Mott School Handbook

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Mott School Handbook 2005-2006
45 Stokely Avenue Trenton, New Jersey
08611 Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
Mott Mustangs
Moving Onward Toward Tomorrow Elizabeth Ramirez
, Principal Name________________________________
_______ Grade _____
Homeroom _________
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From The Principals Desk
Dear Parents and Students Welcome to the
2005-2006 school year! The challenges are many
for staff, students and parents. We are ready to
provide challenging educational experiences for
all of our children. It is an exciting time for
learning. We are living in a fast paced society
with a strong emphasis on technology. It is
necessary that all boys and girls get totally
involved in the learning process in order to be
prepared to take their place in this
society. Parents, I ask you to continue to
support our efforts to improve and expand the
educational growth and the continued success of
our children. I am looking forward to even
greater participation from our parents for the
2005-2006 school year. Parents, please take an
active part in your childs learning experience.
Make your childs education a family
affair! This Student/Parent Handbook provides
the opportunity for both students and parents to
review school information and become familiar
with the Mott School guidelines. It contains the
procedures that govern our actions as we work as
a team. Sincerely, Elizabeth Ramirez Principal

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Table of Contents Part I General
Information Accident Insurance
. 13 Attendance Policies
11-12 Awards/Academic
Recognition .. 22 Board of
Education/Senior Administrators
.. 26 Calendar . 38 Cl
ubs, Activities, Programs .. 19 Educa
tional Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . 9-10 Discipline
(Also see Code of Conduct ) . 14 Dress
Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Emergency
School Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 12 Enrollment Procedures .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 13 ESL (English as a Second Language)
. 18 Fire Drills . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . 23 Food Service . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . 25 Guidance Services
.. 17 Gotchas
. 37 Health Services . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 25 Historical Timeline of
Mott School. 6 History of Mott School
. 5 Homework Policy . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 16 Mission Statements ..
7 PAC (Pupil Advisory Committee)
.. 17 Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Peer
Mediation .. 18, 37 Personal
Belongings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Phone Numbers . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 23 Report Cards . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 21 Safety To and From School . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 School Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24 Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 20 Technology Literacy Program . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Testing
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 26 Whole School Reform Model for Mott
. 8
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Table of Contents Continued Part II Code
of Conduct Principals Message Concerning
Discipline 28 Parent/Staff
Responsibilities .. 29-30 Student
Rights . 30 Offenses, Minor
.. 31 Offenses, Serious
.. 32 Offenses, Major
. 32 Consequences for Minor
Offenses 33-34 Consequences for
Serious/Major Offenses .. 35 Communications
to Parent .. 35 Behaviors and
Definitions .. 36 Behavior
Incentive Programs . 37
Motts Website www.trenton.k12.nj.us/mott
Trenton Districts Website www.trenton.k12.nj.u
s Please use the above websites for school
closings. They also provide information about
the activities that your children are involved
in on a daily basis!
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History of Mott School General Gershom Mott, Our
Schools Namesake General Mott was born on
April 7, 1822 in Lamberton, New Jersey. He was
the grandson of Captain John Mott, who guided
General George Washingtons army down the
Delaware River to the celebrated victory at
Trenton. His parents were Gershom and Phebe
(Scudder) Mott. Gershom Mott was the youngest of
five children. He received his education at the
Trenton Academy, which is now the Trenton Public
Library (Main Branch). Gershom Mott began to work
when he was only fourteen years old as a sales
clerk in a dry goods store in NYC. He joined the
Army from 1846 to 1849 during which he fought in
the Mexican War. On August 8, 1849 Gershom Mott
married Elizabeth Smith. They had one child,
Kate, who recorded and published the family
genealogy. From 1849 to 1861 Mott had a variety
of jobs in New Jersey with the Lamberton Port,
Bordentown, Delaware Raritan Canal Co., and the
Bordentown Bank. Then he joined the Union Army
