Sussex Avenue SchoolMorris School District

Parents’ Handbook2015-2016

The goal of the Sussex Avenue School community is to provide a positive, motivating school

environment in which student achievement and respect for others are priorities.

At Sussex We Reach for the Stars

Sussex Avenue SchoolSchool Colors: Blue and White

School website www.sussexavenueschool.orgDistrict website www.morrisschooldistrict.org

Our staff can be accessed via email through our school website

The land where Sussex Avenue School stands was once the estate of Silas Condict,who helped to author the state’s first constitution and attended the Continental Congress.

Important Telephone NumbersSussex Avenue School ......... 292-2250 School Nurse........................... ext. 2Principal................................ 292-2250 Counselor ................................ ext. 4Main Office Fax ................... 292-2247 MSD Transportation ......... 292-2066Child Study Team....................... ext. 4 MSD Central Office.......... 292-2300

Acronyms/AbbreviationsM.E.F. Morris Educational Foundation CST Child Study TeamELL English Language Learners AE Academic Enrichment H.S.A. Home and School Association LDT-C Learning Disabilities

Teacher-ConsultantIR&S Intervention and ReferralServices

ForewordThis handbook was written to provide you with a reference guide to important details of school life and to give you basic information about many aspects of our school. The information you will find in these pages was developed and structured cooperatively, with input from parents and teachers, and it reflects the spirit of partnership that is essential to a successful school year for every student.

Sussex Avenue School welcomes your child, and you, as members of a caring, safe, and respectful learning community. We are all teachers, and we are all students. Each one of us contributes to the success of all! We take pride in our diversity and our ability to cooperate, in our curiosity and our self-discipline, in our playfulness and our commitment to learning. Join us as we begin our journey into this new school year, so filled with exciting promise!

Sincerely,Peter FrazzanoPrincipal

The School DaySchool is in session for six hours and fifteen minutes. We follow a six-day schedule, with days designated A through F, which continues uninterrupted when days are missed for holidays or unexpected closings. This means that particular activities and events do not always occur on the same day each week.

Four-hour Twenty Minute Sessions~DISMISSAL BEGINS AT 1:25When there is a scheduled early dismissal, the day is required by law to be at least four hours and twenty minutes long. All students will have eaten lunch before dismissal.

Visitor PolicyOur primary concern is the safety of our students, staff, and volunteers. All doors will be locked after the late bell at 9:10. Visitors must ring the bell to gain admittance.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL: All school visitors (including parents) must sign in at the front office to obtain a visitor’s pass. At the conclusion of each visit the visitor must sign out.

VISITORS TO THE CLASSROOM: We are careful to protect the privacy of all our students and to maintain careful classroom instruction. Therefore, visitation to any classroom is limited and must be arranged in advance.

Morning Arrival Procedures

There is no supervision before 8:55, and children who are dropped off or walk to school and arrive before that time, will not be permitted to enter the building. Any student arriving after 9:10 must go to the nurse’s office, accompanied by a parent to obtain a late slip before going to class.

Dismissal Procedures Begins at 3:18Most of the children at Sussex ride the school buses. Students may not switch buses to ride to a friend’s house. Parents must send in a note in the morning indicating when a child will be picked up; otherwise the child will be sent home on the bus.At dismissal, bus numbers will be announced over the PA system. Students being

picked up must be signed out at the side parking lot door. The door will be unlocked at 3:20 and parents will pick up their children in the order that they arrive at the pickup door. These rules are for the safety of our children, and provide us with a written record indicating with whom a child has left the building.

Pick-Up During the DayIf a situation arises that requires you to pick your child up during the school day, a note must be sent to the office specifying the pick-up time. Before leaving, you must sign your child out in the notebook provided in the office.

ParkingParents and visitors to the school are to park in the side parking lot which has been designated for visitor parking. Parking is prohibited at all times along the driveway in front of the school and in any areas designated fire zones or marked in yellow. Please be mindful of walkers using the crosswalk as you exit the side parking lot.

