461 Genesee Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08611
(609) 656 - 4750
(609) 989 - 2910 Fax
PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK
2006 - 2007
Harriet R. W. Bass, Principal
HARRISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Welcome
Welcome to the Harrison Elementary School family. We are excited about our accomplishments from the previous year, and we look forward to moving ahead during the 2006 – 2007 school year.
Here at Harrison Elementary School we are working hard to provide your children with educational experiences that will provide them with skills that emphasize student achievement. We will make changes in teaching techniques, curriculum and assessments. We will continue to prepare our students to succeed, realizing that to do so will improve their future quality of life, and develop an effective transition into being prepared for their futures.
Activities
District Mission Statement
All students will graduate with a vision for their futures, motivated to learn continually and prepared to succeed in their choice of college or career.
Harrison Mission Statement
William Henry Harrison Elementary School's educational vision is that every child will have the opportunity for a quality education in order to develop intellectually, orally, physically, and socially.
We will encourage each student to foster a love for education so as to ensure that all students reach their ultimate goal.
Harrison Motto
Harrison students can learn.
Harrison students want to learn.
Harrison students will learn.
Harrison students do learn.
Harrison School Cheer
We're from Harrison, We don't come any prouder.
If you can't hear us we'll shout a little louder!
(Repeat (5) times from low to loud…end with HEY!)
Harrison Pledge
I will pledge, as a student of Harrison School, to follow the following rules:
1. I will come to school every day.
2. I will come to school on time every day.
3. I will be kind and respectful to others.
4. I will come to school to learn and do my best.
Harrison Vision Statement
Over the next five years we envision a stimulating learning environment
Which will:
a. Bond the parents, students, educators, and community
b. Successfully prepare students to function as productive
Citizens
c. Produce technologically efficient young adults prepared
For the 21st Century.
Harrison School Staff
Principal Harriet R.W. Bass
Secretary Ms. Renee' Smith
Nurse Mrs. Sharon Ozonuwe
Classroom Teachers
Grade Room Teacher
Kindergarten 103 Ms. Sharon Cooper
First 102 Ms. Ivey Avery
Second 204 Mrs. Gwendolyn Green
Third 101 Ms. Lorraine Farr
Third 203 Ms. Susan Mueller
Fourth 304 Mrs. Faustina Clark
Fourth 202 Mrs. Brenda Hauselt
Fifth 301 Ms. Sharon Bishop
Specialists/ Support Staff
Computer B2 Mrs. Diane Beigley
School Counselor 306 Mrs. Linda Wyatt-Simpson
Health/PE B2 Mrs. Misty Capanas
Library 201 Mrs. Mary Ann Varilla
Resource Room 301 Mrs. Sharon Ward
Speech 306 Ms. _____________
Thursday PM)
Custodial Staf
Mr. Mora
Mr. Michael Madden
Mrs. Jarkowski
School Planning Team
Harriet R.W. Bass
Ivey Avery
Lorraine Farr
Susan Mueller
Carol Sherwood
Linda Wyatt-Simpson.
Food Service
Mrs. Hattie Shaw
Mrs. Janice Johnson
Mrs. Debbie Mora
Ms. Francis Claridy
Paraprofessional
Mrs. Adaris Calderon
Parent Liaison
Vacancy
Absences
Regular school attendance is required. School is in session a minimum of 180 days per year. Students are required to be in attendance a minimum of 165 days to be considered for a passing grade or promotion.
Written excuses must contain a written explanation from the parent/guardian and must be presented at the time of the student's return to school. Student absence verified by a physician on the physician's stationary/prescription pad will be recorded as excused absences. It is the parent's responsibility to secure and present these notes from the physician to the principal. All absences will be recorded as excused or unexcused.
1) Recovery from an accident
2) Illness
3) Death of family member
4) Religious Holiday
5) Medical or dental appointment, which cannot be made for after school hours.
Please be advised that parents/guardians of students under age 16 shall be taken to court for excessive absences of their children.
