Parent/Student Handbook

 

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents and Guardians: 

Welcome to Red Bank Middle School! This handbook is designed to answer your questions about our school and to familiarize you with our policies and operating procedures. We will work together to cultivate an environment for personal growth and development so that your child fully enjoys their experience at Red Bank Middle School. 

The adolescent years can be challenging times for students, staff and parents. We will work cooperatively to help your child navigate with the social, emotional, physical and academic journey during the middle school years. Our partnership will provide a foundation from which your child will venture forth to realize his/her full potential. 

This handbook sets forth many of the responsibilities, regulations and procedures of our school setting. Please review and keep it for future reference. If we are all knowledgeable about the operations and policies of the school, we will be able to work together to ensure that your child has an amazing school experience.  

We look forward to a rewarding and satisfying school year. If at any time a question should arise or there is a need to verify information, please do not hesitate to call our main office at 732-758-1500 EXT 1515.

James T. Pierson	Michael Dougherty, J.D.
Principal	Vice Principal

Important Contacts

First	Last	Title	EXT
James	Pierson	Principal	1515
Michael	Dougherty	Vice Principal	1515
Liliana	Carvajal	Main Office Secretary	1515
Olga	Guzman	Main Office Secretary	1516
F. Michelle	Case-Ramalho	Confidential Secretary	1523
Carlos	Villacres	School Counselor	5166
Dawn	Fowler	School Counselor/HIB Specialist	1527
Sophia	Mierzwa	School Counselor	1859
Jeanette	Croken	School Nurse	1532
Josie	Katz	School Social Worker/SAC	5165
Joanne	Fiore	School Psychologist	1522
Caroline	McClelland	Speech Therapist	5169
Nicole	Tate	Director of Food Services	1539

 

 

 

 

  

 

        

 

Red Bank Middle School Attendance Office

Ms. Liliana Carvajal, Main Office Secretary 732-758-1500 EXT 1515

District Website

www.rbb.k12.nj.us 

School Hours

	REGULAR DAY	MINIMUM DAY	DELAYED OPENING DAY
Arrivals/Breakfast	8:05 a.m. – 8:20 a.m.	8:05 a.m. – 8:20 a.m.	10:22 a.m. – 10:28 a.m.
Instruction	8:30 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.	8:30 a.m. – 12:55 p.m.	10:30 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.
Dismissal	2:55 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.	1:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m.	2:55 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

 

For safety reasons, students should not arrive before 8:05 AM.

Attendance

Parents/Guardians are required to report absences and tardiness of students as they occur. The attendance office voicemail is available 24 hours a day at 732-758-1500 EXT 1515. The student’s name, grade, the reason for the absence, and return phone number must be reported. The attendance office will verify all absences and tardies that are not reported by parents/guardians. The number of accumulated absences and tardies can be found on the student report cards distributed each trimester.  

“An excused absence” is a student’s absence from school for a full day or a portion of a day for the observance of a religious holiday pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14 through 16, or any absence for the reasons listed below:

• The student’s illness supported by a written letter from the parent upon student’s return to school;
• The student’s required attendance in court;
• Where appropriate, when consistent with Individualized Education Programs, the Individuals with Disabilities Act, accommodation plans under 29 U.S.C. §§ 794 and 705(20), and individualized health care plans;
• The student’s suspension from school;
• Family illness or death supported by a written letter from the parent upon the student’s return to school;
• Necessary and unavoidable medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled at a time other than the school day;
• Take Our Children to Work Day;
• Religious observance, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14 through 16;
• Participation in observance of Veterans Day, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:36-13.2;
• Closure of a busing school district that prevents a student from having transportation to the receiving school;
• An absence considered excused by the Commissioner of Education and/or a New Jersey Department of Education rule;
• An absence for a reason not listed above, but deemed excused by the Principal upon a written request by the student’s parent stating the reason for the absence and requesting permission for the absence to be an excused absence;

 “Unexcused tardiness” may constitute an unexcused absence that counts toward truancy in accordance with Policy 5240.

Students who are absent (both excused and/or unexcused) on any particular day are not allowed to attend any school events (i.e. field trips, athletics, Student Council meetings, etc.), on that particular day. Excessive tardies and absences may result in disciplinary/administrative action and parent meetings with the Principal and/or Superintendent.

