STUDENT HANDBOOK

2020-2021

TABLE of CONTENTS

School Board Information 4District and School Mission Statements 4TNGA Stakeholders Beliefs 5TNGA Virtual Schedule 5Expectations for Students: 6-9 Attendance Policy Consecutive Absences

6-77

Truancy 7 Virtual Expectations Regular Release of Students

7

Late Arrival and Early Dismissal 8 Student Tardiness 8-9 TNGA- School Uniforms 9-13 Male Students 12 Female Students 12 Uniform Sanctions 12 Student Use of Electronic Mail and Internet 13-15 Cell Phones and Electronic Devices 15Process and Procedures:

Cheating and Academic Honesty 15-16

Food and Beverages 16Hall Passes 16Locker Searches 16Medical Excuses for PE Classes 16Out-of-School and Evening Activities 17Physical Education Requirements 17Posters/Postings 17Student Identification 17Students’ Rights to Privacy and Search/Seizure 18Textbooks, Equipment, Supplies 19Unfulfilled Commitments 19Visitors to Building 19

Back to School Night/Parent Conference 19 Student Infractions for Late to Class/Cut 19 Tardiness to School 19 Power School Access 20-21

2

SAFETY IN SCHOOLS 21-23 Fire Drills and Lock-Down Procedures

ACADEMICS

22-23

23-26

Minimum Graduation Requirements 27DISCIPLINARY 29-36

Bullying, Harassment, and Cyber-Bullying (policy) 29

Definitions 29Disciplinary Consequences 29

Aggressive Behavior 30Hate Crimes 30Out-of-School Suspensions/In-School Suspensions 30Weapons Offenses 30-31Smoking 32

Substance Abuse 32-36WHAT to Do IF…….. 37-38Student Services 38-39

Advocacy and Mediation 38School Based Youth Services 38Guidance and Counseling 38-39Working Papers 39

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and SPORTS 40-41TEAMS and COACHES 40School Fight Song 40Student Government 41Clubs and Organizations 41

APPENDIX 42-44Test Dates 42-43School District Calendar 44

Staff Listing and Emails 45-47

3

Trenton’s Ninth Grade Academy

500 Perry StreetTrenton, NJ 08618

(609) 656-4820

http://www.trentonk12.org/9thGrade_home.aspx

Mr. Ronald Lee – Interim Superintendent of Schools

Board of EducationAddie Daniels-Lane - President

Taraun Tice-McKnight - Vice PresidentGene Bouie

Yolanda Marrero-LopezGerald TruehartSade S. Williams

Jeannie WeakliemNicole Brossoie

School AdministrationDewar Wood, Principal

Evette Reyes, Vice PrincipalMark Hoppe, Vice Principal

District Mission All students will graduate with a vision for their futures, motivated to learn continually prepared to succeed in their

choice of college or career.

School Mission9th Grade Academy, with the support of educators, families and the community, is dedicated to providing a rigorous educational environment where students are challenged, excellence is expected and differences are valued. 

4

Trenton Ninth   Grade Academy   We, the stakeholders believe – 

      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 reflect our commitment to their education and their future. 

      Parent 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. 

TRENTON NINTH GRADE ACADEMY Bell Schedule 2020 – 2021

TNGA VIRTUAL SCHEDULEBlock 1Period 1/2

**Block 2Period 3/4

**Block 3Period 5/6

Block 4Period 7/8

9:00-10:00

10:05-11:05

11:10-12:10

12:15-1:15

 1:15-2:00 Student & Staff Lunch, 2:00 to 3:20 Online Intervention /Advisory Learning Component

Block 1Period 1/2

Block 2Period 3/4

Block 3Period 5/6

Block 4Period 7/8

2:00-2:20

2:20-2:40

2:40-3:00

3:00-3:25

HORARIO VIRTUAL DE TNGA

Bloque 1Periodo 1/2

**Bloque 2Periodo 3/4

**Bloque 3Periodo 5/6

Bloque 4Periodo 7/8

9:00-10:00 10:05-11:05 11:10-12:10 12:15-1:15

1:15-2:00 almuerzo de estudiantes Y profesores 2:00 to 3:25 Intervención / Componente de aprendizaje de asesoramiento

5

Bloque 1Periodo 1/2

Bloque 2Periodo 3/4

Bloque 3Periodo 5/6

Bloque 4Periodo 7/8

2:00-2:20 2:20-2:40 2:40-3:00 3:00-3:25

ATTENDANCE POLICY As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5200:

In accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, every parent, guardian, or other person having control and custody of a child between the ages of six and sixteen shall cause the child to regularly attend school. The Board of Education requires students enrolled in the school district attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the State.

 In accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6 and for the purposes of this Policy and Regulation 5200, a student’s absence from school will be excused, or unexcused that counts toward truancy.

 Students that are absent from school for any reason are responsible for the completion of assignments missed because of their absence. A student who is absent from school for observing a religious holiday shall not be deprived of any award, eligibility, or opportunity to compete for any award, or deprived of the right to take an alternate test or examination that was missed because of the absence provided there is a written excuse of such absence signed by the parent.

 Prolonged or repeated absences, excused or unexcused, from school or from class, deprive students of the educational and classroom experiences deemed essential to learning and may result in retention at grade level or loss of credit or removal from a course that would count toward the high school diploma in accordance with policies of this Board.

 Students shall be subjected to the school district’s response for unexcused absences that count toward truancy during the school year as outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6(a)4 and Regulation 5200.

 Unexcused absences from school or from classes within the school day may subject a student to consequences that may include the denial of a student’s participation in co-curricular activities and/or athletic competition. Repeated absences from school interfere with efforts of this Board and its staff in the maintenance of good order and the continuity of classroom instruction and such absences may result in the removal of the student from a class or course of study.

 The Superintendent shall calculate and monitor the average daily attendance rate for the district and for each school in the district. Whenever the average daily attendance rate does not meet the New Jersey Department of Education requirements the Superintendent or designee shall develop a district improvement plan to improve student attendance pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:30-5.2.

 N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14; 18A:38-25N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.1 et seq.N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6; 6A:32-8.3

Adopted: 16 May 2011Revised:  22 June 2015

6

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.

VIRTUAL STUDENT EXPECTATIONS STUDENT CONDUCT AND PREPARATION FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING:

When students are working from home they will be held to the same expectations provided in this Student handbook and District Discipline Policy for students. Students will:• Turn in completed assignments in a timely manner; current policies regarding late work, deadlines, etc. will be maintained• Follow the Technology Requirements and Digital Resource Expectations• Attend classes unless their parent or guardian notifies the teachers of those classes. Teachers will take attendance at the beginning of each class.• Leave a class session only to go to the restroom, but return as quickly as possible. Students should not leave the online class session to do other activities.• Be on time for class as directed by their teachers• Have their cell phones away during class time, preferably in another room.• Come to “class” with their own or a school-issued, fully charged computer.• Students are not to share computers. Chromebooks are available for checkout from the school to avoid the undue stress of sharing a computer among family and other household members. Having a dedicated computer also allows the student more consistency throughout their day.• Give their best effort and best online class behavior.• Be seated; preferably at a desk or table in a common area of the home (if possible)• Sit up while in class — no lying down• Have their camera on at all times during class unless the teacher asks or gives them permission to turn it off (ex: restroom breaks, special needs, other household members in the background, etc.)• Take turns, contribute, and ask questions in class discussions• Use chat appropriately and be mindful that their classes are being recorded.• Check Google classroom calendar each day for live class links and due dates.• Not ask friends to join classes or advisor sessions. Students are not to share the class links with anyone who is not a part of that class.

