No advertising matter, such as circulars, blotters, calendars, etc., is to be distributed unless permission is secured through or approved by the Superintendent of Schools.

After School Clubs

Students may participate in various clubs after school.  Clubs will run either in fall, winter, spring, or as an all-year-long club.  Letters and permission slips will be sent home prior to the beginning of the following after-school programs.  The pick-up time is 3:00.  Students that are not picked up on time a total of three times will be removed from the after-school program they are enrolled in.  Transportation will not be provided at the conclusion of each club. 

Clubs offered by Horbelt Intermediate are as follows:

Academic Bowl Club Advisor - Gr 6

• Members of this club display their geographic skills in competition with other sixth graders in the county. 

ACADEMIC Assistance Moderator - ILA

• Attending students receive assistance with ELA growth based on their homework or other related assignments.

ACADEMIC Assistance Moderator - Math

• Attending students receive assistance with mathematical concepts based on their homework or other related assignments.

ACADEMIC Assistance Moderator - Science

• Attending students receive assistance with the science curriculum based on their homework or other related assignments.

ACADEMIC Assistance Moderator - Social Studies

• Attending students receive assistance with the social studies curriculum based on their homework or other related assignments.

Art Club

• The members of this club are provided a safe and encouraging atmosphere to explore their artistic abilities with multiple activities throughout the year.

Computer Club

• The members of this club participate in computer-based activities to build their technology skills.

CyberPatriot Club

• The mission of the CyberPatriot club is to foster computer science through competing in virtual cybersecurity exercises. 

Gamers Club (ESports Advisor?)

• The club provides a place for students can socialize and play video games with their peers. (Students must be in good standing academically and socially to participate.)

Girls Who Code

• Girls Who Code is a program designed to support and increase female participation in computer science.

It’s Up To Us 

• Students participate in charitable activities to make the learning community a better place.

Jazz Band

• This program provides students with the opportunity to work together in a collaborative and cohesive ensemble that performs jazz compositions for the public.

Leaders in Training (LIT Club)

• The members of this club are encouraged to build their teamwork and leadership skills and enhance personal communication skills through community service projects.

Morning SPLASH!!!

• Morning SPLASH is Horbelt Intermediate’s morning announcements club. In this club, members use the school’s PA system in the main office to lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance and read the daily announcements. Occasionally, the club creates entertaining and informative videos for the school community. 

PROS Advisor

• This club’s mission is to promote social and personal development within our organization and allow members to plan and present social and educational activities. The PROS club develops the leadership skills of its members through a variety of related opportunities. 

Chorus (Vocal Ensemble) 

• Students will prepare traditional and contemporary music for vocal performance at school events and competitions.

Any student wishing to bring a live animal to school must have prior approval from the principal. All animals must have a rabies vaccination before entering our school. Additionally, the teacher must approve the animal for educational purposes and assume responsibility for its protection and the protection of their students.

**ARRIVAL PROCEDURES**

Walkers

If you are walking to school in the morning it is important that you try to walk directly to school in an appropriate way, try to walk with a friend or adult, and always cross at the crosswalks.  Crossing guards or police personnel will be stationed at each crosswalk to ensure you cross when it is safe.  Please listen carefully to their instructions. When on school grounds, cars should not block the crosswalk and extra care should be taken to watch for children and staff crossing our parking lots. 

Car Drop Off

Over the past few years we have tried a variety of ways to keep the flow of traffic moving when dropping your son or daughter off.  As always, safety is our number one concern and above all else, is the first point taken into consideration when creating the system below.  Please follow these instructions carefully as it will ensure the safety of your children and keep the wait times for drop off at a minimum…and please remember to DRIVE SLOWLY: 

• Upon entering the parking lot, parents should use the access lane closest to the school.  Please do not block the crosswalk. 

• Prior to 7:30, you should drive along the front of the school and follow the parking lot around so that the students get dropped off using the passenger side of your car, closest to the school—no students should be dropped off on the street.

• At 7:30 a staff member will be outside directing traffic. CARS WILL BE DIRECTED TO PULL ALL THE WAY FORWARD TO DROP OFF STUDENTS.   This should be done quickly as there is no parking in the front fire lane of the school.  Parents should not park in any of the Fire Lanes, especially in front of the school.  The  School Safety Patrol will be standing at the curb to help direct your son or daughter out of the car and into the building.  

• Walkers should cross using the crossing guards and utilize the sidewalks to the sides of the school.

• When driving in our parking lot, please maintain a safe/slow speed and be aware of all surroundings.  Teacher volunteers and security will be outside to help direct traffic and cross students safely.

• If you are waiting with your child, please park your car in a designated space and walk your child to the front of the school.  PLEASE DO NOT DOUBLE PARK.

**DISMISSAL PROCEDURES**

Dismissal 

Once your child is in the care of the school, we take their safety very seriously.  As a result, we are very careful and organized in the way we dismiss your children—we kindly ask for your patience at the end of each day.  