Arrival

The student schedule is from 8:22 - 2:55 p.m. Homeroom begins at 8:22 a.m. with students reporting to their assigned homeroom for attendance. Any student arriving after 8:20 a.m. MUST obtain a late pass from the main office and will be marked tardy.

Breakfast After The Bell

Red Bank Borough Public Schools recognize the positive impact breakfast has on student learning, health, and academic achievement. Therefore, breakfast will be available to students who arrive late to school.

Early Dismissal

Any child leaving early must do so prior to 2:30 PM. In the event a student needs to leave early, parents/guardians will need to notify the main office in advance.

School Closing Information

Due to inclement weather, there may be a need to close school. In the event that this occurs, traditional snow days will be utilized and parents will be notified by the Remind Phone Text System and our District website www.rbb.k12.nj.us.

Promotion and Retention

The Board of Education views retention as a last resort as an appropriate placement for optimal learning. Staff will design, implement, and document an intervention plan for individual students who are at risk of failure prior to consideration of retention.

Homework

Homework is designed to reinforce concepts and the content taught during the school day. We request that parents/guardians provide an appropriate place and ample time for their children to do their homework. It is extremely important that our students continue to develop and strengthen good study habits. All homework and project work should be recorded daily in the student’s agenda. Parents/guardians are encouraged to review their child’s agenda nightly to be sure their child is fulfilling their responsibilities.

Grading System

GRADE 4 

Standards-Based Grading: Measures a student’s mastery of grade-level standards by prioritizing the most recent, consistent level of performance. For students, learning targets are clearly defined and aligned with state standards. Parents are aware of what their child knows, can do, and what the next steps are for progress; parents know in what areas their child needs more support, and they are empowered to increase their child's confidence and help their students set goals. Lastly, teachers know exactly where students stand in their progress toward learning targets and what support needs to be provided.

GRADES 5 - 8 ACADEMIC CLASSES
Grading Category	Percentage
Graded Practice	35%
Major Assessments	25%
Quizzes	25%
Homework	15%
TOTAL	100%

Academic grades are given to students in letter code. There are 3 trimesters to report on your child’s progress. The following is an interpretation of the grades as seen on your child’s report card:

Report Card Grade	Description
A	90-100/Excellent
B	80-89/Good
C	70-79/Fair
D	65-69/Poor
F	64 or Below/Failing
I	Incomplete
M, P, F	Medical, Pass and Fail

Trimesters

Trimester 1	9/5 -12/4
Trimester 2	12/5 - 3/13
Trimester 3	3/14 - 6/19

Cycle Calendar

	All Grades PE/Health/Spanish 5 Cycles	Grades 4-6 Specials (Art, Music, AVID, PLTW & Computer Science)  5 Cycles	Grades 7-8 Specials (Art, Music, PLTW & Computer Science) 4 Cycles
Cycle 1	9/5 - 10/25	9/5 - 10/25	9/5 - 11/11
Cycle 2	10/28 - 12/20	10/28 - 12/20	11/12 - 1/28
Cycle 3	1/2 - 2/25	1/2 - 2/25	1/29 - 4/4
Cycle 4	2/26 - 4/17	2/26 - 4/17	4/7 - 6/17
Cycle 5	4/29 - 6/17	4/29 - 6/17	N/A

 

Special Area Class Grading 

Special Area class percentages will vary from one class to another depending on the curriculum and content taught. Teachers will prepare a syllabus for their individual criteria for Back To School Night and distribute it to parents at that time.

Student Recognition

Each trimester students in Grades 6-8 who demonstrate academic excellence in all subjects are distinguished by being designated honor roll students. There will be a recognition for attaining these levels of distinction after each trimester. 

• High Honors:  A student earns this status if he/she has earned a score of 92 or higher in all classes for a trimester.
• Honors:  A student earns this status if he/she has earned an 84 or higher in all classes for a trimester.

National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) 

The National Junior Honor Society is the leader among organizations and societies that promote recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in scholarship, character, leadership, citizenship, and service. The National Junior Honor Society's Red Bank Middle School Chapter was established in 2004. After trimester two, Grade 7th students who meet the established criteria developed by the NJHS committee are invited to apply. 

