Student & Parent Handbook

 

Age	Class Name		Regular Day		Delayed Opening		Early Dismissal
			Start Time	End Time	Start Time	End Time	Start Time	End Time
3	3H (AM - Half Day)		8:15 AM	10:35 AM	No Session		8:15 AM	10:35 AM
4	4H (PM - Half Day)		12:00 Noon	2:20 pm	12:00 Noon	2:20 PM	No Session
3	3F (AM - Full Day)		8:15 AM	12:15 PM	No Session		8:15 AM	10:35 AM
4	3/4F (PM - Full Day)		10:20 AM	2:20 PM	12:00 Noon	2:20 PM	No Session

 

 

Marking Period 1 | 42 Days September 4, 2024-November 1, 2024
Marking Period Closes	November 1, 2024
IEP Progress Report Available on Genesis	November 11, 2024

Marking Period 2 | 49 Days November 4, 2024-January 31, 2025
Conferences	Week of January 27th
Marking Period Closes	January 31, 2025
IEP Progress Report Available on Genesis	January 31, 2025

Marking Period 3 | 49 Days February 3, 2025-April 11, 2025
Marking Period Closes	April 11, 2025
IEP Progress Report Available on Genesis	April 25, 2025

Marking Period 4 | 39 Days April 11, 2025-June 13, 2025
Conferences (4 yr old --> K)	May 2025
Marking Period Closes	June 5, 2025
IEP Progress Report Available on Genesis	June 9, 2025

WPS Main Number: 732.556.2114
Nurse	Amanda Marschalk	amarschalk@wallpublicschools.org	732.556.2621
Principal	Samantha Bagarozza	sbagarozza@wallpublicschools.org	732.556.2054
Anti-Bullying Specialist	Laurie Maas	lmaas@wallpublicschools.org	732.556.2622
School Security Officer	Ernest Oresko	eoresko@wallpublicschools.org	732.556.2533
WTPS Assistant Superintendent of Special Services	Kelly Bond	kbond@wallpublicschools.org	732.556.2121
WTPS Supervisor of Special Education PK-5	Samantha Bagarozza	sbagarozza@wallpublicschools.org	732.556.2054
WTPS Transportation Supervisor	Judy White	jwhite@wallpublicschools.org	732.681.7698

Faculty and Staff 

WHOM do I Contact?

First Point of Contact:
General Questions - Administrative Assistant - 732.556.2114

Our Administrative Assistant will then forward:
Academic Concerns to your child’s teacher
Special Education Concerns to your child’s case manager

Second Point of Contact (if the concern needs further information/clarification):
General WPS Program Concerns as well as Special Education Concerns:
Mrs. Bagarozza (Principal/Supervisor of Special Education, PK-5) - 732.556.2054

Third Point of Contact: (for issues that are still unresolved):
Referral/Special Education Concerns - 732.556.2121
Mrs. Bond (Assistant Superintendent of Special Services)
General Academic Concerns:
Mrs. McCann (Assistant Superintendent for C&I) - 732.556.2032

Back to School Information

• Open House Schedule for Students & Parents
• Genesis Parent Portal
  • Direct Access to the WTPS Genesis Parent Portal (Mandatory Form Electronic Sign-Off)
  • ​​​​​​​How to check and edit Contact/Emergency Contacts Information

Recommended Supply Lists

• 1 plastic pencil box (no zippers please)

• 3 containers of Play Doh (4oz preferred)

• Backpack big enough to hold the two pocket folder
• No crayons needed, thank you!

New Student Information Form

• For all 3F & 3H students - Please print and return to school

• 4F & 4H students - please complete if you’re new or if you’ve noticed any changes from last year.

What to Bring/Send in to School

• To the Open House (9/4/24)
  • ​​​​​​​Your child
• Phone to take pictures (only of your child please!)
  • On the first day of school (9/5/24)
  • Name Tag that you received at the Open House
  • Backpack
  • Recommended supplies, if possible
  • Snack(s)
  • “For the Year” Cubby Supplies
• Each Day after that
  • Backpack with supplies
  • Snack(s)/non-sugary drink
  • Refillable water bottle
• “For the Year” Cubby Supplies
  • 1 Full Change of Clothes - multi-seasonal
    • Shirt, pants, underwear, socks
    • Everything labeled
    • Placed in a labeled 1 gallon Ziploc bag.
• Extra diapers/pull-ups and wipes for those students who are still potty training.

Our Teacher’s Wish List

So many of our parents have generously offered to donate extra supplies to their child’s classroom. If you wish to donate something, here is a list of items that are always needed! Thank you!