Tardy to School
School begins at 8:20 A.M each day. Students arriving late to school should report to the main office for a late slip. Students are required to present a note, with parent's signature, explaining the tardiness. Encourage your child to be on time. This promotes good habits. Three (3) tardies equals on absence from school. Your child will not be allowed to receive any certificates/or incentives for Perfect Attendance.
Academic Achievement/Honor Roll
The Honor roll represents special student recognition for outstanding academic achievement. Honor roll recognition is based on grades criteria includes: All A's and B's in the academics, all S's for skill ratings).
Awards are given for academic achievement, good citizenship, special talents, perfect attendance, sports, leadership and special recognition.
Academic Achievement (Grades (K-5): At the end of each rating period an academic achievement list will be announced. In order to qualify for the academic achievement list, the student must obtain ratings no lower than "satisfactory" in all skill areas and "B" grade or better in all subjects.
Honor Roll - Grades 2-5th: At the end of each rating period an honor roll list will be announced. In order to qualify for the Honor Roll, the student must obtain a "B": grade or better in all subjects and a mark of no lower than "Satisfactory" in all other skill areas.
Grading Symbols
( K )
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs Improvement
X = Not Taught
Academic Evaluation Keys Skill Ratings & Social Development Key
(Grades 1 - 5) (Grades 1 - 5)
100-90 Excellent A O = Outstanding
89-80 Good B S = Satisfactory
79-70 Fair C N = Needs Improvement
69-60 Poor D X = Unsatisfactory
59-0 Failure F X = Not Taught
U = Improving
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is necessary for success in school and promotion to the next grade. When an absence is necessary, it is the student's responsibility to request make-up work and return it in a reasonable amount of time. Any student who accumulates fifteen (15) unexcused absences during the school year will be retained.
Breakfast and Lunch Programs
Breakfast is served at Harrison School from 7:30 - 8:00 A.M. each school day. A variety of breakfast food is served, such as hot and cold entrees, breakfast cakes, fruit, juices, hot chocolate and milk.
Appetizing and nutritional school lunches may be purchased daily. Free and reduced lunches are available for students who must meet federal guidelines.
Breakfast /Lunch Applications for free or reduced priced meals are distributed to all students during the first week of school and are available at all times. Parents are informed of their child's eligibility to receive a free, reduced price, or full priced meals.
Please return the completed form with all sections attached to Harrison School. Every student must have an application on file and the school in order to be in a compliance with federal laws.
Lunch
Every experience is an occasion to learn something new. Students are encouraged to socialize during the lunch periods. There are however, rules that must be followed within a social setting. Students will be served a variety of nutritious and delicious meals served in a safe and friendly environment.
Cafeteria Rules (to be followed during breakfast and lunch times)
1) Students walk in a straight, quiet line while their teacher's escort them to and from the lunchroom.
2) Students are expected to engage in quiet lunchroom conversation.
3) Students are to keep their immediate eating areas (table) clean.
4) Students must remain seated at all times
5) Students must ask for permission to leave the lunch table from a staff person.
6) Students are to refrain from bringing junk food: such as soda, candy, cakes, cookies, etc to lunch.
7) Students may not use the lavatories or return to the classroom during lunch periods. In case of an emergency, students are asked to see an administrator or teacher in charge. Classroom teachers will escort students to the lavatory as a group before or after their lunch.
DEPA
The DEPA (Demonstrably Effective Program Aid) plan was designed by the School Based Planning Team, approved by the County and The District to provide additional funding to implement programs to improve instructional delivery and support. Please read through the plan, and attend the Open House, Wednesday, September 21, 2005 @ 6:00 PM for an in depth look at the plan.
Mission of Improvement Plan
The 2005 - 2006 DEPA plan is expected to increase positive student outcomes. The areas of concentration are as follows:
v Academic Achievement
v Student Attendance
v Parental participation
v Professional Development
A review of the 2005 -2006 scores indicated a weakness in the area of problem solving. This year the concentration is on problem solving, reading endurance, comprehension and critical thinking. Providing instruction on individual needs, interests, etc. students need a variety of activities that will keep them motivated, and involved in the total school program.