during the Civil War. In 1862, during the Battle
of Bull Run, Colonel Mott was severely wounded in
the arm. President Lincoln promoted him to
Brigadier General for his outstanding military
service. Shortly after the war, Mott was
promoted to Major General of Volunteers, the
first soldier from New Jersey to hold that
rank. After he resigned from the Army in 1866,
he later was named Keeper of the Keys (warden)
of the New Jersey State Prison. He lived near
the prison on Second Street. He died on November
29, 1884, and is buried in Riverview Cemetery
which is located at 870 Centre Street. He was
given a full military funeral. For Gershom
Motts dedication to New Jersey and his country,
in 1896, the residents of the city of Trenton
renamed the Sixth Ward School, Gershom Mott
Elementary School. Please visit the
third floor showcase which is dedicated to
General Gershom Mott.
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Mott Schools Historical Timeline
In June 1881, a contract
was signed for the construction of a school on
Centre Street. The original Mott School,
containing only four classrooms, was located on
Centre Street and was known as the Sixth Ward
School. Dr. Cornelius Shepherd was
Superintendent of the Trenton Public Schools.
Captain J. A. Wilson was a member of the Board of
Education representing the people of the Sixth
Ward. In 1896 four more rooms were added, and
the school was renamed honoring Civil War General
Gershom Mott. Dr. B. C. Gregory was the
superintendent of the Trenton Public Schools
during this period. On March 4, 1912, Mott
Elementary School was remodeled and enlarged.
After the renovations, Mott School contained
fourteen rooms, including three rooms in the
basement. A cornerstone in the front of the
school bears this date. In June 1979, plans
were made for the construction of the present day
Mott School located on 45 Stokely Avenue. The
Ground Breaking Ceremony took place in April
1982, and the school officially opened in
September 1984. From September 1995 through July
28, 1998, Mott School, along with Joyce Kilmer
Elementary School, became the first two schools
in the state of New Jersey to implement
year-round education. In September 1999 Mott
School adopted The Comer School Development
Program as its whole school reform model. As of
September, 2005, Mott developed its own model,
the Mott School Alternative Whole School Reform
Design (AWSRD). In June 2003, Mott again went
under construction to become a PreK-8 school for
September 2005. We now have twenty-two
classrooms, an up-to-date cafeteria, a gym, a
high tech security surveillance system, computer
lab, conference rooms, science lab, media center,
music and art rooms, and a completely renovated
school yard. The following people have
served as principals of Mott Elementary School
Clara Wilson 1881 1918
Alexander Ronca 1973 - 1979
Mary F. Connors 1918 1936 Clifford
Zdanowicz 1979 1982 Eleanor
Lee 1936 1956 John McBride 1982
1983 Cora Pennington 1956
1963 Harry Barber 1983 1991
Clare Shaltis 1963 1966
Alexander Brown 1991 2002 Eva
Rotundo 1966 1973 Elizabeth
Ramirez 2002 - present
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Trenton Districts Mission
Statement All students will graduate with a
vision for their futures, motivated to learn
continually and prepared to succeed in their
choice of college or career. Mott Schools
Mission Statement We believe all students can
and will learn therefore, it is our goal to
instruct and guide all students to become
academically successful and useful members of
society. Mott Schools Vision Mott school
provides a learning experience that is nurturing
and allows children to see themselves as
intelligent, capable and valuable individuals.
Staff members not only teach content areas but
also demonstrate a desire and enthusiasm for
learning. The curriculum is designed to meet the
needs of all children in preparation for
productivity in a diverse society. Students are
taught to think independently and creatively.
They are encouraged to aim high in all academic
pursuits. Parents, staff and community work
together to achieve a common goal. The common
denominator is our children. All children must
experience success. Parents are encouraged to
help in classrooms, participate in meetings and
provide enrichment activities for students. Our
vision is to ensure that all children have the
opportunity to obtain a high-quality education
and perform to their highest capabilities.
Goals, benchmarks, activities, and timelines will
continue to be used to determine adequate yearly
progress. These criteria are data driven in a
manner that meets No Child Left Behind and Abbott
requirements.
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• Attendance Policy
• Regular attendance is necessary for success in
  school and
• promotion to the next grade. When an absence is
• necessary, it is the students responsibility to
  request
• makeup work, and return all assigned work to the
  teacher
• within a reasonable time frame. Any student who
  