• Baby wipes - unscented
• Clorox wipes
• 1 Gallon Ziploc Bags
• Extra Absorbent Paper Towels

Arriving at School: Drop-off Routine & Procedures

Arriving by WTPS bus:

• As they arrive at Wall Primary School, the WTPS Buses will pull into the front “driveway” (facing Bedford Corner Rd.) and remain until all buses have arrived and the school doors open (approximately 8:15AM/10:20/12PM).

• Students will exit the bus and classroom teachers/paraprofessionals will meet them and bring each child to his/her teacher, who will be waiting at her classroom door.
  • Please note - Paraprofessionals are not able to carry students off the bus.
  • Teachers will direct students upon arrival to their classroom door.

Arriving by car (private transportation):

• When possible, please seat your child behind the passenger seat for a safer drop-off.

• Parents who are driving their children to school should gather in the East Parking Lot. NO CARS should enter the driveway until directed by Mr. Ernie or Mr. Jake, School Security Officers (SSOs).
• Parent pulls into the driveway to escort child to the door:
  • Please wait in the side parking lot until directed by Mr. Ernie or Mr. Jake. Then, parents will pull in, single file.
  • The first car should pull all the way to the end of the driveway, (where the driveway meets the West Parking Lot.)
  • When the driveway is full, parents/guardians/drivers are asked to do the following:
    • Turn off your car, exit the car and remove your child from his/her car seat.
    • Your child’s teacher will bring him/her to the classroom door. Paraprofessionals are not permitted to carry students from the car.
    • Return to your car and wait to pull out until the car(s) in front of you have exited. Please do not attempt to pull around any cars during drop-off.
    • Please exit through the West Parking Lot onto Bedford Corner Rd.

Mr. Ernie or Mr. Jake, our School Security Officers (and retired NJ State Trooper & Police Captain, respectively) will be directing traffic. In order to ensure the safety of our students and staff, please follow their direction throughout the entire drop-off routine.

• Please limit engagement with Mr. Ernie and Mr. Jake while they are directing traffic as their top priority is keeping our students safe.
• If you have any questions or suggestions for the drop-off routine, please reach out to Mr. Ernie, Mr. Jake or Mrs. Bagarozza after you have safely exited the property.
• Please remember that NJ state law requires that all the cars used for pick-up have a car seat.

Dismissal From School: Pick-up Routines & Procedures

Departing by WTPS bus:

• At dismissal, the WTPS buses will be lined up in the front driveway.
• Students will be escorted from the classroom door to their bus.
  • Please note - Paraprofessionals are not able to carry students on to the bus.
  • When all students are in their seats with seat belts on, the buses will exit the driveway. NO CARS should enter the driveway until the buses have exited the property.

Departing by car (private transportation):

• When possible, please seat your child behind the passenger seat for a safer pick-up.
• Parents who are driving their children to school should gather in the East Parking
• Lot and wait until the WTPS buses have exited the lot.
• Parent pulls into the driveway to escort child to the door:
  • Please wait in the side parking lot until directed by Mr. Ernie or Mr. Jake. Then, parents will pull in, single file.
  • The first car should pull all the way to the end of the driveway, (where the driveway meets the West Parking Lot.)
  • When the driveway is full, parents/guardians/drivers are asked to do the following:
    • Turn off your car, exit the car and retrieve your child from his/her teacher.
    • Buckle your child in his/her car seat.
    • Wait until the car in front of you has left the lot. Please do not pull around.
    • Please exit through the West Parking Lot onto Bedford Corner Rd.

Mr. Ernie or Mr. Jake, our School Security Officers, will be directing traffic. Thank you for continuing to follow their direction throughout the entire pick-up routine.

• Please limit engagement with Mr. Ernie and Mr. Jake while they are directing traffic as their top priority is keeping our students safe.
• If you have any questions or suggestions for the drop-off routine, please reach out to Mr. Ernie, Mr. Jake or Mrs. Bagarozza after you have safely exited the property.
• Please remember that NJ state law requires that all the cars used for pick-up have a car seat.

WTPS Transportation Information & Bus Safety Guidelines

Students are expected to cooperate with school bus drivers at all times and abide by the
following rules. When possible, please discuss these guidelines with your child prior to the
start of school.