Activities
Multicultural Education and Communication
Academic/Curricula Oriented Field Trips
Extended Day Program
Clubs
Assembly Programs
4-H Presentations
Pen Pals
Journal Writing
Character Club
Prevention Education Programs
Reading Buddies
Professional staff developmental workshops/opportunities will be offered to expand teacher knowledge and learning strategies. If students are to excel, they need to be in school on a daily basis. The students are currently maintaining an ADA of 90%; therefore an increased standard for the 2005 - 2006 school year will be to maintain or to exceed the current ADA to an expected outcome of 93% for the upcoming school year.
The staff of Harrison realized that training is essential to provide services in an increasingly diverse population. Each student has a unique learning style that is exclusively his or hers. We will concentrate on the areas of critical thinking, and cooperative learning for the 2005 - 2006 school year.
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to dress appropriately for school. The selection of students clothing is the responsibility of the parent. This responsibility is one that students should assume as they mature.
The Trenton Public School District may exclude anyone whose appearance distracts from instruction, classroom activities, or interferes with the rights of others.
General Tips:
Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times, flip-flops or zories are not permitted. Sunglasses may not be worn inside unless prescribed by a physician.
Short Shorts-more than 2 inches above the knee, bathing suits, halter-tops, sleeveless shirts, and see-through clothing may not be worn in school. Bare midriffs and under garments exposed are not acceptable. Hats are not to be worn in school.
Our dress code is intended to be a guide for students to express pride and good taste in their personal appearance. The administration shall have the final decision concerning all matters as reflected by this code. In the event of unusual weather conditions, modification of this code may be implemented by the school administration.
DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE
Drugs/Tobacco/Alcohol/Gambling Policy
The Trenton Board of Education fully recognizes and acknowledges the dangers and problems associated with drug, tobacco, and alcohol use among students enrolled in the school system.
The Board has established the following priorities:
v Students receive 10 hours (according to state law) of instruction concerning the dangers of drugs, tobacco and alcohol per school year.
v Identification of the drug user and abuser through recognized and acceptable processes.
v Referrals for counseling, treatment and rehabilitation.
v Utilization of appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.
Regulations
Drugs
In order to establish the facts when possession, sale, or transfer of controlled drugs is suspected on school property, a school administrator shall request an investigation by a law enforcement agency. The school administrator must make an effort to notify the suspected student's parent or guardian.
Possession, sale, transfer, or consumption of controlled drugs on school property will require an investigation and review by the school administrator, student, and parent/guardian. Penalties may include a 5 to 9 day out of school suspension and expulsion.
Second offenders will be
immediately suspended from school with recommendation for expulsion. The
suspension will be in effect until a hearing before the Board of Education is
completed. All suspensions shall be enacted upon with due cause.
Alcohol
Possession, consumption, or transfer of any alcoholic beverages, including beer, on the premises of school property is prohibited. Students will be held accountable and shall be liable for disciplinary action. Penalties may include a 3-day out- of- school suspension and expulsion.
Smoking
No smoking is allowed in the building or on the grounds of the Trenton Public Schools. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action. The "No Smoking" law was passed in June 1989; smoking is not permitted in any New Jersey School.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Early dismissals are not encouraged in that they may ruin the continuity of the instruction. Students need time at the end of the day to review skills taught during the day. Teachers review the homework assignments and distributed documents that must be sent to parents at the end of the day.
Early dismissals will be granted only when absolutely necessary. Parent must send a note requesting early dismissal in order to alert the teacher. Parents with proper identification must pick up students in the main office, and sign them out as a safety measure. Children must be signed out at the office if being picked up any time before 3:00 P.M.
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES
Registration or transfer of students is conducted in the main office between the hours of 9:30-11:00 a.m. State law requires that anyone registering a child for kindergarten have an official birth certificate and a record of shots. A Certificate of Birth issued by the hospital is not acceptable. The school is not responsible for obtaining copies of birth certificate or shot record. Children who are five years old on or before September 30th of any year may be enrolled in Kindergarten.