DRESS AND GROOMING

7

Students must be dressed and groomed ready to be on camera, wearing appropriate clothing. Students may not wear hats and may not wear hoodies. They must make sure their face is visible and easily recognizable. Students may not wear costumes/pajamas unless expressly allowed to by a teacher or when we are celebrating or special designated days.

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 and photo identification. 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 As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5230:

The Board of Education requires that pupils be in attendance for the full school day in order to benefit from the instructional program. That requirement will be waived only when compelling circumstances require that a pupil be late to school or dismissed from school before the end of the school day.

 The Principal may excuse for cause the late arrival and early dismissal of a pupil on the prior written request of the pupil's parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Good cause may include, but need not be limited to, medical and dental appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day, medical disability, a motor vehicle driver's test, interviews for college entrance or employment, and court appearances.

 No pupil will be permitted to leave the school before the end of the school day except in the presence of the pupil's parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or an agent of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who has written authorization, or in the custody of agents of the state acting in their legal capacity. Anyone removing a pupil from school must provide identification to the office staff.

 The Principal shall maintain a record of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of each pupil. If one parent has been assigned custody of the pupil by court order or separation agreement and wishes to limit the noncustodial parent's access to the pupil, the parent in custody must inform the Principal of any such limitation and may request that his/her authorization be required before the noncustodial parent is granted access. In the absence of such notice, the Principal will presume that a pupil may be released into the care of either parent.

 A pupil who suffers an incapacitating medical disability will be released from school only in the presence of an adult.

   Adopted: 16 May 2011

STUDENT TARDINESS As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5240:

8

The Board of Education believes that promptness is an important element of school attendance. Pupils who are late to school or to class miss essential portions of the instructional program and create disruptions in the academic process for themselves and other pupils.

 Tardiness to school or class that is caused by a pupil's illness, an emergency in the pupil's family, the observance of a religious holiday, a death in the pupil's family, or by the pupil's compliance with a request or directive of an administrator will be considered justified and is excused. All other incidents of tardiness will be considered unexcused.

 A phone call will be made to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) by an attendance officer if a pupil has three unexcused days of tardiness.

 A pupil who develops a pattern of tardiness, excused or unexcused, will be offered counseling with an appropriate staff member, such as the guidance counselor or disciplinarian to determine the cause of the tardiness. A service plan will be developed by a member of the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) Team to assist the pupil to arrive at school on time.

 A letter will be sent to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if their child is tardy five days or more. A meeting with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be scheduled for pupils with five or more tardies to discuss strategies for improving prompt arrival to school.

 Further incidents of tardiness will result in disciplinary action, such as detention.

   N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14; 18A:36-15; 18A:36-25 et seq.  Adopted: 16 May 2011

1. Students are to report to school daily and on time. The normal school day for Trenton Ninth Grade Academy is 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

2. Student identification cards must be visible at all times and worn daily. 3. Students who are tardy to school/class more than six times per semester will be assigned an

after-school detention for every day they are tardy. 4. During after-school detention, students are expected to complete missed assignments from the

class for which they were tardy. 5. Students who fail to report to after-school detention will be assigned two after-school detentions. 6. Failure to report to both assigned after-school detentions will result in a suspension. 7. Students will be readmitted to school following a mandatory parent/guardian conference with the

school designee only. 8. Failure of a parent/guardian to accompany the student upon his/her return to school will

result in the emailing of a certified letter advising the parent/guardian that any future mandatory conferences must be attended or other educational options/placements will be explored.

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

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

9

TRENTON NINTH GRADE ACADEMY SCHOOL UNIFORMS As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5511:

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 will wear uniforms Monday through Friday. 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.

 In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:11-7 and N.J.S.A. 18A:11-8, the Board of Education confirms its desire to authorize uniform school dress for students. The Trenton Board of Education supports this policy for the following reasons as supported in the U.S. Department of Education report document, Manual on School Uniforms, 1996:

 1. To help with issues of peer pressure; 2. To promote a sense of identity and improve security; 3. To increase school spirit and school unity and, 4. To assist students in preparing for the work world.

  Uniform Implementation  Beginning September 2010, ninth through twelfth grades will wear uniforms.  Commencement of District Wide Standardized Uniform Requirement  The Trenton Board of Education must approve the request for the wearing of a standard district uniform before the requirement may be implemented. If approved, the district must: 

1. Give three months’ advance notice in writing to the parents/guardians of a student(s) attending school in the District for wearing of the school uniforms; and

 2. Include information in the notice about ways to purchase the required district uniform and the

name of a person at each school who can be contacted for further information about district uniforms, exemptions from the requirement, and financial assistance for economically disadvantaged students.

  Assistance for Economically Disadvantaged Pupils  The following provisions will be in place to assist students who are economically disadvantaged: 

1. Provide an application form for parents/guardians to use to apply for assistance because of economic inability to purchase district uniforms.

 2. Receive and review completed applications to determine if the student's parent(s)/guardian(s)

qualify to participate in the Free or Reduced Lunch program.10

 3. Forward the completed application to the school Principal. 4. Applications will be reviewed by a school based Uniform Policy Review Committee. The

Committee shall consist of teachers, social workers, and administrators. 5. The school based Uniform Policy Review Committee shall advise parents/guardians of the

application status. 6. Those parents/guardians who have a child with a disability and qualify for Medicaid will

receive one free uniform upon signing a Parent Release Form. 7. No student shall be denied attendance at school or penalized for failing to wear the standard

district uniform for reason of demonstrated financial hardship. It will be the responsibility of each school to assist those families demonstrating evidence of financial hardship with appropriate support.

  Waivers  Waivers of district uniform requirements may be issued by the district Superintendent or his/her designee. Waivers are restricted to those who meet one or more of the following criteria: 

1. Religious Freedom - When wearing of the standard district uniform violates the student's religious beliefs; however, the district may require documentation or other means of corroborating that the belief would be violated by the wearing of the district wide standard uniform.

 2. Short Term Health - A physician verified health condition that would preclude a student from

being able to wear all or part of the district uniform.  Compliance Measures  The administration reserves the right to permit variations to the school uniform for specifically organized learning activities.  The administration reserves the right to temporarily suspend the school uniform for special theme days and/or special activities.  The administration reserves the right to amend the school uniform policy.  The administration reserves the right to restrict any clothing deemed inappropriate.  A school may develop incentives and positive reinforcement measures for the wearing of school uniforms.  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. After first violation - Parent conferences and/or peer counseling by an administrator. 2. After-School Detention - One time with written notice to parent/guardian.

11

 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.

  Exceptions  Upon the recommendation of the Principal and approval by the Superintendent of Schools, student’s may be permitted to attend school dressed in appropriate clothing other than a school uniform in order to participate in "School Spirit Day," "Dress Down Day," or some other observation or event. In such times, the Principal shall be responsible for providing detailed information to students and parents/guardians describing the event or activity and the appropriate attire for the event or activity.  The Trenton Board of Education recognizes that a student shall not be penalized academically or otherwise discriminated against nor denied admittance to school if the student's parent/guardian chooses not to comply with the school uniform policy.  The Trenton Board of Education recognizes that a school uniform policy will not preclude students who participate in a nationally recognized youth organization from wearing organization uniforms to school on days that the organization has a scheduled meeting.  The Trenton Board of Education recognizes that a school uniform policy will not preclude students who attend other accredited public or private schools from wearing the school's uniform on days when they attend classes at those schools. 

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 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.

12

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 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 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.

Also no bonnets, wave caps, hats, scarves, slippers or shower shoes should be worn in school.

