SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

Toms River Intermediate School South fosters academic growth through enhanced learning environments that incorporate the inter-disciplinary team approach and utilize curriculum in alignment with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.  These teams are called “cycles” and are comprised of the four core academic areas with an instructor for each area:  language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.  In addition, students are given a wide range of exploratory offerings to build the bridge to the secondary level.

SCIENCE - The science program at the intermediate level gives students a broad-based background in general science called for in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.  Areas of study include the scientific process, science and society, mathematical applications, technology, life science, chemistry, physics, earth science, astronomy and space science, and environmental studies.  Students will participate in inquiry-based instruction where demonstrations and experiments take place in well-equipped science classrooms.

Opt –Out Notification-Science

During the study of Science in the Toms River Regional Schools, students may be exposed to certain experiments involving animals or the dissection of organisms.  While the science department supports the position of the national Science Teachers’ Organization the “Carefully planned and supervised dissection activities can support substantive understanding of the structure, function and classification of organisms”, Toms River Schools emphasizes that each child has every right to ask for and be supplied with an alternative activity if their beliefs or sensibilities do not support this activity.

According to C.18.A:35-4.24 & C.18A:35-4.25, public school students have the right to refuse to participate in these activities and be provided with alternate education projects.  Within two weeks of receipt of this letter, the law requires parents or guardians to notify the school of their desire to have their child exempt from participation in these activities.  A copy of the law and a question and answer document are available at http://www.Nj.gov/njded/aps/cccs/science/resources.htm

MATHEMATICS – Interactive instruction in mathematics focuses on the cluster areas of number sense, geometry, measurement, algebra, statistics, and probability that reflect the New Jersey Standards.  Goals of the program include strengthening problem-solving skills and developing better understanding and applications of math concepts.

LANGUAGE ARTS – The language arts program is designed to integrate the various study areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing into one comprehensive unit of study.  We fully acknowledge that today’s world demands that an individual be able to express himself verbally and in writing.  Therefore, the goal is to assure continued growth in developing skills in oral and written communication.

SOCIAL STUDIES – The intermediate school social studies program includes United States history and world geography.  These are general survey courses that include a focus on state and national government, citizenship, the Constitution, geography skills, and regions of the world.

BASIC SKILLS INSTRUCTION – Based upon standardized test results, some students will be identified for basic skills instruction offered in math and/or language arts.  These students will benefit from small group instruction from specially trained teachers whose programs are adapted to meet the needs of their students.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION is required for all sixth, seventh and eighth grade students and consists of a variety of activities.  Pupils are exposed to all the popular sports, individual and team games, tumbling, exercises, work or apparatus, and formal calisthenics.

Pupils must wear sneakers and gym clothes or other appropriate shorts.  They should not participate in street clothes.  The school does not assume responsibility for lost gym clothes and/or sneakers.  Each student is given a locker and must take the responsibility for the security of his/her belongings.  Students are not permitted to wear jewelry during physical education.

HEALTHFUL LIVING meets five days a week for one marking period and is planned to assist the students in developing sound physical, mental, and environmental health and is required for all students.  The health program concentrates on nutrition, drug and alcohol awareness, first aid, and other items dealing with personal and community health.

Opt-Out Notification-Comprehensive Health and Physical Education

Under state guidelines and code all students are required to take health and physical education.  However, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.7, any child whose parent or guardian presents to the school a signed statement that any part of instruction in health, family life or sex education is in conflict with his conscience or sincerely held moral beliefs shall be excused from that portion of the course.

Once notification from a parent of guardian has been received by the school, an alternate plan may be developed in either health or physical education.  Should you need any further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact the Supervisor of Health and Physical Education.

EXPLORATORY 6 and 7 – These exploratory programs provide students with opportunities to experience technology, life skills, fine arts, and world language.

EXPLORATORY 8 – The third year of the exploratory program enhances and builds upon the experiences and skills obtained in the grade six and seven programs including technology, life skills, fine arts, and world language.

PERFORMING ARTS - Students may elect to explore opportunities in the areas of vocal and instrumental music.  The program introduces the student to vocal and instrumental performance-based activities.  This program is an available option for students in grades six, seven and eight.

SCHOLASTIC EXPECTATIONS

Each teacher has a right to expect the best.  Report card grades, A+, A, B+, B, C+, C, D, and F, are awarded on the basis of ability and effort as applied within the class.  Doing one’s best in every class, on every assignment, and studying for every test will usually assure passing grades.

