District, School and Galloway Township Policies for Absegami Students

Bell Schedule
Abbreviated Bell Schedule  
Pep Rally Bell Schedule
Sign Out Policy for Pep Rallies
Activities/Athletics
Dress Code
Grading
Honor Code
Graduation Requirements
Honor Rolls
Absegami - Interim Progress Reports
Exam Policy
Galloway Smoking Ordinance No.1625 of 2005
Galloway Parking Ordinance No. 1614 of 2005
Report card distribution dates
National Honor Society
Pupil Records Policy
Student Information Directory
Student Identification Badges
Eligibility policy for activities /athletics
Equal Education and Employment Opportunity Resolution
Emergency Procedures
Absegami High School ASSIST
Bus Transportation
Driving To School
Student Pick-up at Absegami
Attendance
Lunch Program
Lockers - Personal Property
Student Insurance
Behavior and Discipline Policy
Bullying Policy
Penalty Chart

A+ 100 to 96
B+ 90 to 89
C+ 83 to 82
D+ 76 to 75
I Incomplete
A 95 to 93
B 88 to 86
C 81 to 79
D 74 to 72
F 69 to 50
WP Withdraw Passing
A- 92 to 91
B- 85 to 84
C- 78 to 77
D- 71 to 70

• A numeric average of 70 is required to pass.
• Incomplete report card grades should be made up within two weeks of the report card being issued to the student.
• Grade Point Averages will be calculated on an average numeric basis directly related to our current grading system. This means that a GPA will be reported in numeric grade format, i.e., 95.75.
• Advanced Placement courses will be weighted by adding ten points to the earned grade and Honors courses will be weighted by adding five points to the earned grade. Class Rank will be based solely on weighted grades. GPA will be based only on the numeric average without weighting.
• A grade of "E" is earned by a student who refuses to participate in classroom activities that are an integral part of a course
  
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ABSEGAMI HIGH SCHOOL HONOR CODE

As a member of the Absegami High School community, I will be honest with myself, the faculty, the staff, and my fellow students in thought, word and deed. I refuse to tolerate dishonesty. I will not participate in, encourage, or condone the following:

Cheating: This is giving, receiving, or using information and/or material that is not your own. This includes, but is not limited to sharing, copying or passing information on homework, quizzes or tests.

Lying: This is the deliberate telling of a falsehood with the intent to deceive.

Plagiarism: This is the intentional presentation of someone else's words, ideas, or work, as one's own. This includes, but is not limited to the use of peer, internet or previously written works without proper documentation.

Stealing: This is taking someone else's property in a dishonest manner and with the intent to keep it or use it wrongfully. This includes, but is not limited to theft of personal property, intimidation and vandalism.

I understand that I have a choice, and I choose to accept and to support the values contained in this code. I am convinced that following the Honor Code will benefit me as well as the Absegami community.

______________________________
Student Signature Date

______________________________
Name of Student Date of Birth

______________________________
Parent Signature Date

______________________________
Street Address Telephone

________
Grade

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Sign-Out Policy for Pep Rallies
Pep Rallies are a part of the educational experience: we will honor ONLY documented request, including doctors' notes and driver's license test, or other documented requests that can be verified and justified. ONLY parents or approved guardians listed on emergency cards may sign a student out and students will not be released on the basis of phone calls alone.

Activities/Athletics

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Graduation Requirements

Honor Rolls
Honor rolls will be published at the close of each marking period and at the end of the year. Any student who earns a grade of 77 or below will not be named to either of the honor rolls. The following criteria will be used:

Absegami - Interim Progress Reports
Interim Progress Reports will be distributed to students approximately half-way through the marking period. Each parent should receive four Interim Progress Reports during the course of the school year. These reports are an indication of progress, not grades. Please contact the Guidance Department if there are any questions about Interim Progress Reports.

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Exam Policy
Students must be present at the assigned time to take Mid-term exams or Final exams. Students who are absent on the day of an exam will only be allowed to make the exam up if they present a valid note for an excused absence (doctor's note, court appearance, death in the family) to the main office. All exams must be made up within two weeks of the close of the marking period. If these conditions are not met, a grade of "50" will be recorded.

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Report card distribution dates

1st......................................................November
2nd ....................................................February
3rd......................................................April
4th......................................................June

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National Honor Society
Membership in the National Honor Society is limited to juniors and seniors. This honor is conferred upon students by the faculty in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

The selection committee is composed of faculty members selected by the principal as prescribed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Criteria for selection:

Scholarship: The juniors and seniors with a minimum grade point average of 91 (unweighted) will be eligible for selection. Juniors will be considered for selection at the end of their fifth semester. Seniors will be considered for selection at the end of their seventh semester.

