Embedded Files
Including: Extracurricular Activities, Grade Scale and Awards, Electronic Devices, Personal Belongings, Homework, Dress Code, Code of Conduct, Discipline, Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying (HIB), Substance Abuse/Weapons Policy, PPRA & FERPA
Extracurricular Activities
The extracurricular activities listed below are available to Byram Intermediate and Lakes school students depending on their grade level.
Activity (Grade Levels)
Band (4-8) Safety Patrol (6-8)
Basketball (6-8) School Newspaper (7-8)
Book Club (5-8) Soccer (5-8)
Choir (4-8) Student Council (5-8)
Environmental Club (1-4) Peer Leaders (6-8)
Fitness Club (1-4) Drama Club (5-8)
Fall Intramurals (5-8) Track (5-8)
Volleyball (5-8) STEM Club (5-8)
Peer Leaders
Peer Leaders are 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who have been nominated by school staff members at the end of their 5th, 6th and 7th grade school years. These students will work to create a welcoming school where all students feel safe and happy. Through this program Peer Leaders provide students with a proactive approach toward negative behaviors while promoting healthy lifestyles. There is a Junior Peer Leader program for fourth graders at the Byram Lakes Elementary School.
Some of the programs that Peer Leaders may be involved in include:
Peer Mediation Peer Tutoring
Orientation / Transition of 5th grade students
Welcoming committee for newcomers
Bully Awareness / Prevention School Unity – Spirit Week
Presentations at Elementary School
Character Education
As Peer Leaders, students are expected to display the following: tolerance, acceptance, ability to work independently, act as a team player, show responsibility, positive attitude, motivation, and trustworthiness.
Board Policy #2430 states that continuing good academic standing requires maintenance of passing grades (70 or above) in all subjects during the current year. A student who begins the year not in good academic standing, who maintains a passing grade in every subject, may request consideration to participate in extracurricular activities at the beginning of the second marking period.
Board Policy #5850 states that with the exception of those activities that require written parent/guardian permission slips, no student may attend any evening, school-related event unless accompanied by an adult. The student must remain under the supervision of the adult for the full extent of the event. Any student that violates rules related to the attendance and/or participation in extracurricular or social events shall be placed on social suspension.
Student Responsibilities
Recording Devices
Students are prohibited from recording lessons unless specific written permission is requested and granted.
Photos
Throughout the year school activities are often photographed by the staff and by media photographers. Parents/guardians have the right to exclude their child from any such pictures. Parents/guardians who opt to exclude their child from such pictures shall submit a written request, to that effect, to the Building Principal on or before September 15 of the current school year.
Electronic Devices/Cell Phones/Cameras
All personal electronic devices, cell phones and cameras are prohibited in school.
Lost and Found
Do not bring valuables to school. The district is not responsible for lost items. Electronic devices of any type (cell phones/cameras/electronic games/I-Pods) are not to be brought to school since the school cannot be responsible for lost items. Articles lost or found are to be reported or returned to the lost and found.
Care of School Property/Textbooks
The Board of Education supplies textbooks and a reasonable quantity of supplies such as paper and pencils to each student according to his/her needs. Students are expected to exercise care in handling textbooks and other school materials. Marking and tearing or in any other way destroying school property is not only inexcusable, but is also subject to fine and punishment for those responsible. Each student will be held responsible for loaned school items that are not returned.
Locker/Personal Belongings
Locker/personal belongings inspection shall be made periodically, and, where a strong suspicion of a dangerous substance or object exists, a personal search of that student may be made. Students shall be aware that the lockers, desks, and other storage areas that may be provided to them remain the property of the school and may be examined or searched by school officials whenever necessary to maintain order in the schools or to protect the health and safety of the students and others who are on the school premises.
Disciplinary Action for Drug Offenses
The possession, sale, and/or use of behavior affecting substances is prohibited. these substances include but are not limited to marijuana, alcohol, LSD, glue, barbiturates, PCP, and vaporizer devices (Vapes). If a student has reason to believe that another student possesses any drug or is distributing any drug for sale or otherwise, he/she should report the matter to his/her teacher or to the Principal without delay. If, in the judgment of the Principal, a student is found under the influence of any illegal substance, the student will be excluded from school until such time as proof of medical examination is submitted to the school’s doctor or nurse, indicating that the student is free of illegal substance.