• Students will be picked up and dropped off at their home address unless other arrangements have been made.
• An authorized adult must be present in order for students to be released from the bus.
  • Authorized adults will be given a yellow placard to hold to show the driver that they are the adult who is allowed to retrieve the child.
  • Yellow placards will be distributed at the open house on 9/4/24.
  • If there is no authorized adult to retrieve the child, the child will be brought back to Wall Primary School.
• Children are expected to walk on and off the bus, with their backpacks independently. Exceptions may only be made via an IEP or an IHP.
  • Paraprofessionals and drivers are not permitted to carry students on or off the bus.
• Students will be given an assigned seat. When possible, students should walk to this seat and sit in the booster or car seat.
• There will be a paraprofessional on each bus to assist with seat buckling. Students who are able to independently “click-in” will still be checked by the para on board.
• When able, students should refrain from distracting the driver with loud noises.
• Please communicate any changes to the daily pick-up and/or drop-off to your child’s teacher. This communication should be done via email, with a cc to Mrs. DiStefano (tdistefano@wallpublicschools.org)
  • Example 1 - Due to an emergency at my job, my sister will be picking up Susie today. She is listed as an emergency contact. She drives a blue Jeep Cherokee.
  • Example 2 - My child, Jake has a dentist appointment right after school so he will not be taking the bus. I will be picking him up. I have a red Ford Mustang.
• All requests for a permanent change in drop-off and/or pick-up locations must be made with Mrs. DiStefano, 732-556-2114. She will then work with transportation to see if the request can be accommodated.
  • Example 1 - Beginning on October 1st, I would like my child to be dropped off at Tiny Treasures, Hwy 35, Wall Township, in lieu of her home.
    • Please note - only day care centers in Wall are eligible for WTPS transportation.
• Example 2 - Currently, Jake (tuition student) doesn’t take the bus. I would like to register him for bussing at the rate of $192.50 per month, in November. Is this a possibility?

During the School Day: Pick-up & Drop-off Procedures

• Any child who needs to be excused early from school or who are arriving late must be signed in or out at the Main Office.
  • Please park your car and bring your photo ID to the main entrance.
  • Mr. Ernie or Mr. Jake, our SSOs, will review your documentation.
  • If the child is leaving early, our SSOs will check that the adult who is retrieving the child is listed as an Emergency Contact in Genesis.
  • If the child is arriving late, the parent or trusted adult will sign them in and Mrs. DiStefano, Primary administrative assistant, will escort the child to his/her classroom.
• In order for a child to be released to any adult, that adult must be listed as an emergency contact (approved for pick-up) in the Genesis Parent Portal. As our students’ safety is our primary concern, exceptions will not be made to this rule.
  • Click here for directions to add or delete contacts in the Genesis Parent Portal.
• In non-emergency situations, it’s helpful if you send an email to your child’s teacher with a cc our WPS Administrative Assistant to notify them of the change.
  • For example: Brittany will be picked up at 9:45 AM on 10/15/23 by her father.
• He is listed as an approved contact.
• Please communicate any custodial arrangements as well as custody orders if the arrangements affect when your child may or may not be released to either parent.
• Anyone retrieving a child will need to show photo identification in order to enter the building.
  • If photo identification is unavailable, please contact Mrs. Bagarozza well in advance of the first attempt to retrieve your child.
  • If prior arrangements have not been made, we will not be able to allow entry into the building without photo identification.

During School: Visiting Wall Primary School - Safety Procedures

As part of Wall Township Public Schools’ continued commitment to a safe and secure school environment, please review and adhere to these important safety measures.

• Please know that our School Safety Officers, Mr. Ernie & Mr. Jake, are trained in and expected to uphold all of the WTPS’ Security Protocols. Please respect their role and understand that they are following our district policies and procedures. Any concerns about security protocols should be addressed with Mrs. Bagarozza.
• In non-emergency situations, all visitors should have an appointment to enter the building. Please call ahead so we are prepared to meet with you.
• All visitors are required to ring the bell at the main entrance and state the purpose of their visit prior to being buzzed into the building.
  • Upon entry, visitors will be greeted by one of our School Safety Officers, Mr. Ernie or Mr. Jake, who will ask to see photo identification.
    • If photo identification is unavailable, please contact Mrs. Bagarozza, prior to arriving at WPS.
  • Once cleared, Mr. Ernie will issue a visitor’s pass sticker, which visitors are requested to wear while moving throughout the building.
• It is imperative that visitors do not hold the door open for others behind them. Each visitor must be screened individually through the buzzer system.
• Please do not enter the school if you are experiencing symptoms of any contagious illness.

Attendance

The research is clear; “Students who attend school regularly are able to learn more, have
fewer discipline problems, develop better study habits and often are more successful than
students who do not.”(Duncan, 2015) Although it may seem too early in your child’s
educational career to worry about such things, now is the time to establish those great
habits that will put your child on a path to success in school.