Emergency School Closings and Early Dismissals

When it is necessary to close school due to extreme weather or other emergencies that may have developed during the night, or during the day, the MSD will utilize the Honeywell Alert System to notify parents. When you receive a call from the Honeywell system, please press 1 to acknowledge the call. You are responsible for updating the system with contact information. The following TV stations will have the announcement also:

Fox TV (Channel 5), WABC (Channel 7), District Website, School Main Number

If the emergency situation develops after school has started for the day, students will be sent home four hours and twenty minutes after the start of the day. Our office lines are usually very busy on these days, but voice mail will record any message you leave. Because emergencies occur unexpectedly it is critical that you update your profile on the Honeywell System (https://instantalert.honeywell.com)

While every effort is made to notify you if school closes early, it is important that your children know what to do if they arrive home to an empty house. Please discuss with your children whether they should go to a neighbor, where to look for a spare key, etc. NO CHILD MAY REMAIN AT SCHOOL AFTER THE EARLY DISMISSAL TIME.On days when school is closed or dismissed early because of inclement weather or other emergency, all after-school activities, including the Sunset Program, are cancelled.

Delayed School Openings: School opens at 10:55amIf a decision is made to delay the opening of school:∞ Bus pick-ups will begin approximately 2 hours later than normal.∞ School will dismiss at the regular time.

2015-2016

DELAYED OPENING SCHEDULE ARRIVAL AT 10:55 (120 MINUTE DELAY)

HOMEROOM ENTRY PERIOD 10:55-11:10

PERIOD 1 11:10-11:37

PERIOD 2 11:37-12:04

PERIOD 3 12:04-12:31

PERIOD 4 12:31-12:58

PERIOD 5 12:58-1:28 1ST LUNCH GRADE 3 PERIOD 6 1:28-1:58 2ND LUNCH GRADE 4

PERIOD 7 1:58- 2:25 3RD LUNCH GRADE 5

PERIOD 8 2:25- 2:52

PERIOD 9 2:52-3:19

HOMEROOM 3:20- 3:25

EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE DISMISSAL AT 1:25

HOMEROOM ENTRY PERIOD 8:55-9:10

PERIOD 1 9:10-9:37

PERIOD 2 9:37-10:04

PERIOD 3 10:04-10:31

PERIOD 4 10:31- 10:58

PERIOD 5 10:58-11:28 1ST LUNCH GRADE 3 *

PERIOD 6 11:28- 11:58 2ND LUNCH GRADE 4 *

PERIOD 7 11:58-12:25 3RD LUNCH GRADE 5 *

PERIOD 8 12:25-12:52

PERIOD 9 12:52-1:20

DISMISSAL 1:20-1:25

TransportationMost of the children at Sussex ride the school bus. The district transportation supervisor schedules the bus routes and sends home a card before school opens with the student’s bus route number, bus stop location, and expected pick-up time. Students

from Alfred Vail and Sussex schools ride together on the same buses. There is no changing of buses to ride to a friend’s home.

Sunrise/SunsetSunrise/Sunset provides a safe, supportive, supervised environment for children to work and play while their parents work. It is offered through the Morris School District Community School. The district houses this program in various schools. All fees are payable to the Community School.Before School Care: 7 A.M. until classes start. Breakfast and quiet games.After School Care: Dismissal time to 6:30 P.M. Snacks, physical activities, homework, study and relaxation. Enrollment can be made on a full, part-time, or daily basis. There is no drop-in service. Students must be enrolled in advance. More information on schedules and fees is available from Morris School District Community School at (973) 292-2063.

School Nurse (973) 292-2250 ext. 2

The school nurse is present during school hours to provide care for illnesses or accidents and maintain health records.

AttendanceRegular attendance is essential to success in school. A student not only misses work on the day of absence, but is not prepared for the next day because of missing instruction. Students must be in school for at least 164 days to complete the instructional program requirements of the grade level. A letter will be mailed home when a student’s absences total 8, 12, and 17 days. A waiver of attendance requirement may be granted for good cause by the principal upon recommendation of a review committee. Documentation shall be the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Emergency Phone NumbersBefore school opens you will receive an emergency card to be filled out and brought to school by your child on the first day. The phone numbers requested are important in case of accident, illness, or emergency closing. The people you list should be local and available during the day, and you should inform them that their names have been given to the school for this purpose. The information you give should be updated whenever there are changes.

AbsenceIf a child is going to be absent or late the parent or guardian should call the nurse (292-2250 ext. 2) by the start of school, or leave a message on the 24-hour voice mail at that number. If the school is not notified, the parent or guardian will be called. The school must account for all children every day. If the school cannot obtain information regarding a child’s absence, a home visit may be necessary. Any student arriving after 9:10 must go to the nurse’s office and obtain a late slip before going to class.