Gym Clothes - Male and Female Students  The current practice for high school students will remain in effect.  Public Hearing  The Trenton Board of Education conducted a public hearing on school uniforms on February 21, 2008.  Uniform Cost Cutting Measures  The Trenton Board of Education may, at its sole discretion, establish a uniform exchange program to encourage uniform use and to help save money for parents/guardians. This uniform exchange program could involve all schools within the district and would allow parents/guardians to turn in old uniforms that are in good condition. Parents/guardians would then be permitted to obtain other used uniforms from the uniform exchange that would fit their child.  Parents will have the opportunity to donate clean, used school uniform shirts back to the school on the last day of each school year or when a School Spirit Day will be held.   N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1; 18A:11-7; 18A:11-8; 18A:11-9  Adopted: 16 May 2011

STUDENT USE OF ELECTRONIC MAIL AND THE INTERNET As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy

13

5516:

The Board of Education believes pupils and/or school staff members should not be subject to having a video or audio recording taken of any pupil(s) or school staff member(s) for any purpose without the consent of the pupil, the pupil’s parent or guardian, and/or the school staff member. In addition to protecting the privacy rights of pupils and school staff members, the Board recognizes such recordings can be disruptive to the educational program. In addition, inappropriate recordings of educational material, pupil assessment instruments, and/or pupil assessment reviews can be used to compromise the integrity of the district’s educational program or lead to academic dishonesty in the event such recordings are stored and/or transmitted to other pupils. Therefore, the Board of Education adopts this Policy regarding pupil use of electronic communication and recording devices.  “Electronic communication and recording device (ECRD)” includes any device with the capability to audio or video record or is capable of receiving or transmitting any type of communication between persons. An ECRD includes, but is not limited to, cameras, cellular and wireless telephones, pagers/beepers, laptop computers, electronic readers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), two-way radios, portable fax machines, video broadcasting devices, and any other device that allows a person to record and/or transmit, on either a real time or delayed basis, sound, video or still images, text, or other information.  A pupil is not permitted to have turned on or use an ECRD on school grounds during the school day or when the pupil is participating in a curricular or school-sponsored co-curricular activity. A pupil’s personal ECRD may only be used on school grounds in an emergency situation or with the permission of a school staff member supervising the pupil in a curricular or school-sponsored co-curricular activity. Any audio and/or video recording by a pupil using their personal ECRD with permission of a school staff member while participating in a curricular or school-sponsored activity where other pupils or staff members are present shall require the permission for such recording from any other pupil and their parents or guardians and/or staff members whose voice or image is to be recorded. This Policy is not intended to prohibit appropriate use of electronic devices for authorized or approved official curricular or school-sponsored co- curricular activities such as yearbook photographs, staff member/teacher-directed and approved activities, classroom presentations, and athletic events and drama production filming. A pupil authorized or approved to use an ECRD may not use an ECRD to access internet sites or view information or internet-based material that is inappropriate or would be blocked from pupil access by the school district’s acceptable use of computers and networks policy. Nothing in this Policy is intended to prevent a pupil from using their personal ECRD and recording school-sponsored co-curricular activities as a non-participant when the activity is open to the general public.  For the purposes of this policy, “school grounds” means and includes land, portions of land, structures, buildings, and structures that support these buildings, including, but not limited to, administrative buildings, kitchens, maintenance shops, and garages. “School grounds” also includes other facilities as defined in N.J.A.C. 6A:26-1.2, playgrounds, and other recreational places owned by the local municipalities, private entities, or other individuals during those times when the school district has exclusive use of a portion of such land.  An ECRD used in violation of this Policy will be confiscated by a school staff member or Principal or designee and the pupil will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

14

  A pupil shall not bring or possess any remotely activated paging device on any school grounds, including on a school bus or at a school-sponsored function, at any time and regardless of whether school is in session or other persons are present without the express written permission of the Principal. The pupil must submit a written request and establish to the satisfaction of the Principal a reasonable basis for the possession of the device. The written request must include the purpose for the pupil possessing and/or bringing the device on school property and the date or dates in which the pupil requests to possess and/or bring the device on school property. The written request must also include the date in which the pupil will no longer need to bring and/or possess the device on school property.  The Principal, upon reviewing the request from the pupil, will make a determination. The determination will be in writing and if approved, written permission for the pupil to bring and/or possess a remotely activating paging device will be provided to the pupil. Permission will only be provided for the number of days determined by the Principal.  The pupil must submit a new request if the time in which permission is given to bring and/or possess a device expires. The pupil that is granted permission to possess and/or bring the device must be in the possession of the device at all times. The Principal or designee shall immediately notify the Superintendent of Schools and the appropriate criminal justice or juvenile justice agency if a pupil brings or possesses a remotely activated paging device in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.8 and this Policy.   A pupil who is an active member in good standing of a volunteer fire company, first aid, ambulance or rescue squad may bring or possess a remotely activated paging device on school property only if the pupil is required to respond to an emergency and the pupil provides a statement to the Principal from the chief executive officer of the volunteer fire company, first aid, ambulance or rescue squad authorizing the possession of the device by the pupil at all times and that the pupil is required to respond to an emergency.  The Principal or designee will confiscate the remotely activated paging device, take appropriate disciplinary action and shall immediately notify the Superintendent of Schools and the appropriate criminal justice or juvenile justice agency if a pupil brings or possesses a remotely activated paging device in violation of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.8 and this Policy.    N.J.S.A. 2C:33-19 N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.8  Adopted: 16 May 2011

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.”

Students are not permitted to use cell phones, as well as “blue tooth” technology, in school from 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM.

15

• 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. • 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.

NOTE: 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.

Processes and Procedures CHEATING AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5701:

A. Pupils are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. This means that they will not engage in any of the following acts:

 1. Cheating on examinations, including but not limited to, the non-authorized use of books or

notes, the use of crib sheets, copying from other pupils'' papers, exchanging information with other pupils orally, in writing, or by signals, obtaining copies of the examination illegally and other similar activities.

 2. Plagiarism is not permitted in term papers, themes, essays, reports, images, take-home

examinations, and other academic work. Plagiarism is defined as stealing or use without acknowledgment of the ideas, words, formulas, textual materials, on line services, computer programs, etc. of another person, or in any way presenting the work of another person as one’s own.

 3. Falsifications, including forging signatures, altering answers after they have been graded, the

insertion of answers after the fact, the erasure of grader’s markings, and other acts that allow for falsely taking credit.

  B. A pupil found guilty of academic dishonesty may be subjected to a full range of penalties including,

but not limited to, reprimand and loss of credit for all of the work that is plagiarized.  C. A teacher who believes that a pupil has been academically dishonest in his/her class should resolve

the matter in the following manner:

16

 1. Reprimand the pupil orally and/or in writing. The teacher is also authorized to withhold

credit in the work tainted by the academic dishonesty. 

2. If warranted, the teacher shall file a written complaint against the pupil with the Building Principal, requesting a more stringent form of discipline. The complaint must describe in detail the academic dishonesty that is alleged to have taken place, and must request that the matter be reviewed by the Building Principal.

 3. The Building Principal will determine if further discipline of the pupil is appropriate, and will

determine the nature of the discipline on a case-by-case basis. 

4. If the pupil is not in agreement with the disciplinary action of the teacher, he/she may appeal the action to the Building Principal. If the pupil is dissatisfied with the Building Principal’s disposition of the case, he/she may grieve the action in accordance with Policy No. 5710, Pupil Grievance.

   Adopted: 16 May 2011

FOOD AND BEVERAGES: Trenton Ninth Grade Academy 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. No ordering of outside food to be delivered to the school.

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.

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.

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 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.

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-TNGA 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.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: All students, are expected to wear sneakers for physical education class. JEWELRY: To prevent accidents and injuries and promote safety among students, the

17

Trenton Board of Education prohibits students from wearing jewelry while participating in any athletic activities and Physical Education classes.

