Mannington Township School

495 Route 45

Salem, NJ  08079

(856) 935-1078

FAX (856-935-3747

 

Welcome to the Mannington Township School District!

 

Our elementary school offers full-day programs for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as a complete range of visual and performing arts classes, world language instruction, hands-on math, science and technology.  We have numerous extra-curricular activities, which are supported and funded by Together In Education at Mannington (T.E.A.M.), our parent-teacher association, and MAPSA, the community alliance partnership.

 

Mannington Township accepts both resident and tuition students.  It’s seasoned instructional and support staff, parent and community volunteers, offer a warm, welcoming environment where children feel both cherished and empowered to succeed.  The district is committed to ensuring that all children receive instruction geared to their individual needs, in an atmosphere free from disruption.  Respect for self and others is the foundation of our character education program.

 

We invite you to join us in maintaining the high degree of pride and sense of achievement attained by Mannington.  You have now become a part of our heritage.  Please take some time to read and discuss the information in this handbook with your child, particularly our revised Discipline guidelines and essential school policies.

 

Administrative Personnel

 

Loren Thomas Ed.D – Superintendent

Mr. John Swain -  Principal

Mrs. Donna Dolbow – School Business Administrator – Ext. 14

Mrs. Linda Pompper – Superintendent’s Secretary – Ext. 11

Mrs. Judi Kerr – School Secretary – Ext. 10

Mrs. Gina Abbott – Board Office Secretary – Ext. 13

 

School Board Members

 

Mrs. Patricia Skwirut – President

Mr. Donald Richman – Vice-President

Mrs. Casey Maxwell

Mrs. Melissa Ecret

Ms. Carmen Porter

Mrs. Melanie Richman

Mrs. Jennifer VanDover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching Staff

 

PreKindergarten – Mrs. Elaine Cooke, Ext. 37

Kindergarten – Mrs. Elizabeth Carullo, Ext. 36

Grade 1 – Mrs. Kim Giova, Ext. 33

Grade 2 – Mrs. Kim Richman, Ext. 31

Grade 3 – Mrs. Kim Beato, Ext. 28

Grade 4 – Mrs. Lisa Ridgway-Stiles, Ext. 24

Grade 5 – Mrs. Jody Viereck, Ext. 23

Grade 6/Middle School Science/Social Studies – Ms. Nancy Anderson, Ext. 18

Grade 7/Middle School Mathematics/Algebra I – Mrs. Margaret Dyer, Ext. 20

Grade 8/Middle School Language/Literacy –  Mrs. Lori Bobbitt, Ext. 19

PK-8 Art/Technology – Mrs. Heather Sakewicz-Frank, Ext. 35

PK-8 Physical Education – Mr. William Ingram, Ext 30

PK-8 Music – Mrs. Patricia Allen, Ext. 26

K-8 ASI Instruction - Mrs. Casey Foote, Ext. 32

Speech/Language Specialist – Contracted Service, Ext. 22

Resource Center/In-class Support – Mrs. Sharon Kellum, Ext. 29

Resource Center/In-class Support – Mrs. Kathy Livingstone, Ext. 21

Child Study Team Coordinator – Contracted Service, Ext. 22

Counselor – Contracted Service, Ext. 22

 

 

Support Staff

 

Instructional Assistants:        Mrs. Dorothy Breslin, Ext. 28

                                                Mrs. Vivian Cleveland, Ext. 21

                                                Mrs. Linda Harwood, Ext. 29

                                                Mrs. Neila Klinedinst, Ext. 37

 

Cafeteria Manager – Mrs. Alecia Bass, Ext. 34

Cafeteria Assistant – Mrs. Lila Coley, Ext. 34

Maintenance Supervisior – Mr. Martin Lillya, Ext. 17

Custodian – Mr. Robert Burden, Ext. 17

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The Mannington Township Board of Education is committed to provide a system of education which facilitates the development of the potential of every student.  The Mannington Township Board of Education offers equal education opportunities in accordance with the student’s abilities and needs, consistent with available resources.

