HILLSIDE AVENUE SCHOOL 125 HILLSIDE AVENUE CRANFORD, NEW JERSEY 07016-3400 A WELCOME FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL
We hope the information provided as well as the Daily Calendar
will ensure your success, as a member of
What you derive from your school experience is a direct
result of what you put into it. As Edwin
Gibbon, noted author stated, “Every man receives two educations: The first from his teachers, the second...from
himself.” Sincerely, Curt M. Fogas, Ed.D., Principal
ABSENCE LINE 709-6983 FAX NUMBER 709-6752 MAIN OFFICE 709-6229 GUIDANCE OFFICE 709-6239 NURSE’S OFFICE 709-6242
SPECIAL SERVICES
709-6233 SCHOOL SCHEDULES FOR GRADES
K-5 KINDERGARTEN SCHEDULES: A.M. KINDERGARTEN P.M. KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN HALF DAY SESSION KINDERGARTEN DELAYED OPENING
SCHEDULES FOR GRADES 1 - 5
GRADES 1-5 SINGLE SESSION GRADES 1-8 DELAYED OPENING
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULES FOR 6-8
REGULAR SESSION/”A” Lunch Gr. 8 and part of Gr. 6 Per.
1 Per.
2 Per.
3 Per. 4 Lunch
A Per.
5 Per.
6 Per.
7 Per.
8 REGULAR SESSION/”B” Lunch
Gr. 7 and part of Gr. 6 Per.
1
Per.
2
Per.
3 Per.
4 Per. 5 Per. 6 Lunch B Per. 7
Per. 8
SINGLE SESSION Grades 6, 7, 8 Per.
1 Per.
2 Per. 3 Per. 4 Per. 5 Per. 6 Per.
7 Per. 8 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION The Cranford Board of Education
affirms its responsibility to insure all students in the public schools of ATTENDANCE Regular daily attendance is critical to effective learning and a successful school experience. Good attendance and punctuality are good habits for students to develop. Illness, death in the family, religious holidays and unsafe weather conditions are the only valid reasons for being absent from school. Parent/Guardian is requested to
follow procedure if it is necessary for a student to be absent. Please report the absence to the main office
answering machine (709-6983) 24 hours a day. Please indicate the reason for the absence. Failure to contact the office WILL RESULT in
a contact from our office staff. If calling
after If students are planning to be
absent from school for several days because of reasons other than the above, arrangements
must be made prior to the absence. A
note must be brought to the office stating the dates of the absence, the reason, the
student’s name and the parent/guardian signature.
This procedure does not indicate approval of the absence, but it does
provide the school with knowledge of the absence. Absence from school causes
the student to miss valuable classroom lessons. Making
up missed homework is necessary, and it is the student’s responsibility to see the
teacher about missed class instruction. The school is responsible for a student after he/she has reported in the morning. If for any reason a student needs to leave during the day, it is required that he/she report to the Main Office to receive permission to leave the building. In general, this means that the student must bring a note from his/her parent/guardian requesting that he/she leave at a stated time. The parent/guardian must then come into school to pick up the student at the designated time and sign him/her out.
