WEST DOVER - Toms River Regional Schools
WEST DOVER
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
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2017-2018
|MONTH |Event |Date |
|September |OPENING DAY |Tuesday, September 5 |
| |CLOSED – Rosh Hashanah |Thursday, September 21 |
|October |CLOSED – Columbus Day |Monday, October 9 |
| |PM Professional Day |Thursday, October 19 |
|November |CLOSED – Election/NJEA Convention |Monday, November 6 to Friday, November 10 |
| |PM ½ Day CLOSED |Wednesday, November 22 |
| |CLOSED – Thanksgiving |Thursday, November 23 & Friday, November 24 |
|December |PM Professional Day |Tuesday, December 5 |
| |CLOSED – Winter Recess |Monday December 25 to |
| | |Friday, December 29 |
|January |CLOSED – Winter Recess |Monday, January 1 |
| |REOPEN |Tuesday, January 2 |
| |CLOSED – Martin Luther King Day |Monday, January 15 |
| |PM Professional Day |Wednesday, January 24 |
|February |CLOSED – Presidents’ Day |Monday, February 19 |
|March |CLOSED - Staff Professional Day |Wednesday, March 7 |
| |CLOSED – Spring Recess |Friday, March 30 |
|April |CLOSED – Spring Recess |Monday, April 2 to Friday, April 6 |
| |REOPEN |Monday, April 9 |
|May |CLOSED – Memorial Day |Monday, May 28 |
|June |TENTATIVE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL |Thursday, June 21 |
Three extra days have been built into this calendar for emergencies, weather, etc. For each day not used by the end of the year, the last day of school for students and teachers will be reduced by one day in reverse order beginning June 20. If additional emergency closing days beyond the three are needed, they will be deducted from subsequent days and/or added to the end of the year as half-days beginning June 20. These adjustments may affect events and marking period dates.
PM Professional Day – All schools will run ½ day AM program.
DISCLAIMER: SUBJECT TO ANY STATE MANDATED CHANGES
Adopted: 1/18/17 8/16/17
WEST DOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
School Staff Administration
Michael Pallen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Principal
Wendy Rozwadowski Dravis . . . . . . . . . . . . Supervisor of Instruction
Linda Monaco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Secretary
Doreen Gonnello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary
Patricia Lindenbaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nurse
Telephone Numbers
School’s Main Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 732-505-5920
School’s Fax Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 732-914-2174
Nurse’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 732-505-5922
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
West Dover Elementary School promotes a positive learning environment where all are encouraged to respect the differences of others. As required by law, we follow the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act. If you feel your child has been the victim of a bullying, harassment, or intimidation issue, please contact the school administration or our Anti-Bullying Specialist, Ms. Figlioli, immediately so we can investigate and correct this situation. All cases we be reviewed and the development stage of the children involved will be taken into consideration when disciplinary action is required. Complete policy can be found on the Toms River Schools website under “Quick Links – Anti-Bullying Resources.”
ART
Art instruction is provided to all students. Students should bring a smock for art class. An old shirt, large enough to cover a student’s clothes, is appropriate. Names should be on all smocks. Occasionally students will be asked to bring in something from home such as: milk cartons, egg cartons, bottles, jars, shoeboxes, aluminum cans, stockings, socks, and pinecones.
ATTENDANCE
A most significant factor in a child’s education is his/her attendance on a regular basis. Students should arrive on time before 9:25 am. The optimal arrival time is between 9:10-9:25. STUDENTS MAY NOT BE DROPPED OFF AND LEFT PRIOR TO 9:10.
State requires students are present in school at least 4 hours each day. Less than 4 hours, students will be considered absent.
A computerized call will notify you that your child is absent from school. Each child who is absent will receive a call. Calling the Main Office to report your child’s absent or to request homework will not stop the call. The computer will call several times until someone answers. Notify the Main Office if you change your phone number so our records can be updated. This phone # is also used to notify you of delayed openings and school closing due to weather related conditions.
If illness or other emergency prevents a student from attending school, Board of Education policy states that the CHILD MUST PRESENT A WRITTEN EXCUSE ON THE DAY OF RETURN. To comply with the state you must send in a written note stating the date(s) absent, the reason for the absence and it must be signed by the parent or guardian. Absences that don’t have written notes are required to be report to the state. According to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-78(a) 4iii, a student who has accumulated 20 or more absences will be considered truant.
If you anticipate your child being absent for more than three days, or if the illness is of a contagious nature, the nurse’s office should be notified immediately.
If you should request daily assignments, please notify the school before 11:30 a.m. Work will be available for pick-up at the end of the school day (3:35 p.m.) Please realize that it takes time to put material together. Whether work is requested during an absence or assigned upon the child’s return, your child is responsible for making up the missed assignments.
