONFERENCESParents are encouraged to communicate with our staff over their child's progress. In consideration for your valuable time andours we ask that you make an appointment.

TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER MATERIALSPart of the school experience is learning to care for books and materials that are public property. It is with this in mind thatwe request that all textbooks be covered at all times. Appropriate fines will be assessed in cases of damage to or loss ofschoolbooks and other property. The cost of instructional materials continues to increase yearly. It is to the benefit of alltaxpayers that these items be maintained for maximum use.

LOST AND FOUNDLost and found articles are stored in the gym. Certain articles such as eyeglasses, wallets, keys and jewelry will be stored inthe Main Office. Unclaimed articles will be removed during the year and donated to charity.

FIELD TRIPS1. Various school activities such as field trips require the signature of a parent on a permission slip. If a signed slip is not

returned to the school, the school cannot allow the child to participate in the class field trip. Occasionally, an additionalpermission slip may be required by the place to which the children are going. This too must be signed in order to allowa child to attend the field trip. Please cooperate with this procedure.

2. In some cases, a student may be excluded from a trip if his/her behavior presents a potential disruption for the remainderof the children involved in the activity.

HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY

NURSEThe full-time nurse is responsible for many varied health related duties. Any questions pertaining to health, such asimmunization, kindergarten requirements, contagion, medication, etc., should be directed to the nurse. The Nurse's Officenumber is 505-5823. We ask you to consider the following:1. Please fill-out two of the yellow emergency cards in September.2. No medication, prescription or non-prescription (e.g.) cough drops, Tylenol, etc. will be given to a student by the nurse unlessit is received in the original container and accompanied by a written physician AND parental/guardian request.3. All medications are to be held in the nurse's office, with the parent/guardian assuming the responsibility for delivering suchand picking up unused amounts when no longer needed.4. If a student needs to self-medicate him/herself with an inhaler or Epipen during school hours, please contact the school nursefor a special medical form.5. Actively ill children do not belong in school. If your child has an elevated temperature or active symptoms such as recentvomiting or diarrhea, please keep them home.6. A physician's certificate to return to school is required if your child has strep throat, mono, impetigo, scabies, 5th diseaseor any other communicable disease.7. Injuries incurred at home should be treated at home.

MEDICAL EXCUSESTo be excused from participating in P.E., students must present a doctor's note to our school nurse. A doctor's note of approvalis also required to resume physical activities. Any students who are excused from P.E. will also be excused from intramuralsand recess.

VANDALISMRespect for others and school property is taken very seriously at Beachwood. Any destruction, defacing or damage to schoolproperty will result with police intervention of incident and formal complaints will be issued.

PROOF OF PARENTAL CUSTODYAll parents are required to provide the school with copies of any legal Domestic Violence orders, Divorce Orders, or DivorceCustody Orders or Decrees which affect any school student. These orders will be placed in your child's cumulative folder.A letter from you to the school requesting a specific concern in these areas is not legally binding and cannot be accepted. Pleaseupdate you child's emergency card and if you must send a neighbor, etc. to pick up your child in an emergency, please call theoffice and let us know. Inform the person picking the child up that they must show ID, in the form of a picture.

USE OF PLAYGROUND AFTER SCHOOL HOURSThe rules with regards to the use of the playground and school campus after school hours are easy and twofold. Because ofobvious insurance liabilities and concerns, skateboarding and rollerblading will be prohibited AT ALL TIMES regardless ofthe time of day or day of the week. ALL individuals must leave the school campus at dusk. The Beachwood Police Dept. hasthe legal auspices on our school property.

ADULT VISITORS AND SECURITYDistrict policy requires that ALL VISITORS, PARENTS INCLUDED, be required to report to the Main Office upon firstentering the building in order to obtain a Visitor's Pass. ALL ADULTS VISITING THE SCHOOL MUST ENTER THEBUILDING THROUGH THE MAIN LOBBY DOORS ONLY. Located to the right of the Main Lobby doors, our visitorswill find a security system buzzer. Since all doors to our building will be locked, adult visitors will need to buzz the Main Office,in order for the doors to be opened. Adults who are picking up children must be prepared to show a picture ID and be listedon the emergency yellow card as an authorized adult for pick up.

The Main Office will, from a remote system, inquire as to your identity, view your presence on a closed circuit TV system,then unlock the front door, next to the buzzer, for the visitor to enter. The visitor must then proceed directly to the MainOffice. Any adult without a Visitor's Pass will be asked to report to the Main Office to obtain one. Please know that apass is not necessary when attending concerts, assemblies, school plays and school-wide programs. At all other times werequire all adults to wear a Hall Pass. DISTRICT POLICY STATES THAT ADULTS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THESCHOOL BUILDING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY WITHOUT A PASS. PLEASE NOTE THIS ALSO APPLIES TOADULTS IN THE CLASSROOMS. ADULTS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE HALLS OR IN THE CLASSROOMSBEFORE, DURING OR AFTER SCHOOL HOURS, WITHOUT A PASS. ALL THIS IS TO HELP INSURE THESAFETY AND SECURITY OF YOUR CHILD. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO SIGN A VISITORS LOG WITH TIMEAND DESTINATION STATED.

ANIMALS IN SCHOOLIn our continuing attempts to promote a healthy and safe school environment, we must ask that animals not be sent to school.Also, animals should NEVER be transported to or from school on the school bus. LASTLY, IT IS THE POLICY OF THEDISTRICT THAT DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON SCHOOL PROPERTY AT ANY TIME.

VALUABLES, MONEY AND TOYSUnless specifically requested by a teacher, all toys, such as water guns, yo-yo’s, video or electronic items of any kind do notbelong in school. CHILDREN ARE NOT, AT ANY TIME, ALLOWED to bring large sums of money, or personal articlesof value such as expensive jewelry, radios, ipods, laptops, sports equipment, electronic devices of any kind or toys to school.We also urge you to label anything that does have value, which would include coats, hats and backpacks with your child’s name.THE SCHOOL CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR STOLEN DAMAGED OR LOST PROPERTY.