• Please contact our school if your child is going to be absent from school.
  • WPS Administrative Assistant - 732-556-2114
• If your child is going to be absent from school for an extended period of time for one of the following reasons, please also contact:
  • Health issue/illness/medical quarantine
    • WPS Nurse - 732-556- 2621
  • Travel/non-health related issues:
    • Your child’s teacher via email.
• If your child is going to be arriving late, please park your car and bring your child through the main entrance (facing New Bedford Rd.)
  • Please report to the Main Office and sign him/her in.
  • You will need your ID to enter the building with your child.
• When your child returns from an absence, we are requesting that you provide a note to your child's teacher explaining the reason for absence. (This is mandatory practice in our elementary schools.)
• If your child is sick, PLEASE DO NOT SEND him/her to school.

Access & Egress During the School Day

Students will be asked to hang up coats and backpacks prior to starting the school day. When all students are safely inside their classrooms, all doors in the building are locked and alarmed. Anyone arriving after the classroom doors have been locked, must enter through the main entrance located in the West Parking Lot. Birthday Celebrations, Class Parties & Holiday Traditions Social growth is one of the most important areas of growth for our students at Wall Primary. Participation in celebrations for holidays or birthdays fosters that growth by exposing our students to real life social situations. Parties will be held to celebrate various special occasions throughout the year.

• Arrangements for individual birthday celebrations should be coordinated with your child’s teacher.
  • Birthday celebrations will be held on the day of the child’s birthday (or nearest date if his/her birthday falls on a weekend or holiday.)
  • Options for Summer Birthdays should be discussed with your child’s teacher.
  • If you plan to send in an edible treat for the class, please adhere to the following guidelines:
    • Any edible treats must be store bought and individually packaged.
    • Please adhere to any classroom specific rules (i.e. peanut free).
    • Please consider a healthy alternative to a sugary snack.
    • Please make arrangements to drop the treat at school on the morning of the birthday celebration.
  • If you plan to send in goody bags or a non-edible treat, please consider the size of the items in the bag and refrain from including anything that a child might choke on.
• Holiday class parties will be arranged in coordination with the classroom teacher and the class parent.
  • The class parent will be responsible for organizing donations.
  • Class parents will be invited to attend the parties at the discretion of the classroom teacher and the building principal.
    • Please know that some classes are not able to manage outside guests and in order to keep the focus on the children, at times we will be unable to invite any extra adults.
  • If the class parent or other parents are invited to attend, please understand that siblings or other family members are not permitted.
• Parents, siblings and grandparents are welcome to attend our annual parades, as they are held outside.
  • In early September, parents will receive a “Save the Date” list of annual events throughout the year.

Bringing Items from Home

Please encourage your child to only bring items from home on Show and Tell Fridays.

• Stuffed animals, blankies, toys, electronics, etc. are discouraged.
• Every Friday is Show and Tell Day! Students are asked to bring in a themed item. (Usually it mirrors the letter of the week.) Students will have a chance to share the item with their class.
  • Students are not permitted to bring anything resembling a weapon. These items include but are not limited to plastic swords, knives, guns, bullets, etc.
  • Show and Tell items need to fit in the backpack unless cleared by the classroom teacher.

Changes in Transportation

Please communicate any changes to the daily pick-up and/or drop-off to your child’s teacher. This communication should be done via email, with a cc to Mrs. DiStefano

• Example 1 - Due to an emergency at my job, my sister will be picking up Susie today. She is listed as an emergency contact. She drives a blue Jeep Cherokee.
• Example 2 - My child, Jake has a dentist appointment right after school so he will not be taking the bus. I will be picking him up. I have a red Ford Mustang.

Dress Code

Our main concern at this age when it comes to “dress code” is student safety and comfort.

• Students are strongly encouraged to wear close toed athletic shoes.
• Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.
  • We will be going outside to the park everyday (weather permitting).
• Students are not permitted to wear hats inside the building except on theme days or if it’s allowed via a 504.

Dropping Off Items During the Day

If you need to drop an item off during the day, please bring it to the main entrance and give it to Mr. Ernie or Mr. Jake.

• An email to your child’s teacher with a cc to Mrs. Distefano or a call to Mrs. DiStefano will help us get it to your child as quickly as possible.
• Please do not drop off medicine unless you’ve discussed it with the WPS Nurse and you’ve attached the appropriate documentation.

Fire/Security Drills

The school laws of New Jersey require that each school will hold one fire drill and one emergency type drill per month. These drills are held at various times under varying conditions.

• Parents will be notified after each security drill.

Lost Articles

The easiest way to prevent lost articles is to label everything! This includes your child's
clothing, book bag, coats, mittens, boots, and hats.

