We Are
Culture Creators 2.0

Who to Go To

Staff email addresses are intentionally left off this page since the site is public. Everyone is reachable at their KIPP NJ address in the staff directory.

School Overview

MISSION

At Newark Lab High School we seek to develop and prepare every student to be productive citizens through rigorous academic instruction, serving within our school community and the community at large, and exposure to pre-collegiate and vocational opportunities. As a school, we own our data and work collectively to show sustained growth through an analysis of data. As the NLHS community, we hold ourselves to a standard of excellence both behaviorally and academically. We strive daily to be the best Sharks we can be!

CULTURAL VISION

HOURS

Please note that KIPP Newark attempts to follow the NPS calendar as closely as possible. However, to implement our program, there are a few variations in the calendar. Please refer to the KIPP Newark calendar at the back of this handbook.

ACADEMIC BELIEF

Newark Lab High School is a school that values rigorous academic instruction by certified professionals. We create opportunities for students to engage with academic material both during live instruction and after school in smaller groups. Data is analyzed by students, teachers, and families to ensure sustained student progress toward personal and schoolwide academic goals. Students know where they stand academically, and create growth goals for themselves. Advisors partner with parents, teachers, and students to aid in students achieving their academic goals. Student achievement drives what we do as a school.

COURSE OFFERINGS

General Procedures & Operations

Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

Professionalism

Attendance

Parent Involvement

Parent-Teacher Communication

At KIPP, we believe our students are most successful when teachers and families form a partnership through open and regular communication about their education.

Birthday Policy

Visitors

To ensure the safety of our students and staff, all visitors to the school, including parents, must check in at the security desk. We use a visitor system which requires visitors to sign-in using a photo ID (driver’s license, preferred). Visitors are then given a visitor badge which must be worn while in the building. Even if one visits the school on a regular basis, they will still be required to sign-in using our visitor system. This also helps us to know who is in the building in the event there is an emergency. Visitors should also sign out at the security desk before leaving. If a visitor is not following the security procedures or are being disruptive in any way, our staff and security personnel reserve the right to ask them to leave or remove you from school grounds.

Safety and Weather

Emergency Drills

The safety of all students and staff in our schools is very important to us. In order to maintain a safe environment for our students to study and learn, it is necessary that we practice our emergency and crisis response plans by having drills designed to exercise our procedures.

Below are some examples of drills that are conducted at our school:

In the event of a real emergency, parents will receive an “all-call” similar to the calls we send out for weather-related closures or delays. As a result, it is extremely important that you provide the main office with up-to-date contact numbers. This is the fastest way for us to notify all families as school staff may not be able to answer phone calls or respond to texts during an emergency.

Inclement Weather Policy

KIPP Newark schools typically follow the Newark Public Schools for all school closings, delays, and early dismissals during the winter weather months.

KIPP Newark will post closings, delays, and early dismissals on local news stations, our website, as well as our school Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

An “all-call” to families will be sent out when the school is closed, delayed or if we have an early dismissal due to weather. Please make sure the main office has a current phone number on file.

Make-Up Days

The KIPP Newark school calendar allows for 5 school days to be missed due to emergency or inclement weather. Emergency days are as follows:

• If we use 5 emergency days before March 1st, 5/23 and 4/14 become half days for students (and half PD days for teachers).
• If we use 4 emergency days before March 1st, 5/23, becomes a half day for students (and half PD day for teachers).
• If we use exactly 3 emergency days before March 1st, there is no change to the calendar.
• If we use only 2 emergency days before March 1st, 3/31 becomes a day off for staff and students.
• If we use only 1 emergency day before March 1st, 3/31 and 6/6 become days off for staff and students.
• If we use 0 emergency days before March 1st: 3/31, 6/6, and 3/14 become days off for staff and families.

Student Release

If a student is asked or allowed to leave school before the normal dismissal time for that day for any reason, then the school will contact the parent or guardian, and the student must be handed off from the school directly to the parent or guardian or someone on the student’s “release/pick-up” list. Only KIPP students who are 18+ years old are allowed to sign themselves out.

Professional Work Ethic & Expectations

Meeting & Professional Development Expectations

It is important that we as a school community operate with the assumption that all members

are showing up as their best selves and upholding the commitments to their best ability. While

we know that there might be certain individual circumstances that impact our ability to uphold

these expectations, it is imperative that you communicate with the PD facilitator and AP.

Submission of Documents

lP Submission/Gradebook Submission

• IPs are due every WEDNESDAY by 11:59 PM. Teachers are submitting IPs for the following week. Teachers should expect feedback from their coaches by Friday
• All student facing materials should be linked into your submitted IP the day before the lesson is taught.
• Gradebook Submissions are due every FRIDAY by 11:59 PM. Gradebooks are to be accurate and up to date. Failure to do so will result in formal documentation.
• IPs may be reviewed in O3s with your coach OR feedback will be given on your submitted document by Thursday, end of business.

Weekly Blast

On Sunday’s you can expect a Weekly Blast that includes information from your SL, AP,

GLC, and Dean. It is your professional responsibility to read the blast before the 7:40am Monday huddle.

Homework & Teaching Materials:

• All materials, including HW packets and content materials, must be prepared by 7:35am daily.
• Classes should ALWAYS be covered.
• Classes and students should NEVER be left unattended to make copies.
• Excessively large packets should be printed at the end of the day.

Classroom Readiness

NLHS teachers take full ownership over their Learning Environment. Not only are teachers and paraprofessionals responsible for the classroom climate and physical space, they are the first line of defense when addressing student behaviors. Consistent strong systems and routines aid in adverting negative student behaviors and promote an environment conducive to learning.

When someone walks into a NLHS learning space they will see:

• Neat and organized classrooms
• Tidy student desks
• Floors swept and trash in bins
• Teachers work tables are clean and organized
• Correct objectives, CFS’, IP’s, and schedules posted
• Materials prepped
• Small group happening and two teachers on when necessary
• Teachers are low-tech and delivering highly engaging lessons
• Data tracking visibly evident in classroom
• Students in correct uniforms
• Lesson plan or IP available
• Evident systems and routines

Performance Management

Performance management at NLHS are the battery of tools that include, but are not limited to the

documents, professional development, observations, and feedback, used by the KIPP organization and

Newark Lab High School to evaluate instructional staff. All instructional staff are expected to perform as

effective teachers and deliver instruction that yields high academic results.

All instructional staff receive three major evaluations each academic year, in addition to those that are

performed daily/weekly .

The Excellent Teaching Rubric (ETR) is the framework by which all instructional staff are evaluated

throughout the year during all observations. The five major areas by which instructional staff are

evaluated are the following:

1) Teaching is Thinking

2) Uphold Excellence

3) Kids Love Learning

4) No Struggle, No Progress

5) It Starts and Ends with Student Work

Performance management also includes a score provided to each staff member by their peers and

manager through Self & Others and Managers’ Surveys. The tiered ETR score, as well as, the Self &

Others and Managers’ scores from the middle and end of year reviews are averaged to provide a final score. Your final score determines how much your pay increase for the following year will be.

Department Expectations

All instructional staff have a department TEAM that corresponds to the discipline they teach.

Department expectations include, but are not limited to the following:

● Complete lesson plans for all instructional days as per guidelines established by the KIPP:NJ network and NLHS Assistant Principals.

● Teach all instructional blocks for your discipline and support school intervention.

● Attend the full duration of all regional and school-based department meetings and professional development in person unless virtual options are made available.

