Updated 08/24/06

Home

Below please find the table of contents for our student/parent handbook. Simply click on an area of interest to access it.

Daily Schedule

8:15 A.M. - Teachers report
8:30 A.M. - Morning Announcement indicates that it is time for students   to move to homeroom
8:35 A.M. - Homeroom Begins - Homeroom teachers take attendance and dispatch attendance sheet to the office.  Morning exercises will be conducted, and announcements made.

8:45 A.M. - Homeroom dismissed
2:50 P.M. - End of school day
3:30 P.M. - Teachers dismissed

On early dismissal days, homeroom will begin at 8:30 A.M., and will dismiss, for first period, at 8:45 A.M.  Lunch is NOT SERVED on days of early dismissal.  Pupils will be dismissed at 12:30 P.M.
Back to top

Early Dismissal Schedule

Sixth Grade Schedule on Days of Early Dismissal:
8:30 A.M. - Homeroom Begins
8:45 A.M. - Homeroom dismissed and regular class schedule begins
11:15 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. P.E. or Arts Cycle classes
12:00 P.M. - 12:30 P.M. Physical Education or Arts Cycle Classes (Due to the elimination of lunch, the P.E. and/or Arts Cycle classes normally scheduled for 12:30 P.M. will meet at 12:00 and will be shortened to one-half hour.
12:30 P.M.                    Dismissal

Seventh Grade Schedule on Days of Early Dismissal:

8:30 A.M.                       Homeroom Begins
8:45 A.M.- 9:30 A.M.     Homeroom dismissed and P.E. or Arts Cycle classes begin
9:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.   Regularly scheduled classes
12:30 P.M.                     Dismissal

Eighth Grade Schedule on Days of Early Dismissal:

8:30 A.M.                      Homeroom Begins
8:45 A.M.- 12:30 P.M.   Regularly scheduled classes
12:30 P.M.                    Dismissal
Back to top

Delayed Opening Schedule

Back to top

Length of the School Day
The school day begins at 8:20 A.M., at which time students are permitted to enter their assigned homeroom classes.  Students are required to be in homeroom by 8:35 A.M., at which time the flag salute and pupil announcements will be made.  Academic classes begin at 8:45 A.M.  Pupils are dismissed at 2:50 P.M.  Students who are involved in the music program are expected to be in school at 8:10 A.M. on the days rehearsals are scheduled.
Back to top

Early Arrivals
Though the building is open earlier in the morning, parents are requested to plan the arrival of their students as close to 8:20 A.M., as possible.  For those students who are transported by bus and must arrive early, suitable study areas will be provided.  Music students should plan to arrive at the scheduled time of 8:10 A.M.  We find that an excessive number of students are present in the building well before adequate supervision is available.  Please assist us in making Grover Cleveland Middle School a safer environment for your children by controlling the hour at which they arrive at school.
Back to top

Late to School
Pupils are to be in homeroom no later than 8:35 A.M.  Pupils who arrive after 8:35 A.M. are to report to the attendance secretary in the Main Office.  Excessive tardiness will be reported to the Principal's Office for disciplinary action.  Pupils who arrive after 11:00 A.M. will be considered absent.
Back to top

Early Dismissal Days
On days when school is dismissed at 12:30 p.m., students are expected to be in homeroom at 8:30 a.m.  Lunch will not be served.
Back to top

Early Excusal
Pupils may be excused from school early for doctor and dentist appointments that cannot be scheduled during non-school hours, or because of a family emergency.  If a pupil is to be excused, he/she must bring a note, which is signed by the pupil's parent/guardian, to the attendance secretary in the general office on the morning of the day he/she wishes to be excused.  At the time the pupil is to be excused, he/she must report to the office.  He/She will be dismissed from there.  Any pupil leaving before 12:30 will be considered absent for the day.

SAMPLE EARLY DISMISSAL REQUEST INFORMATION

 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

 Please excuse ___________, Homeroom ______, today, at ______ for the following reason:

 Signed________________         Date: ____________
Back to top

Absenses
If a pupil is absent from school, he/she must bring a note on the day he/she returns to school.  This note is to include the pupil’s name, homeroom, the dates of absence and the cause of the absence, and is to be signed by the pupil’s parent or legal guardian.  The note is to be turned in to the homeroom teacher on the day the pupil returns to school.  When a pupil is absent, the parent/guardian is required to notify the office, by phoning 228-9115, on the morning of the absence.  High absenteeism is the greatest single cause of unsatisfactory school work and poor academic progress.  The home and the school must work together in an effort to maximize pupil attendance.  We must be ever mindful that the relationship between the student and the school is not a voluntary one, but is compelled by law.