We suggest that vacations would not be planned during the school year. However, if you are taking your child on vacation during the school year, please be aware of the following:
1. A student who is absent from school because of vacation will make up missed class and homework assignments upon their return to school. A student will be allowed the same amount of time absent from school to make up the missed work. For example, if a child is absent for a vacation for one week, that child will be given one week to complete the missed assignments. Request for student work before the absences will not be granted.
2. Students may receive some general guidelines, supplementary materials, or individual workbook pages.
3. If test results and make-up work are inadequate, the grades during the marking period will be affected.
BEHAVIOR
At West Dover, we follow the Code of Conduct set forth by the Toms River Board of Education. The Code of Conduct is available online at under Curriculum.
Children should always cooperate with their teacher and interact in a respectful manner with everyone. We expect children to be courteous and well mannered. Teasing and bullying is against the law and will be handled accordingly. A simple rule is to treat everyone the way you would want them to treat you.
Physical contact is to be avoided at all times. A physical confrontation will result in disciplinary action.
The following are a few examples of incidents, which may cause a serious injury: throwing stones, pulling chairs out resulting in falls, throwing a ball at someone in an inappropriate manner. If a child engages in any of these activities he or she will receive appropriate consequences.
Children are told to report incidents of physical contact immediately to an adult who is nearby. This will prevent escalation of the incident and avoid serious injury.
We want children to work in a positive, harmonious environment where problems are worked out through discussion.
CAFETERIA
We want each child to enjoy the privilege of having lunch in the school cafeteria. General lunchroom rules and procedures are presented by the classroom teachers.
Students are scheduled for a 35-minute lunch period. The children will eat lunch then participate in playground recess. Weather permitting, all children will go outside. Children should dress appropriately for the temperature.
Supervision
The cafeteria is monitored by aides and Administration, who maintain order and provide any assistance needed. The children are expected to obey and respect the aides as they would any other school authority.
All pupils are expected to display proper conduct and manners while eating and handling food. Conversation is permitted; however, loud voices, shouting, or poor etiquette will not be tolerated. Each child will be responsible for clearing his/her area of waste materials.
Cafeteria Rules
1. Speak in a normal tone of voice. No shouting.
2. Stay seated in your assigned area.
3. Clean up the area where you are sitting.
4. Follow directions given by the cafeteria aides.
5. Permission to leave the cafeteria must be granted by the cafeteria aides and/or administrator.
6. Show respect towards others.
7. Use courtesy words at all times – “please, thank you, and excuse me.”
8. After eating, secure left over snacks or water bottles in lunch crates. Food items are not to be brought onto the playground. No bottles are permitted outside during recess.
9. Food/drink/lunch items stay in the cafeteria only. We do not permit eating in the halls or on the playground.
Lunch Boxes
Occasionally, lunch boxes and bag lunches become misplaced. Having them labeled helps ensure their return.
Menu
The school cafeteria offers breakfast and lunch daily. Menus will be sent home each month or it can be found on .
Breakfast cost: Various items daily …………………………… $1.75
Lunch cost: Children Lunch ………………………………. $2.75
Milk ……………………..……………………… .60¢
An explanation of Lunch and Breakfast Prices and Procedures:
Breakfast and lunch will be available in our school cafeteria. Your child has the option of purchasing a lunch or brings a bagged lunch and purchase milk. West Dover has a computerized cash register system whereby each child will receive an
identification card with his/her photo and unique identification number and may purchase breakfast, lunch or snacks on their account. Identification cards are kept in the classroom.
1. An internet-based payment system which provides you with the convenience of paying your child’s cafeteria purchases via debit or credit card. You can sign up at anytime. Once your account is activated you can take advantage of all the features SchoolCafe offers, which include depositing monies in your child’s account or monitoring their spending. A 5.75% transaction fee is assessed only when you use your debit/credit card to add funds to your child’s account. Credits to the account will appear within 24 – 48 hours.
2. Money on Account (MOA): You can send money to be placed on your child’s account. This money may be used for lunches, snacks, and/or any additional items such as a second lunch, additional slices of pizza, or beverages. You may send in cash or money orders – NO CHECKS. Please send the money in a sealed envelope with your child’s and the amount of money to go on the account.
Breakfast begins at 9:10 and students must eat quickly to be in their classrooms by 9:25. Only students purchasing breakfast will be permitted in the cafeteria, no bagged breakfasts, please. This service is provided to students only.
Food Service Department no longer allows student accounts to fall below a zero balance. Students who do not have funds on account, cash or a meal from home will be provided a sandwich, juice and/or milk. Students who accept this meal will have $1.25 charged to their account.
Federal Lunch
A federal program offering free lunch or reduced rates is available. Information concerning this program will be mailed to your home or brought home by the student upon request. Families must complete the form and return it as soon as possible. Forms may be obtained in the office during the school year if needed. Lending a free or reduced lunch to neighbors, friends, or relatives will jeopardize participation in the federal lunch program.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Should you change your phone number notify the main office to obtain the phone change form. To change your address you must go to Toms River Schools’ Central Registration, located at 54 Washington St., Toms River. You must bring your proofs of residency.
