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PINE BEACH

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2011-2012

PINE BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

101 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE

PINE BEACH, N.J. 08741

732-505-5870/5871

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WELCOME TO

PINE BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“HOME OF THE PANTHERS”

ADMINISTRATION

Mrs. T. Moran-Tutzauer Principal

Mrs. J. Jovanis Supervisor

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Main Office 732-505-5870/71

FAX 732-286-2132

Nurse 732-505-5872

WEBSITE

www.trschools.com

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Pine Beach Elementary School is one of the 12 elementary schools that

comprise the Toms River School District. Our school colors are Blue &

White and our mascot is a Pine Beach Panther. Pine Beach Elementary

school opened its doors in September, 1954. Our school is made up of

grades K-5. There are approximately 470 students. The staff consists of

approximately 30 full –time teachers and 12 support staff members.

PINE BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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STAFF MEMBERS

Main Office Special Education/ Resource Room

Mrs. R. Weston, Senior Secretary Mrs. D. Davis

Mrs. S. Matrano, Secretary Mrs. A. Tasker

Nurse

Mrs. M. Colasurdo Health/Physical Education

Mr. K. Degnan

Kindergarten

Mrs. P. Anderson Art/Technology: Mrs. J. Beverly

Mrs. J. Zakar

Speech: Ms. E. Accaria

Grade 1

Ms. J. D'Amico Media/Tech/GT

Ms. G. DiBrizzi Mrs. C. Mabie

Mrs. T. Mauer-Wojcik Mrs. J. Henrichs, Media Secretary

Ms. G. Raimondi

Vocal Music/Health: Ms. Campobasso

Grade 2

Mrs. J. Bossow Instrumental Music: Mrs. L. Carattini

Mrs. J. Grasso

Ms. K. McCrone Basic Skills

Mrs. K. Pizza Ms. L. Gallo

Mrs. M. Lockhart

Grade 3

Ms. A. Mazzola Guidance

Mrs. S. Sutton T.B.A

Mrs. C. Ward

Ms. L. Zorojew Child Study Team

Mrs. K. Nice, School Psychologist

Grade 4 Ms. D. LaRocca, LDTC

Mr. S. Allen

Mrs. J. Butch *Ms. Sutera (until Dec.) ESL

Mr. J. Klass Mrs. N. Herman

World Language

Grade 5 Ms. R. Camporeale

Mrs. T. Browning

Mrs. A. Kelly Custodians

Mrs. M. Mika Mrs. S. Smith Head Custodian

Mr. R. Freckman

Special Education

Mrs. C. Kozlik Cafeteria Manager

Mrs. D. Vargovic, Paraprofessional Mrs. K. Burke

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PREFACE FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Dear Parents/Guardians, This handbook will be presented to each student and family at Pine Beach Elementary School. The purpose of this handbook is to provide general information about our school. It will give you and your family direction and guidance with regard to programs, expectations, and responsibilities at Pine Beach Elementary School. We realize that many of our children cannot yet read and comprehend its contents; therefore, we ask that you spend time reviewing the handbook with your children. Our rules are few, simple, and basic. We expect children to attend school regularly and be on time, to cooperate with teachers and students, and to try to do their best at all times. We ask that each student treat others with respect. All parents and staff members want the best for our students. Please help us to reinforce the concepts stated in this handbook in order that, together, we can help our children grow academically, physically, emotionally, and socially. A full education is much more than academic subjects; we are concerned with each child’s total growth. In an effort to promote and protect the well-being of our students and staff, we will adhere to the information provided in this handbook. We also follow all policies determined by the Toms River Regional Board of Education. These policies are outlined in the school calendar that is received by each family at the beginning of the school year. Please feel free to contact the school whenever you feel we may assist you (732-505-5870/5871). Thank you for your interest and cooperation. Together, we will continue to provide an excellent school year for all of our children. Respectfully,

Mrs. Moran-Tutzauer Mrs. Jovanis Mrs. Moran-Tutzauer Mrs. Jovanis Principal Supervisor of Instruction