You will be asked in the beginning of the year to identify the method in which your child will be going home.  If your child is not a busser at the end of each day, they will either be staying after school for a specified program, or walking home/getting picked up. 

Student Pick-Up

The front of the building is designated for pick up at the end of the school day.  Please keep this area free from cars. Cones will be up to block off this area. We dismiss from the front doors at the end of the day. This is where you should make arrangements to meet your child.  The front parking lot should be used for all parents picking up your child.  

IMPORTANT:  If you are late picking up your child or the designated person responsible for picking up your child is not there, please contact the front office.  Your child will be brought to the front office where you will need to sign your child out.  Identification will be required. 

Please make sure that students are dressed appropriately for physical education classes. Students are required to wear sneakers. Sneakers that cannot be laced or fastened are unsafe,  and therefore, inappropriate. A physician’s note is required to be excused from physical education class. This note will also excuse your child from participation in recess.

Regular attendance in school is a major component of a student’s academic success. Studies indicate that students who are on time and in school each day are better able to meet the demands and rigors of the curriculum. Any student who has not missed a day of school, has been on time each day, and has not been signed out early from school more than three times during the year will receive Horbelt's Perfect Attendance Award. This award is given at the end-of-year assembly to recognize students for their good attendance. 

To maximize instructional time, students must arrive at school on time each day. The school day begins at 7:40 AM, and students may arrive at school starting at 7:30 AM while staff members are on duty. In addition, classroom instruction takes place until the end of the day, and we request that end-of-day sign-outs occur only if there is an appointment or an emergency. If it is necessary to sign out your child before the end of the school day, please send in a note with your child that morning. 

Excessive absence from school can affect the progress of your child’s education. Please refer to the district Attendance Policy sent home with your child on the first day of school. When your child is absent, please call the School Nurse at 660-7500 (EXT.). You may leave a message on the answering machine if the nurse is unavailable. Homework may also be requested when you phone the nurse. Upon your child’s return to school, you must send them with a written excuse explaining their absence, even if you have called the school on the day of absence. A NOTE FROM YOUR CHILD’S PHYSICIAN IS REQUIRED TO RETURN TO SCHOOL IF THEY HAVE BEEN ABSENT THREE (3) DAYS.

Regular attendance in school is a major component of a student’s academic success. Studies indicate that students who are on time and in school each day are better able to meet the demands and rigors of the curriculum. To recognize students for good attendance, the following certificates will be awarded at our mid-year and end-of-year assemblies:

Perfect Attendance Awards: to those students who have not missed a day of school and are on time each day (no more than three sign-outs).

To maximize instructional time, students must arrive at school on time each day. The school day begins at 7:40 AM, and students may arrive at school starting at 7:30 AM while staff members are on duty. In addition, classroom instruction takes place until the end of the day, and we request that end-of-day sign-outs occur only if there is an appointment or an emergency. If it is necessary to sign out your child before the end of the school day, please send in a note with your child that morning. 

Bicycles may be ridden to school by all of our Horbelt students. The student must have written permission from their parent or guardian on file in the office to do so. Bike passes will be issued and must be carried at all times. All students riding bikes must wear a helmet as per state law.

Bicycles must be parked in the rack which is provided on the school grounds. Each pupil should use a locking device to secure their bicycle. Students should follow all bicycle safety rules. Students may not ride bicycles on the school grounds during school hours. 

Motorcycles, go-carts, mopeds, scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards are not permitted on school grounds at any time.

• Breakfast will be distributed at 7:30 AM in the cafeteria. Any student participating in the breakfast program must report to the cafeteria immediately once they are either released from the gym (if they are a walker) or enter the building after getting off of their bus. Once a student receives their breakfast, they are to report to their homeroom immediately.
• Drinks will only be given with a purchased meal and not be sold separately. 
• All students must discard their garbage in a trashcan and be ready for instruction within 15 minutes.
• Our breakfast and lunch vendor is Chartwells Food Services, and they are managed separately from the school district. 
• If there are any changes with free and reduced students and their requests, please notify Chartwells Food Services and the Board Office.

• The following link will direct you to the Barnegat Township School District calendar: 2021-22 District Calendar.
• Go to Horbelt Intermediate School's home page for a list of monthly activities and useful information in the Principal's Newsletter.

Chain of Command/How to Effectively Communicate with School Officials

Parents are often discouraged when they attempt to communicate with central office administrators and are sent back to building-based officials in order to resolve a problem their child may be experiencing in school. To prevent that frustration, parents can become informed about the “Chain of Command”, or where to begin the communication sequence regarding their child’s problem.

Many parental questions are easily and completely answered by communicating directly with the educator in charge of the class or program. Each situation should first be addressed at whatever level the initial action was taken, with appeals moving on to the next level on the chain of command. The easiest way to communicate would be by e-mail (e-mail format: first initial, last name@barnegatschools.com). A phone call would be the next preferable way to communicate.