This mission statement enables Mannington Township School District to not only meet, but exceed the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards established by the State of New Jersey for all schools. 

 

 

 

 

 

Emergency Closing Information

Mannington Township School

 

All emergency closings (due to inclement weather or other unexpected event) will be reported in the following manner:

 

  • ABC/Channel 6
  • NBC/Channel 10
  • Mannington Connect-Ed

 

In the event of an early closing, we will contact each family through our Connect-ED automated calling system.  When inclement weather is expected, you must check with the television stations listed above, or on the school website.  Be sure to provide alternative arrangements for your child’s supervision in the event of an early dismissal.

 

Delayed School Openings

 

Occasionally, school opening may be delayed by 1-2 hours.  Children cannot be dropped off at the school earlier than the delayed opening time, because staff will not be present to supervise them.

 

Emergency Evacuation

 

As you may know, a portion of this county could be affected in the event of a problem at the Artificial Island Nuclear Generating Station.  While it is highly unlikely that a plant condition could warrant protective actions, it is wise that our residents be trained and prepared.  The state, county, and township have combined resources to prepare a detailed plan for any emergency.  This notification is part of a public education program to acquaint you with situations that may affect your children while in school.

 

In the event of an emergency, the first action may be in-place protection/sheltering, which means that students would remain indoors to reduce or eliminate exposure to radiation.  If the plant condition continues, long before the public is in danger, an evacuation will be ordered.  Specific plans have been developed for transportation, routes, and drivers to remove school children to a safe location.  Mannington Township School students will be transferred to Assembly of God Church on Route 45, or to Woodstown High School (unless conditions warrant another location), where they will be registered and cared for until parents arrive.  Please listen to the stations listed above for specific information and directions.

 

Emergency Lockdown

 

 

The Mannington Township School has an Emergency Lockdown procedure in effect that requires students to follow particular steps and guidelines to prevent intruders from gaining access to their classrooms.  Recent legislation in the State of New Jersey requires schools to practice their emergency lockdown and evacuation procedures on a monthly basis in the same manner as they practice fire drills.  Mannington Township School will ensure the safety and welfare of their students by practicing all emergency procedures as required by law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marking Periods – 2010-2011

 

Marking Period

 

Beginning Date

Ending Date

Report Cards Sent Home

1

September 7, 2010

November 3, 2010

November 22, 2010

2

November 9, 2010

January 21, 2011

February 2, 2011

3

January 24, 2011

March 31, 2011

April 19, 2011

4

April 1, 2011

June 7, 2011

June 14, 2011

 

Conferences are scheduled in November and April.  Parents requesting a conference at other times are asked to call the office to arrange a date and time.

 

High Honors and Honor Roll

 

High Honor Roll

 

·         No grade lower than an “A” in any major subject area

·         No grade lower than a Satisfactory in any special subject area

 

Honor Roll

 

·         No grade lower than a “B” in any major subject area

·         No grade lower than a Satisfactory in any special subject area

 

Special areas are considered as:  Art, Music, Physical Education, Library, Health and Computer Education.

 

Students who qualify for honors will have their names posted near the office and sent to the Salem Sunbeam.  They will also receive a letter of commendation.  High Honors recipients will receive a special certificate.  Students receiving Honor Roll status all 4 marking periods will receive special recognition.

 

T.E.A.M. Awards

 

·         Citizenship Award-

o        Marked improvement in behavior

o        Special act of kindness to a peer

o        Extraordinary act done on behalf of the school (volunteer work, etc.)

 

Students will be nominated for these awards by staff members, and will receive a letter of commendation.  They will also receive recognition at our end-of-the-year awards assembly.

 

 

 

Promotion/Retention

 

Children grow and learn at different rates, making it important to place them in the educational setting most appropriate to their needs.  Decisions regarding grade placement should involve the child’s teachers and parents, but the final decision will rest with the Superintendent.

