EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK
2015-16
SCHOOL COLORS: Scarlet & Gold
SCHOOL MASCOT: Edgar the Eagle
SCHOOL NEWSPAPER: The Edison Eagle
SCHOOL YEARBOOK: Talon
ATHLETIC CONFERENCE: North Jersey Section II Group IV,
Red Division, Greater Middlesex Conference
EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
Main Office 732-650-5200
Main Office Fax 732-650-5259
Guidance Office 732-650-5230
Guidance Office Fax 732-650-5215
Athletic Office 732-650-5262
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
MISSION STATEMENT 2
BOARD OF EDUCATION 2
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 2
HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 2
DEPARTMENT SUPERVISORS 2
STAFF BY DEPARTMENT .... ... 3
BELL SCHEDULE 6
SINGLE SESSION BELL SCHEDULE 7
DELAYED OPENING BELL SCHEDULE 8
DELAYED OPENING PROCEDURES 9
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ SECTION 504 10
PUPIL RECORDS 10
PROCEDURE FOR ACCESS TO PUPIL RECORDS 11
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES 12
COMMUNICATION WITH EDISON HIGH SCHOOL STAFF 14
VISITORS 14
ATTENDANCE POLICY 15
PROCEDURE FOR COLLEGE VISITATION 16
PROCEDURE FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS 16
PROCEDURE FOR RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS 17
CREDIT COMPLETION SUMMER SCHOOL 17
TARDINESS/EARLY DISMISSAL 17
ACADEMICS 20
GRADUATION – REQUIREMENTS 20
GRADING 21
PARENT PORTAL 26
REPORT CARDS 26
HOME INSTRUCTION 28
CHEATING 28
ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION (AVID) 29
SCIENCE & ENGINEERING ACADEMY (STEM) 31
SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT 32
COUNSELING SERVICES 32
PROCEDURES FOR MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR COUNSELOR 33
SCHEDULE AND PROGRAM CHANGES 34
HOMEWORK REQUESTS 35
HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES 36
MEDICATION/SUPPLEMENTS 36
ELEVATOR 37
MEDIA CENTER 38
PUBLICATIONS/TRANSMISSIONS 39
STUDENT BEHAVIOR 42
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL 42
FLAG SALUTE/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 42
HALLWAY PASSING TIME 42
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS 43
DRESS AND GROOMING 44
CAFETERIA RULES 44
FIRE / SECURITY DRILLS 45
EVACUATION / LOCKDOWN DRILLS 46
STUDENT DISCIPLINE 47
STUDENT DISCIPLINE DEFINITIONS 47
STUDENT BEHAVIOR AT SCHOOL EVENTS/ACTIVITIES 51
STUDENT DISCIPLINE DISPOSITIONS 51
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE 54
CENTRAL DETENTION RULES / GUIDELINES 58
SATURDAY DETENTION RULES / GUIDELINES 59
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION RULES / GUIDELINES 59
SUMMARY OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY 62
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING POLICY 63
CO-CURRICULAR OFFERINGS 66
PHYSICALS AND PERMISSION FORMS 67
ELIGIBILITY 68
TRANSPORTATION 70
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY 70
BUS RULES 70
STUDENT PARKING REGULATIONS 71
FIELD TRIPS / ASSEMBLIES 73
LOCKERS 73
SEARCH AND SEIZURE 74
SCHOOL INSURANCE 74
FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH 74
DEBIT ACCOUNT SYSTEM 75
MILITARY RECRUITMENT – OPT OUT 75
WORKING PAPERS 75
INDEX 76
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4
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EDISON TOWNSHIP