Here is a brief guide on where to go when you have a concern:

1. On Elementary School Matters:
1. Classroom Teacher
2. Guidance Counselor
3. Principal

2. On Matters Involving Buildings or Grounds (building maintenance/custodial/grounds maintenance)

1. Principal
2. Facilities Coordinator – Buildings – Neil Piro (609) 698-5824
3. Facilities Coordinator – Grounds -- Robert Osborn (609) 698-5824

3. On Matters Involving Transportation:
1. Transportation Coordinator – (609) 698-5816

4. To Resolve ALL Matters ONLY after you have followed the levels outlined above:
1. Superintendent of Schools – Dr. Brian Latwis (609) 698-5800 x5116

HORBELT STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Barnegat Township School District Philosophy

The Barnegat Township School District believes in providing its students with a positive environment conducive to learning. To create this environment, Barnegat believes in a philosophy of strong, consistent, and effective discipline. Therefore, the Administration must formulate rules and procedures to provide for the safety of the individual to protect school and personal property and maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.

The Board of Education requires each student to adhere to these rules and regulations promulgated by the administration of each district school and to comply with such disciplinary measures as assigned for the infractions of these rules. Accordingly, a student code of conduct shall require that all students:

1. Conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior.
2. Respect the person, property, and rights of others
3. Respond and comply with the directions of those persons responsible for the order and maintenance of the educational process

Horbelt Goals:

The primary focus of Horbelt Intermediate School is the academic success of every student. We seek to build within each child a love of learning, a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, a positive self-image, and respect for others. Students are expected to make positive behavior choices that promote their safety, the safety of others, and a productive learning environment.

School Discipline is a collaborative effort by the parents, guardians, students, and staff. The focus of our school discipline policy is to promote positive behavior choices by recognizing students who engage in consistent positive behavior. However, mistakes are a natural part of growth. We help students reflect on their errors in judgment and behavior and support them in learning how to make better decisions. We teach and model positive behavior, including listening, cooperation, and mutual respect. We encourage students to make independent decisions and act responsibly towards others and with school property.  At Horbelt Intermediate, we use a restorative discipline approach to build school climate and address student behaviors.  We believe that a very positive and productive learning environment will enable students to strive for excellence when this occurs.

****The successful implementation of this policy is everyone's responsibility. Every student, parent, teacher, administrator, staff, a community member has a role that includes:

1. Supporting the school-wide positive behavior and discipline policy
2. Knowing, communicating, and consistently monitoring the policy
3. Maintaining open lines of communication between school and home
4. Using positive response strategies and corrective feedback for disruptive students

For our students to receive a high-quality, standards-based education, it is essential and expected that all students adhere to our school's Student Expectations.

All adults should communicate the same message and should have the exact expectations. Together, we can maintain a positive school culture with individuals interacting in a safe, responsible, and respectful way towards themselves and others.

BASIC ASSUMPTIONS

1. Student Expectations must be clear and consistent.
2. Our school must maintain high behavioral expectations for its students.
3. These expectations, encompassing clear values and norms, must be taught and reviewed by capable and enthusiastic staff.
4. Any perspective toward discipline should be taken from the total school environment and not just from the perspective of the individual classroom.
5. Effective classroom management depends upon the ability of students to understand the limits of their behavior in all areas of the school setting.
6. Student Expectations should be taught and reviewed regularly, not just announced or published.
7. Shared decision-making in all areas of the school environment, involving both staff and students, is needed to serve as a vehicle for making individuals more committed and responsible, both to the decisions made and their various outcomes.
8. All staff members must be responsible for all students in all school settings.
9. Students must become responsible for accepting the consequences of violating their boundaries.
10. Parental contact, through telephone conversations, in-school conferences, and written communication (e-mail, agenda messages) by staff members, shall be required for those students who demonstrate unsatisfactory behavior.
11. Parents/Guardians should contact Barnegat's central office for extreme cases and per the school procedures and teacher responsibility.
12. A positive approach to interacting with children is much more productive than a negative one.
13. Determining the cause of the inappropriate behavior is much more important than reacting to that behavior in isolation.

14 . An eclectic approach in dealing with children and their diversity of problems is preferred over any single approach.

15. All individuals, faculty, and pupils must feel important, needed, and worthwhile.
16. All students and staff must believe in themselves, see themselves as leaders, and be rewarded for their positive efforts.
17. The ultimate goal of any approach is to develop self-control and self-discipline within the student.

 Discipline:

While most students consistently observe these expectations and behave safely and appropriately, there are times when misbehavior warrants interventions and consequences. Teachers and other staff use a variety of classroom and behavior management strategies to address such behavior.