• Any item may be disposed of if it is not claimed within 10 days.
• As soon as you realize something is missing, send an email to your child’s teacher and they will help you track it down.

Potty Training

Students do not need to be fully trained in order to attend WPS. Students who are still working toward this goal will be encouraged to try during intermittent timed intervals. If your child is still training, please remember to send in additional diapers/pull-ups and wipes to keep in your child’s cubby.

Snack/ “Lunch”

• Students in 3H & 4H will have a 10-minute snack period each day.
  • Please provide a healthy, non-sugary snack for your child each day. It is recommended that you provide your child with a snack/s with high nutritional value.
• Students in 3F will have 2 snack times throughout their day.
  • Please provide 2 small healthy non-sugary snacks for your child.
• Students in 4F will have 1 snack and a short lunch break each day.
  • Please provide a healthy, non-sugary snack for your child each day.
  • In addition please provide a small lunch for your child.

Sunscreen/Winter Gear

Our students will have an outdoor activity each day weather permitting. If the temperature is above 32 degrees, with no precipitation and the ground is not too muddy, they will be outside for at least 20 minutes. Please prepare your child for the appropriate weather.

• Parents are encouraged to apply sunscreen on their child prior to their arrival at WPS on warm, sunny days.
• Please have your child wear a labeled jacket, hat and mittens on cold days.

The 90-Minute Delayed Opening

The decision to have a delayed opening or to close the schools is a district-level decision based on information obtained from consultation with Wall Township Police Department, Wall Township Public Works Department, contracted transportation providers, and our own transportation department. The inclement weather, including freezing temperatures, presents difficulties for the bus companies, and also results in roads and walkways that can be hazardous, specifically, “black ice.”

The decision needs to be made by 5:00 AM, taking into account the health and safety of all students and staff in the district. In addition to staff members, we have approximately 4500 students traveling by bus or driving their own cars. While we are cognizant of the
burden placed on working and single parent households, the health and safety of all students and staff is of paramount concern.

If a delayed opening is necessary, parents will be notified via the Blackboard Connect System. You will receive a phone call, an email and text provided you have not opted out of these services. The delay will be posted on our website at the district and school level. If the inclement weather does not subside, a school closure might be necessary. That information will also be communicated through Blackboard Connect and the District
Website.

As WPS is unique in its session times as well as the multiple arrival and dismissal times, AM sessions will not meet on days when a delayed opening is called. WPS will adhere to the following schedule for delayed openings.

Age	Class Name		Regular Day		Delayed Opening
			Start Time	End Time	Start Time	End Time
3	3H (AM - Half Day)		8:15 AM	10:35 AM	No Session
4	4H (PM - Half Day)		12:00 Noon	2:20 pm	12:00 Noon	2:20 PM
3	3F (AM - Full Day)		8:15 AM	12:15 PM	No Session
4	3/4F (PM - Full Day)		10:20 AM	2:20 PM	12:00 Noon	2:20 PM

Scheduled Early Dismissal Days

The school calendar has designated early dismissal days throughout the year. Please be advised that arrangements should be made in advance to ensure your child is safe upon his/her arrival home on these dates. If you need to make any changes from your child's regular dismissal procedures, please submit these changes to your child’s teacher via email, with a cc to our WPS Administrative Assistant in advance of the early dismissal date.

• Example: Erin will be picked up by her Aunt Meghan Smith on 11/27/24 as it is an early dismissal day. She is listed in Genesis as a contact, and she drives a black Ford Pickup Truck.

As WPS is unique in its session times as well as the multiple arrival and dismissal times, PM sessions will not meet on days when an early dismissal is scheduled. WPS will adhere to the following schedule on early dismissal days.

Age	Class Name		Regular Day		Early Dismissal
			Start Time	End Time	Start Time	End Time
3	3H (AM - Half Day)		8:15 AM	10:35 AM	8:15 AM	10:35 AM
4	4H (PM - Half Day)		12:00 Noon	2:20 pm	No Session
3	3F (AM - Full Day)		8:15 AM	12:15 PM	8:15 AM	10:35 AM
4	3/4F (PM - Full Day)		10:20 AM	2:20 PM	No Session

Emergency Early Closing Procedure:

It may be necessary to close schools or shorten the school day because of a building emergency or inclement weather.

