School Policies
SPEEDWAY SCHOOL
701 S. Orange Ave
Newark, NJ 07106
(973) 374-2740
Website: https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/SPD/
Facebook: SpeedwaySchool
Twitter: nps_speedway
Instagram: nps_speedway
Student/Parent Handbook
2024-2025
Ms. Ashley Jiles, Principal
Mr. Christopher Constantino, Vice Principal
Mr. Kelvin Henry, Vice Principal
Ms. Meghan Yergan, Vice Principal
Mr. Antwan Hayes, Vice Principal
Welcome Back
August 1, 2024
Dear Speedway Avenue School Families,
Welcome back to another great year at Speedway Avenue School. Our first day of school is Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024. I am privileged to have the opportunity to return to Speedway as your Principal. I am honored to work with our exceptional staff, amazing students, and supportive parents. As Principal, my ultimate goal is to ensure that every Speedway student is provided the highest quality education possible in a safe and supportive learning environment. Your support and partnership in this effort is needed by sending your child to school on time every day, encouraging him/her to read at least 20 minutes every night, monitoring homework and academic progress, and communicating frequently with the teacher.
Throughout the year we will send news of school events and activities via our monthly calendar; however, below are some important reminders and dates that you may want to mark in your calendar now.
- First Day of School – Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024
- School Hours – 8:15a.m.-3:05 p.m.
- School Uniform Colors – Burgundy shirt and Gray Pants/ Skirt.
- New student registration continues throughout the month of August. All students must be registered before September 3, 2024 to ensure a seat.
- Summer Reading and Math assignments are due no later than Monday, September 9th. Visit our website for more information at www.nps.k12.nj.us/spd
- Our Annual Welcome Back BBQ & Supply Giveaway is on August 30th, 2023 2:00-4:00pm. The supplies will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis and all students must be accompanied by an adult. This will be a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher. Please complete your Lunch Application and SchoolMint Re-Enrollment before the Welcome Back BBQ for entry! This must be completed prior to the first day of school.
- School Supply Lists are below, posted on our school’s webpage, and provided on the first day of school.
- Lunch Applications MUST be completed by all students.
- Back to School Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 14th from 6:00 - 8:00pm. . You will have the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and hear more about our programs and district curriculum. Please join us for this important informational evening.
On the first day of school you should expect to receive a school-to-home packet containing important information. Please review all of the documents and promptly return any forms requiring a signature. All students in grades 1-7 will receive a student planner to help them keep track of assignments during the year. They will also receive a folder that will contain homework and information for parents. Please check your child’s folder and planner each evening. Lastly, they will receive student workbooks to keep at home in the case of an emergency or school closing. Please ensure this workbook is maintained by students all year.
Student classroom placements at Speedway School were made by teachers and administrators based on the needs of individual students. Our intent for all classroom placements is to provide a carefully balanced classroom community that provides the best learning experience for your child. Classroom placements will be available at our Annual welcome Back BBQ & Supply Giveaway on August 30th, 2023.
For important updates and information, we ask that you regularly visit our school’s website by visiting https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/SPD/, and follow our social media accounts on Facebook (Speedway School), Instagram (NPS_Speedway) and Twitter (NPS_Speedway).
Enjoy the final days of summer and I look forward to seeing you in September!
Sincerely,
Ashley Jiles
Principal
Our Core Mission and Values Drive our School Culture
Vision Statement
To cultivate a school community that honors the talent and differences of each student, culminating in lifelong learners and productive citizens, competitive in a global economy.
Mission Statement
Speedway School will collaborate with our parents, community members, staff, and students to create a safe, supportive, and diverse environment, promoting high expectations and standards through professional development, workshops and rigorous tasks, ensuring that all students meet their potential.
Our Core Beliefs
Our cultural Phoenix Values ensure that we develop not only our students’ academic minds, but the necessary skills and mindsets for long term success in an increasingly global economy.
| Student Mantra | The Phoenix Poem |
|
Good, Better, Best
Never let it Rest Until your Good is Better And your Better is your Best! |
Persevering through
Hard work Openly and fairly Ensuring No one is left behind In our pursuit of Academic Xcellence |
Student Ingress and Egress Procedures
ARRIVAL
DISMISSAL
It is the school’s assumption that all non-transportation students in grades 4 – 8 will either walk home or be picked up immediately after school. As such, they will be dismissed directly out of the building. Students in grades 4 – 8 who are picking up PreK – 3rd grade students must walk around the building to pick up their siblings from their designated dismissal area. Students are not allowed to reenter the building once they have been dismissed for the day.