A child should be kept out of school if he/she has a fever over 100 degrees. Fever should be less than 100 degrees for 24 hours before a child returns to school. A child with vomiting and/or diarrhea may return to school when there have been no symptoms for 24 hours. Children should be kept at home if there is evidence of a contagious disease such as chicken pox, conjunctivitis (“pink eye”), or strep throat. A child with “pink eye” may return to school after being on medication for 24 hours. A child with strep throat may return to school after being on medication for 48 hours. A doctor’s note should be sent after surgery or injury to advise whether any restrictions must be placed on the child’s level of participation in school activities. If you are in doubt about the need for this, please talk with the school nurse.

MedicationsIf your child requires medication or nonprescription medications during the school day, the following is necessary:∞ Dispensing prescription and non-prescription medicines (Tylenol, cough meds, allergy meds. Etc.) requires a Morris School District Medication Authorization form filled out by your physician. It should list the diagnosis, name and dosage of the drug, and the time(s) to be given. Medical authorization forms are available from the school nurse.This procedure will be strictly enforced.∞ All medication must be in an original, labeled container or package.

Child FindThe Morris School District Board of Education Regulation 2460.1 contains the language “All pupils with disabilities, who are in need of special education and related services, … regardless of the severity of their disabilities, must be located, identified and evaluated according to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.3.” If you are concerned that your child (of any age) may have a disability that impacts or will impact their ability to succeed in school, please contact your child’s teacher or the building

principal to learn about the resources available to help your child. This link will provide more information for you: http://www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/childfind/fact_sheet.pdf

Student LifeThere are many aspects of student life at Sussex Avenue School that go beyond academic and special area instruction.

Conflict ResolutionThe school community practices a conflict resolution system, which allows students to learn positive ways of responding to and resolving conflicts with peers. Staff members have been trained to coach students using various strategies and alternatives in dealing with peer conflicts. Students find daily opportunities to practice these skills, with teachers nearby to offer support and encouragement. Through this process, students begin to develop lifelong habits of positive interaction.

Student CouncilThe Student Council is a volunteer student organization composed of two electedrepresentatives, one boy and one girl, from each homeroom class. The Council meets with faculty advisors once a month to plan student sponsored activities throughout the school year. Activities may include contests, food drives for the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, and other community service projects. The Council offers students an opportunity to take a leadership role in their school.

Birthday Celebrations

Birthday celebrations will be foodless. Please refer to the Sussex Avenue School website for more detailed information about foodless birthday celebrations and party nutrition guidelines.

Cell Phones/Electronic Games / Personal DevicesThe use of cell phones, electronic games & other personal devices is not permitted during the school day. If there is an emergency please call the main office. Students are allowed to use the office or classroom phones within the school to share important messages when needed. If your child’s teacher asks him/her to bring a personal electronic device into school the teacher will make arrangements with the parents/guardians in advance. Items that are brought into school without the parent/teacher agreement will not be the responsibility of Sussex Avenue School or the Morris School District.

Lost and FoundPlease mark outer clothing, lunch containers and backpacks with your child’s name. A “lost and found” area is maintained in the lunchroom where students can look through items tolocate things they have lost. Found items are kept for one marking period only.

Fire Drills and Security DrillsFire drills are practiced one time each month, as required by law. Security drills are also practiced one time each month to assure that all staff and students are informed of safety procedures and protocols.

Lunch and Recess Lunch periods are 40 minutes in length, with approximately 20 minutes each for eating and outside play. Lunch room aides supervise and assist the students in both settings.

LUNCH: Each student is assigned a personalized account number. Money may be placed on a student's account with cash or check made out to Morris School District Food Services. Milk and dessert (usually fruit) are included in the price. Please check the district lunch calendars that are sent home monthly for prices and menu selections. All students may buy milk separately. If a student does not have his/her money, the cashier enters it as a charged meal. BOE policy requires all students to have a meal regardless if they have money. A student owing more than 5 meals is only offered a cold meal, not a hot menu selection. FREE/REDUCED LUNCH: At the beginning of each year an application will be sent home for the free/reduced lunch program. Families not interested in applying, need not return the form. If you are applying, only one form for ALL children in the family is required.

RECESS: The playground is located behind the building. Ms. Morriello and aides supervise this period to ensure that the children are safe. When the weather is suitable, but the ground is wet or muddy, the parking lot in front of the school is used for recess. For this reason, it is requested that parents not park in the front lot on these days. In inclement weather, students have in-class recess.