 

Each homeroom teacher will review student report cards at the end of the third marking period, to determine whether any pupil is in danger of failing two or more subjects.  Parents will be notified by mail that failure to improve in these subject areas could result in a retention in the current grade level.  Conferences will be held with parents and teachers of any student still in danger of retention at the end of the fourth marking period.

 

 

Pupil Records

 

Cumulative school records are kept in the main office, and may be viewed by parents upon request.  Please contact the office to arrange a time.

 

The following information is contained in individual student files:

  • Emergency information
  • A copy of the birth certificate
  • Report cards
  • Deficiency reports
  • Standardized test results
  • Stat test results
  • Retention letters
  • Letters of commendation
  • High Honors/Honor Roll letters
  • Disciplinary/letters and reports
  • Records from any schools previously attended

 

Confidential files are maintained in the CST Office for students receiving special education or speech/language services.  These files may contain:

  • Referral information
  • Requests for evaluation
  • Evaluation, eligibility, and IEP conference reports
  • Individual assessments (Learning, Psychological, Social, Audiological, etc.)
  • Health information
  • Correspondence
  • Assessment protocols

 

Health files are maintained in the school Health Office, including:

  • Height and weight checks
  • Dental, vision, and hearing screenings
  • Correspondence
  • Pertinent physical examination reports

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attendance

 

Pupils are required to attend school each day.  In order for us to provide a thorough and efficient education the complete cooperation of parents and students is required.  A student may be excused for sickness, death in the family, and recognized religious holidays.  Written excuses are required upon return to school, including date of absence, reason, and parent/guardian’s signature.  Students are expected to make up all work that has been missed.

 

If a child is going to be late or absent, please call the office no later than 8:15 a.m. so that we know your child is safe.  If a student needs to be released prior to regular dismissal time, please notify the homeroom teacher and office in writing.

 

Frequent absence or tardiness of students disrupts the continuity of instruction and limits students’ ability to complete the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards successfully.  Students must be in attendance at least 90% of the time in order to be considered to have successfully completed the instructional program requirements.  The annual school calendar is usually approved in the spring of the prior year, to allow families to plan vacations that coincide with scheduled days off from school.

 

School Hours

 

Student hours are from 8:10 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. on full days, and from 8:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on half days.  Students should not arrive earlier than 8:00 a.m., as school personnel will not be available to supervise them.  Since our buses typically arrive between 8:00 and 8:10 a.m., please be careful if dropping students off during that time.  Be sure that your child gains access to the building before leaving.  Students should be dropped off near the cafeteria entrance prior to 8:10.  After 8:10, they must be signed in at the main office.  Students arriving after 8:10 will be considered tardy and must have a note from the office before being admitted to class.

 

Sign-In/Sign-Out Procedures

 

In order to maintain security for all children at the school, parents/guardians are required to sign students in and out in the main office.  When picking students up in the afternoon, please sign out in the office and then wait in the library.  Those students who are picked up will be dismissed from their classrooms after the buses have left school premises.

 

Entrance to school premises will be the driveway at the northern end of the school (parking lot area).  Everyone must exit at the southern end of the school, by Mannington Town Hall.

 

 

 

 

 

Registration for Pre-Kindergarten and New Students

 

Children who will be four years of age on or before October 1 will be eligible for inclusion in our district’s full-day pre-kindergarten program.  Registration and a brief screening are usually scheduled for late spring.

 

Entrance requirements for all students are as follows:

·        Proof of age – validated through a legal birth certificate

·        Required immunizations.  The Mantoux (tuberculin testing) is required if out of state

·        Transfer card if child is transferring from another district

 

·        Proof of Residency – sufficient evidence that parents or guardians reside in Mannington Township must be presented at the time of registration.

 

If the child and parents are living with another family in Mannington Township, a letter from the owner/landlord verifying residency of the family must be presented.  If the child is living with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, an affidavit must be completed in the Superintendent’s office.  A visit by school officials may be necessary to verify residency.