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.

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION: As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5517:

The Board of Education recognizes school building security measures are important for the safety and welfare of all pupils, staff, parents and community members in school buildings. In recognizing this important responsibility, the Board requires all pupils to carry school district issued identification cards at all times while in school. A pupil must present the card to any school staff member upon request. Pupils who fail to have the card in their possession or to produce it when asked to do so may be disciplined.

 The school district issued Identification Card will be issued to all pupils in middle schools, high schools, and may be presented for:

 1. Identification at school district activities on school district property other than the school

attended by the pupil; 2. Admission to school dances and other school-related activities; 3. Identification for library media services to include library book, periodical and other resource

check-out; 4. Entrance for Scholastic Aptitude Tests, State Standardized Tests and other testing programs

administered on school district property; 

5. Identification for transportation services offered by the district including the use of activity and/or late buses;

 6. Identification for admission to certain school-related and school district sponsored functions;

and 

7. Other purposes and activities as determined by the Building Principal.  Pupils will be issued one card every year. A replacement fee will be charged, at the cost equal to the reproduction cost, for all lost identification cards.   Adopted: 16 May 2011

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

STUDENTS’ RIGHT OF PRIVACY/SEARCH/SEIZURE: As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5770:

The Board of Education recognizes that a pupil’s right of privacy may not be violated by unreasonable search and seizure and directs that no pupil be searched without reason or in an unreasonable manner.

 Teaching staff members are charged with the responsibility of maintaining order and discipline in the schools and of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the pupils in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, a teaching staff member may search or request the search of the person or property of a

18

pupil as authorized by this policy, with or without the pupil’s consent, whenever he/she has reasonable grounds to suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or of school rules. The extent of the search will be governed by the seriousness of the alleged infraction, the pupil’s age, and the pupil’s disciplinary history. Except in exigent circumstances, an intrusive search of a pupil’s person or intimate personal belongings shall be conducted by a person of the pupil’s gender.

 The Board acknowledges the need for the in-school storage of pupils’ possessions and shall provide storage places, including desks and lockers, for that purpose. Where locks are provided for such storage places, pupils may lock them against incursion by other pupils. In no storage place provided by the Board shall pupils have such an expectation of privacy as to prevent examination by a school official. Pupils shall be notified in writing at the beginning of each school year that inspections of their lockers, desks, and other storage facilities on school district property may be conducted. The school Principal or designee is directed to conduct, without further notice, the regular inspection of such facilities provided to pupils for the storage of property.

 Except as required by exigent circumstances, a request for the search of a pupil or a pupil’s private possessions will be directed to the Building Principal or designee who shall, whenever feasible, first request the freely offered consent of the pupil to the inspection.

 Whenever possible, a search will be conducted by the Principal in the presence of the pupil, the pupil’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or a representative of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and a teaching staff member other than the Principal. Under no circumstances shall any pupil be subjected to a strip search or a body cavity search.

 A search prompted by the reasonable belief that the circumstances are exigent and pose an immediate threat, will be conducted by any teaching staff member with as much speed and dispatch as may be required to protect persons and property.

 The Principal shall conduct a pupil search on the request of a law enforcement officer only on presentation of a duly authorized search warrant or on the voluntary and knowing consent of the pupil or when the Principal has independent grounds to suspect the presence of an incriminating object.

 The Principal shall be responsible for the prompt recording in writing of each pupil search, including the reasons for the search; information received that established the need for the search and the name of the informant, if any; the persons present when the search was conducted; any substances or objects found; and the disposition made of them. The Principal shall be responsible for the custody, control, and disposition of any illegal or dangerous substance or object taken from a pupil.

  N.J.S.A. 18A:36-19.2, 18A:37-6

  

Adopted: 16 May 2011

TEXTBOOKS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES: Information about textbooks, equipment and supplies will be posted on the school website and social media sites. 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 jeopardize their ability to complete their senior

19

exit plan and no records will be sent to schools and/or colleges unless cleared within a designated time frame.

VISITORS TO THE BUILDINGAll adult visitors must first report to the security desk at the school’s 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 regularly scheduled day and limitations noted above apply to visitors at that time as well.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT/PARENTS’ NIGHTS

This year, Back to School Night will be held at 5pm on Thursday, September 26, 2019. The two Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held at 5:30pm on Thursday, November 21, 2019 and Thursday, March 26, 2020. Students will have a reduced day for each of the designated dates.

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 may include the guidance counselor of the small learning community. A contract will be developed as a corrective action 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 vice principal, and/or other 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 action plan and continue to display unacceptable class and school attendance will be recommended for placement in another educational setting.

Tardiness to School

Guards will collect names of students arriving after

Consequences 1st warning 2nd after school detention assigned 3rd after school detention assigned and parent contacted 4th Saturday detention (thereafter) and parent conference

Uniform Infractions-  Attempt to have student call home to see if someone could bring appropriate clothing  A disciplinary should be at the entrance monitoring incoming students to see who is out of

uniform. 

Consequences  1st Warning  2nd Lunch detention 3rd after school detention 4th ISS 

LUNCH ROOM 20

Students are to remain in their seats. No student should be walking from table to table No running around No throwing food Students must clean up after themselves Students can only go out two at a time to the restroom Students must be given a pass to go to guidance or nurse

Consequences for not following expectations Lunch detention (duration to be determined by disciplinarian) 

Lunch Detention proceduresDisciplinarian conducting lunch detention will gather students during their lunch period. Students assigned detention will get their lunch before tables are called. Disciplinarian will escort students to ISS room once they have their lunch. Students will be dismissed from ISS room at the end of the period. 

After School DetentionStudent assigned after school detention will be picked up from their last period class (5min prior to the end of the class) and escorted by either a disciplinarian or guard to the detention room.

POWERSCHOOLThe electronic data system allows parents to access current grade and attendance information via the internet. To access the information, parents and students need to follow these steps:

1. Open the internet browser on your computer.2. Type into the address bar https://powerschool.trenton.k12.nj.us/public/3. Type your confidential user name and password as they are printed. (Be certain not to

share the information with anyone else).4. View the information.5. Log off when you are finished.

If you do not have internet access, the public library computers are available to view your child’s records.

The Grades and Attendance tab will allow you to check assignments and scores by clicking on the blue percentage across from a class. To email the teacher a question or concern, please click the blue teacher’s name link.

The Grades History tab will show you the grades your child received in previous grading periods. The Teacher’s Comments tab shows current comments for your student; the School bulletin tab displays current announcements for our school. NOTE: There will not be any paper report cards distributed to students or mailed home. Parents and students must log onto PowerSchool to see the grades.

21

All schools in the District follow Board Policy in applying equal and fair treatment to resolve discipline issues. The District will be expected to comply with federal and state legislation that mandates automatic expulsion for the carrying or possession of weapons in school.

Identification Cards: Every student in the high school will be issued picture identification cards. Students must have their ID cards with them at all times. One of the major purposes of the ID card is to identify those individuals who do not belong in the buildings.

Metal Detectors: The Trenton Board of Education has approved Policy #5145.13 (Security Monitoring Devices) which permits security officers in the high school and our middle schools to implement procedures for random searches with metal detectors. The purpose of the random search is to identify students who bring to school any metal item that could be considered a weapon. Random searches may be conducted throughout the school year. During the search, the student, at all times, shall be in the presence of two (2) adult employees of the same gender as the student.