1. Discipline begins in the classroom.
2. Discipline is the responsibility of the teacher.
3. New Jersey State Law forbids corporal punishment.
4. Expect appropriate, responsible behavior from your students.
5. Teachers should not send students to the office should send no child to the office without a Discipline Behavioral Referral form.
6. No child is placed in the hall or another teacher's room as a means of punishment.
7. Do not use materials that are part of the child's learning experience as a means of punishment.
8. Do not assign punishment while angry. Think before you act!
9. A phone call home or a parental conference will, in most cases, do more constructive good than anything else.
10. Please make sure that students are NEVER left unattended.
11. Serious Offenses should be referred to the office at once:
12. Substance abuse. Violent behavior. Fighting
13. Threats
14. Profanity directed at a staff member or student with blatant disrespect
15. Safety and well-being of staff and students.
16. Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying

Discipline Procedure:

While our goal is to focus on student success, there are times when we need to help students solve problems, make better decisions, improve academic excellence, and be more respectful. Our first and foremost goal is to ensure that each child is safe and has access to a positive learning environment. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to use discipline procedures to help redirect behavior to keep the student and our school safe. Please note that harassment, intimidation, and bullying are against the law and have more severe consequences.

In short, most issues involving student issues in the classroom may include the offenses listed below.

Offenses

• Classroom Disruption/Interference
• Out of Class Disruption
• Defiance
• Profanity
• Truancy
• Excessive Tardiness/Absences
• Cheating
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Inappropriate Use of Technology
• Physical Aggression (Shoving, Pushing, Kicking, Spitting)

The staff deals with major offenses as they occur. When administering consequences, we attempt to help the child or children solve and resolve conflicts while protecting the safety and welfare of all students in the school learning environment. The consequences may include one or more of the following.

Consequences

• Verbal Warning
• Name on Board
• Reflection or Refocus Time
• Problem Solving with Adult
• Oral/Written Apology
• Telephone Call Home
• E-mail home
• Parent/Teacher/Child Meeting
• Recess Detention
• Counseling

The Principal or Assistant Principal will handle MORE SEVERE offenses. Habitual infractions lead to further interventions and more severe consequences. These offenses affect the safety and welfare of students and staff and disrupt the educational process. Teachers will initiate a Discipline Referral Form for such offenses.  In addition, because relationships are so valuable, we may look to create an alternative consequence that grows out of the concept of restorative practices - that is, looking at ways to help the students who have had a conflict manage that dispute and walk through the process of having respectful relationships again.   This builds resilience and grows in children the ability to cope with challenges that come their way. 

Offenses:

• Classroom Disruption/Interference
• Defiance
• Profanity directed at a staff member or student with blatant disrespect
• Violent Behavior
• Fighting
• Truancy
• Excessive Tardiness/Absences
• Recess Detention Refusal
• Cheating
• Theft
• Alcohol/Tobacco
• Vandalism
• Drugs
• Assault
• Threats/Weapons
• Gang Activity
• Inappropriate Use of Technology
• Suicide
• Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying

The principal or assistant principal addresses code of conduct offenses when reported. Habitual infractions lead to further interventions and more severe consequences. Severe offenses affect the safety and welfare of students and staff and disrupt the educational process. Teachers will initiate a conduct referral through the Genesis database for severe infractions. 

Consequences

• Recess/Office Detention
• Short-Term Suspension
• Long-Term Suspension
• Law Enforcement Referral
• Counseling/Child Welfare Referral
• Interagency/Intervention Referral (PESS, Children's Mobile Response)

Here is a sample of how we expect our students to behave:

ASSEMBLY ETIQUETTE

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

SIT QUIETLY

BE COURTEOUS

LISTEN WELL

DEMONSTRATE RESPECT

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

LISTEN THE FIRST TIME (3,2,1)

CLEAN UP

 USE GOOD MANNERS

USE INSIDE VOICE

RAISE YOUR HAND

SIT AT ASSIGNED TABLES

RECESS

SIGN UP FOR ACTIVITIES

REPORT TO ACTIVITY YOU SELECTED

RESPECT CLASSMATES

BATHROOM EXPECTATIONS

USE TIME WISELY

WASH HANDS

GOOD BEHAVIOR

IN AND OUT QUICKLY

 HALLWAY EXPECTATIONS

STAY TO THE RIGHT

PRACTICE QUIET VOICES

FIRE DRILLS

CONDUCTED IN ABSOLUTE SILENCE

SINGLE FILE

STAY WITH CLASS

*If you visit during an assembly, you will see me reminding the students of our assembly etiquette. This is an example of us practicing with the students the behavior we expect to see.

Finally, not all issues fit neatly into a shoebox. We will use our best judgment and the concepts outlined here to deal with a given situation. This said…

THE BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION RESERVE THE RIGHT NOT TO INVOKE THE DISCIPLINE CODE IN THE DISPOSITION OF THOSE REFERRALS THAT WARRANT SPECIAL CONSIDERATION. THE BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION ALSO RECOGNIZE ITS RESPONSIBILITY AND RIGHT TO TAKE REASONABLE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR/OR CONDUCT THAT IS NOT SPELLED OUT IN THE CODE BUT IS JUDGED INAPPROPRIATE BY THE ADMINISTRATION.

