THE KNIGHT NOTEBOOK

PARENT’S GUIDE

2015 – 2016

James Madison Intermediate School

838 New Dover Road

Edison, NJ 08820

(732) 452-2960

Kathleen Miller, Principal

Andrew Brandon, Assistant Principal

Elizabeth Chang, Secretary

Susanne DeJohn, Secretary

Marion Mateicka, School Nurse

Stephen Miller, Guidance Counselor

Website: http://www.edison.k12.nj.us/Domain/15

“Our task is to educate their (our students) whole being so they can face the future. We may not see

the future, but they will and our job is to help them make something of it. ~Ken Robinson

EDISON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION

312 Pierson Ave. Edison, NJ 08837 (732) 452-4900

http://www.edison.k12.nj.us

Veena Iyer, President Frank Heelan, Vice President

Deborah Anes Beth Moroney Lori A. Bonderowitz Jerry Shi Lora L. Fong Theresa E. Ward Margot Harris

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Richard O’Malley Superintendent of Schools Tara Beams Assistant Superintendent, Elementary,

Grades Pre–K – 5 Margaret DeLuca Chief Academic Officer Christopher Conklin Assistant Superintendent, Pupil – Special Services Daniel Michaud Business Administrator/Board Secretary Sandra Reid Coordinator of NCLB / Assessments/ Mandated Programs / District Anti-Bullying; Special Assistant to Business Administrator Richard Benedict Manager of Enrollment and Data Systems John Griffiths Transportation Specialist Ralph Barca Chief Information and Technology Officer Kenneth Stromsland Director of Plant, Operations, and Maintenance Jonathan Busch, Esq. Board of Education Attorney

JAMES MADISON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 2015 – 2016

3-1 Jennifer A. Soto 5 ICS Anthony Capaccio 28

3-2 Lisa Augliera 8 ICS David Cherence 16

3-3 Natalia Videla 6 ICS Priscilla Larino 22

3-4 Kimberly Koc 9 ICS Marta Neri 17

3-5 Barbara Coscarelli 1 ICS Diane Mosko 6

3-6 Janine Erceg 7 ICS Cathy Shaw 5

3-7 Kristina Brown 4

3-8 Jennifer Carloni 10 Voc Mus Anne Simpson T 1

3-9 Angela L. Adornetto 11 Band Vincent Borselli T 2

4-1 Casey Kennette 20 Strings Molly Minichiello T 2

4-2 Alysia Battista 21

4-3 Angie McKenna 23 Rdg Carol Hong T 3

4-4 Natalie Kantar 24

4-5 Jean Vaticano 22 Math Spclst Joann Young-Dulina T 3

4-6 Mindy Einhorn 26

4-7 Lynn Packard 25 G & T Jill Grunewald T 4

4-8 Christine Beni 28

5-1 Shannon Stone 19 Nurse Marion Mateicka Clinic

5-2 Jennifer Misko 12

5-3 Monica Ulisse-Landrove 17 Guidance Stephen Miller LIB A

5-4 Tracey Hunter 14

5-5 Timothy Banos 15 Lib Aide Lorraine Furilla Library

5-6 Michele Sileski 16

5-7 Therese Blair 18 Ellen Baxter (SW)

5-8 Catherine Nuesa 13 C S T Melissa Brandeis (Psy) 18B

Pamela Aurilio (LDTC)

ESL Julie Zambrano 2

Spanish Josefina Nunez 3 Principal Kathleen Miller Office

Asst. Princ. Andrew Brandon 16B

Speech Laura Storer 16A Secretary Elizabeth Chang Office

Jeffrey Tobie

Secretary Susanne DeJohn Office

Art Nicholas Mockoviak 27 Fac Mgr Paul Jenney Cust

Cust Steven Tagliareni Cust

PE 1 Kenneth Molnar MPR Cust Justin Pickett Cust

PE 2 Robert Buccino MPR Cust Jared Hand (JMI/FDR) Cust

Lunch Aide Zubaide Ahmed Lunch Aide Sangita Patel

Lunch Aide Carol Bundschuh Lunch Aide Chithra Pillai

Lunch Aide Catherine Cyr Lunch Aide Bibi Ramesar

Lunch Aide Ann Dzioba Lunch Aide Mafalda Ruvolo

Lunch Aide Sonja Holmes-Starling Lunch Aide Antonia (Maria) Tropeano

Lunch Aide Joan Kukura Lunch Aide Janet Vanegas

Lunch Aide Remedios (Nora) Maulit Lunch Aide Shui-Szeto (Sue) Wong

Lunch Aide Rency Nadpara Lunch Aide Cynthia Weng

Lunch Aide Arti Patel Lunch Aide Katherine Zavalla

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE At James Madison Intermediate School, we believe that students should:

Start where you are.