• accumulates fifteen (15) unexcused absences
  during the school
• year is in danger of being retained.
• Absences
  
• It is essential that every parent and student
  accept responsibility for the students daily
  attendance in school. The Trenton Board of
  Education will not excuse absences from school on
  any day for any reason unless specified below
• 1. Illness
• 2. Recovery from an accident
• 3. Death in the family

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• Early Dismissal
  
• Early dismissals will be granted only when
  absolutely
• necessary. Parents must send a note requesting
  early
• dismissal in order to alert the teacher.
• Parents with proper identification, must pick up
  students from the main office, and sign them out
  as a safety measure. The early release sign-out
  sheet is located on the office counter.
• Early dismissals are discouraged, and should only
  be implemented in emergency
• situations. Students who leave school prior to
  the end of the school day will miss out
• on school work that must be completed that day.
  Parents, your cooperation is needed and
  appreciated.
• Daily School Schedule
• Full Day 825 a.m.- 300 pm Reduced Day
  825 a.m.- 120 p.m.

For school closings and delayed openings, it Is
suggested that parents begin listening to the
listed media as early as 600 am. Should
emergency conditions occur which will make it
necessary to keep children in school until it is
assumed safe to release them, the listed media
will also carry this information.
Closings are also posted on the Trenton Website
www.trenton.k12.nj.us
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Enrollment Procedures Registration/transfer of
students must be conducted by a parent or
guardian reporting to the main office between
the hours of 900 a.m. and 200 p.m. Parents
are to adhere to the following guidelines when
registering a child for kindergarten. Several
documents are required 1. An official birth
certificate (Certificate of birth issued by the
hospital is not acceptable). 2.
Immunization records 3. Proof of residency
(the following bills are acceptable cable,
telephone, water or PSEG. Other acceptable
items are lease agreements clearly
identifying name, address and phone number
of landlord, property deeds or Income Tax
Returns. Two of the above official
documents are required for proof of
residency. The school is not responsible for
obtaining copies of birth certificates or shot
records. Children who are five years old on or
before September 30th may be registered for
kindergarten. Accident Insurance The Trenton
Board of Education has provided the opportunity
for parents to enroll students in an insurance
plan. The information will be given to all
students during the month of September. The
insurance coverage period will be one year. If a
parent has secured school insurance for a child,
and it becomes necessary to implement the plan,
claim forms may be picked up from the nurses
office.
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• Discipline
• The purpose of discipline in a school setting is
  to provide the
• structure and safety to ensure that students are
  able to focus and achieve. Behaviors that
  interfere with this structure must be addressed.
• It is the belief of the Mott School community
  that most problems can be addressed within the
  school. With this in mind, Mott School has
  initiated a process for helping students to
  behave in ways that will ensure a safe and
  productive environment for all students.
• Each class will develop a set of rules. A
  classroom management plan will be implemented by
  each teacher and a reward system will be used to
  reinforce and encourage appropriate behavior.
• If necessary, parents will be involved in the
  process when a problem cannot be resolved
  entirely within the classroom setting.
• If a serious problem arises, e.g. behavior which
  causes injury to another person, the
• district discipline policy will be followed.
• Motts Path to Success
• Be prepared and do your best.
• Cooperate and listen to your teachers
  directions.
• Treat others as you would like to be treated.

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• Dress Code
• Mott School students will be required to wear
  uniforms on Monday through Thursday.
• Friday will be dress down day.
• Uniform Requirements
• Students are required to wear white shirts and
  navy pants/skorts or jumpers.
• Boys are required to wear their shirts inside
  their trousers
• Shoelaces must be tied
• The length of jumpers, skirts and skorts must be
  no higher than 2 inches above the
• knee
• Sweaters or jackets worn during the school day
  must be navy blue or white.
• Please note Jeans and black pants are not
  considered to be appropriate uniform
• attire.
• General Dress Code