Weapons Contract: During the first week of school, parents/guardians of students in the Trenton Ninth Grade Academy will be asked to sign a contract that requests their assistance in helping to keep weapons out of the schools. Students will bring the contract home for parents/guardians to sign and return to homeroom teachers. Also, students will sign for receipt of the Board Policies 5131.7 (Weapons and Dangerous Instruments) and 5114.2 (Expulsion). Please read the listing of what are considered weapons very carefully.

Surveillance System: An electronic surveillance system is operational at Trenton Ninth Grade Academy. This surveillance system assists in securing the halls and identifying the location of problem areas in the schools.

School Visitors: Visitors, with a meaningful purpose are welcome in the schools. Visitors must report to the school's main office for a visitor's pass. This pass must be worn in full view for easy identification by staff. All visitors must obey the rules and regulations of the school.

Loitering: Students are reminded to report to all classes on time. Students found loitering in the building will be reported to the principal or vice principal for disciplinary action. All nonstudents found loitering in the school building are considered to be trespassers.

Bomb Scare Information: Senate Bill No. 407 classifies the placement of a false or facsimile bomb in a building, place of assembly, public transport facility or any other place likely to cause public inconvenience or alarm, as a crime of the third degree. Crimes of the third degree are

22

punishable by between 3 and 5 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $7,500 or both. Presently, a person who causes a public alarm by any means is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree (up to 18 months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $7,500. or both).

We Tip Toll Free Hot Line: In 2005, Trenton Public Schools joined the national WeTip School Safety Program. The WeTip Program offers students and their family members an opportunity to get involved in establishing a safer community. WeTip's toll-free anonymous 24-hour hot line is available for reporting crimes of all kinds —including bullying, graffiti, drugs, weapons and workplace fraud.

Tips resulting in indictments can be worth up to a $1,000 Reward. Don't be afraid to call. For more information, visit WeTip online at www.wetip.com. To anonymously report incidents and help make Trenton a safer community call: WeTip 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-782-7463).

Fire Drills and Alarms Fire Drills are required once per month. Students and staff will respond immediately by evacuating the building through the nearest exit--in the event it's an actual emergency. Teachers should take their roll books/attendance sheets and move their classes to the designated areas (posted in each classroom). Once at the designated area, teachers should account for their students and maintain positive control at all times. Vice Principals will supervise the evacuation of their area of the building and insure that all evacuation procedures are followed. The custodial and security staff will verify that their areas of the building are clear. If there is not an actual emergency, the principal or administrator in charge will give the all clear to re-occupy the building. All staff and students should return to their location at the start of the drill. The bell schedule will be adjusted as needed. Fire alarms that occur during transition times (bell passing and so forth), staff and students should leave the building by the nearest exit. For alarms during lunch periods, students will exit the cafeteria by the pool doors and proceed through the parking lot. Wheel chair bound or limited mobility individuals should exit using the directions provided to them at Trenton Ninth Grade Academy.

Lockdown Drills and Procedures• Lockdown alert is sounded. • PA Announcement by principal: “This is a “Lockdown” situation.” • Close windows, doors. • Doors are to be locked from the outside. (Note: The shades are to be left open). • Stay away from the windows. • Find a “safe place” in the room. Try not to be visible from the window. • Get to the floor in a protective position--students are to get into the bend and tuck position. • Wait QUIETLY for directions--especially before leaving the room. • Students in the cafeteria will institute the Stay in Place Procedures. Lights should be turned off. • Students involved in gym will move quickly to a safe environment. (Locker rooms or nearby

classrooms). (If you remain in the gym sit on gym floor beneath windows). • Students in hallways--Go to the nearest open classroom. • Students who are involved in open-space areas (passing of classes) will moved by school security

officers or teachers to a safe and secure area quickly. These areas may include near-by classrooms, the auditorium, or cafeteria.

For Lockdown Evacuation: Listen carefully to exiting directions. • Unlike a fire drill, there is no set evacuation route. Staff and students will need to listen for the safest

route to exit from the building administrator, district representative, or police officer. • When exiting, use the “safe sign.” • Staff and students exit with hands held high in the air or behind their head. • Once you have exited from the building, follow the directives of administrators, police, or fire

department officials.

23

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.

TUTORING

After-school tutoring is available at Trenton Ninth Grade Academy, please speak with your guidance counselor about tutoring opportunities.

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.

24

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 *Mandatory to graduate*• Chemistry or physics • Earth/space science or Environmental 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 25

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; communication in the workplace often means writing.

Speaking Skills: When you are 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; 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 emails.

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.

26

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.

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.

Student’s year of entry into Grade 9

2014, 2015, 2016(Classes of 2018, 2019 & 2020*)

2017 and on(Class of 2021 and Beyond)

N.J. Department of Education Required Assessments

PARCC Exam(9th, 10th, 11th)

PARCC Exam(ELA 10 & Algebra I)

English/Language ArtsLiteracy

20 credits(including English I-IV)

Health & Physical EducationAt least 3.75 credits per year in physical education, health &

safety during each year of enrollment, distributed as 150 minutes per week

Mathematics 15 credits(including Algebra I, Geometry)

27

NJ HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Science15 credits

(including Lab Biology; Lab Chemistry and/or Physics and/or Environmental Science; plus a third laboratory/inquiry-based science)

Social Studies 15 credits(including Modern World History/Geography, US History I & II)

World Languages 5 credits

21st Century Life & Careers(Family/Consumer Science, Business Administration & Technology, Technology

Education)

5 credits

Financial, Economic, and Entrepreneurial Literacy

2.5 credits

Visual & Performing Arts(Art, Music, Drama, Dance) 5 credits

Electives 15 credits

Total number of required credits 120 credits

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PROGRESS TOWARD GRADUATIONION:

NAME: _________________________________________________ Year of Graduation: _________

TRENTON NINTH GRADE ACADEMY

Counselor: ___________________________________________ SLC ___________________________

Transfer from _________________________________________ School Current Grade ________

ENGLISH 9 _____ PHYS ED/HEALTH 9 _____ENGLISH 10 _____ PHYS ED/HEALTH 10 _____ENGLISH 11 _____ PHYS ED/DRIVER ED 11 _____

28

Updated 5/2017

ENGLISH 12 _____ PHYS ED/HEALTH 12 _____

WORLD STUDIES _____ WORLD LANGUAGE _____ US HISTORY I _____ ELECTIVES _____ US HISTORY II _____

ALGEBRA I _____ VIS. & PERF. ART _____GEOMETRY _____ PRACTICAL ART _____MATH 3 _____ FINANCIAL LIT. _____

BIOLOGYLAB SCIENCE 2LAB SCIENCE 3

_________ __________________

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

PARCC (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.

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.

29

SCHOOL CLIMATE AND CULTURE

Bullying, Harassment, 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 on 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 to merit 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.

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 TNGA will not tolerate any act or incident that constitutes a hate or bias crime against any individual or group. The Board and TNGA 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.

30

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)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 2:00 P.M. when you may pick up the work. 3) To receive credit for assignments, all work must be submitted to your teachers up on 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.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) In-school suspension is an alternative to out-of-school suspension for situations in which temporary removal from the regular classroom is dictated by violations of the school's disciplinary code. In-school suspension requires a student to continue work on academic assignments in a supervised classroom separated from the mainstream of the school. Students will be provided with current assignments from their teachers and must complete the work during ISS. A student may receive academic credit if the work is completed to the satisfaction of the teacher.

All students that are assigned to ISS have a mandatory after school detention on the day of the served ISS. A student assigned to in-school suspension may not attend nor participate in any school sponsored function from the time the in-school suspension is assigned until the morning following the completion of the in-school suspension and a parental conference. Parents will be notified when a student has been assigned an in-school suspension. In-school suspension hours begin at 7:30 a.m. If a student is absent on the day of an assigned ISS it must be made up on the day, the student returns to school. If school is cancelled for any reason, the ISS teacher will reassign the suspension day(s). If a student receives an Out-of-school suspension during their scheduled ISS they will complete the ISS after serving the Out-of-school suspension.

