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EAST CAMDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL

3064 Stevens Street, Camden NJ 08105  ♦   Tel:  856) 966-5111   ♦  Fax:  (856) 964-9791

ORDERLY SCHOOL CLIMATE

At Camden City Public Schools the observance of order is of most importance if students are to learn. Therefore we expect an orderly school atmosphere. Students are expected to show consideration for each other. Students are expected always to behave in a responsible manner. Any infraction against good order within a classroom will be dealt with by the classroom teacher. Should a teacher find at any time that the situation is beyond his/her control, or be in need of assistance with a student or that the seriousness of the situation requires action from the Principal or the Assistant Principal, the teacher may refer the student for administrative disciplinary action.

The administrator will decide the appropriate course of action based on the Board of Education's Discipline Policy. Appropriate punishment may include: Detention, probation, and in most cases a parent conference will be conducted. Suspensions will be carefully administered after any serious incidents of misconduct and a parent conference.

All students are required to report to classes by 8:30 a.m. Students found walking in the halls or in lavatories without passes will be referred to their teacher and detained after school.

It is therefore practical that we set some general rules for all students to follow. All students are expected to:

1. show respect and courtesy for adults and each other.

2. respect self, adults, and property.

3. be responsible for their own actions and realize the consequences.

4. be prepared for class and stay on task.

5. wear school uniforms or dress appropriately.

6. use common sense, and cross at corners on the way to and from school.

7. keep hands and feet to themselves at all times.

8. cross at corners on the way to and from school.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pupils in grade six (6), seven (7), and eight (8) whose yearly average indicates a passing grade of 60% (D) and above in three (3) of the four (4) major subjects - Mathematics, Language/Writing, Science and Social Studies - are to be promoted.

Based on a normal school year of 180 school days, the Camden City Board of Education shall permit no more than eighteen (18) unexcused absences to middle school pupils. Promotion may be denied to any grade six (6), seven (7), or eight (8) pupil whose unexcused absences exceed eighteen (18) days. [Refer to File Code: 5113 Absences and Excuses.]

In order to move to the next grade level, middle school pupils retained because of academic and/or attendance deficiencies will be required to attend programs designed by the district to correct the academic and/or attendance deficiency.

Pupils may take no more than two (2) major subjects in an approved summer school program. Pupils who have passed three (3) major subjects during the normal academic year must pass at least one (1) major subject in the summer school program to be promoted. Pupils who have passed only two (2) major subjects during the normal academic year must pass two (2) major subjects in summer school to be promoted.

Pupils who are in danger of retention due to excessive unexcused absences may be referred to the district's attendance reinstatement programs. The student must contribute one day in an attendance reinstatement class for every day of unexcused absence. [Refer to the guidelines for the Saturday Morning Reinstatement Class (SMRC).]

SUSPENSION POLICY

Students may be suspended when school rules and regulations are violated. When a suspension is determined, the student's parents will be advised and a conference will be arranged. Students will be assigned school work during the period of suspension and it must be completed and signed by the parent upon return to school. The length of the suspension is determined on the basis of the violation. During the suspension a student may not participate in any class or any school activities, nor may he/she be on school grounds at any time. Student will remain at home during school hours during this period (8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.).

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The Camden City Board of Education has a strict Attendance policy. We at Camden City Public Schools support and expect daily attendance by all students. All students are required to submit a note from parent on all absences. If your child was seen by a doctor when absent, a doctor's note must be submitted. (Please review letter given your child to take home in September. Students with 100% attendance for any marking period will receive a Perfect Attendance Award. There are many other attendance incentives awarded to our students for Perfect Attendance including Gift Certificates to Ponderosa Restaurant and Pizza Parties. Other student incentives include: HONOR ROLL, TOP BEARS CLUB, LUNCH WITH PRINCIPAL, etc.

All students must arrive at school by 8:30 a.m.

ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

Poor attendance and lateness to school both interfere with the ability of a student to complete satisfactorily the prescribed course of study and violates the state law which requires a student to attend school regularly. The Board accepts responsibility of operating schools according to New Jersey law. Success cannot be achieved unless students are present and on time for all regularly scheduled classroom learning activities Parents/guardians and students must ensure student attendance and punctuality. The Board of Education will not condone unauthorized absence from school or tardiness to school and will make every effort to eliminate these problems. Likewise, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to contact the school whenever the child is going to be absent or late.

