NORTHVALE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MISSION STATEMENT

The Northvale Public Schools are committed to the pursuit of excellence in education as it relates to both teaching and learning. We aspire to foster lifelong learners who take responsibility for their own education as active participants in a safe, secure, and student-centered environment.

Our practices and policies are shaped by mutual respect, open and honest communication, ethical behavior, and personal responsibility. Our aim is to develop in each student a love of learning, strong self-esteem, good critical thinking skills, and an appreciation for diversity.

Education requires a shared commitment among all members of the school community, each supporting and complementing our ultimate goal – seeking to prepare all students for their role in a rapidly changing global community.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mrs. Johanna Bargisen, President

Mrs. Gina Corrado, Vice President

Mrs. Jennifer England

Mr. Paul Bazela

Mrs. Fran Brogan

Mr. John DiPaola, School Business Administrator

Mrs. Paige Gan, Administrative Secretary

Mrs. Anne Colthart, Secretary

The Board of Education Work Session is usually held on the second Monday and the Regular Meeting on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in the All-Purpose Room in the Thomas Jefferson School. These meetings are open to the public and all are always welcome to attend.

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

(201)768-8484

Mr. Sylvan C. Hershey Superintendent of Schools

Mrs. Pat Kayan Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools Ext. 30234

Mr. Michael Pinajian Principal

Mrs. Kathleen Solano Nathan Hale School Secretary Ext. 30228

Mrs. Diane Santoro Child Study Team Chairperson

Mrs. Lynn Whalen Child Study Team Secretary Ext. 30240

Mrs. Dona Vinci Thomas Jefferson School Secretary Ext. 30235

Mrs. Jeanne Griffin Guidance Counselor Ext. 30226

Mrs. Jane Mosier School Nurse Ext. 30224

NORTHVALE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL CALENDAR

2008-2009

September (19)					October (22)					November (15)					December (17)
M	T	W	T	F	M	T	W	T	F	M	T	W	T	F	M	T	W	T	F
1	2	3	4	5			1	2	3	3	4	5	6	7	1	2	3	4	5
8	9	10	11	12	6	7	8	9	10	10	11	12	13	14	8	9	10	11	12
15	16	17	18	19	13/	14	15	16	17	17	18	19	20	21	15	16	17	18	19
22	23	24	25	26	20	21	22	23	24	24	25	26/	27	28	22	23/	24	25	26
29	30				27	28	29	30	31						29	30	31
January 2009 (19)					February (15)					March (22)					April (16)
M	T	W	T	F	M	T	W	T	F	M	T	W	T	F	M	T	W	T	F
			1	2	2	3	4	5	6	2	3	4	5	6			1	2	3
5	6	7	8	9	9	10	11	12	13	9	10	11	12	13	6	7	8	9	10
12	13	14	15	16	16	17	18	19	20	16	17	18	19	20	13	14	15	16	17
19	20	21	22	23	23	24	25	26	27	23	24	25	26	27	20	21	22	23	24
26	27	28	29	30						30	31				27	28	29	30
May (20)					June (16) )5)
M	T	W	T	F	M	T	W	T	F
				1	1	2	3	4	5
4	5	6	7	8	8	9	10	11	12
11	12	13	14	15	15	16	17	18	19
18	19	20	21	22	22	23	24	25	26
25	26	27	28	29	29	30

Early Morning and Dismissal Procedures

Parents of students in grades K-5 must notify the teacher if their child walks to and from school or has transportation. Also, if this routine changes, a note must be sent to the teacher describing the change.

When students are dropped off at school and picked up at the end of the day, parents must adhere to the following safety procedures:

Cars must drop-off/pick-up at the curb. Parents must not sit at the curb and inhibit

the flow of traffic. Keep moving forward as cars exit the parking lot.

If you have more than one student to drop-off/pick-up, please decide on one location

(either Nathan Hale or Thomas Jefferson) to do this. Please, no double drop-offs!

Prior to dismissal, parents should stand away from classroom windows to prevent distraction.

After dismissal, students should report home unless they are enrolled in a school-sanctioned activity.

Entering the Building

During extremely cold weather and/or precipitation, the teacher-in-charge will allow students to enter the building through the link and proceed to a designated area. TJ: All-Purpose Room – NH: link and main corridor. Students may be dropped off in the morning as early as 8:00 AM. Supervision is provided both in the front and back of the buildings at that time. At 8:30 AM, students will enter the schools and report to homerooms.