CHILD STUDY TEAM
Child Study Team services are available to every child in the district. The functioning of the Child Study Team is guided by state rules and regulations. It is composed of a Social Worker, Learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant, and a School Psychologist. One of the Team’s main functions is to assist teachers, parents, and administrators in developing programs for educationally handicapped students.
The Child Study Team is consulted only after every available resource in the school has been exhausted, e.g. Basic Skills, Guidance, and Speech. The referral, classification, and programming process are guided by state rules and regulations to protect the interests of all concerned.
CLASS PARTIES
Parties are held at the classroom teacher’s discretion. All parties must be planned by the teacher. Surprise parties are not permitted. Usually the teacher & class parents are involved in the planning. NO MORE THAN 2 PARTIES ARE ALLOWED DURING A GIVEN SCHOOL YEAR.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING - DELAYED OPENINGS/ EARLY DISMISSAL
When weather conditions or emergency situations make it necessary to close schools, appropriate radio and TV stations will be contacted to make public announcements regarding the details of the closing. You may tune into radio station WOBM FM (92.7) or AM (1170), WJLK FM (94.3), AM (1310) or channel 21 on your TV. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. Also,
check the Toms River Schools web page at . Also you should receive an automated call.
DELAYED OPENING
This schedule modification allows for a 90 minute delayed opening of school due to inclement weather conditions or other emergency conditions. When emergency situations may be rectified or weather conditions are anticipated to improve, combined with the ability of public work crews to insure safe passage on roadways, schools will open according to schedule. All students should report to bus stops 90 minutes later than their regular bus time. Delayed openings West Dover School will open at 10:55 a.m.
EARLY DISMISSAL (due to weather)
Early dismissal due to inclement weather is weighted very carefully. Since this would be a district wide closing, the first contact made would be to local radio, local TV stations, Toms River School Channel 21 and the Toms River Regional Schools web site at . Early dismissal West Dover will start to send children home at 1:55 pm.
EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSAL – OTHER THAN WEATHER
On rare occasions, it may become necessary to implement an early dismissal of pupils from school due to emergency circumstances, e.g., prolonged power failure, lack of water services, etc. The intent of this procedure is to provide for a fail-safe-system, in order that appropriate caregivers and parents can be notified as early as possible as to the decision to dismiss school for emergency purposes. If such an early dismissal becomes necessary, the following notification procedures will be implemented uniformly in all elementary schools.
Related announcements about the early dismissal decision will be communicated by the district to the local media, i.e., local radio stations, newspapers, will be aired on the Toms River Schools Public Channel 21 and Toms River Regional Schools website . You will also receive an automated call.
Please make plans for a secondary caregiver in the event you are not home.
If contact is necessary and cannot be made with the home or caregiver about the emergency early dismissal, the pupil(s) will be retained at the school under supervision until such contact can be made.
PLEASE ESTABLISH EMERGENCY CLOSING, DELAYED OPENING AND EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES WITH YOUR CHILD. EACH CHILD SHOULD KNOW WHERE TO GO IN THE EVENT HIS/HER PARENT IS NOT HOME IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
FIELD TRIPS AND PERMISSION SLIPS
School activities such as field trips require the signature of a parent or guardian on the permission slip to assure that the parents/guardian is aware that the child will not be in school on that day. If a signed slip is not returned to school, the school has the right to keep the child from participating in the activity.
FIRE DRILLS & SECURITY DRILLS
Fire drills and security drills are a serious business. Children must leave the room in a single file line without talking. Listening for directions is a must, since it will help assure the safety of all. As mandated by state laws 1 fire drill and 1 security drill is held each month.
GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM
Toms River Schools provides services for gifted and talented students. Students are invited to participate according to a set of criteria. Any questions regarding this program may be directed to Mrs. Bailey.
GUIDANCE
An elementary guidance counselor services West Dover Elementary School. The counselor’s role is to work with children on an individual basis or in small group sessions, keep consult with teachers, parents and the school administration. The counselor helps children with many difficulties and adjustments. Children may be referred to the counselor by a teacher, the
school administration, and the child’s parents or guardian, or by self-referral. If it is felt that counseling will require more than one session, the counselor will request parents or guardians to sign a consent form for the counselor to continue seeing the child.
GUM, FOOD AND CANDY
CHEWING GUM IS NOT TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL FOR ANY REASON. Candy and food may be consumed only in the cafeteria or at classroom teacher discretion.
HALLWAY SAFETY
All students are expected to walk safely and quietly in the hallways. There will be no running or jumping when traveling from activity to activity. Students should stay to the right when walking in the school hallways.
