Normandy Park School

School Colors:  Blue and Gold

(worn every Friday)

Important Telephone Numbers

Normandy Park School:   Main Number     973-889-7960

                                    Fax Number       973-889-7968

Principal and Main Office: Ext. 6150

School Nurse:  Ext. 6152

Counselor:  Ext. 6154

Child Study Team:  Ext. 6155

NP Cafeteria:  Ext. 6138

Building Forman:  Ext. 6139

Social Work:  Ext 6157

NP Sunrise/Sunset:  973-889-7969, ext. 6138 (after 3:15pm)

NP Website:  www.normandyparkschool.org

Morris School District: 

Central Office:   973-292-2300

Transportation:  973-292-2066

Community School:  973-292-2063

 MSD Website:  www.morrisschooldistrict.org

Acronyms/Abbreviations

MSD – Morris School District                    CST – Child Study Team

ESL – English as a Second Language     PAR – Preventive and Remedial

H.S.A. – Home and School Association   LDT-C – Learning Disabilities Teacher-

 IRT – Intervention and Referral Team

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Multiage Mission Statement, School Day, Visitor Policy Morning Arrival/Dismissal ProceduresMorning Arrival/Dismissal Procedures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Pickup During the Day, Parking, Emergency Closings/Early Dismissals/ Delayed                                 Openings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2     

Transportation, “No More Bullies”, Sunrise/Sunset Program, School Nurse,  Attendance, Emergency Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Absence, Medications, Student Life, "No More Bullies Program,"  Community Service . . . . . . . . .4

 Community Meetings, School Pictures, Birthdays, Lost and Found, Fire Drills, Crisis Management Plan, Breakfast Option, Lunch and Recess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  

 Lunch and Recess cond’t. Home and School Association (HSA),  Meetings and Membership, Student Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .6  

 Volunteering, Room Parents, Cultural Arts, Clubs,  Advisory Team, Support Services, Reading Recovery, PAR    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  

ESL (English as a Second Language), Intervention and Referral Team, Counselor, Child Study Team    (CST), Speech, Communication of Information from School to Home   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  

Complaint Process, Student Records, Student Progress Reports, Homework Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

 Homework Policy, Instructional Program, Special Area Subjects,  Gifted and Talented Program  . .10

Quest, Classroom Enrichment, School-wide Enrichment, Internet Use, Code of Conduct . . . . . . . . 11

Discipline Consequences  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

 Dress Code, School Colors, Bus Conduct, Field Trips  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  

APPENDIX:

*THE THREE R’S

Regular Day, Early dismissal, Delayed Opening Schedules

Normandy Park Staff Roster

Lunch Schedules

Driveway Map

Normandy Park Floor Plan

Normandy Park Citizenship Form

*Bus Rules (NO MORE BULLIES)

Bus Conduct Form

Bus Rules

Absences and Excuses

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Forward: This handbook was developed to provide you with a general reference guide of important school information.  Please feel free to contact the office or your child’s teacher with any specific questions.  We value our parent/school partnership and believe it is the key to school success.  We welcome your ideas and input.

Multiage Mission Statement: Children at Normandy Park School progress along a continuum in a child-centered, developmentally appropriate environment where individual learning styles and creative talents are respected and celebrated.  The school community promotes academic excellence by empowering each child to set and achieve high standards, develop problem solving skills, make responsible decisions, and become lifelong learners.

The School Day:  School hours are 8:55 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.  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.   Our monthly calendar notes this A-F schedule.

Four-hour Sessions:  When there is a scheduled early dismissal, the day is required by law to be at least four hours and twenty minutes long.  All specials and lunch periods are 30 minutes.  All students will have eaten lunch before dismissal at 1:15 p.m.

Visitor Policy:  Our primary concern is the safety of our students, staff, and volunteers.  All doors will be locked after 9:00 a.m.

Visitors to the school:  All school visitors (including parents) must sign in at the main office, indicating date, time in, and location of visit.  A visitor’s tag must be worn at all times.  At the conclusion of each visit, visitors should sign out.  Visitors may use the front or back parking lot.

Morning Arrival Procedure:  Staff members are present as your child gets off the bus or arrives by car.  Students cannot be supervised before the buses begin unloading.  You may not drop your child off prior to 8:40 a.m.  If you are driving your child to school, please drive to the back of the building.  If you are parking, please park in the back of the building using the designated lines.  Do not park in the drop off path.  (Please refer to driveway map).  Any student arriving after 8:55 a.m. must go to the nurse’s office and obtain a late slip before going to class.