Students who hold a cumulative 3.8 GPA for 6th grade (Trimesters 1, 2 & 3) through 7th grade (Trimesters 1 & 2) are invited to apply to NJHS. Applications are then reviewed by a Faculty Council using a rubric that considers the following areas: Scholarship, Character Development, Leadership, and Service Activities. Completion of the application does not guarantee acceptance into the RBMS Chapter of NJHS. Here is an example of an NJHS Application used in previous years. Application subject to change at Principal’s discretion.

Since 1929, the National Junior Honor Society has recognized the highest-achieving students in grades 6-9. Modeled after its well-known companion program, the National Honor Society, NJHS provides a solid foundation for ambitious middle-level students as they prepare for their high school and higher education pursuits.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports are available via Genesis Parent Portal and reflect a student’s academic progress in each subject area. Parents are strongly encouraged to visit the Parent Portal frequently so they are knowledgeable about the child’s academic progress. A Remind message will be sent reminding parents/guardians to check Genesis Parent Portal.

Grade 8 Graduation Awards

Valedictorian: This honor is given to the student with the highest average across all classes from 6th to 8th grade.

Salutatorian: This honor is given to the student with the second-highest average across all classes from 6th to 8th grade.

Performing Arts Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated above-average ability in their performing arts class. The student is an asset to a performing arts group in ability, behavior, and good academic standing.

Visual Arts Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated above-average ability in visual arts class. The student has also demonstrated excellence in several mediums and is in good academic standing.

Content Area Awards: These awards are presented to students who have demonstrated academic growth and/or excellence in the designated areas and are in overall good academic standing.

• Language Arts: Exhibits strong writing skills and understanding of voice in writing.

• Mathematics: Exhibits a logical and creative mathematical mind and is in good academic standing.

• Social Studies: Demonstrates critical thinking,  civic-mindedness and is in good academic standing.

• Science Award: Demonstrates critical thinking and is in good academic standing.

Specialty Awards: These awards are presented to students who have demonstrated academic growth and/or excellence in the designated areas and are in overall good academic standing.

• Physical Education Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated excellence and/or tremendous growth in the Physical Education program.

• Bilingual/ESL Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated academic growth and/or excellence in ESL and/or Bilingual studies.

• AVID Award: This award is presented to an AVID Elective student who has demonstrated high levels of adherence and participation in the AVID methodologies and program mission. 

• RBMS Citizenship Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated leadership and civic-mindedness for their school and community. 

• Perseverance Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated perseverance throughout-out their educational journey at RBMS. 

• PLTW Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated academic growth and/or excellence in Project Lead the Way. 

• World Language Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated academic growth and/or excellence in a World Language.

• Digital Citizenship Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated academic growth and/or excellence in the area of Digital Citizenship.

• Principal’s Award: This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional personal growth in their years at the Red Bank Middle School. 

The Red Bank Borough Public Schools seek to ensure students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to interact responsibly in this increasingly interconnected world. We support a 1:1 program that pairs a student with a device that best suits their needs to create a dynamic educational experience. Our goal is to enhance the learning environment through expanded global opportunities, blended learning experiences, and creating, collaborating, and publishing online learning content.

Please review the District’s policies on Expectations, Everyday Care, Digital Citizenship and Repair and Replacement costs here: One to One Device Agreement. Additional details about General Precautions, Opening and Closing a Chromebook, Screen Care, and Steps to Clean and Disinfect a Chromebook can be found in our Chromebook Care Instructions.

Internet Access Standards

We are pleased to provide students access to the school’s electronic network.  The parent/guardian will receive an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Form. They are to read through it carefully and discuss it with their child. The form also includes permission for their child to be photographed during special activities/events. Parents can sign this AUP section if they do NOT want their child photographed and their picture used in any school-related media or for all students under 18 before accessing the network. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people.  

We intend to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives. A school-sponsored firewall has been established to block these inappropriate sites. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. Ultimately, parents/guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, Red Bank Borough Public Schools District supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to sign the AUP for network access. Acceptable Use Policy

Health Services

A full-time nurse is available to handle health conditions and emergencies. Any student who wishes to see the nurse must obtain a pass from the classroom teacher. In order for medication(s) to be dispensed, the nurse MUST have a written parental request accompanied by written orders from a physician stating the student’s name, dosage, and time to be dispensed. This medication must be brought to school by the parent/guardian in the original container. Under no circumstances will over-the-counter medication be administered by the school nurse, nor should any student carry over-the-counter medication. The nurse can be reached at 732-758-1500 EXT 1532.