WEAPONS 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.

PUPIL SMOKING: As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5533: The Board of Education recognizes the use of tobacco presents a health hazard that can have serious implications both for the smoker and the nonsmoker and that smoking habits developed by the young may have lifelong harmful consequences.

 For the purpose of this Policy, "smoking" means the burning of, inhaling from, exhaling the smoke from, or the possession of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other matter or substance which contains tobacco or any other matter that can be smoked, including the use of smokeless tobacco and snuff, or the inhaling or exhaling of smoke or vapor from an electronic smoking device.

 For the purpose of this Policy, “electronic smoking device” means an electronic device that can be used to deliver nicotine or other substances to the person inhaling from the device, including, but not limited to, an electronic cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, or pipe.

 31

For the purpose of this Policy, “school buildings” and “school grounds” means and includes land, portions of land, structures, buildings, and vehicles, owned, operated or used for the provision of academic or extracurricular programs sponsored by the district or community provider and structures that support these buildings, such as school wastewater treatment facilities, generating facilities, and any other central facilities including, but not limited to, kitchens and maintenance shops. “School buildings” and “school grounds” also include athletic stadiums; swimming pools; any associated structures or related equipment tied to such facilities including, but not limited to, grandstands; greenhouses; garages; facilities used for non-instructional or non-educational purposes; and any structure, building, or facility used solely for school administration. “School buildings” and “school grounds” also include other facilities as defined in N.J.A.C. 6A:26-1.2; playgrounds; and other recreational places owned by local municipalities, private entities, or other individuals during those times when the school district has exclusive use of a portion of such land.

 The Board prohibits smoking by pupils at any time in school buildings and on any school grounds, at events sponsored by the Board away from school, and on any transportation vehicle supplied by the Board.

 A sign indicating smoking is prohibited in school buildings and on school grounds will be posted at each public entrance of a school building in accordance with law. The sign shall also indicate violators are subject to a fine. Pupils who violate the provisions of this Policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the district’s Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct and may be subject to fines in accordance with law.

 In the event a pupil is found to have violated this Policy and the law, the Principal or designee may file a complaint with the appropriate Municipal Court or other agency with jurisdiction as defined in N.J.A.C. 8:6-9.1(c).

 The Board directs that the health curriculum include instruction in the potential hazards of the use of tobacco. All school staff members shall make every reasonable effort to discourage pupils from developing the habit of smoking.

 The Board of Education will comply with any provisions of a municipal ordinance which provides restrictions on or prohibitions against smoking equivalent to, or greater than, those provided in N.J.S.A. 26:3D-55 through N.J.S.A. 26:3D-63.

   N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-1 N.J.S.A. 26:3D-55 through 26:3D-63 N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.3 N.J.A.C. 8:6-7.2; 8:6-9.1 through 8:6-9.5  Revised:  22 June 2015

SUBSTANCE ABUSE: As stated in the Trenton Board of Education policy 5530:

The Board of Education recognizes that a student’s abuse of harmful substances seriously impedes that student’s education and threatens the welfare of the entire school community. The Board is committed to the prevention of substance abuse and the rehabilitation of substance abusers by educational means, but will take the necessary and appropriate steps to protect the school community from harm and from exposure to harmful substances. Accordingly, the Board will establish policies and procedures in operating programs to support the social, emotional, and physical development of students in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.1 et seq. The Board of

32

Education will maintain a comprehensive substance abuse intervention, prevention, and treatment referral program in the schools of this district.

 A. Definitions

 N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-9N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.3; 6A:16-4.1 et seq.

 The definitions as outlined in N.J.S.A. 18A:40A et seq., N.J.A.C. 6A:16 et seq., and those terms defined in Regulation 5530 shall be used for the purposes of this Policy and Regulation. B. Discipline

  N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-10; 18A:40A-11 N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.1(c)2.; 6A:16-6.3(a)

 The Board prohibits the use, possession, and/or distribution of alcohol or other drugs on school grounds according to N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-9, 10, and 11. A student who uses, possesses, or distributes alcohol or other drugs will be subject to discipline in accordance with the district’s Code of Student Conduct. School authorities also have the authority to impose a consequence on a student for conduct away from school grounds in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.5. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion. The Board will establish consequences for a student not following through on the recommendations of an evaluation for alcohol or other drug abuse and related behaviors.

 C. Instruction

  N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-1 et seq. N.J.A.C. 6A:16-3.1 The Board shall provide an instructional program on the nature of drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco, and controlled dangerous substances in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-3.1. 

D. Reporting, Notification, and Examination 

N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-11 through 18A:40A-17 N.J.A.C. 6A:16-3.1; 6A:16-4.1; 6A:16-4.2; 6A:16-4.3 

1. Alcohol or Other Drugs 

a. Any educational staff member or other professional to whom it appears that a student may be currently under the influence of alcohol or other drugs as identified in N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-9 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.1(a), on school grounds shall report the matter in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(a)1.

 b. An immediate medical examination shall be conducted and a written report of the medical evaluation shall be furnished to the parent of the student, the Principal, and the Superintendent in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(a)2 through 4.3(a)8.

 

33

c. If the written report of the medical examination is not provided within twenty-four hours of the referral of the student, the student shall be allowed to return to school until such time as a positive determination of alcohol or other drug use is received from the examining physician, unless the student was also removed for violating the Code of Student Conduct.

 d. If the written report of the medical evaluation verifies that alcohol or other drugs do not interfere with the student’s physical or mental ability to perform in school, the student shall be immediately returned to school. If there is a positive determination from the medical examination indicating the student’s alcohol or other drug use interferes with his or her physical or mental ability to perform in school, the student shall be returned to the care of the parent as soon as possible. Attendance at school shall not resume until a written report has been submitted to the parent, Principal, and Superintendent from a physician licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy who has examined the student that verifies the student’s alcohol or other drug use no longer interferes with his or her physical and mental ability to perform in school.

 e. Removal of a student with a disability shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14.

 f. While a student is at home because of the medical evaluation or after the student returns to school, an appropriately certified school staff member(s) will conduct an alcohol and other drug assessment of the student and a reasonable investigation of the situation and may initiate referral alcohol or other drug abuse treatment in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(a)12, 4.3(a)13, and 4.3(a)14.

 g. Disclosure to law enforcement authorities of the identity of a student in instances of alcohol and other drugs shall be in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(a)3.

 h. The Board may provide additional intervention and referral services for the student according to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-10 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8.

 2. Anabolic Steroids 

a. Whenever any teaching staff member, certified or non-certified school nurse, or other educational personnel has reason to believe a student has used or may be using anabolic steroids, the person shall report the matter in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(b)1.

 b. The Principal or designee upon receiving such report shall immediately notify the parent and Superintendent and shall arrange for an examination of the student as soon as possible to determine whether the student has been using anabolic steroids in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(b)2.

 c. Disclosure to law enforcement authorities of the identity of students in instances of anabolic steroids shall be in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(b)3.

 

d. A written report of the examination shall be provided by the examining physician to the parent, Principal, and Superintendent.

 

34

e. If it is determined the student has used anabolic steroids, an appropriately certified school staff member(s) shall interview the student and others to determine the extent of the student’s involvement with and use of anabolic steroids and the possible need for referral for treatment in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(b)5.

 

f. If the results of a referral for evaluation have positively determined the student’s involvement with and use of anabolic steroids represents a danger to the student’s health and well-being, an appropriately certified school staff member(s) shall initiate a referral for treatment to agencies and/or private practitioners as outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(b)6.

