LINCOLN/ROOSEVELT SCHOOL IS A TEAM EFFORT.
OUR GOAL IS EXCELLENCE, WITH PARENTS & TEACHERS WORKING TOGETHER
TO ENSURE A POSITIVE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE FOR EVERY CHILD.
LINCOLN/ROOSEVELT’S PERMANENT MISSION STATEMENT IS THE FOLLOWING:
THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT STEP TOWARD SUCCESS IS CREATING THE FEELING THAT WE CAN, IN FACT, SUCCEED. AT LINCOLN/ROOSEVELT WE WILL ALL STRIVE TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERY CHILD BELIEVES THAT THEY CAN SUCCEED!
ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The laws of the State of New Jersey require regular attendance of all pupils enrolled in the public school system. The school cannot properly instruct students who are not present. Poor attendance limits accomplishments and reinforces a habit, which will impact negatively on the students’ achievement levels as well as the students’ futures. Frequent absence of pupils from regular classroom learning experiences disrupts the continuity of the instructional process. Please be aware that the Roxbury Township School District Regulation R5410 titled “Promotion and Retention” contains the following requirement:
A PUPIL WITH FEWER THAN 150 DAYS ATTENDANCE IN GRADES PRE-K-8 WILL NOT BE PROMOTED TO THE NEXT GRADE LEVEL. IN GRADES 9-12, FEWER THAN 165 DAYS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.
Individual circumstances will be taken into consideration. However, if a student is not in school for 150 days of required attendance there will be a strong possibility that the student will be required to repeat the grade the following year.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
CATEGORIES OF ABSENCE
Excused Notes for Religious Holidays - Students who wish to be excused because of religious reasons must produce a signed note from their parent/guardian to the assistant principal 24 hours prior to the holiday in order to be counted as an excused absence.
Family Vacations - The Board of Education and the Administration strongly discourage student absence from school for family vacations. According to state law and board policy, vacations are not excused absences. Much of what students miss cannot be made up and, perhaps most important, the message we send children when we take them out of school is that school is less important than vacations or other activities. These are conditions we certainly do not want to engender in our young people. However, at times students may need to be absent from school for family vacations. Students should bring a note to the main office, with the dates, two weeks in advance. It is up to the student to confer with each teacher and obtain assignments for the period of absence. Vacations are considered an absence. Assignments are expected to be handed in the day the student returns.
Homebound Instruction - Students who are absent ten or more consecutive days, as verified by a physician, are eligible for Homebound Instruction. This service provides a certified teacher visiting the student’s home to provide regular classroom instruction during the specified period of absence. Parents should notify Special Services at 973-584-4232, as soon as possible, to arrange for an instructor. Also, the student’s guidance counselor should be notified.
TARDY TO SCHOOL/CLASS
TARDINESS
Late to School - The Pledge of Allegiance is made at 8:40 a.m. Students will be considered tardy if they report to school after 8:40 am. Anyone coming into school after that time must report to the office to sign-in and have their name removed from the absence list. If students are tardy because of a bus arriving to school after 8:40 a.m., they should report to their homeroom teacher immediately. These students will not be considered tardy. Students who arrive late to school must report to the Main Office (parents do not need to accompany student):
Penalties and Conditions For Late to School:
1st - 2nd - 3rd Tardy-to-School: student will receive a verbal warning from teacher/administration.
4th Tardy-to- School: student will meet with Teacher and parents will be notified.
5th - 6th - 7th Tardy-to-School: student will be assigned one detention, after school, by teacher/administration.
8th – 9th- 10th – Tardy-to-School: student will be assigned two detentions, after school by teacher/administration.
11th – 12th – Tardy-to-School: student will be assigned three detentions, after school, by school/administration.
