Phone: 215-944-2600 ¨ Fax: 215-944-2698 ♦ http://www.crsd.org/newtownms
September 2011
Welcome to the start of the 2011-2012 school year. The excitement and anticipation we feel as a new year begins is often accompanied by many questions. I hope the information provided in this letter proves helpful as you prepare for this new school year. Should you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.
Every student has received information during the first several days of school. Parents, please continue to check with your child so that you may share in their educational program. You can expect to receive a Student Handbook/Assignment Book and other pertinent materials. Please review the student handbook with your child. You and your child will be asked to sign a form indicating you have received a copy of the student handbook. In addition, middle school lunch prices are as follows: Regular Lunch $2.75, Salad Bar or Pizza Lunch $2.50 and Deli Lunch $3.00. We now have a computerized debit system. All checks should be made payable to Council Rock Food Service Fund.
Bus route information is available to you via the Home Access Center. All questions pertaining to transportation should be directed to 215-944-1010.
Please note the following events for September:
September 2nd & 5th: Schools Closed
Thursday September 15: Picture Day - Picture Day (7th & 8th Grade) Every student should have a picture taken for the purpose of the yearbook and to obtain an I.D. card. I.D. cards may be required for some school functions.
Thursday, September 22: -Back-To-School-Night – 7:00 P.M.
September 29th & 30th : Schools Closed
OFFICE - 215-944-2600
GUIDANCE - (8th grade students remain with their counselor from 7th grade)
MS. NARAGON 215-944-2622 (8th Grade Students and (Team Fusion)
MR. EINHORN 215-944-2623 (8th Grade Students and Phoenix)
MRS. KOKAS 215-944-2621 (8th Grade Students and Synergy)
ATHLETICS- MRS. PETERSON 215-944-2679
NURSE - MRS. SMITH & 215-944-2609
MRS. YAEGEL
WEB SITE - http://www.crsd.org/newtownms
The following information is provided to assure a safe and orderly school day at
Athletic Physicals
Council Rock will no longer provide physical examinations for students wishing to participate in the Middle School Athletic Program. For students who will be participating in seventh or eighth grade school sponsored athletics, please adhere to the following procedures to comply with the PIAA regulations for eligibility in interscholastic athletics:
1. Students must have a pre-participation physical, performed by an Authorized Medical Examiner (licensed physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine, a physician assistant certified or a certified registered nurse practitioner).
2. The pre-participation physical evaluation for fall sports shall not be performed earlier than June 1. The evaluation, reevaluation or certification for all other sports shall not be performed earlier than six weeks prior to the first practice day for each applicable sport. The reevaluation or certification for all other subsequent sports should not be performed until after completion of the immediate preceding sport(s).
All paperwork necessary for participation can be downloaded directly from the NMS web site.
STUDENT DROP-OFF/ PICK-UP
If parents or others are driving
1. The gym circle is the designated drop-off in the morning until 8:00 A.M. and pick-up in the afternoon after 3:00 P.M. (Please do not use the main entrance at the front of the building.)
2. Students who are dropped off before 8:00 A.M. must report directly to the cafeteria and remain there until dismissed by the supervising teachers.
3. The main entrance of the building is to be used only for late arrival after 8:05 A.M. and early dismissal before 3:00 P.M.
This procedure will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety of students and others who must utilize the front entrance of the building.
ATTENDANCE
Any student who is absent from school should give to his/her homeroom teacher an excuse note signed by the parent within three days of return from the absence. This note should state the reason for absence. If excuse notes are not turned in within three days following the return to school, the absence may be marked as unlawful and disciplinary action may be taken. Students who accumulate an inordinate number of absences may lose academic credit. If there is a concern about excessive absences, contact will be made with parents stating possible consequences.
LATENESS
It is the student’s responsibility to be on time for school each day and on time for each class period.
Morning Arrival - Students arriving to homeroom period after 8:05 A.M. are considered to be late for school. Students who arrive late must report to the attendance office and present an excuse note explaining their lateness in order to get a “pass” to class. If a note is not presented, the lateness will be unexcused. In addition, notes listing “oversleeping”, “car trouble”, “clock failure”, “missed bus”, etc. will be classified as unexcused. Chronic lateness (in excess of 5 per semester) will result in parent contact and disciplinary action.
Class – If a student is late for class, a pass should be secured from the teacher detaining the student. Teachers will take disciplinary action should students be late for their classes without a pass. The Main Office will not issue late passes to students who are late for classes.
EARLY DISMISSAL
When an early dismissal is necessary, students should present a written note from a parent to the office prior to 8:05 A.M. The student will be issued a pass that is to be presented to the teacher and then brought to the Main Office at the designated dismissal time. The student must meet their parent in the office and the parent must sign their child out before the child may leave the building. Students leaving school early because of illness must also have their parent sign them out in the office. If a student is being picked up by someone other than a parent, please indicate this in the note.
FAMILY TRIPS
When a family trip is planned during the school year, a written request from the parent/guardian must be submitted to the Main Office, for the Principal’s approval, at least 10 days prior to the anticipated absence. The student should obtain an “advance notice” form for completion by the parent/guardian and the student’s teachers. This form will indicate the student’s present scholastic standing in each subject. The completed form must be returned to the Main Office prior to the first day of the absence. Students are responsible for making up missed assignments. The total number of approved days of absence shall not exceed five (5) days in a school year. Days exceeding the approved days will be considered unlawful and/or unexcused.
DELIVERY OF STUDENT ITEMS
To ensure an uninterrupted academic setting for all students, we request that the following procedures be followed when students forget an item:
1. If the item is needed in the mornings (lunches, homework, Phys. Ed. clothing, etc.), the item should be delivered prior to 8:00 A.M. so students may be called during our general morning announcements.
2. If the item is needed in the afternoon (uniforms, etc.), the items should be delivered prior to 1:20 P.M. so students may be called during our general afternoon announcements.
3. If items are delivered at other times of the school day, the student must periodically check with the office to pick up the item.
Thank you for respecting this procedure.
I I hope that the information that has been provided will be helpful as we navigate the 2011-2012 school year. I anticipate an exciting year that will provide a rrigorous academic challenge for all of our students while offering many co-curricular and social activities to help make the school year an enjoyable one. I lllook forward to all of our students and parents being contributing members of our
In closing, Enjoy your long weekend and I look forward to your return. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Timothy A Long
Principal