Once a decision is made to close school, bus drivers will be notified, parents will be notified by an Emergency (all contacts) phone, text and email via the Blackboard Connect System, all WTPS Social Media Posts will be updated and radio stations will be requested to make emergency announcements. As soon as possible after that, students will be bused home in three shifts as follows:

1st Shift	Wall Primary School & Wall High School
2nd Shift	Intermediate School	----->	40  minutes after HS
3rd Shift	Elementary Schools	----->	40 minutes after IS

If PM sessions have not arrived at the time the Emergency closing is scheduled, there will be no session that day. Please have a plan in place for your child to be picked up if an emergency closing is necessary. Please do not call Board of Education offices, school offices, or police headquarters for information regarding school closings. These telephone lines must be kept clear for emergencies. 

Affirmative Action

The Wall Township School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, relation, sex, ancestry, national origin, or social or economic status. If you have any discrimination complaint, you can contact the Affirmative Action Officer, Michael Scarano at the Board of Education Office. The telephone number is 732-556-2009. Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (Policy 5512) The Wall Township Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. "Harassment, intimidation and/or bullying " means any gesture or written, verbal, or physical act that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus and that a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of harming a student or damaging the student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his person or damage to his property; or has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.

• As per Policy 5512, if any act that could be perceived as an act of HIB is witnessed or reported an investigation will take place. Please review the policy in full for timelines and procedures.
• District Anti-Bullying Coordinator
  • Ms. Tiffany Steiner - 732-556-2657
• Wall Primary School Anti-Bullying Specialist
  • Mrs. Laurie Maas - 732-556-2622

Insurance

The Board of Education has authorized an insurance company to offer student group insurance to those who wish to pay the premium for this type of coverage. Both around-the-clock and school time policies are available. Click on the link for more information. Bollinger Schools Insurance Information

Media Consent Release

We love taking pictures and videos of our students! Many times we will post these pictures on our district/school website as well as on our district and school social media pages. One of the forms you completed on Genesis speaks to this permission. Please ensure that you have completed the form to align with your permissions for your child.

• Here is a copy of what the online form looks like.

Student Registration

A student who transfers from another district should register as soon as possible with Mrs. Kerrin McGowan, District Registrar, 732-556-2658. Students registering for the first time should present the following:

• Birth certificate.
• Proof of mandatory immunizations (required by law).
• Transfer card, Report card, Health & Dental Card, etc. from the former district.
• Proof of Residency (municipal tax bill, water/sewer bill, lease agreement).
• Students who enrolled in WPS will be automatically registered in kindergarten in WTPS.

Wall Board of Education Policies

All board of education policies can be found on the district website at: Wall Township Board of Education Policies. The following provides a list of the policies that are recommended for all parents in grades PK - 12 to read. Although all policies listed below are important for students and parents in our district, those in red are the policies that may have a direct impact for our Wall Primary students. The indented “R” items are the regulation from which the policy was written. Please read the red ones first and then the blue ones.

• 2260 Affirmative Action Program for School and Classroom Practices
• 2361-Acceptable Use of Computer Network/ Computers and Resources
• 5111 Eligibility of Resident/Nonresident Students
• 5200 Attendance Policy / R 5200 Attendance
• 5240 Tardiness / R 5240 Tardiness
• 5330 Administration of Medication / R 5330 Administration of Medication
• 5331 Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in School
  • R 5331 Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in Schools
• 5338 Diabetes Management
• 5350 Student Suicide Prevention
• 5512 Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
• 5519 Dating Violence at School
•  5561 Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion Techniques for Students with Disabilities
  • R 5561 Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion Techniques for Students with Disabilities
• 5600 Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct
• R 5600 Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct
• 5612 Assault by Pupils on District Board Members or Employees
  • R 5612 Assault by Pupils on District Board Members or Employees
• 5613 Removal of Students for Assaults with Weapons Offenses
  • R 5613 Removal of Students for Assaults with Weapons Offenses
• 5615 Suspected Gang Activity
• 5751 Sexual Harassment
  • R 5751 Sexual Harassment of Pupils
• 5770 Pupil Right of Privacy
• 7422 School Integrated Pest Management Plan
• 7441 Electronic Surveillance in School Buildings and on School Grounds
• 7523 School District Provided Technology Devices to Students
• 8335 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
• 8550 Unpaid Meal Charges/Outstanding Food Service Charges
• 8690 Monitoring Devices on School Vehicles
• 9713 Recruitment by Special Interest Groups

Health Services Offered in Wall Township Public Schools

• HEIGHT AND WEIGHT: All students PK through 12 yearly.