HEALTH OFFICE PROCEDURE
The full-time nurse at West Dover Elementary is responsible for many varied health related duties. Any questions pertaining to health such as immunizations, kindergarten registration requirements, contagious diseases, etc. should be directed to the school nurse. District health forms can be found on . We ask you to consider the following:
1. The emergency card issued each September should be filled out completely and signed by a parent or guardian. Several emergency numbers are essential and any changes should be reported to the nurse’s office immediately, so that she may reach you promptly in the event of a medical concern about your child.
2. Actively ill children do not belong in school. If your child has a fever or active symptoms, such as recent vomiting, or diarrhea, keep him/her home.
3. Please call the nurse’s office (732-505-5922) if your child is home with a contagious illness (chicken pox, strep infection, flu, pinkeye, etc.)
4. Students returning from absences must present a written note from the parent or guardian. This note should be given to the teacher and then will be sent to the Nurse.
5. Some illnesses require a doctor’s note in order to return to school. This doctor’s note may be brought in with your written absence note or may be faxed to the school (732-914-2174).
6. Injuries or illnesses incurred at home should be treated at home.
7. Accidents that occur in school must be reported to the nurse immediately. If not reported by the child, the parent should do so. Call 732-505-5922.
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION
Pursuant to New Jersey State Law, only a certified school nurse or physician can administer all medications given to a student. The administration of medications to students in the Toms River Regional School will be conducted under these specific rules:
1. No medications, prescription or non-prescription (i.e. Cough drops, aspirin, Tylenol, Eye Drops, etc.), will be
given to a student by the school nurse unless it is received in the original container and accompanied by a
written physician and parental/guardian request which MUST include:
Name of student Grade
Name of teacher Time to be taken
Name of physician Length of time medication will be required
Name of medication Date and signature of parent/guardian
Dosage of medication Date and signature of physician
2. All medications are to be held in the school nurse’s office, with the parent/guardian assuming the responsibility
delivering and picking up unused amounts when no longer needed.
3. Prescription medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container.
4. Opportunities must be provided for pupil/parent/physician/school nurse communications.
5. The school nurse may consult the school physician whenever necessary to discuss medications being given to students, including long-term use or possible abuse of any over-the-counter medications.
6. With a written request from the parent/guardian and with a written note from the physician, an asthmatic student may be allowed to carry his/her inhaler during school day, school activities, etc. Following the use of the prescription inhaler, the student should report to the school nurse, who will then document the usage of the inhaler.
7. With a written request from the parent/guardian and with a written note from the physician, a student may be allowed to carry a bee-sting allergy kit.
8. No student will be allowed to medicate him/herself during school hours. (The only exceptions are number 6 and 7 above). A special medication form must be completed by physician and parents. The form is available in the Nurse’s Office.
9. Under no circumstances will the school nurse administer IV medication.
The nurse will conduct various health screenings throughout the school year.
A growth and development film will be shown to fifth graders. Our school health program is designed to improve, protect and promote the health of children. All children will be involved in this program unless parents notify the school nurse in writing of non-participation and reasons for same.
CRUTCHES
The board has determined that the use of crutches on school property by a student untrained in their use poses a safety risk for both the student and other persons on school property, including fellow classmates. Thus, only a student trained in the use of crutches, particularly on stairs, shall be permitted on school property. Before a student on crutches shall enter upon school property, the Board requires a student to obtain from a physician, athletic trainer, or other appropriate medical personnel, documentation of the following:
1. That the use of crutches has been authorized by the physician or athletic trainer.
2. The diagnosis and the duration of the authorized use of crutches.
3. That the student has received training in the use of crutches, particularly on stairs.
This document shall be kept in the office of the school nurse. Only students who have submitted such a document shall be permitted on school property. This policy only applies to students attending district schools. Individuals visiting a district school shall be exempt from the policy.
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments are very important as a follow-up of work done each day in the classroom. Students should be conscientious in completing homework assignments and take pride in doing them neatly, accurately, and consistently. Completion of homework is part of the overall evaluation of student progress
With the wide range of ages and abilities, it is impossible to tell you exactly how much time must be spent each day on homework. Students in grades 1-5 will generally have some form of homework on a daily basis (reading, writing, math, studying, etc.). However, the following guidelines have been established by our staff and should help you to determine if your child is completing his/her homework assignments:
1. Long term assignments, such as reports, compositions, projects, etc., are considered above and beyond regular homework assignments. Pupils must be encouraged to work continually on these tasks and not wait until the night before the assignment is due.
2. Assignments are expected to be completed and returned on their due date.
3. Children are expected to do their own work, but your guidance and assistance are welcome.
The P.T.O. of West Dover will provide students with a tool to organize their classroom assignments. Grades K & 1 will receive folders. Grades 2-5 receive planners/agendas. These agendas will offer an easy and age appropriate format for students to make homework assignment entries. Parents and teachers will also use these planners as a home to school communication tool. If you have any questions about homework, please contact your child’s teacher.