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ADVERTISING MATERIAL All advertising materials (flyers, etc.) must be approved through Central Administration. Please call Pine Beach School office for further information. ALTERNATE DISMISSAL PROCEDURE In order to alleviate some congestion at dismissal, we will be offering an additional dismissal procedure this year. At 3:00, parents may park in the front parking lot, enter through the main door, and sign their children out in the Main Office. All students must be picked up by 3:10 p.m. For families that choose this option, please send in a note to the Main Office with your child. ART Art instruction is provided to all students. Students may bring in an old shirt, large enough to cover his or her clothes. Occasionally, students are asked to bring in something from home, such as: milk cartons, egg cartons, bottles, jars, shoeboxes, aluminum cans, stockings, socks, pine cones, etc. ATTENDANCE A most significant factor in a child's education is his/her attendance on a regular basis. Tardiness is not acceptable. It causes a disruption to the educational process. A computerized call is made to your home phone number to notify you that your child is absent from school. If illness or other emergency prevents a student from attending school, Board of Education policy states the CHILD MUST PRESENT A WRITTEN EXCUSE ON THE DAY OF RETURN. An excuse should state the date(s) absent, the reason for absence, and the parent or guardian's signature. All absences are unexcused except those caused by illness of the pupil, quarantine, death in the immediate family, or religious holiday. If you anticipate your child being absent for more than three days, or if the illness is of a contagious nature, the nurse's office should be notified immediately. Depending on the amount of time your child is absent, you may want to make arrangements with the classroom teacher to obtain schoolwork. If you should request daily assignments, please notify the school before 10:00 a.m. Please realize it takes time to put material together. Work is available for pick-up at the end of the school day. A good idea is to develop a “Buddy System,” where prearrangements have been made between families for homework pick-up. Whether work is requested during absence or assigned upon the child's return, your child is responsible for making up the missed work. We would hope vacations are not planned during the school year; however, if you are taking your child on vacation during the school year, please take note of the following:

The absence is recorded as unexcused.

A student who is absent from school because of vacation plans would make up missed class and homework assignments upon the return to school. A student is allowed the same amount of time absent from school to make up the missed work. For example, if a child is absent for a vacation of one week, that child has one week to complete the missed work.

Students may receive general guidelines, supplementary materials or individual workbook pages.

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If test results and make-up work are inadequate, they will negatively impact on the grades for that marking period.

Students must be in school for a total of 4 hours in order to be counted as Present for that day. BASIC SKILLS PROGRAM (Project EXCEL) The Basic Skills Program is a supplement to classroom instruction. Students may qualify for additional academic support in reading, writing, and/or mathematics through the basic skills program. Eligibility is determined by teacher recommendation, past participation, and standardized test scores. Parents of children who are eligible are notified by mail during the summer. Eligible students will receive in class support during the school day. BELL SCHEDULE 8:40 a.m. School Begins 8:45 a.m. Late Bell 11:10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. First Lunch Grades 1 & 5 11:50 p.m. – 12:25 p.m Second Lunch Grades 3 & 4 and Mrs. Kozlik’s class 12:30 p.m. – 1:05 p.m. Third Lunch Grade 2 and Mrs. Kozlik’s class 2:45 p.m. Busers Dismiss 2:55 p.m. Buses Depart 2:50 p.m. Walkers Dismiss BICYCLE SAFETY Children in grades 3, 4 & 5 may ride their bicycle to and from school. They are not permitted to ride them on school property and they must be left at the bicycle rack. Locks are strongly suggested. The school is not liable for the damage to or the theft of bicycles or bicycle parts. Helmets must be worn at all times. CAFETERIA We want each child to enjoy the privilege of having lunch in the school cafeteria. General lunchroom rules and procedures are presented by the classroom teachers. Students are scheduled for a 35 minute lunch period. Children alternate by grade level 15 minutes of lunch and 20 minutes of outdoor recess. Weather permitting, all children will go outside. There are no exceptions except in the case of a medical concern, which will require a doctor’s note.

Cafeteria Supervision The cafeteria is monitored by aides and an administrator, who will maintain order and provide any assistance needed. The children are expected to obey and respect the aides as they would any other school authority. All pupils are expected to display proper conduct and manners while eating and handling food. Conversation is permitted; however, loud voices, shouting, or poor etiquette are not tolerated. Each child is responsible for clearing his/her area of waste materials.

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Cafeteria Rules

Talk in a normal tone of voice Stay seated with your class

Clean up the area where sitting when given permission

Follow the directions of the cafeteria aides and an administrator

Permission to leave the cafeteria is only granted by the cafeteria aides or administrator

Show respect towards others Use courtesy words at all times – “Please, thank you, and excuse me.”

Lunch Boxes Occasionally, lunch boxes and bag lunches become misplaced; having them labeled will help ensure their return. Menu The school cafeteria offers two or three nutritious lunch choices daily. Your child may purchase, milk, juice, or ice cream separately.

