Principal’s Message
Welcome back to another great year at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School! We are thrilled about the opportunities that await us during this school year. As a “Beacon of Light School”, we are looking forward to reaching and exceeding our goals for this school year. This agenda book is going to help us track our progress and make sure that we are moving in the right direction. If we are going to achieve our goals we will need to be focused, committed, accountable, and determined. There are several things that you need to remember as you move forward:
School 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.
School Vision Statement
Our vision is to set high expectations for teaching and learning in today’s rapidly growing global society. We will achieve this through effective engagement and communication, by building a partnership among parents and caregivers, school personnel, students, and the community.
School Mission Statement
To educate our children by assisting them in attaining their highest potential in order to become productive citizens locally, nationally, and globally. By setting high expectations for teaching and learning, and engaging our community, we will address the diverse needs of all of our students. We believe that success is the only option.
School Core Beliefs:
We believe that:
· Every child will have the opportunity to reach his or her greatest potential by receiving a high quality education.
· All children’s individual needs will be recognized and supported.
· School personnel will promote a community of learners in a safe and nurturing environment.
· Community stakeholders will be encouraged to become actively engaged within the school and will support our mission, vision, and core beliefs.
According to New Jersey State Statues, all absences are considered unexcused or illegal unless the following conditions exist: illness of the student, death in the immediate family, recovery from an accident, religious holidays, quarantine, absence due to court intervention, or unique special circumstances considered on a case by case basis.
If a student is ill or hospitalized, a doctor’s note is required to excuse the absence. The district considers 15 days absence during the school year to be excessive. Any student with 15 or more absences may be retained.
School Directory
Main Office (609) 656-4802
Guidance Office (609) 656- 4505/2800
Health Services (609) 656- 4796
Nutrition Services (609) 656-2802
Parent Liaison (609) 656-2820
Principal’s Lunch Buddies
Each month two students from each grade level will be selected by their teachers to have lunch with the Principal. The criteria will be:
-Perfect Attendance
-Always on time
-Wear uniform every day
-Show great citizenship
-Complete all assignments
Tardiness Policy No. 5113.1
School begins promptly at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. All students are expected to be in class and prepared for the Literacy Block at that time. We value instructional time at our school. Any student who is late to school may soon fall behind and it will be reflected in the student’s work as well as the report card.
When a student is late, he/she needs to report directly to the guidance office. The guidance counselor or the Vice Principal will sign the student into school.
Homework Policy
We believe that homework is an extension of the school day and an opportunity to forge a partnership between home and school. We also believe that homework should be used for reinforcement, enrichment, review, and reflection. In an effort to help students develop into lifelong learners and to develop good work place readiness skills, individual initiative, personal responsibility, and self-direction, homework will be assigned each night.
Homework will be given to students in literacy, mathematics, social studies, and science regularly. Parents will read with their children for at least twenty minutes a day. It is a good practice for everyone to drop everything and read at a specific time each day. Parents will be expected to sign a journal to indicate to the teacher that you verify that the student has read each day.
Teachers will:
Students will:
Parents will:
Activities
In order to enhance the curriculum, students have the opportunity to participate in many special activities throughout the year. They participate in field trips, assemblies, athletics, music, tutoring, student council and other activities approved by the board of education during the year.
School Uniforms Policy No. 5133
The Trenton Public School District has adopted a Uniform Policy. In compliance with the policy Joyce Kilmer Elementary School is a uniform school. This means that you must wear your uniform during the school day, field trips, off campus programs and activities. The uniform colors are light blue shirts and khaki pants. Students may wear light blue polo or button down shirts, and Khaki pants or skirts to be considered appropriately dressed for school. Wearing your uniform each day entitles you to participate in extra-curricular activities, attend socials, student study trips and incentive programs.
School Colors
The school colors are Orange and Black.
Mascot
The school mascot is the cougar.
Social Services
The school has two guidance counselors, parent liaison, School-Base Youth Services (for students’ ages 11-16) and other support staff to assist you if you have a problem. You may also ask your teacher, the vice principal or the principal for assistance if you need to speak to someone.
Student Discipline Policy No. 5131
School –Wide Behavior Plan
The staff has developed a school wide behavior plan in conjunction with the May Institute. This is a research based discipline model that reinforces students for positive behavior. See the district discipline code attached.
The school-wide rules are:
Be Kind
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
You will be expected to learn these rules and to recite them when asked. You may be asked to explain each rule and what it looks like in the classroom, lavatory, cafeteria, and in the hallways.
If your class does an outstanding job of demonstrating the rules, your class may
be recognized during our morning meetings and earn tickets. These tickets are good for a number of incentives including parties, special activities, programs, trips, and other items selected by the Behavior Support Team in collaboration with the students.
