Smithville Elementary

Dave Ragazzi Ken Berardis

Principal Assistant Principal

DOLPHIN FACTS
37 S. Old Port Republic Rd.• Galloway, NJ 08205
Phone: (609) 748-1250 • Fax: (609) 748-6566

S.U.R.F. your Way to Success!

 SMITHVILLE ELEMENTARY
GRADES: Pre-K to Grade 6
SCHOOL MASCOT: Dolphin
SCHOOL COLORS: Black and Gold
SCHOOL HOURS:
Regular Session Days 8:35 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Early Dismissal Days 8:35 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

VISION STATEMENT:
Smithville Elementary School will promote a safe and secure environment to educate all students
through enriching educational programs. Staff, students, parents and community are committed
to nurturing a positive and productive learning climate. Collectively, we will foster an awareness
and respect for diversity among our students, which will develop successful, responsible citizens.

GOALS:
● Focus on academic excellence and increasing student achievement
● Establish high expectations and continually work toward fulfillment of these goals
● Learn and succeed in a safe, positive, creative and educationally sound environment
● Respect, encourage and support all members of our divers learning community
● Foster teamwork between home, school and community
● Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of all members

Smithville School’s S.U.R.F Program encourages our students to possess strong values
and demonstrate good character. SURF stands for Self-Control, Understanding, Responsibility
and Fairness. We remain committed to laying a solid foundation for character development by
teaching the students’ right from wrong and by acting as positive role models.
This S.U.R.F. program is in place to implement activities designed to communicate, promote, and
recognize desired student behavior and performance.

COMMUNICATION:
Every Thursday your child will bring home important information for you to review in their
Dolphin Folder. Please look for this folder every week for information about upcoming events,
Parent/Teacher Conferences, homework, notes from teachers or administration, calendars, club
sign ups and local events in Galloway.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL:

Since the school grounds are unsupervised until 8:35 a.m., students are not permitted on
the playgrounds or in the building before this time. Parents/Guardians needing to leave
their child/children off before 8:35 a.m. should contact Todd Loveland at 748-1250
ext.1029 to make arrangements through the Before School Child Care Program or register
online at: www.gtps.k12.nj.us Click the Child Care Program icon.
All students (parent/guardian drop-offs, bus riders, walkers and bike riders) must
directly enter the building upon arrival and leave the grounds immediately at
dismissal.

PARENT/GUARDIAN DROP OFF:

Parents/guardians driving students to school should drop them off using the front
parking lot loop along the front sidewalk in front of gymnasium. This drop off loop
is single file designated by cones. Do not enter the bus loop! When dropping children
off within the parking lot loop, parents/guardians must pull up as far as possible to the
designated sign, stop, unload and then proceed through the loop. Vehicles are not
permitted to idle or park in this area.
Parents/guardians needing to assist their child or enter the building must use the visitor
parking spots in the parking lot.
Parents/guardians should not exit their vehicles in the drop off area. This practice will
better enable our duty teachers to focus their attention on student supervision. All students
(walkers, drop off, and bus riders) must enter the building directly upon arrival.

PARENT “CAR RIDER” PICK-UP:

Those planning to pick up their child/children from school must indicate this desire in
advance by writing a note stating the days, dates, and duration of the request. Please also
indicate which adults are permitted to pick up the child(ren). In emergency situations,
please call the office as early as possible to communicate a change of plans. These notes
and calls help insure that students go home the desired way. Enter the school parking lot
and remain in your car. Use the same loop as AM Drop off and remain single file in your
car. As you proceed closer to the gym doors, our staff will walk your child(ren) to your
car. For the safety of the children, adults may be asked to present proper identification. No
child will be dismissed from the office from 3:00pm to 3:15pm.
Pick up must occur promptly at 3:15 p.m. and 1:25 p.m. on Early Dismissal days,
since adult supervision is not available after school. The Child Care Program offers a
convenient alternative for parents requiring a later pick up. Please be aware that any
student who is not picked up in a timely manner will automatically be placed into
After School Child Care at the parent’s expense of $60 per child ($68 on early
dismissal days).
People cannot interfere with the loading of the school buses; therefore, parking and
driving on the bus loop in front of the school is strictly prohibited during dismissal
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 times. When driving near the school, all are reminded to proceed slowly and exercise
extreme caution.

