Student & Parent Handbook

Our District Mission Statement

The mission of the Wall Township Public Schools is to empower all students to lead lives of fulfillment and purpose by providing a safe, comprehensive and caring educational environment that will enable students to achieve their unique potential academically, socially and emotionally. Our students will become confident, creative and critical thinkers who communicate effectively and engage meaningfully as responsible members of a global society. 

Belief Statements

The Wall Township Public School District believes that:

• Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual talents and needs.
• Acknowledging that all students can learn and do so in different ways, the district provides a variety of instructional approaches, resources, and appropriate assessments to support their learning.
• Teachers, administrators, students, parents, and the community share the responsibility for advancing the school system’s mission, beliefs, and goals.
• Our educational and extracurricular programs enable our students to become contributing members of society by fostering the development of ethical values, knowledge, and skills.
• Students need to develop a deep understanding of essential knowledge and skills and also develop the capacity to apply their learning to reason, solve problems, and produce quality work.
• A safe and supportive learning environment is fundamental to promote student achievement.
• Effective communication with families as partners in the education of their children is essential to the success of our school system.
• Diversity enriches our school system through a variety of ideas, values, and cultures.
• Productive use of technology is vital to learning and helps students connect with a rapidly changing world.

WIS Philosophy of Education

Our diversified curriculum provides educational opportunities to promote the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development of our young adolescents.  Students are encouraged to become more aware of the implications of personal judgments and decisions as these choices affect themselves and others.  Wall Intermediate School will provide students with a background to meet the future challenges of secondary education.  The basic organization of Wall Intermediate School is structured with students as the focus. The staff works together via an interdisciplinary team model to deliver a program that responds to the physical, intellectual, ethical, social and emotional developmental needs of adolescents.  In this manner the “whole child” is considered.  Essential links to the school operation are the teachers, guidance counselors, school psychologist, school family liaison counselor, nurse, media specialist, child study team, support staff, assistant principals and principal.  It is only through a cooperative effort that we deliver the best educational program possible for our students.

Staff Directory

Staff contact information can be located at: Staff Directory

School Hours

Private Transportation Drop-off/Pick-up
Homeroom begins at 8:10 a.m. Students are dismissed at 2:50 p.m. Students may enter the school building at 7:45 a.m. and should clear the building by 2:55 p.m. in the afternoon unless in a supervised activity. Students that need to work with a teacher after school need to coordinate, in advance, with the teacher. 

7th and 8th grade students reporting to school prior to 8:00 a.m. should report to the main gym.  6th  grade students reporting to school prior to 8:00 a.m should report to the Auxiliary Gym. Any student taking advantage of the morning breakfast program should report to the Cafeteria.  

Student drop off will take place along the west end of the front curb area and students will enter through the front door.  Please do not pull in front of the building, but rather, circle around the side parking lot and drop off near door number 12.  Please follow the instructions of staff members posted at dropoff areas, as they will direct you to the appropriate dropoff  locations. The same use of the side parking area will be used for private transportation pick up at the end of the day.

Bell Schedules

Records

Transfers
When a family plans to move to another district, a transfer card must be completed for each student. The following information must be given to the Guidance Office at least a week in advance:

1. Destination

2. Last day of attendance at Wall Intermediate School

3. A "Consent to Transfer Records" form signed by a parent or guardian

Change of Address
It is important that a parent/guardian contact the Registrar's Office immediately, 732-556-2658 or kmcgowan@wallpublicscchools.org, of any address change. 

It is important that a student/parent/guardian sign into the Genesis Parent Portal to update their phone number or email address.

Emergency Closing

Information regarding a school closing, delayed opening, or early dismissal will be broadcast through Blackboard Communications (phone calls/text messages to parents/guardians), the district website, and WTPS social media platforms.

Visitors

Parents are always welcome at Wall Intermediate School. To help protect students and school property and to prevent disruptive activity, school officials must know if any persons who are not members of the staff or student body are inside the building or on the grounds. All visitors who are in the building between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m must immediately sign in and wear a visitor badge. We do not allow visitors in the classroom unless prior arrangements have been made with the classroom teacher or main office. All visitors are required to produce a government issued photo ID and use our main entrance to enter the building between the hours stated above.

All visitors must follow the Board Policy Visitor Policy.

Students from other schools are not allowed to visit while school is in session. Please call ahead to arrange to meet with teachers, counselors or administrators. Walk-in appointments are generally not available.

Attendance

While our students are attending Wall Intermediate School, students are developing skills in self-advocacy, confidence and communication.  The first step in this development is walking through the door.  Although it sounds simple, chronic absenteeism is on the rise and this is something that we want to change.  One of our school goals at Wall Intermediate School is to decrease our chronic absenteeism so that all of our students have an opportunity to grow academically, socially and emotionally.  Keep in mind that chronic absenteeism may jeopardize a student’s academic advancement.

