Trenton Central High School



Trenton Central High School

Student Handbook

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2011-2012

400 Chambers Street

Trenton, NJ 08609

108 North Clinton Avenue

Trenton, NJ 08609

(609)656-4900

trenton.k12.nj.us

Board of Education

Rev. Toby Sanders

President

Sasa Olessi Montaño

Vice President

T. Missy Balmir

Jason Redd

Dr. Jane Rosenbaum

Donald O. Shelton

Nicola Tatum

Mary Taylor-Hayes

Algernon Ward, Jr.

School Administration

Marc Maurice—Principal

Jermaine Kamau—Vice Principal

Carlos Gonzalez—Vice Principal

Gwen Hansen—Vice Principal

TBD-Vice Principal

TBD-Vice Principal

|[pic] |

|All students will graduate with a vision for their futures, |

|motivated to learn continually and prepared |

|to succeed in their choice of |

|college or career. |

MISSION STATEMENT

Trenton Central High School, in collaboration with parents and the community, will prepare all students for academic, social and career success. The foundation of our mission is to empower students to reach their full potential by setting high standards and offering diverse learning experiences in a safe and caring environment. Through these principles, students will become responsible, productive citizens and life-long learners in a global society.

TRENTON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BELIEF STATEMENT

( Students thrive in a safe, secure, and enriched learning environment.

( Students are responsible for their own learning.

( Our curriculum must reflect the diversity of our students’ cultures.

( Every student is valued and must be treated with respect and dignity.

( Learning is a life-long process.

( The faculty must use varied teaching strategies to address the multiple intelligences

of our students.

( Our students are a reflection of our commitment to their education and their future.

( Parental involvement and community involvement are critical to student success.

( The growth of character is essential for the development of good citizenship.

( Our staff is committed to professional excellence.

TCHS PHONE NUMBERS

400 Chambers Street

Main Office: 609 278-7261 / 278-7421 / 278-7260

Marc Maurice Principal Ext. 7274

Jermaine Kamau Vice Principal Ext. 7272

Gwen Hansen Vice Principal Ext. 7298

Carlos Gonzalez Vice Principal Ext. 7289

TBD Vice Principal Ext. 7294

TBD Vice Principal` Ext. 7505

Transcript Office Ext. 7412

Athletics Ext. 7530

Career Resource Center Ext. 7553

Child Study Ext.7457/7462/7455

Guidance Office Ext. 7264

Transcripts Ext. 7415

Transition Counselor Ext. 7453

Nurse Ext. 7293

Library Ext. 7587

Security Ext. 7540

Xerox Center Ext. 7466

JROTC Ext. 7434

Working Papers Ext. 7553

Applied Engineering (Guidance Counselor) Fred Pistorius Ext. 7273

Business (Guidance Counselor) Randy Morrison Ext. 7292

Hotel Restaurant & Tourism (Guidance Counselor) Nate Mayfield Ext. 7262

Media Technology (Guidance Counselor) Ben Falsetti Ext. 7270

Visual & Performing Arts (Guidance Counselor) Joanne Gunther Ext. 7291

Dear students,

elcome back to our school. I thank you immensely for the support that you provided this last school year. Most of you have taken the responsibility of controlling your behaviors, and dedicating your time to enhance your academic experience at Trenton Central High School. The Board of Education and the community have complimented the Trenton High School Family for embarking on this journey of success. This year, we must reach our academic goals. We must reduce our failure rate, improve students’ attendance and graduation percentages, and participate in all activities that will enhance students’ esprit de corps.

Our teachers and administrators have compiled, in your handbook, a series of programs that will keep your interest level very high. We are bringing back activities such as The Tornado Challenge, Intramural Sports, and Monthly Dances to recognize students that demonstrate Tornado Pride just to name a few. We will recognize and celebrate all successes as we continue to transform our once great institution.

We have improved our scheduling process so you can be appropriately placed according to your needs and course completions. We want you to be successful. Therefore, you must be in school everyday and be prepared to learn. We need you to adhere to the Trenton Board of Education Policies regarding School Uniforms, Attendance Electronic Devices and all other areas of student conduct.

We want you to help us achieve all our goals. The time has come for our school to be known as a Model High School. We are an Urban High School with a Private School attitude. We will work in tandem with our parents to create this image because FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION.

Sincerely,

Marc Maurice

Principal, TCHS

ATHLETICS AND COACHES – Sharron Grady, Athletic Director – sgrady@trenton.k12.nj.us

|Sport |Coach |Contact info: |

|  |  |  |

|Football | Ralphiel Mack | rmack@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Softball | Ryan McCamy | rmccamy@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Baseball | Paul Ash | pash@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Girls Soccer | Tiffany Messinger | tmessinger@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Girls Tennis | Constance Richardson | crichardson@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Golf | Mark Peroni | mperoni@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Boys Basketball | Greg Grant | info@ |

|Girls Basketball | Reginald Murray | rmurray@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Girls Track | Daniel Grady | dgrady@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Swimming | Michelle Purvis | mpurvis@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Wrestling | Chris Perry | cperry@trenton.k12.nj.us |

