Crossroads Student Handbook ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL New Jersey law requires that every child between the ages of six and sixteen must attend school regularly. Absences for reasons such as babysitting, etc. are illegal and are not permitted. Family vacations are not appropriate reasons to miss school. Parents should not allow students to make decisions regarding attending school.

Our school will use every opportunity to foster a positive student attitude towards daily attendance. We will monitor daily attendance records, contact parents by phone, require conferences, file truancy and police complaints, as needed. AN ATTENDANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE will review the file of all students who reach 15 or more days absent. This committee will have the DECISION MAKING POWER TO REQUIRE THAT STUDENTS MAKE-UP TIME AND WORK when the attendance record shows an unexcused absence pattern.

ALL ABSENCES REQUIRE A PARENT NOTE UPON RETURN. Parents are asked to call the school if they know that a student will be absent for three or more days and/or has a contagious illness.

All students who bring a parent/doctor note when returning from an absence, should give the note to the Homeroom Teacher on the day of their return to school. The note should contain the following information:

1. Student's name and Unit

2. Exact dates of absence

3. Reason for the absence

4. Parent signature

5. Telephone number to reach family member during the day

Students absent from school will not be permitted to participate in any after school or evening activities on the day of absence, except by authorization from the Assistant Principal or Principal.
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LATENESS TO SCHOOL AND CLASS Students arriving at school after the Homeroom Bell are to report to the Switchboard before reporting to class. This will prevent the tardy student from being marked absent. Continued unexcused lateness to school may result in detention. Excused lateness to school includes a medical appointment with physician note, legal proceedings with documentation, religious holiday with parent note, and unusual family emergencies, accompanied with a note. Please include a telephone number for use during the day on all parent notes. Teachers will speak to the Staff Aide For Student Affairs and the Assistant Principal if a student continues to be late to class. The plan for dealing with this problem will be shared with the student and family.

STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY Parents may request to have a student dismissed early by sending a signed note to school. Students should give the note to the homeroom teacher who will write a pass for the time requested in the student's planner. Students will report to the switchboard to be signed out by their parents at the indicated time. The note should contain the following information:

1. Student's name and Unit

2. Date/time of departure

3. Reason for leaving

4. Who will pick up the student

5. Parent signature

6. Telephone number to reach family member during the day

The student will remain in the main lobby until the person picking him/her up arrives. Prior to leaving, they will "sign out" in the book provided at the switchboard.

REMAINING FOR AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES - LATE BUS

Students who remain after school must be under the direct supervision of a teacher, activity sponsor or coach. Those are the only students who are eligible to ride a late bus. Sporting event spectators are not permitted to use the late bus. We expect that students who stay after school for an activity have already informed their parents/guardians and have received permission to stay.top of page

CARE OF PROPERTY- BILLS OWED

A neat, well-kept school reflects good school citizenship. Keeping our school this way is everyone's responsibility and each student is expected to do his/her own part. Unsafe conditions or damage should be reported to a school official immediately.

The cost of all repairs for damage to and/or replacement of any school property is the responsibility of the family of the student involved. This includes damaged or lost texts, library materials, co-curricular equipment, etc. All unpaid end of year bills in total of twenty-five dollars or more will be submitted to the Board of Education for processing. Intentional vandalism to school buildings and property may result in the filing of police charges. Records and report cards may be withheld for students with outstanding accounts.

CURRICULUM Crossroads has been organized to provide an appropriate learning environment for preadolescent middle school students. A team of six teachers and approximately one hundred twenty-five students form a UNIT within which students receive instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and resource center support, as needed.

A wide range of additional experiences is provided by specialists outside the Unit in the areas of art, music, home arts, shop arts, graphic arts, computers, video, world languages (French, Latin, Spanish), basic skills and physical education/health. All students are required to take physical education/health and a world language. Basic skills classes are scheduled as needed. Over the course of the two years, students are offered six encore classes, which meet a range of interests. We also offer a variety of extracurricular activities, which meet before or after school hours: music, sports, and special interests clubs. Students who have an interest in forming a new after school activity group should bring the matter to the attention of their teachers.

DANGEROUS WEAPONS Board of Education Policy, ( 5131.7 ) Weapons and Dangerous Instruments, as well as 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 or vehicles". In all cases, the item will be confiscated, the student possessing the item will be suspended, family will be contacted, and the police will be notified. In addition, notification will be sent to the Superintendent of Schools and a Board of Education hearing will be convened to consider expulsion from school.