More than 12 Tardy-to-School in 1 Marking Period: student will be suspended-Out-Of School, parent will be required to attend a conference and a referral will be made to the Pupil Assistance Committee for recommendations. If there are extenuating circumstances that are causing a pupil to be frequently late please contact the office. Homeroom Teachers will keep a tardy sheet for each child. The child will be asked to sign the sheet each time they are late. The parent will also be required to sign the sheet each time their child is late (after the 4th tardy).
Late to Class - Students are considered late to class if they are not in the classroom, seated, and ready for class to begin at the appropriate time. Repeated offenses of tardiness to school or to class may result in conferences with parents and/or penalties imposed by the individual teacher and/or the administration.
EARLY ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
Students should not be dropped off at the school any earlier than 8:27 am. There is no supervision for early arriving students. Parents will be called if students arrive prior to 8:27 am.
NO STUDENT SHOULD EVER BE IN ANY ROOM BY HIM/HERSELF. Signs are posted on every classroom door indicating that no student should be in any room without a teacher being present. This rule will be strictly adhered to.
SCHOOL DRESS AND GROOMING
DRESS CODE
The following guidelines will be followed at Lincoln Roosevelt School.
1. Blouses/Shirts
a. No mesh or see-through tops. (Undergarments should not be visible through clothing.)
b. No spaghetti straps
c. No tube tops
d. No halter-tops
e. No bare midriff
· The blouse/shirt should be able to be tucked in. Plants/slacks must rise to the waist and tops must extend to the waist so that there is no skin or underwear showing.
f. No camisoles
g. No messages involving alcohol, tobacco, sexual connotations, gender, ethnic, or religious references that may be considered offensive, or any other message deemed inappropriate by the administration.
h. No low cut blouses that show cleavage, undergarments or straps of undergarments.
i. No sleeveless tops cut low under the arms.
2. Pants/Shorts/Skirts/Dresses
a. No underwear showing
b. No spandex or form fitting sports shorts.
· Pants/slacks must rise to the waist and tops must extend to the waist so that there is no midriff skin showing. The blouse/shirt should be able to be tucked in.
c. Shorts, skirts and dresses will be no shorter than the tips of the fingers when the students’ arms are fully extended at their sides.
d. No pajamas
3. Shoes
a. No flip flops or shoes that are designed as beachwear.
b. No slippers.
c. No shoes and heels or soles so high as to cause a tripping or falling hazard.
d. No sports sandal type shoes that are not secured to feet.
e. No footwear that has wheels or cleats.
f. No other shoes that are deemed to be unsafe footwear. *We need to be aware of the safety aspect of the footwear since we have so many stairs and students are up and down the stairs all day long.
4. Headwear
a. No hats or caps are to be worn during the school day.
b. No bandannas or scarves may be worn on the head.
5. Accessory Items/Jewelry
a. No backpacks are to be worn during the school day.
b. No studded belts, necklaces, or bracelets.
c. No heavy key chains, heavy necklace chains or wallet chains are to be worn.
d. No jewelry may be worn that contains any offensive symbols or language.
6. Miscellaneous
Items not to be worn in school –outdoor jackets, undergarments worn as outer clothing, or pajamas.
The Administration reserves the right to deem inappropriate anything else that does not help to provide positive learning environment at Lincoln/Roosevelt School.
CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING THE DRESS CODE:
1ST VIOLATION – Adjust, cover up or change clothing that does not conform to dress code
Penalty – Warning
2nd VIOLATION – Adjust, cover up or change clothing that does not conform to dress code.
Penalty – Student will hand carry home a violation form to be signed by parent. Form will be returned to the individual who issued the violation form. A copy of the form will be sent to the office and kept on file.
3rd VIOLATION – Adjust, cover up or change clothing that does not conform to dress code.
Penalty – After school detention
4th and SUBSEQUENT VIOLATIONS – Adjust, cover up, or change clothing that does not conform to dress code.
Penalty – Two after school detentions
DRESS CODE FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES:
Sneakers – Must be rubber-soled athletic shoes (no platform sneakers). Must have shoelaces and the shoelaces must be tied securely. No hiking-type sneakers or backless, slip-on sneakers.