• VISION SCREENING: All students PK through 5 yearly.
  • Teachers or parents may request individual testing at any time.
• HEARING SCREENING: All students in Grades PK through 5, 7, 10, and special education classes yearly will be screened.
  • Teachers or parents may request individual testing at any time.
• SCOLIOSIS SCREENING: All students aged 10 through 18 will be screened yearly.
  • A parent may defer testing by sending a note to the building nurse.
• IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: All students must present medical documentation of immunizations as required by NJAC 8:57-4.
• EMERGENCY CARE OF SICK AND INJURED: First Aid is the responsibility of the person nearest the injury.
  • Treatment is rendered in accordance with the District Medical Officer.
• BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS: All students PK through 12 will be screened yearly.

Important Reminders from the WPS Nurse:

• If your child becomes ill at school and you are contacted to pick up your child, please pick your child up at door #5 in the front of the building. All front doors are numbered. Please come to the door and knock loudly.
  • Please note: This is the ONLY time you will enter the building from a door different from the main entrance. Please only use this door if you have been contacted by the WPS Nurse to pick up your sick child.
• Students with diabetes must have completed medical orders with a diabetic care plan from their endocrinologist. It is imperative that a parent meet the WPS Nurse prior to implementation of these plans. Communication is key for the safety of our students.
• Please contact the WPS Nurse if your child develops a short term health problem that requires medicine that needs to be given while at school. Similarly if your child develops a long term, chronic illness that requires medication at school, the WPS Nurse will assist you with the procedure listed below.

Administering Medication Policy

Before any medication may be administered to or by any student during school hours, the Board of Education policy 5330, shall require:

• The written request of the parent/guardian, which shall give permission for such administration and relieve the Board of Education and its employees of liability for administration of medication.
  • Click here for the request form
• In addition, the Board of Education requires the written order of the prescribing physician, which shall include:

1. The purpose of the medication;
2. The dosage;
3. The length of time for which the medication is prescribed;
4. The possible side effects of the medication; and,
5. The time at which or the special circumstances under which medication shall be administered.

• All documents shall be kept on file in the office of the school nurse. The school nurse shall maintain a record of the name of the student to whom medication may be administered, the prescribing physician, the dosage and time of the medication, and a notation of each instance of administration
• Do not send any medication in your child’s lunchbox or backpack. This includes prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal preparations, and vitamins.
• Medication shall be securely stored and kept in the original labeled container.
• All medications shall be brought to school by the parent/guardian and shall be picked up at the end of the school year or the end of the period of medication, whichever is earlier.

Other Important Health Forms

• Anaphylaxis Individual Emergency Care Plan

• Asthma Action Plan
• Delegation of Epinephrine (Epi-Pen)
• Diabetes Medical Management Plan
• Food Allergy/Restriction Questionnaire
• Seizure Action Plan

Academic Program

Throughout the day, your child will be rotating through a variety of both independent and teacher-directed centers. Teachers at Wall Primary utilize aspects of “The Creative Curriculum” combined with best practices in primary instruction. Additionally, our teachers will be integrating the “Heggerty PreK Phonemic Awareness Curriculum” into their daily routine to align with the elementary schools’ shift to the Science of Reading. Our teachers have created engaging, multi-sensory learning experiences that cover introductory skills in reading, math, social studies, and science, using a monthly building theme as a backdrop. Art, music, health and physical education are infused throughout all lessons. Our dramatic play area offers opportunities to foster positive social interactions. Although all of our classrooms are equipped with interactive Activboards, it’s important to note that we intentionally minimize the use of technology at this level. We know these digital natives tend to be overexposed to electronic devices and truly benefit from real-life opportunities to learn and grow.

Communication

We believe that communication between school and home is essential for our students’ progress. Your child’s teacher will be sending a weekly bulletin regarding class news. You will receive phone messages, text messages, and emails via our Blackboard Connect System to keep you updated on important information and events. Our school website is a valuable resource to keep you informed and to serve as a conduit to support learning.

Conferences/Progress Reports/Assessment

Conferences

• Parents of each student will have the opportunity for 1 to 2 conferences a year depending on the age and class of their child.
  • Winter Conference - Week of January 27th, 2025
  • Spring Conference - Week of May 5th, 2025- Transition to
• Kindergarten conferences (students in the 4 yr old program)
  • Parents will be scheduled in 20-minute intervals throughout the day on each teacher’s specified day.
• Conferences will be held in person, unless a parent specifically requests otherwise.

Progress reports

• All students will receive a quarterly status report at the end of each marking period.
• Students with an IEP will receive a quarterly progress report noting progress on IEP goals.

Parent Teacher Association - PTA

The Wall Primary School PTA is an association of parents and teachers working cooperatively to enhance the educational program for our students. Our dedicated PTA members work hard to provide many additional assemblies, activities, and materials for our students. We urge you to join the PTA, attend monthly meetings and, if possible, volunteer to help at one or more of the many worthwhile activities provided by the PTA. Information regarding our PTA can be found on our school website or by contacting one of the listed cabinet members.

