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MAKE-UP WORK AFTER ABSENCESAny student absent from class for excused or unexcused reasons is expectedto make up all missed work. It is the responsibility of the student to see his/her teachers to obtain missed work and assistance, if needed, to make up themissed work.Students will be provided one day to make up work for each day they are absent. For extended absences, parents should contact the teachers for makeup work. The work will be available in the main office for pick-up 24 hoursafter the request is received.A zero will be given for work that has been required by the teacher and hasnot met the guidelines for make-up work.If students are absent on a predetermined date (including suspensions), thematerial is due the day the student returns to school.If a student is absent the day of an assessment, he/she will take it the day ofreturning to school.5 ACADEMICS

NJHS ACCEPTANCE CRITERIAIn order for a student to become a member of NJHS, they must attain the following criteria:ACADEMIC SELECTIONEach student must currently have a GPA of at least a 94 average based uponsix marking periods (one year of previous grade and one half-year of currentgrade) of attendance at Matawan Aberdeen Middle School.SERVICE/SCHOOL/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIPEach student must have active participation in on-going or seasonal school/community activities of various types. Their participation will be required tobe verified by the supervising advisors/coaches of the activity.LEADERSHIP - SCHOOL/COMMUNITY/CLASSEach student must consistently exhibit one or more of the following behaviors during the school day: taking academic initiative in the class; being dependable in any responsibility accepted; inspiring positive behaviors duringactivity.All applications are mailed home during the third marking period, and arereviewed by a faculty council during the first marking period of the followingschool year.ACADEMICS 6

ABSENCES AND EXCUSESThe Board acknowledges the importance of regular attendance in an effectiveinstructional program. To this end it will observe and enforce the laws requiring the attendance of all children between the ages of six and sixteen.On the day of a student’s absence, the parent/guardian should notify theschool prior to 8:00 am.As per the New Jersey Department of Education School Register, the NJDOErecognizes only the five allowable reasons listed below as a “state-excusedabsence:” As a result, the district has updated attendance procedures in order to facilitate accurate and efficient state attendance reporting to the NewJersey Department of Education.1. Religious observance (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.3(h)2. A college visit (up to 3 days per school year, only for students ingrades 11 and 12)3. “Take Our Children to Work Day” or other rule issued by the Commissioner4. Participation in observance of Veterans Day (N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-13.2)or district boardof election membership activities (N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-33)5.The closure of a busing district that prevents a student from havingtransportation to the receiving school.Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, any student absence, other thanthe five allowable reasons noted above, will be reflected as “Absent” in theRealtime Parent Portal, along with a comment/note if documentation wasprovided (i.e. a note from a parent or doctor). An absence that would beconsidered as excused with proper documentation shall be considered asunexcused if written documentation is not provided within 3 school daysafter the student’s return to school.7 ATTENDANCE

ABSENCES AND EXCUSES CONTINUEDThe Board reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate thecause of each repeated, unexplained absence or tardiness.(Board of Ed. Policy #5200)Please note: Prolonged or repeated absences, excused or unexcused, fromschool or from class, deprive students of the educational and classroom experiences deemed essential to learning and may result in retention.TARDINESS TO SCHOOL/CLASSStudents arriving late must enter through the front entrance. The parent/guardian is required to send proper documentation when their child is late.Students receive a warning for their initial two tardies. Every four (4) tardieswill result in disciplinary action. Excessive tardiness may result in a notification to the truancy officer and additional disciplinary consequences.EARLY ARRIVAL/EARLY DISMISSALStudents are not permitted in the school before 7:55am. If it is necessary fora student to leave school early, the student should report to the office duringadvisory to present a note from the parent requesting the early release. For aschool in session during morning and afternoon, the student must be presentfor at least one hour in the morning and at least one hour in the afternoon tobe considered as present for a full day; for a school in session during eithermorning or afternoon, the student must be present at least two hours to berecorded as present for the full day (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.3(k). If anyone otherthan the parent/guardian is picking up the child, the name of the individualand a phone number must be included in Realtime. Parents will be called toverify this information before the child can be released. Legitimate reasonsfor early release include illness or verified appointments (doctor, dentist,court).ATTENDANCE 8

TRUANCY/EXCESSIVE ABSENCESThe Truancy Intervention Specialist identifies those students who are truant,tardy or excessively absent and attempts to remediate the underlying causeof the problem. Referrals to this specialist are usually made through schooladministrators.If a student acquires 10 unexcused absences, a referral will be made to thetruancy officer, which may result in further action.HOME INSTRUCTIONHome instruction is available to pupils who cannot attend school for healthreasons for more than two weeks. Please call notify your school counselor orcase manager to inquire about specifics at (732) 705-5515.(Board of Ed. Policy #5136)9 ATTENDANCE