BUSES:
Students riding a bus are issued a pass for a specific bus and
route. Students must only ride their regularly assigned bus.
Requests for individuals to ride a different bus in an emergency
circumstance must be made in advance by the parent/guardian
to the Transportation Coordinator, Debbie Kauffman at Ext.
1004 in the District Office.
PLEASE BE ADVISED, REQUESTS WILL ONLY BE APPROVED by the District
Office who will then notify our Smithville School Office with directions that day.

WALKERS:
Permission is required before any child can walk unescorted by their parent/guardian to
and from school. A permission form is available in the front office throughout the year.
Walkers must agree to follow the rules commonly associated with pedestrian safety.
● Walkers must walk on sidewalks (where provided).
● Walkers should always cross at crosswalks and corners, never mid-block or between
parked cars.
● Any student needing to cross Old Port Republic Road must do so using the
crosswalk covered by the School Crossing Guard.
● Walkers should look both ways (left, right, and then left again) prior to crossing any
street.
A teacher is stationed along the sidewalk in front of the school to supervise the arrival of
walkers. At dismissal, walkers report to the front foyer, check in, and then continue with
teacher who then escorts the children to the crossing guard for release.
Those wishing to meet their child(ren) should do so at a location along the sidewalk near
the crossing guard.

BICYCLE RIDERS:
Permission is needed before any student can ride his/her bicycle to and from school. In
addition, the student must agree to follow rules of bicycle safety, including the wearing
of helmet protection. A permission form is available in the front office. Only
individuals with a form signed by both parent/guardian and student on file may ride a
bike to/from school. A staff member will be assigned to check the arrival and dismissal
of bike riders. Anyone wishing to alter their child’s bike riding status must provide the
office with written notice before the change takes place.

TELEPHONING THE SCHOOL:

Dialing 748-1250 allows one to access the district’s main menu. The front office at
Smithville can be reached at Extensions 4600 and 4602 from this main menu.

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LUNCH/RECESS:
Students in all grades are scheduled for a lunch and recess period:
Grades Lunch Recess
K 10:45-11:15 11:15-11:45
3-4 11:20-11:50 11:50-12:20
1-2 11:55-12:25 12:25-12:45
5-6 12:30-1:00 1:00-1:20
The hot lunch program begins on Tuesday, September 7th, with lunches, milk/juice, and
snacks available for purchase. Students must scan their ID card when buying meals, milk,
and/or snacks. Please be reminded that students can buy an individual snack for
themselves but are not permitted to make purchases for others.
Monthly lunch menus are posted in all homerooms and available online on our district
website at www.gtps.k12.nj.us
The district places an emphasis on providing nutritious lunches to students in order to
prepare them to learn. However, should a child’s meal account reach a negative balance,
meal choices will be limited. Children with negative meal account balances are also not
permitted to purchase a snack.

ATTENDANCE:
Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for success in school and life. Frequent
student absences from classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of the
instructional process and limit the ability of the individual to successfully complete the
prescribed curriculum. Students must be present in school for four (4) hours in order
to receive credit for a full day. Students who are not in school for 4 hours due to a late
arrival and/or early dismissal will not receive credit for the entire day. Parents/Guardians
must notify the school of their child’s absence by calling 748-1250, and then enter
extension #4600 or #4602. If the office is not contacted, an automated and/or live call will
be made to a home, cell, or work number after 10:30 am to verify the absence. When a
child returns to school after being absent, a note signed by the parent listing the date and
reason for the absence is required. If a child is absent for three (3) or more consecutive
days, a doctor’s note must be provided.

LATENESS:
Students are expected to be present in homerooms at
8:50 a.m. each day. Individuals arriving after 8:50 a.m. are considered
late and will be marked accordingly. Students reporting late must sign
in at the office and obtain a pass before proceeding to their classroom.
Please notify the office when your child/children will be late.