● Communicate all requests for early leave and/or absenteeism in ADP, as well as, with your Grade Level Chair and Assistant Principal.

● Remain abreast of, respond to, and execute all department communication.

● Execute the vision for curriculum and instruction of the department.

● Sign in and out for all days of employment using the provided system.

● Consistently model and embody KIPP NJ values, professionalism expectations, and character.

Grade Level Expectations

All staff have a grade level TEAM. Grade level expectations include, but are not limited to the following:

● Attend the full duration of all grade levels huddles and meetings.

● Execute the grade level vision for culture and instruction.

● Execute all grade level duties.

● Communicate all requests for early leave and/or absenteeism in ADP, as well as, with your Grade Level Chair and Assistant Principal.

● Remain abreast of, respond to, and execute all grade level communication.

● Sign in and out for all days of employment using the provided system.

● Consistently model and embody KIPP NJ values, professionalism expectations, and character.

Confirmation of Conference

As an academic institution, it is imperative that the students in our care are provided an educational experience that allows them to be successful in their post-secondary educational experiences, as well as those they will encounter beyond our walls. As mentioned previously, each staff member is a professional at NLHS. All professionals are expected to consistently model and embody KIPP NJ values,professionalism expectations, and character. All communication, particularly those that involve breaches of professional duties, will be confirmed via email and/or writing.

Academics

High School (9-12) Grading and Assessments

Our middle and high schools use a points based grading system; categories are not weighted in their own right. A points based grading system is where the grade for the quarter can be calculated by dividing points earned by points assigned. Certain types of assignments still have more weight than others, but it is based on the amount of points the assignment is worth rather than an internal calculation.

Students’ grades are calculated based on their performance on the following types of assignments:

SY 26-27 Gradebook Expectations

Grading Scale

Honor Roll

Students are able to earn Honor Roll based on their GPA in middle school and high school. To earn Honor Roll students must have a yearly GPA of 3.0 or higher. Each school has their own nomenclature for honor roll with distinguishing honor roll lists that are unique to the identity of the school.

Honorable Mention: 2.8 - 2.99

Honor Roll: 3.0 - 3.49

High Honor Roll: 3.5 - 3.74

Super Honor Roll: 3.75 - 4.09

Principal's List: 4.1+

Report Card Conferences

Report cards will be distributed to families during the Family-Teacher conferences that will be held after the completion of each quarter. Conferences are scheduled for the following days:

Quarter 1: November 18-19, 2026

Quarter 2: February 24-25, 2027

Quarter 3: April 28-29, 2027

Quarter 4: June 16-17, 2027

Homework

Policy for Making up and Revising Work

Student absences have a significant impact on student learning. Students who are absent from school when an assignment is due are expected to submit that assignment upon returning to school. Students who are absent from school the day an assignment is given should be given one additional day to submit that assignment for each day they are absent.

Students have 1 week after the due date to turn in missing assignments. Students can earn full credit if the assignment is turned in within the 1 week window. Students can earn up to a 7 if the assignment is missing due to referred behavior (skipping class, eloping, etc.)

We want students to take full ownership for their course grades GPAs. Therefore, we believe that students should have opportunities to improve their grades by revising some types of assignments.

Formative Assessments

Students have the opportunity to revise any formative assessment that they did not receive full credit for. Regardless of type of a formative assignment, the students should be able to earn back all available points during the revision/re-take.

Summative Assessments

Mastery assessments (mastery quizzes, quarterly assessments, midterms, finals) will be graded using either a curve or conversion chart. Mastery assessment revisions are mandatory with the following parameters in place:

Students who submit test revisions can earn back up to 60% of the points that were missed. For example: a student who submits test revisions whose original curved/converted score was a 60 can earn up to 24 of the 40 points that were missed, for a final score of 84.

The lowest possible score a student can receive for an assessment is a 50, the numerical equivalent of an “F,” -- even if the student has missed the assessment altogether. This is also the lowest score that can be achieved on the conversion chart.

Work Habits

Students cannot revise work habit assignments.

Gifted and Talented Policy

At KIPP, we are committed to meeting the needs of all learners - including students who are gifted and talented. KIPP Newark will therefore provide all gifted and talented students with programs which provide for gifted and talented students’ basic education while encouraging optimum development of the students’ special abilities. Programs shall be developed or located which stimulate students to participate constructively in, and contribute to, the activities of the school, the community and society. The full Gifted and Talented Policy is available upon request to the school. *There is currently no gifted and talented program offered at Newark Lab High School.

Behavior Management Systems

At KIPP Newark, we will cultivate the academic, social-emotional, and character skills students need to lead choice-filled lives. These habits will be built in the learning environment with staff, students, families, and the community. We use a variety of developmentally appropriate methods (i.e., responses, conversations, incentives, recognition, and consequences) to teach necessary skills for students to make more informed choices. We envision a school where:

• Our high expectations are rooted in clear, consistent, rational guiding systems and routines;
• Universal responses, conversations, incentives, recognition, and consequences are methods that we use to teach necessary skills for students to make more informed choices
• All members of the school community exhibit tolerance and respect for each other;
• Staff members equitably support 100% of our students to meet their potential;
• Staff create a balance of proactive and reactive approach to student challenges;
• Students take responsibility for their own actions and their own learning;

Student Code of Conduct

KIPP believes that effective classroom management and a clear plan for discipline are essential for positive, productive classroom environments. Classroom management should center on proactive guidelines and procedures that establish clear expectations, foster engagement, and prevent misbehavior and confusion before they arise.

KIPP believes that discipline should be a learning experience in and of itself carried out with the students’ best interests in mind. Discipline should help teach students to be responsible and self-disciplined. Such an atmosphere must include the resources to support and teach student growth, respect for self, others, as well as for school based and community property.

HS Habits of Excellence Corrections

Habits of Excellence Corrections are used to provide adjusting feedback at the end of the class period (during ‘Last 5’) for the few students who do not respond positively to MVP directions, positive narration, and least-invasive strategies.

** For students with diagnosed disabilities that may impact behavior, the expectation is that the teacher is aware of the student’s disability, the behavioral accommodations and they are implementing the supports outlined in the IEP and 504 prior to delivering adjusting feedback.

Removal and Referral Process

Note: Before a teacher sends a message to the Dean and Assistant dean they should have tried at least 3 PICs (preventative intervention commitment). (seat change, buddy class, reset conversation, etc.)

Reasons that warrant a removal

● Inappropriate physical contact with students or staff

● Property destruction (Hole in walls, dismantling furniture,

breaking items, etc.)

● Possession of unsafe materials

● Leaving classroom or floor without permission

● Profanity (using inappropriate mature language)

● Chronic refusal to follow directions

● Theft

● Credible threats

If a student has to be removed the Dean of Students or Assistant Dean will:

• Speak with student regarding the issue and/or assign ISS.
• Follow-up with the referring teacher regarding next steps via email/in person.
• Teacher must contact parent regarding the matter and inform of the classroom/next steps

Kicking Students Out of Class

At no point are teachers permitted to kick students out of the classroom. Teachers are permitted to ask students to step out to conference with them with the intent of having the student return to the class. If students refuse to step out or cannot meet the stated classroom expectations, the aforementioned referral procedure must be followed. Teachers cannot refuse a child entry into the classroom

Teachers that are unable to uphold this expectation will receive:

• Email follow-up from Dean/Asst. Dean with AP of Culture and coach cc’d.
• Formal discussion regarding poor classroom practices with AP.
• Meeting with the school leader and AP followed by formal write-up.