EXCUSED ABSENCES:

An excused absence is an absence that the Board has determined shall be excluded from: (1) counting toward the accrual of days that deny students the privilege of attending the secondary summer school program; and, (2) counting toward the accrual of days that lead to court action or dropping from the school's register. All class work missed during an excused or unexcused absence shall be made up by the student. Except for religious holidays, excused absences count as an absence on the child's attendance record.

Parents/guardians shall submit a note for each absence on the first day that the child returns to school. After the third school day, the note will no longer be accepted. Based on the note, an absence may be determined to be excused by the principal or designee. Examples of excused absences are: Illness, death in the family, and religious holiday.

High school seniors shall be permitted up to five excused absences for college visitation, with a parental note and proper college documentation.

Extraordinary absences, whose request is initiated by the parent, may be excused by authority of the principal in consultation with the Superintendent/designee.

EXTENDED ABSENCES DUE TO ILLNESS:

Children who are absent from school more than three consecutive days because of illness must bring in a doctor's note verifying that the child may return to school.

ABSENCE DUE TO RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY:

Students who are excused from school for a religious holiday, in addition to being able to make up all class work, tests, and examinations, shall not be deprived of any award nor denied eligibility or opportunity to compete for any award because of such absence.

The Board shall approve all religious holidays disseminated by the Commissioner of Education with approval of the State Board of Education. In addition, the Camden City Board of Education, at its discretion, may add other religious holidays to its approved list.

ROLE OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS

The Board of Education recognizes that vital role of parents/guardian in the welfare and education of their children and the pivotal part they play in shaping character and values. Only through close cooperation between school and home can the total environment of the child be affected. To this end, the Board of Education will make every effort to keep parents/guardians involved and informed of activities at school.

Because parents/guardians are more familiar with the needs, problems, gifts and abilities of their children, staff should seek to involve parents/guardians as much as possible in the planning of the individual program. Parents/guardians are requested to keep the school apprised of changes in the home situation which may affect student conduct or performance. Parents/guardians are specifically required to inform the school of any changes in legal custody of the child.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children's regular attendance at school and for their arrival on time, properly dressed in a condition of physical health and mental alertness to benefit from instruction. Therefore, the Superintendent will develop regulations that will assure parental involvement at district and school level in all programs, federal, state and local, in accordance with their mandates. These regulations will be available in the parent's native language.

Role of Schools with regard to Courts and Community Agencies

This Board recognizes that at times the courts and/or community agencies may assume the role of parent/ guardian. When a student who has been involved in a serious juvenile offense returns to school, the school shall obtain from the courts or referring agency, information with respect to needed services. It is the responsibility of the school to accept students ordered to return, provided the student's last address was within the school's boundary.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING

School will be delayed or closed as a safety precaution when weather conditions make travel extremely hazardous. If the closing of school becomes necessary, announcements will be made over the local radio and TV stations.

HALL PASS

Students must have a hall pass to be out of the classroom. Students may obtain the pass from the classroom teacher.

VISITORS

Our school policy is to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business at the school. Such visitors are expected to leave promptly when their business is completed. STUDENT GUESTS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME. Parents are always welcomed guests; however, we ask that you sign-in and obtain a visitor's pass from the school office.

Conferences with teachers should be scheduled a day in advance. Class interruptions must be kept to a minimum.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students assume the responsibility for loss and damage of their clothing, equipment, books or instruments. The school endeavors to protect all personal property but it is not responsible for it. LARGE SUMS OF MONEY SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.

TAPES, RADIOS. TAPE PLAYERS INCLUDING "WALKMAN" TYPE PLAYERS, TOYS AND OTHER UNNECESSARY ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL.

STUDY SKILLS

A student who studies well:

  1. brings notebook, paper, pen or pencil and other materials necessary to class.

  2. is an active participant in the classroom; listens well; takes part in discussions.

  3. asks questions if he/she doesn't understand the discussion or if he/she has a problem.

  4. plans his/her work and schedules for homework each day; makes sure he/she understands the assignment before leaving class.

