Click here to download the CHS Handbook (pdf file)

1. GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

Arrival and Dismissal (updated 10/4/2005)

Students who arrive at school between 8:30 and 8:45 must wait in gym. Students will be dismissed from the gym when the bell rings at 8:45. Students may not enter the building before 8:30. The 9:00 bell signals the beginning of the instructional day. Students arriving after this bell are considered tardy.

Early Dismissal Procedures

To ensure the safety and welfare of all students and faculty members, the administration requests the observance of the following early dismissal procedures:

In the event a student needs to be dismissed early, the parent/guardian must send a note to the main office that includes adult's name picking up, departure time, reason for dismissal, and parent/guardian signature.

1. All visitors must enter the building through the main office entrance.
2. Students may not be dismissed from the school grounds without approval through the main office.
3. Bus students must be dismissed at the normal departure time unless previous arrangements have been made.
4. All early dismissal students must be dismissed from the main office
5. Parents/Guardians must sign out student(s) before leaving the building.
6. Students will only be released to the appropriate legal parent/guardian unless otherwise noted by the parent & main office.
7. Parents/Guardians should complete the Regular Pattern of Dismissal form and return it to their classroom teacher in September.

**Patterns of early dismissal are not encouraged and should only occur in the event of an emergency. Please schedule all appointments for your child after school hours.

Early Dismissal (Half Day)

On early dismissal days, the instructional day for all students ends at 1:00 PM.  Walkers are dismissed at 1:02 PM and bus students are dismissed at 1:04 PM.  No lunch is served.

Cedar Hill School Dress Code

The following attire is not permitted in school:

• T-shirts with offensive wording
• Spaghetti strapped tops
• Midriff tops (tops that expose belly and back)
• Flip-flops (thongs)
• Backless shoes and sandals
• Skirts/shorts above the mid-thigh
• Low-cut jeans and pants that expose the belly/back and/or undergarments during normal school activity. (walking, jumping, sitting, playing, etc.)

Students are not permitted to wear hats and baseball caps inside the school. These items can be worn during outside recess periods.

Students that are not dressed according to the school dress code will be asked to call home for a change of clothing. If you are in doubt about students' attire, please contact Mr. Mollica or Mrs. Mahler for assistance.

Class Interruptions

All items or messages should be brought to the Main Office to prevent excessive interruptions to classroom instruction.

Visitors/Volunteers to the School

An increasing need for the security of our students requires that all visitors and volunteers to the school, including parents/guardians, must be "buzzed" in and report directly to the Main Office to sign in and obtain a visitor's pass before proceeding to their destinations.

Covering School Books

Students must cover all of their textbooks and are encouraged to cover their workbooks with clear contact paper.

Change of Address/Phone

In case of change of address or telephone number, the Office should be notified promptly. 

School Trips

When a school trip is planned, a form will be sent home for the parent/guardian to sign. This permission slip must be returned before the child may go on a trip with his/her class.

Lost and Found

Children should inquire at the Office about possessions lost at school. Separate Lost and Found boxes for lunch boxes and clothing are maintained in the cafeteria. Parents may find it advisable to check the Lost and found box from time to time. Please print your child's name on lunch boxes, clothing, and overshoes so that they may be easily identified.

Child Study Team

The Child Study Team consists of the learning disability specialist, the school psychologist, and the school social worker. The main function of the team is to identify and assess children who are demonstrating social, emotional and/or learning problems which may be hindering progress. Requests for evaluation by the team may be made by the school personnel (after consultation with the parents) or by the parents. For more information, call Mrs. Mahler, the Assistant Principal, or the Department of Special Services at 204-2600 Ext. 121.

Pupil Records

The district has developed  "Guidelines of Relevant Record-Keeping". Copies of these guidelines are available from the Office of Pupil Personnel Services. Only objective materials are recorded in the permanent record. School records are confidential. Parents are entitled to review the content of their child's record.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Conferences are held in the fall and spring of the school year so that you can discuss your child's progress with his/her teacher. Parents are welcome, however, to come in to talk about their child's school related problems or successes with a teacher or administrator at any time. Call the school secretary to ask for an appointment if a conference is desired.