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Personal Belongings Students should not bring
valuables (money, etc.) or personal items such
as boom boxes, CDs, walkmans, MP3s, radios, tape
recorders, and handheld devices to school.
Cell phones may NOT be used in school. When
money for a candy sale, fundraiser, etc. is sent
to school, it should be placed in a sealed
envelope with the students name on it and the
amount of money enclosed. The student should give
the envelope directly to his/her
teacher. Homework
Homework is part of a students educational
program. Each student is expected to spend some
time each day, in addition to scheduled class
instruction, studying at home. All of our
students are encouraged to read age appropriate
materials orally/silently 15-45 minutes
daily. Homework is assigned daily to all
students, kindergarten through eighth grade. It
is important that your child participates in all
class activities and completes all assignments
in order to insure success. Parents are
encouraged to review and sign all homework
assignments. Safety To and From School Safety
is a key factor for all of our children. Safety
instructions are provided for our students in the
classroom, throughout the building and on the
playground. Please encourage your child to
practice good safety habits by discussing the
following safety instructions at home -
Encourage your child to use intersections when
crossing a street. - Follow directions of
crossing guard at all times. - Report directly
home at the end of the school day. - Obey
traffic lights and look both ways before crossing
a street. - Never accept rides or gifts from
strangers. - Report to school staff/parents any
stranger(s) seen loitering near Mott. - Contact
a police officer any time he/she needs help.
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• Student Family Services
• Student services and family services are handled
  through
• the Guidance Office. When a student is
  experiencing
• problems or challenges, a teacher, parent, or
  any
• concerned party can contact the school counselor.
  
• Student problems addressed can be academic or
  emotional in nature. Services include
  individual counseling, group counseling, peer
  mediation, academic assessments, Child Study
  Referrals, a social worker for family support,
  and other services which can impact school
  performance and emotional health of all students.
  
• In addition to a school counselor, support also
  includes a Parent Advisory Committee and various
  academic and behavioral healthcare professionals
  from Greater Trenton Behavioral Healthcare.
  Services are always available to students, and
  parents may call the Guidance Office for an
  appointment at their convenience.
• PAC (Pupil Advisory Committee)
• This committee supports the following beliefs
• That each individual students unique and
  inherent worth compels us to treat each person in
  ways that show value and respect.
• That when a student is having difficulty
  learning, the first line of investigation should
  be the match between that student's optimum
  learning style and the teaching style, rather
  than making the assumption that the learner may
  have an impairment.
• That early intervention provides individual
  learners the most opportunity to develop to
  their maximum potential.
• That when providing normal behavioral and
  learning models for students, the protocol is
  to place them in the least-restrictive
  environment, by developing intervention
  strategies to meet individual needs.

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• Peer Mediation Program
• In Mott School, students will have the
  opportunity to
• participate in the peer mediation process to
  resolve conflicts.
• There are several students in grades 3-8 who have
  been trained in peer mediation. Through this
  process, students can bring concerns or conflicts
  to the Peer Mediators. A mediation session is
  scheduled before a team of mediators and in the
  presence of the school's mediation moderator. In
  this process all involved parties
• present their side of the story and the mediators
  provide constructive suggestions for resolving
  dispute. Often, students are encouraged by staff
  members, guidance
• counselors or the administration to utilize this
  process to settle potential conflicts.
• Following each mediation session, the mediation
  moderator will monitor the students involved.
  Through peer mediation process, many potential
  conflicts can be prevented.
• ESL (English as a Second Language)
• The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
  provides
• language assessment and instructional services to
  students
• who have been identified as having a primary or
  home
• language other than English.
• Technology Literacy