If a student is having difficulty in class he/she should first discuss the problem with his/her teacher in that class.  Teachers are available for assistance and guidance.

Students can receive academic recognition for receiving excellent and above average grades during a marking period.

High Honor Roll

    Students who receive all academic and activity grades of A+ and A, with the exception of one B or B+ in an activity subject, shall qualify for the High Honor Roll for that marking period.

Honor Roll

    Students who receive all academic and activity grades of A+, A, B+ and/or B, with the exception of one C in an activity subject, shall qualify for the Honor Roll for that marking period.

GIFTED AND TALENTED POLICY (Pinnacle Program)

The district shall provide all gifted and/or talented pupils with programs for their basic education while encouraging optimum development of their special abilities.  Programs shall be developed which stimulate pupils to participate constructively in, and contribute to, the activities of their school, community, and society.

Such programs shall be designed in terms of the individual learning styles of each pupil as well as the capacity of a gifted pupil to create concepts, respond to stimuli in a unique and creative manner, develop higher levels of thinking and influence the behavior of others.

Because early discovery of a gift or talent is important, it is essential that the identification of these pupils be carried on as a continuing process, since special abilities and skills appear at different times in the development of many children.

The Superintendent shall coordinate development of criteria to identify gifted and/or talented pupils and present them to the Board for approval.

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT

The Board of Education recognizes that within the student body there are students with exceptional abilities and talents.

The Board of Education directs the faculty to diligently seek out the talented and exceptional students and to assist actively in the continuing development of such students.

The Board of Education will consider, upon application and written recommendation of the teacher(s), counselor, area supervisor, guidance director and building principal, support and special consideration of the exceptional student.

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDE

Pursuant to the policy of the Board of Education on exceptional students, the following guidelines are promulgated:

1.        It will be the responsibility of appropriate members of the professional staff to identify and recommend for Board consideration those unique pupils who would be eligible for consideration under this policy.  In order to be considered for financial subsidy under this policy, the student must demonstrate exceptional abilities and talents by attaining an A average in courses taken in the proposed program area with no grade lower than a C in all other subject areas.

2.     Any program to be considered under this policy must be of the type that is beyond what is offered in the school district and must be a planned instructional experience related to a specific subject offering.

3.     No financial subsidies will be granted for experiences which occur during the regular school year.

4.     The Board of Education will underwrite the financial cost of the proposed program not to exceed a maximum of $500.00.

5.     Any financial subsidy will be granted only one time.

6.     Seniors will not be eligible for consideration under the provisions of this policy.

7.     Consideration for financial subsidy will not be given after a program has been completed.

8.     All pupils granted a subsidy under this policy will be expected to submit, in writing, to their respective building principal and the Superintendent of Schools, a summary of their experiences and the benefit they expect to bring to the district and how these benefits may impact on their lives two weeks prior to the September Board meeting.

                REVISED:  March 16, 1993

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

The basic responsibility of the Guidance Department is to assist each student in making his/her school experiences as enriching as possible.  Even though each student is assigned a guidance counselor for a year, the philosophy of Intermediate South suggests that guidance is basic to the responsibilities of every staff member.  The school tries to complement the work of the home in giving effective guidance counseling to our young people.

The functions of the department are summarized below:

        1.    Counseling

                  Counseling, both group and individual, can achieve the following:

                      a. Better understanding of one’s own strengths and weaknesses, resources                     available to assist in decision making, and ways to cope with problems and         adjustments.

                    b. An opportunity to vent and express feelings and thoughts presented from the                student’s point of view.

2.    Permanent Records

       The Guidance Director is custodian for individual student records.  These records                     are used to assist the student, his parents, and appropriate staff members in                                            planning the best possible educational program for that youngster based on  the                         gathered facts.

3.    Standardized Testing Program

       Students also grow in personal knowledge of themselves by taking standardized                                  tests and then studying their own individual results with their parents and staff                     members. Parents are urged to discuss test results with their youngster’s                                          counselor.                            

4.    Parent / Teacher Conferences

       Parent / Teacher conferences are scheduled by calling the Guidance Office, (732)                505-3910.  Parents are urged to keep in touch with the teachers, especially when                            they receive a progress report which suggests they do so. 

5.    Parent Counselor Conferences

       Should it be necessary, parents may make use of the help which each counselor                                  stands ready and willing to give.  Your child’s counselor can be reached by calling    (indent)(732) 505-3910. Personal conferences can be easily arranged.