Bullying Policy No. 5146
This is a no bullying school zone. We are kind and respectful to each other as well as the adults in the building. Bullying is not an acceptable way to gain recognition in our building. We are the mighty cougars; we build each other up at Kilmer School!
Gang Policy No. 5147
We have a zero tolerance policy for gangs, gang colors, gang signs and anything that may be associated with the gang culture including but not limited to:
Gang recruitment
Gang threats
Gang related clothing-while on school property
Graffiti-acts of graffiti related to gang behavior.
Dress Code
We are a uniform school with high expectations for our students and the staff. We expect that all students will arrive at school dressed appropriately and prepared to learn.
Students are expected to dress appropriately for school. Appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn at all times. Kilmer is a uniform school. Bandanas, wave caps, sunglasses, and flip flops are not to be worn as accessories to the uniform. The school administration shall determine whether the dress or grooming of the students is within the dress code guidelines.
Cell Phones Policy No. 5131.71
The use of cell phones is prohibited during the school day by students. If your parent or guardian needs to reach you, they can do so by contacting the main office or the guidance office. Cell phones are not to be used as calculators, search engines, or as calendars. Student members of volunteer fire companies or first aid, ambulance or rescue squad may carry remotely activated paging devices provided that:
Cafeteria Rules
Suspension Policy No. 5114
A student may be on Out of School Suspension for failure to follow the discipline policies and procedures of the district. A student will be placed on out of school suspension for the following reasons:
The district’s discipline guideline requires that we may notify the police and schedule a legal hearing for any and all of the offenses mentioned above.
Nutrition Service Policy No. 8505
All parents/guardians are required to complete and return a lunch application. Parents/guardians are informed as to whether their children are eligible to receive a free or reduced price meal. Applications are distributed to all students during the first week of school and are available at all times in the main office.
Early Dismissal Policy No. 5113
We encourage parents to schedule appointments during after school hours so as not to disrupt instruction. When students are consistently taken from school early, learning is interrupted and the student may feel disconnected and frustrated. Students must have a written excuse for an early dismissal. The excuse must contain the following information:
Students will not be excused without the parent/guardian. Students can be picked up in the main office. Students will not be excused to walk home alone. The parent/guardian will sign the student out in the main office.
Safety
All doors will be locked. Please report directly to the main office through the front doors of the school when visiting during the school day.
If there are any restrictions on school visitations, child protection orders, custody orders, please deliver a copy of the order to the main office. The school will not be notified by the court. The parent/guardian will have to notify the school if there are any changes in the custody of the child.
Emergency School Closing
In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, schools may have delayed openings, close for the day or close early. Please make sure that we have accurate information on file in the main office. Please listen to the following radio stations for information about school closing or delayed openings.
Radio Stations:
WTTM 920AM
WHWH 1260AM
WDAS 105.3FM
WIMG 1300AM
School closing information is also televised on Comcast cable channel 19, and the Trenton Public School website: www.trenton.k12.nj.us Parents can also call
(609) 656-5444.
Lunch Program
Lunch is served each day that school is opened. Students may bring their lunch from home or they may purchase a lunch. The daily cost for students who wish to purchase their lunch is:
Lunch
Breakfast
Parent Conferences Policy No. 9280
It is hoped that parent-teacher conferences will help us to work around the common vision of providing our students and parents with feedback that is helpful. This partnership will provide students with the support that is needed to reach their academic potential and to achieve on state and district assessments.
Conferences can be scheduled at any time during the school year. We only request that conferences are not scheduled during instructional time. The classroom teacher will provide a conference schedule to the parents on or before Back to School Night, so that you can schedule a conference other than the times that have been provided by the district.
The Parent-Teacher conference dates are as follows:
November 30 – December 2, 2011
April 24-26, 2012
Academic Achievement
All students are expected to reach their full academic potential. Students may be required to participate in before and after school programs if they are not meeting the district and state standards.
Students will also participate in an intervention and enrichment program that is built into the school day to assist them in becoming proficient in the areas of literacy and mathematics. Your child’s classroom teacher may or may not be the teacher that delivers instruction during this period of the day.
Progress Reports
The Trenton Public School District schedules four progress reports in the middle of each of the four marking periods. This report is to inform you of your child’s progress for the first half of each marking period.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued upon the completion of each of the four marking periods. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to carefully review their child’s academic progress and to contact the school if there are any questions or concerns regarding the grades.
Report Periods
The four report periods end as follows:
First Marking Period: November 16, 2011
Second Marking Period: January 31, 2012
Third Marking Period: April 5, 2012
Fourth Marking Period: June 20, 2012
Honor Roll
Students achieving all A’s and/or B's each marking period are Honor Roll students.
