Student-Parent Handbook

One goal of Valley View is to offer guidelines for Academic Integrity and to avoid activities that qualify as cheating or plagiarizing. According to Webster’s New College Dictionary, 2001, a person cheats when engaged in acts that are dishonest or unfair in order to gain an advantage. Plagiarism is the act of stealing and using the ideas and writings of someone else as one’s own.

The most common forms of cheating or plagiarism occur when a student:

• Submits a paper written entirely or partly by another person.

• Copies another student’s homework (even with permission from peers).

• Copies from another student during an assessment.

• Obtains and submits a paper from the Internet or other electronic media.

• Uses “Cut & Paste” in lieu of original production.

• Copies a published author’s words, phrases, sentences, or ideas (published authors, periodicals, encyclopedias, and Internet sites) without citation.

• Talks to another student before or during an assessment or about the assessment, thus providing an advantage to the student prior to taking the test.

• Changes an answer after the paper/assessment has already been graded.

• Creating a Google Education tool to impersonate any staff member or student via any avenue, social media, or other.

Violation of Academic Integrity Policy

If/When a student makes the mistake of academic dishonesty on a graded assignment or assessment, the following policy will be implemented in all grades and content disciplines:

1st Offense = The content discipline teacher will write up an office referral, informing the administration of the incident, as well as communicate the incident with the parent/guardian. The Student will engage in a restorative action (to be determined by the teacher or administration), and be given the opportunity to complete a retake.

Subsequent Offenses = The content discipline teacher will write up an office referral, informing the administration, who is now tracking the incidents so that a pattern is not created. In addition to contacting the parents/guardians, the administration will continue the progression of restorative practice and consequences. The student will still be permitted to retake for up to 60%.

Students who remain after-school for any reason must be under the direct supervision of a teacher, activity sponsor, coach, or another staff member at all times when they are in the building – students will not be permitted to roam around the building or go into unsupervised areas inside or around the building.

Arriving on Time

Students arriving at school after 8:05 am are to report to the Main Office to get a late pass before reporting to class. This will prevent the student from being marked absent. Parents will be notified by a teacher, school counselor, or school administrator when students are excessively late to class or school. Students arriving prior to 8:00 AM will wait in the school's vestibule. Parent drop-off is located on Valley View Road. Please note that parents are not permitted in the parking lot during arrival. Students may not be dropped off prior to 8:00 AM. Arrivals after 8:05 AM should report to the Main Office.

Students who arrive at their first class after 8:05 am will be marked tardy.  For every three tardies, a student will earn a detention. 

   Early Dismissal/Release Requests

Parents may provide a written request to sign a student out before the end of the school day. The note must include the student's full name, date/time of departure, the reason for leaving, name of the person picking the student up, parent/ guardian signature, and daytime telephone number. Parents may notify the attendance office via Genesis Parent Portal or a hardcopy note. It is the student’s responsibility to get permission to take the note to the Main Office during the Homeroom Period. Parents will need to report to the office to sign students out of school, and back into school if the student will return before the end of the school day.  Parents must provide a picture ID when signing students out.

The Watchung Borough Board of Education requires students enrolled in Watchung Borough schools to attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the state. The consistent contact with students in the classroom with one another and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the direction of our faculty is vital to our students’ success. Parents are encouraged to work in partnership with their children and school to minimize excessive or unnecessary absenteeism.

Attendance Policy

The Watchung Borough Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide a thorough and efficient education for every student within the district in keeping with the prevailing laws of the State of New Jersey. In order for administrators and teachers to successfully fulfill their responsibilities to students, it is essential that all students accept their responsibility to attend school as scheduled and that parents/guardians support and reinforce their child’s regular attendance. To conform to state regulations, school districts define “excused” and “unexcused” absences as:

An “excused absence” is a student’s absence from school for a full day or 4+ hours of a day for one or more of the following reasons.