Lunch cost: Milk or Juice......................................................... $.60 Ice cream cup & ice cream sandwich.…………………..$.75 Pretzels, Chips, Doritos, Popcorn, Cheetos…………….$.75 8oz. Water………………………………….……………………$.50 PB&J Uncrustable………………………………………………$1.00 Kindergarten Snack (Milk & Crackers)…………………...$.60

Children’s Lunch....................................................$2.00 *Includes entrée, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit & milk Pine Beach Elementary School has a computerized lunch payment program. Every child has a photo ID card that is used when lunch payment is rendered. In addition, you may pay in advance for lunches – making it possible for your child’s ID lunch card to act as a debit card. Please visit trschools.com website for more information. In the event your child has forgotten his/her lunch money, they may in effect “charge” a lunch. After several such charges, a letter is sent home requesting payment for charged lunches. New this year, kindergarten students will also have ID cards and you will be able to pay in advance for their milk and snack. Federal Lunch A Federal program offering free lunch or reduced rates is available. Information concerning this program is mailed to your home or brought home by the student upon request. Families must complete the form and return it as soon as possible to the address indicated. Forms are obtained in the office during the school year if needed. Breakfast Program In addition to our lunch program, Pine Beach Elementary School also has a breakfast program (fruit, juice, cereal, milk, egg sandwich) is available upon arrival at school (8:30 AM); however, only a brief period of time is set aside for your child to eat. Breakfast cost is $1.25. Once a student has attended breakfast he/she may not leave the cafeteria until the bell rings at 8:40 AM. All advantages, rules and regulations that govern the Federal

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Free/Reduced lunch program apply to the breakfast program. CELL PHONES Cell phones are allowed, however; they must be turned off and kept in backpacks during the school day. If a student uses their cell phone during the school day, the phone will be taken away and it must be picked up by a parent or guardian. The school can not be held liable for lost or broken phones. CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS Should you change your phone number please notify the main office and the nurse’s office. Should you change your address, notify the main office. You must supply proof of residence. CHILD STUDY TEAM Child Study Team services are available to every child in the District. The function of the Child Study Team is guided by state rules and regulations. It is composed of a Learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant, Social Worker and School Psychologist. One of the Team's main functions is to assist teachers, parents, and administrators in providing a suitable program for the educationally handicapped student. The Child Study Team is consulted only after every available resource in the school has been exhausted: e.g. Project Excel, Guidance, and Speech. The referral, classification, and program process is guided by state rules and regulations to protect the interests of all concerned. An I&RSC Committee is also in place. This committee consists of administrators, teachers and Child Study Team Members. The purpose of this committee is to provide strategies for assisting students who experience difficulty in school. CLASS PARTIES Parties are held at the classroom teacher's discretion. All parties are planned by the teacher and surprise parties are not permitted. In order to meet the academic needs of the children, it is strongly recommended that grades K – 3 hold parties to a maximum of three per year; grades 4 – 5 two per year. According to State Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 2:36) regarding dietary guidelines for Americans, snacks and lunches are to be nutritional. CURRICULUM The general curriculum of the Pine Beach School follows the course proficiency outline of the Toms River School District. Copies of the outlines are available at www.trschools.com, by clicking on Curriculum. This curriculum allows for the sequential concept and skill development in all areas based on the needs and abilities of the individual student. All curriculum is driven by New Jersey Core Curriculum standards. DISCIPLINE While the Board believes that positive approaches to acceptable behavior are usually more effective, it is sometimes necessary to penalize pupils for violations of school regulations to ensure the good order of the school and to teach them the consequences of inappropriate behavior. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:

Continued and willful disobedience

Open defiance toward any teacher or person having authority over a pupil

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Actions that constitute a continuing danger to the physical well being of other pupils

Physical assault upon another pupil, a teacher, or any school employee

Taking or attempting to take, personal property or money from another pupil whether by force or