HOLIDAYS / NO SCHOOL
2024
September 2 No School- Labor Day
October 14 No School - Indigenous People Day
October 23 No school- Staff Development Day
November 7-8 No School - NJEA Convention
November 11 No School – Veterans Day Observance
November 22 No School – Puerto Rico Heritage Day
November 27 Early Dismissal 1 PM
November 28-29 No School – Thanksgiving
December 5 Q1 Parent Teacher Conference (Early Dismissal 1 PM)
December 23 No School- Administrative Day
December 24 No School- Christmas Eve (Observance)
December 25 No School – Christmas Day
December 26-27 No School- Winter Recess
December 30 No School- Administrative Day
December 31 No School- New Year’s Day Observance
2025
January 1 No School- New Year’s Day
January 20 No School – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
February 5 No School- Staff Development
February 13 Q2 Parent Teacher Conference (Early Dismissal 1 PM)
February 17 No School - Presidents Day
March 5 No School- Staff Development Day
March 31 No School – Eid al-Fitr
April 18 No School – Good Friday
April 21-25 No School Spring Recess
May 26 No School – Memorial Day
June 19 No School - Holiday: Juneteenth
June 24 Last Day of School- Early Dismissal (1 PM)
UNIFORM POLICY
The Speedway uniform dress code encourages a sense of community, respect and a focus on learning and 100% compliance is expected. Uniforms are mandatory for each Speedway Elementary Student. Please do not send your child to school in Crocs, flip flops, and open-toe sandals.
Uniform Colors ALL Students:
Burgundy tops
Gray pants with a belt, shorts, jumpers, skirts
No hats or hoodies in the building
Parents/Guardians will be notified if the mandatory uniform policy isn’t followed.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY
It is very important that your child is present and on time to school every day. Coming to school every day on time raises self-esteem and results in your child succeeding both academically and socially. The cooperation of parents/guardians and pupils is required to maintain a high level of school attendance. The frequent absence of pupils from classroom learning experiences disrupts the continuity of the instructional process and limits the ability of pupils to complete the prescribed curriculum requirements successfully. It is for this reason that Speedway School has a target of 100% daily attendance school wide. Consistent attendance plays an integral part in the success of our students.
Parents/legal guardians are responsible for notifying the school early in the day when a child will be absent
and for informing the school of the reason for the absence. Documentation of the nature and causes of these absences shall be the responsibility of the pupil and parent/legal guardian, and must be presented upon the student’s return to school. If a student has an unexcused absence, the student shall not be permitted to participate in any school activity on the day of the absence and until his/her official return to school.
As per New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-28 through 31 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6), students must attend school every single day. As per State, District, and school policy, accruing more than 10 absences may result in a referral to family court. “Chronic absenteeism” is defined in New Jersey’s ESSA State Plan as the percentage of a school’s students who are not present for 10 percent (18.2 days) or more of the days that they were in membership at a school and may result in your child being retained.
ATTENDANCE INTERVENTION PLANS
Failure to attend school for more than three days will result in an attendance intervention plan for your student.
- 3 or more absences: Attendance Plan opened with Student Support Team
- 10 or more absences: Referral to Family Court and/or Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP, formerly DYFS)
- Tardies and early pick up also contribute to your overall absence count.
If your child does not attend school for any reason, please call the main office by 9:00 AM, so that we can note the absence of your child’s teacher. Please send a notarized note explaining the absence with your child upon their return. If your child was absent due to illness during the period of absence, a note from the physician is required upon return to school.
TARDY POLICY
A student is considered tardy if he/she is not in their homeroom by 8:25 AM. If tardy, the student must obtain an admit pass from the main office before going to class. If a student is repeatedly absent or tardy, parents will be notified. Students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. must enter through the Main Door on South Orange Ave.
EARLY PICK UP
Only parents or other adults designated on the Emergency Contact Form may sign a student out of school early. The adult must present proper identification and sign in with security and the Main Office.
