Brookside Place School

A school nurse is on call each day even if one is not in the building.  Should your child become ill or have an accident, we will call you or someone on your emergency sheet immediately.  It is important that this sheet be filled in completely, kept up to date and returned promptly after school has begun.   Should your child have allergies, take any medication on a regular basis, or other health conditions that may affect his/her learning, the school nurse should be informed.  With your permission, that information will be shared confidentially, with the appropriate school personnel. 

Administering Medication in School - Policy 5141.21

Diagnosis or treatment beyond first aid procedure is not usually the responsibility of the school. The administration of medication to pupils shall be done only in exceptional circumstances where the child's health may be jeopardized without it.

• A written statement is required from a parent/guardian and doctor giving the school permission to give prescription and over the counter medicine. Written orders from the family physician should identify type, dosage, time of administration, and purpose of the medications. Note:  Medication forms are available in the nurse’s office.
• The medication should be in the original container, identified by the pharmacy.
• Medication must be hand delivered to a school authority by an adult ( K-8).
• The school physician should review and approve any request from a family physician that medication be given to a student.
• The medication is kept in the medical room in a safe place and locked out of reach of the students.
• Exemption: Asthmatic students may carry inhalers on their person with permission from parent and physician.
• The school nurse or the parent/ guardian is authorized to administer medicine in school when the above procedures have been followed.
• Documentation is required to be maintained by the school nurse.
• Medication orders must be issued for each school year.
• Students’ vision, hearing, heights, weights, and blood pressure is checked annually.  Scoliosis exams will also be conducted for students in Grade 5.  Parents/guardians will be notified when scoliosis exams are scheduled. If they wish to have their own doctor conduct the examination, a refusal form needs to be sign and returned to the school nurse.  Parents/guardians will be informed of any problems identified during any of the above mentioned examinations or if a child’s weight or BMI is above the 95^th percentile.
• All students are checked for lice at the beginning of each school year.
• Gym excuses can be given up to 3 days with a parent note. A doctor's note must be obtained after the third day. Students under a doctor's care for a medical orthopedic reason cannot return to gym without a doctor's note. Please bring gym excuses or doctor's orders for crutches, canes, wheel chairs to the office at the beginning of the school day.

Emergency Cards- It is VERY IMPORTANT that parent/guardian work numbers and cell are included on the emergency cards as well as a close neighbor or friend who will usually be home.  Note:  Please contact the office if phone/fax/beeper numbers change during the year.

CURRICULUM and PROGRAMS

The curriculum at Brookside has been approved by the Board of Education and is used in all elementary schools in Cranford.  It is a comprehensive curriculum that addresses the following areas:

Language Arts - Reading, writing, spelling, penmanship, and study skills.   

Mathematics

Social Studies

Science

Family Living, Health, Computers, Art, Music, Library, Physical Education, Spanish

School programs such as assemblies, classroom visitations, D.E.A.R, Strive for High 5, Brookside Pride Week, ACES, Brookside Buddies, and others will be detailed in the monthly Brookside Briefs sent on line. If you are not registered, you may do so at BPS-PTA@cranfordschools.org.

Textbooks approved by the Board of Education are provided for all children.  In order to maintain these books, it is necessary to have the pupils cover them.

Basic Skills Instruction (BSI) is provided to children who have been identified through standardized tests, teacher and PAC recommendation needing extra help in reading, writing, and mathematics.

The Pathways to Excellence (formerly the Gifted and Talented) program is designed to provide enrichment for all students and a pullout program to address the academic needs of profoundly gifted students.   In grades K-2 classroom teachers modify the instruction to meet the academic needs of the students. Enrichment clusters and a pullout program for the profoundly gifted will be used for grades 3, 4 and 5. 

Instrumental music lessons with strings begin in grade three.  The flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion instruments are offered in grades four and five.   Students receive one half hour of group instruction per week.  It is essential that all students studying an instrument practice at home a minimum of 15-20 minutes per day. 