Students must be
present in school during the regular school day in order to participate in afternoon or
evening school activities including concerts, interscholastic athletics, plays, club
activities, and other co-curricular activities. BICYCLES Students in grades 4-8 are permitted to
ride bicycles to school provided the bicycles are parked and locked properly. The Cranford Police Department and the
Bullying Definition: A student is being bullied or victimized when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other students Clarification: A negative action is when someone intentionally inflicts, or attempts to inflict, injury or discomfort upon another. Negative actions can be carried out verbally or by physical contact. It is also possible to carry out negative actions without use of words or physical contact, such as by making faces or inappropriate gestures, intentionally excluding someone from a group, or refusing to comply with another person’s wishes. The term bullying should not be used when two students of approximately the same strength (physical or psychological) are fighting or quarreling. In order to use the term bullying, there should be an imbalance in power. It is useful to distinguish between direct bullying – with relatively open attacks on a victim and indirect bullying in the form of social isolation and intentional exclusion from a group. Bullying
at School by Dan Olweus, 1993, Blackwell Publishing Board Policy: 5201 on Harassment, Intimidation Bullying and Hazing
states the expected behavior for students and the consequences and remedial action that
will be enforced when not followed. BUS REGULATIONS Students
who come to school on the bus should return home on the bus unless they have a note from
the parent/guardian approved by the principal. Bus
students are to go immediately to the buses at dismissal in the afternoon. Riding the school bus is a privilege. Improper conduct on the buses will result in that
privilege being denied. CARE OF TEXTBOOKS Each student will be issued a textbook(s) in each of his/her academic classes. It is the student’s responsibility to give proper care to these textbooks. In September, each teacher will record on a book card the number and condition of each textbook. The student is expected to return the textbook when requested. ALL TEXTBOOKS ARE TO BE KEPT COVERED. Fines will be assessed for lost books and the misuse of books/school equipment. State law makes parents liable for the damage to school property done by their child. All school property is provided by public funds and requires the kind of care every student should give to anything which does not belong to him/her but which is entrusted to him/her for his/her use. The building and all of the equipment in it will remain a source of pride to the community if each pupil takes proper care of what has been provided for him/her and for succeeding classes. CLOSING WITHIN A SCHOOL DAY
When emergency storms or other conditions make it
impossible or unwise to open schools on a scheduled school day, this decision will be made
by the Superintendent of Schools and communicated to all interested parties via radio. On mornings when you have a question about
school opening, please tune in on radio stations as early as
If the decision is made to have a delayed opening rather
than closing schools completely due to snow or other conditions, our school will open at NJ 101.5 FM
www.cranfordschools.org In case an anticipated serious storm or an emergency situation develops during the school day, we will try to keep the schools open until the regular closing hours. If conditions require us to dismiss pupils earlier, every reasonable effort will be made by our staff to advise responsible adult members of the household, transportation services and police. Students will not be dismissed early without adult supervision during emergency conditions unless written permission has been granted on the emergency closing letter sent home on the first day of school. Whenever possible the emergency telephone chain will be activated to notify parents & staff of school closings, delayed openings, or early dismissals.
CONFERENCES WITH TEACHERSTeachers are generally available for conferences with parents during preparatory/team meeting periods (times vary). Parents/Guardians may make appointments by calling the school for Teacher/Grade Level Team Leader’s Voice Mail or sending a note via the Teacher/Grade Level Team Leader. CURRICULUM- ELEMENTARY
The curriculum in the school has been approved by the
Board of Education, and it is used in all of the elementary schools in Children in Grades 4 and 5 may participate in the band and chorus. Instrumental music lessons are given for most instruments for children in Grades 4 and 5. Instrumental music lessons begin with strings in Grade 3.
Each year a Program of Studies booklet is published for use by parents, students, and staff. This booklet contains a list of courses available and explanations of each course. The booklet is available in the Guidance Office. DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Students should come to school dressed appropriately for a
school environment. Clothing must be
neat, clean, safe and worn properly. Safe
footwear must be worn. Footwear that poses a hazard may not be worn in school. Students may not attend school with cleated shoes,
“flip-flops”, shoes without backs or bare feet.
Jackets may not be worn during school hours.
Clothing that is distracting to the learning process (sunglasses,
hats, low cut blouses, bare midriffs, exposed undergarments, short shorts, decorated
clothing, etc.) should not be worn in school. Shorts
and skirts must be the appropriate length. A
reasonable guideline is that they should meet or be longer than the student’s
fingertips when the arms are straight at the sides of the body. Any clothing which is excessively tight or displays
excessive nudity such as transparent blouses, bare midriffs, low pants, tank tops or
visible undergarments should not be worn to school.
Articles of clothing with offensive slogans, abusive language or which promote tobacco products or drinking alcoholic beverages are subject to removal and should not be worn.