Students in Thomas Jefferson enter through their exterior classroom doors. Students in Nathan Hale must enter the building by going through the link doors. If late, all students enter through the front doors and report to the appropriate main office.

Absences

If a student is going to be absent, a parent/guardian must call the School Nurse to report the reason for the absence. Upon the student’s return to school, a note must be brought in which lists the date(s) of absence(s) and the reason, with a parent/guardian signature.

It is the student’s responsibility to make up all of the work that was missed while he/she was absent.

It is important to have a good record of attendance. This will allow students to better follow and understand lessons in each class. If attendance is poor, it could have a negative impact on student achievement.

A minimum number of days of attendance for the school year, required for promotion, are defined as follows:

Grades K, 1, and 2: 161 days (not to exceed 20 absences)

Grades 3, 4, and 5: 162 days (not to exceed 19 absences)

Grades 6, 7, and 8: 163 days (not to exceed 18 absences)

Parents/guardians of students not meeting the above requirements will be required to meet with the administration to determine whether or not promotion is appropriate.

Tardiness

A student is tardy when he/she arrives after 8:37 AM.

Any student who is late to school must report to the main office with a note from his/her parent/guardian.

Students are permitted five (5) tardies before disciplinary action takes place.

Constant tardiness will result in a parent/guardian meeting with the administration and a detention plan will be put into action.

Leaving School Early

If a student must leave school early for an appointment, a note must be brought to the homeroom teacher. Parents/guardians must come into the main office to sign out their child. Students will not be called out of class until a parent/guardian arrives at the main office.

Letters/Flyers to Parents

All letters/flyers to go home to parents will be distributed to students on Tuesday and Thursday of every week. In the event that an immediate letter/flyer must go home on another day, the administration will make all necessary arrangements with the teachers for distribution.

The administration must preview and approve any letter/flyer before it is sent home. Letters/flyers that advertise organizations and/or functions that are not directly related to the Northvale Public Schools or its students will not be sent home through the school.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The following activities may be offered for middle school student participation:

A. Yearbook I. Musical Theater Ensemble

B. Student Government J. Music - Choral

C. Soccer Team K. Music - Instrumental

D. Volleyball Team L. School Newspaper

E. Basketball Team M. School Literary Journal

F. Spring Track Team N. International Club

G. National Junior Honor Society O. Physical Education Intramurals

H. Art Club (may also be offered to

students in grades two through five)

Parking Lots

Designated spaces are clearly marked for Visitor Parking. If you are visiting the schools, please park your car in these visitor spaces. If these spaces are filled, you will need to park your car on the street. All other spaces are numbered for school staff.

Do not park in the numbered parking spaces.

Rules Concerning School Grounds

1. Loitering in or around the school, before or after school hours, is prohibited.

2. Bicycles, skateboards, and scooters may not be ridden on school grounds.

3. Bicycles must be locked up while on school grounds. The school district will not be responsible for personal property lost or stolen.

4. Crossing guards are located in front of Nathan Hale, Thomas Jefferson, and

on Clinton Avenue. Be sure to follow their directions at all times.

5. While on school property, students must walk at all times.

6. Students should be ready and waiting for parents on the front sidewalk at dismissal.

Rules of Conduct

Students shall not:

1. Disrupt teaching and learning.

2. Interfere with the rights of others to enjoy a safe and comfortable environment free of foul, demeaning, or abusive language; sexual harassment; reckless endangerment; or threatening/physically harmful behaviors.

3. Disobey or show lack of respect to teaching staff and school staff.

4. Consistently refuse to complete homework or other assignments.

5. Cheat or engage in academic dishonesty.

6. Steal, damage, or deface the property of others.

7. Possess or use illegal substances.

8. Engage in illegal activities.

9. Possess, use, or threaten to use weapons or any implement intended to harm others.

10. Operate cell phones to make calls, play games, or send messages, etc, during the school day. If a student is found using a cell phone during school hours, the phone will be confiscated and a parent will be required to pick it up from the Principal’s office.

Breaking the Rules of Conduct

The sequence of disciplinary interventions is as follows, however, the administration reserves the right to alter the sequence depending on the nature of the offense.