| Cross Country | Damien Kellogg | jkellogg@trenton.k12.nj.us |

| Boys Track | Annie Coleman | acoleman@trenton.k12.nj.us |

|Boys Soccer  | David Tindall | dtindall@trenton.k12.nj.us |

| Boys Tennis | James Jones | jdjones@trenton.k12.nj.us |

| Athletic Trainer | David Sanderson |dsanderson@trenton.k12.nj.us |

| Strength Coach | Charles Davis | cdavis@trenton.k12.nj.us |

| Cheerleaders | Phyllis Riley-Coleman | rileycoleman@ |

STUDENT GOVERNMENT- The Student Government is the representative government voice of the TCHS student body. It takes action on the students’ behalf in all areas of their educational and social existence at Trenton Central High School and is the organization through which the student body can take collective action on any matter of general concern. All TCHS students are eligible to submit petitions and run for student senate and class officer positions. Students will be notified about elections.

SENIOR CLASS, JUNIOR CLASS, SOPHOMORE

Presidents: TBD

Vice Presidents: TBD

Secretaries: TBD

Treasurers : TBD

REPRESENTATIVES

Seniors- TBD

Juniors- TBD

Sophomores- TBD

Freshmen are elected in the fall

GUIDANCE & COUNSELING

Guidance Office visits: Students wishing to see their guidance counselor must first make an appointment in the guidance office. The student will then receive a Guidance Pass from one of their classroom teachers. Students may not sign into the guidance office without a Pass except in an emergency. When returning to class, students must show their classroom teacher their signed Guidance Pass. The Guidance Pass is then turned into the administrator’s office for an Excused Admit Pass. If a student would like to see his/her guidance counselor during a scheduled class, the student must first ask his/her classroom teacher for permission. Teachers may or may not allow students to see their counselors during class time, depending on the circumstances. Students must always sign in and out of the Guidance Office when meeting with their School Counselors.

ATHLETICS - ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR PARTICIPATION:

The state requires that only one physical examination for inter-scholastic athletics is completed for each school year. If there is an injury during or before a new sport season, a note from the attending physician must be submitted before the student can continue to participate. A medical history permission form must be completed and signed by the parents or guardian for each sport and before a physical examination can be administered. Eligibility requirements will be provided by coaches and the district Athletic Director.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY: The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. Membership is on an invitation only basis. All students must complete a rigorous application and review process before admittance.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL AND EVENING ACTIVITIES- School rules apply at all school sponsored functions, including those held in the evening and/or off school grounds. Limits on when students may enter such events, restrictions on leaving and entering, and restrictions of non-TCHS students attending these events may be put into place in order to insure the safety and enjoyment of participants. For permission to leave a school-sponsored event prior to the scheduled dismissal time, students must see their coach or the teacher in charge of the event. Only in extenuating circumstances will students be permitted to leave a school sponsored event with a parent.

PARKING: Seniors with parking privileges are permitted to park in a designated location. Any violation of the provisions of this policy may result in disciplinary action that could include parental notification, extended detentions, suspension, and/or loss of privileges. Students must exercise extreme caution when operating a vehicle in the student parking lot and on school grounds.

POSTERS/POSTINGS: If any student wishes to hang a poster or sign anywhere in the school building, he/she must first speak to their administrator and have the poster initialed by an administrator. All posters must be removed by the students in charge of the activity the day after the advertised activity.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE

Our staff is committed to helping all students achieve academic success. We are committed to providing the following for our students:

• Rigorous standards with clearly defined student expectations for performance.

• Diverse and effective learning strategies.

The following resources or strategies should be considered:

• Consult with the teacher on Late Start days or before or after school, depending on teacher availability.

• Identify the specific problem areas or assistance needed. Seek individualized help.

• Take advantage of the extended library hours for quiet, focused study and computer access.

• Utilize tutorial assistance from peers, staff or an adult mentor.

• Parent conferences.

• E-mail or voicemail the teacher when questions arise.

• Establish a consistent time and place to complete homework.

• Maintain an organized, up to date assignment calendar and notebook.

• Carry around weekly or biweekly Progress Reports for teachers to sign.

• Enroll in After School Programs.

• Implement an academic contract that specifically outlines the expectations for the student’s performance and the consequences if the student fails to improve his/her performance.

• Reduce the student’s schedule to a partial day, providing more time to study and prepare.