DRESS GUIDELINES

Safety, neatness and cleanliness should be the major consideration in what is appropriate school dress. ANY OPEN-TOEDSHOES, SUCH AS SANDALS OR FLIP-FLOPS OR EXTREMELY HIGH-HEELED OR ELEVATED SHOES CANCAUSE A POTENTIAL SAFETY OR HEALTH HAZARD AND WE ASK THAT CHILDREN NOT WEAR THESETO SCHOOL. SHOE SKATES ARE ALSO PROHIBITED. For obvious safety reasons, shoes and sneakers requiringlaces must be laced and tied at all times. The Board of Education recognizes that each pupil's mode of dress and groomingis a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. The Board of Education will not interfere with the right of pupilsand their parents/guardians to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their clothes affect the educationalprogram of the schools.

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ATTENDANCE

Absences & TardinessState law requires regular attendance by all children to insure success in school. A written excuse with a valid parent’s signatureor a doctor's note must be presented each time a child returns to school.

If no written excuse is submitted, the child will be considered unexcused.

Attendance laws are strictly enforced and the court system will be used. Excessive tardiness and absences will be addressedon a case-by-case basis through written and/or administrative conference with the parent or guardian.

Call Back SystemStudents who are listed as absent are included on our computerized call list. Please provide the school with a number at whichyou can be reached to report this absence. Our computer will activate the message as soon as the phone is answered. If youare unaware of the absence please telephone the main office at 505-5820 immediately.

DISMISSAL

Early Dismissal

All requests for early dismissal should be submitted in writing to the school office the morning early dismissal is desired.Children need to be picked up and signed out, in the main office. Adults should be prepared to show identification.

Please keep in mind that pursuant to New Jersey law, students must attend classes for four (4) hours to be counted aspresent.

HOMEWORK AND MISSED SCHOOL WORKAll students in grades 2-5 should expect to have some study responsibility each school evening. If your child is absent fromschool and you would like the homework assignment for that day, please contact the school up to 10 a.m. and we will havethe make up work on the front counter after 3:00 p.m. that day. This will allow the teachers adequate time to prepare thehomework without any interruption in classroom instruction. Regular attendance is vital for school success. Please try to planvacations during school vacations. When students return to school, the missed schoolwork will be given to them at that time.As a rule of thumb, a child will be given the same amount of time missed in order to make up school assignments. For instance,a child absent from school for three days will be given three days to make up the missed work.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Our P.T.O is a volunteer organization made up of parents, teachers and administrators who have a special interest in children,families and school. The P.T.O works for children. Our members meet together every other month to organize fund-raisingactivities, plan events, openly share concerns, and become informed on issues regarding children and the school. Being amember of the P.T.O provides you the opportunity to serve, volunteer and be an important part of your children's educationteam. It's a great personal satisfaction to know you are working along with teachers and administrators to shape and mold yourchildren's future. Parental involvement can take many forms. Some parents and families may have the time to get involvedin many ways using their talents and resources. Others may only have time for one particular activity. You set your own limit!We are looking forward to having you on board. P.T.O. events are for parents and children together. Never drop your childoff alone to a P.T.O. event.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

WALKING OR DRIVING TO AND FROM SCHOOLThe vast majority of our students will walk to and from school each day. Our school staff, in conjunction with the BeachwoodPolice Dept. and their crossing guards, will instruct the students on proper walking procedures. The Borough of Beachwoodwill provide crossing guards at selected crossings. Children will be urged to cross at those crossings. Students are not allowedto arrive at school sooner than five minutes before the start of the school day. A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS: IF YOUDRIVE YOUR CHILD TO OR FROM SCHOOL, you must use the auxiliary parking lot at the West Side of thebuilding. The service road in front of the school is for buses only. PLEASE NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES

WILL PARENTS BE ALLOWED TO DOUBLE PARK THEIR VEHICLES. The Beachwood Police Dept. has recommendedthat BIRCH ST. be utilized to funnel automotive and bus traffic to and from school. Children, WILL NOT be permitted towalk or ride their bicycles on this street for safety reasons. All students living north of Birch St. will walk to Maple St. They shouldfollow Maple St. and cross Berkeley Ave. where a crossing guard is stationed. Use the walkway to get to or from the school.All students living south of Birch St. will walk to Elm St. They should follow Elm St. and cross Berkeley Ave. where a crossingguard is stationed. NO CHILD will be permitted to cross Berkeley Ave. in front of the school or at any other locationexcept at the prescribed crossing locations. We ask for parents' support by not walking on Birch St. to pick up their child.This is a traffic hazard. The lot in front of the school is for emergency pick ups and those attending meetings at the school.The only lot for pick up and drop off at the beginning and end of the day is the West lot. The East lot is for faculty andstaff and handicapped only. Proper ID tags must be requested for handicap parking.ALL CHILDREN WILL BE DROPPED OFF AND PICKED UP IN OUR WEST PARKING LOT. PARENTS, PLEASEEXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN PULLING IN AND OUT OF THAT PARKING LOT.If you have an emergency, please notify the office.All children in grades 2-5 who are walkers may ride bicycles, scooters or skateboards to and from school. They arenot permitted to ride them on school property and they must be left at the bicycle rack.The school is NOT LIABLE for the damage to or the theft of bicycles or bicycle parts.Helmets must be worn AT ALL TIMES.

SCHOOL BUSSafety is again the prime concern during this part of daily school life. Each bus driver has the immense responsibility of safelytransporting as many as 52 students to and from school daily. Any distraction could have serious consequences. Therefore,we ask you to support our request that all students behave properly while riding the school bus. Children should remain seated,relatively quiet, and obey the driver’s instructions. Children must ride their assigned bus and get on and off only at theirassigned stop. Exceptions will be granted ONLY for family emergencies and with ADVANCE written permissionrequested by the parent, that must be approved by the principal for special purposes. Children who do not observe therules of safe riding conduct can lose bus-riding privileges for a fixed period of time and will be expected to attend school viatransportation supplied by their parents. Repeated violations of school bus regulations will result in the permanent loss of anybus riding privileges. If such becomes the case, the parents will be responsible for the transportation of their child to and fromschool. All buses will arrive and depart in the front of the school.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

IMPORTANT: We urgently remind all parents to please review with your child(ren) the procedures with respect to DelayedOpenings and Early Dismissals. It is extremely important that you formulate a plan with them on what to do beforehand, andreview it with them. Please be diligent in updating phone numbers and emergency contacts that you give the school.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS, DELAYED OPENING AND EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURESEmergency Automated phone calls will be generated to notify you of emergency, delayed or early dismissal closing.Additionally, there will be announcements on local radio stations, Channel 21 and on our website at www.trschools.com.