• The student’s illness is supported by a written letter from the parent upon the student’s return to school at the principal’s discretion;

• Personal illness (health care provider documentation) *On office script pad or stationary - Must include the diagnosis, duration of absences to be excused, and date of appointment. *

• Professional appointments that cannot be scheduled during non-school hours (health care provider documentation),

• Court appearance (court notice to appear),

• Family illness or death,

• New Jersey state-approved religious holidays pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A: 36:14 and Take Your Child to Work Day.

• Where appropriate, when consistent with Individualized Education Programs,

• Suspension from school.

An “unexcused absence” is a student’s absence for all or part of a school day for any reason other than those listed above. Though a student may be absent with parental approval for reasons other than those listed above, the absence will be defined as verified but “unexcused.” It is also recognized that the parents/guardians may not always take their child to the doctor every time he/she is sick. The district assumes that the “unexcused” absences will be used when it is necessary to miss school and documentation cannot be provided. “Unexcused” absences are not considered truancy unless the student is absent without parental consent.

Truancy

Truancy is a student’s absence from all or a part of the school day without the knowledge of the student’s parent/guardian. A pupil will also be considered truant if he/she:

• Leaves school without permission when school is still in session,

• Leaves class because of illness and does not report to the school nurse, or

• Is present in school but is absent from class without approval. Such truancy from class is a “class cut”

Notice to School of Student Absence 

Parents should report a student's absence using the attendance line or Parent Portal as early as possible. This does not “excuse” an absence but informs the school that your child is absent with your knowledge and is not truant. The student’s absence will be deemed either “excused” or “unexcused” based upon the documentation explaining the reason for the absence (s) that is presented to the Main Office by the student following their return to school. The school will make every effort to contact parents/guardians of any student who is absent for whom a notification was not received.

Readmission to School After an Absence

·         A student returning from an absence of any length of time must provide a written statement to the Principal or designee that is dated and signed by the parent or adult student listing the reason for the absence.

·         A student who has been absent by reason of having or being suspected of having a communicable disease may be required to present to the school nurse written evidence of being free of a communicable disease.

·         The Superintendent of Schools or designee may require a student who has been absent from school due to a suspension or other reason concerning the student’s conduct to receive a medical examination by a physician regarding the student’s physical and/or mental fitness to return to school.

·         The Superintendent or designee will notify the student’s parent of the specific requirements of the medical examination prior to the student’s return to school.

School Response to Unexcused Absences

6A:16-7.6, school staff responses for unexcused absences are as follows:

For up to four cumulative unexcused absences, the school district shall: make a reasonable attempt to notify the student’s parents of each unexcused absence prior to the start of the following school day; make a reasonable attempt to determine the cause of the unexcused absence, including through contact with the student’s parents; identify in consultation with the student’s parents needed action designed to address patterns of unexcused absences, if any, and to have the child return to school and maintain regular attendance; proceed in accordance with N.J.S.A. 9:6-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-10, if a potential missing or an abused child situation is detected; and cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities and agencies, as appropriate.

For between five and nine cumulative unexcused absences, the school district shall: make a reasonable attempt to notify the student’s parents of each unexcused absence prior to the start of the following school day; make a reasonable attempt to determine the cause of the unexcused absence, including through contact with the student’s parents; evaluate the appropriateness of prior action taken; develop an action plan to establish outcomes based upon the student’s patterns of unexcused absences and to specify the interventions for supporting the student’s return to school and regular attendance, which may include any or all of the following: refer or consult with the building’s intervention and referral services team (I&RS, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8; conduct testing, assessments, or evaluations of the student’s academic, behavioral, and health needs; consider an alternate educational placement; make a referral to or coordinate with a community-based social and health provider agency or other community resource; refer to a court or a court program; proceed in accordance with N.J.S.A.9:6-1 et. Seq. and N.J.A.C.6A:16-10, if a potentially missing or child abuse situation is detected: and engage the student’s family. Cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities and agencies, as appropriate.