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 which occurs away from school grounds where such conduct constitutes a threat to the safety and well being of students and staff." HUMAN DIGNITY POLICY "Bigotry, insult, defamation, and harassment do not represent the values of this district, or the values that this district seeks to instill in its students. Teachers should be free to teach, staff members free to work, and students free to learn in an environment that is free from discrimination and that encourages respect for others so that the benefits of this district's educational opportunities can be shared by all without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, handicap, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status." (South Brunswick's Human Dignity Policy.) Specific steps are outlined in the procedures and shared with individuals as needed or requested. Violations of this policy will result in appropriate responses, which may include disciplinary consequences. top of pageDISCIPLINE The statements of our Crossroads Code of Conduct are designed to assure a safe and orderly environment where all members of the learning community can work and study with dignity and respect.

All members of the Crossroads community will:

* treat everyone with respect and courtesy.

* avoid threatening or harassing behavior.

* treat personal and school property with respect.

* help create and maintain a positive and safe environment.

* come to school prepared for learning.

* act responsibly and accept consequences for their actions.

* live by the laws of our community, state and nation.

Consequences are individualized and designed to improve student behavior. These include, but are not limited to, after school detention, Saturday detention, in or out of school suspension, police complaints and expulsion. Suspended students are excluded from participation in any extracurricular activity during the suspension.

Students are responsible to all school personnel for their behavior while on their way to and from school, and during the school day or school sponsored activities. DETENTION In accordance with Board Policy, any student may be detained for educational or disciplinary reasons. Parents will be informed of any such detention in advance of its occurrence. Usually, students who are detained will be dismissed at 4 P.M., but they may be kept later, if necessary. A bus pass for use of the late bus will be provided. Detentions may be assigned on Saturday mornings. Parents would be responsible for transportation.
top of pageDRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY Students are prohibited from the possession, use, sale, and/or distribution of any substance on school property, while being transported by the school, or at any school sponsored activity. Substance means all alcoholic beverages, all controlled dangerous substances, anabolic steroids, and any prescription and over the counter medication, except those authorized by physician and/or parent. Violations will result in suspension, police notification, and other actions listed in the Board of Education Policy.

Support services are provided by the school nurse and Student Personnel Services staff. We approach all cases of substance use/abuse as a health issue, while at the same time following the specific steps of state law and school district policy.

STUDENTS ARE PROHIBITED FROM SMOKING AND USING SMOKELESS TOBACCO AND THE POSSESSION OF SUCH PRODUCTS OR LIGHTERS on school vehicles, in any school building, or on school grounds during the regular school day or at an after school sponsored activity. STUDENT DRESS AND APPEARANCE In order to promote a serious learning environment, clothing that is distracting, suggestive or inappropriate is prohibited, Examples of inappropriate attire would include, but is not limited to, garments, which reveal underwear, midriffs or buttocks. Pants must be able to stay up without being hand-held. T-shirts with oversized armholes are prohibited.Students may not wear clothing and/or accessories that are substance or violence related, or offensive to any national, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation or gender group. In addition, students may not wear suggestive clothing. 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. Parent contact will be made to request other clothing and to share the information.

No student is permitted to wear a hat or any other head covering in school, unless required to do so by religious custom or a medical condition. All such requests must be presented to an Assistant Principal. Students will be asked to remove hats. Hats will be confiscated if worn again. The same is true forSUNGLASSES.If there is a medical need for dark glasses, the school nurse must be in contact with the family doctor.

WE ARE A MIDDLE SCHOOL. WHAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE BEACH, POOL, OR HEALTH CLUB, IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL.

FOOD USE IN SCHOOL The use of gum and candy in school is prohibited. Food is not to be removed from the cafeteria unless a student is meeting with staff at lunch. Teachers may use candy for classroom rewards, but it is to be consumed at that time (appropriate choices of candy need to be made accordingly). Teachers may allow students to eat healthy snacks in their classes under their supervision. Students are responsible for the disposal of all trash. Water bottles are not to be carried in the building. top of pageEMERGENCY BUILDING EVACUATION Students should familiarize themselves with the location of fire extinguishers and fire alarms should the situation warrant the use of them. At the sound of the fire bell, look for the Emergency Exit Sign near the exit door. This points you in the direction to turn when leaving the room.

1.Follow the directions of your teacher and the directions on the sign.

2. Move at a fast pace in orderly lines.

3. Remain silent and stay alert for directions.

Students in corridors, lavatories, etc. should exit by the nearest exit door and join the nearest group supervised by a teacher.
FIELD TRIPS A field trip is an optional activity that enhances or expands the educational programs at Crossroads by providing an experience not available in the regular classroom or not available through our school staff. Parental permission must be obtained prior to the date of the event for the student to participate.