Chorus, orchestra, and band programs are offered before school for children in grades four and five.

Homework is a vital part of the learning process in that it makes the student, while working independently, use concepts taught in the classroom and therefore reinforces the classroom instruction.

Students should:

• Keep a careful written record of all homework assignments.
• Obtain assignments in the event of an absence and complete in a timely manner.
• Complete all homework assignments on time.
• Communicate to teachers problems encountered with an assignment.
• Develop time management strategies for test preparation and long-term assignments.
• Read, study, or work on ongoing projects when no other assignment is given.

Parents/guardians should:

• Provide a suitable location and environment and adequate supplies.
• Assist student in setting aside enough time for homework.
• Monitor whether the student is meeting homework responsibilities.
• Assist, support, and encourage without taking over or doing the work.
• Encourage reading for pleasure.
• Notify the teacher when the student is experiencing difficulty with homework.
• Communicate with the teacher any particular reason for student's failure to complete homework.

In grades K-5 it is expected that some type of homework will be given on a daily basis. In grades 4-5 longer term assignments will be introduced. Suggested daily time allocations for homework are as follows:

Kindergarten - 5-15 minutes depending on maturation of student and time of school year.

Grades 1-2 - 10-20 minutes total.

Grades 3-4- 30-50 minutes total.

Grades 5- 50-60 minutes total.

The Student Assistance Counselor provides aid to teachers, parents, and students as needed by providing information on appropriate resources within and outside the district and acts as a liaison between school, community agencies, parents, and children as the situation demands. Areas addressed might include, but are not limited to, school entry or separation issues, per or school adjustment, grief, and loss.

I&RS 

I&RS (Intervention and Referral Services). In July 1994, the State Board of Education adopted rules to provide district boards of educations with standards for the delivery of intervention and referral services for pupils in the general education program. (NJAC 6:26, Intervention and Referral Services for General Education Pupils). These rules replace the preceding regulations that required the establishment of Intervention and Referral Services Committees (I&RS) in all public school buildings. Under this regulation, the Cranford Public Schools have established and implemented procedures for the delivery of intervention, and referral services for pupils who are experiencing difficulties in their classes and have not been determined to be in need of special education programs and services. To this end, the Cranford Public Schools have established the I&RS Committees at each school. The I&RS Committee is required to provide the following building based functions in support of intervention and referral services for general education pupils:

• Identify pupils in need and plan and provide for appropriate intervention and/or referral services to school and community resources based on desired outcomes.
• Identify roles and responsibilities of building staff.
• Provide support, guidance and professional development to staff who identify and refer pupils.
• Actively involve parents/guardians in the development and implementation of intervention and referral plans.
• Coordinate access to and delivery of school services for identified pupils.
• Coordinate the services of community based social and health provider agencies.
• Review and assess the effectiveness of the services provided in achieving the outcomes identified in the intervention and referral plan.

The Brookside I&RS Committee is comprised of the Principal, teachers, a child study team member, and parent(s), Additional member may include the school nurse, student assistance counselor, and others as determined by the Committee.

Intervention and assistance plans may be developed to help students within the regular education program who are experiencing problems in learning, behavior, or health that are not related t the educational process. If a referral to the child study team is made, we follow the prescribed procedures as described in NJAC 6A:14, subchapter 3, NJAC 6A:, subchapter 2, and the official policies of the Cranford Public Schools. Further information may be obtained by contacting the school principal, or the Director of Special Services at 908-709-6219.

PUPIL PERFORMANCE AND PROGRESS

Students' progress is reported to parents/ guardians at various times throughout the year. This reporting is conducted via progress reports, report cards, and/or conferences. Conferences may be initiated by staff members or parents/guardians. If you wish a conference with a staff member, please communicate directly with that person.

Kindergarten: A formal conference is held in the Fall and Spring. Report cards are provided in February and June.