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EARLY RELEASE:
Requests for an early student release from school should only be made when absolutely
necessary. Parents are reminded that our instructional program continues until 3:15
p.m. A signed note indicating the time and reason for the early dismissal must be given to
the homeroom teacher in the morning of the requested day. Please be reminded that
students must be present in school for four (4) hours in order to receive credit for the
entire day. Parents/guardians must enter the school and physically sign their child out
from the office before 3:00pm. No child will be dismissed from the office from 3:00pm to
3:15pm. Your child(ren) will meet you at 3:15 pm at the Car Rider Loop in your car.
Thank you for your cooperation.

VISITORS:
Guests must enter the building via the main entrance by ringing the bell to gain admittance.
Once inside the foyer, all guests must report to the office using the door to their
immediate right. Access to the school is only available through office door. After signing
the guest log, individuals will be provided with an I.D. sticker and directed to the
appropriate area of the school.
Please be advised that for security purposes, movement into and out of the school will
be monitored and recorded. Guests cannot visit any classroom or teacher without
first reporting to the main office.
The procedure outlined above promotes the safety of our students and staff.

MEDICATION:
It is sometimes necessary for children to take or be
administered medication at school. Students requiring
medication must present a written order from the physician.
Medicine must be delivered to school by an adult, not the
child, in the original labeled pharmacy bottle. A medication
form giving the nurse permission to administer medicine in
school must also be completed, signed, and returned. Non-
prescription medication can only be given if authorized in
writing by a doctor.

SMITHVILLE FAMILY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (FSA):

The Smithville Family School Association makes many positive contributions to our
students, staff and school. We encourage all parents and guardians to join and become
actively involved in this worthwhile organization.

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CONFERENCES:
Please contact the school whenever there are questions or concerns. If you desire a
conference, please arrange one by calling or writing a note to the appropriate
teacher/administrator.
Regularly scheduled parent/teacher conferences will be held:

● October 20th (3:30 -4:30 p.m.)

● October 28th (2:30-5:30 p.m.)
● December 7th (2:30-5:30 p.m.)
● March 3rd (2:30–5:30 p.m.)

An email or letter addressing conferences will be sent

home prior to the scheduled conference dates.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR

PREPARE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FOR SCHOOL AND LEARNING

♦ Students are rested, groomed and dressed according to school code.

♦ Students avoid the use of harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
♦ Students come to school prepared and ready to learn.

DEMONSTRATE RESPECT FOR SELF, OTHERS, PROPERTY, AND THE

ENVIRONMENT

♦ Students cooperate and show respect in school.

♦ Students respond immediately and respectfully to staff directions.
♦ Students accept diversity and promote acceptance.
♦ Students accept the right of others to hold a different opinion.
♦ Students settle differences peacefully and find acceptable ways to solve problems.
♦ Students display good manners in school and at all events.
♦ Students use acceptable language when interacting with others.
♦ Students participate in the maintenance and cleanliness of the school building/grounds.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN BEHAVIOR AND LEARNING

♦ Students recognize that learning is the main purpose of school.

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♦ Students learn their job is to do their best.
♦ Students actively participate in instruction and make an honest effort to do all work.
♦ Students follow the classroom rules and routines of individual teachers.
♦ Students learn to listen and accept constructive criticism.
♦ Students accept the consequence of their actions and learn from their mistakes.

USE TIME, RESOURCES, AND TECHNOLOGY WISELY

♦ Students attend school regularly adhering to the school’s attendance policy.

♦ Students use instructional time productively.
♦ Students arrive on time and leave promptly at dismissal.
♦ Students obey the Internet Acceptable Use Agreement.

SHARE RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN WORKING AS MEMBERS OF A GROUP

♦ Students cooperate, contribute and share in the work of the group.

♦ Students accept and assume appropriate group roles.

MONITOR THEIR OWN PROGRESS

♦ Students keep track of their assignments and grades, using adult assistance as needed.
♦ Students value the relationship between learning and everyday life.

COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS & SCHOOL PERSONNEL ABOUT SCHOOL

MATTERS

♦ Students talk about their learning & academic progress with parents & school personnel.
♦ Students take information to their parents and return required responses to school.
♦ Students seek assistance from family, staff, and peers when solving problems.