Students who engage in school related off-campus
activities should dress appropriately since they are representing the school during the
activity. EARLY DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL No student is dismissed from school without a written note signed by his/her parent/guardian stating the reason for the request. Since regular attendance is an important factor in successful school achievement, requests for early dismissal should be for extreme emergencies only. Written requests for dismissal must be presented to the Main Office in the morning before school. The student’s name and the time of dismissal will then be placed in the Daily Bulletin. All students who request an early dismissal must be picked up and signed out by an adult at the school office. Before leaving, the student is to report to the Main Office. NO STUDENT WILL BE RELEASED WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION. Students, whose dismissal request is granted, are responsible for obtaining assignments and making up work missed and meeting with teachers upon their return. EMERGENCY FORM Before the end of the first week of school, each parent is required to complete and sign 1 emergency form. They should contain telephone numbers of people who may be contacted in the event of an emergency. It is imperative for the child’s benefit that this information is complete, accurate, and current. Please update the emergency contact card whenever addresses, telephone numbers, etc. are changed during the school year. ENTRANCE/DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL Middle
school students are to enter the building at
Upon entering the building, students are to go to their
lockers to put away their outer clothing and get the supplies/materials they will need for
the day. They are to report to their first
period class by If a student has a pass from a teacher or staff member to enter the building early, he/she must go directly to that room. Band and chorus members who have early morning rehearsal must report directly to their assigned areas.
Students will be dismissed at EXTRA & CO CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
co- and extra-curricular activities. Students should strongly consider participating in a minimum of two extra-curricular activities each school year. The program allows each student to select an activity in which he/she has a special interest and also provides him/her an opportunity to participate in some areas not typically offered during the school day. Programs of extra-curricular activities, clubs, team sports, etc., will be announced at the beginning of and during the school year. Some clubs/activities that have been offered in past years include: Art Club, Environmental Club, Stitching and Stirring, Newspaper, Stage Crew, Student Council, Peer Leadership Club, and Technology Club. Please visit our web-site for a complete listing. These activities may change based upon the needs and interests of the students. In September there will be an activities fair to showcase our yearly clubs and activities. Seventh and eighth grade students are given the opportunity to participate in inter-scholastic sports.
BOYS
GIRLS
FALL Soccer
Soccer
Field
Hockey
WINTER Basketball
Basketball
Wrestling SPRING Track
Track
Baseball
Softball Participation
in extra and co-curricular activities and inter-scholastic sports is a privilege and is
subject to administrative review. Board Policy
6142.41 states: any 7th or 8th grade student receiving a final grade
of “F” in two or more classes during the previous school year will be ineligible
for participation in athletics during the first marking period. At the conclusion of the first, second, and third
marking periods, eligibility for participation will be determined. Students with two or more failures will be declared
ineligible for participation for the next marking period.
AFTER SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
FOR GRADES 5 & 6 An integrated after school physical education program for boys and girls will be available. Students may select activities, games, etc., which are of particular interest to them. The program is an extension of the regular physical education program. EXTRA HELP FOR STUDENTS For any students who need it, teachers are available to provide extra help. Students may need this attention because of absence and/or academic difficulty. They may request special help for individual research or advanced projects. This may be arranged before or after school. In most instances, the teacher will make the arrangements with the students to give assistance. FIRE DRILLS
Two fire drills per month are required in the Cranford Public Schools. The procedures for these drills to be followed by all students are: 1. Leave all materials in the classroom when alarm sounds. 2. Go out exit noted in classroom. 3. Move through hall in an orderly fashion. 4. Maintain silence during the entire drill. 5. Once outside, teachers will take role to account for all students. Name of students unaccounted for are reported to the administration. Additionally, we will hold two “stay put” drills per year. FORGOTTEN ITEMS Parents/guardians are requested to deliver books, lunches, projects or any other forgotten items to the main office. All articles must be labeled with the student’s name and grade. Please notify the secretary that you are leaving the article. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the main office to find out if the article has arrived from home. GRADING SYSTEM Teachers use the following system of grading:
Symbol Percentage Equivalent Interpretation A 90 – 100 Outstanding B 80 - 89 Good C 70 - 79 Satisfactory D 60 - 69 Passing F Below 60 Failing Academic Integrity/Cheating Cheating is a violation of academic integrity. It is taking credit for work that is not one’s own. Students, who cheat, including those who help others cheat, will receive no credit for the test, assignment, or activities in question. While work receiving a zero because of cheating cannot be made up for credit, the teacher may require the student(s) to make up work for educational purposes. HALL BEHAVIOR1. Walk - DO NOT RUN 2. Keep to the right 3. Report to class promptly and quietly 4. Keep the halls free of litter 5. Have a proper pass (during class time) 6. Middle school students are not permitted in the elementary hallway HEAD LICE (PEDICULOSIS) Pediculosis has been identified in each of our schools at one time or another over the years. Infestation can happen to anyone of any age; however, school age children create the kind of contact which spreads head lice. Cranford Public Schools Guidelines for School Health Services lists pediculosis as a communicable condition requiring exclusion of identified students. Our procedure for dealing with pediculosis is as follows: 1.