Students who show any signs of illness should not attend school.

Child Study Team (CST)

The Child Study Team is led by the Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services and consists of a School Psychologist, Social Workers, and a Learning Disabilities/Teacher Consultant (LDTC). Depending on individual student needs, the school’s occupational therapist, physical therapist, and speech therapist are included on the team. The CST conducts evaluations and delivers related services to children with disabilities.  The CST is responsible for the child’s initial evaluation, eligibility determination, development, review, and revision of the Individualized Education Program, re-evaluation, and placement.

School Counselors

Schools Counselors are available for students. These services include assistance with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, career information, student schedules, and study skills.  Should parents or guardians desire conferences with teachers, please contact our school counselors (Sophia Mierzwa for 6th-7th grade at 732-758-1500 EXT 1859, for 8th grade Dawn Fowler at 732-758-1500 EXT 1527, and 4th-5th grade Carlos Villacres at 732-758-1500 EXT 5166).

Youth Helpline: 2NDFLOOR® New Jersey’s Youth Helpline is a toll-free, anonymous, and confidential helpline available 24 hours, 7 days per week, 365 days per year to all New Jersey young people ages 10-24. Youth can call 2NDFLOOR @ 1-888-222-2228 to speak with professionals and trained volunteers.

Peer Mediation

The Middle School utilizes the Working Together to Resolve Conflict curriculum to assist students with the struggles they often experience with peers during the developmental process of changing from a child to a young adult. Students need the cognitive awareness of conflict and information on how to resolve it, as well as the skills necessary to bring about behavioral change. Our peer mediation program captures these important aspects of the mediation process. Students utilize the Peer Mediation program to resolve conflicts before they require disciplinary action. Anyone requesting a peer mediation session should report to the School Counselor’s office.

Response to Intervention Team Process (RtI)

The Response to Intervention Team is a school-based problem-solving team that assists students identified as making minimal academic, emotional, social, and/or behavioral progress in the regular education setting. The members of the RTI Team gather and review student information in order to develop an Action Plan to address the areas where the student may be experiencing difficulty.

Accelerated Classes

Accelerated courses are offered in Grades 6-7 for Mathematics and Algebra 1 for Grade 8. Accelerated courses emphasize critical and independent thinking skills to produce creative applications of ideas and extend student learning at all levels. Accelerated programs and Algebra 1 have specific entrance requirements and completion criteria in order to satisfy the rigorous course requirements and expectations for this distinction. Students are selected for Accelerated Math or Algebra 1 based on a multi-level criterion that may consist of the following: Mastery of the current grade level end of year assessment, score on an end of year entrance exam, strong commitments to learning and problem solving, consistency in work ethic, report card grades, teacher recommendation, social and emotional readiness, and standardized test scores. A rubric is utilized to quantify each of these components. Students with the highest total scores are selected to participate in the course. A notice indicating placement will be sent home to the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian and the student will be required to sign and return the letter to their math teacher. 

After/Before School Programs

When possible, the Red Bank Middle School will offer students the opportunity to participate in study skills sessions, as well as, various enrichment activities beyond the duration of the regular school day, through our after/before school program. Once the school year has started, the after/before school program will be structured and additional information and sign-ups will be sent home to parents/guardians. Programs may include but are not limited to Chorus, Social Justice Club, Strings and Intramural Sports.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

AVID is a college readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll and persist in four-year colleges and universities. The Red Bank Middle School AVID Program incorporates four components: AVID Schoolwide, AVID Special Area, and AVID Secondary/Elective. Each component addresses the specific needs of our students in order to accelerate student learning and personal success.

• AVID Schoolwide:  A goal of AVID (beyond academic achievement) is to create a school-wide college-going culture that supports high expectations and high levels of achievement for all students.  The schoolwide AVID Essentials include a focus on WICOR methodology, which stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, & Reading. Throughout each classroom, WICOR instructional strategies engage students and scaffold instruction in making challenging content accessible. Additional AVID Schoolwide Essentials include the implementation of initiatives that are designed to support and motivate all students. Some examples are a unified organizational plan for each grade level, college-themed door decorating, and “Where are you headed?” Fridays.