1. Warning

2. Parent Notification

3. Referral to Administration

4. Detention (AM/PM)

5. Loss of Privileges

6. In-School Suspension

7. Out-of-School Suspension

8. Notification of Police

9. Hearing with the Superintendent

10. Expulsion Hearing with the Board of Education

The Northvale Schools’ Administration prides itself by providing a safe and secure learning environment where students feel comfortable attending. Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and parents are encouraged to remind them to be on their best behavior while in school.

If and when unacceptable behaviors occur, students will incur consequences, as stated above, for their actions. Consequences are designed to teach students responsibility at various levels.

Students who become physical and engage in altercations with each other will be spoken to by the administration. Physical offenses can warrant various degrees of disciplinary action and parents of the student(s) involved will be notified of the incident and appropriate consequences.

Consequences for Unacceptable Behavior

Students need to accept responsibility for their behavior. Professional judgment will determine when to move from level to level. Consequences will generally include, but not be limited to:

Level One – The Teacher

1. Formal detention(s) with the teacher in an effort to change the behavior and to problem- solve.

2. Communication with parents via telephone conversation, email, and/or conference.

Parents will receive 24 hours notice of the date and time of a detention that has been issued to their child. Failure to report for a detention will result in further disciplinary action.

Level Two – The Guidance Counselor

A guidance-oriented approach could be utilized to reinforce teacher measures and examine causes of behavior.

Level Three – The Administration

If a student fails to respond to the teacher’s authority and/or counseling, the following will tend to occur: (Not necessarily in this sequence.)

1. Cumulative detentions and/or suspensions which will result in the exclusion from one or more of the following:
• Locker/homeroom privileges
• Lunchroom/recess privileges
• Extracurricular activities
• Field trips
• End-of-the-year activities

2. Suspensions (In-School and/or Out-of-School.) The following are subject to immediate suspension from school and/or school-related activities from 1 to 10 days:
• Damage to school or personal property
• Endangering the safety of others
• Extensive and/or prolonged misconduct
• Willful disobedience and/or open defiance of a teacher or administrator
• Possessing, using or distributing illegal substances
• Truancy
• Arson
• Extortion
• Theft
• Terrorist threats
• Incitement
• Physical assault upon another student
• Assault upon a teacher, administrator, board member or school employee
• Sexual misconduct, including inappropriate physical contact, harassment, obscene gestures, indecent exposure or written remarks.

3. Referral to a Child Study Team member and possible placement in a more restrictive environment.

All disciplinary action taken against any student is done in accordance with NJ State Law under the N.J.S.A. Title 18A, as well as district policy. Disciplinary action against a student is not subject to negotiation by parents.

Student Due Process

Every student shall be afforded due process. This process shall include the student being advised by the Principal of his/her misconduct and the basis of such accusation. Should the offense warrant a long-term suspension from school, the student shall be entitled to a hearing with the Superintendent. In the case of a student expulsion, the student shall be entitled to a hearing with the Board of Education.

Lockers

Students in grades 5-8 are given the use of hall lockers and are held responsible for proper care and regulations regarding their use. Lockers are considered school property and school authorities may open and inspect them at any time.

General Rules and Expectations

Everyone in the school community works well when there are rules to guide them.

When rules are broken there are consequences.

1. School Dress Code: Appropriate dress is mandatory at all times. Clothing that is not allowed in school is as follows:

No halter tops.

No razor back tops.

No half t-shirts.

No spaghetti strap tops. (Nathan Hale students only)

No extremely short miniskirts or shorts.

No clothing with inappropriate slogans.

No underwear showing. This includes bra straps and boy’s boxers.

A major concern is the amount of skin that is revealed by a student’s choice of clothing. In the event that a student’s clothing is deemed unacceptable by the administration, a parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to bring a change of clothes for their child. If the parent/guardian is unavailable to deliver the change of clothing, clothes will be provided to the student by the school (when available.) If there are no clothes available, the student in question will be kept from returning to their schedule until a parent/guardian arrives.

2. Gum chewing is not permitted during the school day.

3. Expensive personal belongings should be kept at home.

4. All students should treat each other, adults, and property with respect and in

a safe manner.

5. Students will respect teaching and learning by listening to their teachers.

6. Students will respect each other’s physical space by refraining from pushing,

hitting, kicking, spitting, biting, or threatening physical harm.

7. Students will show respect to the school by keeping it clean and free of

unnecessary damage.