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DISCIPLINE OVERVIEW
Philosophy of Discipline
The administration and staff at Smithville Elementary are committed to providing a safe,
welcoming, and supportive school environment that promotes learning and enhances student
achievement. Students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible individuals by
participating, cooperating, and showing respect for self, others and school property.

Students must accept the consequences of their actions and learn from their mistakes. All
segments of the school community share the responsibility of assisting students with the
development of the self-discipline that will enable them to function as responsible members of
school and community.

PARTICIPATION + COOPERATION + RESPECT = SUCCESS IN

SCHOOL
Bully Busting Program
We remain committed to ensuring that all students feel safe and comfortable in school, thus we
deliver instruction at all grade levels utilizing the state endorsed safety program, “Bully
Proofing Your School”. With the Bully Proofing Program, bullying and aggressive
behaviors do not have a place in our school and will not be tolerated.

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Harassment, intimidation and bullying are serious behaviors and will not be tolerated.
Everyone at Smithville is committed to expending the time and energy required to carry out the
requirements of the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) law, and preventing any
student from becoming a victim of an incident of HIB.
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) is defined as:
Any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether
it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that…
Is reasonably perceived as being motivated 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 disability or by any other
distinguishing characteristics that…
Takes place on school property, at any school sponsored function, or off school grounds
that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operations of the school or the
rights of the other students and that…
A reasonable person should know that the act will have the effect of physically or
emotionally harming a student or damaging the students property or placing a student in
reasonable fear of physical or emotion harm to his person or damaging to his property
and…
Creates
A staff a hostile
member, educational
student environment
and/or parent, forof
on behalf thehis/her
student can submitwith
by interfering
child, a student’s
a form to report an
education
alleged or by
incident of severely
HIB. or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.

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Reported incidents will be promptly investigated and finding shared with the appropriate
individuals.

Student Expectations and Recognition Program

As part of the school’s special focus on improving student behavior, a Student Expectations and
Recognition Program has been established to promote and reward desired student conduct. This
program emphasizes the teaching and rewarding of desired student behavior. The following
initiatives are major components of our program: SURF Tickets, Students of the Month, Role
Model of the Month, Principal’s Treasure Box, and Ice Cream Social.

Classroom Management
Individual teachers are expected to develop a classroom management system and handle their
own student discipline. Unacceptable classroom behavior may result in the student receiving a
teacher sanction, including verbal warning, written/verbal parent contact, teacher detention,
parent conference, etc. When the teacher has exhausted his/her efforts or the situation has
become one of a serious nature, e.g., defiance, fighting, theft, etc., the student will be referred to
the Assistant Principal.

General Statement
Discipline decisions are rendered on the basis of the available evidence and investigative
findings of the incident. The discipline process provides consideration for: the student’s intent,
the severity of the offense, the repetitive behavior of the offender, and fairness in light of
mitigating circumstances.

THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISCIPLINE CODE (FOUND IN THE DISTRICT

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK) COMMUNICATES A RANGE OF ACTIONS FOR
COMMON INFRACTIONS OF SCHOOL RULES.
These rules apply to students as they travel to/from school, during school, and at school
activities.

Disciplinary Procedures: (Range of Actions)

When a student is referred to the office for inappropriate behavior, the following disciplinary
consequences may be imposed.

Parent Notification
Verbal and/or written communication is given to the parent explaining the misbehavior, listing
the assigned consequence, and soliciting the parents’ assistance in preventing future incidents.

Parent Conference
The parent remains an integral part of the disciplinary process and the school’s efforts to change
student behavior.

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Parents may be required to visit the school in order to meet with school personnel and discuss
their areas of concern.

Lunch Time Out

A student may be required to remain inside at lunch under staff supervision, thus forfeiting their
free time.

Administrative Detention
An administrator may require a student to arrive early or stay late after school under adult
supervision. Students must report to their detention prepared to do homework, read or study.
Students who fail to serve an assigned detention will be subject to additional disciplinary action.