• AVID Elective: AVID Elective is a special course taken during the school day. Seventh and eighth-grade students are selected for the AVID Elective class after an application process. For one class period a day, they learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, get academic help from peers and tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college and career options attainable. As students progress in AVID, their self-images improve, and they become academically successful students, leaders, and role models for other students.

Student Council

The Red Bank Middle School Student Council is an organization that serves as the official voice of the student body and attempts to better the student experience. 

• Student Council is involved in policy-making, event planning, community service, and many other activities.

• Student Council enables students to share their perspectives with members of the administration and the DREAM Team.

• All students are eligible to hold an elected position and/or participate in the Student Council.

Any student acquiring excessive disciplinary referrals at any point during the year may be removed from their position.  It will be at the discretion of the Student Council advisor and administration if removal is warranted.

Interscholastic Athletic Programs

Students in Grades 5 (Cross Country Only), 6, 7, and 8 may participate in interscholastic athletic programs. Teams compete against teams from different schools in Monmouth County. Physicals, permission slips, and a participation contract are required to be eligible to participate. All athletes are required to maintain academic and behavioral expectations as outlined in the participation contract that parents and students are required to sign. In cases where a good academic/behavioral status is not maintained, actions may be issued as per the Red Bank Middle School Code of Conduct and as identified in file code 6145 of the Red Bank Board of Education Board Policy.

The Red Bank Middle School Sports Program will include but is not limited to the following sports:

• Fall: Boys and Girls Soccer and Cross Country

• Winter: Boys and Girls Basketball 

• Spring: Baseball and Softball

Red Bank Middle School relies on the core values of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship as the foundation of our school-wide character education initiative. Students will participate in character-building and motivational activities during “Where are you headed? Fridays”, special events, as well as, through academic content. Expectations for student behavior include respect for all members of the school community. An effective instructional program requires a safe, civil, and orderly environment, and the effectiveness of the educational program is, in part, reflected in the student's behavior. The Code of Student Conduct has been established to support that belief. Our consequence and infraction chart can be located here: RBMS Code of Conduct Infraction Chart, and out student discipline board policy can be found here: Student Discipline - Board Policy 5600. 

Cell Phones: In Grades 4-5, students must store cell phones in their book bags. In Grades 6-8, students must store their cell phones in their lockers. 

While on the school grounds and in the school building all students are expected to: 

• Be in compliance with the district dress code

• Leave all valuables at home

• Come to attention and be quiet by responding to the raised hand signal 

• Demonstrate proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, school personnel, and for the care of school facilities and equipment

• Adhere to all safety protocols implemented due to the pandemic

While in the halls, students are expected to:

• Keep to the right and walk directly to the next class, using the designated up/down staircase

• Carry a pass when in the halls during class time 

• No passes are allowed during the first 10 minutes of class and the last 10 minutes of class

• Respect the space and property of others

• Display courteous and orderly behaviors

• Move as quickly as possible and do not loiter in the hallway

• Arrive to class on time

• Restrooms may only be used when you have a pass from the teacher - do not use restrooms in between classes

• Carry a paper hall pass provided by a teacher

When entering and while in the classroom, students are expected to:

• Arrive on time with all necessary materials (binder, agenda, writing instrument, assignments, charged Chromebook)

• Perform the “Do Now” that is prominently posted

• Use academic time appropriately and effectively

• Follow all class rules for proper conduct and treat one another with RESPECT

While at a school assembly or performance, students are expected to:

• Sit in their assigned area for the entire length of the performance or assembly

• Demonstrate courteous audience behavior by remaining quiet and by giving the speaker or performer complete attention

While eating, students are expected to:

• Use acceptable table manners, clean their own tables, and floor areas

• Treat students, teachers, cafeteria workers and custodians with RESPECT

• Remain seated unless instructed to buy food or dispose of garbage

• Remain in the cafeteria until dismissed

Student Restroom Use: Students must carry a bathroom pass (pass on lanyard) to the bathroom. Bathroom monitors will assist students as they sign into the bathroom using Genesis Turnstile. Passes will be hung up on the hooks outside of the bathroom.