The school nurse excludes the student identified as having head lice. 2.
The school nurse examines each student in the class for lice or nits. 3.
The school nurse will check siblings in the other classes within the
building and start with Step 1, if appropriate.
4.
If appropriate, the school nurse will call the nurse in another building to
check siblings. 5.
In the event one (1) or more students are identified in a class (K-5), a
letter will be sent to the home of each student in the class. 6.
The school nurse assists the family by explaining the treatment procedures
and, if necessary, provides literature relative to treatment. 7.
A student excluded with pediculosis may return to school after examination
by the school nurse indicating all lice and nits have been removed. 8.
The school nurse will recheck the child’s head 7 to 10 days later. HEALTH OFFICE
The school nurse is on call each day even if she is not in
her office. Should your child become ill or
have an accident requiring school dismissal or medical attention, we will immediately call
you or someone on your child’s emergency form. It
is important this card be filled out completely and returned promptly after school has
begun. Should your child have allergies or
other health conditions which may affect his/her learning, the school nurse should be
notified. During your child’s
elementary years, he/she will be given the following tests or examinations: eyes, hearing,
and scoliosis. You will be informed if any
problems are observed. HOMEWORKHomework is given on a regular basis as an extension of the learning process. The reasons for homework are the following: Ø
Reinforce lessons taught in the
classroom Ø
Stimulate further interest in topics
taught Ø
Develop independent study skills and
work habits Ø
Encourage individualized and creative
learning Ø
Provide a vital link between school
and home When appropriate, homework can be made up only when students have been absent from school due to personal illness or some other legal absence as indicated by a note from the parent/guardian.
Students absent one or two days should make arrangements
for homework/class work assignments by calling a class friend. Middle School homework packets may be obtained in
the main office after school. Assignments
should be picked up 24 hours after the telephone request.
Making up missed homework is necessary and it is the student’s
responsibility to see the teacher about missed class instruction. ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL HOMEWORK
Homework is often given on a daily basis in Grades K-5. The suggested daily time allocations are as follows: KINDERGARTEN - 5 TO 15 MINUTES
(depending on the maturity of the students) GRADES 1 & 2 - 10 TO 20 MINUTES GRADES 3 & 4 - 30 TO 40 MINUTES GRADE 5 - 45 TO 50 MINUTES (In grades 3 - 5, students
will gradually be introduced to long-term
assignments as well.) MIDDLE SCHOOL
HOMEWORK
Homework is given on a regular basis as an extension of
the learning process. Students should
set aside a regular amount of time each school day to complete homework. Once a routine is established, homework and
studying will be easier and more enjoyable. A
suggested “rule of thumb” for the length of time to study is 20 - 30 minutes per
academic subject. A successful student
spends time each day preparing for the next day’s lessons. Each of the teaching teams has a policy regarding “making up” homework due to absence from school. This will be communicated to students and parents at the beginning of the school year. INSURANCEThe Cranford Board of Education, in cooperation with an insurance firm, makes school accident insurance available to all students. Details of school insurance plan, a 24 hour a day plan, and the cost of each, are explained in a letter to parents from the Superintendent of Schools. Purchase of school insurance is voluntary, but pupils who intend to participate in team sports at any time during the year must purchase this accident insurance or have appropriate coverage with a family insurance policy. LIBRARY
The school library is open from Students are encouraged to visit the library independently after school. The library is a place to do reference work and recreational reading. In addition to books and magazines a number of computers are available for student use. The library card catalog is now computerized and Internet access is available. LOCKS AND LOCKERSStudents are assigned a combination to a built-in lock. These combinations are NOT to be shared with anyone. The lockers are to be used to protect the students’ personal property.