Service: The candidate will show willingness to help others in the group that are less gifted, volunteer his/her talents toward the attainment of group goals, and perform work without regard to reward.

Leadership:The candidate will demonstrate the ability to motivate others, set the appropriate examples, and establish consistency in leading a group.

Character: The candidate will be honest, trustworthy, respectful and tolerant of others, and be a pleasant and positive individual.

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Pupil Records Policy
A central file is maintained on each student in the Guidance Office. Additional information might be maintained in several other areas of the school. Records containing information relevant to the student's education are available to parents or guardians. If you are under eighteen and have written permission or if you are eighteen or older, you have the right of access to your records. A member of the school staff responsible for the maintenance of the records will be present to provide interpretation of the records should you or your parents choose to review them. A parent or pupil at least eighteen years of age may question records on grounds of inaccuracy, irrelevancy, impermissive disclosure, inclusion of improper information or denial of access. Please contact a guidance counselor or administrator for additional information.

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Student Information Directory
Student Information Directory includes a pupil's name, address, grade level, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, major field of study, participation in District activities recognized by the Board of Education, weight and height relating to athletic team membership, degrees, awards and the education agency most recently attended. With the exception of a parent or adult pupil requesting that directory information about the pupil not be released, directory information may, with the consent of the parent or adult pupil, be: A. Released to recognized representatives of the Press for use in published reports on District activities, and
B. Used in District publications and records, such as the newsletter, handbook, school newspaper, yearbook, graduation program, Board minutes and administrative reports to the Board.
C. The Student Information Directory will be made available to educational, occupational and military recruiters on an equal basis in accordance with Policy 913.
An adult pupil who so requests, or a minor pupil whose parents so request, will not be listed in the Student Information Directory for any and all recruitment purposes. Parents or adult pupils may request, in writing, to be excused from participation in all recruiting activities and/or from a listing in the Student Information Directory distributed for recruitment purposes. All questions about this should be addressed to the pupil's guidance counselor.
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Student Identification Badges
Students will be issued a student identification badge at the beginning of the school year. For security and safety reasons, students will be required to wear or have in their possession their ID badge while in the school building. Any staff member may request to see a student's ID, and the student must comply. In addition, students will be required to swipe their ID badge whenever they purchase lunch, utilize the library, the nurse, guidance, and sign in and out. Also, students will be required to show their ID when boarding the bus. Disciplinary sanctions will be issued to any student who does not cooperate with these requirements.

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Eligibility policy for activities/athletics

1. The Eligibility Policy will apply equally to students in activities and/or athletics that require participation beyond the contractual school day.

2. Students will gain or lose eligibility for athletics and activities on a semester basis. The date of the issuance of the second and fourth report card will be the date on which students gain or lose eligibility for the following semester. In accordance with NJSIAA rules, an athlete who becomes ineligible may finish the sport season in progress. A pupil who has commenced preparation in a public performance of a concert, recital, drama, debate, or the like may continue to participate until the pupil has completed the performance.

3. The grades for determining eligibility at the end of the first semester will be the semester average. The grades for determining eligibility at the end of the school year will be the final average. A grade of WF will be counted as a failure.

4. To be eligible:

A. Pupils entering grade 9 in the first semester have no academic eligibility requirement.
B. For the first semester pupils in grades 10, 11, and 12 must have earned 27.5 credits in the preceding year.
C. The number of credits required to be eligible in the second semester is 13.75.

5. A pupil in a no-credit status is ineligible for participation in athletics or activities for the succeeding year.

6. A student with an incomplete grade may regain eligibility by presenting to the Supervisor of Athletics and/or Vice Principal, as appropriate, a written statement from the teacher involved, no later than the end of the first school day following the issuance of report cards, that the incomplete grade has been made up or is an “incomplete passing” and that the student has been given additional time to complete make-up work.

7. For a trip of more than one-day duration, all student participants must be eligible on the last day that refunds are possible (as stated on the trip approval form).

8. Summer school and tutoring in the summer may be used to gain eligibility for the first semester of the following year. The maximum number of credits that may be earned during the summer for eligibility purposes is 10credits.

9. Eligibility for senior week activities will be determined on the day that senior failures are reported.

10. Tutoring during the school year will be considered in determining eligibility for the succeeding year.

Physical Examination
It is strongly recommended that a physical be completed at least one time during adolescence. According to state law, each student medical examination shall be conducted at the medical home of the student and a full report sent to the school. A form for the private doctor's examination can be obtained from the school nurse.