6.    Student Absences

       It is the policy of the Board of Education that, “All absent pupils, regardless of the                                  reason, must complete assignments which, in the professional opinion of the                         teacher, are necessary to assure the continuity of the instructional program.”                                    Because illness can result in a student getting drastically far behind in his work,                             you are urged to take the following steps in helping him/her to keep up with                         his/her class.

               a.  Early in the year, have your child make arrangements with a reliable classmate                  to be able to call him/her to get assignments during absent periods.

               b.  If while in school a student begins to feel he/she is going to be absent on                           succeeding days, he/she should bring home his/her needed books.

               c.  If illness arises without warning, parents can pick up student textbooks at                        student lockers between 2:30 and 3:30 P.M.  Parents should sign in at the                                        Main Office and receive a hall pass prior to going to a student locker.

               d.  If a student is, or will be absent from school for at least a week, parents

            should call between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 8:30 A.M. requesting              assignments to be done at home.  The guidance secretary will send the                teacher a request for assignments which can be picked up the following   school day between 2:30 & 3:00 P.M.

         7.   Procedure for withdrawing a student:

               a.  Parents or legal guardians must sign the appropriate forms.

               b.  Only parents or legal guardians will be allowed to withdraw students.

       c.  The student must follow clearance procedures on his/her last day before the transfer card is issued.

MEDIA CENTER

The Media Center is the center of the academic life of our school, offering students the use of print, non-print materials and computers.

The media center is open daily from 8:03AM to 2:20PM and after school on Wednesdays until 3:10PM. Any student coming to the media center must have a pass from their teacher.  Passes are to be stamped upon entering the library and stamped upon leaving. Students may borrow two (2) items at any one time for a period of three (3) weeks.  Reference books and magazines may be used in the Media Center only. Books may be reserved and renewed.  Lost or damaged books must be replaced at the current publisher’s price.  Fines for each overdue book will be charged at the rate of 5 cents per day.

HOMEWORK

A critical and integral component in the teaching/learning process is the outside assignment.  Assignments can and should be used as an aid in the instructional process in every teaching discipline.  The difficulty, length, type or circumstances of each assignment should vary depending on its effectiveness in reaching a desired educational goal.  While outside assignments may vary in terms of length or difficulty, parents should reasonably expect that all students in grades three through twelve will have some study responsibility each school evening.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

Report cards are issued four times each year in November, February, April, and June.  Marking periods are about ten (10) weeks long.  A parent’s or guardian’s signature is required on the report card only to indicate receipt of the document.   It does not imply acceptance or rejection.  Report cards should be returned to the school as quickly as possible. 

Supplementary progress reports are sent home at the mid-point of each marking period.

PROMOTION/RETENTION

The Board recognizes that personal, social, physical and educational growth of children will vary and that they should be placed in the educational setting most appropriate to their needs at the various stages of their growth.

Pupil placement for kindergarten through grade nine will be determined by evaluating pupil performance and achievement in relation to the district goals and the individual’s physical, emotional, intellectual and social maturity as well as chronological age.  Those pupils who have demonstrated an acceptable level of proficiency in basic skills and appropriate mastery of district goals are to be promoted to the next grade.  Those who do not will be subject to further review and possible retention.  In order to be classified a sophomore a student needs to have completed 30 credits; to be a junior a student needs 60 credits; to be classified a senior a student needs 80 credits.

In determining grade placement, consideration shall be given to individual differences.  Pupils will be placed in the optimum instructional environment as determined by the teaching staff.

Parents who disagree with a placement decision shall have a right of appeal—first, with the appropriate principal, then, if still dissatisfied, with the Superintendent of Schools, and finally, with the Board of Education.

The Superintendent shall enforce the following administrative guidelines to implement this policy:

    1.    Basic requirements for promotion, placement or retention will be established in consultation with the teachers, counselors, and administrators who work with the pupils of a particular grade level.

    2.    In evaluating pupil achievement, each teacher shall make use of all available information, including results of teacher-made tests and other measures of skill and content proficiency, standardized test results, and teacher evaluation of pupil performance.  The administration shall direct and aid the teachers in their evaluations and review grade assignments in order to insure uniformity of standards.  All students suggested for retention will be reviewed by the administration or appropriate school personnel.

    3.    Parents of those pupils who are in danger of retention or who have not achieved the basic recognized skill level shall be notified of such immediately following the third marking period.

