Principal's Corner
TRENTON BOARD OF EDUCATION
Superintendent of Schools Principal
Monument Elementary
609.656.4820 ? 609.989.2926 fax
School Vision Statement:
The Monument School Community believes that it is our responsibility to engage students in a life-long learning process built on trust, respect and purposeful student-centered learning.
The community will be effective, accountable partners in the development of students’ academic and social progress.
2/19/09
Dear Parents and Guardians:
As we become emerged in the winter months and begin to prepare for state testing (NJ ASK) it seems to be a good time to review some basic school/district policies as well as school expectations. Please take the time to read over these items, and see that they are followed. If we continue to work together we can ensure that your children receive the quality education they are entitled to receive. As always, should you have any questions please contact me.
ATTENDANCE:
District policy requires that students attend daily and arrive on time, and remain through dismissal in order to receive the full benefit of instruction. (see attached policies: 5113, 5113.1 5113.2). Daily attendance will be monitored by the classroom teacher, late arrivals are required to enter through the Main Entrance and receive a late pass from the attending staff member. Any child who arrives to school AFTER 9:00 am MUST be accompanied by an adult who must sign them in. Students who have excessive absenteeism or lates will be contacted by the Parent Liaison and if necessary a support plan developed. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of parents to see that students attend school daily and excessive absenteeism may result in retention, intervention from the Truancy Department or referral to other support agencies. Students who are habitually late will receive intervention support, continued disregard for the policy will result in Saturday Detentions. In order for students to receive a full and adequate education, it is important that they remain for the entire school day. It is understandable that emergencies will arise and that there may be a need for early dismissal, in such an event it is the request of the school that a phone call be made and the Main Office notified. (656-4821, 656-4823) Early dismissal after 2:30 becomes a safety issue, as we are closing out our lessons and preparing to go home. In order to ensure safety for all students it is the request of the school that any emergency dismissals after 2:30 be approved by the administrator or designee, in any event it is helpful that you contact the Main Office and inform them of the emergency.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR:
It is impossible for quality instruction to take place in a school when students are engaged in inappropriate behavior. (see attached, 5131, 5131.1) Here at Monument School we have a variety of ways in which students are rewarded for demonstrating positive behavior. Students can receive Eagle Tickets for demonstrating positive behavior; these tickets allow the student to be part of a drawing for prizes and privileges. Every month there is a different activity for students who have not received a disciplinary referral to participate in; in addition classroom teachers reward students in various ways when they demonstrate positive behavior. In contrast there are a variety of consequences for students who do not demonstrate positive behavior. Students who are not in compliance with the school’s Code of Conduct receive disciplinary referrals; consequences for the infractions are dependent upon the seriousness of the infraction and the number of times the student has been referred. These consequences range from; Teacher Detention, School Detention, Saturday Detention, In School Suspension to Out of School Suspension. Students who are repeatedly cited for disruptive behaviors are referred to the IRS Team for interventions, such as; referral to Greater Trenton Behavioral Services or other support agencies. Frequent repeaters may be referred to the District Legal Committee for action.
UNIFORMS:
This past year the district has instituted a Uniform Policy (see attached 5133) this policy specifically identifies the uniform requirements and consequences for non-compliance. We have noticed a steady decline in the number of students who comply with the request. As a result it is necessary to re-address this issue. As a school we have tried to be proactive and reward students for compliance with the district policy. At the completion of every month, students who have had 100% compliance are recognized and rewarded; the classes with the highest percentage in each grade cluster are also recognized and rewarded. In order to be more diligent we will continue with our positive approach and begin to implement the district’s consequences portion of the policy for those students who do not wear uniforms daily. The following steps will be taken:
 | Beginning March 1st,
any student not in uniform will receive a phone call home, and parents will
be reminded of the district policy.
| ||
| Continued disregard for the policy may result in students receiving After School Detention or Saturday Detention. |
Please see that you work towards adhering with this policy, we are here to help if necessary.
CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
District policy (see attached 5131.71) forbids the use and possession of cell phones on school property. Any student found in possession of or using a cell phone will receive detention and have the cell phone confiscated, cell phones will only be returned to a parent at a conference. The same procedures will apply when students are found in possession of any other electronic device. (cameras, PSPs, Gameboys, …)
FOOD:
There has been an increase in the number of students who are bringing in food items (juice, soda, chips, candy) from the corner stores. These items are not in compliance with the district nutrient standards and are not allowed in school. Any child in possession of or caught eating at non-lunch times will have the food confiscated. This has begun to create a disruption in the learning process. Please be reminded that we offer breakfast beginning at 7:30 and in order for children to begin their day right it is necessary to have a healthy breakfast. Any other questions regarding our nutrient policy please see Ms. Lewis, Lead Cafeteria Worker.
Parents, there has been an increase in the display of behaviors that interfere with the education of all students(late, absence, cell phone use, eating in class, disruptive behavior, defiance) by students and I felt it was necessary to address these issues before they escalated out of control. Many students come to school daily to learn and willingly follow the school rules, participate in class and add a positive flavor to our school; I would like to commend these students. However, we must work together as a school community to see that all of our students are educated and we will continue to work together to provide supports and services to those students who struggle. Please take the time to discuss appropriate behavior with your child and the expectations here at Monument School.
Thank you for your ongoing support,
Bernadette Trapp
Principal
THIS INFORMATION AND MUCH MORE IS POSTED ON OUR UPDATED WEB PAGE, PLEASE VISIT US AT www.trenton.k12.nj.us/Monument/