Home and School Association (H.S.A.)The H.S.A. is the school’s volunteer organization, made up of parents, guardians, and teachers, working to promote the welfare of children in the home, school, and community. Through fundraisers and many volunteers, the H.S.A. brings extra social and enrichment activities to the school. These include: Family Nights, cultural arts programs, additional field trips, the student directory, book fairs, and much more, including the provision of special equipment and supplies.In addition, the H.S.A. supports the staff and teachers of the school through directvolunteer efforts. Parents may also become involved in the school’s advisory committee.

MEETINGS: The H.S.A. meets monthly. Meetings are held at 9:30 A.M. in the Media Center. Please check the Morris School District Calendar for dates.

MEMBERSHIP: Membership in the H.S.A. is open to any parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the school and to teachers. Members vote on issues at H.S.A. meetings, but meetings and volunteering are open to all.

STUDENT DIRECTORY: The H.S.A. compiles and prints a student directory each fall and distributes this to members. Inclusion in the directory is optional. VOLUNTEERING: Volunteer opportunities are numerous and frequent. Notices are sent home often seeking assistance with various projects. Please contact the H.S.A. volunteer coordinator to learn how you can help.

ROOM PARENTS: The organization of room parents is done through the H.S.A. Duties include planning class parties and accompanying classes on field trips. Functions vary by class and teacher.

CULTURAL ARTS: The cultural arts program at Sussex is coordinated by a committee of the H.S.A. and grade level chairs. The cultural arts experience is multifaceted, ranging from artists-in-residence to assemblies to field trips. The programs are always geared to our children’s grade level and attention span. These programs are paid for with funds raised by the H.S.A. or special grant monies from the Morris Education Foundation.

CLUBS: The H.S.A. sponsors after school “clubs” which are open to students for a nominal fee.

Communication of Information from School to HomeBeginning this school year the Morris School District will post a district calendar on the district website. Please refer to this

document it contains important information, district phone numbers and dates of events for all schools in the district

At Sussex some information travels home by way of “backpack mail.” At times you will receive information from the teacher, principal, school nurse, and/or the H.S.A. Much of this information is timely and you should respond as soon as possible. The Sussex school calendar will be sent home at the end of each month.Please check your child’s backpack and refer to the “digital backpack” link on www.sussexavenueschool.org for all other important notices.

Concern & Complaint ProcessThe goal of Sussex Avenue School’s complaint process is to seek problem resolution at the lowest possible level. That is, to try to take care of the problem at is source. First, discuss the issue in person or by phone when a concern arises with the appropriate staff member:∞ Classroom or curriculum matter, see your child’s teacher.∞ Special classes, see staff specialist in music, art library, etc.∞ Health and Hygiene matters see the nurse.∞ Lunch menu or service issues, see the Food Service Coordinator.∞ Bus Service, see the Transportation Supervisor

Student RecordsYou have the right to an opportunity to examine your child’s school records. If you would like to do this, please contact the principal to make an appointment.

Reporting Student ProgressThe elementary calendar includes four reporting periods. At the end of the first and third periods, teachers meet with parents in a conference format. At these conferences, information is shared regarding student progress in all major subjects. At the end of the second and fourth periods, report cards are issued. In addition, mid-period progress notes are issued for students who seem to be experiencing difficulty in a specific subject area or are remiss with home or class work. Parents are urged to arrange for an informal

conference or contact the teacher by phone at any time they feel a need to discuss concerns.

Homework Regulations put in place by the Morris School District August 1, 2012.

Homework, an essential component of the district’s educational program, should:∞ Be predictably assigned with realistic time frames for completion;∞ Clearly relate to the curriculum and daily classroom instruction;∞ Reinforce previously taught skills, critical thinking and/or build upon backgroundknowledge;∞ Assist pupils to work independently, or in small groups, to organize and budget time and in the process develop good study skills.∞ Be designed with a student’s individual needs in mind; and∞ Support a student in their development to become an independent life-long learner.