 3. A school employee who seizes or discovers alcohol or other drugs, or an item believed to be a

controlled dangerous substance, including anabolic steroids, or drug paraphernalia, shall comply with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-6.4.

 4. The Board will provide intervention, referral for evaluation, and referral for treatment

services to those students that are affected by alcohol or other drug use in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.1(c)7.

 5. Refusal or failure by a parent to comply with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-12 and

N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3 shall be treated as a policy violation of the Compulsory Education Act, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 and 31, and child neglect laws, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 9:6-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-11.

 6. Refusal or failure of a student to comply with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-12 and

N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3 shall be treated by the school district as a policy violation and handled in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.1(c)2.

 E. In-Service Training 

N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-15 The Board directs the Superintendent to develop a program of in-service training for all teaching staff members involved in the instruction of students in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-15. The Board will provide time for the conduct of the program during the usual school schedule. The in-service training program required in N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-15 shall be updated at regular intervals in order to ensure teaching staff members have the most current information available on this subject.

 

F. Parent Training Program/Outreach Program  N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-16; 18A:40A-17 N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.1(c)8 The Board will provide a parent training program/outreach program in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-16 and 17.

 G. Records and Confidentiality of Records

  42 CFR Part 2 N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-7.1; 18A:40A-7.2 N.J.A.C. 6A:16-3.2; 6A:32-7.1 et seq. 

35

Notations concerning a student’s involvement with substances may be entered on his/her records, subject to N.J.A.C. 6A:32-7.1 et seq. and Policy 8330 regarding confidentiality. Information concerning a student’s involvement in a school intervention or treatment program for alcohol or other drug abuse shall be kept strictly confidential according to 42 CFR Part 2, N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-7.1 and 7.2, N.J.A.C. 6A:16-3.2, and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-6.5. If an elementary or secondary student who is participating in a school-based drug or alcohol abuse counseling program provides information during the course of a counseling session in that program which indicates that the student’s parent or other person residing in the student’s household is dependent upon or illegally using a substance as that term is defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-9, that information shall be kept confidential and may be disclosed only in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-7.1 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-3.2.

 H. Non public School Students  N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-5; 18A:40A-17(c) The Board has the power and duty to loan to students attending non public schools located in this district and to the parents of such students all educational materials on the nature and effects of drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco, and controlled dangerous substances developed and made available by the Commissioner of Education. The Board shall not be required to expend funds for the loan of these materials.

 I. Civil Immunity  N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-13; 18A:40A-14 N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3(c) No action of any kind in any court of competent jurisdiction shall lie against any employee, officer, or agent of the Board because of actions taken under the education statutes on substance abuse, N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-1 et seq., provided the skill and care given is that ordinarily required and exercised by other such employees, officers, and agents of the Board in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-13.

 Any educational or non-educational Board employee who in good faith reports a student to the Principal or designee in compliance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3 shall not be liable in civil damages as a result of making such a report, as specified in N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-13 and 14.

 

J. Reporting Students to Law Enforcement Authorities  

N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.1; 6A:16-6.3 The Superintendent or designee shall disclose to law enforcement authorities the identity of a student reasonably believed to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, including anabolic steroids, or related paraphernalia or involved or implicated in distribution activities regarding controlled dangerous substances, including anabolic steroids pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.1(c)9. The Superintendent or designee shall not disclose the identity of the student who has voluntarily sought and participated in an appropriate treatment or counseling program for an alcohol or other drug abuse problem provided the student is not reasonably believed to be involved or implicated in drug-distribution activities. 

36

The Superintendent or designee may disclose to law enforcement authorities the identity of a student suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.1(c)9.i. Law enforcement authorities shall not be notified of the findings if a student’s alcohol or other drug test was obtained as a result of a district’s voluntary random drug testing program pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-22 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.4.

 K. Policy Review and Accessibility

  N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-10; 18A:40A-11 N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.2(a) and (b) The Board will annually review the effectiveness of Policy and Regulation 5530 on student alcohol and drug abuse. The Board may solicit parent, student, and community input, as well as consult in the review process with local alcohol or other drug abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment agencies licensed by the New Jersey Department of Human Services. This Policy and Regulation shall be annually disseminated to all school staff, students, and parents through the district website or other means.

   N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-1 et seq.; 18A:40A-7.1 et seq. N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.1 et seq.; 6A:16-4.1 et seq.; 6A:16-6.1 et seq.

Revised:  22 June 2015

Strategies for Avoiding Problems • 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.

37

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

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 or guidance counselor 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 student 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.

YOU CAN’T CATCH UP ON SOME OF YOUR WORK: Seek individualized help from teachers or take advantage of the extended library hours for quiet focused study, or seeks tutorial assistance from peers, staff or an adult mentor.

YOUR DESK OR PROPERTY IS SEARCHED: 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.

YOUR LOCKER IS SEARCHED: 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.

YOU ARE CAUGHT CHEATING OR PLAGIARIZING: 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.

38

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 Counselors Team, the Child Study Team, the Career Services Counselor or a member of the School Based Youth Services Program (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.

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)

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.

CHILD STUDY TEAM AND SOCIAL WORKERS SUPPORT: See a team member to get the appropriate contact procedure.

WORKING PAPERS: If you need working papers, get them at the Main Office during the hours of 7:30 am to 3 pm. The completed form, plus your birth certificate or passport, must then be taken to the designated person(s) within the District. 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

39

requires that when applying for working papers, a student must have his or her personal Social Security number. The main telephone number for all Social Security offices is 800-234-5772.

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 m 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.

Head Coaches FALL

Football Greg Hyslop

40

Soccer Boys Joe FinkSoccer Girls Anthony Carsella

Cross Country Boys & Girls Joseph KelloggCheerleading Ieshia DawkinsGirls Tennis Ryan McBride

WINTERBasketball Boys Darryl Young

Basketball Girls Marlene NealIndoor Track Girls Shante FrancisIndoor Track Boys Shawn Sergeant

Swimming Boys & Girls Michelle PurvisCheerleading Ieshia Dawkins

Wrestling Robert PrunettiSPRING

Spring Track & Field - Girls TBDSpring Track & Field Boys TBD

Baseball TBDSoftball TBD

Boys Tennis TBDSharron Grady—Director of Athletics/ David “Poppy” Sanderson—Athletic Trainer

SCHOOL FIGHT SONG

Here's to Trenton High School The Red and Black

Here's to our high school Nothing does she lack

Baseball, track, and football She's a success

Now altogether for the T.H.S.