Special subjects such as music, health and PE, computer and media are included when considering students for the Honor Roll.
Perfect Attendance Citizenship
Students that have attended school every day during the marking period and during the entire school year will also be recognized at the awards programs.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Awards Program
A separate awards program will be held to celebrate the academic achievement of our students in grades Pre-K and Kindergarten as well as other accomplishments made by our students during the semester. A program is scheduled at the end of the semester. This program is developmentally more appropriate for our early learners.
Closing Exercises
Closing Exercises will be conducted at the end of the school year for those students in grade eight that will be moving on to Trenton Central High School or another high school program. Students that will be allowed to participate in the Closing Exercise Program are:
Home Instruction
Home Instruction is available for those students who, due to a temporary health condition, are unable to attend regular school classes. Students must be out of school for at least two weeks before the Chief Medical Inspector for home instruction can approve an application. Instructors are provided by the Department of Special Services. Applications for home instruction can be obtained from the school health office.
Health Services Policy NO. 5141.21
The school health care
system will provide a safe and healthful school environment to implement an
effective health care curriculum and deliver mandated health services. As a
member of the educational team, the professional nurse is a provider of
preventative and emergency health concerns, and liaison educator. The goal of
the school health program is to develop responsible and productive citizens with
effective lifelong health habits.
Emergency Card
It is important that the Student Emergency Medical Information Card be filled out completely. This information helps the nurse provide the best possible care in the case of an illness or emergency.
Health Screenings
The school nurse does not conduct health screenings.
Illness and Injury
All students have to be screened by the nurse in the event of an illness or injury. The nurse will determine the extent of the illness or injury and will contact the parent/guardian. If a child becomes sick or injured during the school day, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide transportation. In case of extreme emergency, the student will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital in order to facilitate immediate medical care.
Medication Policy No. 5121.21
The following procedure must be observed with the administration of prescription medication. Medication will NOT be administered to any student without written orders by the physician and written permission by the parent. (This form is available in the health office)
Self-administration of medication is permitted in accordance with state statute only for the treatment of asthma or other potentially life-threatening illness (i.e. allergic reactions which require the student to carry an Epi-pen). In order for a student to carry an inhaler or an Epi-pen, the Self –Administration of Medication Request Form must be completed. The physician must complete the form, stating that the child is proficient in self-administering the prescribed medication and has been taught how and when to properly use it.
Physicals
District policy states that every pupil entering the Trenton Public Schools for the first time must have a physical. The physical must be done by the student’s own physician or health care provider. Physical exams are required at the time of entry into the district. The exam must be done no more than 365 days prior to entry (1 year). The cost of the medical exam is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Students who do not have a health care provider due to lack of insurance may be eligible for medical services either free or low cost through New Jersey Family Care (1-800-701-0710).
The school entry physical is the only required physical. The physical which was previously required for middle school students is no longer required, but still recommended.
Insurance
Insurance is available for parents to purchase to provide their child (ren) with accidental coverage, extended dental benefits, and the replacement of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids. Information will be sent home with the students in September. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids.
Physical/Health Education
Students are provided with instruction in physical/health/safety education each week. Sneakers must be worn by the students during physical education to insure their safety. Students that report to physical education class without sneakers will be provided with another assignment for that class period. Parents will be notified if a student does not come prepared to class for more than three days. Students may be excluded from school activities and Closing Exercises if they fail to participate in physical education classes.
Students who are unable to participate in physical education classes due to illness or injury must obtain a note from a physician. The note is to be submitted to the school nurse. The nurse will verify and document the note, follow-up on the progress of the student and inform the appropriate staff.
Enrollment Procedures
To enroll in the Trenton Public Schools, the parent/guardian must provide:
· A birth certificate
· A transfer card
· Immunization verification by physician or Board of Health
· Student’s health examination record
· Two proofs of residency (driver’s license is not acceptable)
· Parent/guardian must also complete the registration forms
Transfer Procedures
Parents/guardians are required to transfer students when there is a change in residence status. Verification of residence must be provided at the new school. Parents/guardians should notify the school to transfer the student. Transfers are provided only when all books and school issued materials have been returned. Students will be charged for lost or damaged materials. All fines must be paid before records will be released.
Request for special transfers for students within the District to attend a school other than the school in their neighborhood are granted only if the student and the parent agree to follow the school –wide rules as well as the school uniform policy.
Transfers only take place for special education students when the enrollment of a school increases necessitating reassignment or when a student is assigned to a special instructional offering, such as Bilingual, Gifted and Talented, or Magnet Program, or when a student actually moves to another residence within the District.
