Student and Parent Handbook

     2008-2009

“Touch each life; Teach each child.”

 

Constable School

School

 

Home of the Cubs

 

Recognized by the United States Department of Education

As a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

 

Mrs. Suzanne Born, Principal

Mr. Erik Paulson, Assistant Principal

 

MISSION OF SOUTH BRUNSWICK SCHOOLS

The South Brunswick Public Schools will prepare students to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and wise decision-makers. This will be accomplished through the use of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS) at all grade levels. The schools will maintain an environment which promotes intellectual challenge, creativity, social and emotional growth, and the physical development of each student.

 

CONSTABLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

 
Recognizing the importance of our children as individuals with specific needs, we strive to provide a strong educational program that meets these needs at each stage of development. We believe that providing our students with a supportive academic environment will help to develop self-confidence, pride in accomplishment, and a desire to strive toward excellence in a society that is continually changing.  We encourage risk taking, divergent thinking, and problem solving. We encourage pride in our school by fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork, where children share ideas, make suggestions and help implement school-wide projects intended to strengthen the bond that exists among us.

 

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS AND DISCIPLINE

 

The Constable School staff has the goal of establishing an atmosphere throughout the school in which children will feel safe and secure and have the opportunity to learn. An integral part of every student’s education is learning to be responsible.  While teaching good citizenship and important character traits is primarily the responsibility of the parent, the school shares in this effort.  Our school has established the Constable School Code of Citizenship and a Character Education Program to help our students understand the expectations we have for them. Please review The Constable Code of Citizenship that follows with your child.
 

 

THE CONSTABLE CODE OF CITIZENSHIP

 

I have the right to learn and the responsibility to do my best.

I do my homework.

I show effort.

I do my class work.

I contribute to the work of my group.

 

I have the right to be respected by others and the responsibility to listen to others and appreciate their ideas.

I am kind toward others.

I help others.

I show compassion toward others.

I am polite.

 

I have the right to be an active student in the school community and take responsibility for my actions.

I tell the truth.

I do my chores.

I attend school regularly.

I meet my obligations to the school activities I participate in.

 

I have the right to be safe and the responsibility to treat others in a safe manner.

I solve problems using words.

I tell the truth about my role in a conflict.

I avoid touching things that do not belong to me.

 

There are certain kinds of behaviors students display at times that are not handled through the peer mediation process.  If a student chooses to disrupt the climate of the school or to violate the school-wide policy, he/she will have to expect and accept consequences.  Students are accountable for their actions.  Accountability for disruptive behavior may take one of these forms: warnings, written apologies, denial of privileges, parent conference, being sent home for the rest of the day, and/or suspension from school.  Depending upon the situation, your child may meet with the school counselor, the assistant principal, or the principal.

 

Types of Consequences

Most logical consequences will fall into one of three categories:

             

      3.     Time away from the Group - This consequence is used when a child is not able to cooperate and is being disruptive to the group.  If this occurs, the child is temporarily removed from the group.  During that time, the child’s job is to regain self-control so that he/she may rejoin the group to participate in a positive way.

 

Characteristics:

Logical consequences are characterized by three attributes:

  1. Related: The consequence is directly related to the misbehavior.  For example, a related consequence to scribbling on a table would be to clean it up.
  2. Reasonable: The consequence should help the child fix his/her mistakes and know what to do next time.  It is something that the child is realistically capable of doing.  For example, a reasonable consequence for a child who knocks over a classmate’s building would be to help that child rebuild it.
  3. Respectful: The teacher’s words and tone of voice communicate respect for the child.  The focus is on the behavior rather than the child’s character.  The goal is for the child to fix their mistake and learn how to handle the situation the future.

 

If a student chooses to disrupt the climate of the school or to violate the school-wide policy, he/she will have to expect and accept consequences. Students are held accountable for their actions. Accountability for disruptive behavior will result in logical consequences where applicable. These may include but are not limited to warnings, apologies, loss of privileges, parent conferences, being sent home for the remainder of the day, or suspension from school. Depending on the situation, your child may meet with the school counselor, the assistant principal, or the principal.