Student Uniform Policy

All Newark Lab High School students are required to wear the complete school uniform every day. Our uniform policy is designed to build a sense of pride within our school community and to ensure that our students look professional yet remain comfortable as they learn. Students must remain in uniform at all times while on campus.

The uniform will consist of one of the following:

Black NLHS Polo Shirt (long sleeve/short sleeve) and Black khakis or slacks. Black khaki (knee length) shorts may be worn in Quarter 1 and Quarter 4 only.

NLHS Gym Uniform - Gray NLHS gym shirt, gray NLHS sweatpants, and/or blue NLHS gym shorts.

In addition, the Newark Lab High School dress code includes the following:

Black NLHS Cardigan Sweater , Black V-Neck NLHS Crewneck Sweater, Grey or Black NLHS Fleece Jacket, Black NLHS ¼ Zip Sweatshirt

Lastly, the Newark Lab High School dress code excludes the following:

Hoodies, bonnets, hairnets, durags, scarves, sandals, crocks, ugg slippers, yeezy foam runners, and any open toed shoe.

Violations: Any accessory or article of clothing that becomes a distraction to the learning environment will be sent home with a note and will become a dress code violation if it is worn or brought back to school. Students who attend school dressed improperly may be required to call their parents/guardians to bring clothes meeting dress code requirements. Repeated violations of dress code or intentionally ignoring dress code expectations will result in additional consequences.

Ordering from Flynn & O’Hara:

· Online: Go to www.flynnohara.com and follow the on-screen directions.

· Phone: Call 800-441-4122 M-F 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

· Store: FlynnO'Hara Uniforms

544 Raymond Blvd.

Newark, NJ 07105

Student Attendance Expectations

Regular attendance of students in each class and in school in general is critical to ensure students are able to learn and master the academic content and skills required for their grade level.

A parent/guardian must text or call the child’s advisor if the student will be absent.  Parents/guardians should contact the advisor by 7:45 a.m. to report the reason for, and the expected duration of, the absence. A student must have attended at least 4 hours of school in a day to be considered present in school for the day.

An absence is either excused or unexcused. All absences are unexcused unless the absence is excused based on the approved policy, which is summarized below. Students and families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the full policy, which is available on the website and at the school’s main office.

All excused and unexcused absences are included in attendance records.

Make Up Work

Students absent for both excused or unexcused reasons are required to make up all coursework, including assessments. Students will have 2 calendar weeks to complete make-up work after an absence, but are encouraged to do so immediately upon return to school. Students should use Office Hours/Study Hall for this.

Excused Absences

For the purpose of determining promotion, retention, truancy, grades, course credit, eligibility to make up missed assignments and tests for full credit, and violations of the school code of conduct for attendance the following absences are excused and not considered:

• Religious observance pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.3(h);
• A college visit (up to 3 days per school year, only for students in grades 11 and 12);
• “Take Our Children to Work Day” (pursuant to the memo issued by the Commissioner to all districts on April 25, 2017) or other rule issued by the Commissioner;
• Participation in observance of Veterans Day (N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-13.2) or district board of election membership activities (N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-33;
• The closure of a busing district that prevents a student from having transportation to the receiving school.
• A student’s suspension from school

Unexcused Absences

The following absences are unexcused. Unexcused absences are considered for the purpose of determining promotion, retention, truancy, grades, course credit, eligibility to make up missed assignments and tests for full credit, and violations of the school code of conduct for attendance:

• A student’s illness. The parent/guardian should provide a written letter from a licensed medical professional within 10 days of the student’s return to school
• A student’s required attendance in court;
• Family illness or death supported by a written letter from the parent/guardian upon the student's return to school, supported by notification to the school by the student’s parent/guardian;
• Examination for a driver’s license;
• Necessary medical appointments that cannot be scheduled at a time other than the school day supported by written documentation from the licensed medical professional;
• An absence for any other reason.

For Students in Special Education

The attendance policy, discipline and remedial measures shall apply to classified students where appropriate and in accordance with the student’s:

• Individualized education program (IEP);
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Procedural protections set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:14;
• Alternate short or long term accommodations for students with disabilities as required by law;
• Requirements of a student’s individualized health care plan and individualized emergency healthcare plan.

Participation in School Activities

Students and STAFF may not participate in any school activities including, but not limited to, athletics, extra-curricular activities, school curricular programs, field trips, dances, etc. that take place during and after the end of the instructional day of an unexcused absence.

Late Arrival/Early Dismissal

Students arriving late or leaving early must have attended school for at least 4 hours to be considered present in school for the day. A student who attends school less than 4 hours will not receive credit for attending that day.

Daily Attendance Notification

If a parent/guardian fails to notify the school of a student’s absence then the school will contact the family that day. Families can track their child’s overall attendance and credit status via the attendance report distributed on DeansList every Thursday.

Loss of Credit

A student whose unexcused absences of the scheduled classes exceed the limits specified below may be retained and not promoted.  Loss of credit will occur in all cases when a student has exceeded the following unexcused absences:

A student will lose credit for all courses in a school year if the student’s unexcused absences exceed the allowable amount.

Appeal for Loss of Credit

The school has established a process for a student to file a loss of credit appeal if the student exceeds the limits listed above. The Appeals Process can be found in the full Attendance Policy posted on the school website and also available at the school main office. Any appeal has firm filing deadlines.

Completion of make-up work, documentation of the reasons of the unexcused absences, as well as mastery of the subject matter are some of the factors that are used in assessing an appeal.

Chronic Absenteeism

Students who are excessively absent are considered chronically absent. Students who are chronically absent miss more than 10% of the school year or more than 18 days absent. We cannot emphasize enough the impact absences have on student learning. Instructional learning builds on content from the previous day. If students miss school, they can quickly fall behind.

If your student becomes chronically absent, then you and your student will receive the interventions below:

The interventions listed above are only a few examples the schools will take to ensure your student comes to school each and every day. For serious offenses, additional interventions will be taken into consideration.

Tardies

In order to fully implement our rigorous educational programs at KIPP Newark schools, we must make use of every minute. Students who arrive after 8:14 am are considered tardy. Students are required to sign in at the Swipe machine outside of the main office before going to class.

New Jersey state requires that students have at least 4 hours of instruction to be considered present. Therefore on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays students will be allowed to enter the building after 10:30 am but will not be marked present as per the state of NJ policy that they must be in the building for at least 4 hours to be considered present.

On Wednesdays students will be allowed to enter the building after 9:30 am but will not be marked present as per the state of NJ policy that they must be in the building for at least 4 hours to be considered present.

Early Dismissal

The end of the day is just as important as the beginning of the day. If your child has a medical or dental appointment or family emergency requiring you to come to school requesting an early dismissal, please notify the main office in advance. Parents/guardians are required to sign-out students from the main office for any early dismissal. Please try to arrange appointments for after school whenever possible. A student will only be dismissed to a parent or person listed on the authorized release list.

*times at shared campuses may vary depending on exact dismissal times and campus-wide activities.

Home Instruction

In limited circumstances, it may be necessary for the school to provide a student with homebound instruction. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-10 et seq., the school may provide home instruction under the following circumstances:

• A child’s temporary or chronic health condition results in missing more than 10 consecutive school days or 20 cumulative school days during the school year. In this situation a written determination from the child’s physician is required.
• A child is on out of school suspension for longer than 4 consecutive school days.
• Court order or other state mandated placement.

