A GUIDE TO PARENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The education of our children is a joint effort, and our children benefit in many ways from cooperation and understanding between home and school. During the course of the year, many parents have questions about their child or about a school program or activity. Furthermore, they may encounter terms that are not familiar to them or procedures that they don’t understand. A parent having a school-related question should contact the child’s school. Listed below are some terms, programs, and procedures about which many parents ask. Understanding these rights and responsibilities helps all of us work together for our children.
BASIC SKILLS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS
These programs provide remedial or supplemental instruction for students scoring below state-established minimum proficiencies in reading, writing, or mathematics, or as recommended by their teacher. Parents are entitled to be informed of student entrance and exit procedures for these programs and to receive a copy of the individual student instructional plan (ISIP).
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT
Cases of suspected child abuse/neglect must, by law, be reported to the state’s Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS). Anyone having questions about a specific situation may call DYFS directly at (800) 392-2721 or (609) 530-8770. The toll free number is 1(877) NJABUSE or 1(877) 652-2873.
CURRICULUM GUIDES
Curriculum Guides are available in the Curriculum and Instruction Office (806_4203). Parents have the right to request that their children be excused from the discussion of any topic that the parents feel may be in conflict with their conscience or with sincerely held moral or religious beliefs. In such cases, a letter should be forwarded to the principal of the child’s school.
DISCIPLINE
Students are entitled to a safe and orderly school environment. Parents with questions about how and when discipline is applied at the elementary school can contact the teacher and the principal; at the middle school, parents can contact the teacher, assistant principal, and the principal; and at the high school, parents can contact the teacher, supervisor(s), assistant principal, and the principal.
EXTENDED VACATIONS
Extended vacations are discouraged. Parents should plan vacations to coincide with scheduled school holidays. We believe that continuity of instruction is an important part of your child’s education.
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments should be expected from most curricular areas. Parents should ensure that their child has a quiet time and a well-lit place to work.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Due to the cost of the district’s renting, buying, and repair of musical instruments, any student wishing to participate in orchestra or band activities shall be advised of the cost of renting an instrument at the beginning of the school year and shall be requested to bear the cost. Such charges shall not impose a hardship on a student or his or her family. In such instances, the parents may request that the student be exempted from charges at the beginning of each school year by sending a request, in confidence, to the principal.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
As one of the organizational links between home and school, the PTO strengthens the partnership between parents and teachers. Every parent is a member.
Teachers and parents have the responsibility to be prepared for parent-teacher conferences. Bilingual translation is offered.
Children are more successful in school if parents are involved. Parent involvement means not only interaction with school, but parental support at home to reinforce school-based learning.
Meeting the district’s academic standards is an important part of preparing students to achieve their personal goals as well as providing them with the proper preparation for advanced study. Occasionally, retention at a specific grade level is necessary to meet those standards. Parent-teacher team participation is desirable before a decision is reached regarding repetition of a school year.
Parents (including noncustodial parents) are entitled to review all school records directly related to their own child.
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