Dismissal Procedures:  Most of the children at Normandy Park School 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.  For your convenience, our Home and School Association provides printed blue pads.

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At dismissal, bus numbers will be announced over the PA system.  Students being picked up must be signed out in the multi-purpose room near the office.  Staff members on duty will have an office-verified list of student pickups.  This provides us

with a written record indicating with whom a child has left the building.  Children will meet parents or guardians in the cafeteria.  Parents arenot permitted to pick up children from the classrooms.  Sunset Program students will report to the cafeteria.

These rules are for the safety of all children.

Pick-Up During Day:  If 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.

Parking:  Parents and visitors to the school may park in the back or front parking lot.  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.  Part of the front parking lot is used during recess 11:20-1:20.  We request that parents avoid driving around the front circle during these hours.

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 please call the school and listen to the voice mail, check www.morrisschooldistrict.org or tune in to FOX TV (channel 5).  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 (1:15).  Room parents will do their best to contact you by telephone, either at home or at work.  Our office lines are usually very busy on these days, but voice mail will record any message you leave.  Please be sure to notify the office as soon as possible of any changes that occur in the numbers you provide on the emergency card in September.

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 any empty house.  Please discuss with your children whether they should go to a neighbor’s house or 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

If a decision is made to delay the opening of school:

• Bus pick-ups will begin approximately 90 minutes later than normal.
• School will dismiss at the regular time.

            If you are unsure of the starting time of school, calling the school’s main number (973-889-7960) or the district’s main number (973-292-2300) will provide a recorded message regarding school hours.

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Transportation:  Most of the children at Normandy Park School 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.  There is no changing of busesto ride to a friend’shome.  The transportation office sends home an information packet outlining rules and regulations.  Each parent/guardian is asked to discuss the information with your child and to sign the agreement at the back of the packet.

“No More Bullies”:  Our school has developed bus rules that are posted in each bus.  Bus conduct forms are sent home to inform parents of any problems.  Three notices warrant a 3 day suspension from the bus.

Sunrise/Sunset:  Sunrise/Sunset provides a safe, supportive, supervised environment for children 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.  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 973-889-7960 ext 6152:  The school nurse is present during school hours to provide care for illnesses or accidents, health screening, and maintain health records.

Attendance:  A pupil must be in attendance for 164 or more days in order to be considered to have successfully completed the instructional program for his or her grade.  Warnings are sent home reminding parents/guardians of this requirement when a child has missed 8, 16, and 25 days in a school year.  A waiver of these requirements may be granted for good cause by the principal upon the recommendation of a review committee.  The review committee shall consider the causes of all absences.  Documentation shall be the responsibility of the parent or guardian.  A student may receive a PERFECT ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE on the last day of school, providing they were never tardy.

Emergency Phone Numbers:  At the beginning of school, you will receive an emergency card to be filled out and brought to school by your child.  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 State of New Jersey also requests your child’s social security number on this form.  The information you give should be updated whenever there are changes.

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Student Records

During the course of the year Alexander Hamilton School encounters situations that may necessitate the disclosure of student directory information (e.g. names, addresses, phone numbers, participation in activities/clubs/athletics, awards received) to outside sources.  This information will be disclosed unless a parent/guardian decides to opt-out by notifying the school in writing that they do not want this information disclosed without their prior consent.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to submit this request to the school by September 30th of each academic year.

Absence:  If a child is going to be absent of late, the parent of guardian should call the nurse (973-889-7960 ext 6152) 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 the start of school (8:55) must go to the nurse’s office and obtain a late slip before going to class.

A child should be keep out of school if he/she has a fever over 100 degrees.  Fever should be under 100 degrees for 24 hours before a child returns to school. 

Children should be kept at home if there is evidence of a contagious disease such as chicken pox, or strep throat.  A child with strep throat may return to school after being on medication for 24 hours.  A doctor’s note must be sent after surgery or injury to advise whether any restrictions must be place 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.

Medications:  If your child requires medication during the school day, the following is necessary:

• Prescription and non prescription medications require a note from the physician.  It should list the diagnosis, name and dosage of the drug, and the time(s) to be given.  The parent or guardian must also give written permission.
• All medication must be in an original, labeled container or package.