Documents required when registering students:
ü Birth Certificate,
ü Students Social Security Card,
ü Immunization Record
ü (2) Proofs of Residence. (utility bills or a lease are acceptable; driver’s license, rent receipts are not acceptable)
FIRE DRILLS
State law mandates that schools hold no less than two (2) fire drills each month. These drills are held to prepare all students and staff to exit the building safely and rapidly if an emergency should occur.
Students are to remain silent at all times, while leaving and returning to the building so that directions may be heard and quickly followed. Teachers and staff will guide students out of the building according to the established plan.
Regular course of instruction in accident and fire prevention are conducted according to grade level as mandated by New Jersey State law.
GUIDANCE SERVICES (School Counseling)
The guidance program of Harrison School is integrated into all aspects of our curriculum and the school community. We help students in developing their potential, intellectually, physically, and socially. When necessary, the guidance counselor consults with parents and teachers on behalf of the students.
Guidance services include: individual counseling, group conferences, counseling for disruptive and disaffected students, career awareness, personal problems, and networking within the home-school community.
The Harrison Elementary School counselor works with all students in all grades. An open invitation is extended to parents and students to utilize the facilities and services of the guidance department.
HEALTH & SAFETY
There are occasions when your child may become ill or injured in school when immediate attention is required. As the parent/guardian, the following information is needed in school.
Student Emergency Illness form
A sample of this form is provided. This form will be given to the student to take home for the parents to complete. The form must be filled out completely and kept up to date during the school year. Return the completed form to the classroom teacher or the school nurse. Please update the information that might change during the year. (Attachment #1)
Health History
Previous illness and medical conditions such as allergies, bee sting reactions, epilepsy, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, nose bleeds and recent surgeries need to be reported to the nurse. Inform the nurse of any new conditions that may develop during the school year. (Attachment #2)
Illness
Please call the school when your child is ill and will be absent. We strongly suggest that if your child shows signs of illness (fever, nausea, sore throat, had a contagious disease or is absent for 3 days or more) a doctor's note is required when the child returns to school.
Medication
Any medication (Prescribed or over the counter) to be given at school must be accompanied by a school medication form, signed by your doctor, which can be obtained from the school nurse. A sample of this form is provided. The medication is to be brought in to the nurse and must be in the original bottle for dispensing.
Physical Exams
All children entering school in kindergarten are required to have a physical exam by either their family physician or the school physician. If at any time your child has an exam, please take the physical exam form (obtain from nurse) to the physician and return the completed form to the nurse. (Attachment #3)
Immunization
It is important that you send to the nurse's office documentation of any immunization updates that your child receives. If updates occur during the summer, please stop by the school office with the documentation. A list of needed immunization is provided.
Accident Insurance
The school provided the opportunity for parents to enroll students into an insurance plan. The information is given to all students the first week of school. The insurance covers accidents occurring during school hours and may be extended if desired. If school insurance has been purchased for the child, for the child, and it becomes necessary to implement the plan, claim forms may be picked up from the main office.
v See Attached Emergency Illness Form - Item #1
v See Attached Notice for Medication form from Physician - Item #2
v See attached Notice Immunization summary For - Item #3
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is part of each student's educational program. Each student is expected to spend some time each day in addition to scheduled class instruction, studying at home.
Homework is assigned to all students, kindergarten through fifth, everyday. It is important that your child participates in all class activities/assignments. There is not a time set aside in the school day to complete homework assignments. If your child states that he/she didn't have homework, please notify your child's teacher.
LOITERING
Students are reminded to report to all classes on time. Students found loitering in the building will be reported to the administration for disciplinary action. All students found loitering in the school building will be considered trespassers. Security will be notified.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
Report cards are prepared for every student after each nine-week rating period and will be issued four (4) times during the school year. Deficiency notices will be given to students for parent's review, halfway through each rating period. If a student should receive a deficiency notice, parents should schedule a conference immediately to discuss ways to improve the student's achievement level.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be scheduled twice during the school year near the end of the first and third nine- week rating periods. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher or the principal to schedule a conference to discuss school concerns.