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Public Schools of Edison Township is to ensure that all students achieve at the highest level of academic success. The district, in partnership with the community, will provide a safe, supportive learning environment which promotes and encourages productive contributions to a diverse and constantly evolving global society.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
VEENA IYER, President
FRANK HEELAN, Vice President
DEBORAH ANES
LORI A. BONDEROWITZ
LORA FONG
MARGOT HARRIS
BETH MORONEY
JERRY SHI
THERESA E. WARD
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
DR. RICHARD J. O'MALLEY, Superintendent
CHRISTOPHER CONKLIN, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Special Services
MARGARET DELUCA, Chief Academic Officer/Secondary Administrator, 6-12
TARA BEAMS, Chief Academic Officer/Elementary Administrator, PreK-5
DANIEL P. MICHAUD, Business Administrator/Board Secretary
PETER PITUCCO, Director of Human Resources
DR. SANDRA REID, Coordinator of NCLB, Assessments, Title I and Director of Anti-Bullying
HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
CHARLES.K.ROSS, Principal
JOSEPH FERRARA, Assistant Principal
NICOLE KESSELMAN, Assistant Principal
AURORA LOUFEK, Assistant Principal
DEPARTMENT SUPERVISORS
TARA CAMPOS, Academic Programs ELIZABETH LELL, Mathematics
JEFFREY DICOCCO, Athletics ROBERT PISPECKY, Music/Visual Arts
HARRIET SIDERIS, English LAURIE MAIER, Science
VIRGINIA SANTORO, ESL/World Language MARTIN MALAGUE, Social Studies
DR. DIANE BRAUNGARD-GALAYDA, Guidance NANCY SICA, Special Education
JAMES MULDOWNEY, Health/PE MATTHIAS URTEIL, Facilities Manager
4
EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
STAFF BY DEPARTMENT 2015 – 2016
4
ADMINISTRATION
Charles K. Ross, Prin.
Joseph Ferrara, Asst. Prin.
Nicole Kesselman, Asst. Prin.
Aurora Loufek, Asst. Prin.
Tara Campos, Supr. Acad. Prog.
ART
Robert Pispecky, Supr.
Shelly Colletto
Anne Fernandez
Kelley Gavor
Thomas White
ATHLETICS
Jeff DiCocco, AD
Timothy Root, Trainer
BUSINESS
Lydia Bachorik
Ilias Hantsoulis
Lynne Tierney
TBD
CHILD STUDY TEAM
Nancy Sica, Supervisor
Elissa Both
Holly Clark
Rosemarie Quagliariello
Shani Sasso
Susan Stoltenberg
Melissa Wertz
CUSTODIANS
Matthias Urteil, Supr.
Carl Adams
Al Bryant
Koy Campbell
David Dean
Corey Frazier
Adam George
Vincent Guarnieri
Augustin Igbinibaro
Robert Markano
Desiree Mascarelli
Thomas Meagher
David Perry
John Tymon
John Yunker
Gary Iacouzzi (Grounds)
Anthony Pahopin (Grounds)
CRISIS COUNSELOR
Suzi Millar
Trudy Kelly
ENGLISH
Harriet Sideris, Supr.
Nicole Appelman
Aimee Baer
Lauren Bowers
Amy Brooks
Gina Corsun
Jennifer DiOrio
Maureen Elford
Diane Frey
Kimberly Grossman
Amy Grubb
Karen Hart
Christine Heinze
Charese Johnson
Stephanie Lothian
Patrick McCaffery
Kimberly Mitchell
Tracey Patton-Stein
Emily Pericone PD 9/1-10/30
Julie Robbins LOA 9/1-10/30
Michelle Samet
Karen Scarfuto
Allyson Weintraub
Jennifer Wolf
FAMILY & CON. SC.
Kathleen Hendricks
Sandra Ledda
Meaghan McGowan
Andrea Steinberg
GUIDANCE
Diane Braungard-Galayda, Supr.
Thomas Alexander
Andrew Barone
Gladys Carrasquillo-Tavares
Jennifer DaSilva
Nicole Panaro
Arlene Rosenthal
Rachel Rotella
Nicholas Steffner
Barbara Morcos College Counselor
Oshaira Pichardo College Counselor
HEALTH & PHYS. ED.
James Muldowney, Supr.