Use what you have. Do what you can.

~Arthur Ashe

Our goal is to develop your child academically, grow them socially and emotionally, and guide them towards independent thinking and problem

solving. Students will be encouraged to display good character and to make good choices that will result in successful outcomes. The active participation

of students, staff, families and community organizations are essential for our continued success.

High standards and expectations for each student in regard to responsible citizenship and academic effort are the foundation of our school. It is with

pride that we hold these high standards, and ask each of our students to commit to maintaining the extraordinary effort of achievement and

contribution that will be the legacy of JMI. It is the contribution of our

students to our school community that makes JMI an exceptional learning community.

Our staff at JMI is simply amazing. They continually create opportunities for intellectual risk-taking, collaboration, problem solving, and application of

classroom learning to real-life situations. Our teachers design instruction to integrate a variety of innovative technological tools and resources to

enhance learning. Their goal is to educate the whole child, instilling social and emotional experiences that will support their growth, as they make the

journey from third to fifth grade.

Come join us on an extraordinary journey, where we have the opportunity to

explore the world through the eyes of our children. Together we can imagine and discover the endless possibilities the world has to offer for the

future of our children.

JMI STUDENTS ARE…

CARING

JMI students show concern for others, including those whom they may not consider to be their “good” friends. They offer help and assistance to others without complaint and without seeking reward. They do for others, often without being asked. They make the school a friendly and warm place to be in.

RESPECTFUL

JMI students treat others with courtesy and consideration. They have good manners, say “please” and “thank you,” and are friendly and polite to everyone, regardless of whom they meet. They treat others the way they themselves would like to be treated.

FAIR

JMI students use good judgment in dealing with people and situations. They do not allow others’ opinions to bias their thinking, and they listen to others’ feelings with an open heart. They are just, reasonable, and impartial in their actions toward others, using the tools of conflict resolution to solve problems.

RESPONSIBLE

JMI students get to school on time, ready to learn. They are prepared with appropriate learning materials and completed homework. They exercise good study skills and work habits, and they manage their time thoughtfully. They understand what their duties are, both in the classroom and at home, and they carry them out dependably.

HONEST

JMI students are sincere, trustworthy and loyal. They tell the truth. If they may have made a mistake, they admit it, take the consequence, and move on. They avoid cheating, lying, and stealing at all times.

GOOD CITIZENS

JMI students are proud to be members of their country, their township, and their school community. They show respect for national symbols, such as the flag and the National Anthem. They volunteer to do a little extra to make their class, their town, and James Madison Intermediate School each become a better place.

At James Madison Intermediate School, students strive to develop their brains and their character!

SCHOOL SCHEDULES

Bus pick-up is approximately 30 minutes before school begins. Specific time varies with the particular stops on each route.

Regular Hours 8:55 AM – 3:30 PM

Delayed Opening 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Single Session 8:55 AM – 1:30 PM

SCHOOL PROCEDURES ARRIVAL

Teachers, as well as safety patrols, are out on the playground to supervise the children at 8:30 AM. Students should not enter the playground area before that time. LATE ARRIVAL

School begins promptly at 8:55 AM. In the event your child is late to school ten times in a

marking period, a mandatory parent meeting with the principal and attendance officer will be

scheduled.

LINE-UP

Students line up on the playground according to their room number. EARLY CLOSING/EARLY DISMISSAL

The School Messenger automated voicemail system will be used to notify parents of important information related to school closings, delayed openings, and early dismissals. In addition, notification of early closings and delayed openings will also be announced on radio stations WCTC 1450 AM, NJ 101.5 FM, and WNJQ 94.5 FM. starting at 6:00 AM and continuing at intervals thereafter. You can also watch FOX – Channel 5, WNBC – Channel 4, NEWS 12 NJ – Channel 12, and our own Edison School Network station, Channel 118, or go onto the district website – http://www.edison.k12.nj.us for information on delayed openings and closings. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE RADIO STATIONS OR THE SCHOOL.