Students may be denied the privilege of a field trip if their behavior and/or attendance shows a negative pattern. Parents may decide not to give permission for participation in a field trip activity. In all of these cases, a student is expected to be in school for the entire day. A lesson appropriate for each student remaining behind will be developed by the teachers. HALL PASS All students should have a pass if they leave their classrooms during class time. Time should be sufficient between classes for lavatory use. The HALLWAY PASSPORT in the student planner is the official pass record for students. Students are given an individual lavatory pass from their teachers during the class period that should also be recorded in the HALLWAY PASSPORT. Health Services SCHOOL NURSE Crossroads has a full-time nurse to promote the general health of our students. The nurse's duties include conducting eye examinations and hearing tests, and arranging for physical examinations. The nurse may not treat old injuries or change bandages. Physical exams are required to participate in after school sports and to receive working papers. The nurse will provide forms and information to students and parents. STUDENTS WHO ARE ILL Students who are ill should be kept at home and use the family doctor as needed. THEY SHOULD NOT BE SENT TO SCHOOL FOR DIAGNOSIS OF HEALTH PROBLEMS. We want to minimize the possibility of transmitting diseases. If a student becomes ill during the day, our school nurse is available. top of pageMEDICATION It is the policy of South Brunswick Schools that the administration of medication to pupils shall be done only in exceptional circumstances such as when the student's health may be jeopardized without the medicine. If a student's doctor has prescribed medication that must be given during school hours, the medication should be brought to the school nurse at the beginning of the school day. (This also includes "over the counter" medications). All medication "must" be in the original, labeled container. Written permission from the parent for the school nurse to give the medication is also required. Medications may NOT be carried by students. EMERGENCY CARDS Emergency cards, which contain accurate and up-to-date information with local emergency telephone numbers, are essential in providing proper care in case of illness or injury. Please report any changes in information throughout the year. HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY Homework at Crossroads is defined as any assigned work that is expected to be completed by students sometime other than in regular class periods. We believe that such assignments serve several purposes, including the following:

* Reinforcing and extending learning experiences beyond the class period by giving students an opportunity to practice, to expand ideas, and to explore new ideas without the pressure of time.

* Helping students learn to plan and use their time wisely, to work independently, to use good study skills, and to develop responsibility and self-discipline.

Homework can be the daily link to the home that allows parents to play a more active and informed role in partnership of home and school. Assignments may be short-range (overnight) or long-range (two or more days), and they may require a student to perform in a variety of learning modes. For example, homework could take the form of doing paper and pencil exercises, reading and studying, practicing a musical instrument, thinking through a problem, or gathering data and ideas through discussion.

We believe that a student at this age should be able to handle one to one and a half hours of homework daily. LOOK FOR DAILY ASSIGNMENTS IN THIS STUDENT PLANNER. top of pageHOMEWORK FOR ABSENTEES/MAKE - UP WORK We expect students to take responsibility for obtaining and completing any homework assignments they miss when they are absent. EVERY STUDENT SHOULD HAVE THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF ONE OR TWO FRIENDS IN EACH CLASS who can be called for the homework and class information that is missed for an absence of a day or two. If they are unable to contact a classmate, or not well enough to complete the work, they will be given the same number of days in which to make up the work and tests as they were absent. Long-term assignments or work that was assigned prior to an absence should be submitted on the due date. Parents may request a folder containing missed homework AFTER the second consecutive day of absence. Calls should come to the Guidance Counselor in the STUDENT PERSONNEL SERVICES OFFICE. When we get a call first thing in the morning, we will make every effort to gather the work together for a 3:15 P.M. pick-up, although this will not always be possible. If it is not, the counselors will call and the folder will be available the following day. We very much appreciate your picking up this work and encouraging your child to complete everything on time. LOCKERS Students are assigned a hall and gym locker for storage of books and clothing. Combinations should not be shared with other students. Non-essential items, jewelry, money and other valuables should not be brought to school or kept in a locker. The school is not responsible for items that are stolen or lost. Lockers are the property of the Board of Education. They can and will be opened for inspection if there is just cause to believe they contain any material illegal and/or detrimental to the health and safety of a student or the school community. LOST & FOUND Students may check in the Activities Office for "lost and found" items. In order to facilitate the return of lost articles to the rightful owner, every attempt should be made to permanently mark all items brought to school with the student's name. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL ITEMS "FOUND" IN THE BUILDING SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE STUDENT ACTIVITIES OFFICE. At the end of EVERY FEW WEEKS OF ANNOUNCEMENTS, all unclaimed items are brought to local shelters or community service organizations. LUNCHROOM INFORMATION FOOD PURCHASE Students may purchase a complete lunch at school with several selections from which to choose. All complete lunches comply with the State of New Jersey and Federal Government standards for balanced nutritional meals. Students may purchase a-la-carte items, such as ice cream, beverages or desserts, to supplement the lunch they bring from home. A Lunch Debit Card will be issued to each student. Checks for the account are to be made out to the South Brunswick Board of Education.