SAMPLE ABSENTEE NOTE

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
My son/daughter, ____________, Homeroom _______, has been absent from school on __________for the following reason:

Signed_________________ Date: ____________
Back to top

Make-up Work
If a pupil has been absent for three or more days due to illness, he/she should plan to make up his/her work.  Teachers will allow a reasonable length of time to do this work, depending on how long the pupil has been absent. If a pupil must stay at home but can do homework, he/she should ask a friend to pick up assignments and materials.  Parents may call the Guidance Office and indicate the number of days the pupil is expected to be at home.  The office will arrange to send for the assignments.  The parent or a friend may pick up the assignments from the Guidance secretary.  Teachers will be available to help pupils with work when they return to school.

Students and parents are reminded that they are able to listen to homework assignments on each teacher's homework hotline extension, which may be found in this booklet. In the event of a prolonged illness, home instruction may be provided.  Arrangements for home instruction are made through the Guidance Office.
Back to top

Emergency Closing Procedures
In severe inclement weather, station WOR and cable channels 35 & 36 will announce the closing of school.  Our designation is "Caldwell-West Caldwell Schools."  One long blast on the siren at 6:45 A.M. and 7:45 A.M. will indicate school is closed for the day.  If you are not sure of the closing, please call the class mother assigned to you.
Back to top

Homework Guidelines
The Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education realizes that cooperation between the home and the school is essential to student achievement.  Therefore, it is expected that parents be active participants with the school, and share responsibility for out-of-class or homework assignments.  Homework is viewed as an excellent opportunity for families to work together in a constructive, satisfying and academically productive way. 

As a general guideline, students are to devote a minimum of ten minutes, incrementally, per grade, per day, during the school week, to homework (i.e. Grade Six = sixty minutes). Parents should also preview and review homework, and monitor long term assignments, where appropriate.  During the school week it is expected that homework will take precedence over non-school or non-academic activities.  It is the school's responsibility to provide specific homework assignments for only those absences that are legally excused.  Teachers shall be available to assist students with both in- and out-of-class assignments. 

Homework shall not be assigned for disciplinary purposes.  Homework is assigned to reinforce concepts introduced in the classroom.  There are four objectives in assigning homework:

• To develop a student's study techniques and ability to accomplish independent work

• To accomplish independent assignments that are more effectively completed in a non-classroom environment

• To provide extra study and drill in specific areas which have been identified through classroom activity

• To provide opportunity to "make-up" academic work lost  due to absence.

Back to top

Lockers
A locker is assigned to each individual pupil for his personal use.  It is expected that the locker will be kept clean.  Regular locker clean-out periods will be provided during the year.  The administration intends to conduct locker inspections or searches as often as may be necessary to maintain order and discipline and to protect the safety and well being of the entire school community.

State law codified at N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-19.2 expressly provides that:

     "The principal or other officials designated by the local board of education may inspect lockers or other storage facilities provided for use by students so long as students are informed in writing at the beginning of each school year that inspections may occur. "

The combination to each locker is changed each year.  Pupils are advised not to give their combination to anyone.  Pupils are not to share lockers.  Any locker problems should be reported to the homeroom teacher.  Pupils will also be assigned a locker for physical education along with a combination lock.
Back to top

Lost and Found
The Lost and Found is located in the nurse’s office on the second floor.  All articles, other than books, should be returned to the nurse's office.  Books and Jewelry should be returned to the General Office.  Pupils are reminded that they are not to carry large sums of money in school.  If this is unavoidable, pupils are urged to deposit their money with the principal's secretary until the end of the school day.
Back to top

Bicycles
Bicycles should be placed in the bicycle racks in the front of the building.  The racks are available for the convenience of students and the school cannot assume responsibility for theft or damage done to any bicycles.  Proper security measures should be taken by students to protect their property.  All bicycles should be securely locked each day. 
Back to top

Expectations for Student Conduct
The goal of the Middle School’s discipline policy is to help students develop self-control and responsibility, not just compliant behavior.  Our discipline policy assumes that each adult associated with Grover Cleveland Middle School is responsible for helping students learn appropriate responses.  We are committed to the belief that each child has a right to learn, and that each teacher has an obligation, and a right, to teach, in a safe, academic environment.