Guidelines for Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculations

At the end of each quarter and year, your child’s report card will include a Grade Point Average (GPA). At KIPP, we calculate GPAs by assigning a certain number of GPA points to every course grade a student earns and averaging those GPA points together. (See the table below for how course grades are used to determine GPA points.)

Your child’s Grade Point Average is an important measure of his or her academic performance. Your child’s high school GPA will have a big impact on your child’s college options:

• A student with a 3.5 or higher will often have access to more selective colleges and universities, and is typically in the top 20% of his/her class.
• A GPA of above a 3.0 is considered a sign of a strong student with good work habits.
• A GPA below a 2.5 is concerning, and will limit college options and/or is a reflection of a need to improve study habits.

Each quarter is worth 25% of a student’s overall grade for the year. Quarterly and unit assessments are counted as a mastery grade in each quarter. Students with IEPs will receive necessary accommodations and modifications to quarterly assessments. In High School, midterm and final exam grades are included in Quarter 2 and Quarter 4 grades respectively.

Retention and Promotion Policy

We believe that, while the timeframe may differ for different students, all of our kids will ultimately be academically prepared to lead choice-filled lives. We recommend retention only when we believe that repeating a grade will benefit the student. Factors that we consider when making retention decisions include but are not limited to:

• Grades
• Reading level
• Math proficiency
• Attendance

If your child is being retained in their current grade, your child’s school leader will communicate this decision to you by the last day of school.

Personal Electronic Expectations Policy

Starting the 2026-27 school year, under this new policy, there will be a strict No Cell Phone Policy during school hours, including recess. This means all personal electronic devices must be switched off AND stored in designated lockers or Yondrs throughout the school day. This policy aims to create a distraction-free learning environment and ensure student safety and well-being. If a student gets caught with a cell phone in class after being provided lock boxes to place phone in the Dean will follow the policy below:

• 1st Offense: Warning and confiscation of the device, to be returned after a parent/guardian meeting.
• 2nd Offense: Confiscation of the device, to be returned to the guardian during a parent/guardian meeting and a clear plan put into place.
• Subsequent Violations: Confiscation of the device and further disciplinary action consistent with our school's code of conduct, including potential suspension from school, activities or loss of other privileges.

In order to keep an academic focused community we as a school and you as our Shark families must work together to support our students.

Newark Lab High School Expectation Matrix

Penalties for Violating Classroom Rules/Regulations

A student who violates classroom or school-wide rules may be subject to: verbal warnings, detention, loss of recess, assignment of writing a reflective summary of their behavior, conference with the teacher and/or principal, written note to parent/guardians, phone call to parents/guardians, parent - teacher conferences, and/or a consequence listed in our school policy. Consequences listed below carry a minimum and a maximum penalty. The consequence given to each student will be dependent on his/her prior behavior and number of behavioral incidents the student has accumulated during the school year. Teachers may send out a supplement to the stated district discipline.

Violation of School Rules and Referrals to the Deans

Penalties may include: verbal warning, written notice to parent, parent-teacher conferences, detention, in-school suspension, short-term suspension (less than 10 days).

Parent - Administrator Conference , School Administrator will meet with parent/guardian to discuss the violation of the rule.

Detention - The student will be required to report to detention before and or after school, or during the school day as a consequence for a school or classroom violation.

In School reflection - Is a place for students to reset themselves, reflect in this space on their behavior away from their classmates and return back to class.

Suspensions

Aligned with the above, suspensions may occur as a result of code of conduct violations. The School Leader, or Assistant Principal, has the authority to suspend students up to 10 consecutive days. A suspension beyond 10 consecutive days requires the approval of the Executive Director and results in a formal hearing before a committee of the Board of Trustees. If suspended for 5 or more consecutive days for a code of conduct violation, a student will receive home instruction no later than the 5th day of suspension.

For the purposes of this document, weapons or dangerous instruments are broadly defined to include, but not limited to, those defined in N.J.S.A.2C:39-1f and 18 U.S.C. 921. Rifles, shotguns, machine guns, automatic or semiautomatic rifles, B.B. guns, dart guns, pellet guns, and other firearms; stilettos, and other knives which could inflict harm; blackjacks, bludgeons, metal knuckles, cesti or similar leather bands studded with metal fillings or razor blades embedded in wood; ice picks, razors, chains, bats, clubs, explosives; any weapon or other device which projects, releases, or emits tear gas or any other substance intended to provide temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air; and any other object that can reasonably be considered a weapon.

A student found or observed on school property or at a school-sponsored event to be in possession of a weapon or dangerous instrument, shall be reported to the School Leader immediately. The School Leader/designee shall immediately inform law enforcement officials. Disciplinary action shall be taken against students who possess, handle, transmit, or use weapons or dangerous instruments. As in all disciplinary cases, due process will be provided to the student. Disciplinary action imposed by the school may be in addition to sanctions levied by legal authorities. Any student who is convicted or found to be delinquent for the following offenses shall be immediately removed from the school's regular education program for a period of not less than one calendar year and placed in an alternative education school or program pending a hearing before the Board to remove the student: A. Possessing a firearm on any school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function; or B. Committing a crime while possessing a firearm.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy

We are committed to the safety and well-being of all students and their families in our schools. We recognize the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, steroids and tobacco on student development, success, and life outcomes. As a result, we are committed to implementing wellness and recovery strategies to promote prevention, intervention, referral for evaluation, referral for treatment and continued care for drug, alcohol, steroids and tobacco use and abuse.

Students suspected of being under the influence of a substance will be referred to the nurse for screening. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-12 students suspected of being under the influence must immediately be evaluated by a physician.

For a summary of our Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy, please see the Appendix.

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Policy

At KIPP, we expect students to treat each other with civility and respect and will not tolerate acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Like other disruptive or violent behaviors, this conduct interferes with the rights and abilities of students to learn and our ability to educate students in a safe and productive environment. Please see the Appendix for a summary of our HIB Policy.

If you believe your child or another student in the school is the victim of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying, please contact your school’s HIB Specialist:

Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes copying an idea or the actual text from another source and claiming that it is one’s own. Students must understand that copying the words, ideas, or opinions of someone else without giving credit to that person in the form of footnotes or references is considered plagiarism. Whether deliberate or accidental, plagiarism is a serious and punishable offense. Students must always be responsible for their own work and not engage in any manner of cheating.

Electronics & Acceptable Use Policy

Access to KIPP’s internet network and technology is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users of the network and its associated systems. Our technological resources are intended to be used for educational activities. To ensure that our network remains secure, each and every user must protect the rights of the community. By using the school’s systems, each student agrees to follow our Acceptable Use Policy and all applicable laws. For a summary of our Acceptable use policy, please see the Appendix.