Although a combined effort with the Board, Superintendent and Wall Intermediate School faculty and administration is a positive first step, we need support from our parents and students in order to reach our goal.  As we move forward, it is important that we all share a common language when discussing our attendance expectations. We have listed some key terms and definitions that you will see in our goal, attendance letters and in WTPS district policies.

Board Policies:

• 5200 Attendance 
• 5230 Late Arrival And Early Dismissal
• 5240 Tardiness
• 5250 Excusal From Class Or Program

School Day
In order to be present for a school day, the student must be present for four hours.  At least one hour of attendance must be before noon and at least one hour must be after noon. 

Excused Absence for State Reporting 
For purposes of state reporting, the school can enter either excused or unexcused into the New Jersey School Register and we are governed by the Student Attendance and Accounting Rules (N.J.A.C. 6A-32- 8). This is intended to facilitate the necessary federal reporting requirements of enrollment and attendance.

Absences (Unexcused for State Reporting) That DO NOT Count Towards Truancy

• The student’s illness is supported by parent notification.

• The student’s suspension from school.
• Family illness or death supported by parent notification AND a written letter from the parent upon return to school.
• Necessary and unavoidable medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled at a time during the school day supported by parent notification AND a written letter from the parent upon return to school.
• An absence for a reason not listed above but deemed excused by the Principal upon written request by the student’s parent stating the reason for the absence and requesting permission for the absence to be an excused absence.  
• *Please note - reasons listed here pertain to Wall Intermediate School. For a full list, please refer to the full WTPS BOE Regulation #5200 - Attendance Section C.  

Absences (Unexcused for State Reporting) That DO Count Towards Truancy
Any absence that is not listed as an excused absence is an absence that counts toward truancy.  
*Please note - as per WTPS BOE policy #5200, written documentation must be supplied in order to be deemed an absence that does not count toward truancy.  

Chronically Absent
A student is deemed chronically absent when his/her absences exceed 16 days per school year. 
*Please note - all absences are counted in this number (excused and unexcused absences that count to truancy) 
Students who are chronically absent may be retained at grade level as per Policies 5410 & 5200.

Truancy
A student is deemed truant when his/her absences that count toward truancy exceed 10.  
*Please note - Excused absences do not count toward truancy.  When students are deemed truant, the Principal will make a determination regarding the need for a court referral for truancy, per NJAC 6A:16-7.6(a)4.iv.

Tardy Policy
Instructional time is valued and is a high priority at Wall Intermediate School. The tardy procedure is designed to provide an incentive for students to make constructive use of the entire instructional day. If students arrive at school after 8:10 a.m., they are considered late to school.  Students who are late arrivals to school must sign in at the Main Office.  On the fourth and subsequent lates to school/homeroom in a marking period, a disciplinary consequence will be assigned. 

Early Dismissal
Before a student leaves the building prior to dismissal, a parent or guardian must come into the building and sign-out the student.  Please leave ample time as your child will not be called out of class until you pass through security.  Only adults whose names appear on the emergency contact sheet as parent or guardian will be allowed to sign-out students.

Legitimate reasons for early dismissal include (but are not limited to) personal illness, death or critical illness of an immediate family member, state-approved religious holidays, and legal/court appearances.

Students who are taking part in after school events are required to attend a full day of school (see school day above) in order to take part in the activities. These activities include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. School Trips
2. School Concerts or Plays
3. School Dances
4. Sports Events

Assemblies, School Programs, Athletic Events And Musical Performances

Assemblies are planned for the good of all students. It is a time to experience something new with fellow classmates. Students are required to attend all school assemblies. Students will be expected to be on their best behavior. Students who do not behave appropriately during an assembly will be subject to disciplinary action.

Students will be a courteous audience. Appreciation is shown by applause rather than yelling, whistling, and booing. To ensure a minimum amount of disturbance from the audience during a performance/game, movement in or out of the gymnasium/auditorium should be limited. Students should be accompanied to evening events by an adult. 

Backpacks

Students may carry small tote bags or drawstring knapsacks during the school day.  All bags should be smaller than 12″ x 14″.  Large book bags and backpacks will not be allowed to be carried from class to class as they present a tripping hazard.  Please note that backpacks and large totes are still acceptable to carry to and from school.

Campus Boundaries

Wall Intermediate School is a closed campus. That means students are to stay at school from the time they arrive until school is dismissed. Once at school, students are expected to stay in supervised areas.

Students may leave campus only when pre-authorized by a parent, the school has granted permission, and the student has signed-out by an authorized adult in the Main Office.

During lunch periods and during regular school hours, the parking lots are considered outside the legal area.

Care of School Property

It is each student’s responsibility to show respect for all school property. A student who is found to have damaged school property may be held responsible for the reasonable cost of repairing or replacing that property and disciplinary action may result in accordance with Board Policy 7610 Vandalism.

Deliveries for Students

Developing greater responsibility and independence is an important part of intermediate school.  Students should be responsible for taking all of their school and extracurricular materials (including lunches and/or money) with them each morning.  Parent drop off of such items should be kept to a minimum as it does not hold students accountable for responsibly bringing their own materials.  If a parent wishes to bring an item to their child, it must be brought to the lobby no later than 10:00 a.m.  So as not to interrupt the educational process, items will only be given to students during their lunch period.  Students will not be called from class to pick up items.  Parents will need to clearly label all items dropped off with student name, grade and lunch period.