Jewelry – Body adornments, including but not limited to, body piercing jewelry that may jeopardize the safety and well being of the students and others are prohibited. All “body piercing” must be removed from eyebrow, nose, tongue, or other parts of the body. All earrings must be removed. All other jewelry must be removed, including rings, watches, bracelets, and necklaces. Students refusing to remove jewelry will sit and lose physical education credit for the day.
CONSEQUENCE FOR VIOLATING PHYSICAL EDUCATION DRESS CODE:
Any violation of the physical education dress code policy can result in loss of up to full credit for that day’s Physical Education class.
PASSES
If a student is leaving the classroom for any reason, they are required to use the sign-out book that is given to each teacher, and must be given a written pass. Students should never be in the hallway without a pass.
BULLYING
Bullying behavior that is intended to cause harm, mental or physical discomfort, or is intended to humiliate or threaten any other student or person in Lincoln/Roosevelt School will not be tolerated. There will be zero tolerance for any bullying or unkind behavior toward any other student. If bullying of any kind occurs, the student doing the bullying will be suspended from school for one day and will have mandatory counseling sessions with the school guidance counselor concerning the inappropriate bullying behavior. Bullying, in any form, will not be tolerated at the Lincoln/Roosevelt School. It will be determined by the School Administration if the actions of students rise to the level of bullying.
CONDUCT/RESPECT
We want students to be proud of their school and fellow students. Students can demonstrate this pride by: putting trash in receptacles provided, taking care of school equipment, lockers, books and any other supplies, and by not defacing furniture, floors, ceilings, walls or any of the school grounds. School rules and requirements will help teach students to respect the rights, privileges and feelings of others. By accepting their responsibility, students, in effect, protect their rights as a student in their school and as a citizen in our society.
DISCIPLINE
Discipline is the following of school rules and regulations, which are necessary for the orderly operation of the school community. Discipline is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. While discipline does not appear as a school subject, it is extremely important to be well-disciplined and it is an essential component of growing up to be a good and productive member of society.
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO RECOGNIZE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO ABIDE BY THE RULES OF THE SCHOOL. Students who do not conform to the school rules and regulations will be subject to penalties:
NEW JERSEY STATE REGULATION - CHAPTER 18:37-2
REGARDING SCHOOL DISCIPLINE:
Any pupil who is guilty of continued and willful disobedience, or of open defiance of the authority over him, or of the habitual use of profanity or of obscene language, or who shall cut, deface or otherwise injure any school property, shall be liable to punishment and to suspension or expulsion from school. Students using profanity to either students or teachers will be required to repeat such remarks to their parents.
STANDARD BEHAVIOR
I. EXPECTED CONDUCT:
A. Students will show respect toward all staff and peers.
Violation to include but not limited to: rudeness, talking back, name-calling, use of obscenities, spitting, screaming, or being uncooperative or disruptive.
B. Students will show respect for all personal and school property.
Violation to include but not limited to: kicking lockers, shooting rubber bands, littering, misuse of books, spiking books, tossing spitballs, spitting, flipping paper clips, writing on desks, walls, bulletin boards, uncovered books and writing in or defacing textbooks.
C. Students will refrain from behavior that disrupts any classroom.
Violation to include but not limited to: being unprepared, calling out, not remaining seated, throwing anything, and leaving the room without permission or without a pass.
D. Students will refrain from behavior that physically endangers others.
Violation to include but not limited to: pushing, shoving, tripping, running, possession of anything that might be considered or used as a weapon, (firecracker, water-pistols, paper clips, rubber bands, snowballs, spitballs or penknives).
E. Students will follow all directions of staff and administration.
Violation to include but not limited to: failure to appear for detention, leaving classroom or building without permission or not following a specific teacher directive.