Although it is the right of every parent to take their child out of school early, please consider that for every 10 minutes that your child is NOT in their classroom learning, your child is losing 10 minutes of instruction, which he/she will not be able to get back. Therefore, please ensure that these early pick-ups are absolutely necessary and far and few between. Pickups after 2 pm will disrupt crucial transition times and therefore will be at the discretion of the Principal.
Dental and doctor appointments should be kept to after-school hours whenever possible. If it is necessary to make an appointment during school hours, please send a note to the School Nurse. To ensure student safety, parents or a designee must pick up their children at the main office.
No pupil in grades kindergarten through eighth shall be permitted to leave the school before the close of the school day unless he/she is met in the school office by his/her parent/guardian or a person authorized by the parent/guardian to act on his/her behalf.
LATE PICK UP
Dismissal is at 2:55 PM daily. On a scheduled half day of school, Speedway will have a 1:00 PM dismissal. It is important that you arrange for your child to be picked up on time each day at dismissal.
If your child is not picked up on time, they may be taken to the local Newark Police Department Precinct and the Division of Child Placement and Permanency (DCPP, formerly DYFS) may be notified. Please note, students in Grades 4-8 are dismissed at 3:05 PM (Full-day schedule); or 1:00 PM (Half-day schedule) by their homeroom teachers unless you, the parent or guardian, request that the child is picked up by an adult. Students in Grade PreK-3 must be picked up by a parent or guardian (no exceptions) at 3:05 PM.
VACATION POLICY
Vacations during instructional time are not an “excused” absence. We ask that families plan their vacations around the NBOE SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
STUDENT CELL PHONE POSSESSION & USAGE POLICY
The District technology policy is attached for your perusal and signature. Students may, but are not encouraged to have cell phones on school grounds. Should students bring cell phones or electronics, they must be turned off and will be labeled and collected when students arrive at school in the morning. Cell phones will be locked up during the school day and returned to all students during the last period.
At no time should a student record or videotape peers or school staff with cell phone, cameras or other electronic devices. Speedway School will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen electronics, as they are all discouraged during school hours.
Parents/Guardians will be notified if students are found to be in violation of the Student Cell Phone Possession and Usage Policy.
- 1st violation - Students will receive detention and receive their phone back at the end of detention.
- 2nd violation - Students will receive detention and a parent must pick up the cell phone from the grade level Vice Principal
- 3rd violation - Students will receive detention and a parent must pick up the cell phone from Newark Board of Education at 765 Broad Street, Newark.
If a parent/guardian needs to notify their child of an emergency situation, the Main Office should be called and a message will be taken and delivered. Students will be permitted to use the main office phone, only if necessary. Forgotten lunches, books, homework, visits to classmates’ homes after school, etc. are not considered necessary matters. All other phones in the building are strictly off-limits to students at all times.
SCHOOL MEALS
Speedway School serves two meals daily. Parents are required to complete a Family School Meals application, which is completed online. If you have any questions, contact the Main Office. Please visit https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/departments/sba/operations/food-services/lunch-application/
to complete your 2023-2024 lunch application.
Students will eat breakfast in their homerooms before 8:35 am.
PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS
Your student’s current grades can be accessed via the PowerSchool Parent Portal (https://sis.nps.k12.nj.us/public/home.html). For more information, please see the Parent tab on the Newark Public Schools website. If the progress report, report card, or current grades raise concern, please contact the teacher and arrange a parent-teacher conference. Report cards must be signed by the parent/guardian and returned within one week.
Each student’s grade for each of their subjects is calculated via at least 9 summative assessments. These include projects, exit tickets, quizzes, chapter tests, end of unit/course tests and midterm tests. Each assessment has been approved by the teacher and school administrator prior to being utilized. In addition, students will receive approximately 30 formative assessments (for example exit tickets, homework) over the course of each quarter.
| Report Card Cycle Dates | Report Card Distribution |
| Q1 - Sept. 3- Nov. 6, 2024 | Dec. 5, 2023 |
| Q2 - Nov. 7- Jan. 31, 2025 | Feb. 13, 2025 |
| Q3 - Feb. 1- Apr. 11, 2025 | May 1, 2025 |
| Q4 - Apr. 12- June 24, 2024 | June 24, 2025 |
PARENT-TEACHER PARTNERSHIPS
It is very important for you, as the parent/guardian, to connect with your child’s teacher on a regular basis. Please attend the Parent Teacher Conferences that have been established for you to have time to meet with your child’s teachers one-on-one and see your child’s work artifacts.