fear

Willfully causing, or attempting to cause, substantial damage to school property

Poor attendance and lateness

Use of profanity or abusive language BEHAVIOR Children should always cooperate with their teacher and interact in a respectful manner with everyone. We expect children to practice courtesy and manners at all times. A simple rule is to treat everyone the way you would want them to treat you. Physical contact is not permitted. A physical confrontation will result in disciplinary action. There will be consequences for those students who do not follow the rules at Pine Beach Elementary School. The situation will be addressed and parents will be contacted and one of the following will be assigned, based on the severity of the situation: Time-out, Recess Detention, Before-School Detention, In-School Detention, or Out-of-School Detention/Suspension. Gum Chewing gum is not permitted in school at any time. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING/DELAYED OPENINGS/EARLY DISMISSAL When weather conditions or emergency situations make it necessary to close schools, radio and TV stations will be contacted to make public announcements regarding the details of the closing. You may tune into radio station WOBM F.M. (92.7) or A.M. (1170); WJLK F.M. (94.3) or A.M. (1310), or channel 21 on your TV. Please do not call the school. You will be contacted through our Automated Call Sytem. A procedure allows for a 1 1/2 hour delayed opening of school due to inclement weather conditions or other emergency conditions. When emergency situations are expected to be rectified or weather conditions are anticipated to improve, combined with the ability of public work crews to insure safe passage on roadways, schools will open according to the schedule. When school starts on a delayed opening, the morning (a.m.) kindergarten and pre-school handicap classes are canceled for that day. All other students should report to bus stops 1 1/2 hours later than their regular school time. Pine Beach Elementary School is a third-tier school and our delayed opening will be at 10:10 a.m. EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSAL - OTHER THAN WEATHER On rare occasions, it may become necessary to implement an early dismissal of pupils from school due to emergency circumstances e.g., prolonged power failure, lack of water services, etc. If such an early dismissal becomes necessary, the following notification procedures are implemented uniformly in all elementary schools.

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The intent of this procedure is to provide for a fail-safe-system, in order that appropriate caregivers and parents can be notified as early as possible as to the decision to dismiss schools for emergency purposes. In the eventuality that contact cannot be made with the home or caregiver about the emergency early dismissal, the pupil(s) are retained at the school under supervision until such contact can be made. In the event that we need to be evacuated, students will be bussed to H.S. South. In the event of an Emergency at Oyster Creek, students will be bussed to Intermediate North. PLEASE ESTABLISH EMERGENCY CLOSING, DELAYED OPENING AND EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES WITH YOUR CHILD. EACH CHILD SHOULD KNOW WHERE TO GO IN THE EVENT HIS/HER PARENT IS NOT HOME IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. FIELD TRIPS AND PERMISSION SLIPS School activities such as field trips always require the signature of a parent or guardian on a school generated permission slip to assure that the parent is aware that the child is not in school on that day. If a signed slip is not returned to the school, the school has the right to keep the child from participating in the activity. FIRE DRILLS Drills are a serious business. Children must leave the room in a single file line without talking. Listening for directions is a must, since it will help assure the safety of all. GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM The Toms River School District provides services for gifted and talented students. Eligibility criteria are determined by the District’s G/T Committee which includes standardized test scores, report card grades, and teacher recommendation. Discovery is offered to students in grades K-3 in general academics. General Academics and Specific Academics (mini-courses) take place in grades 4-5. GUIDANCE Pine Beach Elementary School has the services of an elementary guidance counselor. The counselor's role is to work with children on an individual basis or in small group sessions, and consult with teachers, parents and the school administration. The counselor helps children with many difficulties and adjustments. Children may be referred to the counselor by a teacher, the school administration, the child's parents or guardian, or by a self-referral. If it is felt that the counseling will require more than one session, the counselor will request that the parents or guardian sign a consent form for the counselor to continue seeing the child. HALLWAY SAFETY All students are expected to walk safely in the hallways. There is no running or jumping when traveling in the hallways. Students should stay to the right in single file when walking in the school hallways. Loud talking in the hallways is not permitted. HEALTH OFFICE PROCEDURE The full-time nurse at Pine Beach Elementary is responsible for many varied health related duties. Any questions pertaining to health such as immunizations, kindergarten registration requirements, contagious diseases, etc. should be directed to the school nurse. We ask you to consider the following:

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The emergency card issued each September should be filled out completely and signed by a parent

or guardian/several emergency numbers are essential and any changes should be reported to the nurse's office immediately, so that she may reach you promptly in the event of a medical concern about your child.

Actively ill children do not belong in school. If your child has a fever or active symptoms, such as

recent vomiting, or diarrhea, please keep him/her home.

Please call the nurse’s office (505-5872) if your child is home with a contagious illness (chicken pox, strep infection, pinkeye, etc.).

The District handbook calendar lists the requirements of certain illnesses. Some illnesses require a

doctor’s note in order for the child to return to school. This doctor’s note may be brought in with your written absence note or may be faxed to the school (Fax #286-2132).

Injuries or illnesses incurred at home should be treated at home.