CLUB CORNER

|Chess Club |JROTC Raider Club |

|Debate Club |Theatre Troupe |

|ESL Tutoring Club |DECA |

|Foreign (World) Language Club |Environmental Club |

|National Honor Society |Yearbook |

|Orchestra Band |International Club |

|Science/Lab Club |Jazz Band |

|Student Government |JROTC Drill Team |

|Debate Club |FBLA |

|Key Club |Interact Volunteer Club |

TUTORING/SUPPORT GROUPS

|Project S.W.A.G. |

|Tutors from Princeton University |

|SBYSP It’s All About Me-Self Image and Sexual Health |

|SBYSP It’s All About Me-The Queen |

|SBYSP PLP Teen Parent Education |

|SBYSP Fathers at Trenton High Earning Respect |

|SBYSP Pregnancy 101 |

|SBYSP G9 Follow up |

|SBYSP Grief and Loss Support Group |

|SBYSP SANKOFA-Conflict Resolution |

|SBYSP Brothers United-Male Life Skills |

|Young Men’s Leadership Academy (YMLA – Mr. Kamau) |

ADVOCACY AND MEDIATION

Students who need information about some aspect of their school experience can receive assistance in solving and/or understanding the problem as well as mediation services when disputes occur. Students may schedule appointments with the school’s Social Worker to assist in this area.

Additionally, students may seek out members of the School Based Youth Services (SBYSP) for support.

SBYSP seeks to provide young people with services and supports needed to navigate the adolescent years, complete high school, remain alcohol- and drug-free, obtain skills leading to employment or additional education, and lead a mentally and physically healthy life. Individually-oriented services remain central to the work of most projects. The School-Based model includes recreation, health care, mental health and family counseling, job and employment training, and substance abuse counseling.

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION- If a staff member requests either a student’s name or ID card, students must comply. Giving your name is not an admission of guilt. Failure to give your name to any staff member will result in suspension.

TEXTBOOKS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES: All students are responsible for the textbooks, equipment and supplies that they are issued. Fines will be assessed for lost, damaged or stolen school property. Students should write their name and their teacher’s name in each textbook on the day the book is issued. If a book is found, it can then be returned to the student without delay.

UNFULFILLED COMMITMENTS: Students must settle all unfulfilled commitments (fines, books owed to teachers, the library, uniforms, calculators, etc.) prior to the end of the marking period, semester, and/or year. Students who do not do so will not receive the results of exams or their report cards and no records will be sent to schools and/or colleges unless cleared within a designated time frame.

VISITORS TO THE BUILDING: All adult visitors must first report to the security desk at the school entrance. Students are not to bring guests or invite outsiders to the school for any reason unless approved by an administrator at least 24 hours in advance. Lunch is part of the regular school day and the limitations noted above apply to visitors at that time as well.

WORKING PAPERS: If you need working papers, they are issued through School-To-Careers Resource Center. A form may be picked up during the hours of 8 am to 4 pm. The completed form, plus your birth certificate or passport, must then be taken to the School-To-Careers Office. If you change jobs, new working papers must be secured. The child labor laws of the State of New Jersey indicate that no minor under the age of 18 years shall be employed, permitted or suffered to work in, about or in connection with any gainful occupation more than six consecutive days in any one week, or more than eight hours in any one-day; nor should any minor under 16 years of age be so employed, permitted or suffered to work before 7 o’clock in the morning or after 6 o’clock in the evening of any day; nor shall any minor between 16-18 years of age be so employed, permitted or suffered to work before 6 o’clock in the morning or after 11 o’clock in the evening of any day. The law requires that when applying for working papers, a student must have his or her personal Social Security number. The telephone number for all Social Security offices is 800-234-5772.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

The Trenton Board of Education believes that an effective instructional program requires an orderly school environment and that the effectiveness of the educational program is, in part, reflected in the behavior of pupils.

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

STUDENTS’ RIGHT OF PRIVACY/SEARCH/SEIZURE

The US Supreme Court ruled that “a student may be searched if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has either violated either the law or rules of the school.” Student effects are also subject to search by school officials. Effects may include automobiles on school property. The school owns student lockers, desks, and other such property; therefore, school officials are empowered to conduct reasonable searches and seizures in the interest of school safety, sanitation, discipline, and enforcement of school regulations. A student should not expect privacy regarding items placed in school property because items placed in school property is subject to search at any time by school officials.

LOCKER SEARCHES

Student lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school; however, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers. Periodic general inspections of lockers may be conducted by the school authorities for any reason at any time without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Students who are suspended from school are to remain OFF school property. They are not permitted to attend school functions or compete in athletic activities. Students may receive class work to be completed at home. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate this request for assignments. The students or parents must follow this procedure: 1) Contact the guidance counselor and request work from your teachers. 2) Arrange with the guidance counselor a time after 2:55 P.M. when you may pick up the work. 3) To receive credit for assignments, all work must be submitted to your teachers upon return to school. Upon return from suspension, ALL STUDENTS must meet with a school official for a re-admit form. Suspensions involving fights require mediation before re-admission.

WEAPON OFFENSES (Trenton Board of Education Policy File code 5131.6 and 5131.7,)

A weapon is defined as any instrument capable of inflicting bodily harm. Any pupil who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for possession of a firearm or any other instrument capable of inflicting bodily harm or a crime while armed with a firearm or weapon, or found knowingly in possession of a firearm or weapon on any school property or on a school bus or at a school-sponsored function shall be immediately removed from the school’s regular education program for a period of not less than one calendar year. The Chief School Administrator may modify this suspension on a case-by-case basis. Each pupil so removed shall be placed in an alternative educational program or on home instruction and shall be entitled to a hearing before the Board. The hearing shall take place no later than 30 days following the day the pupil is removed from the regular education program and shall be closed to the public.