Mark Blevins
Amy Burke LOA 9/1-9/16
Tara Feaster
Veronica Harris
Patricia Jaworski
Donaven Kregeloh
Carolyn McElwain
Michael Meagher
Robert Merkler
Denise Morrow
Robert Roma
David Sandaal
Kim Schoemer
IT COORDINATOR
Eric Palacios
MATHEMATICS
Elizabeth Lell, Supr.
Danielle Andriano
Lori Disporto
Jennifer Dodd Harris
Michele Downey
Kaitlin Ek
Carol Evans
Sandi Ferrante
Alexander Gentul
Amanda Gonczi
Corey Grillo
Lynn Harris
Marnette Hayes
LeeAnn Hesse
Frank Juliano
Jenna Logan
Kathryn Magee
Megan Marsh
Matthew McGuigan
Maryann McGuire
Stephanie Rasimowicz
John Scarpa
Steven Scheid
Melissa Tapia
MEDIA SPECIALIST
Ellen Whitt
4
STAFF BY DEPARTMENT (cont.) 2015 – 2016
4
MUSIC
Robert Pispecky, Supr.
Kenneth Brown
Marc DeNicuolo
Andrew Jaworski
Brittney Leghorn
Eric Mazurkiewicz
NURSES
Laura Matonis
Laura Lombardi
Pat Masturzo
PARA PRO
Linda Birri
Pranali Choksi
Kathleen Emery
Usha Ganatra
Mark Grieco
Erinn Johnson
Christopher Meagher
Ashley Rutzler
Mark Schwartz
Coleen Simone
Sima Wilken
SCIENCE
Laurie Maier, Supr.
Anthony Barry
Robin Connell
Shari Degenshein
Michael Evans
Martin Goldman
James Hammer
Sabrina Hu
Bryan McBrierty
Cailin McGrorry
Christopher McKnight
Brian Murtagh
Irene Ning
Fred Pollex
Jennifer Przygoda
Rachel Sandler
Kathleen Sheehan
Kruti Singh LOA 10/21-3/8
Stanely Stellakis
Michele Witkowski
Matthew Zapoticzny
Nicholas Zecchino
SECRETARIES
Patricia Peters (Prin. Secretary)
Josie Aikens
Cindy Bauer
Sherry Curtin
Linda Hesse
Josephine Jencsik
Barbara Kaiser
Donna Rivella
Barbara Stary
Nancy Tortajada
Christine Vardaro
SECURITY
Dorothea Baron
Santeargo Brown, Jr.
Jimmy Ramos
John Smith
Edward Urbanski
David Goldman (EPD)
SPEECH
Shanda Edwards M/W
Laura Toscano T/R
WORLD LANGUAGE
Virginia Santoro, Supr.
Hayet Bensetti
Jonathan Clark
Elizabeth Fedowitz
Maria Fulham ESL LOA 9/1-12/8
Marilyn Griswold
James Huang
Paola Jimenez
Deana Loria
Mary Jo Malanga
Neelam Mishra
Jose Pan
Antonella Pellino
Elizabeth Ramirez
Juana Santos-Stagliano
Ellen Stires
Ernest Valdes
Alexandra Van de Wetering
TBD ESL
TECHNOLOGY
Stanley Balewitz
Jeff Bauer
Michael Iannace
Kevin Kerins
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Nancy Sica, Supr.
Vincent Abene
Kathleen Accatatta
Lauren Alvarez
Adrienne DeLee Fleming
William Donner
Keith Duffalo
Jennine Duggan
Matthew Fulham
Charles Jammal
Thomas Kantlehner
Jeneen LaDuna
Vicki Landesman
Kay Lewis
Gerry Mannix
Yarida Mendez-Bogash
Charles Mohr
Joyce Okoth
Christopher Pagano
Debra Raisley
Karen Rodriguez
Linda Ryan
Roni Schwarz
Roseanna Scimone
Tracie Smith
Megan Sweeney
Melanie VanPell
Vincent Vitiello
Jennifer Wallace
SOCIAL STUDIES
Martin Malague, Supr.