DELAYED OPENINGThe Delayed Opening Procedure for the school day begins 90 minutes later than normal. Due to this delay, buses will pickup children approximately 90 minutes later than normal. The morning Kindergarten classes and the morning Y-Kids programwill be cancelled. Lunch and dismissal procedures remain the same as usual.

EARLY DISMISSALWhen the Early Dismissal Procedure is implemented, the school day will end at 1:10 PM. On these early dismissal days, theafternoon Kindergarten classes, and the afternoon Y-Kids program are cancelled. A computer generated district phone callwill be generated to your home for notification. If however you have a phone block on numbers it will not go through.EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN FOR EVACUATION

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All parents should be aware that in the event of an ordered evacuation from the school, the children would be transported toIntermediate North. Parents should proceed to Intermediate North to sign out their children from that location. IT ISIMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO REALIZE THAT THIS EVACUATION PROCEDURE IS DIFFERENT FROMANY OTHER EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURE. DUE TO UNFORESEEN EMERGENCIES, ETC. THIS IS ANEMERGENCY PROCEDURE THAT WOULD BECOME NECESSARY IN THE EVENT THE STATE OR THECOUNTY DECLARES AN EMERGENCY THAT WOULD REQUIRE AN EVACUATION OF THE SCHOOLBUILDING. ALL CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE K1 POTASSIUM IODINE PILLS UNLESS OTHERWISEDIRECTED BY PARENTS. PICTURE ID WILL BE REQUIRED FOR AUTHORIZED PICK-UP.

EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE: DELAYED OPENING SCHEDULE:

8:40 a.m.-1:10 p.m.

CAFETERIA/RECESS GUIDELINES

FEDERAL LUNCH - If you think you are eligible for free and reduced lunch, please submit a completed lunch form to the office.

BREAKFAST - There is a breakfast program that begins at 8:35 AM. The cost is $1.35. In order for students to have enoughtime to eat and go to their classrooms, they must arrive no later than 8:40 AM.

LUNCH - Students are scheduled for a 35 minute lunch period. Children may pay for lunch with cash. It is recommended thatparents place money in their student's accounts on a regular basis. This reduces the possibility of lost money. This should bedone early in the school day. After a minimum of 15 minutes, they are dismissed to a supervised play area for 20 minutes. Sloweaters are dismissed when they have finished eating.

CAFETERIA MENU/PRICES:The menu will be sent home monthly and will also be presented on Channel 21 and on our district website. Children maybring lunch from home. Children may purchase lunch with cash. Parents wishing to place money on account using a creditcard are asked to follow the "Pay for It" directions on page 14.

Lunch: $2.50Milk: $.60Ice Cream: $1.00Pretzels: $.75Water: $.60Yogurt: $.60Cookies: $.50

CAFETERIA RULES:Students are required to sit at their assigned tables with their classmates. They must remain seated and talk quietly totheir classmates. If a student needs assistance, they must raise their hand and speak to one of the cafeteria aides. Theymust exercise good table manners and clean up after themselves. In general, the cafeteria is a place to eat, relax andactive play occurs at recess.

PLAYGROUND / LUNCH RECESS:If weather permits, all students will go to either the play area or to the black top area after lunch for recess. We encourage allstudents who are physically able and healthy to go outside for recess.

Playground Rules:l. ANY physical contact such as wrestling, tackling, pushing, hitting, kicking and general roughhousing is STRICTLY

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10:05 a.m.-2:50 p.m.

Whole Grain PopTart: $.75Soup & Crackers: $1.50Cheese Sticks: $.50Honey Wheat Bar: $.75Entree Salad: $1.75Pizza Slice: $1.50

FORBIDDEN. Appropriate consequences will be administered by an administrator.2. Equipment and fields are shared. Equipment is to be used appropriately and not used for anything other than itsoriginal and intended use.3. Do not climb fences. No child is allowed to enter the wooded area behind the school for any reason.4. Do not throw stones or any other objects.5. No tumbling, cartwheels, flips or other gymnastics.6. No “pegging” with balls.7. Problems should be reported to the playground aides, the adult supervisor, and/or the classroom teacher.

BEHAVIOR/CONSEQUENCESThe safety and well being of each person connected with Beachwood Elementary is a very basic, and strong, concern. Everyprecaution must be taken to avoid accidents and create a safe environment for all students. Students can best contribute to asafe school by following basic rules such as:

l. Walk-Do Not Run.2. Avoid any and all physical contact, by keeping hands off of others.3. Many accidents are caused by “just kidding around” which is a most dangerous practice.4. Follow our Beachwood Code of Conduct at all times. (Page 14 )5. All weapons, or any instrument that could be construed as a weapon , such as a knife are not permitted on schoolpremises THIS IS A SUSPENDABLE OFFENSE AND WILL WARRANT THE INVOLVEMENT OF THEBEACHWOOD POLICE.6. All children grades 2-5 who are walkers may ride bicycles, scooters or skateboards to and from school. Bicycles,scooters and skateboards should not be ridden on school grounds. Bicycles and scooters should be walked andskateboards carried, once on school grounds.

7. All children have the right to an education in a safe and nurturing environment. Any form of bullying will not betolerated. Disciplinary action will be taken.

There will be consequences for those students who do not follow the rules at Beachwood Elementary. Staff members will fill-out a discipline slip. The students will be sent to the office and the situation will be addressed. The parents will be contactedand one of the following will be assigned, based on the severity of the situation: Time-Out, Recess Detention, Lunch Detention,In-School Suspension, or Out-of-School Detention/Suspension.

BASIC SKILLS

PROJECT EXCELBeachwood Elementary School exists to serve the individual needs of our students. In order to help strengthen children’sacademic skills in language arts and mathematics, Project Excel has been created. This program will be offered to any childwho has fallen below the minimum level of proficiency as determined by the State of New Jersey. Certificated teachers willservice the child at least once a week for each area of identified academic area. Project Excel is offered after the school dayfor Grades 1-5.

PROJECT PRIDEThis is a district funded program which serves to meet the academic needs of children who are experiencing temporarydifficulty with their academic program and have not qualified for the Excel program. Admission to the program is based onteacher recommendation and administrative approval.

Y-KIDS (School Age Care)The Y-Kids program is offered to working parents of Beachwood Elementary School both before and after the school day. Itis conducted in the school building. Beachwood Elementary School does not operate the program, nor is it a function of theschool building. For information regarding the program and the related costs involved with it, please contact the Supervisor,at 341-9622, extension 2215.