While in the restroom students are expected to:

• Wash his/her hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water 

• Keep facilities neat and clean

• Return to class promptly

When there is a fire drill or other emergency codes, students are expected to:

• Follow the designated emergency route for exiting and entering the building

• Exit quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner

• Remain in line quietly at the designated area at all times

• Follow teacher signal to return to building/classroom

Upon class and school dismissal, students are expected to:

• Wait for the teacher to dismiss the class and follow all dismissal procedures

• After the announcement is made by the main office, walkers and pickups will exit the designated door

• After the announcement is made by the main office for each bus, those bus students are to exit out of the designated door and report to their bus. Should any bus arrive late, students/teachers will await further instructions from the main office

While traveling on a school bus, students are expected to:

• Remain seated and use seat belts

• Treat peers, bus drivers, and bus aides with RESPECT and follow directions

• Keep the bus clean and tidy - do not leave trash behind

• No food or drinks are allowed on the bus

• Do not throw objects in or out of the bus

• All body parts must remain inside the bus

• Get off at the assigned location

• Adhere to all safety protocols implemented due to the pandemic

While in attendance at school-sponsored activities/events (dances/evening events, field trips, sports programs, and extracurricular activities), students are expected to:

• Stay within the activity areas and may only use designated restrooms

• Treat each other and chaperones with RESPECT

• Consume food and drink within designated areas

• Be present in school the day of an after-school or school-sponsored activity in order to participate

• Arrange prompt pick up at the scheduled dismissal of the event or activity 

• Remain for the duration of the event. Once a student leaves the activity/event they are not able to re-enter the building

• Refrain from acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying (which includes cyber-bullying), pursuant to RBBOE Policy Code 2361

• Failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct during school-sponsored activities/events may result in loss of participation in future school activities/events, as well as disciplinary actions

While off of school grounds, students are expected to:

• Adhere to the behavioral expectations as identified in the RBMS Code of Conduct and RBBOE Policies

• Refrain from acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying (which includes cyber-bullying), pursuant to RBBOE Policy Code 2361 

• Exhibit RESPECT for self and others, as well as for community members and properties

Lockers

Lockers will be assigned for students in Grades 6th through 8th. When not in use, all books and personal items, including coats, are to be kept in lockers. Students must be mindful of placing all items carefully in the locker before closing the door. Lockers should be kept clean and organized. Students may access their lockers during the scheduled times indicated by their grade level teachers. Students are not allowed to bring their own locks. The sharing of lockers and/or locker combination numbers is strictly prohibited. 

Medical Exemptions

The school nurse issues one-day gym exemptions for temporary disability or other similar circumstances.  A student may also be excused by the school nurse upon written request from his/her parents.  Exemptions from a physician must be filed with the school nurse as part of the student’s permanent health record.  The nurse will then notify the physical education teacher. A physician’s note is required for a student to resume gym following a serious illness or after an injury.  This note must be filed with the school nurse, who will then notify the physical education teacher.  A student injured during a physical education class must report immediately to the teacher and then report to the nurse.

Transportation and Safety

Students who reside in a bussing zone will be transported on regulation-size school buses. Bus routes and bus stops are carefully planned by the Red Bank Borough Board of Education.  Students may only take their assigned bus. Students are not permitted to ride another student’s bus to or from school for any reason. Students who ride the wrong bus may be subject to disciplinary consequences as per the code of conduct at the discretion of the administration. Additionally, a variety of safety protocols may be implemented due to health-related challenges.

All students will be provided with a transportation card. Student cards will indicate walker/pick-up or will include the bus number and stop location. Additionally, their cohort information and homeroom will be included on this card. Students MUST come to school with this transportation card daily.

To make certain students conduct themselves in a way that promotes safety, the following regulations are established:

• Each year there will be in-service training for drivers conducted jointly by the bus company and the school administration before the first day of school.

• Children will be given bus orientation, including appropriate pupil behavior and bus evacuation drills at least two (2) times a year.  The first such session must be conducted in the first week of school by the principal or his/her designee.

• Should children behave on a bus in a way that is a threat to the safety of others, the bus will pull to the side.  The driver will make it clear to the children that he/she will wait there until they are orderly.  The bus may be returned to school until the order is restored.