Student Life:  There are many aspects of student life at Normandy Park School that go beyond academic and special area instruction.

“No More Bullies” Program:  Each year the Home and School Association funds a program that continues to teach children, parents, and staff how to deal with bullying issues.  The school community is committed to a “bully free” school environment where children feel safe on the bus and in school.  Students also learn positive ways to respond to and resolve conflicts with peers.  Senior peer mediators trained by the guidance counselor are available to help students to resolve conflicts and to model the process during whole school community meetings.  “Say It Safely” forms are available for intermediate and senior students to anonymously report bus and school problems.

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Community Service Projects:  Our senior fifth graders select a service project to work on during the school year.  They fill out job application indicating their first and second choices and commit time to the Normandy Park community.  A staff advisor meets with each group to provide guidelines.  Some service projects include “Buddies” for math, reading, and computers, libraryassistants, news reporters,audio visual aides, peer mediators, office couriers, safety patrol, and environmentalists.

Community Meetings:  At the end of each month our school community meets in the multi-purpose room to discuss upcoming events, celebrate classroom happenings and review conflict resolution strategies and share ideas.

School Pictures:  Photos are taken in September.  Check the district calendar for the specific date.

Birthdays:  We announce students birthdays each day during the Normandy Park News.  If a child’s birthday is on a holiday or weekend, it is usually announced on Friday.  The students come to the office for a Birthday Button and a bookmark.  Summer birthdays are announced in June before school closes.

Lost and Found:  Please mark valuable garments with your child’s name.  A “lost and found” area is maintained in the nurse’s office, where students and parents can look through items to locate things they have lost.  Found items are maintained for one marking period only, and then are donated to the Morris Shelter.

Fire Drills:  Fire drills are held 2 times each month, as required by law.  We practice each month.  We also practice each of the codes listed below.

Crisis Management Plan:  The purpose of the Crisis Management Plan is to provide a consistent, district-wide approach to emergencies.

• Code Red is an in class sheltering or “lockdown” approach to protect students from an outside intruder.
• Code Green is a building evacuation.  For example, a power outage expected to last several hours, students and staff would be brought to Woodland School.  The Morris Museum is another safe area location for Normandy Park School.  Parents will be notified by our HSA emergency phone chain if and evacuation takes place.
• Code Yellow is for severe weather related conditions or outside threats such as an explosion.  Children will move the hallway or gym, away from windows.

Breakfast Option:  will be available soon.  See notification coming home via backpack mail as to details and when the program begins.

Lunch and Recess (see schedule at the end of handbook) Lunch periods are 40 minutes in length, with approximately 20 minutes each for eating and outside play.  Lunchroom aides supervise and assist the students in both settings.

Lunch Tickets: These are valid all year and do not have specific dates for use.  Five-day and one-day tickets are available for purchase.  Milk and dessert (usually fruit) are included in the price.  Please check the district lunch calendars which are sent home monthly for prices and menu selections.  All students may buy milk separately.

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Vouchers: If your child forgets lunch or lunch money, a meal voucher is provided.  A note will be sent home for your child to return the amount borrowed the next school day.

Free/Reduced Lunch: At the beginning of each year an application will be sent home for the free/reduced lunch program.  Everyone must fill out the necessary section(s) of the form and return it to school with your child as soon as possible.

Lunch Visits: Parents may join their child for lunch anytime.  Please verify your child’s schedule for that day.  Parents may order a lunch be calling the kitchen (973-889-7960 ext 6138 before 9:30 a.m.  Please be sure to sign in at the office and pick up a visitor’s badge.

Recess: The primary playground is located at the back of the building.  The intermediate and senior playground is adjacent to the front parking lot.  Aides supervise this period to ensure that the children have a safe and comfortable playtime.  Intermediate and senior classes are engaged in a midday fitness program organized by the Physical Education teacher and aides.  Teaching assistants in the primary classes and the aides supervise play activities during recess.

In inclement weather, students have in-class recess or midday fitness in the gym.  No toys or games from home should be brought to school.  No students may use cell phones in school.

Home and School Association (H.S.A.)

The H.S.A. is the school’s volunteer organization, made up of parents, guardian, and teachers.  Its purpose is to promote the welfare of children in the home, school, and community.  Through fundraisers and many volunteers, the H.S.A. is able to bring extra social and enrichment activities to the school.