 

• DELAYED OPENING (TWO-HOUR DELAY) 

Students are permitted to enter the building at 9:30 A.M. Students who are dropped off at this time.  Homeroom begins at 9:40 A.M. Students who arrive after 9:50 A.M are to sign in with the Attendance Secretary immediately upon entering the building to receive a pass. As with normal school days, teachers will take attendance in the homeroom. Lunch will be served during this adjusted schedule, and the dismissal time will remain the same, 2:20 PM. 

• The superintendent's office will decide to close schools due to storms, heating problems, or other emergencies during the school day. The school will make every effort to call parents and/or emergency numbers to indicate early dismissal. However, parents who do not expect to be home during the school day must make arrangements for some responsible person to receive their children if they are sent home. PLEASE INSTRUCT CHILDREN WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO IF SUCH AN EMERGENCY ARISES. 

Student attire must be school-appropriate – neat, clean, and modest. The following guidelines are established regarding student dress code:

In general, the following decorations and/or designs imprinted upon or attached to the body or clothing is prohibited:

Symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms advertising tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia that convey crude, vulgar, profane, violent, death-oriented, gang-related, sexually explicit, or sexually suggestive messages, identify a student as a member of a secret or overtly antisocial group or gang or that identifies a student as a member of an organization that professes violence or hatred toward one's fellow man.

Clothing that is extremely torn or extremely tight or transparent is not permitted. Bathing suits are not permitted.

Outerwear

Students must store outerwear (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.) in their cubbies upon arrival to school. Outerwear will not be permitted in classrooms, cafeterias, libraries, corridors, or other areas of the school buildings after arrival unless authorized by the school's administration.

Head Coverings/Sunglasses

Students shall not wear scarves, curlers, bandanas, sweatbands, or other similar head coverings or adornments to class or within school buildings.

Caps, hats, or other similar head coverings shall not be worn to class or within school buildings unless prescribed by a physician, previously approved by the school's administration for religious reasons, or approved by the school's administration for a special school activity.

Students shall not wear sunglasses (unless prescribed by a physician) to class or within school buildings.

Upper Garments

Undergarments should not be visible or exposed. Strapless garments are prohibited. Shoulder straps of permitted garments must be a minimum of the width of three fingers of the person wearing the garment.

Bare midriffs, immodestly low cut necklines, off-the-shoulder straps, or bare-back shirts are prohibited. Shirts altered by tying in the back, front, or side, crop tops, halter-tops, tube tops with straps less than two inches of the garment, or exposing the lower back or abdominal area are not permitted. Garments must be the appropriate length, cut, and/or fit to meet these requirements while standing, sitting, and/or bending.

Lower Garments

Undergarments shall not be visible. Students shall wear pants and shorts at the waist. Shorts and skirts must not be above the students' fingertips, wearing them with the arm fully extended. No holes, slashes, or frayed material is permitted above the short/skirt minimum length requirement.

Tights or leggings worn as outerwear, spandex, bike shorts, bathing/swimming wear, sleepwear (including pajamas), etc., are not permitted and do NOT negate the length requirement.

Footwear

Students must wear appropriate footwear for protection and hygienic reasons while on school grounds, participating in school activities, or school transportation. All footwear must have a back or a back strap. Slippers, sliders/sandals, and flip flops are examples of unacceptable footwear.

Accessories

Jewelry and other accessories shall not convey prohibited messages as defined above. Visible pierced jewelry may not be worn when participating in physical education classes, athletic practices, or competitions. Dog collars, wallet chains, chains that connect one part of the body to another, or other jewelry/accessories that pose a safety concern for the student or others are prohibited.

Enforcement

First Offense – Results in a warning, and the incident is documented. Students must call home for or borrow alternate clothing.

Second Offense – Results in lunch detention, and the incident is documented. Students must call home for or borrow alternate clothing.

Three or more offenses – The incident will be documented and then referred to the administration. Parent/Guardian may be called in for a conference.

At no time will alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, or mood-altering substances be allowed on school property. Any teacher suspicious of a student being in possession of or under the influence of such substances must notify the office immediately and send the student to the nurse’s office. Subsequently, an administrator will contact parents, and they will implement the district's drug protocol.

Except in cases of emergency, schools will be kept open per the school calendar. When it’s necessary to close schools due to inclement weather or other emergencies, radio stations WOBM (FM) 92.7 and WJRZ (FM) 100.1. will make the announcement (or visit our website: http://rlhs.barnegatschools.com/). You will also receive a School Messenger alert from our school district.

Parents and students are asked not to call the school. Incoming phone inquiries close needed phone lines necessary for school district communication and emergencies. All school closing information will be available from local radio station announcements. With your help in this matter, our phone lines will remain open, and we will be able to assist you with any emergency.

Students should be informed where they are to go in the event of an emergency closing. Parents/Guardians should make arrangements ahead of time; this will help ensure the safety and well-being of all our children. Please make sure that you complete and return the Emergency Closing of School card sent home at the beginning of the school year.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

As you may be aware, a portion of this county may be affected in the event of a problem at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. The state, county, and municipality have combined resources to prepare a detailed plan for any emergency. While it is doubtful that a plant condition could warrant protective actions, it is wise that our parents be prepared for this remote possibility. Parents are reminded to review and complete the KI- Potassium Iodine information sent home at the beginning of the year.