Equal Education and Employment Opportunity Resolution
In compliance with the New Jersey Administrative Code (6:4-1 to 6:4-10) “Equality in Educational Programs,” the Regional Board of Education has adopted the following resolution: The Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District Board of Education affirms its responsibility to ensure all students in the public schools of Oakcrest and Absegami High Schools equal educational opportunity and all employees' equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, and social or economic status. To fulfill this responsibility, the Board shall establish a program to review andmodify, as may be necessary, its present school and classroom programs and employment/contract practices. Any persons who may wish to review or render questions regarding the above resolution may do so by contacting the Administrator of the Regional District. Any persons who may wish to review or render questions regarding the above resolution may do so by contacting the Administrator of the Regional District.

Handicapped Act, Section 504
It is the policy of the Board of Education that no otherwise qualified person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in employment or under any program or activity sponsored by this Board. The Board shall comply with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Any person who may wish to review or render questions regarding the above resolution may do so by contacting the appropriate guidance counselor.

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Emergency Procedures
Closing of School Due to Inclement Weather
Emergency closing days will be added to the calendar. School closing information will be listed as either the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District or Absegami and Oakcrest High Schools . Listen for both; some stations will list only the district and others will list individual high schools. TV Stations: 3,6,10, 40, and Channel 2 in Galloway . Radio stations: KYW 1060 AM. Web sites: www.kyw.com; www.absegami.net; or www.oakcrest.net.

Dismissal During a School Day
The Superintendent will determine the advisability of an early dismissal because of inclement weather or an emergency. If a decision is made to send students home before the regular dismissal time, the local radio stations will be requested to make announcements on the hour and half hour. Parents are requested to listen to a local station if there is any question about the early closing of school.

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Bus Transportation
Our Regional Board of Education has contracted a complete system of bus transportation to and from the school. The following is the transportation schedule for 2004-2005:
7:15 Arrival of Students
2:38 Departure of Students
3:35 Level 1 Activity Bus-Tues., Wed., Thurs.
4:30 Level 2 Activity Bus as scheduled

On the Bus
1. The bus driver has complete jurisdiction over the passengers at all times.
2. The bus driver and bus property must be respected at all times.
3. Arguments, complaints, etc., should not be voiced while the bus is in route. They may be made to the Director of Transportation or to a member of the Administration.
4. Students must remain in their assigned seats while the bus is in motion.
5. There will be no smoking or fighting at any time.
6. No items will be thrown within the bus or out of the bus.
7. No parts of the body will be extended beyond the confines of the bus (for example, heads, hands, arms, legs out of the window).
8. There will be no pushing or shoving.
9. No students or person shall be in the possession of, use, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs at any time.
10. No loud, abusive or profane language at any time, either on the bus or on any school property. Talk in soft, moderate tones so the driver does not become distracted.
11. The bus shall make only those stops which have been approved by the Board of Education.
12. New Jersey State Law requires schools to organize and conduct emergency exit drills for all pupils who ride school buses. Drills are to be conducted on school property and be supervised by the Principal or person assigned by him to act in a supervisory capacity. Changes in bus assignments may only be considered by submitting a written request signed by the parent to the Transportation Office.
13. Any disruptive and/or dangerous behavior may result in the loss of bus privileges.

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Driving To School
Due to the safety problems of students having to drive long distances under all weather conditions plus the lack of space for adequate student parking, the Board of Education has adopted a no-student driving policy.

Under this policy, no student is permitted to drive a motor vehicle (including motorcycles and mopeds) to school or to park a motor vehicle on perimeter roads during the school day unless prior approval is given by the administration. Students who violate this policy will have their automobiles towed at their own expense.

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Student Pick-up at Absegami
If a student is to be picked up by an authorized person such as a parent, guardian, or other approved adult, pickup is to occur in the designated area. No student is allowed to be picked up by anyone other than his/her parent or guardian unless parent or guardian approves it and informs the administration by written note and verbal confirmation prior to pickup.

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Attendance
Absence from school jeopardizes the ability of a pupil to satisfactorily complete the prescribed course of study and violates the statutes requiring children to regularly attend school (N.J.S.A 18A:38-35-26).

Definition of Excused Absences — An absence is excused only if it occurs because of a driver's test, a court appearance, a doctor's appointment, a medical excuse signed by a physician, a funeral in the family, or a religious holiday. Unlike elementary school, a note from home does not excuse a student.

Definition of Unexcused Absences — All other absences are considered unexcused. Students in GEHRHSD are allowed a maximum of 10 unexcused absences. These are not free days, but are absences that occur because of family responsibilities, an illness not requiring a doctor, or vacations.

School-Sponsored Activities — Pupils shall not be considered absent while participating in a school-sponsored activity.

Loss of Course Credit – Pupils who miss over 10 days of school (unexcused absence) will not have completed the course of study as prescribed and, as such, do not qualify to receive the assigned credit for the course. In order to regain credit, an appeal must be submitted, granted, and credit completion sessions or long detention assigned wherein relevant course work is completed.