    4.    A final decision on such pupils is to be made not later than five (5) school days preceding the close of school, and the parents or guardian notified in writing.

Parents/guardians will be notified whenever exceptions are contemplated in a pupil’s normal progression from level to level.  The final decision in all cases will rest with school authorities.

ADOPTED:  March 25, 1997

FINAL EXAMS

Final exams are required in all academic subjects.  Exams cover the extent of the year’s work and are usually given during the last week of school.

PUPIL ELIGIBILITY, ATHLETIC, AND ALL OTHER

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide an opportunity for pupils to participate in athletic and other co-curricular activities.

The Board of Education also recognizes that the primary mission of the school system is to educate all pupils to the maximum level possible.

For each school year, to assure that proper priority is given to all school activities, a high school student who has failed to meet the N.J.S.I.A.A. eligibility criteria for that year will be deemed ineligible.  Intermediate students will be ineligible for any non-credit school activity if they have received an “F” or two “D’s” in any subject preceding the start of the activity.

This policy becomes effective September 1, 1989.

The Superintendent shall promulgate administrative guidelines to implement this policy.

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDE

Pursuant to the policy of the Board of Education on pupil eligibility, athletic and other co-curricular activities, the following guidelines are promulgated:

1.     All intermediate and high school pupils shall be given a copy of this policy on or before the first school day of each school year.

2.     Every new pupil entering the intermediate and high schools shall be given a copy of this policy upon entrance.

3.     Non-credit school activities are defined as follows:

a.  All interscholastic teams

b.  All non-athletic extracurricular activities which require a large

     block of pupil time during the course of the school year.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES ON CO-CURRICULAR

AND ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES

1.      School citizenship must be considered when selecting participants.  If any teacher or the activity sponsor feels that a child should not take part because of poor citizenship, he/she may ask for a ruling by the principal.

2.      Once accepted for participation, a teacher may not hold a pupil from a scheduled game, dress rehearsal, or performance.

3.      The sponsor of any activity may, at the request of a teacher, remove a child from the activity.  The option for exclusion rests with the sponsor and not the regular teacher.

4.       A pupil who is ineligible when students are being selected for participation in an activity does not become eligible after a later report card period.

5.       If a pupil is removed from an activity by the sponsor, the child’s homeroom teacher and guidance counselor are to be notified.  The responsibility for this notification rests with the sponsor. 

6.      The exclusion from stated activities must apply to all students who do not meet the academic requirements.  The academic record of any child selected should be checked by the sponsor and those who do not meet requirements should be excluded.

HARASSMENT AND HAZING

The Board of Education believes that harassing and hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational process and prohibits all such harassing and hazing behavior at any time on school premises and at school-sponsored events.

“Harassment” means repeated unprovoked aggressive behaviors of a physical or psychological nature, carried out against an individual or a group of individuals that results in harm or injury to the individual or group.  To be considered harassment, the behavior must be unwelcome by the recipient and have the effect of creating a hostile environment.

“Hazing” means the performance of any act or the coercion of another to perform any act of initiation into any class, team, or organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm.  Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing shall not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy.

All staff members shall be alert to possible circumstances or events that might include harassment and hazing.  A staff member who detects harassment, planned harassment, hazing and/or planned hazing shall immediately inform the pupils involved of the prohibition against harassment and hazing and direct them to cease all hazing activities or planning for hazing.  All such incidents must be reported to the building principal who shall report any incident to the Affirmative Action Officer and the Superintendent.

Any pupil organization comprised all, or in part, of school pupils in which are formed or perpetuated by enrolling pupils based on the decision of the members of the pupil organization and not by the free choice of any pupil is prohibited.

A staff member or pupil who fails to observe the prohibitions and mandates of this policy will be subject to discipline.

N.J.S.A.  18A:42-5;     18A:42-6                                                                    Adopted 8/20/02

KEY AWARDS

Only eighth graders can earn points toward gold and silver keys awarded at graduation.  Points are earned through participation in many school activities as well as in-school student service programs.  The regulations for awarding points are established by the Administration.

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS

These regulations are offered to the students of Toms River Intermediate School South with the hope that the information provided will aid them in becoming familiar with acceptable procedures.  As the school increases in size, it becomes increasingly important for all concerned to follow established forms of conduct to insure maximum efficiency and control.  Study these regulations because they will serve as a valuable guide to you during your years at Intermediate School