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BEACHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLCODE OF CONDUCT

We want every student to have success in school and to have a sense of belonging to the school community, so that no childis left behind. Our code of conduct states:

I am fair.

I am kind.

I treat others the way I want to be treated.

I am honest.

I am prepared.

I am respectful of the faculty, classmates, school and environment.

I practice safety.

I am responsible.

I do not keep teachers from teaching or students from learning.

I do not bully.

I help others who are targets of bullies.

Official District School Board Policy on Student Code of Conduct can be found online at www.trschools.com.

Basic "Pay for It" Set Up

• Click on the link or go to www.payforit.net• Click on "Sign up for Account"• Fill in information under "Create New Guardian Account". Click next!• Enter Master Card or Debit card information. Click next!• Fill in information under "Create Account" (sent to your e-mail address)

At that point you should see a box that states "Your account has been created" Click on continue to enter confirmation code under"Activate Guardian" (Sent to your e-mail)

You can then clock on login at top of page to log into your account! YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL TORECEIVE THE STUDENT ID NUMBER!

Across the top you will see drop down boxes for additional options!!!!

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TOMS RIVER REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICTNONDISCRIMINATION/SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Federal law prohibits educational program and employment discrimination on the basis of gender (Title IX of the 1972 EducationalAmendments); handicap (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973); age (Age Discrimination In Employment Act of 1967); and race,color, religion, gender, or national origin (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). New Jersey Title 6 prohibits educational programand employment practices discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, and social/economic status. Federal law prohibits educational program and employment discrimination on the basis of gender (Title IX of the 1972Educational Amendments); handicap (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973); age (Age Discrimination In Employment Act of 1967);and race, color, religion, gender, or national origin (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). New Jersey Title 6 prohibits educational programand employment practices discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, and social/economicstatus.The Toms River Regional School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, ancestry, nationalorigin, social/economic status, age, affectional or sexual orientation (real or perceived), or handicap in its educational programs oremployment practices in accordance with the applicable statutes. The Toms River Regional School District does not discriminate on thebasis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, social/economic status, age, or handicap in its educational programs oremployment practices in accordance with the applicable statutes.In addition, the Board of Education is committed to maintaining an instructional and working environment that is free from harassmentof any kind. It shall be a violation of this policy for students to harass other students, or for students to harass staff members, or forstaff members to harass students through conduct or communications of a sexual nature. In addition, the Board of Education is committedto maintaining an instructional and working environment that is free from harassment of any kind. It shall be a violation of this policy for studentsto harass other students, or for students to harass staff members, or for staff members to harass students through conduct or communicationsof a sexual nature.Sexual harassment is a violation of State and Federal law. It has been defined under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissionas unwelcome and sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassmentis a violation of state and federal law. It has been defined under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as unwelcome and sexualadvances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.Findings of sexual harassment will result in disciplinary action which may include parental conference, suspension (either in- or out-of-school), and a report with the Beachwood Police Department and any other disciplinary action deemed necessary and appropriateby the Superintendent of Schools/Board of Education. Findings of a sexual harassment will result in disciplinary action which may includeparental conference, suspension (either In- or Out-of-School), and a report with the Dover Twp. Police Department and any other disciplinaryaction deemed necessary and appropriate by the Superintendent of Schools/Board of Education.The Toms River Regional Board of Education has non-discrimination/affirmative action policies and a grievance procedure wherebyany student, parent, teacher, administrator, or member of the community who has a grievance (a complaint of discrimination orharassment) may present such grievance for consideration. These policies and grievance procedures are available in the Office of theSuperintendent of Schools, in the Principal’s Office at each school, and in the district Affirmative Action Office. The Toms RiverRegional Board of Education has Nondiscrimination/Affirmative Action policy (#2224) and a Grievance Procedure whereby any student,parent, teacher, administrator, or member of the community who has a grievance (a complaint of discrimination or harassment) may present suchgrievance for consideration. This policy and grievance procedures are available in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, in the Principal’sOffice at each school, and in the district Affirmative Action Office.Inquiries regarding compliance with nondiscrimination laws may be directed to:

Ms. Wendy Rozwadowski DravisDistrict Affirmative Action Officer

50 Blue Jay DriveToms River, NJ 08755

(732) 505-5920

Ms. Kelly KernasovicDistrict Affirmative Action Officer

60 Walnut StreetToms River, NJ 08753

(732) 505-5900

Mr. John Coleman504 Coordinator

1144 Hooper AvenueToms River, NJ 08753

(732) 505-5561

U.S. Department of Educationfor Civil Rights, Region II (for federal laws)

32 Old Slip, 26th FloorNew York, NY 10005-2500

(646) 428-3900

N.J. Division of Civil Rights140 E. Front Street, 6th Floor

PO Box 090Trenton, NJ 08625-0090

(609) 292-4605

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BEACHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLBELL SCHEDULE

TIME ACTIVITY8:40 a.m. School Begins

8:50-9:30 a.m. Period 1

9:35-10:15 a.m. Period 2

10:20-11:00 a.m. Period 3

11:05-11:45 a.m. Period 4

11:50-12:30 p.m. Period 5

12:35-1:15 p.m. Period 6

1:20-2:00 p.m. Period 7

2:05-2:45 p.m. Period 8

11:00 - 11:35 a.m. First Lunch Grades 4 & 5

11:20 - 11:55 a.m. Second Lunch Grade 2

11:40 - 12:15 p.m. Third Lunch Grade 3

12:00 - 12:35 p.m. Fourth Lunch Grade 1

12:10 - 12:34 p.m. Fifth Lunch Kindergarten

2:50 p.m. Dismissal

When to Make a Guidance Referral

Please contact your counselor and/or refer a child if...

... you suspect child abuse or neglect.

... you notice a severe change in the child's behavior.

... the child is having a difficult time dealing with family changes.

... the child's self-concept is low.

... an illness or death in the family is upsetting the child.

... you suspect extreme financial hardship in the home and the child needs supplies, shoes, etc.

... a behavior modification plan needs to be drawn up between the teacher, counselor, and child.

... the child is dwelling in a home in which there is violence, substance abuse, addiction, or recovery from these.

... the child daydreams or seems preoccupied a major portion of the day.

... the child's grades are declining.

... a child has been absent excessively.