Grade Level

Frequency of Assignments

Suggested Total Daily Time

Kindergarten

Occasional as readiness permits

10 minutes maximum

1 – 2 Four times a week 10 – 20 minutes3 – 4 Four times a week 30 – 40 minutes5 – 6 Four times a week 50 – 60 minutes7 – 8 Daily 70 – 80 minutes9 – 12 Daily 90 – 120 minutes

Teachers shall encourage parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to:∞ Motivate pupils to accept their responsibilities for completing homework assignments by providing an atmosphere of encouragement and support;∞ Provide a suitable location and environment for homework;

∞ Assist pupils in budgeting their time and planning so that homeworkassignments are completed satisfactorily and on time;∞ Create a routine to ensure homework gets returned to school as needed; and∞ Communicate with teachers when problems arise which prevent children from completing assignments.To view the Regulation and Policy in full, please go to http://www.morrisschooldistrict.org/Homework is not assigned on the weekend or before a holiday except in cases of long range assignments or projects. Homework may be an extension or reinforcement of the day’s activities in class, and should be appropriate for each child. All children are encouraged to read a minimum of 20 minutes each night.Parents can assist children by providing a good quiet area for study, helping children understand instructions, and praising their efforts. If your child is ill for more than two days, you may request homework when you call to report the absence (before 9:30 a.m.). Assignments can be picked up in the office at the end of the school day. Teachers are encouraged to develop a “buddy system” so that a child who is absent may keep up to date with class activities until he or she is well enough to return to school. Please check with your child’s teacher for specifics regarding homework expectations.

Assignment Books: The Sussex Avenue HSA provides assignment books to each student to encourage good study habits and organizational skills. The children are expected to record their assignments daily and parents are urged to monitor the use of these books.

Instructional ProgramThe instructional program at Sussex Avenue School incorporates a developmentally appropriate approach to learning. We recognize that each student can benefit from activities that engage diverse learning styles and multiple intelligences. We look

for ways to integrate learning across the curriculum and to support the Common Core Curriculum Standards.

“The Basics”Our staff is committed to strengthening each child’s literacy skills by providing students with the keys of success. Our Balanced Literacy framework immerses students in high quality literature designed to help all students learn to read and write effectively. The program stands firmly on the premise that all students can learn in a child-centered classroom, providing many opportunities for real life reading and writing experiences.

Mathematics instruction is provided using Everyday Mathematics materials developed at the University of Chicago. Students are taught by their homeroom teacher.

Special Area SubjectsIn addition to the many experiences your child has in the classroom, all students have scheduled classes in science, technology, library, general music, physical education, art, and world languages (Spanish). Band and orchestra are offered in grades 4 and 5.

Gifted and Talented ProgrammingThe Morris School District recognizes the need to provide challenging, stimulating educational opportunities for all students. We are committed to identify and educate academically gifted children through the development of their special abilities and talents in a qualitatively different program. The Quest program identifies the top three to five percent of the district’s student population in grades 4 and 5, who demonstrate “general intellectual talent, a wide range of general information and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract word knowledge, and abstract reasoning.” These students work with the gifted and talented teacher in an intensive pull-out program that goes beyond the scope of the regular curriculum.

SCHOOL WIDE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM: All students will have the opportunity to participate in enrichment units

presented by classroom teachers and specialists. Students choose by interest from among available “cluster” topics, but all will include a variety of problem solving strategies that complement their multiple intelligences. These Enrichment Clusters, as they are called, occur once in six days at selected times during the year.

Library/Media CenterThe Library media center is the center of learning resources for the students and teachers of Sussex Avenue School. In the media center, our vision is to maintain flexible scheduling to allow students to use the facility for information retrieval and the sheer joy of reading. Both print and non-print materials are purchased with our students’ ages and cultural diversity in mind. In this technological age, the library media center can provide materials from many sources, however, as in the past, the borrower is responsible for the respectful handling and prompt return of his or her materials.

Internet UseAccess to the Internet is one of the tools students are able to use in order to extend and enrich the educational experience. Internet use occurs for specific, relevant purposes, and is always supervised by an adult. Your child’s access to the Internet is dependent upon your permission and agreement to support the district’s technology/internet policy. Access to school technology and the Internet is considered a privilege. Students who do not follow the policy on Internet use will have their privileges revoked and may face disciplinary action.

Field Trips Field trips are an important addition to the school curriculum. Your child is likely to participate in several trips per year. Occasionally, a fee is requested to defray the cost. A permission slip is always required; oral permission will not be accepted. All precautions for safety and health are taken. Some trips require a parent or two to accompany the class. If chaperones are

necessary, the teacher will contact the room parent to seek volunteers.

School Photos Photos will be taken in Fall and Spring. You will be notified of the dates via Digital Backpack.

Photos will be taken in __________. You will be notified of the date via Digital Backpack.

Emergency Contact Information

It is very important, for emergency and administrative reasons, that every student maintains an up-to-date address, and emergency contact phone record at the school office. Notify the school immediately if you have a change of address, telephone number, emergency number or email address during the school year.