Due to incidents of vandalism and theft during non-school hours, students are not permitted to enter the school premises for the purpose of retrieving books, homework, instruments, etc. All classrooms will remain locked and custodians have been instructed not to open classroom doors.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
Music lessons on all band and orchestra instruments are offered to fourth and fifth grade students. Students, as beginners, are required to fill out practice records when first starting their instrumental lessons in September. Students are placed in a Concert Band in early January if they attain the required level of proficiency on their instruments.
Students receive a weekly group lesson during the regular school day.
String instrument lessons are available to students in Grades 4 & 5. String concerts are also held yearly.
LAVATORY
The lavatories are to be kept clean and personal hygiene must always be of the utmost concern. Children should use the lavatories to practice good health habits; wash hands and dry them before leaving. Paper towels should be placed in trashcans. No throwing of paper, soap, or water will be permitted, as serious injury can result. Purposely throwing paper towels or toilet tissue into a lavatory facility can cause a most unhealthy and dangerous situation and will not be tolerated. There is to be no climbing on the stalls or sinks.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost items are stored in the hallway near room 113. Certain articles such as eyeglasses, wallets, keys, and jewelry will be held in the Main Office. Encourage your child to check the Lost and Found area for missing items since many articles remain unclaimed at the end of the year. Articles not claimed will be removed from the building.
MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center is available to all students. Kindergarten students are introduced to good books through “story time.”
All students are responsible for books signed out in their name.
PARENTAL CUSTODY PROCEDURE
In recent years the school has had an increasing number of requests from parents to release children from school during the school day to specifically identified adults. We want to protect the health and welfare of every child assigned to our school. Many children bring concerns to school that go beyond our area of control. It is your responsibility to supply the school with the proper information to help us offer this protection. If you anticipate problems with child custody and wish your child to be released only to you or your designee, we suggest you adhere to the following:
1. Copies of custody papers MUST be filed in your child’s permanent folder. A letter from the parent to the school principal stating concern in this area often is challenged by a second party. Therefore, some legal hold on the child MUST be filed in the school office.
2. Current home and emergency phone numbers where the custodial parents can be reached at any time are
essential. It is imperative that we have current phone number.
3. Notify the school office annually if the problem requires continued surveillance.
If you limit your child’s release from school and must send a neighbor, etc. to pick the child up in an emergency, please call the school in advance if possible. Inform the person taking your child that he or she must show proper identification before we release the student.
PARTY INVITATIONS
Private party invitations are not to be distributed at school unless every student in class is invited. This often creates embarrassment and hurt feelings for students not invited. Please use other means of distributing invitations.
PERFUMES AND COSMETICS
The wearing of perfumes and/or cologne is not recommended for school. Allergic reactions to their use have been reported by students and school personnel.
PERSONAL ATTIRE AND GROOMING
Students should dress for schoolwork, not for play. Safety, neatness, cleanliness, and modesty should be the major considerations in what is appropriate school dress. A child’s grooming, dress, and behavior have a bearing on how others react to him/her.
In the interest of safety and good health practices, we recommend socks and properly fastened sneakers and/or shoes. Backless shoes are hazardous and not acceptable for school. NO Flip-flops are permitted. When the temperature is forecasted to be in the high 70’s or beyond, appropriate shorts (fingertip length) may be worn. We request that brief shorts not be worn to school. Thong sandals, bare midriffs, thinly strapped tops, and tank tops are not appropriate. If dress is inappropriate, students will be asked to call home for a change of clothes.
PERSONAL POSSESSIONS
Students are specifically requested not to bring large sums of money, expensive jewelry, toys, radios, recorders, or other valuable property to school. The school can assume no responsibility in the event of their loss, damage, or theft. Also, please keep collectible cards, electronic toys and IPOD’s at home. Cell phones are not permitted in school.
PETS
Pets are not permitted on school property.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS PROCEDURES
Students in Grades K-5 receive one physical education class per week. Appropriate dress items are listed below:
1. Sneakers*
2. Athletic socks
3. T-shirt, shorts/warm-up suit/comfortable clothes
*Sneakers are required for all class and intramural activities on the gym floor. To avoid ankle and other injuries platform sneakers and other types of shoes are not allowed. Sneakers should have a good tread on the bottom for safety.
Students are not permitted to change clothing in the lavatory for gym classes. No jewelry (watches, rings, bracelets, loop earnings, etc.) is to be worn or pocketed during physical education class.
To be excused from participating in physical education class, students must present either a doctor’s or parental note. Children excused from physical education will also be excused from any intramural activity and lunchtime recess.
PLAYGROUND SAFETY
As the weather permits, and the ground is relatively dry, all students will go to the play area during lunch. Exceptions are made for children with written medical excuses from a physician. We do not have space and supervision for children to stay inside.