PARENT SATISFACTION
We encourage regular and frequent feedback from parents, so that we can make ongoing enhancements to the school’s learning environment. You may contact Speedway School’s Main Office at any time to discuss any of your concerns. If you would like to meet with an administrator, please call the Main Office at (973)374-2740.
If you would like to join the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), please contact the school at (973)374-2740. The PTO helps to fundraise monies to ensure that our students and school receive key opportunities and experiences. Please consider supporting.
CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
(Positive Behavior Intervention and Support)
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
Speedway disciplinary code and procedures have been established according to the Newark Board of Education Progressive Discipline & Suggested Interventions guidelines. Board policy requires each student to adhere to the rules and regulations established by the administration and to submit to such disciplinary measures as are appropriately assigned for infraction of those rules.
PROACTIVE STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
Speedway school has developed a comprehensive system that focuses on prevention and intervention to address student conduct. Prevention and intervention strategies include instruction of social and emotional skills; and use of restorative practices, including, but not limited to, the use of peer negotiation and mediation, and restorative circles. In addition to targeted interventions as a means to limit dramatically the time students spend outside the classroom as a consequence of inappropriate behavior.
SCHOOL WIDE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Rewards are designed to promote positive reinforcement for all students. Rewards are provided in exchange for Dojo Points (Phoenix Bucks & Phoenix Cash). Students can earn points by following the school wide expectations: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. Teachers can add any additional behaviors that may be appropriate.
SPEEDWAY CURRENCY (Dojo Points)
Classroom teachers, specialist teachers, support staff, and all other building faculty will award students Phoenix Bucks (Pre-K - 5th grade) and Phoenix Cash (6th -8th grade). Grade level teachers will collaborate and agree on a criteria for distribution of points. Students will be able to use their earned Speedway Currency for school wide incentives such as the Phoenix Corner (School Store), the Phoenix Lounge and for Monthly events.
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE
Newark Board of Education follows a progressive disciplinary framework that uses incremental interventions to encourage accountability and behavioral change. Consequences that are meted out for inappropriate conduct will proportionally reflect the severity of the incident, and all schools will further consider the individual context of the incident and student when determining an appropriate disciplinary response.
Infractions are codified Level 1 thru 4 with appropriate interventions and consequences. All infractions are to be documented with the “Discipline Referral” which is submitted online for immediate support, intervention and electronic documentation. Each incident and infraction along with their dispositions will be logged into the school’s data collection system.
SCHOOL PROPERTY
Any student, parent/guardian, visitor or staff member engaged in destroying, defaming and disrespecting school property (building interior and exterior and surrounding grounds and all items, supplies and devices therein) is subject to consequences as deemed by the Principal.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Contraband found may be seized. Authorities may be notified, where appropriate. Discipline regarding the discovery of contraband shall be consistent with the district’s policies and procedures. As all school lockers are Newark Public Schools’ property, student lockers may be randomly searched.
FIGHTING AND STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Speedway has a zero tolerance for fighting, fights are inappropriate behavior and not acceptable. Incidents of fighting that occur off school grounds, but on the way to or from school, are still punishable. Students engaged in fighting are subject to immediate consequences as deemed by the Principal.
HALLWAY POLICY
Students are to adhere to hallway/stairwell rules, which are to line up as instructed by their teacher, walk in H.AL.L. to the right and walk silently—no talking, etc. as they transition from one classroom to the next, cafeteria, or gym, including arrival and dismissal.
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION or BULLYING
In keeping with our commitment to provide a safe, positive learning and working environment for everyone in the school, and in keeping with the goals and values of the Newark Public School, Speedway expressly prohibits Harassment, intimidation or bullying. Harassment, intimidation or bullying like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its students in a safe environment.
All reported incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying ( written, verbal or physical act, or
any electronic communication) shall be investigated promptly and in accordance with law.
SAFETY
Speedway School files a school safety plan each year with the New Jersey Department of Education and maintains a Safety Plan in the Main Office as well. Speedway School has full time security personnel. Anyone who gains access to the building must present current identification and follow district visitor guidelines.