In addition, the H.S.A. supports the staff and teachers of the school in various ways, such as special luncheons, library work, and organizing volunteers as needed.  There is also and opportunity for parents to become involved in the school’s Advisory Committee.

Meetings: The H.S.A. meets monthly.  Meetings alternate between mornings at 9:30 a.m. and evenings at 7:30 p.m.  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 are able to vote on issues at H.S.A. meetings and are entitled to the student directory.  However, Membership is not necessary in order to attend meetings or volunteer.

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Student Directory: The H.S.A. compiles and prints a student directory each fall.  Inclusion in the directory is optional.

Volunteering: Volunteer opportunities are numerous and frequent.

• Through the H.S.A.: Notices are sent home often seeking assistance with various projects.  Please contact the H.S.A. volunteer coordinator to learn how you can help.
• Directly through teachers: Volunteers are often needed by specific teachers for their classrooms.  Teachers have different needs and will make their own arrangements for help.  The H.S.A. encourages you to
• respond to individual teachers’ request and to get as involved in the life of the school as possible.

Room Parents: The organization of room parents is done through the H.S.A.  Duties include planning class parties and making phone calls when there are early school dismissals.  Functions vary by class and teacher.

Cultural Arts: The cultural arts program at Normandy Park School is run by a committee of the H.S.A.  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.  Parents are notified in advance and are invited to attend if seating is available.  These programs are financed by the H.S.A. and, occasionally, through special grants from the Morris Educational Foundation.

Clubs:The H.S.A. sponsors after school “clubs” that are open to students (Grades 2-5) for a nominal fee.  These activities are supervised by teachers and meet once each week for approximately one hour in the spring.

Advisory Team: An Advisory Team, comprised of parents and teachers, meets each month to plan annual events such as the Parent Math Night, Summer Reading Program and address agenda items submitted by staff and parents.  We are always looking for ways to improve our school.  Agenda items are available to all parents through the office and in the “Multiage Express” publications. 

Support Services

Classroom teachers provide extra help and individual attention for all students, but sometimes students encounter more complex problems with various aspects of school life.  Academic difficulties as well as social and behavioral problems are addressed through a range of support programs and services.

Reading Recovery: This is a targeted reading program for identified “at risk” first graders.  As an early intervention program, children are taught in a one on one

setting or in small literacy groups.

Preventive and Remedial (PAR): Pupils who need a regular program of extra help in specific skill areas receive basic skills instruction from a designated teacher.  Eligibility for this service is determined by standardized test scores and teacher recommendations.  The district also provides a summer basic skills program.

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English as a Second Language (ESL): Students who are not native speakers of English receive language instruction and basic skills instruction from a teacher who is especially trained.  This program is designed to meet individual students’ needs and move students into the English-speaking mainstream as rapidly and comfortably as possible.  The district provides a summer ESL program.

Intervention and Referral Team

This team meets twice a month and is comprised of the principal, classroom teacher, counselor, a resource room teacher, a basic skills teacher, and a reading recovery teacher.  A teacher and/or parent may request a meeting with the team to discuss strategies for children having academic, social, or behavioral difficulties.  Parents are invited to attend and are participants in the development of an “Intervention Plan” to assist the teacher and parents in meeting the needs of the child.  The plan includes a follow up date to asses its effectiveness.  When there is a concern that a student may have a disability interfering with school performance, the I & RT and/or parent may request an evaluation by the Child Study Team.

Counselor: We have a half time elementary counselor/school psychologist.  The counselor may be reached by contacting the main office of the school.

Child Study Team (CST): The CST consists of a school psychologist, a learning disabilities teacher-consultant, and a school social worker.  Each contributes to the process of identifying students with disabilities learning.

Speech: Students who are eligible for Speech and Language Services receive speech therapy during the school day.  Teachers or parents with a concern about a student’s speech or language development should request a review by the I&R Team.

Communication of Information from School to Home:  Please read and save the District Calendar.  It contains important information, district phone numbers, and dates of events for all the district’s schools.  The calendars are mailed in late August to all Morristown and Morris Township residents who have children registered for school.

At Normandy Park School, most information travels home by way of “backpack mail.”  Our usual message day is Wednesday, but urgent items may be sent on other days.  At times you will receive information from the teacher, principal, school nurse, H.S.A., and our monthly newsletter, The Multiage Express.  Much of this information is timely and you should respond as soon as possible.  The Multiage Message, is distributed five times each year and includes classroom news and HSA news.  School news will be on blue paper, H.S.A. news on yellow paper.