PARENT QUESTIONS & CONCERNSWhen a parent has a question or concern regarding their child and school,he/she should follow the chain-of-command listed below in order to remedythe situation as soon as possible.COMMUNICATION CHAIN OF COMMANDContact the staff member, where the concern should be addressed and remedied at this level. If the situation persists, contact:Staff member and/or the Academic TeamChild’s Grade Level School CounselorChild’s Assistant PrincipalPrincipalCentral Office AdministratorSuperintendentBoard of EducationAll other concerns should be brought to the attention of the principal. If after following the chain-of-command the parent feels the problem has not beensatisfactorily resolved, he/she may formalize the complaint by stating theconcern in writing. The staff member has the right to attach an addendum tothe written communication of the parent.INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICESEach school within the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District shallhave at least one Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) Committee. TheI&RS Committee assists teachers with strategies for educating non-handicapped pupils with learning and/or behavior problems in regular education.For more information, please contact your child’s grade-level counselor.MECHANICS 10

SECTION 504The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District does not discriminate in admission or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of handicap in violation of Section 504 and its implementing regulations.Questions regarding Section 504 eligibility and/or plan implementationshould be directed to your child’s school counselor.CHILD STUDY TEAMThe Child Study Team evaluates students evidencing learning and/or behavioral difficulties that are interfering with learning. If the student is found tobe educationally handicapped, the team decides on an appropriate educational program and placement. For more information about the special educationprogram, contact your child’s school counselor.PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCESParent conferences are scheduled for students following the first markingperiod. All parents are encouraged to attend parent-teacher conferencesregardless of the student’s grades or ability levels. Parents and teachers areencouraged to bring sample work, tests or any other information to share atthe conference.During the course of the year, parents may requested to arrange appointments with school personnel. They may also request a private conferencewith a particular teacher or team of teachers at the same time. However, it isthe parents’ responsibility to notify the teacher regarding this request.To schedule a conference, please contact the teacher and/or your child’scounselor.11 MECHANICS

UPDATING CONTACT INFORMATIONCurrent addresses and phone numbers are most helpful to the school administration and are of particular importance to the student and staff in times ofemergency. Parents/Guardians are required to update their contact information in Parent Portal. Please contact mamsinfo@marsd.org with any questions.MAMS utilizes email as the primary method of contact. As such, email is thebest way to stay current with the most up to date information.STUDENT RECORDSA cumulative record of each pupil is kept containing report cards, testscores, discipline, etc. Parents may examine these records and should callthe principal in order to make such arrangements.STUDENT TRANSFERSA transfer form must be completed by the parent/guardian to transfer a childout of MARSD. The form can be found on the district website here. All instructions can be found under central registration link on the left.VISITORSIn order not to disrupt the school program and to help insure a safe environment for the pupilsand staff, all parents and other visitors are required to report directly to the school’s front office tostate their business, sign in and receive a visitor’s pass. Trespassers may be prosecuted. For moreinformation, please review Board of Education Policy #9150. Visitors are required to schedulean appointment ahead of time. Visitors without appointments may not be accommodated.TELEPHONE CALLSStudents may be granted permission to make calls in the main office. Unless a dire emergencyoccurs at home, incoming calls and/or messages to students will not be conveyed by the office.MECHANICS 12

SECURITY DRILLSBy law we are required to conduct a minimum of one fire drill per month andone security drill. A map indicating the nearest exit is posted in each classroom. Teachers will review procedures with each class periodically.IDENTIFICATION BADGESStudents will be issued a school ID during the first week of school. Any damaged or lost ID will be replaced for a fee of 3.00.SEARCHES- LOCKER, DESK, PERSONALStudent lockers and desks belong to the Board of Education and may besearched at any time by the building administration. The district respectseveryone’s right to privacy, but the district has a greater responsibility toguarantee the safety and well-being of all students. No child will be searchedwithout reasonable suspicion.(Board of Ed. Policy #5145.12)LOCKERSStudents may be assigned a hall and gym locker. We expect lockers to bekept neat and clean. It is strongly suggested that combinations be kept confidential and that lockers are properly secured after use.Book bags and backpacks must remain in lockers during the school day.School lockers remain the property of the District even when used by pupils.Periodic, unannounced, locker inspections are made during the year.(Board of Ed. Policy #5145.12)13 MECHANICS

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTYStudents are responsible for lockers and any books or materials on loan tothem during the school year. Fines will be imposed for loss and/or damage toschool property.LOST AND FOUNDValuables will be held in the main office; clothing items and books are placedin the cafeteria. Check the appropriate area if you have lost anything. It is thestudent’s responsibility to make appropriate reports if items cannot be found.The “Lost & Found” will be cleaned out the days before Winter Break,Spring Break, and the last day of the year with unclaimed items being discarded or donated to a local charity.PASSESStudents may not be out of their assigned class unless they have the properpass. Failure to provide an authorized pass could result in disciplinary action.STOLEN ARTICLESStudents are responsible for personal belongings. Students are cautioned not to bring valuables or large sums of money to school. The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School Districtand Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.WORKING PAPERSStudents desiring information concerning eligibility for work may check withthe main office to obtain working papers.MECHANICS 14