Extra-Curricular & Co-Curricular Activities

Please refer to the school website at https://www.wallpublicschools.org/WIS for up to date information.

Hall Passes

Students are not permitted in the halls during class periods unless they have been issued a pass from a teacher or are accompanied by a teacher. When using restrooms, students should hang their hall pass on one of the three hooks at the entrance of that restroom.  Once three hooks are filled, that restroom is considered “full” and students should wait outside that restroom until a hook is made available by a student leaving the restroom.

Items Lost or Stolen

Students are encouraged not to bring valuables to school; however, if a student has misplaced an item or suspects an item may have been stolen, they need to check the appropriate lost and found area or report the stolen item. Lost clothing is placed on the Lost & Found rack in the cafeteria, in each locker room and small items may be kept in the Main Office. High value items that are not found need to be immediately reported to the Main Office. Students will be asked to complete a written report about the missing item.

Students that find an item that has been lost or misplaced by another person should immediately report the found item.  A delay in reporting may be interpreted as theft.

Student clothing and personal items should be clearly labeled with the students’ name. The district assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage to personal property brought on campus. 

Student Dismissal Options

In accordance with Board of Education Policy, on days when your child does not use district provided transportation, you may request the following dismissal procedure for your child:

1. Option I  - Your child is permitted to walk/bike (with helmet) home unescorted.
2. Option II - Your child may be picked up by his/her parent/guardian or designee without signature.
3. Option III - Your child will remain supervised after school until pick up and will be signed out by yourself or someone that you have listed on the Student Information form.

A form will be sent to parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year in which parents/guardians will choose their preferred dismissal option/options.

Options I and II can both be selected simultaneously. Option III cannot be selected with either of the other two options.

If your child is involved in after school activities, including sports programs, this form will be used to dismiss your child from that activity unless a Dismissal from After School Activities form is on file with the coach or advisor. 

Student ID/Lanyard

At the beginning of the school year, each student is given an ID badge, ID holder and lanyard.  The ID is property of the Wall Township School District and serves not only as identification but also as a lunch card, library card and used to sign into various locations in school.  The ID badge is part of the WIS Dress Code and must be prominently displayed in front and above the waist on the outer garment at all times with the exception being in PE class and during some lab activities.  Students may purchase their own lanyards provided the lanyard has a breakaway feature.  Students are not permitted to bring the ID badge home and are required to leave the ID badge in their lockers at the end of the school day. 

In order to promote responsibility and accountability the following procedures are in effect in the event a student loses and/or defaces the ID badge and/or lanyard.

1. Students should secure their ID badges/lanyards in their lockers prior to reporting to their buses at the end of the school day.
2. In the event the student needs to purchase a new ID badge/lanyard, the student will bring $5.00 to the Main Office.  The student will receive the new ID badge/lanyard.
3. Students not displaying an ID badge will be called up to purchase lunch after students with ID badges/lanyards are served.
4. Students may be required to use ID’s to “swipe in and out” at monitored bathrooms and certain offices etc..
5. At no time should a student be in possession of multiple IDs.  Duplicate IDs must be turned into the office.
6. Students are not to deface or obscure the information on their ID badge.  ID badges that are defaced or vandalized require the student to bring $5.00 to the Main Office.  The student will receive a new ID badge/lanyard.

Students Remaining At School After Regular Dismissal

At the conclusion of the school day (2:50 pm or 12:20 pm)students must promptly exit the building or report to a scheduled after school activity.  Students will take the district provided school bus home or have a parent/guardian pick them up.  Students may not remain in the building unsupervised at the conclusion of the school day.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are issued to each student to carry and utilize throughout the school day and take home with them on a daily basis.  During the first week of school, the students will attend their grade level Class Meetings to discuss the district and school rules, procedures, expectations and responsibilities for success in a 1 to 1 Chromebook environment.   Chromebooks are considered a school provided supply, comparable to a text book.

1:1 Chromebook Policies

• Students shall comply with the school district’s Acceptable Use of Technology Policies.
• The parent or student shall be responsible to reimburse the school district the cost of any technology device that is lost, damaged beyond reasonable use or beyond its value, abandoned, missing, stolen, or cannot be returned to the district.
• The parents or student shall be responsible to pay a fine to the school district for any repairable damage to the device and/or peripherals. “Damaged” is defined as hardware or software breakage that hinders the operation of the device.
• Students are required to report any hardware/software problems or missing equipment to his/her AM homeroom teacher, within two school days of the commencement of the problem.
• A parent is required to immediately file a police report in the event it is believed the technology device has been stolen.  Within one school day after filing a police report, a parent shall complete the School District Provided Technology Device Loss Form and submit the completed form and a copy of the police report to the school.
• The parent acknowledgement and an accepted School District Provided Technology Device Form shall be required for each student.