On delayed opening days, elementary school classes will begin at 10:30 AM. Buses will run; however, they will pick students up at approximately 10:00 AM.

Your child(ren) should be made aware of exactly what to do when there is an early closing.

PLEASE NOTIFY THE SCHOOL OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR HOME, CELL OR WORK NUMBER IS CHANGED OR DISCONNECTED. PLEASE BE CERTAIN THE SCHOOL CAN CALL AN ALTERNATE NUMBER OF SOMEONE NEARBY IN ANY EMERGENCY. INCLEMENT WEATHER

On days when the weather is inclement, or when the temperature is below freezing, students will be permitted to line up inside the building. Students are to assemble at the location designated by their teachers and await the teacher’s arrival. This procedure is necessary to ensure that teachers who are on duty may properly supervise the children.

VISITORS

A security system is up and running in the school. School doors are locked at all times. Visitors should enter through the front entrance. Entry is monitored by closed circuit TV, and visitors will need to identify themselves and their purpose for visiting the school before being admitted into the building. It is BOE policy that all visitors who enter the building during school hours sign the Visitor’s Book located in the Main Office. NO ONE is permitted to go to a child’s classroom, nurse’s office, library or anywhere else in the building, unless you report to the Main Office first. This policy is necessary for the children’s protection and safety. If you expect to be in the school for more than a few minutes, you will be given a visitor’s pass.

If it is necessary for you to take your child out of school, due to illness or for personal reasons, your signature is required in the Student Sign-Out book, which is located in the Main Office. PARKING AND DROP-OFF/PICKUP To ensure the safety of our children, all parents are reminded to follow the procedures for dropping off and picking up their child(ren. The outside lane, which is the lane closest to the two schools, is for buses only. The inner lane is reserved for parents dropping students off at JMI. A staff member will be on duty in the morning from 8:45-9:00 AM. to assist children in crossing the bus lane. Students with siblings at JMP are not permitted to arrive at school prior to 8:45 AM. In the afternoon the inner lane will be closed. Parents may not drive in the inner lane to pick up their child(ren) at the end of the school day. Parents must park their cars in the lot and cross through the opening in the fences to pick up their child(ren). ATTENDANCE

Please refer to Policy #5200 and Regulation #5200 on Attendance, which are readily available for your perusal on the district website, http://www.edison.k12.nj.us. DISCIPLINE

Students are expected to demonstrate safe and respectful behavior to all members of the school community at all times while on school property or during school hours (including their commute to and from school). Students are also expected to demonstrate positive school character as outlined by our “Character Counts” and “Social Skills and Decision Making” character education program. Students who do not comply with such are subject to the following dispositions included in the district discipline policy, which may be reviewed on our website: http://www.edison.k12.nj.us/domain/1244. DRESS CODE Numerous viewpoints exist regarding the extent to which student dress should be regulated. It is generally felt that the school has a responsibility to assist students in developing an understanding of what constitutes “good taste” and acceptable practice in this area. It is also recognized that this responsibility cannot rest with the school alone. As with many aspects of our society, the home and other community agencies, along with the school, must assume a responsibility for the development of positive attitudes and values within a safe environment.

HOMEWORK

Although the frequency and amount of work assigned will largely depend on individual teachers, homework will be assigned to students on a regular basis. Since homework is an extension of the curriculum that is delivered in school, students are expected to demonstrate responsibility in completing all homework in a timely manner. While also risking the development of a gap in their learning, students who habitually fail to complete their homework also risk significant classroom repercussions, not excluding the lowering of subject grades.