 

All registrations may be completed by contacting Mrs. Pompper in the school office.

 

 

 

 

Transfers and Withdrawals

 

The following procedures will be used when transferring or withdrawing students:

 

1.      Parents should notify the school at least five days in advance before

transferring or withdrawing a student.  Parents should come to the main office with information regarding the withdrawal date, new address, and the name of the new school if known.  The parent must be present to sign the transfer card.

2.      All textbooks, library books, and other school property must be returned.

3.      Cafeteria and library fees must be paid before the student leaves.

 

Visitors

 

Parents and visitors are welcome at school, but in order to minimize classroom disruptions, all parents/visitors are asked to report to the main office when arriving at the school.    If you have an important message or something to deliver to your child during the day, please leave it with the school secretary, so that learning disruptions are kept to a minimum.

 

Volunteers

 

Volunteers are a vital part of the school.  Any amount of time that a parent/guardian/adult community member can volunteer is greatly appreciated.  Among the many services which volunteers can provide are assisting teachers with classroom activities, working in the library, helping with fundraising, and chaperoning class trips.  Room parents will be needed for each classroom to help organize class parties, and assist with other special events.

 

Cafeteria Procedures

 

Mannington Township School offers both breakfast and lunch each day.  Menus and specific information will be sent home with your child in September.

 

In addition to meals, the cafeteria offers a variety of healthy snack foods.  Children are encouraged to finish their meals before purchasing their snacks.

 

Occasionally, a child may misplace his lunch money and need to charge lunch for the day.  Parents are expected to pay for the charge on the following school day.  If too many charges accrue, only a simplified lunch (such as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich) can be offered until the charge is paid.  Parents will be notified about outstanding charges.

All school lunch prices will be made available to staff, students and parents prior to school starting in September, and will also be available on the school website.

 

 

Student Attire

 

In order to maintain high academic, social, and personal standards, students are expected to wear appropriate school attire.  During the school day, and at any school-related functions, students should choose clothing, styles, and accessories which are not disruptive to the learning environment, do not pose a health or safety risk, and are neat, clean, and decent.  Students dressing in a manner contrary to the above will be referred to the office; parents may be contacted to bring in suitable attire for their child.  Minimum standards shall take into account, cleanliness, neatness, health, and the following:

 

  • Bare midriffs and tank tops are inappropriate
  • Clothing with inappropriate pictures and/or print is not permissible
  • Headgear and sunglasses should not be worn indoors
  • No short shorts.  Appropriate length would be no shorter than mid-thigh.
  • Shoes and sandals should be securely fastened, with appropriate straps.  Flip-flops, slings, and high-heeled shoes pose a safety risk and are not permissible
  • Sneakers must be worn for physical education classes
  • Oversized clothing which restricts freedom of movement is prohibited

 

Acceptable Use of Internet

 

Mannington Township School is pleased to offer students and staff access to both desktop and laptop computers, as well as access to the Internet.  Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and this use may be revoked at any time.  Parents and students must sign an Internet Use Form each fall, which details rules and expectations for use.

 

The following guidelines will help prevent the loss of network privileges at school:

  1. Do not use a computer to harm other people or their work
  2. Do not damage the computer or network in any way
  3. Do not interfere with the operation of the network by installing illegal software, shareware, or freeware
  4. Do no violate copyright laws
  5. Do not view, send, or display offensive messages or pictures
  6. Do not share your password with another person
  7. Do not waste limited resources such as space or printing capacity
  8. Do not trespass in another person’s folders, files, or other work
  9. Notify an adult immediately if, by accident, you encounter materials which violate the rules of appropriate use
  10. BE PREPARED to be held accountable for your actions and for the loss of privileges if these rules are violated

 

Reference to policy # 6142.10, Acceptable Use of Internet, available for review in the main office or on the school website, www.manningtonschool.org.