Grade Scale
A+ 98-100 A 94-97 A- 90-93
B+ 87-89 B 83-86 B- 80-82
C+ 77-79 C 73-76 C- 70-72
D+ 67-69 D 63-66 D- 60-62
F 59 & below
Honor Roll
Honor Roll applies to 5th through 8th grades ONLY. In order to achieve the High Honor Roll. A student must earn all A’s. To achieve the Honor Roll a student must earn all A’s and two B’s are allowed.
Principal Awards
Each month Principals present awards to certain students in their buildings. Although not necessarily an academic award, some students will receive an award when they have demonstrated considerable improvement or have experienced success in a particular discipline. These awards customarily fall within the categories of the Intermediate School Core Values:
Find Your Passion
Strive for Excellence
Be Kinder Than Necessary
Student of the Month
Each month one student from grades kindergarten to grade eight will be selected as the student of the month.
This selection will be completed by the grade level teachers and administration. The selection will be based on academic, arts, and activities.
Eighth Grade Graduation Awards
The awards presented at graduation include:
Award (Presented by)
Byram Library Association Award (Byram Library)
Citizenship Awards (PTA)
Personality/Common Sense (ShopRite)
Ambition/Cooperation (ShopRite)
Denise Stevens Memorial Award (Byram Education Association)
Frances M. Hughes Awards for Perseverance (2) (Byram Education Association)
Ideals of Byram Schools Awards (2) (Byram Education Association)
Outstanding Band Member (Lenape Valley Band Boosters)
School and Community Service Awards (2) (Netcong-Stanhope Rotary)
Highest Academic Average (Byram Board of Education)
Thomas V. Romano Award (ShopRite)
Core Values of Byram (2) (Byram Board of Education)
Presidential Academic Awards (President of the United States)
George B. Johnson Memorial Award for Volunteerism (Lakeland Emergency Squad)
Outstanding Student in History (Daughters of the American Revolution)
Superintendent Roundtable's Award (Sussex Superintendent Roundtable's Association)
Joseph Cinotti Award (Byram Township PTA)
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
Highest Academic Achievement Award in:
Science
Mathematics
Language Arts
Social Studies
Foreign Language
Outstanding Achievement Awards:
Vocalist
STEM
Mass Media
Health and Life Management
Physical Education
Visual Arts
Instrumentalist
Student Field Trip
Parents/guardians will be asked to finance their child’s field trip. Students in grade 8 have an opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. for three days each Spring. The money for this trip comes from fundraising activities and/or parent responsibility. A student may be removed from a class trip at the discretion of the administration due to discipline matters.
Relevant Policies
Homework
Homework is essential in the basic learning process of the child, and furthermore, homework has meaning for each child and should not be a blanket class assignment but tailored to the needs of each child. A certain time should be allotted each day, free from distractions, for pupils to do their homework. The office will not formally refer homework unless a student is absent three (3) or more days. Homework will not be provided in advance for an absence. Parents should be aware that a student who is absent for one or two days will have time to make work up when he or she returns to school. Requests for homework can only be honored on that day if the request is made prior to 9:00 a.m. Requests that are made after 9:00 a.m. will be completed on the following day. Homework will be available in the school office at 3:15 p.m. or sent home with a designated child. An assignment missed while the child is participating in school-approved activities must be made up within twenty-four hours. Anyone wishing to review the complete text of the Byram Township Schools’ home-work policy may do so by contacting the Board Office or accessing the policies on the district website.
Dress Code
The guidelines for pupil dress code were developed after careful consideration and consultation involving students. The philosophy behind the dress code has always been that a strong relationship exists between a student’s attire and his/her general attitude and behavior. Inappropriate attire could generate an indifferent attitude toward the real purposes of being in school.