41

GOVERNMENT

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

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Band (at TCHS)

Choir (at TCHS)

Debate Club

ESports Club

JROTC Drill Team

JROTC Raider Club

Orchestra (at TCHS)

Student Government

42

20-21 NINTH GRADE TESTING DATES

(Semester 1 and Full Year Quarters 1 and 2)

MONTH TESTTEST

WINDOW DATES

September ELA Reading Diagnostic and Writing Assessment TBASeptember Math Cumulative Pre-Assessment (Semester and Full Year) TBASeptember World Language Pre-Assessment TBASeptember Math Diagnostic Assessment (Semester and Full Year) TBASeptember Science Cumulative Pre-Assessment TBASeptember Geometry (Semester) End of Topic 1-3 Assessment TBASeptember Algebra I (Full Year) end of Topic 1-2 TBASeptember Physical Education Pacer Pre-Assessment TBA

October Intensified Algebra I Q1 Quizzes 1-2 TBAOctober PSAT Grade 9 14thOctober English Language Arts – End of Unit Assessment 1 (edConnect) TBAOctober Geometry (Semester) End of Topic 4-14 Assessment TBAOctober Algebra I (Full Year) End of Topic 3-4 Assessment TBAOctober World Language Unit 1 Assessment TBA

November Intensified Algebra I Quarterly Assessment 1 TBANovember Science End of Unit Assessment 1 TBANovember ESL End of Unit Assessment 1 TBANovember Geometry (Semester) End of Topic 15-19 Assessment TBANovember Physical Education Pacer Post-Assessment TBANovember Algebra I (Full Year) End of Topic 5-6 Assessment TBADecember English Language Arts – End of Unit Assessment 2 (edConnect) TBADecember NJSLA Testing (Semester English and Math only) TBADecember Geometry (Semester) End of Topic 19-21 Assessment TBADecember Algebra I (Full Year) End of Topic 7-8 Assessment TBA

January Geometry (Semester) End of Topic 22-24 Assessment TBAJanuary Algebra I (Full Year) End of Topic 9-10 Assessment TBAJanuary Science End of Unit Assessment 2 TBAJanuary ELA Reading Diagnostic and Writing Assessment TBAJanuary Math Diagnostic Assessment TBAJanuary English Language Arts – End of Unit Assessment 3 (edConnect) TBAJanuary Intensified Algebra I Quarterly Assessment 2 TBAJanuary Math Cumulative Post Assessment (Semester Only) TBA

43

2020-2021 NINTH GRADE TESTING DATES(Semester 2 and Full Year Quarters 3 and 4)

MONTH TESTTEST

WINDOW DATES

February Math Cumulative Pre-Assessment (Semester Only) TBAFebruary ESL End of Unit Assessment 2 TBAFebruary Writing Assessment TBAFebruary Math Diagnostic Pre-Assessment (Semester Only) TBAFebruary Physical Education Pacer Pre-Assessment TBAFebruary Algebra II (Semester) End of Topic 1-4 Assessment TBAFebruary Algebra I (Full Year) End of Topic 11-12 Assessment TBA

March Intensified Algebra I Quarterly Assessment 3 TBAMarch English Language Arts – End of Unit Assessment 1 (EdConnect) TBAMarch Algebra II (Semester) End of Topic 5-10 Assessment TBAMarch World Language Unit 3 Assessment TBAMarch Algebra I (Full Year) End of Topic 13-15 Assessment TBAMarch Science End of Unit Assessment 3 TBAMarch ESL End of Unit Assessment 3 TBAFeb - April

Access 2.0 testing window for ESL students TBA

April Algebra II (Semester) End of Topic 11-14 Assessment TBAApril Algebra I (Full Year) End of Topic 16-17 Assessment TBAApril English Language Arts- End of Unit Assessment 2 (EdConnect) TBAMay NJSLA Testing (Semester English/Math and Full Year English and Math) TBAMay Physical Education Pacer Post-Assessment TBAMay Math Diagnostic Post Assessment TBAMay NJSLA Science TBAMay Algebra II (Semester) End of Topic 15-19 Assessment TBAMay Algebra I (Full Year) End of Topic 18-19 Assessment TBAMay-June

Reading Diagnostic and Writing Assessment TBA

June Intensified Algebra I Quarterly Assessment 4 TBAJune World Language Unit 4 Assessment TBAJune ESL End of Unit Assessment 4 TBAJune English Language Arts – End of Unit Assessment 3 (EdConnect) TBAJune Math Cumulative End of Year Assessment TBAJune Science Cumulative End of Year Assessment TBA

Distrist Calendarhttp://www.trentonk12.org/MenuItem/COVID%2019%202020%202021%20Reopening%20School%20Calendar3.pdf

44

TNGA STAFF LISTING EnglishYetunde Araromi – yararomi@trenton.k12.nj.us

Joseph Carpenter – jcarpenter@trenton.k12.nj.us

Diana Lambert- dlambert@trenton.k12.nj.us

Lindsey Ciresa – lciresa@trenton.k12.nj.us

Joseph, Francisco -- jfrancisco@trenton.k12.nj.us

Lorraine Hemans – lhemans@trenton.k12.nj.us

Laurel Jones – lkjones@trenton.k12.nj.us

Nancy Myles -- nmyles@trenton.k12.nj.us

Mary Russell -- mrussell@trenton.k12.nj.us

Nicole Savage -- nsavage@trenton.k12.nj.us

Brieanna Sheridan -- bsheridan@trenton.k12.nj.us

Dana Oliver -- doliver@trenton.k12.nj.us

ESLYelena Krasnopolska -- ykrasnopol@trenton.k12.nj.us

Melonie Tard -- mtard@trenton.k12.nj.us

MathGilbert Ambeu -- gambeu@trenton.k12.nj.us

Brittany Green -- bngreen@trenton.k12.nj.us

Tiesha Hendricks -- thendricks@trenton.k12.nj.us

Renard Kardashi -- rkardhashi@trenton.k12.nj.us

Wayne Fisher -- wfisher@trenton.k12.nj.us

Ericson Mentor -- ementor@trenton.k12.nj.us

Reward Ogbeni – rogbeni@trenton.k12.nj.us

Markus Bergman – mbergman@trenton.k12.nj.us

Christine Clark – cclark@trenton.k12.nj.us

ScienceAmbalika Mukherjee – amukherjee@trenton.k12.nj.us

Laszlo Pokorny – lpokorny@trenton.k12.nj.us

Kennisha Pressley-Smith - kpressley@trenton.k12.nj.us

Thomas Pulizzi – tpulizzi@trenton.k12.nj.us

Emeka Ubah – eubah@trenton.k12.nj.us

Joan Yoon -- jyoon@trenton.k12.nj.us

45

HistoryReza Khaled -- rkhaled@trenton.k12.nj.us

Rodolfo Viquez -- rviquez@trenton.k12.nj.us

Joel Merkin -- jmerkin@trenton.k12.nj.us

Pamela McCann – pmccann@trenton.k12.nj.usNadia Gunther – ngunther@trenton.k12.nj.usRamon Batista – rbatista@trenton.k12.nj.usPhysical EducationAmanda Dice -- adice@trenton.k12.nj.us

Mohammad El-Sherbini – mel-sherbini@trenton.k12.nj.us

Daniel Mendoza -- dmendoza@trenton.k12.nj.us

Shawn Sergeant -- ssergeant@trenton.k12.nj.us

Brittany Wilson-Chess -- bchess@trenton.k12.nj.us

Brandon Geddis – bgeddis@trenton.k12.nj.us

World Language

ArtNicole Backlund -- nbacklund@trenton.k12.nj.us

MusicJohn Casalino -- jcasalino@trenton.k12.nj.usJROTC Countess Irvin - cirvin@trenton.k12.nj.us

Career EducationFateema Nelson -- fnelson@trenton.k12.nj.us

CounselorsValerie Hedgpeth -- vhedgpeth@trenton.k12.nj.us

Randy Morrison -- rmorrison@trenton.k12.nj.us

Climate and CultureRogenia Butler-Johnson – rjohnson@trenton.k12.nj.us

Lashon Encarnacion -- lencarnacion@trenton.k12.nj.us

NursesKathleen Berlin -- kberlin@trenton.k12.nj.us

Anne Vizzard -- avizzard@trenton.k12.nj.usMedia Specialists Frances Maye -- fmaye@trenton.k12.nj.us

46

SecretariesLisa Flowers --lflowers@trenton.k12.nj.us

Monique Jackson — mgjackson@trenton.k12.nj.us

Vice Principals Mark Hoppe – mhoppe@trenton.k12.nj.us

Evette Reyes -- ereyes@trenton.k12.nj.us

PrincipalDewar Wood -- dlwood@trenton.k12.nj.us

47