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICYAccording to District Policy 5516 - USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDING DEVICES (ECRD)An ECRD includes, but is not limited to, cameras, cellular and wirelesstelephones, 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 personto record and/or transmit, on either a real time or delayed basis, sound,video, or still images, text, or other information.A student is not permitted to have turned on or use an ECRD on schoolgrounds during the school day or when the student is participating in a curricular or school-sponsored co-curricular activity. A student’s personal ECRDmay only be used on school grounds in an emergency situation or before andafter the school day or with the permission of a school staff member supervising the student in a curricular or school-sponsored co-curricular activity.Stu de nts ar e on l y p e rm it t e d t o use person al el ec t ron ic dev ic es du rin g schoolhours i n the c l a s s ro o m fo r in s t ru c t ion al pu rposes at t he t eac her’ s dis creti on.Please be advised that students are not permitted to wear headphones/earbuds (wired or wireless) at any time during the school day. This includeswearing these accessories when not attached to an electronic device. Visibleheadphones/earbuds will be confiscated.If a student is using a personal electronic device that violates any of the above: the device will be confiscated a referral will be submitted disciplinary action will be administered in accordance with theMatawan-Aberdeen Middle School Code of Conduct15 MECHANICS

LATE BUSA late bus will be available every day after school with a limited number ofstops. Students are required to sign-up online during their lunch period andno later than 1:30pm the day that they will be taking the late bus. Studentswho do not sign up in advance will not receive a pass to ride the late bus.MEDIA CENTEROrientation for in-coming students is conducted early in the school year through languagearts classes. The library is available to students on an individual basis during school. Finesfor overdue books are .05 per book per day and .10 per day for overnight reference books.DRESS AND GROOMINGStudents must aim for a neat and clean appearance. Dress which presents ahazard to the health/safety of one’s self or others, interferes with school work,creates disorder or disrupts the educational process is inappropriate.Examples of dress code violations include, but are not limited to, the following: holes in inappropriate places, slogans that can be considered obscene,derogatory, inflammatory or biased, hats, headbands, bandanas, hoods,or any form of head covering (except in the case of religious observance),footwear that is considered unsafe (flip-flops, slippers, slides, beachshoes, or barefoot sandals), halter, midriff, spaghetti straps, tank, tubetops, mesh shirts, short skirts or shorts, pajama pants, coats, see-throughclothing, and any other tight-fitting clothing which is inappropriate. Pantsmust be worn no lower than waist level. Jewelry is prohibited during physicaleducation. Jewelry worn for health notification purposes or required for religious observance requirements are exempt from this section. Students who arein violation of the dress code will be given an opportunity to notify parentsto arrange for change of dress. (Board of Ed. Policy #5511)MECHANICS 16

SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMChartwells offers a Grab & Go breakfast every morning beginning at 8:00 amin the cafeteria.Students eligible for free or reduced lunch are also eligible for free or reduced breakfast.SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMHot or cold lunches are available in our cafeteria. Lunches may also bebrought from home. You may pre-purchase lunches/snacks by sending acheck payable to MARSD Food Service with your child for the cafeteria cashier. Your child will be reminded when his/her account is almost depleted.It is important that parents know that a substantial amount of our school district’s state aid, under the Comprehensive Education Improvement FinanceAct, will be based upon the number of free lunches and free milk provided byour school district. Therefore, it is extremely important that all parents, regardless of income, fill out the Free and Reduced Lunch application form andreturn it to the school as soon as possible. Parents can be assured that allthe information included on the form will be strictly confidential.17 MECHANICS

HEALTH MATTERS & NURSE’S OFFICEParents should note the following and feel free to consult with the nurse,Mrs. Kristen McNulty assigned to their child’s health, safety or well-being.CAST AND CRUTCHESA doctor’s note is required if a child must use crutches at school, has had a cast,brace, ace bandage, splint applied or otherwise needs special medical attention.The parent/guardian MUST contact the school nurse to make necessary arrangements for accommodations as needed.HEALTH/GYM EXCUSESPhysical education excuses will be given for 1 day from the school nurse if theschool nurse thinks that there is a medical condition that requires an excuse.A parent can excuse a student for two days with a written excuse presented tothe school nurse. If a student needs to be out for an extended period of time,a medical note from the student’s physician must be presented to the schoolnurse. The note must state the reason for the excuse and the length of timethat the student will need to be excused.HOME INSTRUCTIONHome instru

Superintendent of School Nelyda Perez Assistant Superintendent Special Services and Programs John Bombardier Assistant Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction Lindsay Case Business Administrator Board Secretary Michael Liebmann Director of Personnel Elford Rawls-Dill, Ph.D. Director Curriculum & Instruction K-5 Mona Tobia Director Curriculum .