Total Loss of Credit —Pupils who miss in excess of 36 school days (excused and unexcused absences) will lose credit for the entire year. Long detention or credit completion cannot be used to reinstate credit if the total number of absent days exceeds 36.

Consecutive Absences — Any pupil who misses 10 consecutive school days and who does not appear on home assignment, home instruction, and/or who is not medically verified as incapacitated will be issued a written notification to report to school within 5 school days. Failure to do so may result in fines.

Lateness to School—Students arriving late to school should understand that they place themselves in academic jeopardy if the practice of lateness is habitual and unexcused. Some classwork can be made up, but students must understand they need to be present to earn a class participation grade.

1. Students must be in school prior to 9:20 a.m. in order to receive credit for the entire day.

2. Pupils arriving late to school who had a verified appointment with a physician, dentist, or driver's test will be given an excused late to school.

3. Students will be issued a long detention on their 8th unexcused late to school. Students are reminded they must swipe their ID cards when signing in.

4. On the 12th unexcused late to school, a student will be assigned one session of credit completion. Every additional four lates will result in another session of credit completion being assigned. Excessive lateness could result in other disciplinary sanctions.

Absence and Participation in School Events — No student may participate in a program or event related to student activities or athletics who has not been in attendance on the day of the event, or if a weekend event, the last school day preceding the event.

Vacation Days — Vacation days are not excused absences.Attendance AppealsThe Board is cognizant of possible unforeseen factors which may create hardships relating to the operation of the attendance policy.

1. Written excuses for absences for professional appointments, driver's test, doctor appointments/illness, death in the family and religious holidays must be submitted to the Vice Principal no later than 10 school days from the date of each absence. If an excuse for the absence is not submitted within 10 school days from the date of each absence, it may not be submitted for consideration at a later date.

2. Any student exceeding 10 days of unexcused absence, may appeal "no-credit" status to the Attendance Appeals Committee. The Attendance Appeals Committee may grant the appeal in full, in part, or deny the appeal. The recommendation of the Attendance Appeals Committee may require a student to attend the district Credit Completion Program in order to be returned to credit status.

3. In keeping with the dictates of fairness and procedural due process, any appeal of no-credit status that results in attendance in the District Credit Completion Program, will be directed to the Principal/Vice Principal within ten days of notification of the decision of the Attendance Appeals Committee.

4. Appeals to the Assistant Superintendent, the Superintendent and the Board of Education, relating to the decision, must be made in writing within ten school days of receipt of the decision.

5. Decisions of the Board of Education may be appealed to the Commissioner of Education.

ABSENCE FROM INDIVIDUAL CLASSES

All students registered in the State of New Jersey and at our high school are required to attend school all days and all hours that school is in session (18A:38-26). Therefore, selective absence from individual classes by students is not permitted. Students who are found to be illegally absent from class will be subject to several penalties.

Illness
In the event of illness during the school day, students must report to the nurse. If the nurse is not in, the student should report to the Main Office. No student is permitted to leave the school campus unless such dismissal is approved by the nurse and cleared through the office. Students will be excused by permission of a parent or guardian or responsible person listed on the emergency information card. A pass from the classroom teacher is required for admission to the Nurse's Office.

Home Instruction and Home Assignment

A. Home Instruction If a student is unable to attend classes because of a continuing illness that will keep the student out of school for more than ten consecutive days, home instruction will be provided at no cost to the parents/guardians of the student.

As soon as it becomes apparent that a student will be out of school more than ten (10) consecutive days, the parent must notify the school nurse (AHS 652-1372 ext. 2466). The school nurse will notify the home instruction teacher who will contact the parent.

B. Home Assignments Parents should call the Guidance Office to request that homework be sent home by teachers for a student's absence of three to ten days duration. The teachers must be given at least one day notice to prepare the assignments.

Make-up Work
Pupils are provided an opportunity to complete assignments missed because of their absences. However, it would be unwise to believe that one can make up the learning activity of a total class session.

1. It is the responsibility of the pupil to make arrangements with the teacher to make up work. Extended time to make up work may be granted by the teacher.

2. Pupils choosing to cut classes, or otherwise found to be truant, may not make up work missed during these infractions.

3. Pupils may complete assignments for time missed because of actions initiated by the authorities of the school; i.e., suspension, expulsion, etc.

Credit Completion
The school maintains a consistent obligation requiring pupils to be present in school in order that they may be taught. The non-credit status may be a temporary condition totally predicated upon the attendance performance of the pupil. The pupil may overcome this condition by making up the school hours either in a supplemental credit completion program or a long detention program offered by the school. Pupils who miss more than 10 school days in a school year, will be assigned to complete the course requirements in either the supplemental summer credit completion program or the long detention program. Pupils who miss more than 36 days in a school year, are not eligible to appeal for either the credit completion program or the long detention program.