Most things that have been sent home, as well as other current information, are posted on the bulletin board outside of the office and on our website. (www.normandyparkschool.org)

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Complaint Process:  The procedure for dealing with a complaint is as follows:

Parent should:                                                                      With:

1. Discuss the issue in person or by phone            Staff member

            when concern arises.

      2.  Discuss issue in person or by phone;                       Principal

            expect timetable for action

      3.  Document issues in writing; request                      Assistant Superintendent

            response within 5 days after conference

      4.   Discuss in person; expect written response            Superintendent

            within 10 days after meeting

      5.  Appeal Superintendents recommendation; Board of Education

            expect written decision within 30 days

The goal of this process should be to find resolution of the problems as early in the process as possible.

If at any time during the process a parent/guardian has reason to believe that an action has been taken against a child as a consequence of a complaint, the parent/guardian shall immediately refer the matter to the principal.

Cases of suspected illegal, immoral, or unethical behaviors should be brought to the immediate attention of the supervisor in charge of the employee or program.

Student Records:  You 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 Progress:  The elementary calendar includes two reporting periods.  At the end of the first and third periods, teachers meet with parents in a conference format that sometimes includes the student as well.  At these conferences, a portfolio of student work is shared.  At the end of the second and fourth periods, report cards are issued.  Parents are urged to arranged for an informal conference or contact the teacher by phone at any time they feel a need to discuss concerns.

Homework Policy:  The Morris School District Board of Education has established the following grade level guidelines for homework:

            Primary students (K/1)

Intermediate/Senior students (Grades 2-5)

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

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child.  One option used is a “Tic TacToe” menu of purposeful homework choices that top the multiple intelligences.  Assignment folders are used to organize homework activities. All children are encouraged to read a minimum of 30 minutes each night.  This is a school commitment.  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 you may request homework when you call to report the absence (before 9:00 a.m.).  Assignments can be picked up in the office at the end of the school day.  Please check with your child’s teacher for specifics regarding homework expectations.

Instructional Program:  The instructional program at Normandy Park 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 Core Curriculum content Standards adopted by the State of New Jersey.  A copy of the district K-12 Curriculum and the Core Curriculum Content Standards are in the library for parental review.

“The Basics”: Skill development in reading, writing, and spelling are fostered through an integrated program that used high quality children’s literature as a foundation.  Students have many different kinds of reading and writing experiences, all focused on developing proficiency in the context of a lifelong appreciation for reading.  Students read aloud, read silently, and are read to, all he while experiencing teaching and reinforcement of spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and interactive problems-solving skills.

Mathematics instruction is provided using Everyday Mathematics materials developed at the University of Chicago.  This is “hands on” exploratory approach that follows the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. 

Calculators are used to enhance problem solving.

If you have questions about your child’s academic program, do not hesitate to call the teacher or principal to discuss them.

Interdisciplinary thematic units integrate the language arts, science and social studies curricula and learning center.

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

Gifted and Talented Programming:  The 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.

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Quest: This program identifies the top one to five percent of our district’s grades 3-5 student population, who demonstrate “general intellectual talent, a wide range of general information and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract word knowledge, and abstract reasoning.”  Children are screened using multiple criteria that are recorded on a matrix.  Self, peer, parent and teacher nominations, Terra Nova test scores, TCS2 (Cognitive Ability Test scores, grades 2 & 5), portfolio assessments in reading, writing, and math, and a Culture Fair intelligence test score are critical components of the identification process.  A district committee determines final student selections.  Selected students work with the teacher of the gifted and talented in an intensive pull-out program that goes beyond the scope of the regular curriculum.

Classroom Enrichment:  Teachers offer differentiated opportunities of study through integrated, interdisciplinary thematic units of study that extend and enrich the district curriculum.  Problem/project based activities are incorporated into each thematic unit as well opportunities for independent study.

School-wide Enrichment:  All students in grades 2-5 select an enrichment unit that is presented by classroom and special area teachers.  Students select choices from a brochure of topics and meet once a week for an hour.

Library/Media Center: The library media center is the center of learning resources for the students and teachers.  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 the 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 Use: Access to the Internet is one of the tools students are able to use in order to extend and enrich the education 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.