Code of Conduct The 3 R’s of Sussex Citizenship

As Sussex Citizens, We…

Respect others by

Listening courteouslySpeaking politely and truthfullyKeeping our hands and feet to ourselvesShowing consideration for the property of othersDemonstrating a willingness to help others

Show Responsibility by Following directionsDoing our best workWalking and talking quietly within the school buildingKeeping personal and school property neat and cleanMaintaining safety on school property

Value our Right toBe listened to respectfullyBe spoken to politely and truthfullyHave our belongings treated with considerationLearn and play in a clean, safe environmentBe proud of our best work

Consequences: DisciplineOur Code of Conduct helps to establish a peaceful school. When a child is having difficulty following school rules, consequences are necessary. Consequences are not punishment, but rather a way to help the student learn the appropriate behaviors that are expected of all members of the Sussex community.

The classroom teacher has the primary responsibility to address behavioral problems. The teacher will speak to the child and, if necessary, contact the parent. If the child’s negative behavior continues, the teacher will complete a referral form and send the child to the office. After a conference with the child, the principal will make a determination about further action and share

that decision with the child and the teacher. A phone call may also be made to the parent.

Our parents are partners in this process. Each child’s circumstances are reviewed carefully to determine what is best and fair for each child. If the problem persists, discussion by the Intervention and Referral Service (IR&S) is in order, in consultation with the school counselor and parent or guardian. This group will develop a plan of action together. Serious behavior problems may require more severe and immediate consequences.

Consequences will be related as closely as possible to the offense, and often result in the temporary loss of a privilege:1. Loss of recess, either in the cafeteria or in the office.2. After-school detention, one full hour after dismissal. Parents will be responsible for transportation of student.3. In-school suspension for half a day or a full day. The student is required tocomplete all classroom assignments outside the classroom environment. Parentsare notified immediately of this action.4. Out-of-school suspension: the following steps will be taken to ensure the district's compliance with the law and the protection of student's rights under the law:~ An informal student hearing will be conducted prior to the suspension bythe Principal or Designee~ The parent/guardian will be notified, as will the Superintendent, and theCase Manager, if the child is a student with disabilities~ A suspended student may not come to school for any reason during thesuspension and may not take part in any school activities, during or afterschool, until reinstated~ Educational services will be provided within five days of the initial dateof the suspension, as required by N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2 and N.J.A.C 6A:14-2.8(a)

Bullying HIB Policy (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy)Sussex Avenue is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all students:∞ We are free from violence∞ We are nurturing, caring and respectful of everyone∞ We are physically and psychologically healthy∞ We promote sensible risk taking∞ We enhance the self-esteem of allThis safe, secure environment cannot be achieved if bullying is present in school.Bullying is unacceptable in any form and will not be tolerate.Bullying is defined as the following:Aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power and strength. Typically, it is repeated over time. Bullying can take many forms, including:∞ Hitting, kicking and other physical kinds of bullying∞ Taunting, teasing and name calling∞ Taking money or other belongingsOur students will learn how to recognize the difference between bullying and normal conflict.Any action suspected to be Harassment, Intimidation or bullying will undergo fullinvestigation as required by the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying law.HIB Policy (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy)

On September 1, 2011 the NJ Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act went into effect. All NJ Public Schools are required to follow amended policies and procedures aimed at prohibiting harassment, intimidation and bullying in the school setting.  Every school has an Anti-Bullying Specialist and a School Safety Team.   Policy 5513: Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying can be found on our school and district websites.HIB Policy (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy) On September 1, 2011 the NJ Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act went into effect. All NJ Public Schools are required to follow amended policies and procedures aimed at prohibiting harassment, intimidation and bullying in the school setting. Every school has an Anti-Bullying Specialist and a School Safety Team. Policy 5513:

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying can be found on our school and district websites. Any concerns or reports of harassment, intimidation, or bullying can be reported verbally or in writing to any school or district staff member.Any concerns or reports of harassment, intimidation, or bullying can be reported verbally or in writing to any school or district staff member.2013-14 Anti-Bullying Specialist at Sussex Avenue School is Elizabeth Lee  

Dress CodeStudents are expected to dress in a manner that is neat and clean. Hats are not to be worn in the building. Sneakers are required for Physical Education. Abbreviated clothing or clothing that is decorated with inappropriate language or images is not permitted. The school reserves the right to ask students to change inappropriate clothing.