... the child seems to concentrate on his/her home-life to the point that it interferes with school performance.

... something seems to be bothering the child.

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BEACHWOOD ELEMENTARYSCHOOL SONG

"I LOVE BEACHWOOD"

(Sung to: “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy”)

I LOVE BEACHWOOD, IT’S MY HOMETOWN,

I LIVE IN BEACHWOOD, USA.

I PLAY AND LEARN IN THE BEACHWOOD SCHOOL,

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

I LEARN A LOT ABOUT THE PEOPLE,

AND THE GOLDEN RULE.

BEACHWOOD, BEACHWOOD, YOU’RE THE BEST,

YOU STAND OUT FROM ALL THE REST.

I’M PROUD TO BE A BEACHWOOD BEAR!

THE TEACHERS ARE SO CHEERFUL,

THEY HELP EXPLAIN ALL OUR TASKS.

THEY ALWAYS ANSWER THE QUESTIONS,

THAT WE MAY HAPPEN TO ASK.

WE ARE SO GLAD WE CAN COME HERE,

WE LOVE OUR SCHOOL IN EVERY WAY.

BEACHWOOD, BEACHWOOD YOU’RE THE BEST,

YOU STAND OUT FROM ALL THE REST.

I’M PROUD TO BE A BEACHWOOD BEAR!

B E A C H W O O D E L E M E N T A R Y S C H O O L

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5512 HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING (M)

Table of Contents SectionSection Title A. Policy Statement B. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Definition C. Student Expectations D. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions E. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reporting Procedure F. Anti-Bullying Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Specialist, and School Safety Team(s) G. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Investigation H. Range of Responses to an Incident of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying I. Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited J. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Action for False Accusation K. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Publication and Dissemination L. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Training and Prevention Programs M. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Reevaluation, Reassessment and Review N. Reports to Board of Education and New Jersey Department of Education O. School and District Grading Requirements P. Reports to Law Enforcement Q. Collective Bargaining Agreements and Individual Contracts R. Students with Disabilities A. Policy Statement

The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student. A safeand civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academicstandards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, isconduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students ina safe and disciplined environment. Since students learn by example, school administrators, faculty,

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staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating otherswith civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

For the purposes of this Policy, the term “parent,” pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.3, means the naturalparent(s) or adoptive parent(s), legal guardian(s), foster parent(s), or parent surrogate(s) of a student. Where parents are separated or divorced, “parent” means the person or agency which has legalcustody of the student, as well as the natural or adoptive parent(s) of the student, provided suchparental 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 anyelectronic communication, as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14, whether it be a single incident or a seriesof 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, genderidentity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishingcharacteristic;

2. 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; 3. Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of

other students; and that

a. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have theeffect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’sproperty, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or

b. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or c. Creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a

student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harmto the student.

Schools are required to address harassment, intimidation, and bullying occurring off school grounds,when there is a nexus between the harassment, intimidation, and bullying and the school (e.g., theharassment, intimidation, or bullying substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operationof the school or the rights of other students). “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. Student Expectations

The Board expects students to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of development,maturity and demonstrated capabilities with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other

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students and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities and the care ofschool facilities and equipment consistent with the Code of Student Conduct.

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

Students are expected to behave in a way that creates a supportive learning environment. The Boardbelieves the best discipline is self-imposed, and it is the responsibility of staff to use instances ofviolations of the Code of Student Conduct as opportunities to help students learn to assume and acceptresponsibility for their behavior and the consequences of their behavior. Staff members who interactwith students shall apply best practices designed to prevent student conduct problems and fosterstudents’ abilities to grow in self-discipline.

The Board expects that students will act in accordance with the student behavioral expectations andstandards regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying, including:

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

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

3. Student rights; and

4. Sanctions and due process for violations of the Code of Student 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-baseof school and community members, including parents, students, instructional staff, student supportservices staff, school administrators, and school volunteers, as well as community organizations, suchas faith-based, health and human service, business and law enforcement, in the development of thisPolicy. Based on locally determined and accepted core ethical values adopted by the Board, pursuantto N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)2, the Board must develop guidelines for student conduct pursuant toN.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1. These guidelines for student conduct will take into consideration the developmentalages of students, the severity of the offenses and students’ histories of inappropriate behaviors, andthe mission and physical facilities of the individual school(s) in the district. This Policy requires allstudents in the district to adhere to the rules established by the school district and to submit to theremedial 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 students and theirparents the rules of the district regarding student conduct. Provisions shall be made for informingparents whose primary language is other than English. The district prohibits active or passive support for acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Students are encouraged to support other students who:

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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 students 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

Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions – Students

The Board of Education requires its school administrators to implement procedures that ensure boththe appropriate consequences and remedial responses for students who commit one or more acts ofharassment, intimidation, or bullying, consistent with the Code of Student Conduct. The followingfactors, at a minimum, shall be given full consideration by school administrators in the implementationof appropriate consequences and remedial measures for each act of harassment, intimidation, orbullying by students. Appropriate consequences and remedial actions are those that are gradedaccording to the severity of the offense(s), consider the developmental ages of the student offendersand students’ histories of inappropriate behaviors, per the Code of Student Conduct and N.J.A.C.6A:16-7.

Factors for Determining Consequences – Student Considerations

1. Age, developmental and maturity levels of the parties involved and their relationship to the

school district;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; and7. Context in which the alleged incidents occurred. Factors for Determining Consequences – School Considerations 1. School culture, climate, and general staff management of the learning environment;2. Social, emotional, and behavioral supports;3. Student-staff relationships and staff behavior toward the student;4. Family, community, and neighborhood situation; and5. Alignment with Board policy and regulations/procedures.

Factors for Determining Remedial Measures

Personal

1. Life skill deficiencies;2. Social relationships;

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3. Strengths;4. Talents;5. Interests;6. Hobbies;7. Extra-curricular activities;8. Classroom participation;9. Academic performance; and10. Relationship to students and the school district. Environmental

1. School culture;2. School climate;3. Student-staff relationships and staff behavior toward the student;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; and10. Family situation.