Post-Incident Response Policy & Procedure

(Physical Altercation or Medical Emergency in Classroom or Shared Space)

Purpose

To ensure a safe, consistent, and trauma-informed response following any physical altercation or medical emergency, prioritizing:

• Immediate safety and stabilization
• Clear communication and accountability
• Emotional and physical well-being of all individuals
• Rapid return to a structured, safe learning environment

This policy applies to:

• All staff (teachers, deans, administrators, support staff)
• All students
• Any classroom, hallway, cafeteria, or shared school space

Definitions

• Physical Altercation: Any instance of fighting, aggressive physical contact, or use of a weapon (including items like pepper spray)
• Medical Emergency: Any situation requiring immediate medical attention (e.g., unconsciousness, breathing issues, injury, allergic reaction)

Immediate Response Protocol (0–5 Minutes)

Staff on Scene (Teacher/Nearest Adult)

Ensure Safety First

• Use clear, direct commands: “Stop. Move back. Exit now.”
• Activate 100% compliance expectation (all students follow directions immediately)

Call for Support

• Use radio/phone to alert main office or culture team
• Clearly state:
• Location
• Type of incident
• Urgency level

Separate & Stabilize

• Do not physically intervene unless necessary for immediate safety
• Direct uninvolved students to:
• Exit classroom OR
• Move to a designated safe area

For Medical Emergencies

• Call nurse immediately
• If severe → call 911
• Follow basic first aid/CPR if trained

Leadership/Culture Team Response

• Arrive within 2–3 minutes
• Take control of the scene:
• Assign roles (student removal, crowd control, medical support)
• Escort involved students to designated locations:
• Dean’s office / medical room

Classroom & Student Management (5–15 Minutes)

Remaining Students (Non-Involved)

• Relocate students if necessary

Provide clear, calm direction:

• “You are safe. Follow directions. We will continue shortly.”
• Resume structured activity ASAP (Do Now, silent work, etc.)

Teacher Responsibilities

• Maintain supervision of all remaining students
• Avoid discussing details or assigning blame
• Document initial facts while fresh

Post-Incident Support (Within 30–60 Minutes)

For Students Directly Involved

• Immediate administrative response:
• Investigation begins
• Medical evaluation (if needed)
• Parent/guardian contact made within same day

For Students Who Witnessed

• Acknowledge the incident:
• “What happened was serious, and we are handling it.”
• Provide access to counseling if needed
• Monitor for emotional distress

For Staff

Mandatory Wellness Check (Non-Negotiable)

• Administrator meets with impacted staff member
• Provide:
• Time to decompress
• Coverage if needed
• Staff completes incident report before end of day

Documentation & Reporting (Same Day)

Required Documentation

• Staff Incident Report
• Student statements (if applicable)
• Medical report (if applicable)
• Dean/Admin summary

Non-Negotiables

Reports completed before leaving for the day

• Administration reviews all reports within 24 hours

Communication Protocol

Internal Communication

• Leadership sends same-day summary to relevant staff:
• What occurred (objective, no speculation)
• Actions taken
• Any next steps for safety

Family Communication

• Families of directly involved students contacted immediately
• Broader communication sent if incident impacts larger community

Restoration & Reentry

For Involved Students

• Reentry meeting required:
• Student + family + admin
• Includes:
• Behavior reflection
• Restorative conversation (if appropriate)
• Clear expectations moving forward

For Classroom/Community

• Teacher or leader facilitates brief reset:
• Reinforce safety expectations
• Re-establish classroom norms

Accountability & Follow-Up

Leadership Responsibilities

Conduct after-action review within 48 hours:

• What went well
• Gaps in response
• System improvements

Training & Preparedness

• All staff trained quarterly on:
• De-escalation strategies
• Emergency response procedures
• Medical response basics

Non-Negotiables

• Safety over instruction — always
• No staff member manages an incident alone
• Every incident is documented
• Every impacted staff member is supported
• Every student returns to a safe, structured environment

Special Education and Student Supports

KIPP Newark believes that all students can reach their potential. To this end, we provide special education services to students with an IEP or 504 plan. We have certified special education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, social workers, and school psychologists to provide on-going support to students who have been identified as qualifying for special educational services.

KIPP Newark is required by the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) to provide free, appropriate public education to children with disabilities who need special education and related services. New Jersey has adopted state laws that conform to the IDEA and which schools must follow. Under New Jersey Administrative Code Title 6A, Chapter 14, students between the ages of 3 and 21 are eligible for special education and related services if they meet the criteria for one or more of fourteen recognized disabilities. Eligibility is determined collaboratively by the Child Study Team, who can recommend classification only if the student’s academic deficiencies are not the result of “a lack of instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction, or math or due to limited English proficiency” (NJAC 6A:14-3.5(b)). Students are eligible for special education, assistive technology, and related services if they need specially designed instruction and have one or more of the following physical and/or mental disabilities: auditorily impaired, autistic, intellectual disability, communication impaired, emotionally disturbed, multiply disabled, deaf/blindness, orthopedically impaired, other health impaired, social maladjustment, specific learning disability, traumatic brain injury, visually impaired, and/or preschool child with a disability.

IEP Process

An IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, is a written support plan when a student is identified with a disability. This document describes a child’s needs and explains the specific services that the school will provide a student to make progress in school.

The IEP is written by a team of professionals and a student’s parents/guardians. In New Jersey this team is referred to as the Child Study Team. Parents/guardians are invited to all IEP meetings. A student is also invited to the meeting if his or her post-secondary goals and transition needs will be discussed at the meeting (this is required if the child will turn 14 during the next school year). If transition needs are not going to be discussed, then the parent or guardian can decide whether the child should attend the meeting. Parent and student input during these meetings is valued and encouraged.

After the IEP is written, parents and guardians are asked to sign the IEP. By signing this document, a parent indicates approval of the program and services described and identified on the student’s IEP. More information about the special education process can be found in the Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE). This manual informs parents of their rights related to their child with a disability and is provided annually to parents.

Section 504

Some school age children with disabilities who do not meet special education eligibility requirements might still be eligible for special protections and for adaptations and accommodations in instruction, facilities, and activities under Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

A student is eligible for Section 504 protections and supports if he or she meets the following criteria:

• Has a chronic physical or mental disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the student’s school program.
• Is not eligible for special education services or programs.

KIPP Newark schools must ensure that qualified students with disabilities have equal opportunity to participate in the school program and activities to the maximum extent appropriate for each individual student. Without discrimination or cost to the student or family, we provide each qualifying protected student with a disability the relevant aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities and to the extent required by these laws. These supports and accommodations are documented in a Section 504 Service Agreement.

If you suspect that your child may qualify as a protected student with a disability, please contact the school social worker or Assistant Principal of Special Education to request an evaluation.

English Language Learner Supports

KIPP Newark schools provide non-English or limited English Language Learners (ELL) with English language instruction and cultural orientation. The goal of the ELL Program is to have students attain English language proficiency to enable them to succeed in school and in the community.

Parents of all incoming students are asked to complete a Home Language Survey as part of the registration process. Information from the survey is used to identify and screen students who may be eligible for ELL supports.

English Language Learners participate in annual state assessments with allowable accommodations annually. Students are graded using the same grading system as other students. English Language Learners, who are also students with a disability, are eligible for special education supports. A student’s individual supports are determined at an IEP team meeting taking into consideration the child’s unique strengths and instructional support needs.

Students exit KIPP Newark’s ELL program based on New Jersey multiple measures exit criteria. Students are monitored for two years after exiting ELL using a review of grades, school-wide assessments, state assessments (NJSLA), and teacher observations.

Response to Intervention (RtI)

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs by utilizing a problem-solving framework to identify and address academic and behavioral difficulties for all students using scientific, research-based instruction.

RtI is the practice of:

• Providing high quality instruction and intervention matched to the students’ needs, and
• Using learning rate over time and level of performance to make important educational decisions to guide instruction.

The RtI process begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening of all children in the general education classroom. Struggling learners are provided with interventions at increasing levels of intensity to accelerate their rate of learning. These services may be provided by a variety of staff members, including general education teachers, special educators, and specialists.