Please click the link below to access the Technology Insurance Form.
Technology Insurance Form

Textbooks

It is each student’s responsibility to return his or her textbooks in a condition that would reflect normal wear for that year.  With this in mind, any excessive wear will result in a prorated fine. In the absence of paying the fine, report cards, diplomas, and yearbooks will be withheld until the matter is resolved. A student who loses a book must reimburse the school for the replacement cost of the book.

Use of Internet Disclaimer & Media Release

It is the parent’s obligation to inform the school administration if they do not give permission for his/her child to be part of any media-related (newspaper, website, school publications) releases.  This form is in the Genesis Parent Portal and must be completed prior to the start of school.  
Media Release Form

Late Buses

Wall Intermediate has two shifts of late buses which depart from the school at the front door at 4:00 p.m. and the west side door at 5:00 p.m. Students must have a Late Bus Pass in order to board one of the three 4pm late buses (North Bus, Central Bus, and South Bus). These passes are issued by the staff member supervising the student or the main office if the student was attending a sporting event. The student will write their address on the pass and give it to the bus driver to ensure that the proper bus is being boarded. The staff member issuing the pass is responsible for supervising the student during the after school time period. The 5:00pm late buses (North Bus and South Bus), which depart from the west side of the building, are primarily for those participating in more extended activities such as athletics and theater productions.  While no passes are required to board either of the two 5pm late buses, it is essential that WIS students confirm their address with the driver to make sure that they are getting on the bus that services their area of Wall.

Temporary Bus Route/Stop Changes

When an emergency arises and a student needs to ride a different bus or get dropped off at a different bus stop, please contact the Main Office (732) 556-2500 or send a note stating the reason for requesting the change.  If granted, the student will be given an Alternate Destination Permission Form to give to the bus driver. This procedure will help ensure the safe arrival of the student to his/her destination.  This request will only be honored if it is unsafe for the student to get off at his/her regular stop and or ride a regular route, e.g., extenuating circumstances resulting in no adult supervision of the student at home. Please do not ask for “a bus pass” to ride home on a different bus for purposes other than true emergencies.  

To & From School

School rules are in effect when students are on their way to and from school. Consequences may be assigned to students who do not follow school rules when traveling to and from school. Students need to be especially considerate of the yards and property of others as they walk to school, walk to the bus stop, or wait for the school bus.

Students who walk or bike to school will need to have a form signed by a parent/guardian and will meet with their grade/team level Assistant Principal for a safety meeting in order to receive permission to arrive/depart school in this manner. This safety meeting will be focused on following safe practices when crossing streets and intersections, as well as other pedestrian and bike riding safety considerations. In addition, bicycles ridden to school by students must be parked in the designated area on the west end of the school. Bikes must be locked. Students must wear a helmet as required by law and are not allowed to carry any other passengers on their bike.

Electric bicycles are becoming increasingly popular, however there are several differences between different types of E-Bikes. There are three classes of E-Bikes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Class 1 electric bicycles only are a pedal assist bike and have no age limit, however riders must follow the same laws as regular bicycles. Class 2 bicycles are bikes that have a throttle and if they can go over 20 mph may need to be registered which would result in the rider needing to be at least 15 years old. Class 3 bicycles must be registered and the rider must be over 15 years old. For more information please see the E-Bike presentation by the Wall Township Police Department.

Bike Rack

A bike rack is provided near the west door to the cafeteria. All bikes should be locked in this area and all bike riders should take their bike helmets to their locker during the school day.

Skateboards/Scooters/In-line Skates/Roller Skates Prohibited

Due to the inherent dangers, both to participant and nonparticipant, the use of skateboards, scooters, in-line skates or roller skates on Wall Intermediate School grounds is not allowed.  This includes both motorized and non motorized skateboards, scooters, in-line skates or roller skates or similar equipment. Students are not allowed to bring these prohibited items to school, use them as transportation to or from school, or use them on school grounds.

Academics

Grades
Genesis provides a parent portal that makes it possible for parents to view their child’s report cards and progress reports.  The parent/guardians portal replaces the need for generating paper copies of such documents.  Dates of report cards and progress reports are available on the school website and a Blackboard Connect call to remind parents to view grades on such dates will be sent by the school.  If your family does not have computer access and wishes to receive paper copies of report cards, please contact the guidance department at (732) 556-2534.

A  92-100 Excellent
B  85-91 Good
C  78-84 Average
D  70-77 Below Average
F  0-69 Failure
I  Incomplete (work must be completed in 10 school days)
MX  Medically Excused

Honor Roll Requirements

• High Honor Roll = 92 or better in all subjects

• Honor Roll = 90 average with no grade below 85

Academic Awards

Educational Excellence (Gold):

• Minimum of 98 CORE AVERAGE

Academic Honors (Silver):

• Minimum of 96 CORE AVERAGE

Scholastic Achievement (Bronze):

• Minimum of 94 - CORE AVERAGE

7th Grade Core Academic Average (defined as)

• Final average in Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science
• Final average of all 4 marking periods in these subjects

8th Grade Core Academic Average (defined as)

• Final average in Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science
• Final average of first 3 marking periods in these subjects

Making up Missed Work

It is the student's responsibility to make up for all work missed when they return to school. Students will be allowed a reasonable amount of time, at least one day for each day of absence, as determined by the teacher to make up missed work. Class work/homework that is not made up will be graded accordingly. 