SMOKING/USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS- Smoking and/or use of tobacco products is/are not permitted in the school building or on school grounds. Any students smoking or using tobacco products in the building or on school grounds will serve a suspension. Students will be offered an opportunity to participate in a Smoking Cessation program.

TOBACCO: The possession of any tobacco product by any student inside of the school building or on school grounds while school is in session or while any school activity is taking place is prohibited. Tobacco products will be confiscated and students will receive detention time. Students will also be offered sessions in a Smoking Cessation program at the high school.

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR:

A public school can neither condone the use of violence in any situation, nor be responsible for determining if an aggressive response was appropriate. Aggression is defined as hostile or destructive behavior or actions. All students involved in a confrontation that involves aggression, creating a dangerous situation for others, or using an object in a dangerous manner, will receive disciplinary actions that can include out-of-school suspension. The student who initiates the incident or who is more aggressive will receive a more severe penalty. In all cases where mutual aggression is involved, all parties will be suspended.

THREATENING STATEMENTS (WRITTEN OR VERBAL): Statements threatening the health, safety and/or well-being of staff or other students are taken very seriously and can subject the student making such statements to detention, suspension, psychological evaluation and police notification.

HATE CRIMES AND BIAS

The Board and TCHS will not tolerate any act or incident that constitutes a hate or bias crime against any individual or group. The Board and TCHS are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all children in the school district. Hate crimes and bias incidents are a direct attack upon the racial, religious, sexual orientation, national origin, and ethnic heritage of the school community and will not be tolerated by or within the school district. Administration may seek the intervention of local law enforcement agencies for the purposes of conducting an investigation into any alleged incident.

BULLYING, HARRASSMENT AND CYBER-BULLYING

Policy Statement

A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic standards. Cyber-bullying by a pupil in the district directed toward another school district pupil or school staff member is conduct that disrupts both a pupil’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its pupils in a safe environment. The Board of Education prohibits acts of cyber-bullying by school district pupils through the use of any school district owned, operated, and supervised technologies. The Building Principal or designee may report allegations of cyber-bullying to law enforcement authorities.

Definitions

“Cyber-Bullying” is the use of electronic information and communication devices, to include but not be limited to, e-mail messages, instant messaging, text messaging, cellular telephone communications, internet blogs, internet chat rooms, internet postings, and defamatory websites, that:

1. Deliberately threatens, harasses, intimidates an individual or group of individuals; or

2. Places an individual in reasonable fear of harm to the individual or damage to the individual’s property; or

3. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. “School district owned, operated, or supervised technologies” is any computer, networking system, electronic equipment, or any other equipment or device that may be used by a person to communicate to another which is owned, leased, operated, or under the control or supervision of the school district and/or school district staff.

Reporting Procedure and Investigation

Any pupil or school staff member who believes he/she has or is being subjected to cyber-bullying, as well as any person who has reason to believe a pupil or school staff member has knowledge or reason to believe another pupil or school staff member is being subjected to or has been subjected to cyber-bullying shall immediately make a report to the Building Principal or designee. The Building Principal or designee shall investigate all reports of such conduct.

Discipline and Consequences

Some acts of cyber-bullying may be isolated incidents requiring the school district to respond appropriately to the individual committing the acts. Other acts may be so serious or part of a larger pattern of cyber-bullying that require a response either at the classroom, school building, or school district level or by law enforcement officials. Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for pupils who commit an act of cyber-bullying range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1, Discipline of Pupils. In addition, cyber-bullying using district technology violates Policy 2361 – Acceptable Use of Computer Network/Computer and Resources and subjects the pupil to discipline and sanctions of Policy and Regulation 2361. Prevention and intervention techniques to prevent cyber-bullying and to support and protect victims shall include appropriate strategies and activities as determined by the Building Principal or designee.

BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES

Trenton Central High School has in place a procedure for students should a bomb threat be made against our school. The plan is designed to insure safety while maintaining communication with local authorities, Trenton School District Administrative Offices, and parents.

HALL PASSES

It is expected that all students will remain in class during class time. Should a student need to leave the classroom for any reason, he/she must be given an official pass which will only be issued to Teachers, Guidance Counselors, the Nurse, School Based Youth Services and school Administrators. Only official hall passes will be honored.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Trenton Central High School operates on a “closed campus” basis. No student may leave the school to obtain food or beverages during the lunch period. Students may bring a packed lunch from home only if it contains food and beverage to be consumed during the assigned lunch period in the cafeteria. Students should not carry food or beverages in the halls. Student meal times are restricted to the assigned lunch period. Eating of snacks in class and in the halls is not permitted. Penalties for violating these rules will be strictly enforced. These penalties include parent conferences, detention, and suspension.

TCHS - SCHOOL UNIFORMS

The Trenton Board of Education believes that school dress can significantly influence student behavior thereby enhancing school pride, facilitating and maintaining an effective learning environment, and generally assisting in improving school climate and culture. Students in ninth through twelfth grades will wear uniforms. The uniforms consist of black bottoms and white collared shirts/blouses.