Progress is closely monitored to assess both the learning rate and level of performance of individual students. Educational decisions about the intensity and duration of interventions are based on individual student response to the instruction. RtI is designed for use when making decisions in both general education and special education, creating a well-integrated system of instruction and intervention guided by student outcome data.

Referral to RtI is not to be considered as a first step to Child Study Team evaluation. Quite the opposite, it is designed to provide necessary time-bound interventions for a student to make adequate academic progress. Response to Intervention is better described as a “response to instruction.” It provides a triage process that allows for progressive increases in the intensity and duration of instruction for students who continue to struggle with the general education curriculum. Through this preventive process, schools can meet the needs of all students and reduce the number of students inappropriately identified with a specific learning disability.

Student Protection

FERPA Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. KIPP Newark complies fully with this federal law. For a summary of KIPP’s FERPA policy, please see the Appendix.

Media Release Policy

Unless a parent or guardian grants KIPP permission during the enrollment process, KIPP Newark will not distribute or display photographs, video or audio footage of your child. If you do provide KIPP with this permission, we may make these photographs, video, or audio footage available for public viewing by various media outlets.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

We are committed to equal opportunity for all of our students. We prohibit discriminatory practices against any person by reason of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partnership status, familial status, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, nationality, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait of any individual, genetic information, or refusal to submit to a genetic test or make the results of a genetic test known, on account of disability, social or economic status, pregnancy, childbirth, actual or potential parenthood, or family status.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Student safety is our first priority. All school staff are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect and are legally required to call the Division of Child Protection and Permanency if there is suspected child abuse or neglect.

In New Jersey, anyone with reasonable cause to believe a child is being abused should immediately call the Child Abuse Hotline. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE. Calls can be made anonymously and you do not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Examples of abuse and neglect include-

When a student reports:

• being abused at home.
• witnessing drug use in the home.
• being sexually abused.
• engaging in child pornography or prostitution.
• witnessing domestic abuse.
• being threatened at home.
• being afraid to go home.

When a staff member suspects or witnesses:

• physical abuse such as bruises, burns, fractures, etc.
• other potential indicators of abuse such as wariness of adult contact, behavioral extremes (aggression, withdrawal), fear of parents/guardians or going home, difficulty walking or sitting.
• neglect- including lack of basic food and clothing, poor hygiene, consistent hunger, fatigue or falling asleep in class, lack of appropriate supervision, lack of medical treatment, or the child is residing in an inappropriate or dangerous environment.
• engagement in risky behavior (including sexual behavior, drug use, etc.) where the parents/guardians are either unable or unwilling to intervene.
• absence from school to care for family members or to do chores/work around the house.
• absence from school to hold down a job.

When parents/guardians:

• repeatedly fail to return phone calls, respond to notes/letters home, or attend school meetings.
• withdraw a student and fail to provide compulsory education

Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected has a legal responsibility to report it to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873).

Searches

The School Leader or his/her designee may conduct a search of a student’s person or belongings if the search is necessary to maintain discipline and order in the school, and the school official has a reasonable suspicion that the student is concealing contraband. All searches and seizures conducted by designated school staff shall comply with the standards prescribed by previous court decisions and in compliance with applicable law.

All persons and belongings entering our buildings are subject to search by security personnel, including use of metal detectors.

Policy: Staff Transporting Students in Private Vehicles

The KIPP Newark 2026-2027 academic calendar, including report card conferences, half days, staff PD days, and the emergency-day rules that shift dates at the end of the year.

Key Dates at a Glance

• Aug 19-21 — First day for Kindergarten, Grade 5, Grade 9, and students new to KIPP
• Aug 24 — First day for all grades
• Sep 7 — No school, Labor Day
• Sep 25 — No school, Staff PD Day
• Nov 18-19 — Half day dismissal, Q1 report card conferences
• Feb 24-25 — Half day dismissals, Q2 report card conferences
• Apr 28-29 — Half day dismissals, Q3 report card conferences
• Jun 16-17 — Half day dismissals, Q4 report card conferences
• Jun 17 — Last day for students

Calendar updated 3/12/2026. Emergency-day rules that shift 3/19, 5/28, 3/26 and 6/17 are printed in the left column of the calendar.

Appendix: Required Policies

Non discrimination/equal opportunity:

We are committed to equal opportunity for all of our students. We prohibit discriminatory practices against any person by reason of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partnership status, familial status, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, nationality, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait of any individual, genetic information, or refusal to submit to a genetic test or make the results of a genetic test known, on account of disability, social or economic status, pregnancy, childbirth, actual or potential parenthood, or family status.

Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying (HIB) Policy

The Board of Trustees expects students to treat each other with civility and respect and will not tolerate acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Like other disruptive or violent behaviors, this conduct interferes with the rights and abilities of students to learn and our ability to educate students in a safe and productive environment.

The Board prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying against any student.

"Harassment, intimidation or bullying" are defined as any gesture or any written, verbal or physical act, inclusive of the use of cell phones, electronic communication devices, or other electronic devices, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, 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 disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school- sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds, that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students and that:

• a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; or
• has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause disruption in, or interference with, the orderly operation of the school; or
• creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.

Reporting Procedure

• Report to School Leader: All acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall be reported verbally to the School Leader on the same day when an individual – student, employee, or contractor – witnesses or receives reliable information regarding an incident.
• Report to Parents: The School Leader shall inform the parents or guardians of all students involved in the reported incident and may discuss, as appropriate, the availability of counseling or other intervention services.
• Reported in Writing: All acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall be reported in writing to the School Leader within two school days of when the individual witnessed or received reliable information about the incident.

Investigation Procedure

Within one school day of receipt of a written report of an incident, the School Leader may initiate an investigation at his or her discretion, which shall be conducted by a school anti-bullying specialist (and additional personnel appointed by the School Leader, if necessary). The investigation shall be completed at the latest within 10 days of receipt of the written report. The results of the investigation shall be reported to the Board of Trustees no later than the date of the Board meeting next following completion of the investigation. Information presented to the Board shall include, but shall not be limited to, training established, discipline imposed, or any other action taken or recommended by the School Leader.

Pursuant to state law, schools have the right to interview students without parents being present.

Right to a Hearing

Parents/guardians of students who are parties to the investigation shall be entitled to receive information about the investigation. This information shall be provided within 5 school days after the results of the investigation are reported to the Board. A parent/guardian may request a hearing before the Board after receiving the information, which shall be held within 10 days of the request during executive session. At the hearing, the Board may hear from the school anti-bullying specialist about the incident, recommendations for discipline or services, and any training programs instituted.

Board Decision

At the next Board of Trustees meeting following its receipt of the report, the Board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject or modify the School Leader’s decision.

Consequences and Remedial Action for a Student who Commits an Act of Bullying

Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a student who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall be determined by the School Leader and may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion. In considering what response is appropriate, the School Leader shall consider the nature and circumstances of the act, the degree of harm to all individuals involved, the nature and severity of the behavior, past incidences or past or continuing patterns of behavior, and the context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred.

Retaliation/False Accusations

Any employee, student, volunteer, or member of the public who witnesses or has reliable information that any student has been subject to harassment, intimidation or bullying as defined in this policy must report the incident to the appropriate school official designated by the administration. The Board will not tolerate any act of reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Individuals are also prohibited from falsely accusing another as a means of retaliation or as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Consequences:

• Students: The appropriate remedial action shall be determined, in each particular case, by the School Leader after consideration of the nature, severity and circumstances of the act. The consequences for a student found to have retaliated against another for reporting an act or falsely accusing another of harassment, intimidation or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or recommendation of expulsion.
• School Employees: Consequences and appropriate remedial action shall be determined by the School Leader in accordance with school policies, procedures and agreements.
• Visitors or Volunteers: Consequences and appropriate remedial action shall be determined by the School Leader after consideration of the nature, severity and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials when appropriate.