Books, lunches, coats, and other items required for the
school program are to be stored in the hall locker. Cell phones and electronic devices must be stored in
the locker during the school day. Cell phones
are not to be used until LOCKER SEARCHES
Assembly Bill #422 authorizes the search of students’
lockers or other storage facilities by the principal or other officials designated by the
local Board of Education. The law provides
that these inspections may take place as long as written notice is given to the students
at the beginning of the school year. In
compliance with this law, this is to notify our students that inspections of the
aforementioned areas will be on-going during the school year at LOST AND FOUNDItems found should be turned into the secretary in the main office. Many books, pens, jewelry, sun- glasses, eyeglasses, etc., are regularly turned in. Most lost and found articles are kept in the custodial area. If an item is lost, students should check the “collection”. Items of value are kept with the secretary in the main office.
The National School Lunch Program is offered to all elementary children in Grades 1 -5. Boys and girls who eat lunch in school on a regular basis may purchase lunch. Menus are included with a monthly newsletter and available on our website. Every
Thursday morning, the school secretary will have lunch tickets for advance sale in minimum
lots of five. Each lunch ticket will
have a place on which to write the student’s name.
Tickets will not be valid unless the proper student’s name is on
them at the time they are used to purchase a lunch.
Parents should be sure that their child’s name is on the ticket
before he/she leaves in the morning. When a student forgets his/her lunch it is brought to the Main Office by the parent. In most cases, it is then sent to the child’s elementary classroom or to the cafeteria during lunchtime. It is the student’s responsibility to checkif his/her lunch has been brought in.GRADES 1,2,4 LUNCH
ACTIVITIES GRADES 3,5 LUNCH
ACTIVITIES Weather permitting, during the activities periods, youngsters will go outside of the building to play areas. In all instances, the children are supervised by adult lunchroom aides.
All students who choose to go home for lunch are dismissed
at STUDENTS MUST PRESENT A NOTE TO THEIR CLASSROOM TEACHER IF THEY
ARE TO BE EXCUSED FROM STAYING FOR LUNCH. STUDENTS
SHOULD REPORT TO THE MAIN OFFICE AND A PARENT/GUARDIAN SHOULD SIGN THE CHILD OUT FOR THE
LUNCH PERIOD. The lunch period provides not only a time for nourishing food, but also a break in the routines of schoolwork. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners and consideration for others. Students have a choice of food. Menus are posted on room bulletin boards. They include appetizers (fruit), soups, entrees (usually hot), hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, cold platters, salads, desserts, and beverages. Students who bring their own lunches may purchase beverages and/or dessert. Food is not allowed out of the cafeteria. When a student forgets his/her lunch it is brought to the Main Office by the parent. In most cases, it is then sent to the cafeteria during lunchtime. It is the student’s responsibility to check tosee if his/her lunch has been brought in.Lunch Schedules: GR.*6/8 - 11:21 a.m. - GR.*6/7 - 12:53 p.m. - *Sixth grade students should refer to
their schedules for assigned lunch periods. Cafeteria Procedures for All Students: 1. A hot or cold lunch may be purchased in the cafeteria. In addition, milk, juice, ice cream and other desserts may be bought. There are two serving lines. While in line, wait your turn and please keep your hands and feet to yourself. 2. Groups of students will not be dismissed until the table and the floor around the table is clean and ready for the next lunch period. 3. Students may not leave the cafeteria during the lunch period without permission. Lavatory passes regularly required in other classes will not be required of lunch students between their morning class and the first portion of their lunch period. 4. Students should talk softly while in the cafeteria. 5. The teacher in charge will establish the rules to be followed prior to dismissal. 6. Students who fail to follow the above rules will be reported to the office for disciplinary action. 7. Classes are in session during each lunch period. Student cooperation is necessary so as not to disturb the classes while moving through the hallways. MILK PROGRAM