8. Weapons (or toy look-alikes) are not permitted in school and will result in a suspension.

9. In hallways, students should walk to their right and keep noise to a minimum.

10. Students may only cross the railroad tracks on Clinton Avenue where the crossing guard is posted.

11. Textbooks will be inspected at the beginning and end of the school year. Damaged or lost books will result in book fines and/or replacement costs.

12. All textbooks must be properly covered at all times.

13. Proper behavior must be exhibited at all times. This includes assemblies, sporting events, field trips, and special activities.

14. Students are responsible for making up all missed class work/homework due to SDL (Self-Directed Learners), instrumental lessons, special trips, and any other activity that takes them away from the regular schedule. No extra time will be permitted. Assignments are due on the original due date given by the teacher.

Example: If a student has a music lesson third period on Tuesday, which means they are missing Language Arts, that student must hand in the prior night’s homework on (the original due date) Tuesday.

15. All failed tests must be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to school the next day.

16. Parents/guardians may request a teacher conference by calling (201)768-8484 and leaving a message in the teacher’s voice mailbox. Please refer to the school website for a list of teacher extensions

17. Students are not allowed to use the office telephones. Students may use the pay telephones located outside of the main office.

18. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day.

Procedures for Processing Concerns

Any student-teacher or program concern should be handled in the following manner:

1. Begin by expressing your concern to the teacher. Discuss the issue with the teacher. Direct and informal communication should generally be your first step.

2. If the matter is unresolved, speak with the Principal, who will facilitate a problem-solving meeting between you and the teacher.

3. If still unresolved, you may appeal to the Superintendent of Schools, who may hold a conflict resolution meeting with the parties involved.

4. If you believe that your situation has not been resolved, your appeal process will be presented to you. It could involve formal communication with the Board of Education.

Our goal is to resolve misunderstandings as close to their source as possible. Our procedure is designed to problem-solve conflicts.

Safety & Security

In the interests of safety and security, the Thomas Jefferson School and Nathan Hale School exterior doors will remain locked and secured after students’ morning arrival. Visitors must announce themselves via the outside intercom stating the purpose of their visit. Upon entrance into the building, visitors must report directly to the main office, sign-in and wear an identification tag while in the school building.

Fire Drills

Fire drill instructions are posted in each classroom. When the fire alarm sounds, students shall:

1. Maintain absolute silence during the entire drill. (From alarm sounding until their return to the classroom.)

2. Follow teacher directions at all times.

Accidents

If an accident occurs, or a student becomes seriously ill, the incident must be reported immediately to the nearest staff member.

Lock Down and Evacuation Situations

This is an administrative decision where special instructions are directed to all staff for the ultimate safety of everyone in the school. Procedures are in place if such a decision is put into action.

Nathan Hale Honor Roll Requirements

1. An average grade of 90 or above must be attained in all academic subjects.

2. Students may not receive a “C” in any subject for that particular marking period.

Grading

Grades may be lowered for cheating, plagiarizing material, falsifying sources, failure to submit assignments, or indulging in academic dishonesty or negligence.

Marking Periods and Report Cards

Report cards are sent to parents/guardians four times each school year.

Progress reports will be sent home to designated students in grades 5-8. Parents should contact the teacher issuing the progress report to support the improvement of their child.

Incomplete report card grades must be made up within two weeks to avoid failure.

The grading system is described on the report card that students receive. Report card and progress report envelopes must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to school the next day.

Parent/guardian/teacher conferences take place in November.

Eighth Grade Graduation Requirements

The Northern Valley Administrators Association has recognized the need to establish specific guidelines, which clearly delineate the requirements to graduate from the eighth grade. These requirements are as follows:

1. Students are required to attend school for a minimum of 163 days except for medical reasons or extenuating circumstances.

2. All students must have a passing grade in the major subject areas of Language Arts, Literature, Math, Science, Social Studies and Spanish.

3. Students failing two or more subjects will not participate in graduation ceremonies/activities. Attendance in summer school may be required for promotion to the ninth grade.

Student Eligibility for Eighth Grade Activities

Eligibility for participation in eighth grade activities (Washington Trip, Graduation, Swim Club Trip, Dinner Dance, Field Trips, etc.) will be determined by student adherence to the school policies and rules.

A student may be subject to removal from participation in eighth grade activities, inclusive of graduation exercises, if behavior and conduct is not in compliance with school rules.