Weekly menus are posted in the cafeteria. Lunch food purchased from the cafeteria or brought from home must be eaten only in the cafeteria and during the assigned lunch period. BORROWING LUNCH MONEY The CAFETERIA STAFF provides "limited borrowing" for students who forget their lunch or lunch money. On such an unusual day, the Cafeteria will provide students with a school lunch. Students will be responsible to see that the cafeteria is reimbursed the next school day. The cafeteria will not provide a lunch to a student who already has an outstanding debt, or has an excessive pattern of borrowing. Parents may send money in advance, and it will be credited to the student's account. Students are not to borrow money from other students. Cafeteria regulations created by Crossroads students will be posted in the cafeteria. Lunchroom Aides are in the cafeteria to assure that the cafeteria is an enjoyable and safe area in which to eat. Students are to follow the directions of the cafeteria aides. top of pageDINING ROOM GUIDELINES Our aim is to provide a pleasant dining atmosphere in a limited space. This requires the support and proper behavior of everyone. Students are expected to report directly to the cafeteria for their assigned lunch periods. Students are responsible for keeping the area clean (floor, tables, chair,etc.),returning trays to the proper location, putting trash in the garbage containers and recycling in the designated containers. If an area is not clean when students enter the cafeteria, this should be called to the attention of the cafeteria aides so that those students will not be held responsible. Students are dismissed by table when areas are clean. DANCES Several DANCES will be scheduled at regular intervals during the school year. Teachers will be present to supervise. All students and guests are expected to conduct themselves in a manner suitable to the activity.

Dances will be held from 7:30 - 10:00 P.M. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ARRANGING THEIR TRANSPORTATION SO THAT THEY CAN BE PICKED UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DANCE ENDS AT 10:00 P.M. Since the chaperons will remain until all students have been picked up, parents are requested to be punctual. Those students remaining after 10:15 P.M. may lose their privilege to attend the next dance.

Students are not allowed entry after 8:00 PM. unless accompanied by an adult. Reentry is not permitted. Those who leave early must be picked up by an adult at the door of the gym.

Any request for a guest to attend the dance must be made to the Student Activities Office three days before the event. Students who attend dances or other sponsored school activities must be dropped off and picked up at the school. PARTIES PARTIES to celebrate a birthday or other special personal event in the life of a student should be a family matter. Please do not send flowers or balloons to school. They will not be accepted. PERSONAL ITEMS Certain personal belongings are considered to be disruptive to the learning process. Articles of this nature are not permitted in school and will be confiscated if found in the building. Items will be returned to parent/family members only. Beepers/cell phones are prohibited for use during the school day. top of pagePETS Generally, no pets are permitted in school. However, if a teaching event will benefit from the presence of the pet, the teacher involved must speak with an Assistant Principal or Principal to work out all details. PHYSICAL EDUCATION Students in New Jersey are required by law to participate in physical education classes unless they are physically unable to take the regular course. A Physical Education teacher may excuse a student from gym for two days for valid health reasons provided a note is signed by the parent. Beyond two days, students will need a doctor's note stating the length of time and the reason for being excused. ALL SUCH NOTES SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE TEACHER WHO WILL THEN SEND THE STUDENT TO THE NURSE. While a student is excused from Physical Education, he or she will not be allowed to participate in any school or after school related activities requiring physical activity.

No uniform is required for this class, but students are required by law to change into other clothing for participation in physical education classes. The kind of clothing chosen must be suitable to permit movement appropriate for the given activity. Having your name on all items of clothing makes it possible for their return should they be left out of your locker.

The wearing of jewelry is inappropriate for nearly all physical education activities since these items could be a hazard to either the wearer or to another student. It is also very possible that jewelry can fall off or break during physical activity. REPORT CARDS/ PROGRESS REPORTS Crossroads provides various means of communication in the form of report cards, progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, and telephone contacts, as needed.

Formal Report Cards will be issued three times a year.