 

Adapted from The First Six Weeks of School by Paula Denton and Roxann Kreite (Northeast Foundation for Children, 2000)

 

OUR SCHOOL GOALS


 

GENERAL INFORMATION FROM A TO Z

 

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS AND PROGRAMS

Throughout the year there will be various club and/or academic program opportunities for students.  You will be contacted regarding any of these opportunities that are appropriate for your child, and he or she will be permitted to participate only with your permission.

 

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF STUDENTS

Only school busses and staff are permitted to enter the school driveway between the hours of 8:45-9:15 a.m. and 3:15-3:45 p.m.  Students and parents are expected to walk on the sidewalks during both arrival and departure. Walking through the parking lot by students

 

and/or parents is not permitted during arrival and departure. 

 

Parents driving their children to school can drop them off at curbside just beyond the crosswalk on the school side of the street only. Please do not wait to watch your children walk up to the school.  Instead, please move along to allow other parents to drop off their children in the designated zone. Waiting holds up traffic. Constable walkers should only cross Constable, New, and Wheeler Roads where township crossing guards can insure his/her safety.  Children in grades 2-5 may ride their bicycles or scooters to school if they are not assigned to ride a school bus.  We ask that you review bicycle safety rules with your child and insure that your child wears a safety helmet.  Bicycles

and scooters must be walked on the sidewalks in front of the school and on the sidewalks around the school driveway.  Each student is responsible for his or her own bicycle or scooter and should secure it with a durable lock.  Roller blades, heelies and skateboards are not permitted on school grounds. 

 

ATTENDANCE

Punctuality and attendance are important habits for students to develop and maintain.  In keeping with the NJ State Education Code, we recommend that, except in the case of illness—particularly contagious illness, vomiting, or fever, recognized religious holidays, family emergencies or serious conditions, your child should be in school and arrive on time.

 

Family vacations and other non-educational activities should be planned so they do not interfere with school attendance. Student absence due to family vacations and travel is strongly discouraged as it is disruptive to student learning.  Teachers do not provide work in advance of such absences. Your child will be responsible to make-up missing assignments.

 

Excessive tardiness and absenteeism is monitored, and as necessary, administration will contact parents.  Please respect the importance of the school day by insuring your child’s daily attendance and timely arrival.

 

In the event of absence:  It is a parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to call the school when a child is going to be absent.  It is district policy that any “un-notified absence” will result in a call from the school and will be classified as “unexcused.” The district’s voicemail system is operative 24 hours a day so you may place a call at any time.  When calling the school to report an absence, please give the child’s full name, reason for absence and the date(s) of absence.  Please note that a student who is absent from school during the day may NOT participate in any after school or evening events. 

 

In the event of tardiness:  If a student must report to school late, the parent must escort the student to the office and provide the office staff with the reason for the tardiness. The parent must sign the student in at the main office.

 

In the event of early sign-out:  Early sign-out from school is discouraged; however, we realize there are times when this will occur. Please send a note in advance to alert us of the need to sign your child out early from school. The parent must come in to the main office to sign the student out.

 

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

For working parents, before and/or after school care is available on a tuition basis.  For families needing financial support, sliding scale rates are available for those who qualify.  For more information, contact South Brunswick’s Community Education Office at 732-297-7800. 

 

BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION

If you would like to have a short class birthday acknowledgement for your child, please speak with your child’s teacher in advance. Parents should be mindful of the district’s nutritional policy as well as the dietary restrictions of students in the classroom. These birthday recognitions are short (ten minutes) and limited to the classroom community. Parents are asked to drop off the treats in the main office, and these treats will be delivered to the classroom.   Goody bags are not allowed. The school will not permit bouquets of balloons and other celebratory decorations to be sent to the classrooms. These can be distracting to students’ learning.

 

Birthday party invitations are not to be distributed at school. Please use your PTO Class Directory in order to send such invitations via the U.S. Mail system.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES*

Detailed information regarding Board policies are

available in the main office of all schools and at the Board of Education Office.