This program will be offered at Absegami High School starting in June. The amount of time required for credit completion programs for students who have reached a "no-credit" status will be one two-hour period for each day of unexcused absences. Students assigned credit completion, regardless of how many sessions owed, must serve those sessions concurrently, beginning from the first session and until the obligation is satisfied. Only doctor's notes are accepted for missing credit completion days.

Pupils who are absent fewer than 10 school days do not jeopardize their subject credit status. Students who are absent more than 10 days must complete their long detention assignments during the school year in which they occurred, or serve their credit completion sessions in the summer immediately following the school year in which the obligation developed, or lose credit permanently.

1. The parent should contact the guidance office and secure a copy of The Guidebook to Registration Rules and Instructions (1994).

2. Documentation necessary to establish residence is one of the following groups:

1) Deed to property, Mortgage in lieu of deed, or tax bill
(2) Lease or Tenancy agreement
(3) Sworn statement of a landlord if residing as a tenant without a lease.

(4) Voter registration record
(5) First page of Federal Income Tax return
(6) First page of State Income Tax return
(7) United States Passport or picture I.D.

3. Students must be accompanied by their parent.

4. Students must bring a transfer card from the last school attended, academic records, last report card, health records and verification of date of birth.

The procedures for the registration of students whose parents are not residents within the district, but who live with a guardian, are listed in the Guidebook to Registration Rules and change with specific conditions of residency of the student.

Withdrawal from School
A student desiring to withdraw from school should first consult his/her guidance counselor in making a decision. He/she should not remain absent for any prolonged period of time and return later for withdrawal. In addition, the instructions given below should be followed without exception:
1. Students under 18 years old must be accompanied by parent at time of withdrawal.
2. A withdrawal slip will then be issued.
3. Return all books, uniforms, and other school property to teachers who will initial the slip.
4. Return the completed and properly initialed withdrawal slip to the Guidance Office.
5. Transcript or transfer cards may not be released until all obligations have been met.

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Lunch Program
1. A balanced, nutritious lunch will be available to students daily at reasonable cost.
2. Free/Reduced and Paid Lunch Tickets

a) Applications will be distributed to students in September.
b) Students who qualified for free or reduced price meals in the previous school year will continue to qualify in September until the new applications have been evaluated.
c) Free, reduced price and paid lunch tickets are available in the main office.
d) Contact the Vice-Principal for information regarding the lunch program.

Obligations

2. All checks must have the following information written on the front of the check: name of school, name of the student, and purpose.

3. Personal checks will be accepted for activities in the district with two exceptions:

(a) Senior obligations collected after May 15 must take the form of cash, certified check, or money order.
(b) Transfer students' obligations at all times during the school year must take the form of cash, certified check, or money order.

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Lockers - Personal Property
To safeguard property, the student must use only his/her assigned locker. He/she should be certain not to give the locker combination to anyone and he/she should keep the locker properly locked at all times. The school cannot assume responsibility for the theft or loss of belongings from lockers.
Oakcrest and Absegami High Schools reserve the right to inspect any locker without notice. The inspection may be completed at any time by personnel authorized by the school administration.
It is strongly recommended that the student identify all items of personal equipment, such as gym shoes, athletic equipment and notebooks. Identification cards should be carried in wallets. It is suggested that the student carry only enough money to meet daily needs.
The school assumes no responsibility for theft/loss of student's personal property or material issued to the students for instructional use.

NOTE: Each senior must supply a padlock for his/her physical education locker.

Personal Audio/Electronic Equipment
Students are not permitted to use or possess personal electronic equipment (radios, cellular phones, walkmen, laser pointers) during the school day. Large radios, disc players are prohibited on school buses and in school. They will be confiscated by administration.

Beepers
Possession of beepers and/or any other personal paging devices or look alikes in school is prohibited by state law. If these items are brought to school, they will be confiscated and turned over to the police.

Telephones
There are pay telephones near the student cafeteria area. Please use these telephones for useful purposes only or for emergencies. Do not hold lengthy telephone conversations when others are waiting to use the phone. All conversations should be limited to three minutes.

Students are not permitted to bring visitors during the school day unless prior approval has been received from the principal or appropriate vice-principal. Due to insurance purposes, if student visitors are approved by the administration, the student visitor must be transported to and from school by a parent or guardian. All visitors must report to the Main Office. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

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Student Insurance
I. The school provides insurance coverage for students who sustain injury in school or while in school activities.All students are covered under a master policy provided by Bollinger, Inc. Coverage is automatic when a student is enrolled in Absegami or Oakcrest High School . This is a full excess policy.A full excess policy requires parents, who have other insurance, to submit all bills to their insurance carrier first. The amount not paid will be submitted to Bollinger, Inc. If the parents do not have insurance, Bollinger, Inc. becomes the first carrier.