Grade 1: Conferences are held in the Fall and Spring. Report cards are issued for the remaining three marking periods.

Grades 2-5: Conferences are held in the Fall and Spring. Report cards are issued for the four marking periods.

Report card distribution dates will be listed in Brookside Briefs. The report card envelope is to be signed and returned each marking period. Any comments parents have should be written on or placed in the envelope. The report card is not to be returned.

In grades K-2, the Report Card will identify students' mastery of concepts and skills. Grade 3 is the transition year to letter grades. In grades 4-5, letter grades are used exclusively.

Evaluation (Grading) Codes Grades K-3

Explanations about the grading code are provided on each report card.

Evaluation (Grading) Codes Grades 3-5

A.....Commendable work (90-100)

B.....Very good work (80-90)

C.....Satisfactory (70-80)

D.....Needs improvement (60-70)

F.....Unsatisfactory (59-below)

LUNCH

There will be supervision for those who stay for lunch in grades 1-5.  Students who wish to go home for lunch will be allowed to do so, but should not return to school any sooner than 12:45 p.m.  Students returning from home are to report to the gym.  They are not permitted to play with students who stay for lunch. 

Parents/guardians are requested to notify the school in writing whether their children will be eating in school or at home.  Blanket notes for the entire year are permitted.   Any changes in your child’s daily routine should be detailed in a note to his/her teacher.

Students may bring their own lunches or purchase a hot, cold, bagel bag, or pizza daily.  Menus are distributed monthly to all children and can be found on our web site as well as the Brookside Briefs.

Lunch ticket money is collected every Tuesday except for vacation/holiday periods.  Parents are requested to send checks or exact change in envelopes with their children’s names and teachers. 

Tickets are sold in sets of five only.  Pupils may use tickets at any time.  Children should be told to put their names on their tickets as soon as they receive them.  Parents will be notified about the cost for a strip of tickets in September.  Tickets from last year and money to pay for lunch is generally permitted the first few days of school.

Milk is available to all pupils.   Specific information is sent to parents monthly throughout the year.

NOTE:   Money is collected only on the designated day for lunch and milk.

EATING AND PLAY TIMES

Grades 1, 2, 4 (2 classes)

    *11:50 a.m.  -  12:20 p.m.  Eating time   *12:20 p.m.  -  12:50 p.m.  Playtime

Grades 3, 4 (2 classes) and  5

    *11:50 a.m.  -  12:20 p.m.  Playtime      *12:20 p.m.  -  12:50 p.m.  Eating time

Lunchroom rules:

• Students entering the lunchroom will purchase their lunch or milk and proceed to their seats.
• Students are permitted to sit where they wish.
• Students may talk quietly.
• Students are to handle food and papers properly. 
• Bags neither are not to be popped nor straws blown around.
• Students are expected to remain in their seats during lunch. If help is needed they are to signal a supervisor by raising a hand.
• Children who stay are expected to behave appropriately.  Those who do not may:
  • Be given a warning(s).
  • Be given lunchroom timeout.
  • Be given after/before school detention.
  • Suspended in school from the lunchroom.
  • Suspended from school.
  • Excluded from eating in school. 
• The lunchroom aides will take the children outside regularly, so students should bring appropriate clothing at all times.   Shoe selection is very important.  Sneakers or shoes with nonslip soles are recommended.

ODDS AND ENDS

Telephone-Students are permitted to use the telephone for emergency purposes ONLY.  This includes calling for milk money that is collected once a month or lunches that are forgotten. Students who bring cell phones to school are to turn them off during school hours and place them in their book bags.   Cell phones are not to be used by students during the school day.

Lost and Found-Items children have lost are placed in a container in the gym throughout the year.