 

BUS TRANSPORTATION AND REGULATIONS

Riding the bus is a privilege.  All children are expected to obey the rules and to recognize that the driver is in charge.  In the event that any bus problems exist, the driver will report them to the school in the form of bus conduct reports.  Continued unacceptable behavior will result in a suspension of the student’s bus privileges. Please help us by discussing bus safety and appropriate behavior with your child.  No bus passes will be given to students to ride on any bus they are not assigned to by the South Brunswick Board of Education transportation office.  This is in compliance with the New Jersey State ruling on bus safety and insurance.

 

CARE OF PROPERTY

Students are responsible for their library and classroom books and materials, and will be charged for them if they are lost.  As the prices of these items continue to rise, it is increasingly important that the students take care of the materials assigned them.  Textbooks, for example, should be covered to protect them.

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBERS

One of the greatest challenges schools may have during the day is locating parents in the event of an emergency.  The reason is that changes occur in phone numbers or work places and the school office is not notified.  The importance of maintaining updated information cannot be overemphasized.

 

CHAPERONES ON CLASS TRIPS

In order to provide a well-supervised class trip, parent chaperones may be needed to assist the teacher and school staff.  The number of chaperones on a trip will be limited to the number needed and/or as required by the trip site.  Parent chaperones assist in the supervision of our students while maintaining a small group.  In order to provide a well-supervised class-learning atmosphere for our students’ trip, chaperones are not permitted to bring younger siblings on the trip as this limits their ability to adequately supervise our students.  Please be aware that parent chaperones are not permitted to drive children to or from a class trip site during the school hours.  Students must ride the bus that has been provided.

 

 

CLASS TRIPS

In order for a child to participate in class trips, parents/guardians must sign and return a permission slip giving approval.  Students not attending the trip are expected to attend school.  In order to insure the safety of our students, it is essential that each student listens and is responsive to adult direction.  Any student who has not shown this level of responsibility may be restricted from a trip.

 

COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET

Use of computers and the Internet at school requires student responsibility. Students may only use Internet web sites that have been approved by the teacher. All students and their parents fill out an Acceptable Use of Technology form when they enter school. 

Surfing the web is not allowed.

 

CONDUCT (STUDENT)

The ultimate purpose of school discipline is the development of self-discipline. In all of the South Brunswick Schools, we strive to be consistent, firm but fair, and aware of the pride and dignity of every student. While in school, we expect students to behave responsibly, to respect the rights and properties of others, and to work cooperatively with all members of the school community. We expect students to follow the school guidelines and the guidelines established in each class. Students are responsible to all school personnel for their behavior while on their way to and from school, during the before and after school programs, during the school day and at all school sponsored activities.

All South Brunswick Schools embrace the following core values, CARES, in an effort to build positive school citizens in our learning community. This is supported through our district’s Character Education Program.

 

C      Cooperation

A      Assertion

R      Responsibility

E      Empathy

S      Self-control

 

As students move to our high school setting, they continue to build upon the basic core values, CARES, and further emphasize the additional values of Honesty, Respect, Kindness, and Service.

When a student commits an offense, the school staff will help the student to see the relationship between the offense and the related core value.

 

Student conduct at the home bus stop is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility.  NJ Statute 18A:25-2 provides that the driver shall be in full charge of the school bus at all times.  Infractions deeming the student to be unmanageable can be reported to the school principal by the driver and disciplinary action taken as necessary.  Please refer to the Student Transportation Brochure included with your child’s bus pass mailing for further description of the Rules & Responsibilities.

 

CUSTODY AND GUARDIANSHIP

Unless a parent’s right to information about his/her child’s performance in school has been terminated by the court, both parents have access to such information. If a parent’s right has been terminated by the court, the other parent/guardian must provide the school with such legal documentation.  In order to meet our legal obligation, the school will need to make a copy of the original court order with the seal. All issues regarding custodial rights will be kept with the utmost confidence.

 

DANGEROUS WEAPONS AND THREATS

Board of Education Policy, (5131.7) Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and State Law (2C:39-1) state that “any item known to be a weapon or any item used in such a way as to intimidate or physically hurt another person is prohibited from being on school property...”  In addition, the Board Policy prohibits all imitation weapons and “the Board reserves the right to initiate and impose disciplinary action for conduct involving weapons...