II. What to do if your student is injured and requires medical treatment:

A. All injuries must be reported immediately to the student's teachers or coach. The coach or teacher will file an accident report with the school nurse.In some instances, the seriousness of an injury is not apparent at the time it occurs. Therefore, the teacher or coach is unaware of the injury or the need to file an accident report. It is very important that the teacher/coach be notified the very next day so that an accident report can be filed. This is most important if it was necessary to have the student treated by a physician or at the emergency room.

B. If you have Blue Cross/Blue Shield or other medical insurance:Submit bills to your insurance carrier first. A bill showing the amount not paid by your insurance carrier should be submitted to Bollinger, Inc. If parents have HMO or similar coverage, the HMO must be utilized first or a claim will not be paid by Bollinger, Inc. Parents cannot choose to NOT use HMO first. (Example: If a hospital or physician is not participating with any form of HMO, the parents with this coverage who choose to use a non-participating facility must pay for the care themselves.) In an emergency, the HMO will generally cover certain expenses.

C. If you do not have Blue Cross/Blue Shield or other medical insurance, the bill should be submitted to Bollinger, Inc.

III. What should you do if your physician or the emergency room requires payment when services are rendered?

A. Submit your Blue Cross/Blue Shield or other medical insurance identification card.
B. If this is not acceptable, you should:

1. Pay the fee required.
2. Obtain a receipt which lists:

a. the student's name
b. date of treatment
c. nature of injury
d. treatment
e. name of physician who treated student
f. the amount charged

C. Obtain an insurance form using the procedure listed in item V below and submit the form and receipt to Bollinger, Inc. as soon as possible.

IV. How do you submit a claim to the insurance company?

A. Call the school nurse or have your student see her about the injury.
B. The nurse will mail you the claim form with the basic information completed.
C. Complete the claim form and send it with your bill to:

Bollinger, Inc.
P.O. Box 706
Short Hills , NJ 07078-0706

V. What should you do if you have a question about this insurance?

Call 1-973-467-0444 for prompt assistance with any claim.

VI. May additional coverage be purchased by a parent for the student?

Important Phone Numbers Related to Injuries / Insurance

Absegami School Nurse: Ms. Melanie Polizzi, 404-2025
Insurance Company: Bollinger, Inc.
1-973-467-0444

V. What should you do if you have a question about this insurance?
Call 1-973-467-0444 for prompt assistance with any claim.

VI. May additional coverage be purchased by a parent for the student?
Special Round-the-Clock coverage is available by request only and at a charge to parents. Application forms are available in the main office.

Immunization
The state of New Jersey requires every pupil to have:
1. Four doses of Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus
2. Three doses of Polio vaccine;
3. Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine.
4. A Mantoux Intradermal Tuberculin test is required of selected students.
5. Hepatitis B - series of three shots.

Medications—Prescriptions
Medication will only be administered with completed Permission to Administer Medication form which can be obtained from the nurse's office. The medication must be in the original container with doctor's prescription label attached. Any controlled substance must be brought in by the parent.

Behavior and Discipline Policy

Expectations for Pupil Conduct
All pupils should commit themselves to learning and to the development of their unique potential. Pupils should know that their attitudes and acts affect both their own and their classmates' learning and should accept responsibility for helping to create a positive school environment. With the support and assistance of school staff members and parents, all pupils can contribute to the effectiveness of the schools and the value of their education.
The Board expects all pupils in this school district, commensurate with their age and ability, to:

1. Prepare themselves mentally and physically for the process of learning;
2. Respect the person, property, and intellectual and creative products of others;
3. Take responsibility for their own behavior and learning;
4. Use time and other resources responsibly;
5. Share responsibilities when working with others;
6. Meet the requirements of each course of study;
7. Monitor their own progress toward school objectives;
8. Communicate with parents and appropriate school staff members about school matters;
9. Attend school regularly and punctually in accordance with the district attendance policy;
10. Remain on the school campus during the school day. Permission to leave must be given by an administrator or school nurse;
11. Be self-controlled and reasonably quiet and non-disruptive in classrooms, hallways, study areas, school buses, on school property and at school activities;
12. Be clean and dress in compliance with school rules of sanitation and safety and in a fashion that will not disrupt classroom procedures;
13. Be reasonable, modest, self-controlled, and considerate in relationships with others;
14. Strive for mutually respectful relationships with teachers;
15. Keep language and gestures respectful and free of profanity and obscenities;
16. Obey the school rule against use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, and controlled dangerous substances by students on school property or while attending school-sponsored activities;
17. Be informed regarding student rights and responsibilities.