Parents/guests visiting Brookside, from 8:15 AM-3:30 PM, are required to sign in at the office and get a visitor’s pass.  Parents/guardians wishing to speak with teachers should call the office or send in a note to make an appointment.  Before school, teachers are busy preparing for the day’s events and cannot stop to have an unscheduled conference.   If you need to pick up your child during school hours, please come to the office and sign him/her out.   Teachers should not be called at home.  If you have a question or a concern, please send in the note with your child the following day.  These procedures are for the protection of our children and to prevent unnecessary interruptions of their instructional program.

Parking is a very limited at school.   Please park on the street obeying the traffic signs and painted curbs.  The parking lot is for staff and handicapped parking only. Double and triple parking in the street is prohibited

AM Kindergarten students should leave the school property with their parents/guardians once their session has ended.  The rest of the students in grades 1-5 are still in class and the noise on the playground and equipment can be distracting to the older children.

Dogs should not be brought on school property during school hours.  Many students fear dogs and when the students are running and making noise the dogs often get excited and behave in ways that are dangerous to the children’s safety.

Parents/guardians are requested not to call the office and expect messages to be delivered to their children except in DIRE EMERGENCIES.  The office personnel cannot deliver messages except under these circumstances.

Assemblies-The PTA sponsors several paid assembly programs each year.  The band and chorus also perform at several programs.  Special events and holiday programs will also take place periodically. Parents and guardians will receive information about the dates, times, and locations of these programs via Brookside Briefs.  NOTE:  Kindergarten children not at school when an assembly program takes place are invited to attend.   Parents and guardians of these children are to bring them to school, remain for the program, and take them home at the conclusion of the program.

The Media Center is open each day with the assistance of volunteers.  The media center contains many books, computers, magazines, reference materials, filmstrips, computer disks, and videotapes and other print and nonprint material.

Fire and Safety drills will be conducted throughout the year.

The Brookside PTA is an active and interested group of parents and staff who work together to provide much for the children and school.  The PTA uses its funds to subsidize field trips ($15.00 per child), and provide assistance to the school whenever it is called upon.  All parents/guardians are encouraged to join, participate, and attend PTA meetings

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCEPTABLE USE CONTRACT

The Cranford School District continually pursues the use of advanced technology and high-speed access to enrich and broaden learning opportunities for students and staff. With this learning tool, students and staff must understand and practice proper and ethical use. All staff will have the opportunity to attend workshops regarding procedures, ethics and security involving telecommunications. All students will be instructed on appropriate use of telecommunications before using the system.

CONDITIONS AND RULES FOR USE

1. Acceptable Use

The purpose of telecommunications is to facilitate communications in support of research and education by providing access to unique resources and an opportunity for collaborative work. To remain eligible as a user, the use of your account must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the Cranford Public School District. Access to telecommunications is made possible through an appropriate provider to be designated by the Cranford Public School District at its sole discretion. All users of telecommunications must comply with existing rules and Acceptable Use Policies of Cranford Public School District that are incorporated into this document. Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighting material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.

2. Privilege

The use of telecommunications is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use, including any violation of these conditions and rules, may result in cancellation of the privilege. Cranford Public School District under this agreement, is delegated the authority to determine appropriate use and may deny, revoke, suspend, or close any user access at any time based upon a determination of inappropriate use.

3. Monitoring

Cranford Public School District reserves the right to review any material accessed by users. Users should have no expectation on privacy. Certain aspects of your use of the electronic environment are being recorded in logs either for the purpose of performance monitoring or for assistance in authorized legal investigations of alleged misbehavior under their policy. The actual contents of these logs will only be reviewed by authorized district or external law enforcement officials.

4. Network Etiquette

All users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following.

(a) Be polite. Does not send harassing, obscene, offensive, threatening, sexually oriented or otherwise illegal messages or depictions to other users.

(b) Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Do not engage in activities that are prohibited under state or federal law.

(c) Do not reveal your full name, personal address or phone numbers of yourself, other students, staff or colleagues.

(d) Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the authorities and will result in the loss of user privileges.

(e) Do not attempt to read, delete, copy, modify, view, send or otherwise use, without permission, another user's account.