Grover Cleveland Middle School expects pupils to treat each other with civility and respect, and will not tolerate acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying.  As with other disruptive or violent behaviors, this conduct interferes with a pupil’s ability to learn, as well as with his/her social/emotional development and a school’s ability to educate its pupils in a safe environment.  The Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying against any pupil. 

"Harassment, intimidation or bullying" is defined as any gesture or written, verbal or physical act that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory handicap, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus and that:

1. a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his person or damage to his property; or

2. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school. N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15 (3)(b)(2)

Violations of the discipline policy which occur while the student is on school grounds, during a school-sponsored activity, (dance, field trip, etc.) or while on school-provided transportation en route to or from the school will be considered grounds for administrative intervention and action.  The conduct of the vast majority of the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District's students remains exemplary.  Expectations for student deportment, and the consequences for those students failing to comply with established rules, address those very few students who fail to respect the adults, the students and/or the school property.  Reinforcement and acknowledgement for those students who continually demonstrate appropriate behavior in school is an important part of any code of student conduct.  Effective behavior codes provide children with opportunities to learn from their mistakes and to develop self-discipline.  A personalized approach when dealing with young adolescents allows one to more effectively take into consideration each child's uniqueness.  Flexibility is an important code characteristic that allows a range of responses to misbehavior. 

The following variables will be considered, when attempting to determine the most appropriate consequence that will enhance a child's ability to learn from his/her experiences, and to make sound decisions in the future:

• The age of the student

• The seriousness of the infraction

• Previous behavior

• Influence of provocation

Accountability in the form of progressive consequences should be directed at the misbehavior and not the child.  Consequences for failing to demonstrate responsible behavior range from a warning, or reprimand, to suspension from school.  Included within that range of consequences are such behavior control strategies as:

• A warning or reprimand

• Mediation

• Elimination of certain school privileges

• The assignment of a written statement of apology

• Referral to the guidance/Bridge counselor and/or principal's office

• Parent conferences

• Lunch detention(s)

• After-school detention(s)

• School service project(s)

• In-School suspension(s)

• Out-of-School suspension(s)

• School expulsion

Parents will be notified of any serious breach of school rules or continued misbehavior. Violent behavior, vandalism, and insubordination to adult authority will result in a parent contact.  A parent conference with the principal will be required after any in- or out-of-school suspension(s), or if detentions prove ineffectual.  The success of any school-imposed disciplinary action is to a large extent, dependent upon the full cooperation of the home.

Teachers are expected to deal with classroom discipline problems in a manner which reflects a positive attitude towards students and reinforces the policies of the Board of Education.  There are certain behaviors that are inappropriate regardless of where they occur.  Those behaviors require administrative intervention, as they impact on the quality of school life for students, teachers and visitors.  All students responsible for these behaviors should be directed to the office.  It is not intended that the following list replace/supplant a teacher’s expectations for classroom behavior.

All students will be informed early in the school year, with subsequent reinforcement, that their involvement in the following activities will virtually guarantee the assignment of an in-school or an out-of-school suspension:

1.  Inappropriate physical contact with another student;

2.  Willful disregard of an adult's authority;

3.  Being sent to the office for disruption of a substitute teacher's classroom activity;

4.  Throwing anything AT anyone;

5.  Continual harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying;

6.  Cutting a class and/or truancy;

7.  Multiple violations of the Dress Code;

8.  Bringing any weapons to school (or using an otherwise harmless instrument as a weapon);

9.  Being in possession of or using drugs (e.g., prescription medications used in an unlawful manner, marijuana, narcotics, alcohol, etc.) in school, or at a school-sponsored function;

10. Involvement in vandalism resulting in destruction of school property, teacher's property, or another student’s property; and

11. Smoking on school property, or at any school-sponsored function.

It is assumed that no code of behavior can adequately cover all of the situations that may arise during the school year.  However, certain general "understandings" should be made clear to the school community.

Specific Disciplinary Actions:

 A student may be assigned to a teacher detention for:

1. Failure to follow classroom rules and regulations

2. Disregard of teacher's authority

3.Consistently chewing gum in class

A student may be assigned to an after-school administrative detention (2:55 P.M. - 3:25 P.M.) for the following activities:

1. Harassment, intimidation and/or bullying of another student

2. Use of profanity or obscene gestures directed at another student

3. Provocative behavior toward another student

4. Disrupting the learning environment

5. Excessive tardiness to class(es) or to school.

6. Failure to report to an assigned teacher/administrative detention.

Repeated violations of school rules and regulations, including those listed above, may result in the student being suspended in/from school at the discretion of the administration.