 

”Given the changing political climate in schools across our country, it is essential that our students learn early that threatening language is not acceptable.  Expressions like the following will not be tolerated:  “I’m going to shoot you.  I’m going to bring a gun to school and shoot you.  I’d like to kill you.”  Verbal comments, written notes, and gestures along these lines will be taken seriously and dealt with accordingly.  The school may have to consider police involvement in such instances.

 

DISTRICT WEB SITE

Further information pertaining to the school district and Board meetings can be found on our school district’s Web site at http://www.sbschools.org

 

 

DRESS CODE

Clothing bearing obscene writing or promoting indecent or unacceptable behavior, whether stated or implied, will not be permitted. In all such cases, students wearing inappropriate items will be asked to remove or replace them. When it is determined that students are in violation of these guidelines, they will be sent to the nurse’s office and provided with temporary clothing for the remainder of the school day.

 

No student is permitted to wear a hat or any other head covering in school, unless required to do so by religious custom or medical condition.

 

Since students at the elementary level have recess every day, it is recommended that the students wear sneakers or other safe footwear to school daily. In addition, students should dress for the weather as recess occurs throughout all seasons of the school year.

 

DRUGS

The possession of drugs or the suggestion that one is in possession of drugs is unacceptable. Any such incidents will be dealt with appropriately. 

 

DYFS

The Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) is New Jersey's child protection and child welfare agency within the Department of Children and Families. Its mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and their families.

DYFS is responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect and, if necessary, arranging for the child's protection and the family's treatment.  DYFS operates a 24-hour, 7-days a week child abuse hotline to receive all reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. The hotline is linked with a statewide network of Special Response Units charged with the responsibility of responding to reports received after normal business hours and on holidays. Any concerns regarding child abuse or neglect should be reported by calling 1-877-NJ-ABUSE.  Find more information on the child abuse hotline and contact information for DYFS local and area office by going to the State Department of Education’s web site at www.state.nj.us/dcf/divisions/dyfs/.

EMERGENCY CLOSING /DELAYED OPENING INFORMATION

 

 

EMERGENCY E-MAIL/AUTODIALER NOTIFICATION

 

South Brunswick School District offers a variety of e-mail notification services. An Emergency E-mail Notification keeps subscribers informed of emergency closings or delayed openings or other instances where parents may be required to take action (school evacuation due to power outage, etc.).  Signing up is simple. Visit www.sbschools.org for instructions.

 

Forms to sign up for the Autodialer will be sent for your registration on the first day of school.  Be sure to sign up for both forms of notification.

 

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING & HAZING*

Harassment of individuals or groups based upon race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or gender is prohibited.  Anyone who believes they have been or have witnessed harassment should report the incident to an adult in authority.

 

Policy is aimed at prohibiting passive and active acts against students by students.  Students should report any incidents to their teacher or principal.

 

HEALTH SERVICES

School health services are maintained to appraise and promote the health of the students and school personnel.  This is done by routine health screening and by providing emergency care for injury or sudden illness. The school nurse is available at the school as a health consultant.  The nurse never makes a diagnosis, nor can she prescribe treatment.  If you are unfamiliar with the community resources for proper medical attention, she will be able to assist you.

Health Screenings

 

Each student must provide a physical exam upon entry into the school district.  Each student’s physical examination must be conducted by your medical provider or advanced practice nurse at the provider’s facility (the student’s “medical home”).  A full report of the examination must be documented on the district form and be dated and signed by the medical provider.  Physical exam forms are available on the school website. If the student does not have a “medical home” the district may provide the examination at the school physicians’ office or other appropriately equipped facility. 

 

Emergency care in school is limited to first aid for accidents/illnesses occurring in school or on the way to school.  In case of an accident or sudden illness, parents/guardians or alternate contacts are notified of the health emergency so that the child may be taken home or to a physician.