Consequences for a student who commits one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullyingmay range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion ofstudents, as set forth in the Board’s approved Code of Student Conduct pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1. Consequences for a student who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying are thosethat are graded according to the severity of the offenses, consider the developmental age of the studentoffenders and thestudents’ histories of inappropriate behaviors consistent with the Board’s approvedCode of Student Conduct and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7, Student Conduct. The use of negative consequencesshould occur in conjunction with remediation and not be relied upon as the sole interventionapproach. Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent another occurrence ofthe problem, protect and provide support for the victim of the act, and take corrective action fordocumented systemic problems related to harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The consequencesand remedial measures may include, but are not limited to, the examples listed below: Examples of 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;7. Out-of-school suspension (short-term or long-term);8. Reports to law enforcement or other legal action; or9. Expulsion.

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Examples of Remedial Measures Personal – Student Exhibiting Bullying Behavior

1. Develop a behavioral contract with the student. Ensure the student has a voice in the outcome

and can identify ways he or she can solve the problem and change behaviors;2. Meet with parents to develop a family agreement to ensure the parent and the student

understand school rules and expectations;3. Explain the long-term negative consequences of harassment, intimidation, and bullying on all

involved;4. Ensure understanding of consequences, if harassment, intimidation, and bullying behavior

continues;5. Meet with school counselor, school social worker, or school psychologist to decipher mental

health issues (e.g., what is happening and why?);6. Develop a learning plan that includes consequences and skill building;7. Consider wrap-around support services or after-school programs or services;8. Provide social skill training, such as impulse control, anger management, developing empathy,

and problem solving;9. Arrange for an apology, preferably written;10. Require a reflective essay to ensure the student understands the impact of his or her actions

on others;11. Have the student research and teach a lesson to the class about bullying, empathy, or a similar

topic;12. Arrange for restitution (i.e., compensation, reimbursement, amends, repayment), particularly

when personal items were damaged or stolen;13. Explore age-appropriate restorative (i.e., healing, curative, recuperative) practices; and14. Schedule a follow-up conference with the student.

Personal – Target/Victim

1. Meet with a trusted staff member to explore the student’s feelings about the incident;2. Develop a plan to ensure the student’s emotional and physical safety at school;3. Have the student meet with the school counselor or school social worker to ensure he or she does

not feel responsible for the bullying behavior;4. Ask students to log behaviors in the future;5. Help the student develop skills and strategies for resisting bullying; and6. Schedule a follow-up conference with the student.

Parents, Family, and Community

1. Develop a family agreement;2. Refer the family for family counseling; and3. Offer parent education workshops related to bullying and social-emotional learning. Examples of Remedial Measures – Environmental (Classroom, School Building, or School District)

1. Analysis of existing data to identify bullying issues and concerns;2. Use of findings from school surveys (e.g., school climate surveys);

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3. Focus groups;4. Mailings – postal and email;5. Cable access television;6. School culture change;7. School climate improvement;8. Increased supervision in “hot spots” (e.g. locker rooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias,

school perimeters, buses);9. Adoption of evidence-based systemic bullying prevention practices and programs;10. Training for all certificated and non-certificated staff to teach effective prevention and

intervention skills and strategies;11. Professional development plans for involved staff;12. Participation of parents and other community members and organizations (e.g., Parent

Teacher Associations, Parent Teacher Organizations) in the educational program and inproblem-solving bullying issues;

13. Formation of professional learning communities to address bullying problems;14. Small or large group presentations for fully addressing the actions and the school’s response

to the actions, in the context of the acceptable student and staff member behavior and theconsequences of such actions;

15. School policy and procedure revisions;16. Modifications of schedules;17. Adjustments in hallway traffic;18. Examination and adoption of educational practices for actively engaging students in the

learning process and in bonding students to pro-social institutions and people;19. Modifications in student routes or patterns traveling to and from school;20. Supervision of student victims before and after school, including school transportation;21. Targeted use of monitors (e.g., hallway, cafeteria, locker room, playground, school perimeter,

bus);22. Targeted use of teacher aides;23. Disciplinary action, including dismissal, for school staff who contributed to the problem;24. Supportive institutional interventions, including participation in the Intervention and Referral

Services Team, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8;25. Parent conferences;26. Family counseling;27. Development of a general harassment, intimidation, and bullying response plan;28. Behavioral expectations communicated to students and parents;29. Participation of the entire student body in problem-solving harassment, intimidation, and

bullying issues;30. Recommendations of a student behavior or ethics council;31. Participation in peer support groups;32. School transfers; and33. Involvement of law enforcement officers, including school resource officers and juvenile

officers or other appropriate legal action. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions – Adults The district will also impose appropriate consequences and remedial actions to an adult who commitsan act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student. The consequences may include, but notbe 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,

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or being in school buildings or on school grounds. Remedial measures may include, but not be limitedto: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and work environmentmodifications. Target/Victim Support Districts should identify a range of strategies and resources that will be available to individual victimsof harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and respond in a manner that provides relief to victims anddoes not stigmatize victims or further their sense of persecution. The type, diversity, location, anddegree of support are directly related to the student’s perception of safety.

Sufficient safety measures should be undertaken to ensure the victims’ physical and social-emotionalwell-being and their ability to learn in a safe, supportive, and civil educational environment.

Examples of support for student victims of harassment, intimidation, and bullying include:

1. Teacher aides;2. Hallway and playground monitors;3. Partnering with a school leader;4. Provision of an adult mentor;5. Assignment of an adult “shadow” to help protect the student;6. Seating changes;7. Schedule changes;8. School transfers;9. Before- and after-school supervision;10. School transportation supervision;11. Counseling; and12. Treatment or therapy.

E. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reporting Procedure

The Board of Education requires the Principal at each school to be responsible for receivingcomplaints alleging violations of this Policy. All Board members, school employees, and volunteersand contracted service providers who have contact with students are required to verbally reportalleged violations of this Policy to the Principal or the Principal’s designee on the same day when theindividual witnessed or received reliable information regarding any such incident. All Boardmembers, school employees, and volunteers and contracted service providers who have contact withstudents, also shall submit a report in writing to the Principal within two school days of the verbalreport. The Principal will inform the parents of all students involved in alleged incidents, and, asappropriate, 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, andwelfare of all parties pending the findings of the investigation. Students, parents, and visitors are encouraged to report alleged violations of this Policy to thePrincipal on the same day when the individual witnessed or received reliable information regardingany such incident. Students, parents, and visitors may report an act of harassment, intimidation, orbullying anonymously. Formal action for violations of the Code of Student Conduct may not be takensolely on the basis of an anonymous report.