If a student is absent from school, he/she is expected to make up all work that is missed. Parents may call the office in the morning to report the absence and request any missed classwork and homework. Also, due to time constraints, such work will not be available for pickup until the end of the day. LOST AND FOUND

Lost and Found articles will be placed in bins in the Multi-Purpose Room. Students will be encouraged to look through the bins weekly for any items he/she may have lost. If a student misplaces an item he/she may ask to check the items in the Lost and Found or place a description of the item in the office if it has not yet been found. All clothing and personal items appropriate for school should be labeled with the student’s name and homeroom. Please note that, at no time, will students be permitted to bring to school electronic devices such as cell phones, electronic toys, headphones, radios, etc. If any such items are discovered, they will be confiscated by the office immediately. The office will arrange for the items to be picked up by the student’s parents. Also, for safety reasons, “heelies”-type sneakers are not permitted in school.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be sent home with your child on the following dates:

November 25, 2015 April 27, 2016 February 12, 2016 June 22, 2016

Report cards provide an assessment of student learning and demonstrate academic achievement. Parents may keep report cards, but must sign and return envelopes after each marking period. BREAKFAST

The Edison Township Board of Education collaborates with Chartwells to offer breakfast to our students. Breakfast is ordered one month in advance. If a child qualifies for free/reduced lunch, breakfast will also be provided. All other students can purchase breakfast for $1.00. LUNCH Students will eat together in the multi-purpose room at each grade level. Grades 3 and 4 begin lunch at 12:16 PM. Each of these lunch periods will be split into two 20-minute periods, where half of the students will eat their lunches, while the other half has recess. Grade 3 will have lunch first, while grade 4 students will have their recess. Fifth grade students will eat lunch at 1:06 PM and have recess after lunch. During inclement weather days, students will spend the recess period in their classrooms.

Each day, students will have the option of selecting one of three school lunches provided by Chartwells, our district food service, or eating a bagged lunch brought from home. Individual snacks and drinks will also be provided for purchase. School lunch is ordered a day in advance during the morning exercises in the student’s respective homeroom. It is important for students to remember what they ordered for lunch. It is also recommended that students purchase their lunches on a weekly or monthly basis. Parents can simply send in advance purchase money to the school every Monday of each school week or place money on account through https://www.MyPaymentsPlus.com or call 1-877-237-0946. Free and reduced lunches are offered to families that demonstrate economic hardship, on the appropriate forms, which can be downloaded. Go to www.edison.k12.nj.us and click on the link, Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application, located on the lower left hand side of the screen, to download a form.

If students forget their lunches or lunch money, they should come to the office. The office will call home for it. Please make sure to keep your child’s MyPaymentsPlus account up-to-date or ensure your child has enough money. Our office and Chartwells are unable to lend money. BIRTHDAY OPTIONS

Birthdays are very important to the students, and should be celebrated! They are just as important as the academic instruction that our children receive on a daily basis. While we recognize the importance of the celebration, you may perhaps consider the following “non-food” birthday options:

read a book to the class (either by parent, grandparent, or child)

small token “goody,” such as a pencil / pen, crayons, etc.

However, should you choose to send in birthday treats for your child: only single serve snacks, which can be given out easily on a napkin, nothing which needs to be cut, served, or poured. Snacks must not have sugar listed as the first ingredient. Drinks are not necessary but, if sent in, must only be small individual bottles of water. These options will allow for your child to celebrate his/her birthday while having limited interruption to the classroom instruction. BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT

Back-to-School Night is activity-designed for parents to obtain a general overview of the organizational culture of the school and their child’s individual classroom, as well as to experience what a day in your child’s classroom is like. It is not a time for parent-teacher conferencing. During individual teacher presentations, the following information will be shared:

Personal Introduction

Curriculum, i.e.: Balanced Literacy

Key Instructional Strategies, i.e., Manipulatives in Mathematics

Classroom Policies and Procedures

Homework Policy

Assessment: Grading/Report Cards/Portfolios/Standardized Tests

Academic & Behavioral Expectations

Parent Communication

Our Back-to-School Night will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2015:

Welcome (Introduction of Staff and Programs) with Principal in the Multi-Purpose Room

Classroom presentation by classroom teachers in their respective classrooms

Special presentations by other teachers who may work with your child in their respective classrooms

The times are, as follows:

5:30 PM GRADE 3 Homerooms

6:15 PM GRADE 4 Homerooms

7:00 PM GRADE 5 Homerooms

In addition, our Specials teachers will present overviews of their programs, as follows:

5:30 PM and 6:30 PM Physical Education, Art, Music, English-as-a-Second Language (ESL), Spanish, Gifted and Talented (G&T), Speech, and Reading