Mark DiGiovacchino
Vincent Gioffre
Michael Glackin
Kaitlin Hoey
Karen Kirkpatrick
Michael Korneski
David Legendre
Howard Manson
Thomas McMahon
Gene Nasser
Dawn Penny
Leanne Rubiano
Jennifer Sidorski
Wesley Smith
Doreen Stocker
77
EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
BELL SCHEDULE
WARNING BELL 7:35
PERIOD 1 7:40 - 8:26
2 8:31 - 9:14
3 9:19 - 10:02
4 (1st lunch) 10:07 - 10:30
5 10:35 - 10:50
6 (2nd lunch) 10:55 - 11:18
7 11:23 - 11:38
8 (3rd lunch) 11:43 - 12:06
9 12:11 - 12:26
10 (4th lunch) 12:31 - 12:54
11 12:59 - 1:42
12 1:47 - 2:30
EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
SINGLE SESSION BELL SCHEDULE
WARNING BELL 7:35
Period 1 7:40 - 8:10
Period 2 8:15 - 8:43
Period 3 8:48 - 9:16
4/5 or 5/6 9:21 - 9:49
6/7 or 7/8 9:54 - 10:22
8/9 or 9/10 10:27 - 10:55
Period 11 11:00 - 11:28
Period 12 11:33 - 12:00
NOTES: 1. No lunch will be available.
2. Activities/athletics may not begin before 4:00 p.m.
EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
DELAYED OPENING SCHEDULE
PERIOD 1 9:30 - 10:06 36 MINUTES
2 10:11 - 10:40 29 MINUTES
3 10:45 - 11:14 29 MINUTES
4 (1st lunch) 11:19 - 11:40 21 MINUTES
5 11:45 - 11:48 3 MINUTES
6 (2nd lunch) 11:53 - 12:14 21 MINUTES
7 12:19 - 12:22 3 MINUTES
8 (3rd lunch) 12:27 - 12:48 21 MINUTES
9 12:53 - 12:56 3 MINUTES
10 (4th lunch) 1:01 - 1:22 21 MINUTES
11 1:27 - 1:56 29 MINUTES
12 2:01 - 2:30 29 MINUTES
DELAYED OPENING PROCEDURES
1. A delayed opening will result in school hours being 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a special bell schedule adjusted so that all classes will meet for approximately 29 minutes each. Lunches are 21 minutes.
2. The school day begins at 9:30 a.m. with first period. Students who are late to school must sign in at the Attendance Office and will be charged with a tardy. Students absent all day will be charged with a full-day absence.
NOTE: Students who are late or absent due to a school bus transportation
problem will have the absence or tardy excused.
3. Students who arrive prior to 9:00 a.m. must remain in the gym for supervision purposes. There can be no loitering in other areas of the building or on school grounds.
4. LUNCHES will be served; however, the menu will be adjusted to accommodate the short interval periods used for preparation of the food.
5. EARLY-RELEASE SENIORS must attend all their classes and may only dismiss after their last class even if it is later than their normal clock time. Seniors who work should make arrangements with their employers to arrive late to work. Special cases should be brought to the attention of the Administration.
6. Students who attend SHARED-TIME VOCATIONAL SCHOOL will be advised of their status by the Child Study Team.
7. STUDENT ACTIVITIES after school and in the evening will depend on the weather conditions.
PA announcements will be used to clarify these matters.
8. TRANSPORTATION – School buses will pick up an hour and a half later than normally scheduled, e.g. a 7:15 a.m. pick up will move to 8:45 a.m.
9. Notice of school closing or delayed opening due to inclement weather or other reason is announced on radio stations WCTC 1450 and WERA 1590, and Channel 14 starting 6:00 a.m. Cancellations of a delayed opening may be made until 8:00 a.m.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ SECTION 504
The Public Schools of Edison Township practice non-discrimination in educational programs and procedures. The Board of Education provides a full range of educational offerings, including appropriate vocational programs, to students regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, or handicapped condition.
Any inquiries regarding compliance or grievances may be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer or 504 Coordinator. A grievance is a complaint in regard to equal access or affirmative action based upon
discrimination or harassment due to an individual’s race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or handicapping condition.