No pupil who is suspended from school shall be deprived access to his/her academic progress.  Any and all academic work missed during an assigned suspension will be given to the student at the beginning of the suspension.  It will be the responsibility of the suspended student to complete the academic work assigned during the course of his/her suspension, and to deliver the completed assignments, to each teacher, on the day of his/her return to a regular schedule. 

BUS CONDUCT - The bus driver's responsibility is to safely deliver our children from their bus stop to Grover Cleveland Middle School, and to safely deliver our children from school to their respective stops.  Distractions, caused by students, can greatly impact on the driver's ability to carry out that mission.  As a result, the following rules are established for those children who ride the bus:

• The bus driver is to be given the same degree of respect as every other adult associated with Grover Cleveland Middle School.

• All students are to enter the bus, sit down and put their seat belt on.  Students are expected to remain seated at all times while the bus is moving.

• Students are to speak in normal conversational tone and level while on the bus.

• Students may exit the bus only at their assigned bus stop unless written arrangements have been made otherwise.

NO CHANGES IN BUS STOP MAY BE MADE BY A CHILD ONCE THE BUS HAS LEFT SCHOOL. 

CONSEQUENCES FOR DISCIPLINE REFERRALS INCURRED ON THE BUS:

All schools rules apply while on the bus.  In addition, if a student elects to violate one or more of the established bus rules, the following measures will be implemented by the administration:

FIRST OFFENSE: Verbal warning issued; parents informed of the incident via telephone and/or written referral; child and parent informed of subsequent administrative actions for next incident.

SECOND OFFENSE: Student is assigned a one-day bus suspension, which means that the parent(s) must make alternative transportation arrangements to and from school; parent(s) informed via telephone and discipline referral.         

THIRD OFFENSE: Student is assigned a two-day bus suspension, which means that the parent(s) must make alternative transportation arrangements to and from school for two consecutive days; parent(s) informed via telephone and/or discipline referral.

SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES: Student is assigned a five-day bus suspension, which means that the parent(s) must make alternative transportation arrangements to and from school for five consecutive days; parent(s) informed via telephone and/or discipline referral, parent conference required before the student may return to his/her bus assignment.  Severe or constant disruption to the bus climate may result in referral to the Superintendent of Schools.
Back to top

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
If any student behavior management plan is to be successful, the support and cooperation of the parent(s) or guardian is necessary.  We ask that the parent/guardian use the following procedures if/when contacted by a teacher, or an administrator, regarding your child's behavior:

• Review the incident with your child

• Discuss your expectations for appropriate and acceptable behavior

• Implement and be accountable for assisting your child in modifying his/her behavior

• Be accountable for implementing the consequences resulting from a violation of school rules and regulations (e.g., getting student to detention on time, monitoring student's behavior and picking up work when a student is suspended) 

Electronic Devices                                                                                                                                            N. J. State law reads:  “A person shall not sell, lease, give or otherwise provide a remotely activated paging device to a person under 18 years of age...  A person who knowingly violates this subsection shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.”  Therefore, students may not bring beepers into school. 

Cameras, portable CD players, walkmans, MP3s and other audio devises are not permitted on school grounds and will be confiscated and turned into the office when found.

Students are permitted to have cell phones in school, however, they must be kept in students’ lockers (turned off) during school hours.  Cell phones will be confiscated when found outside of student lockers and students will receive administrative consequences.  Each item will be returned to the student at the end of the school day, the first time.  Subsequently, those items will only be returned to the child’s parent/guardian.  Laser pointers are dangerous and will be confiscated.  

Back to top

Dress Code
The dress code committee recognizes that the individual tastes of all pupils could not be totally covered by any one dress code.  Therefore, the following should serve as a general guideline to pupils, and parents, when determining the attire to be worn in school:

Regardless of fashion, it is expected that students will exercise good judgment with regard to appropriate school dress.  The following will be deemed as inappropriate:

• Clothing that is anatomically revealing (spaghetti straps, loose tank tops, short/tight shorts/skirts/shirts, etc.);

• Clothing that contains offensive messages, language or pictures, or that advertises cigarettes, alcoholic products or drug paraphernalia;

• Flip-flops and house or Chinese Slippers

We understand that it is the nature of middle school students to test these limits.  As a result, students deemed to be wearing inappropriate attire will be given the following choices the first time they are referred to the office.   They may:

(1)  change the clothing item for a more suitable one

(2)  make arrangements for other clothing to be brought to school that day

(3)  spend the day in in-school suspension 

Subsequent violations of the dress code will result in the administration selecting the consequence. 
Back to top

Guidance
The Middle School guidance counselors are available to each student.  Students are encouraged to visit the guidance office to discuss personal issues and/or scholastic problems.  In addition to the regularly scheduled parent conferences, the Guidance Department encourages parents to call their child's counselor if they feel a special conference is appropriate. Please call the guidance secretary, at 228-1994, for an appointment.
Back to top

Pupil Transfer
If you plan to move or are contemplating a change of schools, the school office should be notified in advance.  This will facilitate a smooth transfer of the appropriate documents to the receiving school.
Back to top

Report Cards
Pupil progress report cards are issued four times each year—usually in November, January, April, and at the end of the school year in June.  In addition, teachers are urged to send interim notices to parents.  These notices may be sent at any time between report card marking periods.

Letter grades are given for academic performance, while numbers are used to  indicate the student's  "Attitude/Behavior" and "Work Habits."  The Middle   School's letter grading system is based on the following numerical point system:

A = 90 — 100
B = 80 — 89
C = 70 — 79
D = 60 — 69
F =  0 — 59

Students are graded in the basic areas of achievement as indicated:

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE    

A  -  Superior                           
B  -  Above Average                 
C  -  Average                           
D  -  Below Average                 
F  -  Failure                          
P  -  Passing                            
E  -  Excused                           
I  -  Incomplete                         
                                               

ATTITUDE/BEHAVIOR/WORK HABITS
1.  Is Cooperative 
2.  Participates Constructively
3.  Has Good Work Habits
4.  Is Improving Academically
5.  Is Prepared Daily
6.  Is Attentive
7.  Is Occasionally Disruptive
8.  Is Uncooperative
9.  Is Experiencing Difficulty
10.  Does Not Make Up Work
11. Does Not Come to Class Prepared
12.  Does Not Seek Help From Teacher
13.  Does Not Work Carefully 
14.  Is Capable of Doing Better
15.  Is in Danger of Failing for the Year
16.  Parent Conference Requested
Back to top

Honor Roll
Students who meet the following criteria may qualify for the school honor roll:

HIGH HONOR ROLL

• A's in all major subjects (*A).

• No less than B's in all other subjects.

HONOR ROLL

• No less than two (2) A's in major subjects.

• No less than B's in all other subjects.

(*A) Major subjects include: English, Math, Science, Soc.St., and in the 8^th grade only, World Language
Back to top

Extra Help
Teachers are available to give pupils help in each subject area.  Teachers are normally in their rooms from 2:50—3:30 p.m. each day.  Pupils should make prior arrangements with the teacher for extra help, or for tutoring assistance.
Back to top

Media Center
The library is available to pupils from 8:00 A.M., to the beginning of homeroom period.  The library is also available to students after school.  The library is completely automated, with an electronic card catalog and circulation system.  Students may also access an electronic encyclopedia, newspapers, magazines, and reference books via a network of computers.  Internet access is also available in the library.  Students may assist in the library by becoming members of the library club.
Back to top

Internet Use
Students are allowed to use the Internet once they have read the “Internet Use Agreement” adopted by the Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education and have returned a properly completed permission form, signed by both the student and a parent/guardian.  Failure to abide by the terms of the Internet Use Agreement may result in the suspension of, or the elimination of, computer privileges. 
 

Plagiarism is defined as "the act of passing off as one's own the ideas or words of another".  (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Copyright 1974 by G. & C. Merriam Co.)  Students are reminded that the act of intentionally plagiarizing another person's work can have serious consequences which may include, but are not limited to, being required to redo the assignment, or being required to redo the assignment with a teacher-directed topic, or failing the assignment, and/or administrative interventions.
Back to top

Nurse
A nurse is available throughout the day in the Middle School.  Students who have a need to visit the nurse's office for an illness or to take medication must first obtain a pass from their classroom teacher before going to the nurse.

Procedures for Administering Medication During School Hours:

Only prescription medications may be dispensed in school.  The medication must be in the original container and properly labeled.  In addition to the pharmacy label, written instructions from the doctor will be required for all medications dispensed by the nurse.  A permission form must be signed by the parent.  Information that would be helpful for teachers, pertaining to your child's health, should be directed to the school nurse.  Call 228-7472 to speak directly to Ms. Gakos.  You may also call 228-9115, to leave a message.