Report Cards

Report cards are distributed in November, February, April, and June for Grades K-5.  Students in grades K-3 will be measured on skills acquisition described as Emerging, Developing, Secure, or Independent. In addition to this measurement, 4th and 5th graders will receive letter grades for academic subject areas.

2. TRANSPORTATION

Bus Transportation Policy K-12

Students may not ride on buses other than those to which they are assigned or exit their assigned bus at different stops. The school district is legally responsible and accountable for the safe transportation of students.

All pupils transported and all bus routes are on file with the Department of Education and our bus contractors. If students were to ride on buses other than those to which they are assigned, the Transportation Supervisor would have no way of verifying which students are riding on the buses. Often, police involvement is required when students do not get off at their assigned stops.

Therefore, all students must be picked up at the same stop each day that they ride the bus and discharged at the same stop each day.

The only time a student may ride a different bus is in an emergency such as an illness or death in the family. In this case, the Transportation Department must be notified by telephone (908-541-9574) and in writing to be kept on file.

If parents are going to be away (vacation or business trip), they must arrange for the caregiver to transport the student to and from his/her assigned bus stop. Regardless of age, all students are discharged at their assigned bus stop. 

It is the parents' responsibility to make arrangements to receive their child as they depart the bus.

Because the security and safety of our children is of utmost importance, the above rules MUST be followed without exception.

Bus Rider Guidelines

• All bus students must only ride their assigned bus.
• Students may not exit their bus at a different stop.
• If there is a change in dismissal, a note must be presented from the child's parent/guardian informing the office of the change and who will be meeting the child at dismissal.
• All bus riders must follow the Student Bus Safety Rules.

Student Bus Safety Rules

• Securely fasten safety belt (if installed on bus).
• Sit properly, facing forward, back against the seat back, holding belongings on lap or under the seat.  Do not throw or mishandle belongings.  STUDENTS MAY NOT: STAND, KNEEL, STAND ON, LAY DOWN, JUMP, LEAN OVER OR ACROSS THE SEATS.
• Keep the aisle clear at all times.
• Sit in the seat that is assigned to you.
• Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.  Always be ready to board or exit the bus promptly.
• Always depart the bus at your assigned stop unless otherwise directed by the principal/assistant principal.
• Please keep your hands to yourself (do not disturb others including the driver).
• Refrain form eating or drinking (includes gum, lollipops, etc.)
• Place any trash in the designated wastebasket when leaving the bus.
• Be respectful of the other riders on the bus and talk quietly.  No excessive noise, yelling, etc.
• Be courteous and polite to your driver.
• Behave respectfully toward other riders.  Do not name call, tease, use profanity or other disrespectful behavior.
• Windows may only be opened upon the direction of the bus driver.  No objects, including body parts should be placed outside the windows.  EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!
• Any suspicious or dangerous objects brought on the bus may be confiscated.  Fake weapons, etc.
• Follow all safety and emergency instruction given by the driver.   VERY IMPORTANT!
• Report any incidents of misconduct to the driver immediately and explain circumstances.
• Please keep valuable and personal belongings inside backpack or school bag.

STUDENTS ARE TO BEHAVE COURTEOUSLY AND RESPONSIBLY WHILE WAITING AT THEIR BUS STOPS AND RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS.  STUDENTS WHO COMMIT ACTS OF MISCONDUCT WILL BE REFERRED TO THE PRINCIPAL/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION.  CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVIOR MAY TAKE THE FORM OF A VERBAL WARNING/PROBATION (for less serious offenses) OR SUSPENSION OF BUS RIDING PRIVILEGES, OR SCHOOL (for more serious offenses.)

Change in Dismissal

When a bus rider is not going home on his/her bus, the parent/guardian must send a note to the teacher stating who will pick up the child.

Transporting Students To and From School By Car

Parents/guardians are to drive to the side doors on the right of the building (the right side when one faces the front of the building) when dropping off children for school in the morning. They are to drive to these right side doors again in the afternoon when all "walkers" and "car-pickups" are dismissed.

For safety reasons, drivers are required to keep their vehicles in a single line and must remain to the right to allow school buses to maneuver past them. No student may be dropped off or picked up in front of school or in the parking lots. No student may be picked up from his/her classroom.