Accidents that occur in school must be reported to the nurse's office immediately. If not reported

by the child, the parent should do so by calling 732-505-5872. Administering Medication Pursuant to New Jersey State Law, all medications given to students can only be administered by a certified school nurse or physician. The administration of medications to students in the Toms River Regional Schools are conducted under these specific rules:

1. No medication, prescription or non-prescription (ie. Cough drops, aspirin, tylenol, eye drops, etc.), are given to a student by the school nurse unless it is received in the original container and accompanied by a written physician and parental/guardian request which MUST include:

Name of student Grade Name of teacher Time to be taken Name of physician Length of time medication will be required Name of medication Date and signature of parent or guardian Dosage of medication Date and signature of physician

2. All medications are held in the school nurse’s office, with the parent/guardian assuming the

responsibility for delivering and picking up unused amounts when no longer needed.

3. Prescription medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container.

4. Opportunities must be provided for pupil/parent/physician/school nurse communications.

5. The school physician may be consulted by the school nurse whenever necessary to discuss medications being given to students, including long-term use or possible abuse of any over-the-counter medications.

6. With a written request from the parent/guardian and with a written note from the physician, an

asthmatic student may be allowed to carry his/her inhaler during school day, school activities. Following the use of the prescription inhaler, the student should report to the school nurse, who will then document the usage of the inhaler.

7. With a written request from the parent/guardian and with a written note from the physician, a student may be allowed to carry a bee-sting allergy kit.

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8. No student is allowed to self-medicate during school hours. (The only exceptions are Number 6 and 7 above). A special medication form must be completed by physician and parents. The form is available in the nurse’s office.

9. Under no circumstances will I.V. medication be administered by the school nurse.

The following health screenings are provided on an annual basis:

All students will have heights and weights checked, and be screened for dental problems.

Hearing screening is done in grades kindergarten-grade 5.

Vision screening is conducted in grades one, three, and five.

Fourth grade students are screened for blood pressure problems.

Fifth grade students are screened for scoliosis. HOMEWORK

Homework assignments are very important as a reinforcement of work done each day in the classroom. Students should be conscientious in completing homework assignments and take pride in doing them neatly, accurately and consistently. Completion of homework is part of the overall evaluation of student progress. Failure to complete homework will have a negative effect on pupil grades and privileges. Homework should be a follow-up to material previously covered in the classroom. Students in grades 2 through 5 are requested to write down their assignments in books provided by the Pine Beach School.

With the wide range of ages and abilities, it is impossible to tell you exactly how much time must be spent each day on homework; however, the following guidelines have been established by our staff and should help you to determine if your child is completing his/her homework assignments:

Primary grades (grades 1 & 2) assignments will usually take approximately (15-20) minutes.

Grades 3 and 4 assignments should take approximately (30-40) minutes.

Students in grade 5 should expect to spend a minimum of (30) to (60) minutes daily on assignments.

Long term assignments, such as reports compositions etc., are considered above and beyond

regular homework assignments. Pupils are encouraged to work continually on these tasks and not wait until the night before they are due.

Assignments are expected to be completed and returned on their due date.

Children are expected to do their own work, but your guidance and assistance are welcome.

Children should not share or request answers from peers. If you have any questions about homework, please contact your child’s teacher. Intervention and Referral Service Committee (I&RSC) The I&RS committee’s mission is to provide assistance, strategies, and support to staff members and parents of

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struggling students. The committee consists of professional staff members and parents and meets monthly to obtain an overview of the educational, social and emotional needs of the student. Suggestions are discussed and a course of action is developed to ascertain the student’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide instructional and behavioral strategies that might increase the child’s productivity. Parents/Guardians are advised of a student’s referral prior to the I&RSC meeting. LAVATORY The lavatories are kept clean and personal hygiene must always be of the utmost concern. Children should use the lavatories to practice good health habits; wash hands and dry them before leaving. Used paper towels are placed in trash cans. No throwing of paper, soap, or water is permitted, as serious injury can result. Purposely throwing paper towels or toilet tissue into a lavatory facility can cause a most unhealthy and dangerous situation and is not tolerated. Inappropriate behavior in school lavatories will result in disciplinary action.

LOST AND FOUND The lost and found is located in the cafeteria. Certain articles such as eyeglasses, wallets, keys, and jewelry are held in the Main Office. Encourage your child to check the Lost and Found area for missing items since many articles remain unclaimed. Articles not claimed by the end of each marking period are removed from the building. Be sure to label all of your child’s belongings. MEDIA CENTER Our Media Center serves all the students and teachers of the school. One full-time Media Specialist and one full-time Media Secretary staff the Media Center. The Media Center is equipped with a computerized circulation system. The Media Center is utilized by all grade levels at Pine Beach School. Kindergarten students may take books out, but are requested to leave the books in school. They are also introduced to good books through story time. Students are responsible for books signed out in their name. We will hold report cards until all debts due to lost or damaged books are settled. NEWSLETTER Our monthly newsletter is available on our school website.. This is our primary means of communicating with parents. Students’ achievements, along with special events and activities are highlighted. Students and parents are asked to read and discuss the information provided in the newsletter and to call the school if they have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. PARENTAL CUSTODY PROCEDURE In recent years the school has had an increasing number of requests from parents to release children from the school during the school day to specifically identified adults. With a school population of approximately 450, this is a major concern. If you anticipate custody problems and wish your child released only to you or someone designated by you, we suggest you adhere to the following:

Copies of custody papers MUST be filed in your child's permanent folder. A letter from the parent to the school principal stating a concern in this area often is challenged by a second party; therefore, some legal hold on the child MUST be filed in the school office.