The full HIB policy, including any revisions after the date of this handbook’s publication, can be found online at: https://kippnj.org/compliance.

Alcohol/Substance Abuse Policy

We are committed to the safety and well-being of all scholars and their families in our schools. All staff receive training and education on substance abuse prevention and intervention to ensure we are creating and maintaining a safe learning environment for all scholars. We recognize the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, steroids and tobacco on scholar development, success, and life outcomes. As a result, we are committed to implementing wellness and recovery strategies to promote prevention, intervention, referral for evaluation, referral for treatment and continued care for drug, alcohol, steroids and tobacco use and abuse.

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 26:3D-17, the use of tobacco products and smoking of any substance is prohibited in school buildings and on school grounds. We are committed to promoting a healthy learning and working environment, free from unwanted smoke, for our scholars, family, and visitors.

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Alcoholic beverage, of any kind
• Over-the-counter and prescription drugs/medications that are improperly used to cause intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or dulling of the brain or nervous system.
• Any controlled dangerous substance, including anabolic steroids, as defined in N.J.S.A. 24:21-2 and 2C:35-2; and N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-9
• Any chemical or chemical compound which releases vapor or fumes causing a condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction or dulling of the brain or nervous system, including, but not limited to, glue containing a solvent having the property of releasing toxic vapors or fumes, as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.4.

Students are not permitted to use or possess any tobacco products or smoking device on school grounds or property, school bus or during school functions (on or off campus). Possession or use of an electronic smoking device, which includes electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), cigar, cigarillo, cartridges or pipe which is a nicotine delivery device that allows consumers to inhale electronically vaporized nicotine water is prohibited.

The comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse policy is available at your child’s school upon request.

Searches

The School Leader or his/her designee may conduct a search of a student’s person or belongings if the search is necessary to maintain discipline and order in the school, and the school official has a reasonable suspicion that the student is concealing contraband. All searches and seizures conducted by designated school staff shall comply with the standards prescribed by previous court decisions and in compliance with applicable law.

All persons and belongings entering our buildings are subject to search by security personnel, including use of metal detectors.

Electronics/Acceptable Use Policy

Access to our network is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users of the network and its associated systems. Our technological resources are intended to be used for educational activities. To ensure that our network remains secure, each and every user must protect the rights of the community. By using the school’s systems, each student agrees to follow this policy and all applicable laws.

Prohibited Activities

• Users shall not attempt to gain unauthorized access (hacking) to the school’s systems or to any other computer system via the school’s network, nor shall they go beyond their authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another individual’s account or accessing another’s files.
• Users shall not deliberately attempt to disrupt the school’s computer systems’ performance or destroy data by spreading computer viruses, malware or any similar product that can damage computer systems, firewalls, servers or network systems.
• Users shall not use the school’s systems to engage in illegal activities or any activities that could expose the school, its employees, or other persons to criminal or civil liability.
• Users shall not access material that is profane or obscene, that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or hate. Inadvertent access to such material should be reported immediately to the supervising staff person.
• Users shall not utilize the school’s network for the transaction of any non-school related business and/or any commercial purposes. Users shall not make use of the school’s network or computer systems for any product advertisement.
• Users shall not plagiarize material that is available on the Internet. Plagiarism is presenting another’s ideas/words as one’s own.
• Users may not intentionally waste limited resources. Users must not post chain letters or engage in “spamming”. Spamming is the sending of an annoying and unnecessary message to a large number of people.
• The school’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) policy is in effect for all network activity and users will be held responsible for any violation of the HIB policy. Users are prohibited from cyberbullying one another.
• Users shall not send or receive messages that contain obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, abusive, or threatening language. Users shall not use the school’s systems to spread messages that can reasonably be interpreted as harassing, discriminatory, racist, hateful or defamatory. Prohibited language applies to public messages, private messages, and material posted on web pages.

Students using the school’s computer systems

• Students must not reveal personal information about themselves or other persons on social networking sites, in chat rooms, in emails or other direct electronic communications, or any other forum over the Internet. For example, students must not reveal their home address, or telephone or cell phone number. Students must not display photographs of themselves, or the images of others.
• Students should not meet anyone in person who they have met only on the Internet.
• Students must promptly disclose to their teacher or other school employee any message or other activity they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Although students generally will be supervised when using the school’s computer systems on school property, it is not practicable for the school to monitor and enforce a wide range of social values in student use of the Internet. Parents/Guardians are primarily responsible for transmitting their particular set of family values to their children, and discussing with their children what material is and is not acceptable for their children to access through the school’s Internet systems.

The school reserves the right to take immediate action regarding activities that (1) violate this policy or law, or (2) create security and/or safety issues for the school, students, employees, schools, network or computer resources, or (3) expend school resources on content that the school determines lacks legitimate educational purpose, or (4) the school determines are inappropriate.

Our full policy is available upon request at your child’s school.

Gifted and Talented Policy

The school will provide all gifted and talented students with programs which provide for gifted and talented students basic education while encouraging optimum development of the students’ special abilities. Programs shall be developed or located which stimulate students to participate constructively in, and contribute to, the activities of the school, the community and society.

The full Gifted and Talented Policy is available upon request to the school.

FERPA Notification of Rights and Directory Information Policy

FERPA Notification of Rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

• The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the district receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the School Leader a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The School Leader will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the district to amend their child’s or their education record should write to the school leader, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also includes a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, insurance investigator, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures of the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202.

Directory Information Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires that the district, with certain exceptions, obtain parent/guardian consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a child’s educational records. However, the district may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless the parent/guardian has advised the district to the contrary. The primary purpose of directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, is to allow the district to include this type of information in certain school publications. Examples include:

• A playbill or concert program showing your student’s role or listing your student’s name
• The annual yearbook
• Honor roll or other recognition lists
• Graduation or “stepping up” programs
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing the weight and height of team members.

Directory information can be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.

The district, has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student name
• Grade
• School/Homeroom
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Parent/guardian name
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Electronic mail address
• Honors and awards received
• Dates of attendance

If you do not want the district to disclose any of the above-listed directory information about your child you must notify the school. Absent this notification it will be assumed you consent to having your child’s information available as directory information.

7.Child Abuse & Neglect

Student safety is our first priority. All school staff are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect and are legally required to call the Division of Child Protection and Permanency if there is suspected child abuse or neglect.

In New Jersey, anyone with reasonable cause to believe a child is being abused should immediately call the Child Abuse Hotline. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE. Calls can be made anonymously and you do not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Examples of abuse and neglect include-

When a student reports:

• being abused at home.
• witnessing drug use in the home.
• being sexually abused.
• engaging in child pornography or prostitution.
• witnessing domestic abuse.
• being threatened at home.
• being afraid to go home.

When a staff member suspects or witnesses:

• physical abuse
• such as bruises, burns, fractures, etc.
• other potential indicators of abuse such as wariness of adult contact, behavioral extremes (aggression, withdrawal), fear of parents/guardians or going home, difficulty walking or sitting.
• neglect- including lack of basic food and clothing, poor hygiene, consistent hunger, fatigue or falling asleep in class, lack of appropriate supervision, lack of medical treatment, or the child is residing in an inappropriate or dangerous environment.
• engagement in risky behavior (including sexual behavior, drug use, etc.) where the parents/guardians are either unable or unwilling to intervene.
• absence from school to care for family members or to do chores/work around the house.
• absence from school to hold down a job.