 

 

Medication

 

No medication shall be administered to pupils in school except by the school nurse, after all necessary approvals have been secured.  “Medications” include all medicines prescribed by a physician for a particular pupil, including prescription and nonprescription drugs.  Please note that over-the-counter remedies, including cough drops, nasal sprays, creams, etc., are considered medications, and use of these products in school must be prescribed by a physician and monitored by the school nurse.  Inhalers and peak flow meters are also monitored by the nurse.

 

The written order of a physician shall include:  the purpose of the medication; the dosage; the time at which or special circumstances under which medication shall be administered; the length of time the medication is prescribed for; and the possible side effects of the medication.  It must be delivered to the school nurse, in its original container, by the parent/guardian.

 

Guidelines for administering medications in schools state that the school nurse or parent/guardian is the only one permitted to administer medication in the school and/or on field trips.

 

 

Substance Abuse Policy

 

Mannington Township School, its grounds, buses, and other areas where school functions are held, are both drug-free and smoke-free zones.  The use of tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, and illegal and/or dangerous substances is strictly forbidden.  Through our health curriculum and drug prevention programs, students are encouraged to make healthy choices.

 

As per district policy, if any staff member suspects a student may be under the influence of a controlled dangerous subject or other chemical which may cause inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or dulling of the senses, the student must be immediately referred to the nurse and the Superintendent or his/her designee.  Parents/guardians will be contacted to arrange for an immediate examination by the family medical doctor or, if not available, by the school’s medical examiner or an emergency room physician.  A written report must be furnished to the parents and the Superintendent within 24 hours.

 

Reference to policy #5131.6, Substance Abuse, available for review in the main office, or on the school website, www.manningtonschool.org.

 

 

Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying Policy

 

The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying.

A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve. High academic standards; harassment, intimidation or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, are conduct that disrupts both a pupil's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its pupils in a safe environment; and since pupils learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation or bullying.

For the purposes of this policy, "harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any gesture or written, verbal or physical act that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus and that:

Cyber-bullying

 

The Board of Education expressly forbids cyber-bullying. For the purposes of this policy, “cyber-bullying” shall mean using the communication capacities of computers, the Internet and/or other digital communication devices to bully others by:

§         Sending or posting cruel messages or images;

§         Threatening others;

§         Excluding or attempting to exclude others from activities or organizations;

§         Starting or passing on rumors about others or the school system;

§         Harassing or intimidating others;

§         Sending angry, rude or vulgar messages directed at a person or persons privately or to an online group;

§         Sending or posting harmful, untrue or cruel statements about a person to others;

§         Pretending to be someone else and sending or posting material that makes that person look bad or places that person in potential danger;

§         Sending or posting material about a person that contains sensitive, private or embarrassing information, including forwarding private messages or images; and/or,

§         Engaging in tricks to solicit embarrassing information that is then made public.

 

Pupils found to be engaging in activities as describe above shall be subject to the terms and sanctions found in this policy and the discipline code of the district.

 

Reference to policy #5131.9, Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying, available for review in the main office, or on the school website, www.manningtonschool.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paging Devices, Cell Phone and Other Electronic Devices Policy

 

 

Paging Devices

Students are not permitted to possess or use remotely activated paging devices, beepers, walkie-talkies, audio devices or other forms of electronic communication during the school day, at any school-sponsored activity (on or off school property) or while en-route to or from any school function in a district owned, leased or contracted school vehicle.

 

 

Cell Phones

Any student who brings a cell phone to school does so at his/her own risk.  Cell phones may be used before and after school on school sidewalks and grounds but not within school buildings or district owned, leased or contracted school vehicles.  Text messaging is also not permitted.

 

Failure to comply with this policy will subject students to the sanctioned as described in the student discipline code of the district.  In all cases of violation of this policy, the cell phone shall be confiscated by the administration and returned to the parent/guardian.

 

Reference to policy #5129.7, Paging Devices, Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices, available for review in the main office, or the school website, www.manningtonschool.org.