Current home and emergency phone numbers where the parent can be reached are essential.

Notify the school office annually that the situation exists and requires continued surveillance.

If you put a hold on your child's release from school and must send a neighbor, etc. to pick the

child up in an emergency, please call and let the school know in advance. Inform the person who

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will pick up the child that he or she will have to show identification.

We want very much to protect the health and welfare of every child assigned to our school. Many children bring problems to school that go beyond our area of control. It is your responsibility to supply the school with the proper information to help us protect your child.

PARENT PORTAL Parents are able to log on to the Toms River Schools Parent Portal in order to view their child’s attendance and report card. Forms will be filled out at Visit the School Night in September. If you have any questions, please contact the Main Office. PARTY INVITATIONS Private party invitations are not to be distributed in the classroom unless all students from your child’s class are invited. Omission of certain students creates embarrassment and some hurt feelings for those not invited. PERSONAL ATTIRE AND GROOMING Students should always dress appropriately for school. Safety, neatness, cleanliness, and modesty are the major considerations in what is appropriate school dress. A child’s grooming, dress, and behavior have a bearing on how others react to him/her. Clothing with inappropriate designs, sayings, or that depict violence are not acceptable. Hats are not permitted inside the school building. In the interest of safety and good health practices, we strongly recommend socks and properly fastened sneakers, shoes, and/or sandals with backs. Platform, flip-flops, open toe shoes or high-heeled footwear are not permitted. When the temperature is forecasted to be in the high 70s or beyond, appropriate length shorts and tops are acceptable. In colder weather, 32 degrees or above, we request that you anticipate that the children will go outside during the short lunch recess. Please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the cold weather. PERSONAL POSSESSIONS Students are specifically requested not to bring to school large sums of money, expensive jewelry, toys, gameboys and I Pods, or other valuable property. The school can assume no responsibility in the event of their loss, damage or theft. When a student does bring any of these items to school they will be kept at the main office until the parent claims the item to be brought home. PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS PROCEDURES Students in Grades K-5 and Special Education receive one physical education class per week. Appropriate dress items are listed below:

Athletic socks T-shirt, shorts/warm-up suit Sneakers are required for all class and intramural activities on the gym floor. Other types of

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shoes are not allowed for safety purposes. Sneakers should have a good tread on the bottom for safety. There is no changing of clothing in the lavatory.

To be excused from participating in physical education class, students must present a doctor's

note to the school nurse and instructor. Children excused from physical education will also be excused from any intramural activity and lunchtime recess.

Jewelry of any kind is not permitted during physical education class and should be removed before physical education and left in the classroom. PICTURES Individual and class pictures are taken by a professional photographer. This project is organized by the school early in the school year and again in the spring. Parents are notified of photo dates and prices in advance and students should dress appropriately for the occasion. PLAYGROUND SAFETY When the temperature is 32 degrees F or above, the wind is not too strong, and the ground is relatively dry, all students will go to play during lunch. Exceptions are made for children with written medical excuses from a physician. The safety and well-being and each child is a very basic concern at Pine Beach Elementary. Our playground and fields are for enjoyment, and every precaution is taken to avoid accidents. Students can best contribute to a safe environment by following basic rules such as:

There is no roughhousing. Students must cooperate and conduct themselves in a helpful, respectful manner at all times.

Avoid physical contact with others (bumping, pulling, wrestling, tackling, etc.).

Never throw stones, sand, sticks, etc.

No hardballs, softballs, or bats may be used.

Children must never leave the designated playground area for any reason.

Children must play in areas and on equipment designated for them.

Keep safety and the safety of others in mind when using the climbing equipment and slides.

Do not jump from any equipment.