Code of Conduct:  A group of parents and staff members, working together, have formulated the following code for use by all members of our community:

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Consequences: Discipline-Our Code of Conduct helps to establish a peaceable 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 school 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 “Good Citizenship Communication Form,” and send the child to the office.  After a conference with the child, the principal will note the resulting consequences on the form and send a copy to the parent to be signed and returned.  A phone call may also be made to the parent.

Our parents are partners in the process.  Each child’s circumstances are different and each situation is reviewed carefully to determine what is best and fair for each child.  If the problem persists, discussion by the IRT committee is in order, in consultation with the school counselor and parent or guardian.  This group will develop a plan of action together.

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.
2. In-school suspension for half a day or a full day.  The student is required to complete all classroom assignments outside the classroom environment.  Parents are notified immediately of this action.
3. Out-of-school suspension according to Board of Education policy.  Students may be suspended for one, two, or three days, depending on the seriousness of their action.  Parents are notified immediately and must accompany the child to school for a conference with the principal at the end of the suspension period. 

Suspension is used to protect all members of the school community for unacceptable behavior.  The following are examples of behavior that could lead to an in- or out-of school suspension, according to Board of Education policy:

• Fighting
• Damaging school property
• Behavior that is dangerous to self or others
• Refusing the directions of a staff member
• Inappropriate language
• Disrespect to a staff member

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Dress Code:  Students are expected to dress in a manner that is neat and clean.  Clothing should not be hazardous to the health and safety of the student or others, nor should it disrupt the educational program.  Hats are not to be worn in the building.  Sneakers are required for physical education and are suggested for midday fitness every day for grades 2-5.  Abbreviated clothing or clothing that is decorated with inappropriate language or images are not permitted. Clogs, backless shoes and flip flops are not safe for physical education classes or midday physical fitness activities. Students are encouraged to leave an extra pair of sneakers in school.  Please put their name on them.  The school reserves the right to ask students to change inappropriate clothing.

School Colors:  The Normandy Park school colors are blue and gold.  They should be worn every Friday whenever possible.  Fridays are “School Spirit” days.

Bus Conduct:  (see forms at end of handbook) 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 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.  After twowarnings, you child will be suspendedfromthe bus for a 3 day period.  You will need to provide transportation to and from school The Transportation Department can be reached at 973-292-2066.

Field Trips

Field trips are an important addition to extend and enrich the curriculum and are often tied directly to a thematic unit.  Occasionally, a fee is requested to defray the cost, total fees not to extend beyond $20.00 per year.  A permission slip is always required.  All precautions for safety and health are taken.  Most trips require a parent or two to accompany the class.  The room parents and classroom teachers seek volunteers throughout the year to help chaperone these trips.  Consider joining your child’s class for these unique and rewarding experiences.

The Three Rs of

Normandy Park School

Citizenship

At Normandy Park School we . . . . . .

RESPECT OTHERS BY

• Listening courteously
• Speaking politely, truthfully and not gossiping
• Honoring personal space [Keep your body on your body.]
• Following “If it is not yours, don’t touch.”
• Being willing to help others
• Walking and using inside voices in the school building
• Celebrating differences

SHOW RESPONSIBILITY BY

• Following directions
• Doing our best work
• Keeping personal and school property neat and clean
• Using school equipment and property safely
• Being part of a caring majority when one is needed
• Owning our choices

VALUE OUR RIGHT TO

• Be listened to respectfully
• Be spoken to respectfully
• Not be gossiped about
• Have our own personal space
• Have our belongings treated with consideration
• Learn and play in a clean, safe environment
• To be proud of our work

As Normandy Park School Students

We Believe…..

EVERYONE DESERVES TO HAVE SAFE BODIES AND FEELINGS!

As responsible bus riders we will …

• Respect everyone’s personal space and property.
• Stay in our seats at all times.
• Wear our seat belts and keep our bodies in the bus.
• Use inside voices, no singing.
• Respect everyone on the bus.  Remember the 3 R’s of Normandy Park Citizenship.
• Respect the bus driver’s decisions.
• Eat food at home or at school, not on the bus.
• Keep all toys, sports equipment and cell phones at home.
• Establish a “caring majority” at school if someone makes a mean mistake on the bus.
• Use a “say it safely” form to report a problem.

3 STRIKE RULE MEANS SUSPENSION FROM THE BUS.

We all must work together to have our bodies and feelings safe.

NO MORE BULLIES!