The school asks for the continued cooperation of parents/guardians in helping it to attain the objective of fostering pride and good taste in clothes and grooming by exercising positive parental guidance and authority. At all times the school will continue to exercise its responsibility to inform parents/guardians of concerns or questions regarding the appropriateness or permissibility of certain attire. The school hopes that by working with parents/guardians a positive attitude toward dress and grooming can be engendered in the students.
The dress code is as follows:
Attire should be neat and clean.
Coats, gloves, any headwear (i.e .: hats, bandannas, kerchiefs, hood of sweatshirts or shirts...), and sunglasses are prohibited in school. (Essential Religious garb will be acceptable.)
Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be fingertip length
no shorter.
No halter, mid drift, or strapless tops; no under shirts or sleeveless undershirts worn as outerwear. Spaghetti straps may be worn only as a layering piece
No sheer see-through material will be allowed (no bare abdomens).
T-shirts or other apparel with slogans that can be considered by the school obscene, profane, insulting, or derogatory in nature, or promotes tobacco, drugs, or alcohol are prohibited.
No underwear or boxer shorts showing - ever.
No flip-flops, slippers or rubber soccer shoes - they are a hazard.
No pajamas, pajama bottoms, or boxer shorts worn as outerwear.
No chains or spiked jewelry- they are a hazard.
Any attire that interferes with schoolwork, creates disorder, or interrupts the educational program is prohibited, as in any attire that presents a hazard to the safety or health of the wearer or to others in the school.
Any student who is in violation of the dress code will be required to make arrangements (i.e . phone call home for a change of clothes, use of gym clothes...) to correct the violation immediately, or that student will be excluded from attending classes or school until his/her attire conforms to the dress code.
Substance Abuse
In accordance with statute and code, penalties shall be assigned for use, possession and distribution of prescribed substances and drug paraphernalia. The penalties shall be graded according to the severity of the offense in accordance with policy 5131.6 Substance Abuse. Infractions shall be reported to the local law enforcement agency in accordance with the district's memorandum of agreement. Confidentiality shall be protected in accordance with federal and state law.
Weapons Offenses
Any student who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for possession of a firearm or a crime while armed with a firearm or found knowingly in possession of a firearm on any school property or on a school bus or at a school-sponsored function shall be immediately removed from the school's regular education program for a period of not less than one calendar year. The superintendent may modify this suspension on a case-by-case basis. Each student so removed shall be placed in an alternative educational program or on home instruction pending alternative education program placement and shall be entitled to a hearing before the board. The hearing shall take place no later than 30 days following the day the student is removed from the regular education program and shall be closed to the public.
The principal shall be responsible for the removal of such students and shall immediately report them to the superintendent. The principal shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of a possible violation of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice. The superintendent shall determine at the end of the year whether the student is pre- pared to return to the regular education program, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16- 5.5(i).
Teaching staff members and other employees of this board having authority over students shall take such lawful means as may be necessary to control the disorderly conduct of students in all situations and in all places where such students are within the jurisdiction of this board.
The Byram Township Board of Education acknowledges that conduct is closely related to learning. An effective instructional program requires an orderly school environment. Parents/guardians can assist the school by reinforcing discipline in the home and by working cooperatively with school personnel in discipline-related matters.
General Rules
Respect the rights of all students to an education in a non-disruptive learning environment.
BE PROUD OF OUR SCHOOL. HELP KEEP IT CLEAN. Demonstrate respect for school property. Avoid littering or marking the school property.
Profane, abusive, and or offensive language or gestures are forbidden.
Except for approved teacher supervised activities, all food and drinks are restricted to the cafeteria.
Any behavior that threatens or causes physical injury is strictly forbidden.
Students are permitted to go to their lockers only before morning homeroom, before and after lunch, and before afternoon homeroom.
The possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs or other dangerous items is strictly forbidden.
Classroom Rules
Students must demonstrate proper respect for teachers, peers, and school property.
Students must arrive promptly and be prepared.
Students are expected to be actively involved with instruction.
Students must have a pass to leave a teaching area or homeroom area.