BUS CONDUCT Discipline problems on the bus are reported to the principal by bus drivers, who fill out bus conduct forms. If your child is involved in significant misbehavior on the bus, a copy of the form will be mailed to you. Please remind your child of the rules for safe behavior on the bus. Students who do not follow bus safety rules may lose the privilege of riding the bus for a period of time. The Transportation Department can be reached at (973)292-2066

Sussex Avenue School – PARENT COMPACT

We value the partnership of home and school to ensure the success and academic achievement of all our children. This compact outlines the ways school staff and parents/guardians can work together to support your child’s learning.

Sussex Avenue School will:

•Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment

•Ensure ongoing communication between school and home through annual back to school nights, opportunities to talk with staff (consultation via phone, email, or scheduled conferences), volunteer in class, and frequent progress reporting regarding your child

•Involve parents in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s parental involvement policy, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way

•Involve parents in the joint development of any school-wide program plan in an organized, ongoing and timely way.

•Hold an annual meeting to inform parents of the school’s participation in Title I, Part A programs, and to explain the Title I, Part A requirements, and the right of parents to be involved in Title I, Part A programs. The school will convene the meeting at a convenient time and invite all parents of children participating in Title I, Part A programs.

• Provide information to parents of participating students in an understandable and uniform format, including alternative formats upon the request of parents with disabilities, and to the extent practicable, in a language that parents can understand

•Provide to participating children information in a timely manner about Title I, Part A programs that includes a description and explanation of the school’s curriculum, the forms of academic assessment used to measure children’s progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet.

•On the request of parents, provide opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions, and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions about the education of their children. The school will respond to these suggestions as soon as practicably possible.

•Provide to each parent an individual student report about the performance of their child on the State assessment in math, language arts, and reading.

•Provide each parent timely notice when their child has been assigned or has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly

qualified within the meaning of the term in section 200.56 of the Title I Final Regulations (67 Fed. Reg. 71710, December 2, 2002).

School - Parent Compact - is to be inserted in the K-5 student handbooksnsert name of school here >>   School – Parent Compact

We value the partnership of home and school to ensure the success and academic achievement of all our children.  This compact outlines the ways school staff and parents/guardians can work together to support your child’s learning.

Highly Qualified Teacher

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was our country’s most important education law. In 2001 this law was revised and is now called the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). NCLB was designed to make changes in teaching and learning that will help increase academic achievement in our schools. The law requires that all schools receiving Title I funds must inform parents of their right to ask schools about the qualifications of their child’s teachers. Our district receives federal funding and we are happy to share this information with you. We believe that nothing is more important to your child’s education at school than having a well-prepared and highly qualified teacher. The law requires that all teachers must meet a specific legal definition of “highly qualified” in order to teach in schools that receive federal funding. The legal definition of a Highly Qualified Teacher has three parts. It states that the teacher must have the following:1. A four-year college degree;2. A regular teaching certificate/license; and 3. Proof of their knowledge in the subject they teachNew Jersey has some of the most qualified teachers in the country, and we are extremely proud of the quality of the teaching staff in the Morris School District. All of our regular teachers have college degrees and many have advanced degrees. The state of New Jersey has always required a teaching certificate/license for all teachers. In addition, every teacher continues his or her own learning through professional development activities and our teachers are evaluated each year to make sure that their teaching skills remain at the highest possible level.All of our teachers meet this legal definition of “highly qualified.”A highly qualified teacher knows what to teach, how to teach and has a full understanding of the subject matter being taught. We believe that every teacher in

our school is fully qualified and dedicated to teaching your child, and we will do everything possible to help our teachers who may not yet meet the legal definition required by the federal government. I encourage you to support your child’s education and communicate with his or her teacher on a regular basis. For moreinformation on the No Child Left Behind Act, and the role of Title I parents, please read the information enclosed with this letter. By partnering together—families and educators—we can provide your child with the best education possible.

TITLE I School Parental Involvement Policy

Title I regulations require that each school served under Title I jointly develop with and distribute to parents of participating children, a written involvement policy agreed on by the parents that describes the requirements of SEC. 1118. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT (c) through (f) as listed below and outlined in the Title I law:

C. POLICY INVOLVEMENT- Each school served under this part shall:(1) Convene an annual meeting, at a convenient time, to which all parents of participating children shall

be invited and encouraged to attend, to inform parents of their school's participation under this part and to explain the requirements of this part, and the right of the parents to be involved;

-The annual meeting will be held by September 30 of each year. -Regular communication between parents and Title I Teachers.