When parents/guardians:

• repeatedly fail to return phone calls, respond to notes/letters home, or attend school meetings.
• withdraw a student and fail to provide compulsory education

Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected has a legal responsibility to report it to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873).

8. Title IX Policy

We are committed to providing students, employees, and volunteers with an environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive. We take seriously its obligations to ensure that no student or employee suffers discrimination on the basis of sex, as defined in Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (“Title IX”). Title IX requires that “[n]o person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance...” 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a). We do not discriminate against or tolerate discrimination against students, employees, or applicants on the basis of actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

The following acts are prohibited and will not be tolerated:

• Dating violence
• Discrimination on the basis of sex
• Domestic violence
• Sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• Stalking

Any person may report sex discrimination, whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of sexual harassment, in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail.

Reports may be made to any staff member with whom the person reporting feels comfortable, including our Title IX Coordinator, any teacher, counselor, the school Assistant Principal, the school Principal/designee, or any Dean. A report may be made at any time (including during non-school hours) and as soon as possible in order for us to maximize our ability to respond promptly and effectively.

Our complete Title IX policy, process, and contact information can be found at https://kippnj.org/titleix/ or at your school’s main office.

9. Social Media Policy

Social media has become a powerful communication tool. With the power of social media come responsibilities. These guidelines provide best practices under which members of the KIPP community (families, teachers, students, and staff) should operate when using these tools. The basic principle is that community members are expected to adhere to the same levels of civility in their online and face-to-face conversations. The same laws, school policies, guidelines, and personal and professional expectations for interacting with all KIPP community members apply online as in the real world. For example, posting defamatory or confidential information about students or teachers may violate existing school policies and be handled as such.

Family members who engage in disrespectful or disruptive behavior on social media and/or while on campus may have their access to campus revoked or limited, per KIPP NJ policy. Off-campus conduct that interferes with the orderly operation of the school may result in discipline to a child under the student code of conduct.

Harmful social media posts not only negatively impact our community, but make it more difficult for our school team to respond to and resolve issues quickly and effectively, especially in instances where student privacy is at stake. We encourage everyone to consider the unintended and long-term effects of social media posts that may refer to or include children, whether family or otherwise. In order to maintain an environment where all students can thrive, our expectation is that all KIPP family members also maintain mutually respectful relationships with all school staff.

We also encourage all families to speak with their children about the potential negative impact of social media and the consequences of engaging in behavior that negatively impacts others, and to actively partner with their child’s school in ensuring that your child does not engage in unsafe or harmful behavior outside of school.

We will investigate any threat made toward the school or our school community (by anyone) which may also include involving the police and/or other authorities in the investigation.

Since social media are constantly changing, these best practices may be updated frequently.

See our Code of Conduct for our policies and procedures in dealing with conflict.

10. Students Rights

An effective, instructional program requires an orderly school environment, and the effectiveness of the educational program is, in part, reflected in the behavior of students. Such an environment includes respect for self and others, as well as for district and community property.

• Students have the right to receive an education that allows for maximum personal growth and prepares them to be productive members of our society.
• Students have the right to participate in all aspects of the school, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, genetic identity, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status. This includes transgender or gender non-conforming students. (N.J. Law Against Discrimination, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq).
• Students have the right to present information and a written statement that has a bearing on disciplinary action and due process based upon the disciplinary action. In addition, the student has the right to appeal decisions to the Commissioner of Education pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:3-1.3 through 1.17; and, where applicable, N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.7 and 2.8, and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2 through 7.5; in accordance with the procedures and timelines established for each specific infraction.
• Students have the right to a safe, comfortable, secure, and orderly school environment.
• Students have the right to confidentiality regarding their student records as per federal and state laws.
• i. Advance notice of behaviors that result in suspensions and expulsions that have been identified pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-2;
• ii. Attendance at school irrespective of students' marriage, pregnancy, or parenthood;
• iii. Parent notification consistent with the policies and procedures established pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-6.2(b)3, in instances of law enforcement interviews involving their children to the extent permitted by law, and N.J.A.C. 6A:16- 7.2 through 7.8 suspensions and expulsions; and
• iv. Protections pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; 34 CFR 99, Family Educational Rights and Privacy; 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, Protection of Pupil Rights; 34 CFR Part 98, Student Rights in Research, Experimental Programs, and Testing; P.L. 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; 45 CFR 160, General Administrative Requirements; 20 U.S.C. § 7165, Transfer of school disciplinary records; 42 CFR Part 2, Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records; N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-7.1, Confidentiality of certain information provided by pupils, exceptions; N.J.A.C. 6A:16-3.2, Confidentiality of student alcohol and other drug information; N.J.S.A. 18A:36-19, Pupil records, creation, maintenance and retention, security and access, regulations, nonliability; N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60, Disclosure of juvenile information, penalties for disclosure; N.J.A.C. 6A:32-7, Student Records; N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.9, Student records; as well as other existing Federal and State laws and rules pertaining to student protections.

11. Keeping Kids Safe with Appropriate Boundaries

KIPP’s first priority is to ensure the well-being, safety, and protection of each of its students as well as the adults who work and volunteer at the school. Healthy, supportive relationships are a pillar of the KIPP community.

Staff, Students, and Families should be aware that the following practices are followed at KIPP:

• Staff must ensure that if spending any time outside of school with KIPP students, that it is school sanctioned, permission is granted by the student’s parent/guardian and other adults are present. In general, staff should not “hang out” with students outside of school or spend an inordinate amount of time “hanging out” with students even inside the school for any non-school sanctioned purpose in order to ensure healthy boundaries are being kept.
• Staff shall not direct or encourage a student to keep a secret from or not share information with his/her/their parent/caregiver or other adults
• Staff not be alone with a KIPP student in a non-observable setting.
• Staff shall not discipline students in any physical manner.
• Staff shall not have extended physical contact with a student or recent alumni. Any contact should be limited to a supportive or congratulatory quick hug, arm squeeze, or pat on the back and should always be student initiated.
• Staff shall not converse with a KIPP student or recent alumni about the student’s sexual or romantic life. Staff shall not make sexual jokes, comments or engage in any conversation that has a sexual innuendo, or contains sexual stories.
• Unless it is an emergency, and if at all possible, staff should wait to speak to the child in school the following day. Staff shall never speak with an elementary school or middle school child on the phone unless they first speak to the parent/guardian and obtain consent. If necessary, a staff member may call a high school student provided there is parental permission.
• Staff shall not have students at their private residence unless it is an officially school sanctioned event with parent/caregiver permission and multiple adults present. Exceptions are if the staff member’s own child has an age appropriate friendship with the other students.
• Staff shall only email students using official KIPP email accounts to a student’s official school account.
• Staff shall only text message a student if there is a separate adult on the text thread. If a student texts an adult then the adult shall reply with another adult on the thread.
• Staff shall not use apps or websites with private messaging to communicate with students. If a student needs to discuss a sensitive matter then it should be done at school or must involve another adult.
• Staff shall not use their social media pages to “friend” a student or accept a “friend” request from a student.
• Staff shall not engage in gaming with KIPP students.
• Staff shall not babysit students.

If students or families are aware of any violation of the above policy then it should be immediately reported to the School Leader.