Cars are not permitted to stand/park in the bus loop in front of school between 8:30 and 9:15 A.M. and 2:45 and 3:25 P.M. because of the number of school buses which need to occupy that area at arrival and dismissal time.

Walkers

Walkers are to enter/exit from the side doors on the right of the building (the right side when one faces the front of the building).

After School Play-Dates/Special Engagements

As stated in the district's procedures for bus transportation, "Students may not ride on buses other than those assigned or exit their assigned buses at different stops." In line with this, the school does not accept notes requesting permission for play-dates and social engagements.

Students participating in scout troops which regularly meet in the school after dismissal, will walk to their assigned area at the end of the school day. The office requires the troop leader to submit a permission slip for each student participating.

We appreciate your cooperation and will accommodate any emergency. We believe that you will agree that the safe transportation of our students is of primary importance.

 Return to Top of Page

3. THE LUNCH PROGRAM

Lunch Grades 1 Through 5

Students may bring their lunch from home or purchase a hot lunch at school. Hot lunches cost $1.85 and milk alone costs $.45. Lunch tickets can be purchased in bulk from the cashier (e.g., 10 at a time).  Checks should be made out to Aramark.  Tickets must be held by the student.  The advance purchase of tickets will help your child to get through the checkout line faster. Please click here for information about the Point-of_Sale System used in our cafeteria.

Our school's hot lunch program is provided by an outside food service organization, Aramark Corporation. Unfortunately, company procedure at Aramark does not allow students to purchase lunch on credit. If a student does not have money or a ticket for lunch, he/she will be provided a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk or other available lunch. All preparation of the school lunches is done on the school premises by Aramark staff. Menus are sent home each month.

Please print your child's name on lunch bags and lunch boxes. If you wish to deliver a child's forgotten lunch or money (or anything else), please leave it in the office and the teacher will be notified to have your child pick it up. On half days, no lunch is served and dismissal begins at 1:00 P.M.

Lunch Periods (updated 9/2/05)

Lunch/Recess periods total 50 minutes.

1st Grade Lunch  11:00-11:25	Recess: 11:25-11:50
2nd Grade Lunch 12:00-12:25	Recess 12:25-12:50
3rd Grade Lunch  12:25-12:50	Recess 12:00-12:25
4th Grade Lunch  11:25-11:50	Recess 11:00-11:25
5th Grade Lunch  1:20-1:45	Recess 12:55-1:20
Kindergarten Lunch 12:55-1:20	Kindergarten Recess 1:20-1:45

Cafeteria Rules and Procedures

Students (K-4) are seated by class.  Grade 5 students will begin the school year eating with their class and seat themselves the remainder of the school year. The Cafeteria Aides will monitor the lunchroom and enforce all cafeteria rules and procedures.  Students must demonstrate courtesy and safe behavior when eating lunch in the cafeteria.  Students who do not follow the rules repeatedly may be asked to leave the cafeteria until such time permits them to return.

• Teachers will escort their students to and from the cafeteria or entrance/exit door from recess.
• Students should remain quiet and orderly in a single file line when walking to the cafeteria.
• The Cafeteria Aides will direct their class to the tables and lunch lines.
• Students should follow all posted cafeteria rules when eating.
• Students who misbehave in the cafeteria may be referred to the Principal/Assistant Principal for repeated or serious offenses.

Playground Behavior

Students may use the playground or track facility during recess. The Cafeteria Aides will monitor the students' activities and behavior during the recess period. 

1. Students are encouraged to engage in constructive and appropriate physical activity or indoor games in the case of inclement weather.
2. Students are expected to follow all posted recess rules.
3. Inappropriate physical activity such as kicking, punching, or roughhousing, etc. are not permitted.
4. Acts of harassment or bullying behavior are not permitted and should be reported immediately to the supervising adult. 
5. Students are permitted to enter and exit the building only under the supervision and permission of the Cafeteria Aides.
6. Students that seriously misbehave or have repeated offenses should be referred to the Assistant Principal immediately.
7. When weather does not permit outdoor recess, students will be supervised by the Cafeteria Aides in the classroom.

4. HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

The Board of Education believes that student homework has educational validity. The role of homework as a link between home and school is a vital one. Homework assignments can serve as a means of providing a bond of common effort between parent, child, and teacher. The conscientious completion of homework by students accompanied by appropriate parental supervision will have a positive effect on students' achievement.

What follows is a tentative outline based on the ability of the average student. Homework is generally assigned 3 to 5 days per week. Please bear in mind that if a student is not conscientious regarding advance assignments, notebooks, etc., this schedule could not be applied.

In addition to homework assigned in the primary grades, parents are encouraged to read to their children on a regular basis.

Make-Up Homework

Every effort is made by staff to deal with absences and make-up work due to illness. Make-up work and/or homework will not be provided for periods of time of less than three days. In certain instances, at the teacher's discretion, homework assignments are adapted to individual needs. When a child has been out several days, homework may be requested by calling the office. Please give the teacher one full day's notice--work will be available the following day.

5. EMERGENCY WEATHER PROCEDURES

When a severe storm develops during the night and continues into the morning, a decision may be made by 5:45 A.M. to close school. If at 5:45 AM it is believed that the weather will clear and the roads will be passable, then a decision may be made to have a delayed opening.  If the forecasts were wrong and the weather does not clear, then school will be called off for the day instead of being delayed.  If extreme weather conditions occur after school has started, students will be dismissed early.  The Superintendent makes these decisions with the advice of the police and road departments.

Notification Procedures:  

As of September, 2003, the PTO will no longer inform parents of delayed openings and school closings via the phone chain.

The Internet:  Information will be posted on the following websites no later than 6:30 AM:

Call the School:  You may also call the school at 908-204-2633 to check for a recorded message about a delayed opening or the need to close school for the full day.  The message will be available by 6:30 AM. Please do not telephone the police.

Radio and TV Stations:  The following radio and TV stations will also broadcast information about Bernards Township School closings and delayed openings:

SIREN: Siren will sound at times noted in the chart that follows.  Check other sources of notification to be sure it was the Bernards Township siren and not a neighboring town.

Emergency Weather Schedule:

6. HEALTH SERVICE INFORMATION

Absence from School

For the safety and security of your children parents are asked to call the School Nurse (204-2636) before 8:45 A.M. if a child will be absent from school. Please note in your call if you anticipate the absence will last more than one day. If the school is not notified of your child's absence, the nurse will call your home to determine the reason for the absence.

Students who have been absent from school are expected to bring a note of explanation from a parent or guardian. Children returning from a period of illness are expected to be well enough to resume the normal schedule which includes outdoor play, gym, etc. If the physician does not believe the student is ready to resume a full program, special arrangements can be made (see Physical Education Excuses).

Administration of Medication

Bernards Township Board of Education Policy 5330 requires that any medication including over-the-counter medications (except Tylenol, if approved in writing on the emergency card) requires a completed "Request to Administer Medication" Form that contains the following information:

• Parental Permission
• Physician's Order-Diagnosis, Medication, Dosage, Route, Time, Side Effects, Length of treatment, Activity restrictions.
• Medication must be delivered in the original labeled bottle to the school nurse by parent/guardian.  Students may not bring medications to school on their person or in  backpacks.

Home Instruction

The Board of Education will provide instruction in lieu of classroom instruction, in cases when confinement by a physician and absence from school is expected to be 10 school days or more.

Physical Education Excuses

Students requesting permission to be excused from physical education class for up to two classes must bring a note from their parent/guardian stating the reason they are unable to participate.  All notes are to be sent to the school nurse.  For an extended physical education excuse (longer than two classes), a student must submit a note from a physician stating the reason for the excuse and the date on which the student may resume participation.

Emergency Cards

Emergency cards are kept on all students. It is important that they be kept up-to-date. Changes to the information contained on the Emergency cards should be submitted in writing to the school nurse.

Health Related Entrance Requirements

Physical examination completed between September 1 of the year your child is entering school and September 1 of the previous year.

• Students entering Kindergarten
• Students transferring into the district.

Immunizations: Please refer to the specifications in the Cedar Hill School Handbook.