Discipline
The objective of the GEHRHSD discipline policy is twofold. First, it is to ensure the maintenance of an orderly school environment that is conducive to student learning. Second, it is to teach students to be proactive and to take responsibility in all types of situations. Students who disrupt the education of others will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. All policies, rules, and regulations established by the GEHRHSD shall remain in effect. The GEHRHSD discipline code maintains due process at each step in the disciplinary process.

The authority of any professional staff member shall extend over each student, in every part of the school property, at anytime, and at all school functions, regardless of location, whether or not school is in session, and whether or not the function is on school property.

Office Detentions — (2:26-3:10 AHS) Students must report on the day assigned. Failure to do so will result in additional detentions. If you are absent on the day of an assigned detention, you must report to the assigning Vice Principal in order to reschedule the detention.

Long/Late Detentions — (2:26 to 5:30 AHS) Students must report on the day assigned. Failure to do so will result in additional detentions and/or suspension. If you are absent on the day of an assigned detention, you must report to the assigning Vice Principal in order to reschedule the detention.
In-School Suspension — If in the judgment of the Principal or Vice-Principal, you have repeatedly committed the same violation of school rules after being warned and/or receiving detentions, you may be placed on in-school suspension. You may also be placed on in-school suspension for a variety of non-violent offenses such as leaving school grounds, truancy, smoking, etc., or in combination with an external suspension.

Out-of-School Suspension —Out-of-school suspension/expulsion are serious disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed upon students when the student has materially and substantially interfered with the maintenance of good order in the school. Suspension/expulsion from school may follow for violation of any one of the following rules:

1. Possession, handling, or transmission of a potentially dangerous weapon, look alike, or mace. (Students found guilty face possible expulsion from school.)
2. Possession, use, or sale of paraphernalia, narcotics, drugs, or marijuana in the school building, on the school grounds, or on the bus. (Students found guilty face possible expulsion from school.)
3. Possession or use of alcoholic beverages in the school building, on the school grounds, or on the school bus. (Students found guilty face possible expulsion from school.)
4. Possession, distribution, or use of firecrackers in the school building, on school grounds, or on the school bus. (Students found guilty face possible expulsion from school.)
5. Continued and willful disobedience / insubordination / incorrigibility
6. Fighting and/or assaulting other persons while in the school building, on school grounds, or on the bus. (Students found guilty face possible expulsion from school.)
7. Gambling in the school building, on school grounds, or on the school bus.
8. Defacing or destroying school property.
9. Leaving the school grounds during regular school hours without proper authorization.
10. Smoking in or around the school building, on school grounds, or on the school bus.
11. Using profane or obscene language.
12. Involvement in criminal activity, both in and outside of school.
13. Use of abuse, violence, threat, intimidation, and/or verbal or sexual harassment in a manner that constitutes an interference with the school's purpose or the violation of another person's human rights.

Loss of Privileges/Social Probation — Students who continually violate school behavior codes may lose school privileges such as attendance at proms, participation in senior week, graduation exercises, field trips, class trips, activities, dances, activity period, etc.
Administrative Review/Superintendent's Hearing/Board of Education Hearings — At an administrative review, a student's entire record of discipline, attendance and academic performance is reviewed by the principal with the student and his/her parents. Strict probation, continued suspension or placement in the district's alternative program may result. If in the judgment of the Superintendent of Schools, a student has had every opportunity and yet continues to materially and substantially interfere with maintenance of good order in the school, he/she may be asked to appear before the Board of education to show cause why he/she should not be expelled from school. Expulsion is permanent removal from school rolls.

Dress Code
Any attire or grooming which is unreasonable, immodest, sloppy, or which affects the classroom atmosphere adversely, or which creates a behavior problem, will be considered unacceptable and dealt with accordingly.
Any clothing that displays gang related material or shows racial, ethnic, sexual or religious intolerance or depicts violence is prohibited. Spiked jewelry and wallet chains are not permitted.
Coats, jackets, hats, headbands, or articles of clothing that cover the head or facial area are not permitted to be worn or carried in the building. Tank tops, tube tops or any attire that reveals shoulders, chest or midriff is not permitted.
Shorts are permitted attire. While appropriate shorts can be worn by both male and female students during the entire year, the following styles and types may not be worn: "cut-offs" or frayed shorts, spandex or bicycle-style shorts, athletic or running style shorts, or swimming trunks.
Bulletins from the office of the Vice Principal will advise the student body of these matters when necessary.

Appeal Process
When a student and/or parent encounter problems, discrimination, complaints or grievances in matters of disciplinary action, academic areas, or school operational practices - the following procedures should be followed in order to ensure an equitable resolution.