SAFETY REMINDER
We encourage parents and guardians:
- Young students should be escorted to and from school.
- If students are approached by strangers and are near the school, they should return to the school and inform a staff member.
- Parents, please familiarize yourself with the District Calendar so you are aware of school closures and 1 P.M. Dismissals.
VISITOR’S POLICY
- The safety of all of our children is our primary concern.
- All visitors, parents and family members must enter the school building through the main entrance only. All visitors must have a scheduled appointment in order to enter the building.
- If an individual does NOT have a scheduled appointment, they must remain outside the building and complete the “Parent Intake Form” for their designated party.
- All visitors, parents and family members must provide a valid legal photo identification every time they arrive at the security station.
- All visitors must utilize the intercom system to announce their arrival and inform security of the reason for their visit.
- Visitors will wait outside until provided with clearance to enter the building.
- Once cleared, all visitors, parents and family members must complete the sign-in log at the Security Station. A “Visitor’s Pass” will then be given to the visitor to attend a scheduled meeting with a teacher, staff member, or to pick up a child. Without a Visitor’s Pass, only school personnel are authorized to go to the classrooms when school is in session.
- All visitors, parents and family members must show their “Visitor’s Pass” to security guards and staff members when walking through the hallways. The Visitor’s Pass must be returned to the Main Office staff or security guard station upon the visitor’s departure at the front entrance.
Please note that if a visitor, parent/guardian or family member is unable to comply with any visitor procedure or policy, as noted herein, will be barred from escorting their children on school property.
EMERGENCY FORM
Please notify the Main Office of any change of address or telephone number immediately. The Emergency Form contact persons are authorized by the parent/guardian to pick up your child from school. We will not release your child to any person who is NOT on the Emergency Contact Form under any circumstance. If you need to add or delete someone from your child’s Emergency Form, you must inform the main office staff. If you have a court document barring any person from having contact with your child, a copy of said document must be provided to the Main Office. A copy of the document will be stapled to the Emergency Form.
FIRE DRILLS/EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Speedway School conducts fire and other emergency drills in accordance with applicable state and local laws throughout the school year. Fire drills are to be taken seriously and students and staff members are expected to participate in such drills. All visitors that may be in the building at the time of a fire drill or an emergency drill will adhere to the directions of security personnel. All students are to comply with the rules outlined as follows:
- Students are not to pull the fire alarm or play with fire extinguishers.
- Students are to alert an adult if they witness a fire or smoke.
- Students are to be “silent,” “listen,” and “follow” their teacher’s instructions for their safety.
- Students are to return to the building in silence and in an orderly manner as directed by their teacher.
STUDENT TESTING
Periodically, your child will be assessed utilizing a variety of standardized assessments to determine progress and next steps in several subjects, including, but not limited to Literacy, Mathematics, and Science. Below is a summary of key state assessments. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the School Administration.
STATE ASSESSMENTS: NJSLA
In the State of New Jersey, all students in grades 3 to 8 are scheduled to take assessments in Language Arts Literacy and Mathematics. Students in 5th and 8th grade will also take a state science assessment.
- NJSLA (end of year assessment): April – May
- NJSLA-Science (5th & 8th Graders): End of May
These dates and assessments may change. An announcement will be sent home with any changes.
HOMEWORK, TESTS, AND ASSIGNMENTS
It is expected that all or nearly all homework can be done unassisted. However, it is imperative that you review assignments or reach out to us if ever you or your child has questions. The amount of homework assigned will vary by grade level. Each grade is assigned a minimum of ten to sixty minutes per night per grade. Homework packets/assignments will be given to students, homework should be completed and returned to the teacher. Students should have their assignments and homework completed on time.
Homework provides parents an opportunity to follow their child’s progress in school. Homework helps to improve student achievement and helps to reinforce classroom learning. Parents are asked to cooperate with teachers concerning homework.