 

Emergency procedure forms will be distributed on the first day of school.  It is essential that we have these on file as soon as possible so that we have guidance as to what contacts to make in an emergency.  Alternate contacts, neighbors and relatives, should be informed and available to act on your behalf in an emergency. Please be sure that all information on your emergency form is kept accurate and up to date.

 

HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN SOUTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP

Children having a contagious disease shall be excluded from school until all signs of the disease have disappeared.  The school nurse may exclude a child who appears ill in school, and may, at her discretion, require a note from a physician before the child is readmitted to school. The New Jersey State law requires the following immunizations for admission to school:

 

State laws require completed immunizations or your child will be denied admission to school.

 

In accordance with state law, only the school nurse, another registered nurse employed by the district, or the pupil's parent or legal guardian, may administer medication to pupils in school. Medication must be delivered to the school nurse by the pupil’s parent or legal guardian.  Only medication in its original, labeled container will be accepted.  Prescription medication must be in the pharmacy labeled container that states the name and telephone number of the pharmacy, the name and dosage of the medication, directions for administering and the name of the physician.  No homeopathic or herbal medications will be administered at school unless prescribed in writing by a physician.  All medication requires written permission from the parent and the physician. 

 

When medication needs to be given on a trip, arrangements will have to be made to accommodate that child’s needs.  Please contact the school nurse before the trip.

Self-administration of medication by pupils is permitted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.3.  A pupil is permitted to self-administer medication only for asthma or other potentially life-threatening illnesses as defined by the Department of Education, New Jersey Statutes Annotated and New Jersey Administrative Code.  Permission for self-administration of medication requires that the student’s parents and private physician complete a consent form.  Please contact the school nurse if you feel that your child needs to be able to self-administer medication.  All pupil medication shall be appropriately maintained and secured by the school nurse, except those medications to be self-administered by pupils.  In those instances the pupil with the prior knowledge of the school nurse may retain the medication.

 

The school nurse shall have the primary responsibility for the administration of a pre-filled single dose, auto injector mechanism containing epinephrine.  However, the school nurse may designate another employee of the district who has been trained to administer the epinephrine to a specific student.  The administration of epinephrine in school requires written consent of the parent and special forms that must be completed by the private physician.  Please contact the school nurse for more information.

 

A child may be excused from physical activity for three consecutive days with a note from a parent/guardian.  If the time is extended beyond three days, a note from the family physician is required.

 

HOME AND SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Report cards for students in grades 3-5 are issued three times a year, and for students in grades K-2 they are issued twice a year.  In order to insure that each report card has been taken home, the parent/guardian is required to sign the report card envelope and return it to the teacher on the following day.

 

Parent/Teacher Conferences are held twice a year, in the fall and in the spring.  On-going communication between home and school is critical to your child's success. Please keep your child's teacher informed of changes that might affect your child's performance.

 

HOMEWORK

Homework is one way to help students learn to take responsibility for their education and develop lifelong strategies and attitudes for success.   Parents can help by checking the child’s agenda and homework folder daily for assignments and notes from the teacher. Additionally, parents can help by providing a distraction-free environment.  As a parent you can help by asking your child to explain what he/she is doing.  Ask questions that prompt your child to restate what is being learned.  This reinforces learning. The quality and the timely completion of homework are factors considered in assessing a child's learning.  Neatness is important. 

 

Avoid the temptation to do your child’s homework and produce an error-free product.  This does not contribute to your child’s learning; in fact, it often gives the teacher an inaccurate assessment of your child’s learning.  If your child experiences difficulty in the homework assignment, it is much wiser to inform the teacher that additional instruction may be necessary. 

 

Homework Time Ranges by Grade:

Kindergarten              5 to 15 Minutes

First Grade             15 to 30 Minutes

Second Grade         20 to 40 Minutes

Third Grade            30 to 45 Minutes

Fourth Grade          30 to 60 Minutes

Fifth Grade             30 to 60 Minutes

             

We recognize that a child absent from school misses more than the reading and writing assignments completed during the day. It is expected that the student will make up as much of the work as possible.  As in all schoolwork, the assignment needs to be done within a reasonable time after the student returns to school.  If an emergency arises and your child cannot complete an assignment, send a note to the classroom teacher and other arrangements can then be made.  If you ever have any questions about your child's homework, please feel free to call your child's classroom teacher.