In an emergency, the first action may be IN-PLACE PROTECTION/SHELTERING- which means just that. Students will remain indoors to reduce or eliminate potential exposure. If the plant condition continues long before the public is in danger, the Superintendent of Schools will order an evacuation. Specific plans have been developed for transporting school children to safe locations.

Students registered in the Horbelt School will be transferred, with adult supervision, to StocktonState College in Pomona, NJ(Atlantic County). Students will be registered and cared for until the arrival of a parent or guardian. Please remember to bring proper identification.

Parents/guardians have the right to present to the school principal a signed statement indicating that specific instructional lessons in health, family life education, or sex education are in conflict with their conscience, moral or religious beliefs and, as a result, may request their son/daughter be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given. There are no penalties to a student’s academic results should a parent chose not to have their child participate.

Health services require the nurse’s input.

All students will be weighed and measured on an annual basis. They will also have their eyes examined, and their hearing tested.

According to state law, every student is required to have the following immunizations:

1. Completed polio immunization series including booster after 4th birthday

2. Measles rubella immunization on or after the 1st birthday

3. Rubella (German measles immunization on or after the 1st birthday.

4. Mumps immunization on or after the 1st birthday

5. Second (2nd) MMR or equivalent before Kindergarten

6. Mantoux test for TB is recommended. Any student transferring from high incidence areas in NJ or certain states and countries depending on Health Dept. recommendation.

7. Three (3) Hepatitis B vaccines for students entering Kindergarten

8. Varicella (Chickenpox)

All prescription medicines are to be brought to the Nurse’s Office in the original container with the prescription at the beginning of the school day by the parent or guardian. Under no circumstances is any student to transport or medicate himself without a physician’s note as per board policy. The school nurse must also handle all over-the-counter drugs through the Nurse’s Office. Students may not be in possession of aspirin products, vitamins, etc.

All students must have a medical emergency card on file in the Nurse’s Office. Please notify the main office if any changes to this card during the school year are to be made.

Homework is an extension of classroom learning activities.  Many lessons will require home preparation, practice, or extension.  During the course of each week, students will have frequent assignments or the need for home study of lesson notes and readings. Each grade level creates homework policies to meet the curricular reinforcement needs of their students.

Students visit the Library Media Center during scheduled library time and may also visit the library at other times with a teacher’s note. Students may check out books and magazines for personal use.  Books that are lost or damaged must be paid for at a replacement price.

 During the course of the school year, the Media Center, in conjunction with the PTA, will offer our students and parents the opportunity to purchase books at our book fair.  Dates will be determined and posted for your reference.        

The Lost and Found section are located in the Nurse’s Office.  Students may visit it with the teacher’s permission. Please be sure to mark all of your child’s belongings with their name, especially hats, coats, lunch boxes, and book bags.

Students will be allowed to make up missed work as a result of an absence. Parents should make arrangements for make-up work immediately after the student returns to school. Teachers may reassign or adjust make-up work based upon individual student needs.

When requesting make-up work for an absent student, please contact the Main Office before 11:00 AM on the day of their absence. Teachers will do their best to see that work is waiting in the office after 3:00 PM.

If you have a sibling or a friend pick up the work, please provide the Main Office with this individual’s name.

One week every year has been set aside for parent-teacher conferences. Limited evening appointments will be available 2 evenings – Please do not request an evening conference unless necessary. The school will notify you of this conference time via letter home and website posting. 

 A parent-teacher conference is a time to build bridges. It is an opportunity for you and your child’s teacher to come together and come away with a better perspective on your child’s educational and emotional growth. To make the most of these conferences, prepare yourself for them. Check your child’s books, homework assignments, test grades, and report cards. Communicate with your child’s teacher(s). Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher as soon as a problem or difficulty is noticed to set up a conference and discuss the matter

To maintain our educational focus and for safety reasons, students are requested not to bring toys, cameras, electronic games/devices, MP3 players, headphones, and other non-instructional items to school.  It is also recommended that any item of value be left at home as well.  In addition, we strongly recommend that cell phones not be brought to school by students.

Weather permitting, students in grades K-5 have a twenty minute recess on the playground. Students are expected to follow all the rules and regulations established by the administration and teachers on duty. Students should dress properly for the weather and wear sneakers or rubber sole shoes. A light jacket is always a good idea during the early Fall and Spring.  The weather may seem mild, but the wind can make it chilly on the playground.  Hats and gloves are also recommended for the winter months.

Progress Reports and Report Cards will be issued four times a year.  Please watch for the announcements on the web page each year as to the specific dates when they will be released.

The purpose of this handbook is to give parents the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the organization and operation of this school. It is our hope that this manual will prove to be beneficial to both you and your child.

This handbook will be revised every year to reflect changes in school and district policies and procedures.

Please note that this booklet may not answer all of your questions. When you need additional information, please contact the office for assistance. 