Screenings: Hearing and vision screenings are conducted annually for all children in Grades K-4.  Scoliosis screening is performed annually for all children 10 years of age or older.  The results, if not within the accepted normal range, will be referred to the parent.

Academic Attendance-Board of Education Policy

"The Board shall require from the parent or guardian of each child who has been absent from school or class for any reason, a written statement of cause for such absence or tardiness. The Board, through the school administration, reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each absence of more than three days duration or repeated unexplained absences or tardiness."

When a pupil has been absent 11 days in any one school year, the principal/assistant principal will notify the pupil's parent in writing of the number of dates of the absences and possible adverse academic consequences.  A  copy of the notice will be sent to the District Attendance Officer.

Advance written notice is to be provided to the principal. No other reasons for student absences are deemed to be appropriate by the Board of Education. Where extreme extenuating circumstances create the necessity for a student absence due to any other reason, a written request must be submitted at least one week in advance to the school principal.  "Unexcused absences are not condoned by the Board of Education. All work or tests missed because of such absences become the student's responsibility."

In the elementary school the responsibility will generally fall upon the parent. The parent will be expected to contact the teacher, after the absence, for any missed assignments.

7. EFFECTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

Parent inquiries or information related to a child's progress in school or to the school's operations and programs are always welcome. The procedure to follow in pursuing these matters is to first contact the child's teacher. If more information is required, or if the matter does not appear to be resolved, the principal, Mr. Joseph Mollica or the assistant principal, Mrs. Julianne Mahler, should then be called. In instances where the parents wish to discuss the problem beyond the level of Cedar Hill administrators, they should contact the Superintendent of Schools. If necessary, the Superintendent may then refer the issue to the Board of Education for possible resolution.

8. DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES

Procedures

Teachers set down some basic general rules of behavior, such as: follow directions; raise hand before speaking; stay in seat; keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself; no foul language or teasing. Rules are enforced quickly and consistently. Disruptions are not ignored. A warning or consequence will be given. Parent/Teacher conferences may be requested. After several warnings and parent contact, the student's behavior will be brought to the attention of the principal/assistant principal. In cases of severe disruption, the student is sent immediately to the principal/assistant principal. The principal/assistant principal and teachers will decide together on what is to be done with students who are sent to the office. Parents will be notified of serious misconduct and the consequences for this inappropriate behavior.

Intervention Options

In cases when serious misconduct has occurred, one of the following options will be used by the principal/assistant principal:

• During the school day, a student may be removed from his/her classroom for serious misconduct and placed on in-school suspension until such time as the parent can be informed of the incident.
• If a student's actions warrant being assigned to a full day of in-school or out-of school suspension, parents will be informed at least the day before the assigned suspension is scheduled to take place.
• In the event it is decided that a student will be kept after school for detention, parents will be notified at least the day before the assigned detention. Parents will be responsible for transporting the child home after detention.

9. HARASSMENT, BULLYING AND HAZING

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

Any person who believes that he or she has been the victim of harassment, bullying or hazing, or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute harassment, bullying or hazing, shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official. The building principal is the person responsible for receiving reports of harassment, bullying or hazing at the building level. Any person may report harassment, bullying or hazing directly to a school district human rights officer or to the superintendent.

To review the complete policy and procedures of the Board of Education, please visit the district website at www.bernardsboe.com.

10. HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

To guarantee the best possible education for your child, the home and school must work together. Here are a few suggestions as to how this can be accomplished:

• Come to Back-to-School Nights in the fall so you can meet your child's teacher early in the year.
• Let your child know that you respect and support the teacher and that you intend to work together for your child's best interests.
• Find out how much homework is expected and talk with your child about the importance of completing the homework assignments.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and has an adequate diet. Encourage good health habits and allow free time for leisure activities.
• Don't pressure your child about grades or compare your child to other children. Look for the positive.
• Encourage interests in books, magazines, hobbies, trips, and current affairs. Have reading materials in your home. Read and work with your child.
• Feel free to contact the school whenever there is a problem. Don't just talk about school problems with your neighbors--get in touch with the school where someone can give your problem immediate attention.