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Programs ESL (English as a Second
Language) 4-H Club CAP (Child
Abuse Prevention) Newspapers in Education Teen
CAP Earth Day Program Extended Day
Program Read Across America PAC (Pupil Advisory
Committee) Partnership The College
of New Jersey G.R.E.A.T. (Gang
Resistance Education and Training) T.R.Y.P.E.P.
(Trenton Redirecting Youth Prevention Education
Project) Activities After School
Care Multi-Cultural Events/Assemblies Award
Assemblies Pre-K Music Together Basketball
Intramural PTO Programs and Activities Book
Fair Science Fair Fall Fest Voting School
Wide Elections Field Day Guest
Assemblies Clubs Jump Rope Club
Student Council Committee
Yearbook Technology Club
Literary Magazine Step/Dance Team
Cheerleading Peer Mediation
Percussion Club Girls Club Recorder
Club Hospitality
Club Chorus If you require further information
about a particular program, club or activity
please see any staff member at the
school. Calendars At the beginning of every
month a calendar will be sent home listing all
activities, clubs, programs and assemblies that
will take place during that month. It will help
you plan your month and know what is going on at
Mott. We also included a District Calendar in
this handbook. It can be found on the last page.
This calendar lists all holidays and other
district wide information.
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Report Cards Report cards are prepared for
every student at the end of each rating
period. Progress reports will be given to
students for parents review, halfway through
each rating period. Parent-Teacher conferences
will be scheduled during the school year, near
the end of the first and third rating periods.
Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher or
principal at any time to discuss school
concerns. Skill ratings will be provided for
students in Pre-K and K. Pre-K Kindergarten
Mastery S Satisfactory v
Developing M Mastery N Needs
Improvement U Unsatisfactory X Not
Taught _at_ Developing Academic evaluation of
content areas will comply with the following
guidelines for students in grades 1 - 8 A
(90 - 100) The student is exceeding the
requirements at or above grade level. All
work is of superior quality. B (80 -
89) The required work is very well done at or
above grade level. The quality of all work
is above average. C (70 - 79) The required
work is satisfactory, on time, and of average
quality at or above grade level. D (60 -
69) The required work is minimal and
achievement is unsatisfactory. The work is
below average. F (0 - 59) The
required work is not meeting minimum standards
and failure is indicated. The work shows
little progress and effort.
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Scholastic Recognition
Academic Achievement - Grades Pre-K 3
At the end of each rating period, an Academic
Achievement list will be announced. In order to
qualify for Academic Achievement, the student
must obtain S ratings or higher in all skill
areas and at least a B grade in content areas.
Letter grades only apply to grades 1-8. Honor
Roll Grades 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 At the end of each
rating period, an Honor Roll list will be
announced. In order to qualify for Honor Roll,
the student must obtain at least a B grade in
all subjects, and a mark no lower than
satisfactory in all other skill
areas. Awards Students are recognized for
their achievements in areas of academics, social
development, distinguished service, and school
activities/events. Recognition is given regularly
in the following areas 1. Perfect
Attendance 2. Honor Roll/Academic
Achievement 3. Citizenship 4. Most Improved
Student of the Month Testing Program In the
spring of each year standardized tests are given
to students in grades K through 8. These tests
are used to determine the students academic
progress for the year. Results of these tests
are sent home to the parents. The GEPA, NJ-ASK3,
and NJ-ASK4 are given in March. The Terra Nova
is given in May.
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School Phone Numbers Please try to make all
phone calls during the hours of 820 a.m. to
400 p.m. All phones have answering
capabilities please feel free to leave a
message. Your call will be answered in a timely
fashion. Include your name, number and a brief
message. You must dial the Main Number first and
then the extension of the person you are trying
to reach. Main Number 656- 4830
Administrative Secretary
Extension 4832 Ms. Indra Love Senior
Secretary Extension 4831 Ms. Rose
Caldwell Parent Liaison Extension
3135 Ms. Gloria Olmeda Behavior/Academic Support
Specialist Extension 3115
Ms. Judith Wilson Guidance
Extension 4838 Mrs. Donna Miller Nurse
Extension 4834 Mrs. Bernadette
McEnerney Technology Facilitator
Extension 3110 Ms. Lucille Mirando Library
Extension 3100 Mrs. Olga Dytyniak Speech
Teacher Extension 3120 Mrs. Renee