One person at a time may climb the steps to use the slide; face forward at all times and hold on to the railing while climbing and seating yourself

Children wearing coats and jackets with hoods and drawstrings are not permitted to play on the

equipment for safety reasons

Running or game activities such as tag are not permitted in the equipment area of the playground (The field portion of the playground is to be used for these types of activities)

Report problems of any nature to an adult on duty immediately

Children who are unable to maintain a safe, respectful play attitude are excluded from the

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playground. PROJECT PRIDE This is a district funded program which serves to further meet the academic needs of children. The start and scope of Project PRIDE is determined by the Pine Beach Elementary School Administration during each school year and is based on need either in a specific grade or specific academic area. PTO – Parent-Teacher Organization The Pine Beach Elementary PTO was formed for the benefit of all our students. Meetings and pertinent information are announced in our monthly newsletters. Membership is open to all parents of children attending the school. The PTO plays a large part in sponsoring activities throughout the year. Membership is strongly encouraged. REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are issued four times a year by the classroom teacher. They are available for viewing on the PARENT PORTAL.

Progress reports are mailed or sent home during each marking period to the parents or guardian. These

reports indicate deficiencies as well as strengths.

Incomplete classroom and homework assignments will have a negative effect on report card grades.

Grades for children involved with Basic Skills, Resource Room and Supplemental Instruction are coordinated between one of these teachers and the classroom teacher. Children attending Speech class receive a progress report from the Speech teacher semi-annually.

RESOURCE ROOM Students who are identified by the Child Study Team as having learning disabilities, but who are not eligible for a self-contained special education class, may receive instruction in the resource room or In-class Support. A resource room period may replace classroom Language Arts and/or Math. SAFETY We are concerned with the safety and well being of each person associated with Pine Beach Elementary School. Every precaution must be taken to prevent injury and accidents. Students can best contribute to a safe school environment by following basic rules. Students should:

Walk, not run, in the school

Keep hands off other people

Avoid physical contact

Act in a courteous and polite way while dealing with other people

Inform an adult of an unsafe condition whether it is in school, on the playground, in the bus, or walking to and from school.

SAFETY PATROL

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A limited number of 5th grade students serve on our Safety Patrol. These students are on duty to assist the walkers and the bus riders in their safe arrival and dismissal from school. SCHOOL BUS SAFETY Safety is our main concern while riding the school bus. The drivers must pay attention to the traffic, listen for horns, and be alert for emergencies. They cannot pay attention to driving and monitor disruptive students at the same time. Our students are expected to sit at all times. Talking is certainly permitted, but loud talking, shouting and fighting are definitely prohibited. There is no throwing of objects of any kind either inside the bus or out the windows. Hands, arms, and heads are kept inside the bus. Children are expected to walk to and from the bus stop, and while entering and exiting the bus. Running is never permitted near the buses. The law states that riding a bus is a privilege and not a right. Disciplinary actions include losing the privilege to ride the bus if children do not conduct themselves in a safe and proper manner. Our school buses have video cameras which can be readily accessed. SCHOOL BUS CHANGES Occasionally parents request that their child be allowed to ride home on a bus other than his or her assigned bus. Requests of this nature CANNOT be honored as it frequently causes an overload condition and results in confusion, especially for the younger children. Transportation arrangements can be made for a babysitter’s address different from a student’s home address providing:

The alternate address is serviced by an existing Pine Beach Elementary School bus route

There are sufficient seats available for students who reside in the area

The same location is used for A.M. pick-up and P.M. drop-off (Kindergarten students are the only exemption from this restriction)

It is the same arrangement everyday - Monday through Friday

It must be the same arrangement all year.

Any deviation of these five provisions will void the alternate assignment and the student will be assigned a stop based on their home address. No walking student is permitted to ride the bus under any circumstances. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated. All students assigned to a bus must ride that bus unless the school office is notified by the parent/guardian, in writing, regarding the parents’ plan to pick-up their child. No bus student is permitted to walk to school or home from school under any circumstances. SCHOOL PROPERTY The school buildings and grounds are for your use. You are asked to keep school property as clean as possible so that we can all be proud of the appearance of our building. Please report anyone that damages school property. SPEECH THERAPY Pine Beach Elementary offers a wide range of speech services including speech sound correction, stuttering therapy and language development. Candidates for therapy are identified through routine screening or by referrals from parents, teachers, or staff. Parental involvement is a crucial part of the therapy process. In a climate of positive attitudes, patience, and encouragement, students build good speech habits with remarkable speed.