The safety and well being of each child is a very basic concern at West Dover. Our playground and fields are for enjoyment, but every precaution must be taken to avoid accidents. Students can best contribute to a safe environment by following basic rules such as:
1. All students are expected to follow the directions of the lunch aides. Failure to do so could result in a suspension of playground privileges.
2. There will be no roughhousing. Students must cooperate and conduct themselves in a helpful, respectful manner at all times. Anyone, no matter who started it, involved in a fight, will be subject to discipline.
3. Avoid physical contact with others (bumping, pulling, wrestling, tackling, etc.). Games of Tag often become “too physical”. As a result, we ask the children to refrain from playing tag or other chase games.
4. Children may not enter the building unless they have permission from an aide. After getting permission children must enter the doors near the gym – they are not to enter through the front doors without proper supervision.
5. Never throw stones, sand, sticks, etc.
6. No hardballs, softballs, or bats may be used.
7. Children must never climb a fence to retrieve a ball or personal property. Instead, report any problem to an adult on duty immediately.
8. Children must play in areas and on equipment designated for them.
9. Keep your own safety and the safety of others in mind when you use the climbing equipment and slides. There will be no horseplay. Use two hands at all times. Do not jump from any equipment. Avoid carrying any object while on the equipment or slide. One person at a time may climb the steps to use the slide; face forward at all times and hold on to the railing while climbing and seating yourself. There is only one proper way to slide, seated and facing forward.
10. Running or game activities are not permitted in the equipment area of the playground. The field portion of the playground is to be used for these types of activities.
11. Report problems of any nature to an adult on duty immediately.
12. Children are not to pick up any questionable materials on the playground. Report any foreign matter to adults outside.
P.T.O.
The West Dover P.T.O. was formed for the benefit of all our students. There are six board members. Meetings are open to all parents/guardians of children attending the school. Please join and add your voice to this worthwhile group. PTO e-mail: wdptoboard@.
REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS
Report cards are issued to Grades 1 through 5 four times a year and Kindergarten 3 times a year via the parent portal. The first marking period is a Parent/Teacher conference.
Progress reports will be on-line for the via the parent portal to indicate deficiencies or proficiencies in particular areas.
Children attending Speech class receive a progress report semi-annually.
SAFETY
We are concerned with the safety and well being of each person associated with West Dover Elementary School. Every precaution must be taken to prevent injury and accidents. Students can best contribute to a safe school environment by following basic rules. Students should:
1. Walk, not run, in the school.
2. Avoid physical contact.
3. Be courteous and polite in dealing with other people.
4. Inform an adult of an unsafe condition whether it is in school, on the playground, in the bus, or walking to and from school.
SAFETY PATROL
Student Safety Patrols are on duty to assist walkers and bus riders in their safe arrival and dismissal from school.
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
Safety is our main concern in riding the school bus. The drivers must pay attention to the traffic, listen for horns, and be alert for emergencies. They cannot pay attention to driving and monitor disruptive students at the same time. Our students are expected to sit at all times with seat belts snapped. Talking is certainly permitted, but loud talking, shouting and fighting are not. There is to be no throwing of objects of any kind either inside the bus or out the windows. Hands, arms, and heads are also to be kept inside the bus. Children are expected to walk to and from the bus stop, and while entering and exiting the bus. Running is never permitted near the buses.
The law states that riding a bus is a privilege and not a right. The ride to and from school is considered part of the school day with regard to student discipline. They will be dealt with as such.
SCHOOL BUS CHANGES
A request to change the bus CANNOT be honored as it frequently causes an “overload” condition and results in confusion, especially for the younger children. Students are not permitted to ride any bus other than the one assigned.
Transportation arrangements may be made for a babysitter whose address is different from a student’s home address providing:
1. The alternate address is serviced by an existing West Dover School bus route.
2. There are sufficient seats available for students who reside in the area.
3. The same location is used for AM pick-up and PM drop-off. (Only kindergarten students are exempt from this restriction.)
4. It is the same arrangement everyday – Monday through Friday – all year.
A babysitting form must be completed before the Transportation Department can make any changes. The form can be obtained from the Main Office.
Any deviation from these provisions will void the alternate assignment and the student will be reassigned based on their home address.
All students assigned to a bus must ride that bus unless the school office is notified by the parent/guardian, IN WRITING, regarding the parent’s plan for the child to be picked-up or go to Y-Kids. No bus student will be permitted to walk to school, or home from school under any circumstances.
SCHOOL PICTURES
A professional photographer takes individual and class pictures. You will be notified of photo dates and prices in advance of this PTO sponsored program. Students should be appropriately dressed for the occasion.
SCHOOL PROPERTY
The school buildings and grounds are for your use. You are asked to keep school property as clean as possible so that we can all be proud of the appearance of our building. Please report anyone who damages school property.
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
West Dover Elementary School is a 21-classroom school consisting of grades kindergarten to five.