(f) Do not use the Internet in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.

(g) All communications and information accessible via the Internet should be assumed to be the private property of those who put it on the network.

5. No Warranties

Cranford Public School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. Cranford Public School District will not be responsible for any damages a user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, no-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the Cranford Public School District's negligence or by the user's errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via telecommunications is at the user's own risk. Cranford Public School District specifically deny any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its service and shall not be responsible for any financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system. All users need to consider the source of any information they obtain and consider how valid that information may be.

6. Security

(a) Telecommunications involve many users. Users with passwords must never allow others to use their own passwords. Users should also protect their passwords to ensure system security and their own privileges and ability to continue use of the system.

(b) If you can identify a security problem while using telecommunications, you must notify a teacher or administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users.

(c) Attempts by a student or non-authorized user to log on to the telecommunications provider as another user may result in cancellation of user privileges.

(d) Any user identified as a security risk for having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to telecommunications by Cranford Public Schools District.

(e) Users shall not install or download software or other applications without permission of the supervising staff person.

7. Vandalism and Harassment

(a) Vandalism and harassment will result in cancellation of user privileges.

(b) Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm, modify, and destroy data of another user, networks, or the telecommunications provider. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creating of computer viruses.

(c) Harassment is defined as the persistent annoyance of another user, or the interference of another user's work. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, the sending of unwanted mail.

8. Procedures for Use

(a) While using school equipment, a student or staff member may only use Cranford Public School District's telecommunication accounts.

(b) Student users must always get permission from their instructors before using telecommunications or accessing any specific file or application. FOLLOW WRITTEN AND ORAL CLASSROOM INSTRUCTIONS.

(c) Users shall not play games or use the computer resources for other non-academic activities.

9. Encounter of Controversial Material

While access to the Internet through school computers is administered by a teacher or other school personnel, the Cranford School District may not be able to technologically limit access to those online services that have been authorized for study and research.

(a) Children's Internet Protection Act and Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act. The Cranford Public School District is in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) and has installed technology protection measures for all computers in the school district that block and/or filter visual depictions that are obscene as defined in sections 1460 & 2256 of Title 18 United States Code.

Although Cranford Public School District has installed filtering software it is impossible to control the content of all data and a user may discover controversial materials when using the Internet. Thus, determined users may be able to access services and communicate with people on the Internet that the district has not authorized for educational purposes. Also, by participating in the use of the Internet, students may intentionally or unintentionally gain access to information and communications that they or their parents or guardians find inappropriate, offensive, controversial, or otherwise objectionable. By consenting to allow your child to use the Internet, you assume the risks spelled out in this paragraph.

10. Penalties for Improper Use

(a) Any user violating these rules, applicable state and federal laws, or posted classroom and building rules is subject to loss of privileges and any other District disciplinary options.

(b) An individual engaged in the unauthorized copying or use of software may also face civil suit, criminal charges, and/or penalties and fines.

(c) In addition, pursuant to State of New Jersey law, any unauthorized telecommunications access, attempted access, or use of any state computing and/or network system is a violation of the New Jersey Penal Code and/or other applicable federal laws, and is subject to criminal prosecution.

11. District Website

The Cranford Public School District shall establish and maintain a district web site. The purpose of the web site will be to inform the district educational community of district programs, policies and practices.

The district is in full compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A:36-35, which limits the disclosure of certain "personally identifiable information," including a student's name, photograph, address, email address, phone number, as well as the location and times of class trips, on a school web site without the receipt of prior written consent from the students' parent(s) or guardian(s). Prior parental consent is required because the disclosure of this information may present a safety risk and potential danger to children from Internet predators and others.

It is against Board policy to display any student's home address, email address, or phone number on its official school web site under any circumstance. However, the Board may seek prior written parental consent to display a child's name, with or without an accompanying photograph, and the location of a class trip or athletic/extracurricular event, only after that trip/event has occurred.