(2) Offer a flexible number of meetings, such as meetings in the morning or evening, and may provide, with funds provided under this part, transportation, child care, or home visits, as such services relate to parental involvement;

-Parent involvement meetings will be offered in November, February, April, and June. Sessions will be offered during both morning and evening hours to provide flexibility for parents. Parents will be notified of the each meeting with at least a week’s notice.

(3) Involve parents, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of programs under this part, including the planning, review, and improvement of the school parental involvement policy;

-Each meeting, time will be allotted for parents to work collaboratively with staff in reviewing the school parental policy to ensure improvements are made accordingly. -There will be an open communication between parents and staff to address any concerns or improvements needed in the program at any given time.

(4) Provide parents of participating children — (A) timely information about programs under this part;(B) a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; and

(C) if requested by parents, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any such suggestions as soon as practicably possible;

(A) Parents of participating children will be provided with timely information regarding their child’s program.(B) Each student’s intervention plan will be shared with the parents upon completion of assessments. (C) Parents will have direct access by phone or email to the intervention teacher working with their child to ensure an open communication exists. Opportunities for meetings with parents will be held if necessary.

(5) if the schoolwide program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, submit any parent comments on the plan when the school makes the plan available to the local educational agency.

-Any unsatisfactory parent comments made about the school wide program at any given time of the year will be addressed and submitted to the local educational agency.

D. SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HIGH STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT- As a component of the school-level parental involvement policy, each school shall jointly develop with parents for all children served under this part a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement.

-Each school will provide a parent handbook that outlines the role of the parents, students, and staff in sharing the responsibility for student achievement.

E. BUILDING CAPACITY FOR INVOLVEMENT- To ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among the school involved, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement, each school and local educational agency assisted under this part —

(1) Shall provide assistance to parents of children served by the school or local educational agency, as appropriate, in understanding such topics as the State's academic content standards and State student academic achievement standards, State and local academic assessments, the requirements of this part, and how to monitor a child's progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of their children;

-Parent workshops will be held to provide understanding and/or clarification on academic achievements, standards, and requirements and how parents can help in the monitoring process to improve the achievement of their children.

(2) Shall provide materials and training to help parents to work with their children to improve their children's achievement, such as literacy training and using technology, as appropriate, to foster parental involvement;

-During parent workshops, parents will be given materials to be used at home to help improve their child’s achievement. -Technology/Instructional training will be provided as needed to help parents assist their children at home.

(3) Shall educate teachers, pupil services personnel, principals, and other staff, with the assistance of parents, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and the school;

-Through district-wide professional development, district staff will receive training on best practices in increasing and enhancing cooperative ties between the parent and school communities.

(4) Shall, to the extent feasible and appropriate, coordinate and integrate parent involvement programs and activities with Head Start, Reading First, Early Reading First, Even Start, the Home Instruction Programs for Preschool Youngsters, the Parents as Teachers Program, and public preschool and other programs, and conduct other activities, such as parent resource centers, that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children;

-Coordinate and integrate parental involvement with the local preschools to encourage and support parent participation in the education of their children.

(5) Shall ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to the parents of participating children in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand;

-Information to parents will be provided in both English and the native language spoken to ensure parents get a full understanding of written communication.

(6) May involve parents in the development of training for teachers, principals, and other educators to improve the effectiveness of such training;

(7) May provide necessary literacy training from funds received under this part if the local educational agency has exhausted all other reasonably available sources of funding for such training;

(8) May pay reasonable and necessary expenses associated with local parental involvement activities, including transportation and child care costs, to enable parents to participate in school-related meetings and training sessions;

(9) May train parents to enhance the involvement of other parents;

(10) May arrange school meetings at a variety of times, or conduct in-home conferences between teachers or other educators, who work directly with participating children, with parents who are unable to attend such conferences at school, in order to maximize parental involvement and participation;

(11) May adopt and implement model approaches to improving parental involvement;

(12) May establish a districtwide parent advisory council to provide advice on all matters related to parental involvement in programs supported under this section;

(13) May develop appropriate roles for community-based organizations and businesses in parent involvement activities; and

(14) Shall provide such other reasonable support for parental involvement activities under this section as parents may request.

F. ACCESSIBILITY– In carrying out the parental involvement requirements of this part, districts and schools, to the extent practicable, shall provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with children with limited English proficiency, parents with children with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports required in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language such parents can understand.

-Provide meetings, workshops, and parent communication in both English and Spanish.-Provide child-care services during meetings or workshops.-Offer in-home conferences as necessary.