Physical Education Excuses: Students who are to be excused from taking physical education must bring in a note signed by their parent or guardian to the nurse, detailing the reason for the requested excuse.  For periods exceeding three days, a doctor's note is required.

All students will rotate into a Health class for one marking period.  Parents and students have the right to exercise “conscientious objection” to specific aspects of the health curriculum to which they would prefer their child not be exposed.  It is the parent’s obligation to inform the teacher of the objectionable topic, after the parent reviews the health curriculum, which is available in the school library. 

ELEVATOR USE – THE ELEVATOR MAY NOT BE USED DURING ANY EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES, SUCH AS FIRE DRILLS.  Pupils in need of assistance in descending stairs are to report directly to the "Point of Refuge.”

Students who require the use of the elevator will adhere to the following procedures:

1. A note requesting elevator use must be submitted to the general office (Mrs. Fera).  The request must be signed by the parent or guardian.  If possible, the anticipated length of time for which the elevator is requested should be indicated. 

2. Elevator keys should be picked up in the general office, from Mrs. Fera.  Once signed out, keys are left, each day, with Mr. Rush, in the library.   The student will be required to sign the keys out, and in again, each day. 

3. Each student requiring the use of the elevator must be accompanied by one other person each time he/she is on the elevator.  That person is subject to approval by the teacher and/or the administration. 
Back to top

Physical Education
Pupils' participation in physical education class is required by State law.  Students who are to be excused from taking physical education must bring in a note signed by their parent or guardian to the nurse, detailing the reason for the requested excuse.  For periods exceeding three days, a doctor's note is required.

Clothes appropriate for gymnasium activities are required.  The recommended physical education outfit for boys includes shorts, athletic supporter, T-shirt, socks and sneakers (required).  The recommended gym outfit for girls includes gym shorts, T-shirt, socks and sneakers (required).  These outfits are to be kept in the pupil's assigned gym locker.  (Each student is assigned an individual gym locker and issued a combination lock for the purpose of securing and storing his or her gym clothes.)

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES - Potential hazards exist if jewelry is worn during physical education classes.  In order to forestall the possibility of injury, all rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and watches MUST be removed by both boys and girls before they participate in class activity or after school sports.
Back to top

Lunch Procedures
Lunch is served in the cafeteria during a scheduled lunch period.  Students may buy all or part of a lunch.  Milk is sold in the cafeteria for those students who bring a lunch to school.  Bag lunches are kept in a student's locker until their lunch period.  Pupils may go to their lockers before and/or after lunch.  To help make it easier for each pupil to get lunch, the following procedures are in place:

• Decide what you want before reaching the serving counter.  Have your money ready.

• Eat at assigned tables only, unless the supervising teachers have allowed open seating.

• Return your tray to the tray return area.  Dispose of your garbage in the proper receptacle, and place recyclables in the appropriate containers.

• Students are expected to keep their tables and the area around their tables clean at all times.  Remember that other pupils will expect to find a clean environment in which to eat when they enter the cafeteria.

• Do not leave the cafeteria without teacher direction to do so.

• Food may not be taken out of the cafeteria.

• Pupils must have a pass to leave the cafeteria before the end of their lunch period.

• Pupils are not to borrow money from other pupils, nor should students lend money to other students.
  Back to top

Club Activities
Grover Cleveland Middle School provides an extensive after school club program, which is open to all students.  These clubs include those dealing with scholastic subjects, service clubs, and clubs that primarily focus on hobbies, such as The Fishing Club or The Chess Club.  Students are urged to get involved in these co-curricular activities.  School is more than classes and textbooks.  Clubs provide an opportunity to become acquainted with other members of the school family in an informal setting.
Back to top

Field Trips
Field trips utilize community resources to further the educational opportunities for students within the framework of curriculum objectives and school philosophy.  A field trip is a logical extension of the classroom.  As such, the same high standards of student decorum and behavior are expected on field trips as in the classroom.  A student must have the parent/guardian signature on the field trip permission form in order to participate.  NO CALDWELL-WEST CALDWELL EMPLOYEE, OTHER THAN A SCHOOL NURSE, MAY ADMINISTER MEDICATION ON A FIELD TRIP. Student misbehavior on a field trip may result in that student's exclusion from future field trips.
Back to top

This site was last updated 08/24/06