For cumulative unexcused absences of 10 or more, a student, between the ages of six and 16, is truant, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, and the school district shall: make a determination regarding the need for a court referral for the truancy; continue to consult with the parent and the involved agencies to support the student’s return to school and regular attendance; cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities and agencies, as appropriate; and proceed in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:38-28 through 31, Article 3B, Compelling Attendance at School, and other applicable State and Federal statutes, as required; and a court referral may be made as follows: when unexcused absences are determined by school officials to be violations of the compulsory education law, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, and the district board of education’s policies, the parent may be referred to municipal court; a written report of the actions the school has taken regarding the student’s attendance shall be forwarded to the municipal court; or when there is evidence of a juvenile-family crisis, pursuant to  N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-22.g, the student may be referred to Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part; a written report of the actions the school has taken regarding the student’s attendance shall be forwarded to the juvenile-family crisis intervention unit.

For a student with a disability, the attendance plan and its punitive and remedial procedures shall be applied, where applicable, in accordance with the student’s individualized education program, pursuant to 20 U.S.C 1400 et seq., the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; the procedural protections set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:14; accommodation plan under 29 U.S.C. 794 and 705(20; and individualized healthcare plan and individualized emergency healthcare plan, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.3(b)5xii.

Backpacks are permitted to and from school but must be stored in student lockers during the school day. For safety reasons, only drawstring bags are permitted to and from classes. 

Locker/Backpack Search & Seizure

The school administration (or staff/faculty designee) reserves the right to search all student lockers and/or backpacks at any point in order to maintain the safety and security of all students and staff in the building.

Valley View Bell Schedules 

Valley View Middle School offers many programs, clubs, sports, and learning experiences to help students get the most from their middle school experience. The PTO, WEF, SEPAG, and other community groups sponsor many assemblies and programs in conjunction with school administration and teachers that are not only aligned with the curriculum but are also helpful in building social and emotional intelligence. A number of clubs and activities will be offered to students throughout the year. We encourage every student to find at least one to be a part of.

Some possible clubs and sports may include:

Fall Intramural Sports                                                Boys' Basketball

Girls' Basketball                                                           Co-ed Spring Track and Field

Girls’ Softball                                                               Boys' Baseball

Yearbook Club                                                             Student Council

Community Outreach Club                                         Algebra Club

VV Theater                                                                   Photography Club

TREP$                                                                         World Culture Club

Environmental Club                                                    Adventure Club

Peer Mediators                                                            District Honor Band

Math Club                                                                     Select Choir

Coding & Robotics Club                                              Gaming Club

Bus assignments are determined by the transportation office, and may be changed by the transportation office or school administrators at any time during the school year – parents will be notified in extreme cases as determined by the school and transportation personnel. Students are not authorized to ride any bus other than their assigned buses and must board and get off the bus at their assigned stops.  All school rules apply while riding the school bus.

Bus Regulations and Safety Procedures

1. The bus driver is in full charge of the bus. Any situation that needs attention should be reported to the bus driver. Please be mindful that the drivers are focused on the safety of every rider, and should not be distracted while driving unless an emergency is being reported.

2. Be at your designated “pick-up” stop 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time.

3. Wait for the bus to come to a FULL STOP before trying to board or get off the bus.

4. Be respectful of neighborhood lawns and property. Student behavior reflects upon the reputation of family and school.

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

6. Keep the bus neat and clear of all trash. Avoid damaging bus seats and other equipment.

7. Never throw anything out of the bus windows or door.

8. Once you are seated on the bus immediately put your seatbelt on.

9. Profanity, bullying, harassment, and the use of substances will not be permitted on the bus.

10. Never run into a street or parking lot when buses are in motion.

11. Remember that riding a school bus is a privilege. State law supports that: Pupils may be excluded from the bus for disciplinary reasons by the school administrators or other designee, and parents shall provide transportation to and from school during the period of such exclusion.