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STUDENT GUESTS The occasion may arise when a student will want to bring a visiting friend, former student, or relative to school. The size of the school and the limits to our responsibility and liability do not allow for this type of practice. Therefore, student guests are not permitted in the building. TAKING CHILDREN OUT OF SCHOOL / EARLY DISMISSAL It is highly recommended that eye, dental, and medical appointments are made after school hours. Realizing, however, that this is not always possible and that emergencies may arise, the school has made provisions for early dismissal. All requests should be submitted in writing to the school office the morning of the day early dismissal is required. Children may be picked-up and signed-out in the office. The adult picking up the child may be asked for identification. Students being picked up early must be picked up prior to 2:35 p.m. After 2:35 p.m. you must wait until 2:45 p.m. We will not call the classrooms from 2:35-2:45, unless it is an emergency. Pursuant to New Jersey law, students must attend school for four (4) hours in order to be counted as present. If you sign your child out prior to 12:40 p.m. during the school day for any reason, it is considered an absence. TARDINESS Along with regular attendance, it is expected that every child be prepared to arrive at school on time. If students miss the bus or are late for any reason, they must report to the main office upon arrival. The child's tardiness is noted and a pass is issued to be presented to the classroom teacher. TECHNOLOGY The elementary technology lab experience and curriculum are established to aid in the educational preparation of the students in the Toms River Regional School District to meet the challenges of a technologically changing world. The curriculum stresses the applications of technology for academic success with direction toward career and life skills. Pine Beach Elementary has a twenty-five station general technology lab. Thirteen computers are also available for student use in the Media Center. In addition, all classroom computers in the school are networked so they may “talk to one another” and have high speed Internet access. All parents and students are required to sign a district acceptable use contract before access to the Internet is granted. Internet protection is provided through sophisticated filtering software. TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES Students may use the office telephone for emergency situations only. TESTING Testing information is published in our monthly newsletter and on the Toms River School’s website under Curriculum. TEXTBOOKS AND FURNITURE CARE It is the responsibility of each child to care for books and materials issued. All textbooks must be covered throughout the school year and not abused in any way. They are not to be written in, nor pages torn out, for any reason. Fines will be assessed in case of damage or loss of textbooks, workbooks, library books, or other educational materials issued by the school. Furniture such as desks, chairs, bookcases, and classroom equipment should not be abused. If furniture or equipment is broken, it should be immediately reported to the teacher. If a child purposely abuses equipment, a

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fine may be assessed. TOYS Toys, games, all hand held video games, trading cards or I Pods are not allowed in school unless explicitly permitted for "Show and Tell" or other classroom assignments. VANDALISM/VIOLENCE The destruction of any school property including classrooms, bathrooms, cafeteria and hallways are considered vandalism. Students who engage in vandalism are subject to disciplinary action. VISITORS Visitors may only enter Pine Beach School through the main entrance. Visitors may only gain access to the school after first ringing the outside bell and presenting themselves for video identification. Once identification has been made, office personnel will “buzz” the visitor in through the main entrance. ALL PARENTS AND VISITORS, UPON ENTERING THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON, MUST IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO THE MAIN OFFICE. Our personnel are available to assist you. For student safety and uninterrupted class routine, unauthorized visitors are not permitted to go through the building to various classrooms. Should the need arise for something to be brought in for a student, please bring it to the Main Office where your child will be called to receive it. Please have each item labeled with student's name and room number. Money should be in a sealed envelope. If a visitation is approved, ALL VISITORS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR OR CARRY A VISITOR’S PASS. VOCAL MUSIC All students meet with the vocal music teacher in the music room for singing, dancing, rhythmic activities, music history, theory and appreciation. Students from fourth and fifth grades may join chorus. Auditions are not required, but may be used to determine special assignments. WALKING STUDENT SAFETY A large number of our students walk to and from school each day. School crossing guards are placed at important points along the way. Children must obey them in the same way they would obey all school authority. School Safety Patrol members are utilized to assist students and assure that all students behave in a safe and appropriate manner. Children should follow these rules in walking to and from school:

Crossing guards are at Pennsylvania Avenue (entrance to school), Larboard & Barnegat Blvd., Motor Rd. & Pennsylvania Ave.

Use sidewalks in front of the school

Do not cut through the woods or across lawns

Cross streets only at corners

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Walk directly to school or home

Walk in groups

Do not talk to strangers in cars or in the streets

Stay away from strange animals

Walk without fooling around; try to help each other instead of causing problems

Do not do anything that will damage or destroy property

Plan your walk so that you arrive at school no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Outside supervision does not begin until 8:30 a.m. WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS For everyone’s safety weapons and dangerous instruments are not permitted in school for any reason.

Y-KIDS Y-Kids is a child care program sponsored and managed by the Toms River YMCA. Arrangements for Y-Kids participation are made through the YMCA. For more information call the Toms River YMCA : 732-341-9622

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