F. Students will refrain from chewing gum or eating food or candy anywhere except in the cafeteria.
Punishments for violations of all sections A-F will be determined by the teacher and/or the administration. Punishment will reflect the seriousness of the inappropriate behavior.
II. FIGHTING
Violation: Out-of-school suspension to be determined by the administration. There will be zero tolerance for fighting at Lincoln/Roosevelt. If a punch is thrown it is considered a fight. When it is impossible to determine the aggressor, all offenders will be treated equally. If the fight is viewed by the administration as an assault, the police will be involved.
III. THE FOLLOWING WILL ALSO NOT BE TOLERATED
A. Cheating - presenting another’s work as his/her own, test answers, homework, or projects or reports an
automatic zero on the assignment and parent notification by the teacher.
B. Theft - Office referral, parent notification AND police notification
C. Habitual tardiness to school – See Section on Tardy-to-School
D. Smoking – Automatic Suspension
E. Possession of a controlled substance-District policy
F. Bullying – Hazing or Harassment - NO bullying, hazing or harassment of any type will be tolerated at
Lincoln/Roosevelt School. There will be zero tolerance for any child being made to feel uncomfortable or
unwelcome at our school.
ITEMS FORBIDDEN IN SCHOOL
In a building with 700 students, certain rules, regarding the possession/use of particular items becomes necessary. It is impossible to list ALL items, which are distracting to the education process, but a few of them would include toys, or a weapon of any kind. A good rule to follow would be “IF IT’S FOR FUN - LEAVE IT HOME.” Inappropriate items for school will be taken away from students. Items confiscated may not be returned.
ITEMS NOT RECOMMENDED TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL
It is strongly recommended that students do not bring to school any expensive items such as cell phones, jewelry, watches, or large amounts of money. Hall lockers are not locked and jewelry must be removed to take part in gym class. Any sort of expensive items should be left at home.
SCHOOL NUTRITION POLICY
The Roxbury Board of Education has adopted several policies in compliance with state requirements that effect foods sold, served, or given out as free promotions during the school day.
The changes that will impact the cafeterias and classrooms are as follows. These items will not be sold, served, or given out as free promotions during the school day:
· All forms of candy
· All foods and beverages listing sugar, in any form as the first ingredient.
· Foods of minimal nutritional value as defined by the USDA, ex. soda, water ices, gum.
Foods to support the curriculum: Food and beverages provided must comply with dietary standards. These foods must be purchased from an approved vendor (please call Director of Food & Nutrition Services for list or check website) or purchased from our cafeteria. NO HOMEMADE FOOD ITEMS ARE PERMITTED.
SPECIAL SCHOOL EVENTS: Food and beverages provided must comply with dietary standards. The food must be purchased from an approved vendor or from our cafeteria. NO HOMEMADE FOOD ITEMS ARE PERMITTED.
FOOD RELATED FUNDRAISERS: SALE CANNOT BE CONDUCTED DURING SCHOOL DAY.
DISMISSAL
Once students are dismissed they are expected to leave the building immediately unless they are staying for an activity or are under the direct supervision of a teacher for other reasons. No student should reenter the building after they have been dismissed unless they are with a parent. Also, students are to proceed directly to their bus. Students should not stop and congregate to talk and socialize prior to boarding their bus. All buses will be parked in the same spot each afternoon. Each parking slot is lettered. Each student should be aware of their bus number and the bus slot letter.
STUDENT DROP-OFF BY CAR IN THE MORNING
We have two drop off spots in the morning. You may drop off your child either in the morning drop-off area in front of the Roosevelt Building or in the rear of the Board Office bldg. in the designated drop-off lane. It is strongly recommended that you have your child take advantage of bus transportation that is provided so that we do not have so many vehicles dropping off students in the morning. The drop-off system is difficult to control because everyone is in a hurry to get where they need to go in the morning. In either location please use extreme caution and good judgment when dropping your child off. Also, as you pull up to the drop-off have your child ready to exit the vehicle so as not to hold up the cars waiting behind you. DO NOT PARK YOUR VEHICLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES DURING DROP OFF TIMES.