12. Parental Notification, Permission and Responsibility.

Parents/guardians shall sign a permission form to allow their child(ren) to have an individual telecommunications account with the Cranford Public School District. Parents/guardians who do not wish for their child(ren) to have access to the Internet must notify the building principal in writing.

Parents/guardians shall also sign a permission form consenting to the disclosure of their child's name, with or without an accompanying photograph, as well as identification of the location and date of any class trips, athletic or extracurricular events in which their child(ren) may have participated, only after the class trip/event has taken place in order for the same to be displayed in public places on or about school property (including on school sponsored web sites, school bulletin boards, school newsletters, school bulletins, and on school promotions and advertisements for school-sponsored activities).

POLICY 5201:  HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING & HAZING

Acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may also be a pupil exercising power and control over another pupil, in either isolated incidents (e.g., intimidation, harassment) or patterns of harassing or intimidating behavior (e.g., bullying).

Expected Behavior

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

The Board believes that standards for pupil behavior must be set cooperatively through interaction among the pupils, parent (s) or legal guardian (s), staff and community members, producing an atmosphere that encourages pupils to grow in self-discipline.  The development of this atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for school district and community property on the part of pupils, staff and community members.

The Board believes the best discipline is self-imposed, and it is the responsibility of school district staff to use disciplinary situations as opportunities to help pupils learn to assume and accept responsibility for their behavior and the consequences of their behavior.  Staff members who interact with pupils shall apply the best practices designed to prevent discipline problems and encourage pupils’ abilities to grow in self-discipline.

General guidelines for pupil conduct will be developed by the Superintendent in conjunction with school staff, and approved by the Board.  These guidelines will be developed based on accepted core ethical values from broad community involvement with input from parent (s) or legal guardian (s) and other community representatives, school employees, volunteers, pupils and administrators.  These guidelines for pupil conduct will be suited to the age level of the pupils and the mission and physical facilities of the individual school (s) in the district.  This policy requires all pupils in the district to adhere to these rules and guidelines and to submit to such disciplinary measures as are appropriately assigned for infraction of these rules and guidelines.

The district prohibits active and passive support for harassment, intimidation or bullying.  Pupils are encouraged to support other pupils who walk away from these acts when they see them, constructively attempt to stop them, and report these acts to the Building Principal or his/her designee.

Pupils are required to conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior; respect the person, property and rights of others; obey constituted authority; and respond to school district teaching, support and administrative staff.  Each school Principal will develop and provide a school-based program for appropriate recognition for positive reinforcement for good conduct, self-discipline, and good citizenship and academic success.

The Superintendent will provide annually to pupils and their parent (s) or legal guardian (s) the rules of the district regarding pupil conduct, pupil’s due process and other rights.  This policy will appear in all publications of the district’s comprehensive rules, procedures and standards of conduct for school (s) within the district, including pupil handbooks.  Provisions will be made for informing parent (s) or legal guardian (s) whose primary language is other than English.

Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions

The following factors will be considered in determining the appropriate response to pupils who commit one or more acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying:

• The developmental and maturity levels of the parties involved;
• The levels of harm;
• The surrounding circumstances;
• The nature of the behavior (s);
• Past incidences or continuing patterns of behavior;
• The relationships between the parties involved; and
• The context in which the alleged incidents occurred.

Concluding whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this Policy requires a determination based on all of the facts and surrounding circumstances.

An appropriate consequence will be determined after meaningful consideration of these factors.  Consequences and appropriate remedial action for pupils who commit acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion.  The appropriate consequence will be consistent with the case law, Federal and State statutes, and district/school policies and regulations.

Reporting Procedure

Complaints alleging violations of this Policy shall be reported to the Principal or his/her designee.  All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this Policy to the Principal or his/her designee.  All other members of the school community, including pupils, parent (s) or legal guardian (s), volunteers and visitors are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this Policy.  While submission of an Incident Report Form to the Principal or his/her designee is not required, the reporting party is encourages to use the Incident Report Form available from the Principal of each building or available at the school district office.  Oral reports will also be considered official reports.  Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be based solely on the basis of anonymous report.