 

 

HUMAN DIGNITY–ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

Students who witness or believe they are victims of discrimination should report incidents to an adult in authority. 

 

LOST AND FOUND

A Lost and Found box is kept near the gymnasium.  Please feel free to look through it at any time.  In order to prevent a potential loss, put your child's name on all personal items.  Items not claimed within a two-week period are donated to a worthy cause.

 

NUTRITION

South Brunswick School District contracts its school dining services through Chartwells Dining Service which provides school lunch options in compliance with the State-mandated Nutrition Policy. 

 

Due to the growing number of students who have been diagnosed with peanut allergies, which can be fatal to some, Chartwells School Dining Services no longer serves items that are peanut-based or use foods prepared with peanut-based products in any of our cafeterias.  While this change does not impact “packed” lunches or snacks, we ask that you be mindful of the existence of food allergies among children and discourage sharing of snacks.

 

Your child may buy lunch and/or milk in school or bring lunch from home.  The menus are published weekly on the South Brunswick Website and sent home monthly with the students.  Free or reduced price lunches are available to those who qualify.  Applications for free and reduced lunch will be sent home on the first day of school. If you have any questions, please call the Board Office 732-297-7800.

 

LUNCH TIME AND RECESS

On full days of school, the students have a half-hour lunch session and a half-hour recess time.  On most days throughout the year, the students have recess outside; only on wet, dangerous heat conditions and the more severe winter days do our students remain inside.

 

PARTIES & CELEBRATIONS

Classroom parties may be held before some of the major holidays.  Room parents work with the classroom teacher to plan parties. 

 

PERSONAL ITEMS

Students are expected to bring to school only those supplies, books and other materials needed for learning. The school provides students with recreational supplies and equipment for use during recess and/or Physical Education. Personal items including but not limited to electronic devices such as cell phones are not allowed to be used in school during school hours.

 

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES

Policy provides a forum for members of the community to resolve any misunderstandings between the public and the school district regarding school personnel, district operations or instructional materials.  Resolution is initially attempted through discussion between the interested parties.

 

REGISTRATION AND SCHOOL TRANSFERS

To register a new student, you must bring your child’s original birth certificate, proof of residency, and a transfer card from the previous school, and your child's immunization records.  If you plan to register your child at another school, please notify the office as soon as you know that you are moving so that we can prepare a transfer card so that your child’s school records can be sent to the new school.

 

SCHOOL HOURS

Constable's regular school hours are between 9:05 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Children will be allowed to enter the school beginning at 8:55 a.m. For students needing before and/or after school care, contact the Community Education Office at the South Brunswick Board of Education.  Since there is no adult supervision prior to that time, please do not send the children earlier than 8:55 a.m.  Occasionally, we have early release day schedules. On these days, school ends at 1:35 p.m.  If a child is to be dismissed earlier than 3:30 p.m. on a full day of school or 1:35 p.m. on an early release day, a note from the parent or guardian stating the time of dismissal is required.  Please note that early dismissals are disruptive and strongly discouraged.

 

SCHOOL SAFETY PROCEDURES*

School Safety

All district schools conduct drills and have plans in place to keep students, staff and community members visiting the schools safe and secure.  Among such safeguards are the following:

 

School Security

All district schools have cameras and buzzer entry systems which restrict visitors’ access to the buildings. To ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community, the district also has an identification (ID) card system for all district staff.  Visitors are issued temporary ID badges upon sign in at the main office. Requiring visitors to present identification cards will help us to distinguish persons in our schools and enhance safety.

 

STUDENT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

Parents, who are concerned about the academic progress and/or development of their child, are asked to bring it to the attention of the school administrator, teacher, nurse, or counselor.

 

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS

All visitors and volunteers are required to check in at the main office to receive a nametag before entering any area of the school. Even if you are a regular visitor or volunteer in our building, we need you to sign in the office so that we know you are in school.  If you need to bring homework, books, lunch, etc. to school, please drop them off at the office.  Classroom interruptions interfere with the learning process.