Academic Difficulties

If a student has earned a marking period failing grade for a course, or a 75 or less average at the end of the third marking period, a mandatory meeting will be scheduled by the student's counselor.  This meeting will include the parent/guardian, student, counselor and teacher.  During this meeting deficiencies will be identified and a plan created to address those concerns.  

In the event that a student earns less than a 65 during the first marking period, or a 60 during the remaining three marking periods the actual grade reported on the report card will be raised to a 65 during marking period one and 60 during marking period two, three of four.

Academic Ineligibility Policy

1. Two failing marking period grades place a student on "academic ineligibility.”

2. Students become ineligible the day report cards are issued/posted.  Students who are on academic ineligibility cannot participate in extracurricular activities during the time that they are ineligible.

3. Students who are ineligible will not be allowed to attend practices, but will be allowed to attend tryout sessions for a team or activity.  Ineligible students cannot participate or attend after school scrimmages, games, concerts, program presentations, practices or dances, etc.

4. The guidance counselor will work with and monitor an ineligible student. Providing that the interim (mid-marking period) progress report shows that the student is no longer failing two subjects, he/she will be  removed from the ineligibility list and can  resume participating in extracurricular activities.

5. The guidance department will provide lists of academically ineligible students to extracurricular advisors and coaches.  When a student returns to eligibility and wishes to participate in an extracurricular activity, the student must obtain a note from his/her guidance counselor to give to the coach or advisor.

6. Students who continue to fail any two subjects in consecutive marking periods automatically become ineligible for the entire next marking period.

Excusal From Class or Program

In accordance with Board Policy 5250 pupils be excused from any part of the instructions in health education, family life education, sex education, or instruction that includes dissection of animals that the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the pupil or the adult pupil finds morally, conscientiously, or religiously offensive.  A request for excusal must be presented in a signed statement and submitted to the Principal.

An excused pupil shall be assigned to an alternate program of independent study on a substitute topic within the health education, family life education, or sex education program.  The parent's or legal guardian's right of excusal applies to any alternate program as well.

No excused pupil will be penalized by loss of credit as a result of his/her excusal, but a pupil will be held accountable for successful completion of any alternate program assigned.

Graduation Requirements

In order for an eighth grade student to be promoted from the Wall Intermediate School, the student must pass eighth grade language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Any eighth grade student failing to meet the above requirements will not be promoted and may not be allowed to participate in the promotion ceremony or the eighth grade graduation dance.

In addition, an eighth grade student who has not received a final passing grade in all of these subjects shall be required to either successfully complete a credit recovery course offered by Educere or receive 30 hours of instruction (in each failed subject area) by a certified teacher and pass the Wall Intermediate School final exam.

Counseling Services

School Counseling Programs & Resources
The counseling program in our school is available to help students, parents, and teachers develop positive learning experiences.  Our program consists of a variety of services and activities including individual and group counseling, parent and teacher consultation, classroom lessons, grade level assemblies, referral assistance to other programs and services in the community and student testing.

The school counselor maintains ongoing communication with administration, staff, parents and students.  However, the services of the school counselor are to provide direct assistance to students in the school.  For this reason, a major portion of the counselor's day is scheduled with the needs of the students as the focus.  When necessary, consultation with parents and teachers are scheduled at a time convenient to both parties.  Parents are invited to seek the services of the counseling department at any time.  Appointments may be scheduled by calling the guidance office.

2nd floor is a telephone helpline for youth which is operated by 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc.  The helpline provides a confidential service for young  people to reach a non-judgmental, trained listener.  180 is a non-profit agency in existence since 1976.  Its programs serve over 20,000 individuals and families each year.  180’s School-Based Abuse Prevention Program operates in over 30 Monmouth County schools each year.  They can be reached at:  http://www.2ndfloor.org or (888) 222-2228.

Resources

Several resources are available to  parents and students in order to support the academic needs of Wall Intermediate School students.  Resources are listed below:

1. Genesis - a student management system that provides parent access to student academic records.  Parents/guardians are given a login identification password in order to access their child’s information including classroom grades, attendance, and discipline record via the Genesis Parent Portal link on the district website found in the Parent and Community Resources tab.  Parent login issues may be resolved by contacting the guidance department.
2. Wall Backpack - Through the school website (Wall Backpack),  pages and ”Virtual Backpack” parents and children can access teachers’ extra help schedules, permission slips for upcoming activities, PTO information, clubs/athletic team schedules, and other school related information.
3. Extra Help - Schedule is posted online providing the day of the week individual teachers are available after school for assistance.  Any student can receive extra help by reporting to the teacher's room immediately after school on the teacher's scheduled day.