CONFERENCES

Parents are encouraged to conference with teachers, guidance counselor and/or the principal as desired, as long as they provide advance notice, or do so during the two scheduled conference periods: in the Fall (November 10, 11, and 17), and in the Spring (March 1, 3, and 8). To conference with a teacher or the principal, call the office or the teacher to make an appointment, or send in a note with your child asking the teacher to contact you to set up a time to meet. Please make sure you provide the correct information for the teacher to do so. Although, due to prior commitments, the principal may not be able to meet with you, you may stop by the school without an appointment to meet with her. We ask, however, that you not to do this with teachers, so as to ensure that they have enough time to properly prepare themselves for any concerns that you may have.

On scheduled conference days, as noted above, school will be conducted on an abbreviated schedule and students will be dismissed at 1:30 PM.

ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS GRADES 3, 4 and 5

Students in grades 3 through 5 will no longer be taking the NJ ASK, but instead will be taking the PARCC Assessment. PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) assesses the students based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The CCSS provide educators with a set of standards to be taught every year. In transitioning to the CCSS, there are three major educations shifts, in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math:

English Language Arts (ELA) MATH

Building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction

Focus to align to standards

Reading, writing and speaking, grounded in evidence from text

Coherence to think across grades and link two major concepts

Regular practice with complete text and rich academic language

Rigor to pursue conceptual understanding

Edison’s curriculum has been updated to address the CCSS to continue providing the best education for students. Please note: Grade 4 students will continue to take the NJ ASK Science assessment. For more information regarding the PARCC assessment, please visit the website at www.parcconline.org. MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

The school nurse operates the health clinic. As well as handling all school medical emergencies and health concerns, she administers medications, manages all required medical paperwork, and disseminates health information to students, staff and parents. She also coordinates our “Growing Up” program in Grade 4 and presents health-related mini-lessons to students in other grade levels.

Medication shall be administered only upon the written order of a licensed physician, and a written request from the parent. The order from the physician must include the diagnosis, dosage of medication, and time it is to be given. All medications must be sent to the nurse in a labeled prescription bottle.

The parent request shall grant permission to administer the medication and shall release the school of all liability. These requirements also apply to any over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, Advil, etc. Also, cough drops should be dropped off at the nurse’s office along with a permission note from the parent.

In the interest of your child’s health, as well as the health of other students, it is suggested that you keep your child home if he/she has the following symptoms:

a. Fever over 100 F b. Vomiting during the night or morning c. Heavy or loosely frothing coughing, and/or extensive nasal discharge d. Severe headache, diarrhea, and/or stomach cramps

If you have any health questions or concerns, or if your child has any special health/dietary needs, please contact the nurse’s office at (732) 452-2960.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT IN SCHOOLS (PBSIS) The goal of the PBSIS program, sponsored by the State Department of Education and UMDNJ, is to create a positive learning environment that encourages and supports pro-social student behavior at the school-wide, classroom and individual student levels. It is designed to meet the needs of all students. Currently there are five schools in Edison participating in this program: John P. Stevens High School, John Adams Middle School, Martin Luther King School, Woodbrook Elementary School, and James Madison Intermediate School. “SNACK–N–CHAT” WITH THE PRINCIPAL “Snack–N–Chat” with the principal is an activity that encourages, recognizes, and honors student achievement and outstanding character. PBSIS “Time to Shine” Appreciation Tickets will be pulled from grade-level bins on a monthly basis. Criteria for obtaining a ticket may include: acting in good character, displaying perseverance, being a positive role model, showing responsibility and academic excellence. Students who are chosen will have a snack with the principal and their pictures will be placed on the bulletin board in the main lobby of the building. CHARACTER EDUCATION Character Education is the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities that enable our children to make informed choices. The six pillars of character education in the “Character Counts” program are trustworthiness, respect, fairness, citizenship, responsibility, and caring. Activities throughout the year are designed to help children learn to think critically so they can evaluate their own decisions and attitudes. We focus on different pillars by reading books, finding character traits in literature, social studies, science, etc., and by encouraging children to show that they are using a particular trait in their everyday activities. LIBRARY Students come to the library on a regular schedule for 46-minute periods once a week. They are allowed to examine books which they find interesting, as well as using the computes. Each child may then check out the books that they have chosen, as long as they are up-to-date with the return of previously borrowed books. A.B.C. (AFTER-BEFORE SCHOOL CHILD CARE) PROGRAM The Edison Recreation Department, in cooperation with the Edison Board of Education, offers an after-before school childcare program for children in grades K-5. This program provides an alternative for the child of working parents. The program follows the school year calendar; when school is open, the program will be in session. A morning program is offered from 7:00 AM until 9:00 AM, and an afternoon program is offered from 3:30 PM until 6:00 PM at James Madison Intermediate School. Notices are sent home each year listing the cost for each session. For additional information, contact the Recreation Department at 732-248-7310 daily from 8:30 AM. until 4:30 PM.