To carry out the objectives of the federally subsidized National School Milk Program, milk is available at a nominal cost to elementary school children during the mid-morning recess and/or at lunchtime if they remain at school for lunch. Notices concerning the cost and schedule for collecting money from children who desire to participate in the program will be sent home. Students are requested to bring in checks made out to “Cranford Board of Education” or the exact amount in cash. MEDICATION IN SCHOOLDiagnosis 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. 1. A written statement is required from the parents giving the school permission to give medication prescribed by the family physician. 2. Pupils requiring medication (both prescription and over the counter medications) at school must have a written order from the family physician which identifies type, dosage, time of administration, the purpose of the medication and side effects. 3. The medication should be in the original container, identified by the pharmacy. 4. Medication must be hand delivered to a school authority by an adult. If medication is to be returned, it must be picked up by an adult. 5. The medication will be kept in the medical room in a safe place, locked out of reach of students. 6. The school nurse or the parent/guardian is authorized to administer medicine in school when the above procedures have been followed. 7. Documentation is required to be maintained by the school nurse. 8. Medication orders from your doctor must be renewed each year in September. Any medication not picked up by the end of the school year (JUNE) will be discarded. MONEY AND VALUABLESOnly money to be spent in school (lunch money, library fines, etc.) should be brought to school and must be kept with or on the student until it is spent. Do not store money or valuables in a hall locker, desk, or classroom.
STUDENTS ARE DISCOURAGED FROM
BRINGING ITEMS OF REAL OR SENTIMENTAL VALUE TO SCHOOL.
Gym periods are critical time for losing or misplacing money and
valuables. GYM LOCKERS MUST BE KEPT
LOCKED. If money or valuables must be
brought to school for a special school or after school purpose, additional safeguards
should be made. Radios, CD players, electronic
games, cell phones, and other types of equipment are not to be brought to school. If the items listed above are found in school, they
will be confiscated and will be returned only to a parent/guardian. Reminder: Cell phones, skateboards,
roller blades, radios, I-pods, CD’s, head sets, and other electronic devices deemed
inappropriate are NOT to be brought to school. Cell
phones are not to be used until PHYSICAL EDUCATIONPhysical Education is part of the school program for all students and is required by State Law. It is recommended that students dress for each Physical Education period. If a student is not feeling well, a note is required from home and must be presented to the school nurse before class. Extended and permanent excuses must come from a doctor and be presented to the nurse. To be readmitted after an injury, a note from the doctor is mandatory and then must be cleared through the school nurse. In repeated cases where students are not prepared for Physical Education without reason, the Physical Education teacher will notify the home. Each 6th, 7th & 8th grade student is assigned a locker and combination lock for use during the school year. Students should leave valuables at home. Students are not permitted to wear jewelry during Physical Education class. Shatter-proof glasses may be worn if absolutely necessary. PUPIL PROGRESS – GRADES K-5 Four times a year report cards are distributed to pupils in Grades 1 - 5. In between marking periods, grade 4 – 5 teachers send home progress reports. Elementary (K-5) parents/guardians will be invited to attend a conference(s) with the teacher. Following the conference, parents/guardians will receive a written progress report from the teacher pertaining to their child’s personal, social and academic growth. Conferences are encouraged throughout the school year. PUPIL
PROGRESS - GRADES 6-8 Progress reports are issued mid-marking period to students who are failing or in danger of failing. Additionally, progress reports are issued to encourage students to continue to do well in their studies. Progress reports must be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to school. The following dates indicate the end of each marking period, the date mid-period progress reports are issued and the date report cards are issued. PUPIL PROGRESS-IMPORTANT DATESMARKING PERIODS: 1ST Marking Period ends – 2nd Marking Period ends - 3rd Marking Period ends - 4th Marking Period ends - MID-PERIOD PROGRESS REPORTS: 1ST Marking Period - 2nd Marking Period - 3rd Marking Period - 4th Marking Period - REPORT CARD DISTRIBUTION: 1ST Marking Period - 2nd Marking Period - 3rd Marking Period – 4th Marking Period - P.T.A. The Hillside Avenue School PTA is an active and interested group of parents and staff who work together to provide much for the children and school. The PTA provides assistance to the school whenever it is called upon. All are encouraged to join and participate. PTA OFFICERS |