All transfers and registrations are done centrally at the Trenton Board of Education Building, 108 North Clinton Ave. You may contact Monique Harvey if you have questions about transfers and registrations.
Emergency Drills
Parents and students should be aware that the Kilmer School has a procedure for students to follow in the event of an emergency evacuation of the building. By State Law, we must have two drills (one fire and security) each month when school is in session. In addition to fire drills the school may conduct Shelter in Place, Lock Down, Active Shooter, and Evacuation Drills. This provides the staff and students procedural practices for emergency situations.
Lock Down
A lock down means that no one can enter the building and no one can exit the building during the drill. The students will not leave the school during a lock down. At the completion of the drill, we will resume our normal routine.
Shelter In Place
The shelter in place drill means that students will move from their current classes to an assigned area in the building where food and water will be available in the case of a real emergency. A school may experience sheltering in place during a severe weather event. The students will not leave the building during a shelter in place drill.
Evacuation
During the year, we will also practice an evacuation drill. The students will move from this site to another site within the neighborhood. The reunification team will let you know where you may pick up your child in the event that we have a real evacuation. It is our hope that we will never have to conduct a lock-down, shelter in place, or an evacuation in real time however if we should, we would like the students to be safe and feel comfortable with knowing what to do and where to go.
Parent – Teacher Organization
Policy No. 9210
The Parent – Teacher Organization is an opportunity for parents/guardians and teachers to establish a collaborative relationship to focus on issues to improve our school. Kilmer School has an active PTO. Notices will be sent home with the student and a notice of these meetings will appear in the monthly calendar.
NCLB/School Improvement Team
Each school in the Trenton District has a NO Child Left Behind Team. The Kilmer Team is composed of teachers, support staff, parents, community members and the school administration. The team will work with the building principal to:
Any parent who wishes to become a member of the NCLB Team should inform your child’s teacher or call the main office at (609) 656-4802 and leave a message with the secretary and someone will get back to you.
Special Education
The special education program provides appropriate programs in the least restrictive environment to all students with educational disabilities. The Child Study Team will review and/or evaluate each case to determine the student’s eligibility for special education programs if the interventions fail to make a difference in the student’s ability to achieve at high levels. The Child Study Team consists of a learning consultant, a school psychologist, and a social worker. Related services include speech, occupational and physical therapy. All classified students have an individual education program, outlining their services, programs, and goals, which is updated annually and conforms to strict guidelines established by state and federal agencies.
IR&S Team
Students that are experiencing difficulty in the regular class may be referred to the IR&S Team. The Intervention and Referral Service will provide students, teachers and parents with the appropriate intervention strategies to enable students to become successful within the regular school day.
Transportation Policy No. 8670
Transportation is provided for special education students. A student assigned to a special instructional offering may receive bus tickets if the student lives more than two (2) miles from the school. All other students are expected to walk to and from school.
Visitation Policy No. 9180
Parents/guardians are encouraged to form a partnership with the school. We encourage parents to participate in the education of their child or children.
Parent/guardians are encouraged to visit our school. We have scheduled several programs and activities each month that allow you to observe the teaching and learning process and to participate in class with your child. We respectfully request that you do not interrupt critical instructional time. Please report to the main office upon your arrival in the building, sign-in our visitor’s log and pick up a visitor’s pass.
Volunteers
If you wish to volunteer in the school or in your child’s classroom, you will be required to:
You will be notified by the Department of Human Resources as to your status. You must be approved by the Trenton Board of Education at a monthly meeting to volunteer in the school or in the district.
Kilmer Programs
Kilmer has many programs and ceremonies to reward and recognize students.
The following programs are planned for this school year:
-Poetry Slam 2011
-Joyce Kilmer Dance Squad
-Rising Stars (Those who have passed the NJASK from the prior year)
-School-wide Anti-Bullying Campaign: --D.R.E.A.M.
-Quarterly Awards (and the criteria):
-Honor Roll
-Citizenship
-Perfect Attendance
-Student Ambassadors/Ushers (when we have special events and or visitors
-Trenton Public Education Foundation ---Student Awards Banquet
-M.O.B.: Minding Our Business
-Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentoring Program
-Dreamcatchers: Grades 6-8
-District Student of the Month
-District Safety Poster Contest
-Student Council
-Safety Patrol
-College and Career Day
-Platinum Explosion (all grades, Pk-8)
-8th Grade Dance and Promotional Exercises
-Science and Technology Fair (new for 2011)
-Young Audiences/Target Performing Arts Program
-Annual Staff versus Students Basketball Tournament
-Project SMILE (With MCCC and Mr. Barry)
-Sankofa Violence Prevention and Positive Behavior Program
-Princeton Plasma Women in Science Program