TRANSPORTATION
WHILE WAITING FOR THE SCHOOL BUS:
· Be at your designated stop on time, not earlier than 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
· Enter bus in an orderly line (avoid pushing).
· Remain out of the road (avoid horseplay).
· To cross road, pass in front of the bus, and only after the driver signals that all is clear.
· Never approach the door until the bus is completely stopped.
· After boarding the bus, move to the rear and be seated immediately, unless instructed otherwise by the driver.
· RIDE ONLY ON THE BUS TO WHICH YOU ARE ASSIGNED. TRANSPORTATION DOES NOT ALLOW STUDENTS TO CHANGE BUSES.
· Do not bring large projects or animals on the bus
BUS BEHAVIOR:
The same good positive behavior that is expected inside Lincoln/Roosevelt School is expected on the bus. All students are expected to show respect for the driver and to obey the rules that are required by the driver. Repeated violations of the bus rules will result in the student being removed from the bus for a period of time and a parent will be responsible for transporting the child to and from school. Any damage done to a bus by a student will be paid for by the student and consequences will be given.
THERE WILL BE NO LATE BUSES: Any students who are staying after school for any reason will have to be picked up. Please be sure to be prompt when picking up students from after school activities.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Students who need to be dismissed before the regular dismissal time should bring a written request to their homeroom teacher and hand it in first thing in the morning. These names will then appear on the early dismissal list with the time of dismissal. Parents or guardians will be required to come into the office and sign the student out before any student will be dismissed.
INCLEMENT WEATHER EARLY DISMISSAL
On days when school closes early due to inclement weather, it is imperative that all students know where to go when they are dismissed from school. Arrangements need to be made in advance of our first early dismissal. Please remember Roxbury Daycare also closes when school is dismissed early due to the weather. It is necessary that all students have an emergency plan that they can follow on these early dismissal situations. With 700 students in the school, we cannot have students making phone calls on the day of a bad storm trying to make emergency arrangements about where to go.
All students, even those who go to aftercare, should know their bus number so that they can take the bus home on early dismissal days. Parents need to be sure that their children can get into their house if no one is at home to greet them.
For your convenience, please complete the emergency information your child is required to know, for early dismissal days.
BUS NUMBER: ______ SLOT LETTER: ______
WHERE WILL CHILD GO WHEN THERE IS AN EMERGENCY DISMISSAL:
______________________________________________________________________________________
PARENT SIGNATURE: ________________________________________
FIELD TRIPS
All classes are scheduled for educational field trips. Written parental permission is required, usually on a specially prepared form. All school discipline will be enforced on Field Trips. Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, and are responsible for all class work, tests, and assignments missed as a result of having been on a field trip.
It is imperative that parents pick up students after a field trip in a timely manner. If there is an emergency and a parent is going to be delayed picking up a student it is imperative that the parent contact the school to let the teacher know there is problem and to have the parent find an alternate way to get the child home. The staff would truly appreciate it.
SAFETY
Safety is “priority #1" at Lincoln/Roosevelt. All State and Federal regulations are strictly enforced, as are district and school rules related to a safe operation of the building. Special importance is placed on safety in high-risk areas such as science labs, and in the gym. In some cases special equipment is required such as eye protection, aprons, gloves, etc. These items are furnished by the school and must be used by the students and instructors. In any area where there is a high safety risk, activities will proceed only with a certified instructor.
General safety rules are also enforced. Running in corridors, “horseplay,” and any activity, which creates a safety hazard, will be dealt with quickly and sternly. When passing in the hallways students will keep to the right. Students and staff are urged to report any unsafe conditions in the building to the Principal immediately.