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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, isimmune 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 bullyinglaw does not prevent a victim from seeking redress under any other available law, either civil orcriminal, nor does it create or alter any tort liability.

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

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

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

1. The Superintendent shall appoint a district Anti-Bullying Coordinator. The Superintendentshall 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 toprevent, identify, and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students;

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 students in the district;

c. Provide data, in collaboration with the Superintendent, to the Department of Education

regarding harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students; d. Execute such other duties related to school harassment, intimidation, or bullying as

requested by the Superintendent; and

e. Meet at least twice a school year with the school Anti-Bullying Specialist(s) to discussand 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. The Anti-Bullying

Specialist shall be a guidance counselor, school psychologist, or other certified staff membertrained to be the Anti-Bullying Specialist from among the currently employed staff in theschool.

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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, andmaintain a positive school climate by focusing on the on-going systemic operational proceduresand educational practices in the school, and to address issues such as harassment, intimidation,or bullying that affect school climate and culture. Each School Safety Team shall meet, at aminimum, two times per school year. The School Safety Team shall consist of the Principal orthe Principal’s designee who, if possible, shall be a senior administrator in the school and thefollowing appointees of the Principal: a teacher in the school; a school Anti-Bullying Specialist;a parent of a student in the school; and other members to be determined by the Principal. Theschool Anti-Bullying Specialist shall serve as the chair of the School Safety Team.

The School Safety Team shall:

a. Receive records of all complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of studentsthat have been reported to the Principal;

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

c. Identify and address patterns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students in theschool;

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

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

f. Participate in the training required pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 etseq. and other training which the Principal or the district Anti-Bullying Coordinatormay request. The School Safety Team shall be provided professional developmentopportunitiesthat may address effective practices of successful school climate programsor approaches; and

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

Notwithstanding any provision of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-21 to the contrary, a parent who is a member of theSchool Safety Team shall not participate in the activities of the team set forth in 3. a., b., or c. aboveor any other activities of the team which may compromise the confidentiality of a student, consistent

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with, at a minimum, the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C.Section 1232 and 34 CFR Part 99), N.J.A.C. 6A:32-7, Student Records and N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.9,Student Records.

G. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Investigation

The Board requires a thorough and complete investigation to be conducted for each report ofviolations and complaints which either identify harassment, intimidation, or bullying or describebehaviors that indicate harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The investigation shall be initiated bythe Principal or the Principal’s designee within one school day of the verbal report of the incident. Theinvestigation shall be conducted by the school Anti-Bullying Specialist in coordination with thePrincipal. The Principal may appoint additional personnel who are not school Anti-BullyingSpecialists to assist with the investigation.

The investigation shall be completed and the written findings submitted to the Principal as soon aspossible, but not later than ten school days from the date of the written report of the incident. Shouldinformation regarding the reported incident and the investigation be received after the end of the ten-day period, the school Anti-Bullying Specialist shall amend the original report of the results of theinvestigation to ensure there is an accurate and current record of the facts and activities concerningthe reported incident.

The Principal shall proceed in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, as appropriate, basedon the investigation findings. The Principal shall submit the report to the Superintendent within twoschool days of the completion of the investigation and in accordance with the AdministrativeProcedures Act (N.J.S.A. 52:14B-1 et seq.). As appropriate to the findings from the investigation, theSuperintendent shall ensure the Code of Student Conduct has been implemented and may decide toprovide intervention services, order counseling, establish training programs to reduce harassment,intimidation, or bullying and enhance school climate, impose discipline, or take or recommend otherappropriate action, as necessary. The Superintendent shall report the results of each investigation to the Board of Education no laterthan the date of the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting following the completion of theinvestigation. The Superintendent’s report shall include information on any consequences imposedunder the Code of Student Conduct, any services provided, training established, or other action takenor recommended by the Superintendent. Parents of involved student offenders and targets/victims shall be provided with information aboutthe investigation, in accordance with Federal and State law and regulation. The information to beprovided to parents shall include the nature of the investigation, whether the district found evidenceof harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and whether consequences were imposed or servicesprovided to address the incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. This information shall beprovided in writing within five school days after the results of the investigation are reported to theBoard of Education. A parent may request a hearing before the Board of Education after receiving the information aboutthe investigation. The hearing shall be held within ten school days of the request. The Board ofEducation 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 students. At the hearing, the Board mayhear testimony from and consider information provided by the school Anti-Bullying Specialist and

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others, as appropriate, regarding the incident, the findings from the investigation of the 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 Superintendent’sreport on the results of the investigations to the Board or following a hearing in executive session, theBoard shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the Superintendent’s decision. TheBoard’s 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’sdecision. A parent, student, or organization may file a complaint with the Division on Civil Rights within onehundred eighty days of the occurrence of any incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying basedon membership in a protected group as enumerated in the “Law Against Discrimination,” P.L.1945,c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.).

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

The Board shall establish a range of responses to harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents andthe Principal and the Anti-Bullying Specialist shall appropriately apply these responses once anincident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying is confirmed. The Superintendent shall respond toconfirmed harassment, intimidation, and bullying, according to the parameters described in thisPolicy. The range of ways in which school staff will respond shall include an appropriate combinationof counseling, support services, intervention services, and other programs. The Board recognizes thatsome acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may be isolated incidents requiring the schoolofficials respond appropriately to the individual(s) committing the acts. Other acts may be so seriousor parts of a larger pattern of harassment, intimidation, or bullying that they require a response eitherat the classroom, school building, or school district level or by law enforcement officials.

For everyincident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, the school officials mustrespondappropriately to the individual who committed the act. The range of responses to confirmedharassment, intimidation, or bullying acts should include individual, classroom, school, or districtresponses, as appropriate to the findings from each incident. Examples of responses that apply to eachof these categories are provided below: 1. Individual responsescan include consistent and appropriate positive behavioral interventions

(e.g., peer mentoring, short-term counseling, life skills groups) intended to remediate theproblem behaviors.

2. Classroom responses can include class discussions about an incident of harassment, intimidation

or bullying, role plays (when implemented with sensitivity to a student’s situation or involvementwith harassment, intimidation, and bullying), research projects, observing and discussingaudio-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, “acts of kindness”

programs or awards, use of student survey data to plan prevention and intervention programsand activities, social norms campaigns, posters, public service announcements, “naturalhelper” or peer leadership programs, “upstander” programs, parent programs, the

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dissemination of information to students and parents explaining acceptable uses of electronicand wireless communication devices, and harassment, intimidation, and bullying preventioncurricula or campaigns.