Investigation

The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for determining whether an alleged act constitutes a violation of this Policy.  The Principal or his/her designee shall conduct a prompt, thorough and complete investigation of the alleged incident.  The Principal or his/her designee will maintain a record of each investigation regarding allegations of harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Response to Incident of Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying

Some acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may be isolated incidents requiring the school respond appropriately to the individual (s) committing the acts.  Other acts may be so serious or part of a larger pattern of harassment, intimidation or bullying that require a response either at the classroom, school building or school district level or by law enforcement officials.

Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for pupils who commit an act of harassment,

intimidation or bullying range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1, Discipline of Pupils.

In considering whether a response beyond the individual level is appropriate, the administrator will consider the nature and circumstances of the act, the level of harm, the nature of the behavior, past incidences, past or continuing patterns of behavior, and the context in which the alleged incident (s) occurred.  The school district’s responses can range from school and community surveys, to mailings, to focus groups, to adoption of research-based bullying prevention program models, to training for certificated and non-certificated staff.  The district’s responses may include participation of parent (s) or legal guardian (s) and other community members and organizations, to small or large group presentations for fully addressing the actions and the school district’s response to the actions in the context of acceptable student behavior or the consequences of such actions and involvement of law enforcement officers, including school resource officers.

Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited

The school district prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying.  The consequence and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the Principal or his/her designee after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, in accordance with case law, Federal and State statutes and regulations and district policies and procedures.

Consequences for False Accusation

Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a pupil found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation or bullying range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1, Discipline of Pupils.

Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a school employee found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation or bullying shall be disciplined in accordance with district policies and procedures.

Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a visitor or volunteer, found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation or bullying shall be determined by the Principal or his/her designee, after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials.

Policy Publication

This Policy will be disseminated annually to all school staff, pupils, parent (s) or legal guardian (s), along with a statement explaining the Policy applies to all acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying that occur on school property, at school-sponsored functions or on a school bus.

The Superintendent shall develop an annual process for the Principal (s) to discuss the school district’s policy on harassment, intimidation and bullying with pupils.

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Prevention Programs

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17.c., information regarding the district’s Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy shall be incorporated into a schools’ employee training program.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17a., the district will establish bullying prevention programs, and other initiatives involving school staff, pupils, administrators, volunteers, parent (s) or legal guardian (s), law enforcement and community members in developing such programs and initiatives.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17.b., the district is encouraged to, and to the extent funds are appropriated for these purposes, provide training on the school district’s harassment, intimidation and bullying policies to school employees and volunteers who have significant contact with pupils and develop a process for discussing the school district’s harassment, intimidation and bullying policies with pupils.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-19, the school district may apply to the Commissioner of Education for additional costs due to the implementation of the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 through N.J.S.A. 18A:37-18. 

The Superintendent will forward a copy of this Policy to the County Superintendent of Schools by September 1, 2003.

N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 through 18A:37-19

Adopted:  August 25, 2003

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Cranford Board School District copies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VI"), Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 ("Title IX"), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ("Section 504"), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the "ADA"), and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (the "Age Discrimination Act"), and their respective implementing regulations which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, disability and age, respectively. The District provides equal access and opportunity in employment and enrollment and in all its programs and activities, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Questions or complaints of discrimination should be directed to:

• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Officer 504 Coordinator - 908-709-6218; Dr. James McLaughlin, Assistant Superintendent of Administration
• Public Agency Compliance Officer Right to Know Officer- 908-709-6210; Mr. Robert Carfagno, Board Secretary/Business Manager
• Safety Officer-908-709-6200; Mr. Thomas Stokes, School Plant Engineer
• Affirmative Action Officer- 908-709-6206;  Mrs. Dineen Seeley