Step 1. Discuss the complaint with the staff member who is closest to the source of the problem if the problem is not resolved.
Step 2. Parent or guardian appeals to the appropriate area Supervisor.
Step 3. Parent or guardian appeals to the Vice Principal.
Step 4. Parent or guardian appeals to the Principal.
Step 5. Parent or guardian appeals to the District Level.
Step 6. If that decision is unacceptable, appeal in writing to the GEHRHSD Board of Education. A written decision will be rendered following a Board hearing.

In areas where State law permits, a student and/or parent may appeal Board decisions to the Commissioner of Education and the New Jersey State Board of Education.
At each step in the appeal process, the student(s) and/or parent(s) has/have the right to a hearing and to be represented by a third party.

Affirmative Action
All pupils enrolled in the schools of this District shall be afforded equal educational opportunity. No pupil shall be denied access to or benefit from, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity on the basis of the pupil's race, color, creed, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, social or economic status or handicap.

Affirmative Action Officer: Mr. Raymond E. Dolton, Absegami H. S.,
201 South Wrangleboro Road, Galloway, NJ 08205-9554 (609-652-1372,
ext. 2416

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Policy Statement

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. School administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers should demonstrate appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation or bullying.

Definition
“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, written, verbal, or physical act that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus and that:

A. Is motivated by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental , physical or sensory disability, or

B. By any other distinguishing characteristics: and

C. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act will have the effect of harming a pupil or damaging the pupil's property, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property: or

D. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with the orderly operation of the school.

Expected Behavior

The Board expects pupils to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other pupils and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and the care of school facilities and equipment.

The Board believes that standards for pupil behavior must be set cooperatively through interaction among the pupils, parents, legal guardians, staff and community members, producing an atmosphere that encourages pupils to grow in self-discipline. The development of this atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for the school district and community property on the part of pupils, staff, and community members.

General guidelines for pupil conduct will be developed by the District Administration in conjunction with the High School Administration and approved by the Board. These guidelines will be developed based on accepted core ethical values from board community involvement. These guidelines will be suited to the age level of the pupils and the mission and physical facilities of the individual schools within the district. This Policy requires all pupils in the district to adhere to these rules and guidelines and to submit to such disciplinary measures as are appropriately assigned for infractions of these rules and guidelines.

The District prohibits active and passive support for harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Pupils are encouraged to support constructive attempts to stop them on the part of other pupils, and to support the reporting of these acts to the school administration.

Pupils are required to conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior: respect the person, property and rights of others; obey constituted authority; and respond to school district staff. Each school Principal will develop and provide a school based program for appropriate recognition for positive reinforcement for good conduct, self-discipline, good citizenship, and academic success.

The High School Administration will provide annually to pupils and their parents or guardians, the rules of the district regarding pupil conduct and pupil rights. This policy will appear in all publications of the District's comprehensive rules, procedures and standards of conduct for the schools within the district, including pupil handbooks. Provisions will be made for informing parents and guardians whose primary language is not English.

Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions

The following factors will be considered in determining the appropriate response to pupils who commit one or more acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying:

a. The development and maturity levels of the parties involved;

b. The levels of harm;

c. The surrounding circumstances;

d. The nature of behavior;

e. Past incidences or continuing patterns of behavior;

f. The relationships between the parties involved; and

g. The context in which the alleged incidents occurred.

Concluding whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this Policy requires a determination based on all of the facts and surrounding circumstances.

An appropriate consequence will be determined after consideration of all the factors. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for pupils who commit acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion. The appropriate consequence will be consistent with the case law, Federal and State statutes, and District Policy and Regulation.

Reporting Procedure

Complaints alleging violations of this Policy shall be reported to the school administration. All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this Policy to the school administration. All other members of the school community, including pupils; parents, guardians, volunteers and visitors are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy. While submission of an Incident Report Form to the Principal is not required, the reporting party is encouraged to use the Form available from the High School Office. Oral reports will also be considered official reports. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be based solely on an anonymous report.

Investigation

The building administration is responsible for determining whether an alleged act constitutes a violation of the Policy. The Principal shall conduct or cause to be conducted a prompt, thorough, and complete investigation of he alleged incident. The Principal will cause a record of each investigation regarding allegations of harassment, intimidation or bullying to be maintained in the High School Office.

Response to Policy Violations

Some acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may be isolated incidents requiring the school respond appropriately to the individual or individuals committing the act or acts. Other acts may be so serious or part of such a larger pattern that the response required will be at the class, building, district or law enforcement levels.

Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for pupils who commit an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1.

In considering whether a response beyond the individual level is appropriate, the administration will consider the nature and circumstances of the act, the level of harm, the nature of the behavior, past incidents, past or continuing patterns of behavior, and the context in which the alleged incident or incidents occurred. The school district's