Sent Home Early

A student may be removed from school for the remainder of a day and sent home early with
his/her parent.

In-School Suspension
A student may be removed from regular classes and assigned to an area to complete
assignments from various classes under staff supervision.

External Suspension
External suspension involves excluding the student from school for a period of up to ten (10)
days, unless a long term suspension is imposed by the Superintendent/Board of Education.

Restitution
Compensation may be required in cases involving loss or damage.

Ineligibility
Students are not eligible to participate in or attend any student extracurricular activities during
the day(s) of their suspension.

Loss of Privileges
Students who chronically misbehave may lose certain school privileges, e.g.: attendance at
special events.

Intervention & Referral Services (I & RS)

A student will be referred to Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) for serious offenses
and/or chronic misbehavior. This committee will review the situation and circumstances
surrounding the referral and make recommendations regarding interventions and/or possible
placement.

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 BEHAVIORAL QUICK REMINDERS

HALLWAY
● Walk in single file and keep to the right
● Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
● Remain quiet

BATHROOM
● Use the facility in an appropriate and respectful manner

CAFETERIA
● Sit and remain seated at your
assigned table
● Stay seated until dismissed or
granted teacher permission to move
around
● Follow directions given by adults
● Walk at all times
● Talk in a soft voice
● Display courtesy and good manners
● Keep hands, feet, and objects to
yourself
● No throwing food or other objects
● Clean up after yourself
● Place all trash into the proper can

RECESS
● Follow teacher directions and use ● Do not leave the recess area without
playground equipment safely adult permission
● Keep your hands, feet, and objects to ● Play only in your designated recess
yourself area
● No physical behavior
BUS
● Obey and listen to the driver ● Talk in a quiet voice
● Sit properly and remain in your seat ● Walk on and off the bus
● Keep your hands and feet off others ● Keep the bus clean
● Keep all body parts inside the ● No throwing objects
window

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 is our telephone/email communications system that dials out to all of our
parents/guardians. Since we have started using this system, many calls of
importance have been sent home. It is imperative that we have the correct
primary phone number for each child (although this number may be your
home, cell, or even work number – whichever you prefer) and also an email
address so that we can email you pertinent information throughout the school
year (i.e; monthly calendars, upcoming events, etc.)
In the case of inclement weather that causes schools to close, YOU WILL
RECEIVE A PHONE CALL FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT ON EITHER THE
NIGHT BEFORE OR THE MORNING THAT SCHOOL IS TO BE CLOSED. The
district uses a communications tool called School Messenger that allows us to
record one message and send it to every parent and staff members’ home on the
day of the closing.
In addition to receiving a phone call, closing information is posted on the district
homepage, it is tweeted, and if you call the main phone number (609-748-1250),
the main recording will announce the closing as well.
You are encouraged to listen fully to any automated message from the
school district.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION:

In the case of inclement weather that causes schools to close, YOU WILL RECEIVE A PHONE CALL FROM
THE SUPERINTENDENT ON EITHER THE NIGHT BEFORE OR THE MORNING THAT SCHOOL IS TO
BE CLOSED. The district uses a communications tool called School Messenger that allows us to record one
message and send it to every parent and staff members' home on the day of the closing. NOTE: It is VERY
important that we have the proper contact information (email, phone numbers, etc.) for you - PLEASE contact
your child's school right away if any of this information changes.

In addition to receiving a phone call, closing information is posted here:

● District homepage: www.gtps.k12.nj.us

● Facebook: facebook.com/gallowayschools
● Twitter: twitter.com/gallowayschools
● Main district phone number: 609-748-1250, the main recording will announce the closing as well.

Please be advised that while it is difficult to coordinate bussing for the consortium (a group of schools in the
area that all share the same bus company) - in the event of inclement weather the school district may use a
two-hour delay. This means that:

- If a student is transported by bus, the student should report

to the bus stop two hours later than the usual time.
- If a student is driven to school, walks, or rides a bike to
school, the student should arrive two hours later than the usual time.
- Child Care would also be delayed by the same two hours.- The school day would end at the normal time.
You are encouraged to listen fully to any automated message from the school district.

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