SPEECH THERAPY
West Dover offers a wide range of speech services, including speech sound correction, stuttering therapy, and language development. Candidates for therapy are identified through routine screening or by referrals from parents, teachers, or staff. Parental involvement is a crucial part of the therapy process. In a climate of positive attitudes, patience, and encouragement, students build good speech habits with remarkable speed.
STUDENT GUESTS
The occasion may arise when a student may wish to bring a visiting friend, former student, or relative to school. The size of the school and the limits to our responsibility, and liability do not allow for this type of practice. Therefore, student guests will not be permitted in the building.
SUSPENSION AND EXPLUSION / PUPIL DUE PROCESS
While the Board believes that positive approaches to acceptable behavior are usually more effective, it is sometimes necessary to penalize pupils for violations of school regulations to ensure the good order of the school and to teach them the consequences of inappropriate behavior. Inappropriate behaviors include, but are not limited to:
1. Bullying, harassment, intimidation of other students.
2. Continued and willful disobedience.
3. Open defiance of any teacher or person having authority over a pupil.
4. Actions that constitute a continuing danger to the physical well being of other pupils. Physical assault upon another pupil, a teacher, or any school employee.
5. Taking or attempting to take, personal property or money from another pupil whether by force or fear.
6. Willfully causing, or attempting to cause, substantial damage to school property.
7. Inciting others to take part in an unauthorized occupancy or behavior.
8. Truancy and class cutting; leaving school property without permission.
9. Poor attendance and lateness.
10. Use or possession of unsafe or illegal articles.
11. Use of any tobacco product on school property.
12. Use, possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance, anabolic steroids or alcohol.
13. Use of profanity or abusive language.
14. Turning in a false alarm.
15. Tampering with or damaging property of other pupils or staff members.
16. Selling or buying lottery tickets or any other gambling paraphernalia on school property.
The district’s official “Code of Conduct” is available online at .
TAKING CHILDREN OUT OF SCHOOL / EARLY DISMISSAL
We respectfully request that you do not remove your children early UNLESS it is for a doctor’s appointment or family emergency. Doing so frequently, causes a disturbance to the academic environment. All requests should be submitted in writing to the teacher the morning of the day early dismissal is required. Students will NOT be called out of the classroom until the parents arrival. Children may be picked up and signed out in the office. The adult picking up the child may be asked for identification and we ask that you stay in the office until your child comes down. Students will only be released to adults listed on the student’s emergency card. If school is still in session, students are permitted to return to school after the appointment. All bus students who are picked up at dismissal must be signed-out in the main office.
TARDINESS
The first school bell is at 9:20 a.m. and all children should be in their classroom by 9:25 a.m.
Along with regular attendance, it is expected that every child be prepared to arrive at school no later than 9:25 a.m. If students miss the bus or are late for any reason, they must report to the Main Office upon arrival. The child’s tardiness will be noted and a pass issued to be presented to the classroom teacher.
Please help your child develop the responsibility of being prepared for the bus or for walking to school on time. Frequent tardiness is not only a disadvantage for your child; it also disrupts class schedules and teaching procedures, and may become cause for disciplinary action.
TECHNOLOGY LAB
The elementary Chromebooks and technology lab experience and curriculum has been established to aid in the educational preparation of the students in the Toms River Regional School District to meet the challenges of the technologically changing world. The curriculum stresses the applications of technology for academic success with direction toward career and life skills.
TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES
Students will be allowed to use the office telephone in emergency situations only. Overdue library books, homework, going to a friend’s house, or after school activities, etc. are not considered emergency situations; therefore, these types of calls are not permitted
TEXTBOOKS AND FURNITURE CARE
It is the responsibility of each child to care for books and materials issued. All textbooks must be covered throughout the school year and not abused in any way. Adhesive coverings are not to be used. They are not to be written in, nor pages torn out, for any reason. Fines will be assessed in case of damage or loss of textbooks, workbooks, library books, or other educational materials issued by the school.
Furniture such as desks, chairs, bookcases, and classroom equipment should not be abused. If furniture or equipment is broken it should be immediately reported to the teacher. If a child purposely abuses equipment, a fine may be assessed.
TOYS
No toys of any nature are allowed in school unless explicitly permitted for “Show and Tell” or other classroom assignments.
TRANSPORTATION
Automobile
Morning Arrival – Please plan to arrive no earlier than 9:10 a.m. If your child is brought to school by car PLEASE FORM A SINGLE ROW OF CARS FOR DROP-OFF. Children should be ready to exit the car on the passenger side. Parents should NOT get out of their vehicle. Discharge the child at the front entrance by the cones. Your child will then proceed through the front door and wait down the main center hallway until the opening school bell at 9:20 am.
THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE STUDENT DROP-OFF ZONE (YELLOW CURB) DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.