Positive Behavior Supports

Wall Intermediate School believes it is important to recognize students for high academic achievement as well as their ability to adhere to the school’s “Six Pillars of Character” and “7 Mindsets” programs. Students will be recognized for exhibiting these traits through the following recognition programs:

Shielding- Faculty and Staff will issue “shields” to students demonstrating characteristics of the Six Pillars and/or the 7 Mindsets. Shields may be “cashed in” for a reward each marking period.

Knighting- Each marking period, a smaller number of students will be recognized for conduct or improvement that goes “above and beyond” the day to day expectations of Wall Intermediate School. Those students can be nominated by any Faculty or Staff member and will be “Knighted” among their peers and presented with the reason for their Knighting.

Students of the Marking Period- Each marking period, one student from each of our six teams will be chosen as the Student of the Marking Period.  Those students will be chosen based on the combination of outstanding academic and behavioral success and/or improvement.  The students will be selected by the faculty members assigned to each team.  Selected student’s names will be acknowledged on the school’s website.

Dress code

The Wall Township Public Schools have developed a dress code in accordance with Board Policy 5511 Dress and Grooming and in consultation with staff members, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and students of this district. Wall Intermediate School requires that a student's dress be neat and clean, not interfere with the educational process, and not be a safety hazard.  

It is both the parents’ and school’s responsibility to help students make appropriate decisions regarding dress and grooming. Students in violation will be counseled about proper dress and grooming and may have to change their attire, have clothing brought in or be sent home.  The Administration reserves the right to determine whether or not student clothing is appropriate and to discipline any student who is not properly dressed.

Students participating in voluntary extracurricular activities shall conform to the regulations governing the various activities. Students who represent the school in a voluntary activity may be required to meet additional dress and grooming standards approved by the principal and may be denied the opportunity to participate if those standards are not met.

In accordance with this section, students are to adhere to the following:

1. Shoes must be worn at all times.
2. Student ID should be properly worn starting with homeroom and students should continue to wear it for the remainder of the school day (except for PE and some lab activities).
3. Appropriate shorts are permitted during school hours.
4. Students may not wear tube/strapless, halter, spaghetti-straps, or see-through tops. Off-the-shoulder tops and backless dresses may be deemed inappropriate. Midriffs must always be covered. Undergarments (bra-straps, bandeaus, etc.) should not be visible.  
5. Clothing with large holes and tears may be deemed inappropriate.
6. Headgear may not be worn indoors unless required for religious purposes or for medical needs with a written doctor’s recommendation. Hats will be confiscated.
7. Words or pictures that are not appropriate for the school environment may not appear on clothing.
8. Chains, choker studs or any other similar adornments are prohibited.
9. Students are to refrain from wearing sunglasses or tinted glasses of any type in school without a written doctor’s recommendation on file with the school nurse.
10. Pants must be worn at waist height and at no time should undergarments be visible.

Inappropriate dress: Failure to comply with dress code rules.
Minor / First - Student Conference to Short Suspension
Serious / Repeated - Detention to Long Suspension

Student Conduct on School Buses

Students who refuse to obey the directions of the bus driver may forfeit their privilege of transportation. A student being transported on district provided transportation is required to comply with all regular school rules and the rules outlined below and/or by the bus driver. Any student who fails to comply with these rules may be denied transportation services and shall be subject to disciplinary action.  Occasional minor infractions of rules by students will be cause for verbal warnings from the bus driver.  Students who disobey rules shall be taken to their designated stop, let off the bus, and advised they will receive a referral. In cases involving a fight or physical altercation, students may be returned to the school.

The following rules apply to all students riding school buses:

1. The bus driver represents an extension of the authority of the school.  
2. The driver is in complete charge of the bus and the passengers.  The driver may assign specific seats to students if he or she deems it necessary.
3. Orderly conduct must be maintained at all times.
4. Students may only ride their assigned bus.  Permission to ride another bus will only be granted for an emergency situation (see temporary bus route changes below).
5. Students are to remain seated at all times on the bus.  Heads and hands are to remain inside the windows.
6. Students may have their riding privilege suspended for repeated and/or egregious bus conduct violations.
7. Cross in front of the bus or as instructed by the bus driver when it is necessary to cross the road.
8. Students may not throw objects.
9. Use emergency exits only as directed by the bus driver.
10. Stand away from the bus when it is moving.
11. Be at the bus stop ten minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
12. Store musical instruments or other large objects which might pose safety risks or barriers to safe entry and exit from the bus in a safe manner as directed by the bus driver.

Disciplinary Procedures for School Bus Problems

The following disciplinary procedures govern the general conduct of all pupils transported to school.

Any conduct, behavior, or action of a student judged to be disruptive or in any way interfering with the safe transport of students, will be subject to progressive disciplinary measures. This may include a warning, detention, parental conference, Saturday detention, short and/or long term suspension.  Specific judgments in regard to consequences and penalties will be based on board policy, severity, frequency and the number of prior behavioral infractions committed during the school year.  A student may be denied transportation for bus infractions, resulting in his/her parents providing the necessary transportation to and from school.