Hall Rules
Walk!
Be quiet and courteous in the halls.
Keep to the right at all times.
Unless changing classes, all students must have a pass while in the halls.
Cafeteria Rules
Demonstrate respect for teachers, cafeteria workers, aides, and classmates.
Be prepared for lunch and for in or out day recess.
Observe good table manners.
Throwing any object must be considered dangerous and is strictly forbidden.
Remain seated unless given permission to leave the table.
Line up quietly to pass to the playground or to re-enter the building.
Please refrain from sending/bringing in fast food as at times this has caused disruptions in the cafeteria.
Playground Rules
Respect and obey the aides and other supervising adults.
Respect all playground equipment and observe all safety playground equipment.
Organize games that are likely to be safe. Avoid specific activities such as: a) Keep away
Tackle football
Throwing rocks or snowballs
Other similarly dangerous activities
Avoid all unnecessary physical contact.
Remain in the designated area.
Re-enter the building in a quiet orderly line.
Consequences for Violations
Violations of the hall rules, playground rules, cafeteria rules or general rules will be referred to the principal’s office.
Parent/Guardian's Role in a Suspension
The role a parent/guardian plays when their child is suspended is most important. Usually when the parent/guardian and the school support each other in measures taken during a suspension, the student benefits from the discipline. The parent’s/guardian’s role includes counseling the student regarding the infraction that led to the suspension and provide the necessary supervision during the period of suspension.
Parents/Guardians will be required to attend a re-entry meeting prior to their child coming back to school.
Conduct/Discipline
The Board of Education believes that an effective instructional program requires an orderly school environment and that the effectiveness of the educational program is, in part, reflected in the behavior of students.
The Board of Education expects students to conduct themselves in keeping with their level of maturity, with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, for school personnel, for the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and for the care of school facilities and equipment. Students are required to conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior; respect the person, property and rights of others; obey constituted authority and respond to those who hold that authority.
The Board of Education believes that standards of student behavior must be set cooperatively through interaction among the students, parents/guardians, staff and community, producing an atmosphere that encourages students to grow in self-discipline. Such an atmosphere must include respect for self and others, as well as for district and community property.
Board policy requires each student of this district to adhere to the rules and regulations established by the administration and to submit to such disciplinary measures as are appropriately assigned for infraction of those rules. The superintendent shall provide to students and their parents/guardians the rules of this district regarding student conduct and the sanctions that may be imposed for breach of those rules. Provisions shall be made for informing parents/guardians whose primary language is other than English.
The superintendent shall establish the degree of order necessary to the educational program in which students are engaged.
Code of Conduct (BOE Policy)
The superintendent shall oversee the development of and the Board of Education shall approve a code of student conduct which establishes standards, policies and procedures for positive student development and student behavioral expectations on school grounds, including on a school bus or at school sponsored functions. The code of conduct shall be based on parent/guardian, student and community involvement, and locally determined core ethical values. The superintendent has the right and authority to impose a consequence on a student for conduct away from school grounds that is consistent with the board’s approved code of student conduct, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1 and
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6.
This authority shall be exercised only when it is reasonably necessary for the student’s physical or emotional safety, security and well-being or for reasons relating to the safety, security and well-being of other students, staff or school grounds, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:25-2 and 18A:37-2, and when the conduct which is the subject of the proposed con- sequence materially and substantially interferes with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school. The board shall direct development of detailed regulations suited to the age level of the students and the physical facilities of the individual schools.