McKee Computer Lab Extension 3140
Ms. Lorcha Lewis
Kitchen Extension 3042 Mrs.
Sylvia Steever Head Custodian
Extension 3125 Mr. Jerry Sherman Custodian
Extension 3113 Mr. William
Guevara School FAX [phone] School
Nurse FAX [phone] Fire
Drills State law mandates that at least two (2)
fire drills be conducted by the school on a
monthly basis. These drills are held to prepare
all students and staff to exit the building
safely and rapidly if an emergency should
occur.
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Parent Teacher Organization PTO We have
an active and involved PTO at Mott School. We
hope that every parent will participate in PTO
sponsored activities during the 2005-2006 school
year. The PTO sponsors many activities for the
children and parent support is needed to make
them a success. We know that students do better
when parents are involved in their education so
the PTO has also planned various workshops to
inform and educate parents. These workshops are
intended to help parents take a more active role
in their childs education. A calendar/newsletter
will be sent home monthly to keep you
informed. Please join and become an active
participant of our Mott School PTO. Security
Parents and students please be informed that
Mott School has in place, a procedure for
students to follow during emergency situations.
Our schools plan is specifically designed to
provide the optimum safety for all students. The
plan addresses primary evacuation procedures and
secondary evacuation procedures with emphasis on
safety and communication with local authorities,
central services and parents. The entire
premises is protected by a highly sophisticated
surveillance system. Transportation Some of
our students are transported to and from school
by a bus. Parents, please remind your child
that good bus behavior is a matter of safety.
Also for their safety, two emergency evacuation
drills are held each year. The drills are held
at the school and should be taken seriously so
that students will know what to do if it becomes
necessary for them to evacuate the bus in an
emergency. If you have any concerns regarding
transportation, please call the Transportation
Department at [phone] or (609)
989-2842.
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Food Service Students are to follow cafeteria
guidelines at all times. 1.
Students are to talk quietly while eating lunch
or breakfast. 2. Stay seated at all times, until
permission has been given to
empty food tray. 3. Show
respect to everyone. 4. Demonstrate
good sportsmanship during recess time. 5.
Breakfast is served each day from 730 a.m.
810 a.m. 6. You can see the daily menus on our
website. www.trenton.k12.nj.us/mott Health
Services Mott has a full time nurse.
Hearing, vision, and scoliosis screenings are
performed on students annually and when
necessary. Referrals are made to parents when
further medical attention is required.
Immunizations, as required by New Jersey State
law, are monitored annually. Medications are
administered by the school nurse when physicians
find it necessary for a child to have medicine
during the day. Permission must be granted by
the parent, specific instructions must be
obtained from the physician, and approval must be
given by the Chief Medical Inspector. When
accidents occur in school, first aid is given to
the student. Parents or guardians will be
contacted. It is essential that the school has
emergency phone numbers as hospitals will not
care for children unless the parent or guardian
is present. In all cases of pupil illness or
injury, the school nurse is notified immediately.
When possible, the pupil is escorted to the
nurses office. When it is not advisable for the
pupil to be moved, the nurse will go to the
pupil. If necessary, a parent will be called to
pick up the child. If a child becomes ill
during the school day, the nurse will use her
professional skill to determine if the pupil
should remain in school, or be sent home. It is
essential for the nurse to have the current
working telephone number of each parent or
guardian.
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Visiting Mott School Visits to Mott School by
our parents are welcomed and encouraged. All
visitors to the building are required to obtain
permission and a visitors pass prior to visiting
any room in the building. Making an appointment
before coming to Mott makes your visit is
recommended. Members of the Board of
Education Dr. Bernard McMullan, President
Garry Feltus Gregory Williams Mr. Robert
Revelle , Vice President Abigail
Ramos Geraldine Eure, Esq. Ms. Joyce Kersey
Donald Shelton Dr. Abdul-Malik
Ali Senior Administrators (Trenton Public
Schools) James H. Lytle, Ed.D
Darwin Williams, Ed.D
Superintendent of
Schools Deputy
Superintendent Priscilla Dawson
Carolyn Gibson
Assistant Superintendent, Secondary
Schools Assistant Superintendent,
Human Service Gloria Hancock