 12.   The Transportation Department has installed video cameras on some of the buses in order to assist the drivers and the   Administration with the management of student behavior.

Valley View students are expected to demonstrate behaviors consistent with the Watchung Borough standards for Student Code of Conduct. The goal of these expectations is to create within VV an inclusive, equitable, and safe environment for every learner. When offenses occur, faculty and administration will use a restorative approach to correct the behavior, repair harm, and provide a physically and emotionally safe learning environment.

Restorative Practices provide a way for schools to strengthen community, build relationships among students and between students and staff, and increase the safety and productivity of the learning environment. The progression of our Restorative Practices follows a tiered approach: Tier 1 (these offenses include behaviors that do not comply with the Code of Conduct and disrupt the learning environment but do not require having to leave the classroom), Tier 2 (these offenses generally lack self/and or social awareness and violate the Code of Conduct. These behaviors are of a more serious nature and will be referred to the office) and Tier 3 (these offenses are of a serious nature, illegal and/or threatening to the health and well-being of others. These behaviors will be referred to the office and authorities as appropriate). 

For logical consequences to work, it is essential that the student sees that the consequence is fair, sensible, and directly connected to their problematic behavior. Students not meeting behavioral expectations after the intervention or restitution may result in additional remediation and may be considered a student in poor standing. Students with 3 or more Tier 2 or Tier 3 offenses in a 90-school day period are considered not in good standing. Students not in good standing can be restricted from participating in extracurricular activities, including field trips, socials, club/sport team membership. Additionally, a student may be suspended and not permitted to return to school until a mandatory restorative conference is held with all shareholders. After going through the intervention, all students who have been removed from the classroom/school are welcomed back into the school community.

NOTE: It is at the administrator’s discretion to reserve the right to impose greater consequences based on circumstances.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco

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, tobacco products, and any prescription and over-the-counter medication. Any medications authorized by a doctor or parent must be brought to the School Nurse with specific directions for dosage administration, etc.  Violations of this policy will result in suspension, police notification, and other actions listed in the Board of Education policy. In addition, the School Nurse and Counseling and/or Special Services staff will be involved to work with the student. 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 any after-school or evening school-sponsored activity. Please consult the district website for complete information on any and all school policies.

Threats of Violence or Violent Acts

All reported threats of violence will be investigated. All threats will be taken seriously and the proper authorities will be notified. Students found making threats or engaging in violent behavior may be subject to suspension/expulsion, evaluation by a psychiatrist, and police intervention.

Weapons

In accordance with Board Policy and in agreement with Watchung Borough Law Enforcement, students who are found possessing a weapon in school, on school grounds, or on school transportation will be subject to suspension or expulsion. In addition, criminal charges may be filed with the Watchung Police Department.  Examples include, but are not limited to:

Guns - Loaded or unloaded revolvers, BB guns, pellet guns, stun guns, air guns, dart guns, rifles, or shotguns, any device capable of firing a solid projectile, flammable or explosive substance, including pepper spray and mace.

Knives ​- Pocket Knives, hunting knives, switchblades, box cutters, etc.

Other ​– Pipes, tire irons, brass knuckles, slingshots, whips, bands studded with metal, or any flame-producing device.

Our middle school counselor, Ms. MacLeod, assists students with educational plans and with personal problems.  The counselor also meets with small groups of students to provide information and assistance, promote productive study skills, help orient new students, provide mediation when necessary, oversee the administration of the standardized programs, and work with parents and guardians, teachers, and students to develop cooperative plans for solving student problems.  

You can reach Ms. MacLeod at lmacleod@watchungschools.us

Announcements are read over the loudspeaker at the start of the first class each morning. Students are encouraged to check their student email accounts and the school's student Google Site on a daily basis. 