General Bus misconduct: Failure to comply with bus rules.

First Offense - Student Conference and other disciplinary action as appropriate.
Second Offense - Assigned seat for one month and other disciplinary action as appropriate.
Third Offense - Loss of all bus privileges for five days, assigned seat for two months and other disciplinary action as appropriate.
Fourth Offense - Loss of all bus privileges for ten days, assigned seat for the remainder of the school year and other disciplinary action as appropriate.

Electronic Network Use

Student Teacher Electronic Communications
Students may not use social media/networking or a teacher’s personal email address, phone, or text messaging to communicate with them.  Students may only use the teacher’s district provided email address ending in @wallpublicschools.org for electronic communications.

Internet User Contract
All students must sign the Internet User Contract to gain access to the Internet, Library Pro, research databases and computers.  Students are expected to adhere to this policy and to use the computers and materials in a responsible manner.

The primary purpose of Wall intermediate School electronic networks is to support and enhance learning and teaching by providing electronic communications and access to shared information resources. Computer networks allow people to interact with many other computers and users. Students and parents will be asked to sign an Internet agreement which outlines acceptable use of the Internet.

All computers and electronic communications will be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Failure to adhere to the policy or accompanying guidelines may result in revocation of the user's access privilege and possible further disciplinary action.  Wall Township’s Use of Technology Policy #2360, and Acceptable Use of Computer Network/Computers and Resources Policy #2361 can be located on the district web site.

Inappropriate use or access to electronic networks or technological equipment: Failure to comply with technology/computer rules. To use computers/technology and/or electronic communications in an irresponsible, unethical, or illegal manner.  Students may not possess or participate in unauthorized publication and computer communications that attack or embarrass individuals or groups while in school.

Minor / First - Revocation of Access to Short Suspension
Serious / Repeated - Short Suspension to Expulsion

IPods, MP3 Players, Handheld/Portable Video Games, Cell Phones, Electronic Communications,& Recording Devices
Electronic communication and recording devices (ECRD) include any device with the capability to audio or video record or capable of receiving or transmitting any type of communication between persons.  An ECRD includes, but is not limited to, cameras, cellular and wireless telephones, pagers/beepers, laptop computers, tablet computers, electronic readers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), two-way radios, portable fax machines, video broadcasting devices, bluetooth items (including bluetooth headphones), wifi items, and any other device that allows a person to record and/or transmit, on either a real time or delayed basis, sound, video or still images, text, or other information.

A pupil is not permitted to have turned on or use these devices on school grounds during the school day, during passing time, lunch time, extra help, detention, intramurals, when the pupil is participating in a curricular or school sponsored co-curricular activity or any other school related activities.  An exception to this is after school when students may use their own cell phone in the main and side entrance foyer areas for emergency parent contact or at any time with the permission of a school staff member directly supervising the student. In addition, some teachers may permit the privilege of bluetooth headphones connected to their chromebooks during silent reading time. This “instructional bluetooth headphone” exception is only with teacher permission and students who violate this by continuing to wear these headphones in the hallway will lose any such privilege and will have their headphones confiscated and held for parental pick up.  Repeat offenses will be addressed as “Insubordination”. 

Students are NOT permitted to have cell phones in their possession during school hours. Cell phones should be turned completely off and secured in a student’s locker.  Students are not permitted to record video, or audio, or take pictures with any personal device in the building either during school hours or after school hours, or at any school event without express permission from administration.

Wall Intermediate School is not liable for lost, stolen or damaged devices/property and by bringing the device to school the student understands and assumes all risks.

Any of these items that are seen or heard during the school day will be confiscated and turned into the office. Offenses will require a parent to pick up the device from the office. If parents need to contact a student during the day, they are to call the Main Office 732.556.2500.

The above guidelines also apply to iPods, MP3 players, handheld/portable gaming systems, personal music devices, and devices using headphones or earbuds.  

Smart watches may be worn but must be in “Do Not Disturb” mode.  Students who engage in texting on a smartwatch will lose the privilege to wear it in school.

Recording video, sound and/or taking photos: Failure to comply with electronic communications and recording rules.

Minor / First - Central Detention to Saturday Detention
Serious / Repeated - Short Suspension to Long Suspension

Cell phone/Smartwatch violations: *Failure to comply with cell phone/smart watch rules.

First Offense - Central Detention 
Second Offense - Two Central Detentions
Third Offense - Extended Central Detention
Additional Offenses - Saturday Detention
*All cellphone/smart watch  infractions, starting with the second and subsequent infractions, will result in the confiscation of that item,  Parents will be responsible for picking up the confiscated item. 