During school breaks (November, Christmas, Spring, etc.), homework is assigned for each day of the break. Students are expected to read each night as directed by their teachers.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Speedway School will follow the Newark Public Schools policy for school closings and school delays. Newark Public Schools will send an automated message regarding any school closings. When there is an authorized school closing or delayed school opening, all field trips, after-school programs and bus transportation will be canceled. In the event that schools must be closed for inclement weather, days will be made up, if necessary during Spring Recess. Please access the Newark Public Schools website at http://www.nps.k12.nj.us for any and all updates regarding school closing during inclement weather. The Speedway School website, www.nps.k12.nj.us/spd, will have information about the school calendar and scheduled closings.
AUTOMATED MESSAGE SYSTEM
Speedway will also use automated phone messages to contact parents/guardians regarding important school events, such as workshops, class trips and your child’s absence for that day to remind you to send a note explaining the absence. Please take the time to ensure an updated phone number is given to the school and listen to these messages as they are directly related to your child’s learning experience at Speedway.
MEDICAL POLICY
The school nurse is available from 8:25 AM to 3:05 PM. In a medical emergency in school, the school nurse should be notified immediately.
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION
All medications are handled by the school nurse. Written order from the physician (detailing the name of the drug, dosage, and time-interval medication is to be taken as required. Also required is a school form providing a written request and permission from a parent/guardian for the school to comply with the physician’s orders.) These forms must be completed each school year. Medication must be brought to the school nurse in a container labeled by a physician or pharmacy and locked in the nurse’s office. Non-prescription medication, such as aspirin, antacids, or others cannot be dispensed by school personnel. All other medical questions or concerns must be directed to the school nurse.
STUDENT ILLNESS
Children should never be sent to school ill. It is recommended that students with a temperature should be kept home for 24 hours.
If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted and the illness or injury is believed to be serious enough to require medical attention, the school nurse or administration will arrange for the student to be taken to the hospital for treatment. This action on the part of any school personnel does not obligate the person, school, or district to assume financial responsibility for the treatment of the student.
Please ensure that your child has received all mandatory immunizations. Failure to receive all mandatory immunizations may result in your child being excluded from school and accruing unexcused absences.
COMPUTERS / TECHNOLOGY
Students are not permitted to visit websites, print materials, text, photos or images, download music, or be involved in anything that is inappropriate, including damage to computer/technology equipment and devices. Students are liable for anything inappropriate done under their own account, and therefore, are not permitted to share passwords. Inappropriate use of school computers/technology by students will result in loss of privileges.
CHROMEBOOKS
Students will have access to a district chromebook and charger. Students are responsible for the care of their chromebooks and other learning materials. A fee will be charged for chromebooks and chargers that are lost or damaged.
REGISTRATION
Parents/guardians must visit www.newarkenrolls.org to create a SchoolMint account. All registrations and transfer requests are submitted on our digital platform. Speedway School will not collect paper copies of any kind. If you need further assistance, please contact your child’s appointed school Clerk for further assistance.
TRANSFER PLAN
Speedway School is a public school of choice, both for application and withdrawal. At any time, a parent or guardian may wish to transfer their child to a different school. A parent or guardian wishing to withdraw one’s child from Speedway School will be asked to complete a request for a student withdrawal form. All transfer request forms are submitted via SchoolMint. The district will then review the transfer request. All requests are pending upon the approval/denial of the Assistant superintendent. Speedway School will ensure the timely transfer of any necessary school records to the student’s new school.
RECESS / PLAYGROUND POLICY
For all students to be safe and have fun during recess, all students are required to adhere to the playground policy as follows:
- Students must stay in the designated play area and may not leave without permission—once a student is outside, that student must stay outside.
- Students must keep their hands to themselves. No play fighting or excessive touching.
- Students must report incidents/accidents immediately to an adult.
- No food is allowed outside—all food is to be finished in the cafeteria.
- No profanity or bad language is ever to be used anywhere in the school or on school property.
- All students are to line up at the designated area
FIELD TRIPS
Your child’s teacher will send home advance notice of planned field trips. These notices will give you more detailed information about these trips. Students without the official school permission slip will be assigned to another classroom during the scheduled field trip. Notes from parents or guardians may not take the place of official permission slips. Permission slips will be given to students for all trips and include the following information:
- Date
- Purpose
- Destination
- Time of departure and return
- Signature line for parent/guardian
All school rules are in effect while students are on the field trip. Unless otherwise noted a full uniform is to be worn at all times. No gum, candy, personal games or musical devices are allowed unless special permission is given.