Arrival/Departure parking – Parents who park on the far side of the circle are expected to walk to the sidewalk and escort their children across the top of the circle at the yellow crosswalk only. Please be considerate of our neighbors and their property.
Afternoon Departure – Park along the circle and on Blue Jay Drive. DO NOT PARK ALONG YELLOW CURB AREAS!
NO PARENTS WILL BE PERMITTED TO WAIT IN THE HALLWAYS. IF YOU ARE DRIVING BY TO PICK UP A STUDENT, THE STUDENT MUST BE READY AND OUT FRONT. NO CARS WILL BE PERMITTED TO WAIT. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO MOVE TO KEEP THE TRAFIC FLOWING.
Bicycles
Students from 3rd to 5th grade may ride bicycles to school. The school cannot take responsibility for bicycles or bicycle parts; therefore, bicycles should be securely locked to the rack. All safety rules should be obeyed while riding to and from school. Helmets, which must be worn, will be stored in a designated area within each classroom. Each helmet should be labeled to avoid problems. For safety reasons, students must walk their bicycles along Blue Jay Drive.
The use of skateboards, roller blades, skates, and scooters for transportation to and from school is strictly prohibited.
VISITORS
ALL PARENTS AND VISITORS, UPON ENTERING THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON, MUST IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO THE MAIN OFFICE AND SIGN-IN.
PARENTS MUST WAIT IN THE FRONT OFFICE. PARENTS ARE NOT PERMITED TO WAIT IN LOBBY.
PARENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WALK CHILDREN TO THEIR CLASSROOMS.
PARENTS AND VISITORS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO SHOW PHOTO ID.
Unauthorized visitors are not permitted to go through the building. Should the need arise for something to be brought in for a student, please bring it to the office where your child will be called to receive it. Please have each item labeled with student’s name and room number. Money should be in a sealed envelope.
VOCAL MUSIC
All students meet with the vocal music teacher in the classroom for singing, dancing, rhythmic activities, music history, theory and appreciation. Students in fourth & fifth grades may join chorus. Rehearsals will be held once a week during the day. Two concerts will be presented during the year.
WALKING STUDENT SAFETY
A large number of our students walk to and from school each day. School crossing guards are placed at important points along the way. Children must obey them in the same way they would obey teachers. School Safety Patrol members are fifth graders posted to assist students.
Children should follow these rules in walking to and from school:
1. Cross at Cardinal Dr. only with the crossing guard on Blue Jay Dr. A crossing guard is also located at Oak Ridge Parkway and Sands Point Dr.
2. Use sidewalks. Do not cut through the woods or across lawns.
3. Cross streets only at corners.
4. Walk directly to school or home. Do not lag behind. Walk in groups.
5. Do not talk to strangers in cars or on the streets, and stay away from strange animals.
6. Walk without fooling around. Try to help others instead of causing problems.
7. Do not do anything, which will damage or destroy property.
8. Plan your walk so that you arrive at school no earlier than 9:10 a.m.
WEB PAGE
Toms River Regional Schools has a dynamic web page:
Information about all of our schools is noted with pictures and text. Click on SCHOOLS and choose WEST DOVER to visit our school web site.
Stop by often and enjoy all of the Web News!
WORLD LANGUAGE
West Dover has a World Language Program for students in Grades 3 through 5.
Y-KIDS
“Y-Kids” is childcare before and after school, held in the cafeteria. It is part of the YMCA. For more information please call the Ocean County YMCA – 732-341-9622.
If you choose “Y-Kids” for after school care you must notify the teacher,
IN WRITING, which days your child is to attend and what date your child is to start. Changes in this schedule must be in writing to the teacher.
Absence
Dear Students and Parents,
Our school is committed to creating a positive learning environment where students are academically and socially successful. As part of our strategic plan, we are implementing Positive Behavior Supports in Schools (PBSIS), a nationally validated framework for creating a positive school climate.
At West Dover we refer to this approach as Respect, Responsibility, and Reflection. Through a collaborative team process, we have determined that Respect, Responsibility, and Reflection is a priority at West Dover and all staff are expected to implement the procedures described in our manual. Only through consistent and genuine implementation of the practices described will we be able to achieve the types of positive outcomes we want to see at West Dover.
We will be doing some things differently this year and it is going to be great! In order to raise funds for this great program, we will be periodically holding fundraisers and sales at the school. We thank you for your cooperation in advance and look forward to our continued work together. We welcome your input and involvement. I invite you to email me at mpallen@ or call 732-505-5920 to discuss your suggestions and provide feedback.
Thank you for your commitment to our students to working as part of an educational team to make West Dover the best it can be. We look forward to seeing our students “Soar To Success” in 2017-2018.
Sincerely,
Mr. Pallen and the PBSIS Team
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TOMS RIVER REGIONAL SCHOOLS
1144 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753 ( 732-505-5510
WEST DOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PUPIL CALENDAR
2017-2018
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