4. District-wide responses can comprise of adoption of school-wide programs, including enhancing

the school climate, involving the community in policy review and development, providingprofessional development coordinating with community-based organizations (e.g., mentalhealth, health services, health facilities, law enforcement, faith-based organizations), launchingharassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention campaigns.

I. Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited

The Board prohibits a Board member, school employee, contracted service provider who has contactwith students, school volunteer, or student from engaging in reprisal, retaliation, or false accusationagainst a victim, witness, or one with reliable information, or any other person who has reliableinformation about an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or who reports an act of harassment,intimidation, or bullying. The consequence and appropriate remedial action for a person who engagesin 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 andregulations, and district policies and procedures. All suspected acts of reprisal or retaliation will betaken seriously and appropriate responses will be made in accordance with the totality of thecircumstances. Examples of consequences and remedial measures for students who engage in reprisal or retaliationare 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 withstudents who engage in reprisal or retaliation may include, but not be limited to: verbal or writtenreprimand, increment withholding, legal action, disciplinary action, termination, and/or bans fromproviding services, participating in school district-sponsored programs, or being in school buildingsor on school grounds. Remedial measures may include, but not be limited to: in or out-of-schoolcounseling, professional development programs, and work environment modifications. Examples of consequences for a Board member who engages in reprisal or retaliation may include, butnot be limited to: reprimand, legal action, and other action authorized by statute or administrativecode. Remedial measures may include, but not be limited to: counseling and professional development.

J. 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 meansof harassment, intimidation, or bullying. 1. Students - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a student found to have falsely

accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of retaliationmay 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 Students 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 AppropriateRemedial Actions section of this Policy.

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2. School Employees - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee orcontracted service provider who has contact with students found to have falsely accusedanother as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of retaliation couldentail discipline in accordance with district policies, procedures, and agreements which mayinclude, but not be limited to: reprimand, suspension, increment withholding, termination,and/or bans from providing services, participating in school district-sponsored programs, orbeing in school buildings or on school grounds. Remedial measures may include, but not belimited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and workenvironment 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, orbullying or as a means of retaliation could be determined by the school administrator afterconsideration of the nature, severity, and circumstances of the act, including law enforcementreports or other legal actions, removal of buildings or grounds privileges, or prohibitingcontact with students or the provision of student services. Remedial measures may include, butnot be limited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and workenvironment modifications.

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

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

The Superintendent shall ensure that notice of this Policy appears in the student handbook and allother publications of the school district that set forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, andstandards for schools within the school district.

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

The Superintendent shall post the name, school phone number, school address, and school emailaddress 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 boththe Anti-Bullying Specialist and the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator on the home page of eachschool’s website.

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

The Superintendent and Principal(s) shall provide training on the school district’s Harassment,Intimidation, and Bullying Policy to current and new school employees; including administrators,instructors, student support services, administrative/office support, transportation, food service,facilities/maintenance; contracted service providers; and volunteers who have significant contact

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with students; and persons contracted by the district to provide services to students. The training shallinclude instruction on preventing bullying on the basis of the protected categories enumerated inN.J.S.A. 18A:37-14 and other distinguishing characteristics that mayinciteincidentsofdiscrimination,harassment,intimidation,orbullying. Each public school teacher and educational services professional shall be required to complete at leasttwo hours of instruction in harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention within each five yearprofessional development period as part of the professional development requirement pursuant toN.J.S.A. 18:37-22.d. The required two hours of suicide prevention instruction shall include informationon the risk of suicide and incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying and information onreducing the risk of suicide in students who are members of communities identified as having membersat high risk of suicide.

Each newly elected or appointed Board member must complete, during the first year of the member’sfirst term, a training program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying in accordance with theprovisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:12-33.

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

A school leader shall complete school leader training that shall include information on the preventionof 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 inOctober. In order to recognize the importance of character education, the school district will observethe 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 districtwill 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, andassess harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention programs or approaches, and otherinitiatives in consultation with school staff, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, lawenforcement, and community members. The programs or approaches and other initiatives shall bedesigned to create school-wide conditions to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, andbullying in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17 et seq.

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

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

The Superintendent and the Principal(s) shall annually conduct a reevaluation, reassessment, andreview 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 theevaluation, reassessment, and review.

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N. 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 andbetween January 1 and June 30 at a public hearing all acts of violence, vandalism, and harassment,intimidation, and bullying which occurred during the previous reporting period in accordance withthe provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The information shall also be reported to the New JerseyDepartment of Education in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46.

O. School and District Grading Requirements

Each school and each district shall receive a grade for the purpose of assessing their efforts toimplement policies and programs consistent with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18:37-13 et seq. The gradereceived by a school and the district shall be posted on the homepage of the school’s website and thedistrict’s website in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. A link to the report thatwas submitted by the Superintendent to the Department of Education shall also be available on theschool district’s website. This information shall be posted on the websites within ten days of receiptof 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 biascrimes and school officials must report to law enforcement officials either serious acts or those whichmay be part of a larger pattern in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum of AgreementBetween Education and Law Enforcement Officials.

Q. Collective Bargaining Agreements and Individual Contracts

Nothing in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 et seq. may be construed as affecting the provisions of any collectivebargaining agreement or individual contract of employment in effect on the Anti-Bullying Bill ofRights 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 withindividuals whose criminal history record check reveals a record of conviction for a crime of biasintimidation or conspiracy to commit or attempt to commit a crime of bias intimidation.

R. Students with Disabilities

Nothing contained in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 et seq. may alter or reduce the rights of a student with adisability 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 BullyingPolicies to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools within thirty days of Board adoption.

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N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 through 18A:37-32N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1 et seq.; 6A:16-7.9 et seq.Model Policy and Guidance for Prohibiting Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying on School Property, at

School-Sponsored Functions and on School Buses – April 2011 – New Jersey Department of EducationMemorandum – New Jersey Commissioner of Education – Guidance for Schools on Implementing the Anti-

Bullying Bill of Rights Act – December 16, 2011

N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 through 18A:37-32N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1 et seq.; 6A:16-7.9 et seq.Model Policy and Guidance for Prohibiting Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying on School Property, atSchool-Sponsored Functions and on School Buses – April 2011 Adopted: Adopted: August 23, 2011Revised: March 18, 2014

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