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:11-9, the Board of Education prohibits students, while on school property from wearing , any type of clothing, apparel or accessory which indicates that the student has membership in, or affiliation with, gang associated with criminal activities. 

Male Students:

Solid Black Bottoms

1. All male pupils will be required to wear pants of the appropriate size.

2. All male students will have the option of wearing shorts of the appropriate size during the months of May, June and September. All shorts cannot be more than two inches above the knee.

3. All male students will be required to wear their bottoms with a belt properly at the waist. Pants with elastic at the waist that do not require a belt may also be worn.

4. All bottoms will be required to be hemmed and free of logos, insignias, cargo pockets, slits, holes, tears and cuts.

Solid White Tops

1. All male students will be required to wear either a short or long sleeve dress shirt or pullover, button front, collared sport shirt of the appropriate size.

2. All male students will have the option of wearing a long sleeve mock turtleneck or turtleneck of the appropriate size.

3. All male students will be required to tuck in their tops into their bottoms.

4. All male pupils will have the option of wearing a sweatshirt, sweater, cardigan or sweater vest of the appropriate size over their dress shirt, pullover, button front, collared sport shirt, or turtleneck. If the sweatshirt, sweater, cardigan or sweater vest is worn over a dress shirt or pullover, button front, collared sport shirt, the collar will be required to be visible.

5. All tops will be required to be free of logos, insignias, slits, holes, tears, and cuts.

Female Students:

Solid Black Bottoms

1. All female pupils will be required to wear either jumpers, pants, or skirts of the

appropriate size. All jumpers will be required to be a maximum of two inches above the knee.

2. All skirts, shorts, jumpers and skirts cannot be more than two inches above the knee.

3. All female pupils will have the option of wearing shorts of the appropriate size during the months of May, June and September.

4. All female pupils will be required to wear their bottoms properly at the waist. Pants with elastic at the waist that do not require a belt may also be worn.

5. All bottoms will be required to be hemmed and free of logos, insignias, cargo pockets, slits, holes, tears and cuts.

Solid White Tops

1. All female pupils will be required to wear a short or long sleeve dress shirt or pullover, button front, collared sport shirt of the appropriate size.

2. All female students will have the option of wearing a long sleeve mock turtleneck or turtleneck of the appropriate size.

3. All female students will be required to tuck in their tops into their bottoms.

4. All female students will have the option of wearing a sweatshirt, sweater, cardigan or sweater vest of the appropriate size over their dress shirt, pullover, button front, collared sport shirt, or turtleneck (optional). If the sweatshirt, sweater, cardigan or sweater vest is worn over a dress shirt or pullover, button front, collared sport shirt, the collar will be required to be visible.

5. All tops will be required to be free of logos, insignias, slits, holes, tears and cuts.

After exhausting all other means to secure student compliance, the school staff may use a progressive discipline approach to sanctions. These sanctions include, but are not limited to:

1) Parent conferences and/or peer counseling by an administrator.

2) After-School Detention - One time with written notice to parent/guardian.

3) Exclusion from extracurricular and athletic activities for the full semester (after three or more days in violation) with written notice to parent/guardian.

4) Once a pupil has been removed from all extra curriculum and athletic activities as a result of non-compliance with School Uniform Policy, the parent will have one opportunity to have the student reinstated in school activities by agreeing to comply with the School Uniform Policy and have their child wear a uniform to school each day.

5) The parent must schedule a meeting with the school administrator. At the meeting the parent will be asked to sign a form letter indicating that they will comply with the School Uniform Policy for the remainder of the school year. Once this letter has been signed and the child(ren) begins wearing the school uniform, they will be reinstated in all school clubs, teams and activities. Should the child(ren) accumulate a total of three days of non-compliance or three consecutive days of non-compliance, the child(ren) will again be removed from all school clubs, teams and activities for the remainder of the school year with no option of being reinstated.

N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1; 18A:11-7; 18A:11-8; 18A:11-9

STUDENT USE OF ELECTRONIC MAIL AND THE INTERNET

Normally students are only to use the Internet under teacher supervision. Independent use of the Internet and individual student email accounts will be permitted if students and their parent(s)/guardian have read, agreed to, and signed the procedure form that accompanies this policy – “Student Independent Internet and Email Permission Form.”

CELL PHONES AND DEVICES CAPABLE OF TRANSMITTING ELECTRONIC DATA POLICY

Students are not permitted to use cell phones, as well as “blue tooth” technology, in school from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

• Having a cell phone ring in school, answering a cell phone, talking or playing a game on a cell phone, sending or receiving text messages, or dialing numbers on a cell phone are all considered “using a cell phone”.

• Using someone else’s phone, holding a phone in your hand, loaning someone your phone, checking the time, using the phone as a calculator, taking pictures, or viewing information on a phone are violations of our cell phone policy.

• Students may not use cell phones in the lavatories.