  5. uses what he/she learns; sees how each subject applies to others.

  6. strives to do his/her best, not just get by.

  7. will not let negative peer pressure bring them down, but will strive to set a positive example for others to follow.

The Camden City School District is a uniform district. Uniforms are now mandatory. Variations of the school uniform will not be permitted. Please contact your teacher if you have any questions regarding the uniform colors.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

The Camden City School District is a uniform district. Uniforms are now mandatory. Variations of the school uniform will not be permitted. Please contact your teacher if you have any questions regarding the uniform colors.

  1. The following are examples of unacceptable attire for students during school hours:

  2. Torn and/or dirty clothing.

  3. See-through or revealing clothing.

  4. Excessively tight form fitting clothing.

  5. Shirts or blouses with buttons open beyond the mid-point of the chest.

  6. Midriff, halter and tube tops.

  7. Shorts which do not reach the top of the knee.

  8. Dark eye glasses (except for medical reasons).

  9. Distracting attire including but not limited to the following: 

Mini-skirts; T-shirts, novelty tops, etc., - (with profane expressions and/or illustrations or wording that may be offensive or inflammatory).

  • Caps or hats in the building.

  • Combs and picks worn in the hair.

  • Beepers, phone pagers.

  • Walkman radios, boom boxes, etc.

  • Slippers, flip-flops.

  • Hair rollers.

Large bulky earrings, large gold, wooden or synthetic necklaces or bracelets. Large studded belts, necklaces, etc. Any accessory that may be used as a potential weapon.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES

"APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS"

 

The following items will be considered acceptable attire for those students participating in Physical Education class:

  1. A standard Camden City Physical Education uniform or a uniform designed in the various school colors by their staff, student body and administrative personnel.

  2. Appropriate shorts of modest length and fit.

  3. T-shirts (may not contain inappropriate logo's).

  4. Footwear appropriate for physical activity shall be worn at all times.

  5. Appropriate sweat or warm-up suits.

Participation in clothing that students have worn to and from school is unacceptable (excluding sneakers.) Parents are to be notified that physical education is mandatory for graduation and cannot be taken in the summer.

Students who violate this policy shall be sent home. They are to be assigned to the in-school suspension room and the parents/guardians are to be notified of the violation of this policy.

ACCIDENTS, SICKNESS, MEDICAL EXCUSES

Any of the above occurring during the school hours on school grounds or at any event sponsored by the school, must be reported immediately to the person in charge, the nurse and the school office.

FIRE SAFETY

The New Jersey State Law requires that two fire drills per month be held during the school year. All children should adhere strictly to the fire drill rules once they know and understand them. Directions for students are posted in each room. Teachers are expected to:

  1. Recognize the fire alarm immediately. Close all windows and turn off all lights. Do not send anyone back into the building to do this.

  2. Have a system established for the children to follow in leaving the building quickly.

  3. Have children go to their designated places outside the building in complete silence. They should proceed from the building, about face, and wait silently until the signal is given to re-enter the building.

  4. Be certain that all children are accounted for.

  5. Be certain that every child knows what to do in case he/she is not in the classroom when the alarm rings.

  6. 6.Have a sign posted in a conspicuous place telling the fire drill procedures.

  7. See that the class attendance sheet is carried from the building (unless already collected).

  8. Notify the office immediately if there is a fire. Anyone found tampering with fire alarms or fire safety equipment will be suspended and turned over to the police officials for prosecution.

DISMISSAL

All students are to leave the school grounds promptly at the end of the school day unless they are attending a meeting, assigned detention, practice or sponsored activity with an adult in attendance. Students are to cross only at corners and not in the middle of the street. Parents are asked to keep the street open when picking up students. Please do not call them to cross against traffic.

 Children have more need of models than of critics - Teach your child the art of respect, good habits, and good manners

East Camden Middle School - Rigor * Relevance * Relationships

Bessie LeFra Young, Ph.D.,

Superintendent of Schools

He who keeps his mind

on his work goes ahead

 

           

"Help Your Child To Achieve Their Best"

and

"Encourage Them To Respect Their Teachers"

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Last modified:   08/04/2008 09:32 AM