Students must be in uniform and have a completed lunch application to go on any field trip, unless previously cleared in writing with School Administration.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
If you plan to volunteer as a chaperone for a field trip, it is expected that you consider the following:
- You may not bring your other children with you.
- You must assist the teacher in charge on the trip.
- You will supervise a small group of students.
- You adhere to our “no sharing” policy (food, candy, liquids etc.)
The Speedway School reserves the right to select chaperone volunteers who exhibit appropriate behaviors.
BIRTHDAYS
BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS
Parents, staff and students are invited to complete the form including (student name, room number and/or teacher, and write a message on the back). Each form is $1. Forms must be completed prior to morning announcements on the day of the bday.
BIRTHDAY TREATS
We are delighted to celebrate your child’s birthday at school with their classmates and teachers! However, birthday parties are not allowed without permission of the Principal in writing via your child’s teacher. The Main Office and the Principal must be notified in writing of scheduled birthday celebrations with a minimum of one week’s notice. Students celebrating a birthday are welcome to bring healthy store purchased snacks and treats, with the ingredients visible, to share with their classmates and teacher. Birthday celebrations may be given from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM. We ask that only parents visit the class for after school birthday celebrations. Please also note that birthday party invitations may not be distributed in school facilities. Birthday celebration classroom-cleanup is essential. Your full cooperation in this matter is required and we appreciate your understanding of the nutrition guidelines we adhere to in the best interest of all Speedway students.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
In order to maintain a high standard of education, students who do not meet the minimum academic and social requirements for their grade level may be in jeopardy of not being promoted. Students must strive to attend school every day. Failure to attend school for more than three days will result in an attendance intervention plan for your student. Failure to abide by this plan may result in further disciplinary action, including referral to Family Court and/or DCPP (formerly DYFS). As per New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-28 through 31 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6). As per State, District, and school policy, missing more than 18 days of school may result in your child being retained.
Retention will only be proposed after the following procedure is completed:
- Parents and principal are notified that a concern or need exists that will warrant some form of remedial action.
- Parent meeting(s) is set up and problems or concerns are discussed. The teacher is to document the meeting, note interventions agreed upon, implement the interventions, and provide a copy for him/herself, the parent, and administration.
- Retention can be considered as an option only, after SST intervention strategies, summer school, and after school have been implemented.
8th GRADE ACTIVITIES
The 8th Grade Advisor plans end of the year activities for the graduating 8th Graders. The activities include, but are not limited to the following: 8th Grade trip, graduation, and 8th Grade Dance/ Social. Participation in these events is a privilege and must be earned.
A contract must be signed by each student and guardian in September of their 8th grade year. To fully participate in all the activities available to our 8th graders, students must meet the minimum requirements included in this contract. It outlines the minimum academic, attendance and behavior requirements needed to participate in these activities, based on existing Speedway Avenue School policies.
- Academics- Students must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average. No exceptions.
- Attendance- Students must meet minimum attendance requirements as outlined in Newark Board of Education Policy - Students may not miss more than 9 days of school- This is a direct violation of state policy.
- Tardies- Excessive tardies (9 or more) during the 8th grade year will not be tolerated and will result in loss of privileges.
- Behavior- Students must maintain reasonable behavior.
- Accumulation of 6 or more office referrals during the year including in-class referrals for excessive tardies, or late work, disrespect to teacher or peers.
- 1 Suspension
- More than 1 suspension will result in a forfeit of all 8th grade activities.
- Committing an act or acts that violate the district core values and school core beliefs
NOTE: Speedway School reserves the right to remove any student from any of the 8th Grade activities.
2024-2025 Speedway School’s
Student/Parent Handbook Sign-Off Sheet
- We, student and parent(s), agree to abide by all school policies and regulations as listed within the 2024-2025 Speedway School’s Student/Parent Handbook.
- We understand that the student handbook may be updated at any time.
- We will be emailed any updates to the student handbook.
| Student First Name | |
| Student Last Name | |
| Parent First Name | |
| Parent Last Name | |
| Parent Email | |
| Parent Phone # | |
| Parent Signature |
In Service with Kids,
Ashley Jiles
Principal
Speedway School
Speedway Schools School Policies can be found in the Speedway School Student/Parent Handbook.