 

 

 

Money

 

Students should not bring money to school in excess of what is required to purchase lunch and/or snacks.  Extra money may be lost or stolen, and should be left home.  If a child needs to bring additional money to school for a special event, it should be placed in an envelope and labeled with the student’s name.

 

Lockers and Desk Searches

 

School lockers, as well as the student and teacher desks, are the property of the school district, which are temporarily assigned for the use of students and staff during the school year.  Should the Superintendent or his/her designee have reasonable suspicion that a locker or desk may contain material inappropriate for school, a search may be authorized.  If inappropriate material is found during an authorized search, the material will be confiscated and labeled with the time, date, and a description of the location where it was found, pending the outcome of the investigation.

 

Student Access

 

All students attending Mannington Township School are provided access to educational programs in a non-discriminating manner.

 

 

 

 

Hazardous Substances/Right to Know Information

 

Pursuant to the Worker and Community Right to Know Act, N.J.S.A. 34:5A-3 et seq., notice is hereby given and all parents/guardians are hereby advised that any construction or other activities involving the use of any hazardous substances will be posted on the bulletin board across from the Health Office.  In addition, hazardous substances may be stored at the school at various times throughout the year, and hazardous substance fact sheets for any of the hazardous substances being used or stored are available at the school.  Asbestos plan information is available by contacting the main office.

 

 

 

Affirmative Action

 

Mannington Township School guarantees to all persons equal access to all educational and employment opportunities, regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, English proficiency, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, marital status, or non-applicable handicap.  Sexual harassment and/or discrimination of employees or students will not be tolerated.  Mannington Township has both an Affirmative Action Officer and an Affirmative Action Plan.  Copies of the plan may be obtained by contacting Mrs. Donna Dolbow in the Board Office at the school.

 

Student Grievances

 

All students shall enjoy the right of seeking redress of individual grievances through appropriate procedures and channels.  Board Policy #5145.6 specifically addresses rights and procedures.

 

 

 

Title I/Remedial Programs

 

Our remedial programs are supported by local, state, and federal funds, and are designed to provide additional instruction and assistance for students who may have difficulty with basic literacy or math skills.  Parents will be notified if their child qualifies for this extra support.  Inclusion in the program is determined annually, based on standardized and state test scores, classroom performance, and teacher recommendation.  Individual student improvement plans will be developed for each child in the program.

 

Intervention and Referral Services Team (I & R S)

 

The Intervention and Referral Services Team is a multidisciplinary group dedicated to fostering a climate of cooperative, collegial effort among administrators, staff, students, parents, and community members to identify and overcome educational barriers.  The I&RS Team is composed of the school nurse, teachers, counselors, and the Child Study Team Coordinator, and meets several times each month to provide support and suggestions to staff members who have concerns with specific pupil learning or behaviors.  Parents will be contacted if their child has been referred to the I&RS Team, and their support and assistance will be solicited in helping to ensure that the child has a more successful school year.

 

Project Child Find

 

Some children are born with or may develop physical and/or mental conditions, which delay their normal growth and development.  These conditions may affect the way a child sees, hears, talks, moves, plays, or learns.  Many of these problems can be helped or completely corrected if parents recognize the problem early and seek help.

 

If your child is an infant or younger than 3 years of age, contact Project Child Find at 1-800-322-8174.

 

If your child is ages 3-21, services are available through the Mannington Township School District.  Please contact our Child Study Team Coordinator or Superintendent for more information.

 

Health/Family Life Curriculum

 

Mannington Township School, in compliance with New Jersey law and the State Core Curriculum Content Standards, provides instruction through its health and family life curriculum, including instruction in HIV prevention.  Our program provides material appropriate for each grade level, with lessons delivered in a manner intended to foster respect for the human body and an understanding of how human relationships affect

personal and family connections.  Our curriculum is available for review by contacting the school office.

 

You, as a parent/guardian, have the right to have your child excused from a lesson if a particular topic is in conflict with your conscience, moral or religious beliefs.  Independent health study will be provided for excused students during these lessons and this work will be evaluated to determine the student’s grades.