Dances/socials will be scheduled during the school year. Staff and parents will be present to chaperone each of the events. Valley View dances are for Valley View students only. Each dance will run from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., and students will not be allowed to enter after 8:00 p.m. Upon entering, all students must sign in and purchase a ticket for entry. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner suitable to the activity, and must be dropped off and picked up at the school by a parent/guardian. Once a student has entered the dance he/she must remain for the entire dance. Students who leave the building without adult permission and supervision will be subject to disciplinary action. PARENTS SHOULD DROP STUDENTS OFF AT 7:00 P.M. Students will not be released from the dance until an adult comes to pick them up. All school rules apply during dances. Suggestive dancing will not be allowed. Students who do not follow these guidelines may not be able to attend future dances/socials.

Marking Period Dates

MP 1 

Ends  11/8/23

Report Cards 11/17/23

MP 2 

Ends 1/26/24

Report Cards 2/2/24

MP 3 

Ends 4/9/24

Report Cards 4/14/24

MP 4 

Ends 6/14/24

Report Cards 6/14/24 

Watchung Borough School District recognizes that with the implementation of assigned student devices there is a need to protect the investment for the district, as well as the student and parent/guardian. An annual technology fee of $25 will be collected to defray costs associated with managing assigned devices.  The $25 technology fee is due to your child's school by September 11th.  Please make checks payable to Watchung Borough School District. 

1. Acceptable Use Policy. Use of this computing device is subject to the Watchung Board of Education Acceptable Use Policy and related policies.

2. Device Maintenance. The Student shall not tamper with or deface the device, serial number or in any way. No form of tampering is acceptable and the protective case must remain on the device at all times.

3. Daily Use of Device. Unless otherwise instructed, the device is intended for use at school every day and should be brought to school fully charged.

4. Student Accounts. The Student shall only access their own device or any district technology resources with their own school account, which has certain privileges and rights on the network. The Student should never use a personal account or another student’s account or attempt in any way to access resources on the network to which no explicit rights have been granted.

5. Network Filtering. This computing device is filtered by the school district at all times. Even with these intended safeguards, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian(s) to monitor appropriate student use of the computing device and the Internet outside of school.

6. No Unauthorized Software/Content. The Student may not download copyrighted software, multimedia, or any other material in violation of district guidelines, state laws, or federal laws. If the Student requires special software/applications for School use, the installation must be approved by the school district beforehand.

7. No Financial Gain. This device may not be used for any form of personal financial gain.

8. District Property. This device and its contents are the property of the school district. No data stored on this computing device is personal or private and the Student has no reasonable expectation of privacy in such data.  Any application or data (including, but not limited to photos, videos, music, etc.) remains the property of the school district upon completion of the program.

9. Required Notice. This electronic device may record or collect information on the student's activity or the student’s use of the device if the electronic device is equipped with a camera, global positioning system, or other feature capable of recording or collecting information on the student’s activity or use of the device. If school district equipment is issued to a student for use outside the district, it is possible this collection of information on the student’s activity or use of the device may occur outside of the school. The school district shall not use any of the capabilities in a manner that would violate the privacy rights of the student or any individual residing with the student as per. N.J.S.A.18A:36-39 (P.L. 2013, c. 44).

10. 1. Technology collection. At the end of the school year, Chromebooks, chargers and cases will be collected.  The charges for unreturned and/or lost devices are as follows:

Chromebook $399

Chromebook Charger $39   

Chromebook Case $29

In the event that the school must close early, students will take their usual routes home. Students should make sure they talk with their parents about what they should do in the event that no one is home when they arrive. There should always be a backup plan that students can follow – parents should discuss this with students periodically throughout the school year. Any closings due to inclement weather will be posted on the District Web-Site.

New Jersey State requires that every school conduct at least one security drill and fire drill per month. There are important safety measures in place in the event of an emergency. All safety plans will be shared and taught to all students during the opening of the school year.