The district code of conduct shall contain:
A description of student responsibilities that
includes expectations for academic achievement, behavior and attendance; description of behaviors that will result in suspension or expulsion; description of the students’ rights to:
Advance notice of behaviors that will result in suspensions or expulsions;
Education that supports student development into productive citizens;
Attendance in safe and secure school
Attendance in school irrespective of marriage, pregnancy, or parenthood
Due process and appeal procedures in accordance with law and board policy
Parent notifications consistent with board policy and law for law enforcement interviews (9320 Cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies), short-term and long-term suspension (5610 Suspension) and (5620 Expulsion), due process and appeal procedures, and attendance (5200 Attendance)
Records and privacy protections (8330 Student Records)
A description of behavioral supports that promote positive student development and assist each student in fulfilling the district behavioral expectations established including intervention and referral services, remediation, and intervention and support services for students with disabilities
A description of graded responses to violations of the code of conduct that includes remediation, is consistent with law concerning corporal punishment, and is consistent with laws and board policies concerning violence/vandalism (7610) and, weapons and dangerous instruments (8467). The response will cover the board attendance policy (5200) and the harassment, intimidation and bullying policy (5512). It will list community-based health and social service providers, and local legal resources.
Students with Disabilities
Classified students are subject to the same disciplinary procedures as nondisabled students and may be disciplined in accordance with their IEP. However, before disciplining a classified student, it must be determined that:
The student's behavior is not primarily caused by his/her educational disability;
The program that is being provided meets the student's needs.
Staff shall comply with state and federal law and the regulations of the New Jersey administrative code in dealing with discipline and/or suspension of all students with dis- abilities.
Student Behavioral Infractions
Students who display chronic behavioral or academic problems may be referred to RTI or the child study team by the superintendent for an evaluation to determine disability or the need for other services. Such referrals shall be in strict accordance with the due process regulations prescribed by the administrative code. Students so identified shall be provided with appropriate programs and services as prescribed by the child study team.
A student whose presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property, or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, may be suspended in accordance with 6A:16-7.1 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.3 or expulsion in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16- 7.5, following due process. However, one incident alone is not sufficient cause for an expulsion.
Any student who commits an assault (as defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:12 1) upon a board member, teacher, administrator or other employee of the board of education shall be suspended from school immediately according to procedural due process, and suspension in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.3 or expulsion in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.5. However, one incident alone is not sufficient cause for an expulsion. Proceedings shall begin no later than 30 calendar days from the date of the student's suspension.
The Discipline Matrix will be implemented with fidelity in Grades 4-8 and it will be used as a guideline for grades PK-3. Please see the BTSD Code of Conduct for more information.
Harrassment, Intimidation, or Bullying (HIB)
The board expects all students to treat each other with civility and respect and not to engage in behavior that is disruptive or violent. This type of behavior interferes with a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe environment. Therefore, the school district will not tolerate acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying.
The board prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying against any student in accordance with board policy 5512 Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying, and law. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” is defined as any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus, or off school grounds in accordance with law, and that:
Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students
A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or mentally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or mental harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or
Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or
Creates a hostile educational environment by interfering with the student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.
“Electronic communication” means a communication that is transmitted by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to a telephone, cellular phone, computer, or pager, that takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus.
Policy and Procedure Development, Review, and Dissemination
The standards and procedures developed to implement this policy shall be aligned with the board approved code of student conduct and accepted board approved core ethical values. Policies, standards and procedures shall be based on parent, student and com- munity involvement which represents, where possible, the composition of the schools and community, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1.
This policy shall be reviewed annually and updated along with the code of student conduct. This process shall include:
Parent, student and community involvement which represents, where possible, the composition of the schools and community
Consideration of the findings of the annual reports of student conduct, suspensions and expulsions; and incidences reported under the Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System.
The superintendent shall annually:
Disseminate the code of student conduct to all staff, students and parents;
Report on the implementation of the code of student conduct to the board of education at a public meeting in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a) 5, i-iv;
Report to the New Jersey Department of Education on student conduct, including all student suspension and expulsion and incidences reported under the Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System.
Implementation
The superintendent shall ensure that the rules for this policy are applied consistently with the district’s code of student conduct (N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7) and all applicable laws and regulations and that all disciplinary sanctions are carried out with necessary due process.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. 1232h, requires the Byram Township School District to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one of more the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):
Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents/guardians
Mental and psychological problems of the student or the student’s family
Sex behavior or attitudes
Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships
Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, or ministers
Religions practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian
Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).
This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical exams and screenings.
Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school received a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal, or appropriate school official, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate.
Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the school principal, or appropriate school official, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
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