Supplemental Instructional Programs

• Basic Skills Improvement Program (B.S.I.R.):  Supplemental instruction in reading and mathematics is provided by B.S.I.P. teachers.  This program is designed for students who need individual/small group instruction with extra reinforcement in the skill areas.  The selection process used to determine placement in this program includes a review of Terra Nova test results and teacher recommendations.  Generally, the Basic Skills instructor provides direct instruction through a replacement program.

• Resource Center:  Small group or individual instruction is offered to classified students in the areas in which they experience difficulty.  Students identified for this service are given support by our resource center teacher in the classroom or in the resource center with a replacement program.  Classified students have been evaluated by the school Child Study Team and found to have specific learning problems.

• Speech Therapy:  This program offers diagnosis and treatment of specific:  a) sound production errors, b) stuttering/cluttering and other fluency disorders, and c) voice disorders resulting from medical problems or vocal abuse.  Children are seen either individually or in small groups not to exceed 3.  These children are either classified Eligible for Speech Correction or have been classified by the Child Study Team and in this case are receiving speech services as an additional service to those given by the special education program.

• Special Needs Classes:  Individualized educational programs are offered to classified students who have been evaluated by the Child Study Team and found to have specific learning problems.  The class has up to twelve students and focuses on activities designed to allow students to achieve academic success.  Students are in regular homerooms, report to Special Needs classes for instruction in individualized educational programs and are mainstreamed for specials such as music and physical education as well as academic areas found to be appropriate for their learning needs.

• Additional Programs and Related Services:  Occasionally students require other related services based upon evaluation by the Child Study Team.  These may include programs involving occupational therapy, physical therapy, and adaptive physical education.

  If you have any questions regarding programs and services which are available to benefit our students, feel free to call the school at 908-475-5118 to discuss your concerns.

• Family Life Education:  The Board of Education accepts its responsibility for participating, in full partnership with parents and community institutions, in the education of the children of this district towards self-knowledge and an appreciation of the responsibilities of interpersonal relationships and family life.
     A coordinated, sequential family life education program in grades Kindergarten through 6 is provided as part of the Board-approved curriculum.  The program includes instruction in human development, sexuality and reproduction and in the physical, mental, emotional, social, economic, and psychological aspects of interpersonal relationships.  This instruction provides pupils with an opportunity to acquire knowledge that will support the development of responsible behavior and responsible family relationships.  Instructional units are appropriate to the age, maturity, growth, and development of pupils.
     A copy of the complete family life education curriculum and all instructional materials is available for public inspection in the school.  The parent or guardian of each pupil enrolled in the program will receive annually an outline of the curriculum and a list of instructional materials for that pupil's grade along with notice of the availability for review of the complete curriculum and all materials.
     Any pupil whose parent or guardian presents to the Superintendent a signed statement that any part of the instruction in family life education is in conflict with his or her conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs shall be excused from the portion of the course in which such instruction is being given; no such pupil shall be penalized by loss of credit or denial of a diploma otherwise earned.

• Gifted and Talented Program (SAGE):  SAGE presents educational experiences and opportunities to those students in grades 4, 5, 6 who have been identified as having unique abilities such as high academic aptitude, creativity, motivation, leadership, and high academic achievement.  The program will enable students to develop their talents and skills to as great an extent as their abilities, interests, effort, and available resources allow.
     Students may be nominated for SAGE by a teacher, parent, or administrator; nominees will then be screened using specific Board-approved criteria for entrance into the program.  Click here for SAGE page.

• An Affirmative Action Program for school and classroom protection:  The Knowlton Township Board of Education declares it to be the policy of the district to provide an equal opportunity for all children to achieve their maximum potential through programs offered in these schools regardless of race, color, creed, religion, handicap, sex, ancestry, national origin, place of residence or social or economic background.
     In order to assure the continuance of the aforementioned policy, the Board of Education directs the Affirmative Action Officer to periodically review practices and make necessary recommendation for Board approval.

• Field trips:  Education extends beyond the classroom, and our school arranges a number of field trips that are related to the curriculum.  Since parents are asked to sign a blanket permission form for field trips at the start of the year, your child will automatically go on all trips unless you send in a note prohibiting his/her attendance on the trip.
     The Superintendent is authorized to grant permission for field trips when such requests are presented on the proper request form.  The Board will furnish transportation for specific field trips with approval from the Superintendent.
     In addition to educational field trips, at the conclusion of each school year, students in grades 5 and 6 are treated to a special class trip through funds raised by the Student Activity Account.
     Violations of any portion of the student code of conduct may result in a student not being able to go on a field trip.   Final determination of a student's participation will be at the discretion of the administration.

• Extra-curricular activities/School Functions:  Subject to the availability of funds, our school offers a number of extra-curricular activities which extend beyond regular school hours such as Art Club, Gym Club, School Band, School Chorus, Just Say No Club, Computer Club, Ski Club and Club Web; other clubs may be offered, depending on student interest.
     The following guidelines refer to extra-curricular activities:

  1. A student who is participating in an extra-curricular activity or school function must be in school in order to participate on that day.

  2. The school must be provided with a form giving the parent's permission for the student to participate in after school activities.

  3. At all school functions, whether on or off school premises, the same general rules governing conduct shall prevail as during regular school hours.

  4. Transportation to and from extra-curricular activities must be provided by the parent promptly at the designated dismissal time.

• Sexual Harassment:  The school is sensitive to issues of this nature and notifies parents in any instance of concern.  Problems of this nature are dealt with quickly and in a manner consistent with Federal Law, Title IX, and State Laws 2C.

• Complaints:  Any person or group having a legitimate interest in the school shall have the right to present a request, suggestion, complaint, or grievance concerning district personnel, the program, or the operations of the district.  At the same time, the Board has a duty to protect its staff from unnecessary harassment.

  It is the desire of the Board to rectify any misunderstandings between the public and the school district by direct discussions of an informal type among the interested parties.  It is only when such informal meetings fail to resolve the differences, shall more formal procedures be employed.  Any requests, suggestions, complaints or grievances reaching the Board, Board member, and the administration shall be referred to the Superintendent for consideration according to the following procedure:

  1. If it is a matter specifically about or directed toward a staff member, the matter should be initially discussed by the parent with the staff member.

  2. If the matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved, it should be referred to the Vice Principal who will attempt to resolve the issue.

  3. Should the matter still not be resolved, the Superintendent will discuss the matter with the person making the complaint.

  4. Should the matter still not be resolved, or if it is one beyond the Superintendent's authority and requires a Board decision or action, the complainant shall request, in writing, a hearing by the Board.

  A hearing shall be granted before the Board at which time all materials relating to the case shall be presented.  The Board shall then refer the matter to the appropriate committee for its review; a recommendation by the committee to the full Board shall be made by the next regular Board meeting.  The complainant shall be advised, in writing, of the Board's decision no more than seven days following the meeting.

  Public complaints and grievances brought directly to the Board without first having been processed through levels one, two, and three will not be heard by the Board until attempts have been made to resolve the issue at the lower level(s).  The Board reserves the right to waive this requirement in cases of emergency or if extenuating circumstances cause the timelines to be impractical.