 

 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act/Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords  parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect of the student’s educational records.  The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams.  Notification explaining all of these rights will be sent home with students during the first week of school.  Please contact the school office for additional copies.

 

 

Student Conduct

 

Mannington Township School believes that an effective instructional program requires an orderly school environment.  School Board Policy #5131 discusses conduct and discipline issues in depth, and the specific regulations (Discipline Code) are included at the end of this handbook.

 

Some acts of bullying may simply entail one child exercising power and control over another either in isolated incidents (e.g., intimidation, harassment) or patterns of harassing or intimidating behavior (e.g., bullying).  All such acts are strongly discouraged.  Staff and students will be instructed in recognizing the differences between normal conflict and harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

 

Mannington Township School actively supports individual efforts and school-wide programs aimed at preventing acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.  All staff members will receive yearly training in the recognition of differences between normal conflict and harassment, intimidation, and bullying, as well as appropriate responses to each.  Parents will be informed of the district policies and regulations through their inclusion in the student handbook, as well as through evening presentations. 

 

All students, staff members, and parents will be encouraged to report incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying immediately, verbally to the adult in charge, or in writing through the use of a letter or discipline referral form.  The Superintendent and/or Head Teacher will conduct an investigation into the reported incident and determine appropriate consequences, based on the severity of the action and the past record of the offender.

 

Consequences for engaging in harassment, intimidation, and bullying range from teacher intervention, lunch or after school detention with parent notification or a parent conference, through in-school or out-of-school suspensions, up to a hearing before the Board of Education, depending on the context and severity of the incident, as well as past patterns of behavior.  Specific consequences will be listed in the revised discipline code and included in the student handbook.  These consequences will also apply in the case of reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

 

Supports for victims of harassment, intimidation, and bullying include teacher support, in-school counseling, and small

 

 

 

 

Middle School Responsibility System

 

The Middle School Responsibility System was designed to encourage responsible social and academic behavior for our sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students.  The following classroom guidelines are posted in all instructional areas as a reminder.

 

  1. Act appropriately in classrooms and hallways
  2. Show respect for self, peers, and adults
  3. Show respect for school and personal property
  4. Come prepared with needed materials for class
  5. Participate appropriately
  6. Refrain from calling out in class
  7. No inappropriate noises or gestures
  8. No cheating, lying, stealing, or forgery

 

Students are encouraged to follow the guidelines at all times.  Infractions of the guidelines are noted in student agenda books, which must be signed weekly by each parent.  If a student receives an excessive number of infractions in a short period of time, after school detention or in-school suspension may result, as detailed below:

 

  • One after school detention (until 4 p.m.) must be served for
    • 3 infractions in one day
    • 5 infractions in one week
    • 8 infractions in two weeks

 

  • One in school suspension (full day) must be served for

o       10 checks within a calendar month

 

If a student has been assigned a detention or suspension within two weeks of a special event (field trip, music trip, math or science competition), he/she may be excluded from that event.

 

Parents are asked to support the Responsibility System by praising and affirming their child’s responsible behaviors in school.  The middle school years are an important time for growth in both academic and social areas, and they prepare each child for success in the more independent environment of high school.

 

 

District Compliance with Title IX

 

Mannington Township School, as a recipient of federal funding, complies with all aspects of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in educational programs or activities.

 

Our Title IX Compliance Officer is:

 

Mrs. Suzann Mendenhall, School Nurse

 

 

Student grievance procedures for violations of Title IX include:

 

Submitting a written explanation of the grievance to Mrs. Mendenhall;

 

Meeting in person with Mrs. Mendenhall to discuss the specific situation and possible remedies;

 

Requesting a meeting with Mr. Swain, School Principal, or Mrs. Kellum, Head Teacher, if the specific grievance cannot be satisfactorily addressed by Mrs. Mendenhall.