• If the disorder continues, the bus driver will stay to the side, and a school administrator will be called to the site.  

• Bus drivers are provided with School Bus Incident Report Forms to report behavioral infractions and bus incidents.

• The Principal or his/her designee will interview alleged offenders and other witnesses, as necessary, to obtain a comprehensive picture of events that occurred. Appropriate Administrative Action will be taken as outlined in the Red Bank Public Schools Code of Student Conduct.

• Bus suspension regulations apply to special education students, as well as mainstream students, except those for whom bussing is included in their IEP.  If suspended, they will be placed in smaller vehicles.

• Parents/guardians will be given a contract each year which ensures their knowledge and understanding of the above and which they must sign for their child(ren) to use the bus.

• All regulations apply to the late bus.

Administrative Detention Guidelines

• Administrative detention will be assigned during the week, after school, from 3:10 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.  When assigned, students are to report promptly to the cafeteria. Lateness will result in an additional day of detention. If a student does not report to detention, additional detention(s) will be added and the parent/guardian will be contacted immediately.

• Students must return the detention form signed by the parent/guardian. Any student who doesn’t return the form will have to contact the guardian during the detention.

• Transportation arrangements to and from detention must be arranged by the parent/guardian

• No food, beverages, cell phones, or any other electronic equipment are allowed

• Talking is not permitted

• Detentions take precedence over after-school activities and athletics

Alternate Class Education (ACE) / In-School Suspension Guidelines

• Students are required to complete all assigned work and to participate in all structured activities.

• No food, beverages, cell phones, or any other electronic equipment are allowed in the ACE room. 

• Students will eat lunch separately from their classmates

• Talking is not permitted

• Students will not be allowed to leave the room without an escort

• If a student is absent for the assigned session, they must bring in a signed Doctor’s note, and they will be rescheduled for the next session

Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)/Other Administrative Action

• Students are to remain at home under strict supervision

• Students must not visit the school for any reason or participate in or attend any school-related activity

• A post-suspension conference may  be scheduled with the Principal and/or the Vice Principal with the student and parent/guardian

• The student will receive post-suspension counseling

In accordance with the Red Bank Borough Board of Education Policy Code 5512, the Board prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying against any student. This means any gesture or written, verbal or physical act that is perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic such as including but not limited to:  race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory handicap.

Any suspected HIB that is witnessed by a faculty member must be reported. Any suspected HIB disclosed by a student must be reported. Any suspected HIB activity which is cyber-based must also be reported. The HIB/School Climate Team will determine whether the alleged incident meets the definition of HIB under State Code. Please familiarize yourself with the district HIB Policies in the links below and it can also be found on our district website.

CYBERBULLYING

Refrain from acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying (which includes cyber-bullying), pursuant to RBBOE Policy Code 2361.

District Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy

For further information or to report an incident, please contact:

RBMS HIB Specialist: Dawn Fowler

https://www.rbb.k12.nj.us/district/i/hib

Educators have suggested a number of concrete actions that parents/guardians can take to help their children learn. In an effort to support a positive and successful school experience, we recommend that you do the following:

• Review the Code of Conduct section with your child

• Take an active interest in your child’s activities

• Talk to the teachers about your child’s progress

• Utilize the district website www.rbb.k12.nj.us

• Read together

• Offer praise and encouragement

• Be enthusiastic about your child’s daily school experiences and homework

• Be a good role model

• Teach your child self-respect and respect for others

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences are held twice a year and upon request by either a parent/guardian or staff members. The purpose of is to increase articulation between parents/guardians and their child’s teacher(s).

Fall	November 4-5, 2024
Spring	March 19-20, 2025

 

Ongoing Communication

We encourage open communication with parents. We believe in a team approach to education: all children benefit from a close and positive interaction between their school and their families. Communication channels between the school and parents include progress reports, report cards, conferences, phone calls, e-mails, and notes at home. The school website is also another vehicle for communication. It houses the district and middle school calendar and provides information on upcoming activities/events. It may be accessed on the district website at www.rbb.k12.nj.us. Twitter @RBMSRockets, automated phone calls, general flyers/notices, and the Remind text messaging system are all ways in which the Middle School communicates with families.