December 21, March 22, *June 29

*Final report cards will be mailed home with standardized test score data. All progress and report card grades will be shown as below:

98-100 A+
90-97 A
87-89 B+
80-86 B
77-79 C+
70-76 C
65-69 D
64 F top of pageStudents who complete advanced math courses (Algebra I, Geometry) in the middle school will have the grade reported on their high school transcript. The grade will be calculated as part of the high school GPA. STUDENT COUNCIL The Crossroads Student Council is the formal representative body working for each and every student in the school. Student participation is open and welcomed. The Council can be truly reflective of the student body only when students get involved in the system. It is your Council! Get involved! Help it work for you! STUDENT PERSONNEL SERVICES CAREERS, GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES The goal of the staff is to assist students in developing their maximum potential both in academic and personal areas. Counselors provide support and guidance, including information for decision-making and a chance to think through issues with a trained and caring adult.

Individual and group activities are both provided. Counselors are a resource to help a student and family connect with other agencies. If you want to speak to a counselor, stop by before or after school, during lunch, or ask a teacher for a pass. We want all students to be successful at Crossroads School and prepared for the high school experience. Parents should feel free to contact the counselor at any time. In Crossroads Middle School, the counselors are part of the Unit Team and support the unit services. STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Student Assistance Counselor provides both prevention and intervention services to students. Confidential counseling is available to students with specific concerns about areas of personal risk and danger, whether their own or someone about whom they care.

CONFIDENTIALITY ends when staff members believe that the student with whom they are speaking is in danger of hurting her/himself or another person. CHILD STUDY TEAM A Social Worker, Learning Consultant, and Psychologist are available to help students, parents and staff determine if there is a special learning need. When the data shows us what the need is, we modify the program so she/he can be more successful in school. Parents are always involved in this process. SCHOOL BASED YOUTH SERVICES Additional counseling services are offered at Crossroads through UMDMJ. Arrangements for these services can be made through Unit counselors and case managers. top of pageWORKING PAPERS These are required for all persons ages 14-18 who are gainfully employed. They are issued for a specific job, not a general permission to work. Working papers are available from the secretary in the Student Personnel Services Office. She will tell you what other papers you must complete and provide during this process. TRANSFERS TO OTHER SCHOOLS In order to insure an orderly transfer of school records for those students transferring from Crossroads to another school, all materials assigned to students must be returned. Until this process is completed, no transfer card or records will be sent. This process is facilitated by the "checking out" system available through the Student Personnel Services Office. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Bus assignments are made by the Transportation Supervisor in accordance with your residence. All students are assigned to one particular bus. Students are not authorized to ride any other bus to or from school or to get off the bus at any other stop other than the one to which they are assigned. BUS REGULATIONS Bus regulations have been written to help bring about safe, orderly, and pleasant school bus rides to and from school. We expect students to conduct themselves in a courteous and cooperative manner. Do your part by observing the following regulations:

-1. The bus driver is in full charge of the bus. Any situation that needs attention should be reported to the driver at once.

-2. Be at your designated "pick-up" area 10 minutes prior to the announced arrival time of the bus.

-3. When waiting for the school bus, either at home or on the school grounds, wait for the bus to come to a full STOP before attempting to board. Always stay out of the road. This also applies when getting off the bus.

-4. Respect neighborhood lawns and property. Your behavior reflects upon the reputation of your family and school.

-5. For personal safety, do not put hands, arms, or heads out of the bus windows.

-6. In the interest of cleanliness and good appearance, do not tamper with or deface anything on the bus, nor throw any objects on the floor or out of the windows.

-7. Upon taking a seat on the bus, inspect the area and immediately report any damage, litter or unsafe conditions to the driver. This will assist the driver in having the condition corrected and prevent a student from being inappropriately blamed for the incident. top of page-8. Smoking and using profane language are strictly forbidden.

-9. When, and if, you are getting off the bus to cross the street, cross in front of the bus. Watch for traffic coming in either direction.

-10. At no time should anything be thrown at or from the bus. Remember, the school bus is considered school property.

-11. In rare cases, (emergencies), the Transportation Department at the Board Office may grant permission for a student to ride a different bus. Birthday parties, social gatherings, religious instruction are not considered emergencies.

-12. Remember that riding a school bus is a privilege. State law states that:

PUPILS MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM THE BUS FOR DISCIPLINARY REASONS BY THE PRINCIPAL AND HIS /HER PARENTS SHALL PROVIDE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL DURING THE PERIOD OF SUCH EXCLUSION. LATE BUSES When students remain after school for some authorized activity, they may ride the Late Bus. It departs from Crossroads at approximately 4 & 5 PM. Only students accompanied by a teacher, coach or activity sponsor are permitted to use the late buses. Late bus is not provided for spectators of athletic events. VISITORS All adult visitors entering the building are required to report to the main lobby. Students may not bring a friend or family member to school to spend the day.top of page

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