• If students need to use a phone for true emergencies (only), they must get the approval of an administrator and use their phone in an office area under staff supervision.

• If a student uses a cell phone during school, in violation of the district’s or school’s policy, it will be confiscated.

• The student may receive a Saturday detention or other disciplinary action and a parent must pick up the cell phone on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm-3:30 pm.

• If a student refuses to surrender his/her cell phone to school authorities upon request, he/she will fall under the category of being openly defiant which carries a penalty of up to 3 days OSS.

The administration may confiscate cell phones in order to protect the safety or confidentiality of staff or students.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

No electronic communication and entertainment devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, music players, iPods, handheld gaming devices and headphones are permitted in school. Electronic devices will be confiscated. The administration will confiscate electronic devices in order to protect the safety or confidentiality of staff or students.

CHEATING AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty is cheating, plagiarism, forgery or unauthorized use or possession of school forms. Any student found cheating will receive a “no-credit” for the assignment. The classroom teacher will notify the parent and a written report will be filed with the disciplinarian. Any student who steals or is in possession of stolen quizzes, tests, exams, passes or other school forms will be suspended out of school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

All students, grade 9-12, are expected to wear a uniform for physical education class. Uniforms consist of red shirt, black pants/shorts, white socks, and sneakers. Uniforms locks can be purchased from the PE department and school store during hours of operation.

JEWELRY: To prevent accidents and injuries and promote safety among students, the Trenton Board of Education prohibits students from wearing jewelry while participating in any athletic activities or Pool and Physical Education classes.

MEDICAL EXCUSES FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES

Must be submitted as soon as possible. Medical excuses must come from a medical doctor. Students who are medically excused from pool will be moved to a gym class. Students who are medically excused from gym class will remain in their class with the grade being based on the standard course of study guidelines. Students not adhering to these guidelines may fail Physical Education.

STUDENT ABSENCE LATE TARDINESS POLICY

As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5113:

A pupil must be in attendance for a minimum of 165 or more school days in order to be considered to have successfully completed the instructional program requirements of the course to which he/she is assigned. Students who miss more than 8 days (absent) of a semester course will not receive course credit. Students who miss more than 16 days from a year-long course, also will not receive course credit. There will NOT be CREDIT RECOVERY for the 2011-2012 school year. Upon return to school from an absence, the student must inquire of their teachers about missed/required assignments.

A waiver of these attendance requirements may be granted for good cause by the Principal upon recommendation of a review committee, appointed by him/her, and consisting of representative staff, including pupil service personnel and classroom teachers. In recommending the granting of a waiver of this attendance requirement, the review committee shall consider the nature and causes of all absences rather than only those in excess of the 15 days. Documentation of the nature and causes of these absences shall be the responsibility of the pupil and parent/guardian. Parents/guardians are responsible for notifying the school early in the day when a child will be absent and for informing the school of the reason.

CONSECUTIVE ABSENCES

Any pupil who misses 10 or more consecutive school days for an unexplained reason may be removed from the school roll.

TRUANCY

The Chief School Administrator or designee will report to appropriate authorities infractions of the law regarding the attendance of pupils below the age of 16. Repeated infractions by enrolled pupils over the age of 16 may result in suspension or expulsion of the pupil.

It shall be the policy of the Board to consider the effectiveness and appropriateness of the educational program that is offered each pupil who is habitually and repeatedly absent from his/her assigned program and to consult with the Child Study Team for its recommendation.

REGULAR RELEASE OF STUDENTS BEFORE THE END OF THE NORMAL SCHOOL DAY

There are varying situations which may justify release of certain pupils from school before time for closing. Such situations are justifiable only if the release does not jeopardize the pupil’s educational program and the reason for such release can be shown to have positive benefits for the pupil.

A student shall not be released to an adult other than the parent or guardian without the verifiable written permission of the parent or guardian. This verification will be authenticated prior to the release of the student via telephone contact with the parent or guardian authorizing the release of the student to the adult. Failure to obtain both written and verbal verification will result in the student remaining in school until the end of the normal school day. The Board believes this policy is essential for the protection of our students.

LATE ARRIVAL AND EARLY DISMISSAL

The Board recognizes that from time to time compelling circumstances will require that a pupil be late to school or dismissed before the end of the school day. As agents responsible for the education of the children in this district, The Chief School Administrator or designee shall require that the school be notified in advance of such absences by written request of the pupil’s parent/guardian, which shall state the reason for the tardiness or early dismissal. Justifiable reasons may include:

A. Medical or dental appointments which cannot be scheduled outside of school hours

B. Medical disability

C. Interview for college entrance or employment

D. Family emergency

E. Court appearance

No pupil in grades kindergarten through twelve shall be permitted to leave school before the close of the school day unless he/she is met in the school by his/her parent/guardian or a person authorized by the parent/guardian to act in his/her behalf. Authorization must be verified with the parent/guardian prior to the release of the student. Tardiness not covered by the causes listed shall be cumulative, and may affect course credit.

STUDENT TARDINESS

1. Students are to report to school daily and on time. The normal school day for Trenton Central High School is 8:25 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.