For the safety and protection of all students, periodic fire drills will be conducted. It is most important that students follow the teacher’s directions and move quickly and in absolute silence.

ANY STUDENT FOUND TAMPERING WITH THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM WILL BE SUBJECT TO SUSPENSION, EXPULSION AND A COMPLAINT SIGNED IN JUVENILE COURT.

ANY STUDENT WHO REFUSES TO COMPLY WITH ANY FIRE DRILL REGULATION WILL BE REFERRED TO THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

We will also conduct regular code blue, lock-down, and evacuation drills to prepare for an emergency. You will be contacted via School Messenger to let you know when a drill has occurred. 

The RLHS Safety Patrol is a very responsible organization, and its members are expected to show good leadership and citizenship traits.  Students are selected through a rigorous application process.  The organization is extremely important in dealing with the safety of the students who attend the school.  Please remind your child that they should obey the members that are on duty.  They are there to help enforce the rules when children are arriving at and leaving school.

Please be aware that smoking is not permitted in the school or on school grounds at any time!

Sports

 

The following sports are available for the 6th-grade students to join the middle school teams.

Sports Offered Per Season 

Fall                                              Winter                                      Spring

Football                                      Boys Basketball                           Baseball

Boys Soccer                                Girls Basketball                           Softball

Girls Soccer                                Wrestling                                    Boys Track 

Field Hockey                               Cheerleading                               Girls Track

Boys Cross Country                     Dance                                        Boys Volleyball

Girls Cross Country

Girls Volleyball

Cheerleading

Dance       

 

Inappropriate use of cell phones or electronic devices is defined as taking unauthorized photos, videos, or audio of classmates and/or teachers taken without their consent. This includes using BTSD staff members in social media applications, transferring photos, videos, or any recordings of the staff member.  This activity is strictly prohibited. Engaging in any of these actions is deemed a serious offense and may lead to police notification.
Electronic Equipment

All electronic equipment, unless requested by the classroom teacher, is not to be brought to school. Students should not bring electronic games and listening devices to school.  Since these items are not permitted in school, the school will not be held responsible for lost items.  

The Barnegat Board of Education and Horbelt Intermediate School recognize students' importance and/or need cell phones for travel before and after school. However, specific rules have been established to ensure that distractions are kept to a minimum during the school day.  Students are not permitted to use their cell phones when school is in session.  This includes receiving calls or texts from a parent (any emergency phone calls should be directed through the front office).  Cell phones must remain turned off in a student’s book bag.  If a student is found with a cell phone during the course of the day, it will be confiscated.  
 
Interactive watches will be permitted to be worn during school; however, the same communication rules apply.  In addition, a teacher reserves the right to ask a child to remove the device when completing work or while taking a test. 

Parents/Guardians should notify the main office immediately of any change of address or telephone number. Anyone wishing to withdraw their child from school must do so through the main office. Two days' notice is required to complete the transfer request.

BUILDING VISITATIONS

Visitors must receive permission from the Main Office to visit the building. Visitors may be required to wear a mask or follow social distancing guidelines set forth by the state and/or district. Please do not go directly to your child’s classroom.  This ruling is to protect your child.  We are happy to have you visit with us, but we must maintain control of the visitors to our school.  Teachers are not available for unscheduled conferences.  All conferences with the principal must be arranged by appointment. 

Children who will be walking to and from school daily will follow the ensuing procedures.

All walkers will enter school at 7:30 a.m. by way of the second gym door. Staff will be on hand at that time to make sure they line up properly and proceed to class. Children should not arrive earlier than 7:30 a.m. as there will be no staff supervision before that time. Also, no children will be permitted to enter the building through the front door. Due to security procedures, doors to the school are locked at all times. At dismissal, the walkers will leave from the same gym door; this is where you will meet them at the end of the day.

ROBERT L. HORBELT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PARENT HANDBOOK

SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022

(REVISED/REVIEWED 8/29/21) 

Joseph J. Saxton Jr. Ed. D,

PRINCIPAL

Research shows that children are more likely to succeed in school if parents or caregivers take an active part in their education. A good education is important for finding a good job and having a good future. It makes sense to help your child do well at school. Most parents want to get more involved in their child’s education, but may not be sure how to begin. A great starting point is sharing a positive attitude about school with your child.

Remember, you don’t have to know how to do the homework to help your child succeed in school.

Helping Your Child Succeed at School

Share your ideas about the importance of education with your child.
Talk about ties between what your child is learning today and how that knowledge might be used in the future. Begin to talk about possible education goals for your child. If you begin to think about goals, your child will, too. Talk about technical and professional schools in your area, careers that you find interesting, or people you have met that seemed to enjoy their work. Let your young student know that they have many educational possibilities!

Be careful not to pass on negative attitudes about school that may be a part of your own past experience. 
Without realizing it, you could start your child off on the wrong foot by recalling bad memories from your own school days. Giving children the idea that school is too difficult, that teachers are unfair, or that school isn’t important will discourage them from doing well. Instead, talk about your friends from school, your favorite teachers or your best subject. If school was a bad experience for you, you might tell them you made the mistake of not liking school and you don’t want them to do the same.