Frequently Referenced Technology Communication Policies And Regulations

• Policy 2361 - Acceptable Use Of Computer Network/Computers And Resources
• Regulation 2631- Acceptable Use Of Computer Network/Computers And Resources 
• Policy 2363 - Pupil Use Of Privately-Owned Technology
• Policy 3283 - Electronic Communications Between Teaching Staff Members And Students
• Policy 5516 - Use Of Electronic Communication And Recording Devices (Ecrd)

All district policies and regulations can be found under the Board of Education tab on the district website, Policies & Regulations.
CIPA - Children's Internet Protection Act

Lockers

The lockers are the property of the district. Lockers are assigned to students as a convenience for storage of books, lunches, and extra clothing during the school day. Since lockers are not completely safe, large sums of money and other valuables should not be stored in them. Students should clean out  their lockers on a regular basis.  Both school and gym lockers may be checked periodically by school officials.

Student responsibilities regarding lockers include:

1. To keep the locker clean and in good shape.
2. To keep the combination a secret. The school is not responsible for theft from any locker.
3. To refrain from sharing the locker.
4. To use only the locker assigned to the student.
5. To use the locker to store only materials and supplies appropriate for school.
6. No items or adornments are to be posted outside of the locker.
7. No private locks are to be placed on the locker at any time.
8. No permanent stickers are to be placed on the lockers.
9. The student assigned to the locker is responsible for any and all items found in the locker during locker inspections by school officials.

Locker misuse: Failure to comply with locker rules. Students are not allowed to use school lockers for the storage of illegal items, items in violation of school rules, or harmful items. Students may not post pictures or stickers of questionable taste with subtle or outright sexual, drug, alcohol, tobacco, or gang connotations or messages.

Minor / First - Student Conference to Detention
Serious / Repeated - Short Suspension to Long Suspension

Food and Drink

Students are not to consume food outside of their lunch period.  Students are not to bring in open beverage containers i.e.: coffee, open water bottle, soda, etc. to school.  Refillable water bottles are to remain in students lockers throughout the school day with the exception of their lunch period.   Students may not be in possession of energy drinks i.e.: Red Bull, Monster, etc. at any time.

Food and/or drink outside of the designated area: Failure to comply with Food and drink rules.

First Offense - Student Conference
Second Offense - Central Detention
Third Offense - Two Central Detentions
Additional Offenses - Extended Central Detention

Student Medication and Screening Procedures

The Board of Education shall not be responsible for the diagnosis or treatment of pupil illness.  The administration of prescribed medication to a pupil during school hours will be permitted only when failure to take such medication would jeopardize the health of that pupil, or that pupil would not be able to attend school if the medication were not to be made available to him/her during school hours.

For the purpose of this policy, "medication" includes all medicines both prescribed and over-the-counter. All medication must be brought by the parent/guardian to the nurse's office in the original, labeled container and be accompanied by a written physician's order.

This order shall include:

1. The purpose of the medication

2. Dosage

3. Time for the medication to be administered or special circumstances to administer.

4. Possible side effects

In addition, the Board shall require the signature of the parent/guardian giving permission for such administration and relieving the Board and its employees of liability for the administration of the medication.  All medication shall be securely stored in the nurse’s office.  Any remaining medication shall be picked up by the parent/guardian at the end of the school year or end of the medication period.  All medication not picked up by the last day of school will be destroyed.  For your convenience, the school administration has medication forms available for your doctor to complete and sign.  These forms can be obtained from either the nurse or the Main Office.

Students may carry and self-administer a medication if it is considered to be life-saving, for example an Inhaler or Epi-Pen.  Medical documentation must be on file in the nurse’s office.  All other medication must be supplied by the parent to the school nurse along with a physician’s note which shall include the name of the medication, dosage, frequency and purpose.  School forms are available for your convenience. All medications require medical documentation including those sold over-the-counter.

Board Policy 5330 Administration of Medication

School Health Services

Tuberculosis

• All students transferring into New Jersey from out of state must be screened for TB.

Physical Examination

• Physicals are given by the school physician or may be administered by a private physician.
• All students planning to participate in a school sport.  (This examination is required to be completed prior to the first practice.)
• Special physicals are given to those students who are classified by the child study team at the time of their classification and then every three years.

Growth and Development

• All students will be weighed and measured.  In addition, each student referred for child study team evaluation, entering the school or referred by the parent, teacher or self will also be weighed and measured.

Blood Pressure

• All students will receive a blood pressure screening.

Hearing

• All 7th grade students receive a hearing test.  In addition, any student referred by the parent, teacher or self.

Vision

• All 6th & 8th grade students receive vision screening during the school year.  In addition, any student referred by parent, teacher or self.

Scoliosis

• All 7th grade students will receive a Scoliosis examination as required by state health code.

Additional Information

• Each of these services performed by the school is designed to supplement, never to replace the duties of the family physician.  Parents/Guardians will be notified of any abnormal or unusual findings.

Physical Education Medical Excuses

Students with an extended medical excuse ( >= 3 days) from a physician must submit documentation to the nurse.  The note must include the reason and length of time to be excused from physical education class.  A parent may only excuse a student for two days.  Longer excuses require a doctor’s note to ensure that the class grade will not be affected.