2. Three (3) instances of unexcused tardiness to class will constitute one absence.

3. Student identification cards must be visible at all times and worn daily.

4. Students who are tardy to school/class more than three times will be assigned an after-school detention for every day they are tardy.

5. During after-school detention, students are expected to complete missed assignments from the class for which they were tardy.

6. Students who fail to report to after-school detention will be assigned to one day of Saturday detention.

7. Failure to report to an assigned Saturday detention will result in a suspension.

8. Students will be readmitted to school following a mandatory parent/guardian conference with the school designee only.

9. Failure of a parent/guardian to accompany the student upon his/her return to school will result in the mailing of a certified letter advising the parent/guardian that any future mandatory conferences must be attended or other educational options/placements will be explored.

10. Continued tardiness may result in prevention of participation in school activities, and/or recommendation for placement to an alternative educational placement.

11. Any student who is late to period one (1) beyond 15 minutes will not be allowed to report to their scheduled class, and a detention must be served on the same day.

NOTE: Students are always admitted to class regardless of the time upon which they arrive.

Parent notes do not excuse tardiness.

Tardiness is excused only when the student has an appointment with a doctor or some other professional agency. The student must bring a note from this agency when he/she arrives at school. This documentation must be presented upon arrival to the Office of Student Attendance. Unexcused tardiness #6 – 10 per semester are punishable by one day in detention per tardy.

Failure to report to detention will result in out-of-school suspension.

STUDENT CHRONIC INFRACTIONS (CLASS LATENESS AND CUTS)

1. Classroom teachers will contact the parent/guardian of students after three (3) class cuts. If phone contact is unsuccessful, a post card will be available for mailing. A parent/guardian conference will be held as a result of the contact, which will include the guidance counselor of the Small Learning Community. A contract will be developed as a corrective plan for student attendance.

2. Students who break the contract will be assigned two (2) days of after-school detention.

3. Students who fail to report for after-school detention will be suspended from school for two (2) days. Students will be readmitted to school following a required parent/guardian conference with the SLC vice principal, disciplinarian and/or school designee.

4. Failure of a parent/guardian to accompany the student upon his/her return to school will result in the mailing of a certified letter advising the parent/guardian that any future mandatory conferences must be attended or other educational options/placements will be explored.

5. Students who fail to adhere to the corrective measures and continue to display unacceptable class and school attendance will be recommended for placement in other educational settings.

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Top 10 Ways to avoid problems in class

1. Don't do anything that you know will get you in trouble.

2. Don't bring anything school authorities consider harmful or banned to school.

3. Don't eat in class, unless the teacher says it's okay.

4. Avoid getting into fights.

5. Don't ever cheat.

6. Watch Where You Sit. Don't sit next to the loudest or most talkative person in class or your best friends.

7. Keep note of who is always getting in trouble. Try to avoid hanging out with these people.

8. Don't try to secretly text your friends or listen to music in class.

9. Listen to your teacher. Don't talk back when your teacher tells you something.

10. Always talk to your teachers after class to find out how you are doing. Take control of your learning.

Student Incentive Program

TORNADO PRIDE PROGRAM

PRIDE stands for Personal Responsibility In Daily Effort and is an opportunity for TCHS to recognize students for their individual efforts as well as reward students for behavior which exemplifies the high standards to which each is held. Students will be recognized in a variety of ways on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. This nationally recognized program is designed to increase student achievement and attendance, as well as increase positive behavior, creating a school culture conducive to student success.

[pic]SUMMER SCHOOL

Students and their parents/guardians should be aware that the Trenton Board of Education might not fund summer school. A decision about summer school is usually announced during the spring.

WHAT TO DO IF . . .

YOU HAVE A SCHOOL-RELATED PROBLEM:

Please call or email your child’s teacher or guidance counselor first. If you are not satisfied then you should contact their vice principal before contacting the principal.

YOU WANT TO MEET WITH A TEACHER:

Please call or email your child’s teacher via the school secretary to arrange a conference.

YOU WANT HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS FOR ABSENCES DUE TO ILLNESS

If the student will be absent for more than three days, you may get this information by leaving a message with the guidance counselor. 

YOU WANT A MESSAGE DELIVERED:

Only emergency messages may be delivered to students.  In case of an emergency, please leave a message with the school’s secretary, and it will be communicated to the student.

YOU NEED TO TAKE MEDICINE DURING SCHOOL HOURS:

Written permission, according to Board policy, is required from parent/guardian AND family physician.  The medication must be in its original container and will be held in the nurse’s office.

YOU ARE LATE FOR SCHOOL:

A pupil arriving after the scheduled beginning time for any school session is required to report to the attendance office with his or her parent or guardian.  This will ensure that accurate attendance records are maintained.

RECOMMENDED CLASSES FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS

The academic rigor of your high school courses is an important factor in the college admission process. College admission officers see your high school course schedule as a blueprint of your education. They're looking for a solid foundation of learning that you can build on in college.