INSTRUCTIONAL MUSIC – BAND The Band program is open to all students in grades 4 and 5. Students may rent instruments from the approved school providers or obtain their own instrument. Lessons are offered free of charge during the school day on a rotating pull-out schedule. Students who successfully participate in the lesson program are invited to join the school Band. The Band practices weekly during the school day, in preparation for the winter and spring concerts. Any student who hopes to play in the Middle School Band should begin instruction at the elementary level. INSTRUCTIONAL MUSIC – STRINGS The Strings program is open to students in grades 4 and 5. Lessons are provided once a week on the violin, viola, and cello. These lessons are offered free of charge, during the school day, on a rotating pull-out schedule. Strings instruments are also available for rental from our school providers. The Strings students perform in the concert. CHORUS

The James Madison Intermediate School Chorus, open to students in grades 4 and 5, is a performing group which promotes teamwork, gives a sense of belonging, extends an arm of service to the community, raises school spirit, and is fun! Students are given the opportunity to apply concepts learned in their vocal music class. The chorus meets frequently to prepare for special events inside and outside of school. With great direction and strict rules, the high quality of performance has been maintained, and the choir continues to be recognized for its positive role in our school community. STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council consists of a group of elected third, fourth, and fifth grade students. Our students in grades 3, 4, and 5 elect our officers each year; however, every student in the school can be actively involved. The Student Council sponsors many activities, fundraisers, and perform community services throughout the year that are fostered from students’ ideas. The Student Council members create a sense of responsibility and caring, and believe that everyone’s ideas count and attend meetings and report the information back to their fellow students. KNIGHTLY TIMES

The James Madison Intermediate School student newspaper, The Knightly Times, is published several times during the school year for students to read, enjoy, and be informed. The newspaper staff consists of approximately 30 students in grade 5 who utilize technology to create original writings, drawings, and write about current events. Everyone works as a team to produce an interesting, creative, and newsworthy periodical. SAFETY PATROLS The student patrols at James Madison Intermediate School help to create and maintain a safe environment, both inside and outside of the school building. The patrols are responsible for assisting all students to a safe and orderly entrance and exit. Through their behavior, they act as role models for the rest of the student body.

The fourth grade teachers, between April and June, choose the patrols. In order to qualify, a student should be responsible, dependable, and trustworthy. In June, fourth graders chosen to be patrols in Grade 5 are trained at various posts by current fifth grade patrols. All patrols are taught that safety is most important, not only for their fellow students, but for themselves as well.

DISTRICT PROGRAMS

SPECIAL SERVICES SPEECH

The purpose of the speech and language program is to remediate deficits in speech and language that adversely affect a student’s educational performance. These deficits must not be related to dialect, cultural differences, or influence from a foreign language. Therapy is provided in the areas of articulation, language, fluency, and voice. Children who receive therapy are classified as, “Eligible for Speech-Language Services” or any one of the classifications for students in need of special education. COUNSELING

The counseling program at James Madison Intermediate School consists of a certified guidance counselor who works to support the academic, emotional, and social needs of our students. The guidance counselor assists the principal with student discipline and the teachers with managing student behavior. The guidance counselor also presents mini-lessons to students on bully prevention, harassment and tolerance, and counsels staff and parents of students experiencing academic, social, or emotional difficulty.