Students are strongly encouraged to make appropriate choices with regard to clothing. The selection of appropriate clothing and footwear is essential to maintaining a serious learning environment. Clothing and items that are distracting, suggestive, contribute to a hostile environment; or marginalize any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size are prohibited. Examples of inappropriate attire would include, but are not limited to:

• Garments that reveal underwear and/or expose your stomach or mid-section/or plunging revealing necklines

• Pants that fall when a student is walking and must be hand-held, or those which expose underwear

• T-shirts with oversized armholes, shirts without straps, and shirts showing completely bare backs

• Excessively short skirts and/or shorts, spaghetti straps, halter tops, tube tops, and other revealing and/or suggestive clothing

• Clothing and accessories related to sex, substance, violence, or are offensive to any national, ethnic, religious, or gender group

• Clothing bearing obscene writing or promoting indecent or unacceptable behavior, whether stated or implied

In the event a student arrives at school dressed inappropriately, a parent will be notified and asked to replace the garments in question. Hats and other head coverings worn by students without administrative approval will be confiscated by a staff member unless approval has been granted. Requests to wear hats due to a medical condition or religious custom must be presented to a school administrator.

Flip flops are strongly discouraged– the school will not be held liable for accidents/injuries incurred as a result of the wearing of this type of footwear.

*It will be at the discretion of the administration whether or not clothing may be deemed inappropriate.

A field trip is an optional activity that is planned to enhance or expand the educational programs at VV by providing an experience not available in the regular classroom. Parental permission must be obtained prior to the date of the event for the student to participate. The school reserves the right to exclude a student from a field trip if attendance and/or behavior are of concern.

Parent Resources vs Google Classroom

Parent Resources-Genesis https://parents.c2.genesisedu.net/watchungschools  is used to record students’ grades after an assignment is due and turned in.  Google Classroom/Calendar is used for upcoming assignments like a traditional planner.  Students should share their Google Classroom passwords with their parents to review current and upcoming assignments. 

Report Cards and Parent Resources Grade Reports 

Marking period grades will be available online through Genesis - Parent Resources at the end of each marking period. Upon parent request, a hard copy of the 1st- 4th quarter reports will be mailed home. Parents are also encouraged to log onto Parent Resources to see the posting of student grades during a given marking period. Please refer to the district website for more information about how to sign up for an account and password for Parent Resources.

Grading on Report Cards: 

“A” Range = 90-100 (A, A-, or A+)

“B” Range = 80-89 (B, B-, or B+)

“C” Range = 70-79 (C, C-, or C+) 

“D” Range = 65-69 (D)

“F” Range = 64 or below – Failure

• Students receiving three grades of “F” in four marking periods will fail for the year.

• No grade will be lower than 64 for marking periods 1, 2, and 3 – marking period 4 grade is the actual grade earned for the marking period.

Honor Rolls

Students receiving grades of 90 or better in all subjects qualify for the High Honor Roll; students receiving grades of 80 or better in all subjects qualify for the Honor Roll.

Valley View has a full-time nurse to promote the general health of our students. The nurse’s duties include conducting vision and hearing and scoliosis screening/tests, and arranging for physical exams. The nurse is not required to 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 should be kept 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. 

The administration of medication to students 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 to be given during school hours, the medication must be brought to the school nurse at the start of the school day – this also includes over- the-counter medications. All medication MUST be in the original, labeled container or package. Written permission from the parent for the school nurse to administer the medication is also required. 

STUDENTS MAY NOT CARRY MEDICATIONS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF EPI-PENS AND/OR INHALERS; PROVIDED THAT A SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP FROM THE PHYSICIAN

Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying (HIB): Policy #5512

“Harassment, intimidation or bullying: means 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 and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory (handicap) disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds… that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students and that:

A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; [or]

1. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students, in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school; [or]

2. Creates a hostile educational environment at school for the student; [or]

3. Infringes on the rights of the student at school by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.”

Consequences for bullying are determined by the acts committed, not whether the incident is labeled as bullying or not.