FIRE DRILLS
A continuous bell will be sounded to announce a fire drill. Students should proceed rapidly and silently to a designated area outside the building. A prearranged route of egress has been assigned to each area of the building. The drills are held regularly throughout the school year, the purpose of which is to prepare the student body to meet any emergency, which might require a rapid mass exit.
Students should be flexible and need to be aware that at times, they may have to find an alternate route out of the building if a stairwell or route is blocked by fire or debris. No one is to re-enter the building after a fire drill until the all clear signal is given by the principal or vice principal. Students must line up at least 50 feet away from the school building.
CODE GOLDS
In all Roxbury Schools, Code Golds are routinely practiced each month. A Code Gold drill simulates an emergency situation and the staff and students respond to the specific directions given by the Principal and the Roxbury Police. It is imperative that all students participate in these drills in a serious manner. All classroom doors must be locked during a Code Gold. When a Code Gold is announced any student who is not with a teacher (may be in hallway or in a bathroom) is to immediately go to the nearest location where an adult is present and stay with the adult until the Code Gold drill is over. The office will announce an “All Clear” message when the code is complete.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are not allowed to bring any electronic devises such as cell phones, beepers. The use of recorders of any kind is not allowed in the school unless the teacher in the classroom gives specific permission. No CD players or cell phones are to be brought to school or taken to class, for any reason. If equipment is required for a class, the school will provide it. Laser pointers are not to be brought to school.
ASSEMBLIES
Assembly programs are held during the course of the school year. They may be educational or entertaining. Students are called to the auditorium via the public address system and proceed to the auditorium in an orderly fashion accompanied by their homeroom teacher. Students must conduct themselves in a courteous manner at all times. Unacceptable conduct includes whistling, uncalled- for clapping, booing, and talking during the program. No food or gum is allowed in the auditorium at any time.
RETENTION
Students are retained in their present grade if they fail to meet the required areas of achievement set forth by their teachers. The principal following his conferring with parents, teachers, and counselors makes the final decision on retention. The most important consideration in determining students’ passing or failing, is their effort in attempting to do their schoolwork. If a student fails three subjects, he/she will be retained. If a student fails two courses, he/she must attend summer school.
See the section on Attendance Policy to see details regarding the fact that students need to be present a minimum of 150 days in order to be eligible to be promoted.
EVENING EVENTS
When the Lincoln/Roosevelt students and staff put on evening events (concerts, art shows, talent shows, etc.) NO students will be allowed to enter the school unless they are under the direct supervision of a parent or another adult who will take responsibility for the student and his/her actions. There is to be no roaming around through the buildings or the grounds. If a child has come back to school to view an event, they are to be in a seat, and be a good member of the audience. Their behavior is expected to be appropriate and not to require reminders from teachers or other staff members about inappropriate actions. Students that are not participating in the program should not detract from the performance in any way.
AGENDA BOOKS
Our Lincoln/Roosevelt PTA has purchased these agenda books for each student in the school. It is strongly recommended that all parents regularly check the agenda book to monitor its use by their child. Parents are asked to encourage their child to use the agenda book on a daily basis to record homework assignments and other important information. Parents also can utilize the agenda book as an easy way to facilitate good communication with their child’s teacher by writing notes and appropriate comments in the book. If an agenda book is lost the student will be required to purchase another at his/her expense.
STUDENT EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CALLS
Students are allowed to use the telephone in the Main Office for emergencies only. Forgotten homework, projects, or instruments are not considered emergencies.
SCHOOL LOCKERS
School lockers are assigned to students at Lincoln/Roosevelt School. The lockers are the property of the school and may be examined by school officials as the need arises. Teachers will be inspecting the lockers periodically to make sure that the lockers are neat and orderly.
Student Signature – A signature signifies that the student has read, understands, and will abide by the aforementioned school policies.
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS: NOTES:
Main Office – 973-584-4331
Nurse/Absentee Verification – 973-584-2805
Fax – 973-584-4257
Transportation – 973-584-6756
Last Updated: July 24, 2007