Parents may request a conference with their child's teacher at any time during the school year. Please call the school for an appointment if a conference is desired. These conferences will be scheduled when there is no classroom instruction. Likewise, teachers may find it necessary to request a special conference at the parent's convenience. Please make every effort to meet with your child's teacher when needed.
Marking Periods
1ST MARKING PERIOD
Ø September 8 - November 18, 2005
Ø Deficiency Notices sent home October 17, 2005
2nd MARKING PERIOD
Ø November 18, 2005 - February 3, 2006
Ø Deficiency Notices sent home January 9, 2006
3rd MARKING PERIOD
Ø February 3, 2006 - April 5, 2006
Ø Deficiency Notices sent home March 20, 2006
4th MARKING PERIOD
Ø April 6, 2005 - June 20, 2006
Ø Deficiency Notices sent home May 22, 2006
Reduced Days
November 23
December 7, 8, 9, 23
April 26, 27, 28
June 21
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES/ REPORT CARD PICK UP
December 7, 8, 9 April 26, 27, 28
Report Card Distribution not later than:
Period 1 December 6, 2005
Period 2 February 21, 2006
Period 3 May 2, 2006
Period 4 June 22, 2006 (last day of school)
Testing
v Terra Nova Elementary May 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2006
v NJ-ASK 3 for all 3rd Grade Students March 21, 22, and 23, 2006
v NJ-ASK 4 for all 4th Grade Students March 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2006
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
Every District school must have a Parent-Teacher Association or Organization. We have a PTO at Harrison School, which vigorously supports school programs and activities. All parents are urged to become partners with us in education by joining Harrison School's organized parent group.
Harrison School PTO meetings are scheduled monthly during the school year and will be announced in the monthly calendar. We participate in the District PTO/PTA Annual Fair and sponsor May fund raising activities that support special student activities. We trust that every Harrison Parent will actively participate in the various PTO projects during the school year. PTO membership cards will be available at the Open House on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 @ 6:00 p.m.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS
October 20 and February 6, 2006
School Closed for students,
only STAFF REPORTS.
STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS
The students in our school deserve to learn and play in the best environment we can provide. Accordingly, all staff and students will make every effort to observe the following:
Ø Learn in a disruption-free environment
Ø Know what is expected of them at all times in every area of the school
Ø Be protected from physical harm
Ø Be protected from verbal abuse
Ø Have their positive behavior recognized
Ø Have their personal property protected
Ø Have their concerns heard
Ø Be treated with kindness and caring
Student Job Description/K-1
Ø I get enough sleep.
Ø I eat a nutritious breakfast.
Ø I come to school on time.
Ø I come to school to learn to read.
Ø I come to school with all my supplies.
Ø I follow all classroom rules.
Ø I am courteous to my teachers.
Ø I am considerate to my classmates.
Ø I complete my class work.
Ø I have a special place to study at home.
Ø I have a special time to do my homework.
Ø I talk to my parents about my homework.
Ø I talk to my parents about any problems I may be having at school.
Student Job Description/3-5
Ø I get enough sleep.
Ø I eat a nutritious breakfast.
Ø I attend school every day.
Ø I report to classes on time.
Ø I have a positive attitude.
Ø I treat teachers with respect.
Ø I accept responsibility for my actions.
Ø I do my best to complete my class work.
Ø I have a special place to study at home.
Ø I return all assignments on time.
Ø I avoid students who do not conform to school rules.
Ø I discuss school problems with my parents.
VISITORS
Visitations to Harrison Elementary School by our parents are welcome and encouraged. Before going anywhere in the building, all visitors to the school must report to the main office to obtain permission and a visitor pass prior to visiting any classroom. This is for the protection of each child. The visitor pass must be worn in full view for easy identification by school staff.
Parents may visit in order to observe their child at any time. However, unless an emergency occurs, teachers will not be asked to interrupt our educational programs for unscheduled conferences. All cooperation is appreciated.
Paul J. Gmitter, Principal