Counseling is provided on a full-time basis. Immediate concerns are addressed and dealt with on a short-term and long-term basis. If you wish to receive counseling services for your child, or for yourself to assist you in dealing with your child, please call the Guidance Office at (732) 452-2960 to make an appointment to meet with the counselor, or send a note in to your child’s classroom teacher. CHILD STUDY TEAM

The school Child Study Team is a part of the Division of Pupil-Special Services. It consists of a school social worker, school psychologist, and learning disabilities teacher consultant. The team has the following primary responsibilities: evaluate students who have been referred to them for having potential disabilities; and case-manage programs for students who have been identified as needing special services. Team members may also work with students with disabilities, as well as their parents, and teachers.

If your child meets the eligibility requirements for Special Services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed. WHAT IS AN IEP?

The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is the “road map” to your child’s education. It is both a process and a product. The IEP is the primary mechanism for parental participation in the special education cycle. The IEP serves as a written agreement between the local school district and the parents to provide required services. If your child meets the eligibility requirements for classification, an IEP will be developed. The IEP, or detailed personalized written plan, allows the educators and you to plan and monitor your child’s program and progress. A parent must sign the IEP that is developed for the child in order for the school district to start the child in the program as designed in the IEP.

INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES

The Intervention and Referral Services (I & R S) committee is a state-mandated pre-referral committee, designed to provide assistance to students experiencing academic, social, and emotional difficulty in school. The committee consists of the principal, guidance counselor, speech therapist, reading specialist, a child study team member, and at least one general and one special education teacher. The committee meets twice a month to discuss students who are referred by either their classroom teacher or parent. During meetings, the committee brainstorms with the classroom teacher, and parent (if requested), and then implements classroom, building and district strategies, not excluding retention, or referral to the Child Study Team for evaluation. RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION PROGRAM The Response to Intervention (RTI) Program is a service which is provided to the students of Edison Township for extra help in Language Arts Literacy and/or Mathematics. Instruction in the RTI Program takes place during school hours. The focus is to provide support for the students through a variety of means; i.e., Reading Specialists, Math Specialists, specialized materials, and/or small group instruction. At the beginning of the school year, a notification letter is sent to the parents/guardians of students who will participate in this program.

MEDIA & PUBLICATIONS MADISON MESSENGER – The PTO’s Newsletter contains important information from the PTO and the school. It also includes information about activities going on in school and in different classrooms. MEMORY BOOK – The Yearbook, put together by fifth grade students, is published in June as a memento for fifth grade students. Pictures are taken throughout the year during their events. SCHOOL WEBSITE – Visit the Edison Township website at http://www.edison.k12.nj.us or our own JMI link at: http://www.edison.k12.nj.us/Domain/15. CHANNEL 118 – The Edison School Network is on Channel 118. This TV channel broadcasts information about all the schools in Edison Township and lists important dates and information according to school. It also broadcasts various events which may have occurred in the schools of Edison, as well as the Board of Education meetings.

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION

2015 – 2016 EXECUTIVE BOARD

OFFICERS

Co-Presidents: Cindy Bonito and Tanvi Sharma 1ST Vice President: Jean Maloney 2ND Vice President: Dhanashree Vaidya 3RD Vice President: Gina Alcaide Treasurer: Toral Jambudi Corresponding Secretary: Manasi Mathur Recording Secretary Celia Walcsak

PTO MEETINGS

Mark your calendar for these dates:

You are cordially invited to attend our PTO meetings in the JMI media center. They are scheduled for the following dates. Please join us to find out what we’re about and what we have planned for our children. October 29, 2015 7:00 PM March 10, 2016 7:00 PM November 20, 2015 9:00 AM April 8, 2016 9:00 AM January 21, 2016 7:00 PM May 26, 2016 7:00 PM February 19, 2016 9:00 AM

PTO MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to all interested adults. The cost of membership is $5.00 per member. Remember – Anyone interested in helping may join: grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, etc.

What is an assembly? How often do we have assemblies? How much do assemblies cost and where do we get the money?

Assemblies are educational programs, given auditorium-style at our school. Occasionally programs are more appropriately delivered to smaller groups or grade-specific groups. Assemblies incorporate learning with fun and are often curriculum-related. Each performance usually lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the JMI PTO budget allows, there is an assembly. Due to school calendar restraints and other scheduled school activities, there are times when it is inappropriate to schedule an assembly. The money to pay for the assemblies comes totally from the fundraising projects and events that the PTO sponsors during the school year.