Student Conflict: All other negative interactions between students (ranges from mild to severe). Although the school may need to take action concerning student conflict or unintentional harm of one student towards another, not all acts are considered bullying. In any case, all such matters will be investigated, and based upon what the investigation reveals, appropriate action will be taken.

If you would like to file a formal complaint regarding Harassment Intimidation and Bullying, please complete the ​HIB Incident Form For Families on our website and confidentially email the completed form to the principal, Karin Kidd at kkidd@watchungschools.us

It is the responsibility of every student to record and complete all homework assignments. If a student appears to be struggling with classwork or homework, parents should immediately contact the teachers(s).  If the difficulties appear pervasive, or social and emotional in nature, parents should contact the counselor as well. 

Extended Absence - If a student is absent for more than two days due to an extended illness, teachers will provide the requested work. Once the request for work is made, please allow 24 hours for the work to be provided by the teacher. Requested work may be picked up in the Main Office if not available online.

The Media Center is open daily from 8:05 am to 2:55 pm.  Students have the opportunity to use the Media Center throughout the day with a pass or during Flex.

All students will be assigned a locker.  Students in 5th Grade will have lockers located inside of their homeroom.  Students in Grades 6-8 will be assigned hall lockers and receive a combination lock.  

How to Unlock a Combination Lock 

Locker/Backpack Search and Seizure

The school administration (or staff/faculty designee) reserves the right to search all student lockers and/or backpacks at any point in order to maintain the safety and security of all students and staff in the building.

Students are expected to arrive the lunch on time. Students may not leave the APR with food or drink at the end of the period. Every effort must be made to keep the school reasonably clean. Students are responsible for disposing of their garbage. 

Student lunches may be purchased, in advance, through the PTO.  Only snacks are available for purchase during lunches.

Students are not permitted to bring food or any beverages (with the exception of water) into the classrooms.

Students are not permitted to bring treats to school to share with friends for birthdays and/or other occasions. 

Students and parents/guardians are not permitted to have food delivered by a vendor or delivery service.

Valley View recognizes the variety of ways technology can be used appropriately in school; however, there are also numerous ways it can be used inappropriately. As a result, the use of personal electronic devices (Air pods, smart watches, cell phones, cameras, I-Pods, I-Pads, MP3 players, Kindles, laptops, video recording devices, etc.) is not permitted during the school day unless approved by a teacher or administrator for a specific purpose and time frame. Devices brought to school should remain powered off and in the student's locker. Any staff member may take a device if a student is using it without permission. Once a device is taken, a parent may be required to pick it up.

The administration reserves the right to hold a device of repeat offenders for an extended time period.

Parents and Students:

The Watchung Borough School District policies and regulations can be located on our district website. Some policies of interest are listed below:

P 2260 Affirmative Action Program for School and Classroom Practices 

P 2361 Acceptable Use of Computer Networks/Computers and Resources 

P 2460 Special Education

P 5200 Attendance

R 5330 Administration of Medication

P 5331 Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in Schools 

P 5338 Diabetes Management

P 5511 Dress and Grooming

P 5512 Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

P 5516 Use of Electronic Communication and Recording Devices 

P 5530 Substance Abuse

P 5600 Student Discipline/Code of Conduct 

P 5751 Sexual Harassment

P 7441 Electronic Surveillance in School Buildings 

P 8601 Student Supervision After School Dismissal 

P 9713 Recruitment by Special Interest Groups

Policies can be located by selecting the “Board of Education” tab and selecting policies on the drop-down menu. Policies are listed numerically on the left side of the page.

Affirmative Action Statement

Watchung Borough School District is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Watchung Borough School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Any inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies should be directed to:

Mrs. Karin Kidd, Affirmative Action Officer, Watchung Borough Board of Education,
1 Dr. Parenty Way, Watchung, New Jersey 07069
kkidd@watchungschools.us
908-755-4422

Note: The information in this handbook is subject to change due to changes or revisions to district policies and/or state code that may occur during the school year.