• President - OPEN
• Vice President - Ashley Pires
• Secretary - Ashley Macchiaverna
• Treasurer - Cassie Buhowski
• Beautification Chair - Nicole Lord

REGISTER TO ATTEND WALL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Students enter Wall Primary School as either Tuition Students or Special Education Students.

Special Education Students

• Students can be referred from an Early Intervention Program or parent request for an evaluation.
• An ‘Identification Meeting’ will be held to determine if evaluations are warranted.
• If it is determined that evaluations are warranted, testing shall be conducted.
  • If there are significant delays the student will receive Special Education Services, which may include admittance to WPS.

General Education Students

• Applications are “first come first serve.”
• Tuition to attend.
• Students may opt to take WTPS transportation for a fee.
• Primary School Tuition Application
  • Submit to Kerrin McGowan, District Registrar, with a birth certificate, immunization record, the non-refundable application fee with the first payment.
  • Application is submitted to the BOE for approval.

Requests for Evaluations/Interventions/Referrals

Some children cannot be effectively educated without some individualized special education programming. Our Board of Education is committed to providing appropriate education to all classified educationally disabled children. These programs provide services in our district or through outside placements if necessary. Children with potentially disabling conditions, ages 3 through 21, may be referred to our district Child Study Team through the following process:

• Write a letter to the Assistant Superintendent of Special Services, Mrs. Kelly Bond, include a brief description explaining why you are requesting a CST evaluation, and include a live signature.
• Letters must be signed (via written signature) as per Board policy. Please send your letter with a live signature by scanning it to Mrs. Bond, kbond@wallpublicschools.org, through fax 732.556.2638 or mail it to:

Wall Township Special Services
1801 Bailey’s Corner Road
PO Box 1199
Wall, NJ 07719

• If you are anticipating enrollment in WPS on your child’s 3rd birthday, the referral process should start 120 days prior to his/her 3rd birthday.
• Please click on the links below for more information regarding Special Education:
  • Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE): https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/form/prise/FullPRISE.pdf
  • New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC 6a:14): https://www.state.nj.us/education/code/current/title6a/chap14.pdf
• Please note as per NJAC 6a:14, all special education students ages 3-5 are classified as “Pre-School Child with a Disability.” See page 74 for specific qualifications.

Student Code of Conduct

The Wall Township Public Schools recognize that rapid societal changes have impacted upon the traditional school and its approach to instruction and discipline. One constant factor in the midst of society's changes has been the district's goal of providing a pleasant, safe, and challenging learning environment for every Wall Township student. The home and school have shared responsibility in achieving this goal.

All families, caregivers, and teachers play a critical role in establishing positive behavior with our students. At WPS, we strive to support our students in their ability to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, manage their feelings, and resolve conflict in age appropriate manners. We do this by providing clear expectations, establishing routine and structure within the school day, modeling appropriate behavior, giving positive redirection, teaching age appropriate conflict resolution and problem solving skills, and communicating with families regularly.

Conflict or disagreement is normal and often happens when children get together. However, hurtful words, gestures, or physical attack are unacceptable ways to deal with conflict and disagreement at school. Our goal is to teach students several positive ways to deal with these difficult situations. To do this, we are teach our students who have minor problems to try some of following strategies, when possible:

• Take a break
• Share and take turns
• Tell the person to stop the problem behavior
• Apologize
• Make a deal or compromise, with adult support
• Redirection - move to a new game or activity

Please understand at WTPS, whenever possible, we use situations as teachable moments with a focus on self-regulation. Our Wall Primary School faculty and staff will work with the students to resolve conflicts in a positive, age-appropriate and constructive manner.

The Wall Township Public School District Believe That:

• Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual talents and needs.

• Acknowledging that all students can learn and do so in different ways, the district provides a variety of instructional approaches, resources and appropriate assessments to support their learning.
• Teachers, administrators, students, parents, and the community share the responsibility for advancing the school system’s mission, beliefs and goals.
• Our educational and extracurricular programs enable our students to become contributing members of society by fostering the development of ethical values, knowledge and skills.
• Students need to develop a deep understanding of essential knowledge and skills and also develop the capacity to apply their learning to reason, solve problems, and produce quality work.
• A safe and supportive learning environment is fundamental to promote student achievement.
• Effective communication with families as partners in the education of their children is essential to the success of our school system.
• Diversity enriches our school system through a variety of ideas, values, and cultures.
• Productive use of technology is vital to learning and helps students connect with a rapidly changing world.