A positive attitude about school is perhaps the most important gift you can give your child.

Help your child set education goals, both short term and long term. 
Talk to your child about the future and plans for high school, technical school or college. Tell your child you hope they will be successful in school.

A short-term goal may be finishing a writing assignment by Sunday night.

A long-term goal could be attending a trade school, the local community college or a university after high school.

Talk to your child about what they are learning at school.
From kindergartner to high school senior, it’s important to ask students about their school subjects. Ask open-ended questions about their class work —questions that can’t be answered with a “yes” or ‘no.” Share any knowledge you have, and if you are curious, read the textbook!

Help your child get organized to do homework. 
Create a study area or corner for homework. You can start this as early as first grade, and it becomes more important as homework is assigned. Have a table and chair in a quiet place away from the TV, perhaps in the corner of a bedroom. Add a lamp, if needed. Add a box for books and supplies. Make a special trip to the store to buy supplies such as paper, pencils, and colored pens. As your child gets older, add a clock. Help keep this area tidy and ready for use.

Have a place to keep all communications from school. 
All schools are making an effort to keep in better touch with parents. Most communication is on paper and is sent home with your child. This includes reports on your child’s grades, lunch menus, coming events, newsletters, requests for materials from home, and so on. After you have read them, save them all in a box, basket, or easy-to-find location. This system will save the day over and over when a form needs to be read or returned to the school and your child is hurrying out the door. It takes some effort to make this plan work, but it also lets your student know that these communications from school are important to you.

Make rules about homework. 
Decide with your child on a good time to do homework and stick to that schedule as much as possible. Try to keep noise down during study times.

Ask what homework your child has been assigned and look it over when it is finished. Don’t be a tyrant about homework, though. The goal is for the student to be responsible for getting it done without excessive nagging. If homework isn’t getting done, talk to the teacher about ways to help your child. A joint effort may work better than “laying down the law.” Some schools post assignments and grades online or record homework assignments on telephone voice mail.

Help with assignments if you are asked, but don’t feel bad if you are unfamiliar with a subject. School has changed since you attended! The teacher is always there for additional help.

Have a place to keep all communications from school. 
All schools are making an effort to keep in better touch with parents. Most communication is on paper and is sent home with your child. This includes reports on your child’s grades, lunch menus, coming events, newsletters, requests for materials from home, and so on. After you have read them, save them all in a box, basket, or easy-to-find location. This system will save the day over and over when a form needs to be read or returned to the school and your child is hurrying out the door. It takes some effort to make this plan work, but it also lets your student know that these communications from school are important to you.

Make rules about homework. 
Decide with your child on a good time to do homework and stick to that schedule as much as possible. Try to keep noise down during study times.

Ask what homework your child has been assigned and look it over when it is finished. Don’t be a tyrant about homework, though. The goal is for the student to be responsible for getting it done without excessive nagging. If homework isn’t getting done, talk to the teacher about ways to help your child. A joint effort may work better than “laying down the law.” Some schools post assignments and grades online or record homework assignments on telephone voice mail.

Help with assignments if you are asked, but don’t feel bad if you are unfamiliar with a subject. School has changed since you attended! The teacher is always there for additional help.

Make interactive homework fun. 
Many teachers assign projects that require a student to interview adult family members. For example, elementary students may ask questions about their ancestors: what was their country of origin and when did they come to North America Your young interviewer may ask opinions on current events, favorite books or hobbies. Respond with enthusiasm and give your child as much help and good information as you can. One of the purposes of this type of assignment is to practice good conversation skills with your children.

A study of students who get good grades showed that children whose parents talk to them almost every night at dinner do better in school than children who rarely talk to their parents except to argue. Message: try to eat one meal seated together and talk about what’s going on in everyone’s life without arguing.

Do a community service project together. 
Watch for opportunities for the whole family to join a park cleanup, to collect food for the hungry, or simply to help an elderly neighbor with chores. Doing things together for others helps students practice cooperation and caring, skills they will need to be successful in school and on the job.

Help your child do research projects at your library, museum or nature center. 
Provide transportation to the library for work on projects. Access to learning centers other than school introduces children to the world of learning outside of school.

Help your child succeed at school—work with the teacher!

One reason parents say they don’t know how to help their children at school is because schools have changed so much since they were students.Subject matter and teaching methods are different and unclear to parents. Parents often feel that teachers talk down to them or that teachers are not honest with them. Student learning patterns have also become much more visual and fast-paced with the advent of television and video games.

These barriers are very real. The good news is that schools are aware of these communication problems and want to work with both teachers and parents for the good of the student. These problems will not be solved immediately, but at least they are out in the open and can be discussed. Much of what is needed between the parent and the teacher is better communication. By being open minded and willing to try new ways, you will help your child succeed in school.

From: http://learningtogive.org/parents/helping/1_what_you_can_do.asp?idioma