Any individual who has been subjected to harassment or discrimination, or who has witnessed any incident of such harassment or discrimination, should report the matter without delay to the School Affirmative Action Officer.
District Affirmative Action Officer- Ms. Margaret DeLuca, Chief Academic Officer/Secondary
Administrator 6-12
EHS Affirmative Action Officer-Mr. Charles Ross, Principal
District 504 Coordinator - Christopher Conklin, Assistant Superintendent Pupil Special Services
EHS 504 Coordinator –Dr. Diane Braungard-Galayda, Supervisor of Guidance
PUPIL RECORDS
Records shall be collected and maintained for each pupil from date of enrollment through date of withdrawal or graduation. These records are maintained to provide accurate information for those who have a legitimate interest and concern in the pupil’s education and welfare.
The collection, access, dissemination, and maintenance of pupil records shall be in accordance with Federal and State Laws and the NJ Administrative Code – Title 6, Subtitle A, Chapter 3, Subchapter 6: Pupil Records. Parents may request a complete copy of Board Policy regarding Pupil Records through the Principal.
The Board of Education designates the following student information as information which may be included in a student information directory and otherwise made available to the public pursuant to NJAC 6:3-6.1 et seq.:
The student’s name, address, telephone number, grade level, date and place of birth, dates
of attendance, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities, weight
and height relating to athletic team membership, degrees, awards and the most recent
educational agency attended by the pupil.
PROCEDURE FOR ACCESS TO PUPIL RECORDS
Only the following authorized organizations, agencies and persons shall have access to pupil records.
1. The parent(s), legal guardian(s), foster parent(s) or parent surrogate(s).
2. Pupils at least 16 years of age who are terminating their education in the district.
3. The adult pupil and the pupil’s parent(s) or guardian(s) who have written permission of such pupil.
4. A non-adult pupil may have access only through his/her parents.
5. The parent or adult pupil shall either have access to or be specifically informed about only that portion of another pupil’s record that contains information about his/her own child or himself/herself.
6. Certified school district personnel who have assigned education responsibility.
7. A district board of education, in order to fulfill its legal responsibilities.
8. Secretarial and clerical personnel, under the direct supervision of certified school personnel.
9. Officials of other district boards of education, private agencies which provide educational services by means of public funds.
10. Mandated pupil records shall be forwarded to the chief school administrator of the receiving district within 10 days after the transfer has been verified by the requesting school district.
11. Officers and employees of a state agency responsible for protective services to children who are engaged in investigation (pursuant to NJSA 9:6-8.40).
12. The Commissioner of Education who has assigned responsibility which necessitates the review of such records.
13. Accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions.
14. Organizations, agencies and persons from outside the school if they have written consent of parent or adult pupil.
15. Educational, occupational and military recruiters (pursuant to NJSA 18A:36-19.1) provided that any parent or adult pupil may request, by writing to the chief school administrator, to be excused from participating in recruitment programs or having their name appear in student information directories for recruitment purposes.
16. Organizations, agencies and individuals outside the school other than those specified in this rule upon presentation of a court order.
17. Bona fide researchers who explain in writing the nature of the research project.
Access to pupil records by authorized persons (preceding) shall be granted subject to the following conditions:
1. When a request for access to pupil records is received by a school administrator, an appointment for viewing the records will be made within ten days.
2. Authorized organizations, agencies or persons from outside the school whose access requires consent of parent or adult pupil must submit their written request to view the records, together with any required authorization, to the principal of the school. A request to view special services records must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Services.
3. The principal of the school or designee shall be present during the period of inspection to provide interpretation of the records and to prevent their alteration.
4. The district board of education shall, prior to the disclosure of any pupil records to organizations, agencies or persons outside the school district pursuant to a court order, give the parents or adult pupil at least three days’ notice.
5. A record may be withheld from a parent or a pupil under 18 or from an adult pupil only when the district board of education obtains a court order or is provided with evidence that there is a court order revoking the right to access.