To create that foundation, take at least five solid academic classes every semester. Start with the basics and then move on to advanced courses. Challenging yourself is part of what makes school fun; but you need a firm grasp of the fundamentals before going on to more advanced work. The following subjects and classes are standard fare for success in high school and beyond, whether you plan to attend a four-year or two-year college.

English (Language Arts)

Take English every year. Traditional courses, such as American and English literature, help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Math

You need algebra and geometry to succeed on college entrance exams and in college math classes — and in many careers. Take them early on. That way, you'll be able to enroll in advanced science and math in high school, and show colleges you're ready for higher-level work.

Most colleges look for students who have taken three years of math in high school. The more competitive ones require or recommend four years. Each school has its own program, but some of the courses typically offered are:

• Algebra I

• Algebra II

• Geometry

• Trigonometry

• Calculus

Science

Science teaches you to think analytically and apply theories to reality. Colleges want to see that you’ve taken at least three years of laboratory science classes. A good combination includes two semesters of each of the following sciences:

• Biology

• Chemistry or physics

• Earth/space science

More competitive schools expect you to take four years of lab science courses. You can add two semesters in one of the following subjects:

• Chemistry or physics (the science you didn’t already study)

• Advanced biology  

• Advanced chemistry

• Advanced physics

Social Studies

You can better understand local and world events that are happening now by studying the culture and history that has shaped them. Here is a suggested course plan:

• U.S. history (two semesters)

• U.S. government (one semester)

• World history or geography (one semester)

• One additional semester in the above or other areas

Foreign Languages

Solid foreign language study shows colleges you're willing to stretch beyond the basics. Many colleges require at least two years of study in the same foreign language, and some prefer more.

The Arts

Research indicates that students who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests. The arts help you recognize patterns, discern differences and similarities, and exercise your mind in unique ways, often outside a traditional classroom setting.

Many colleges require or recommend one or two semesters in the arts. Good choices include studio art, dance, music and drama.

Advanced Placement Program® (AP®)

To be sure you are ready to take on college-level work, enroll in the most challenging courses you can in high school, such as honors or AP courses. Research consistently shows that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success and college graduation rates than students who don’t take AP.

Key Qualities for Career Success:

Writing Skills: Communication is at the top of the list of skills that employers look for. And communication in the workplace often means writing.

Speaking Skills: When you're assigned a class presentation, think twice before dismissing it as an unimportant part of your education. Employers look for speaking skills in job applicants, who may have to give presentations to clients or represent their organization in the field. It's never too soon to practice good eye contact and other public speaking techniques.

Teamwork Skills: Every time your class breaks into groups to tackle a challenge, you build teamwork skills.

Problem-Solving Skills: Problem solving goes far beyond your math textbook. Every assignment is an opportunity to weigh all possible solutions carefully and choose the one you think is best. As a working professional, you'll be solving problems regularly, whether it’s fixing a bug in a computer program or overcoming budget shortfalls.

Initiative: Every time you respond in class, every time you choose your own research topic, every time you put together your own interpretation of a piece of literature, you take initiative. And future employers value can-do professionals who come up with new ideas and chart their own course through projects.

Attention to Detail: When you double-check your calculations for a math problem or cite sources carefully in a research paper, you're paying close attention to detail. That skill comes in handy in any workplace, whether you maintain a database, keep a log of the hours you spend with clients or write e-mails.

Time Management: Get up early enough to have a good breakfast. Get to school on time and get to class on time. This will allow you to build a relationship with your teachers and get access to information needed for success in school. Once you develop this skill, success is on the horizon.

Honesty: Employers need to know that they can trust you with everything from company credit cards to trade secrets. How can you work at honesty? You demonstrate integrity every day that you do your own homework and resist the temptation to cheat on exams.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PROGRESS TOWARD GRADUATION:

NAME: _________________________________________ Date of Graduation ___________

TRENTON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Counselor: _________________________________ SLC ___________________

Transfer from ______________________________ School Current Grade _____

ENGLISH 9 _____ PHYS ED 9 _____

ENGLISH 10 _____ HEALTH 10 _____

ENGLISH 11 _____ PHYS ED 10 _____

ENGLISH 12 _____ DRIVER ED _____

WORLD STUDIES _____ PHYS ED 11 _____

US HISTORY I _____ HEALTH 11 _____

US HISTORY II _____ PHYS ED 12 _____

FAM LIVING _____

MATH 1 _____ VIS PERF ARTS _____

MATH 2 _____ PRACTICAL ARTS _____

MATH 3 _____ FINANCIAL LITERACY _____

CREDITS PER YEAR 9TH _____ 10TH _____ 11TH _____ 12TH _____ TOTAL: _____ (120 NEEDED)

HSPA (PROFICIENT) MATH _____ LANGUAGE ARTS _____ BIO End of Course (Proficient–Class 2014)

In order to be considered a 12th grader, a student must have earned a minimum total of 90 credits and be eligible to graduate in June or August of the 12th grade year.

In order to be considered an 11th grader, a student must have earned a minimum total of 60 credits.

In order to be considered a 10th grader, a student must have earned a minimum total of 30 credits.

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