Maryann Klaus Assistant Superintendent, Pupil
Services Assistant Superintendent,
Elementary Schools

Gloria J. Tunstall
Nancy Swirsky Assistant Superintendent,
Strategic Development Interim Business
Administrator Sharon Larmore, Esq., Legal
Counsel Mott School Song Oh, Mott School,
you shared with us, the knowledge that you
had. Well always treasure the loyal friends we
made along the way. When we see the blue and
white unfurled against the sky, Well always know
that carings there, held right within your
walls. We want to make society more caring and
aware Of everyones important place, right here
upon the earth. Its Mott and me, forever well
be, making memories, Its Mott and me, forever
well be, making memories, Making memories,
making memories, making memories.
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Section Two Code of Conduct
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Dear Mott School Parents/Guardians and
Students Mott School is committed to academic
excellence. Discipline is one of educations
most important lessons. While it does not appear
as a subject, it underlies the whole educational
structure. The purpose of discipline in a
school setting is to provide the structure and
safety to ensure that students are able to focus
and achieve. Behaviors that interfere with this
structure must be addressed. Discipline develops
self-control, orderliness and efficiency. It is
the key to good conduct and proper consideration
of other people. Therefore, all students are
expected to conduct themselves in a manner that
reflects dignity, courtesy and respect for
themselves, as well as all members of the school
community. It is the belief of the Mott School
community that most problems can be addressed
within the school. With this in mind, each class
will develop a set of rules. A classroom
management plan will be implemented by each
teacher and a reward system will be used to
encourage and reinforce appropriate behavior.
The Code of Conduct clearly outlines the
District's expectations relative to student
behavior. In addition, the consequences that
will result, should infractions occur, are
communicated clearly and effectively. Please
review this section together to gain a thorough
understanding of its contents. We value the
partnership that can be established with the
home. Your support is necessary to ensure that a
positive and safe learning environment will be
established and maintained at Mott
School. Sincerely yours, Elizabeth
Ramirez Principal
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• Importance of Parent and Staff
• Involvement
• The school is not by itself responsible for, or
  equipped to develop, socially acceptable behavior
  by students. This is a shared responsibility of
  parents and students in
• partnership with the staff. The Mott School
  Community is committed to developing partnerships
  between parents/guardians and staff to teach
  socially responsible behavior. Parents/guardians
  will be expected to support the establishment of
  these partnerships and the implementation of this
  policy.
• If parents/guardians require assistance to meet
  their responsibilities in developing their
  child's appropriate behavior, the school will
  seek to link the child and the family to
  appropriate support agencies.
• Staff is expected to
• Develop a set of classroom rules
• Implement a classroom management plan
• Develop a reward system
• Explain the Code of Conduct to their students
• Enforce the Code of Conduct in a consistent
  fashion
• Function as a positive role model for the
  students
• Contact parents when necessary to enforce the
  Code of Conduct and to maintain parent/guardian
  involvement.

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• Student Responsibilities
• All students are expected to show respect for
  self, others, property, community and the
  educational environment and to conduct themselves
  in a safe, non-threatening way.
• In order to ensure a positive/productive learning
  atmosphere students are expected to
• Follow school rules and regulations
• Make a sincere effort to do their best work
• Cooperate with teachers, administrators,
  school employees, other students
• and the community
• Be courteous to others at all times
• Respect all individual and cultural
  differences
• Dress appropriately as stated in the dress
  code section of the Mott School Handbook
• This Code of Conduct applies to all students on
  school premises before, during and after school
  hours. It also applies to students being
  transported by bus or other vehicle as part of
  any school activity. Students are held to these
  expectations during all school functions,
  activities, and events.
• Student Rights
• Students will be provided with a learning
  environment that allows each student to develop
  into a productive citizen.
• Students will obtain an education in a safe and
  non-threatening environment.

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• Disciplinary Offenses
• These disciplinary offenses apply to the students
  at all times.
• Minor Offenses
• Inappropriate use of gum
• Taking anothers property without permission
• Inappropriate behavior, e.g., running, pushing,
  shoving, yelling, whistling, damaging school
  property, etc.
• Inappropriate clothing or personal appearance
• Students must not be out of uniform on
  Monday-Thursday.
• Hats, bandanas or wave caps are not to be worn in
  the school building.
• Apparel or hairstyle must not be a distraction to
  classmates. Absolutely no gang related apparel
  may be worn or displayed.
• Shorts and skirts must be no more than 2 inches
  above the knee.
• Midriffs, tank tops, and boxer shorts are not
  permitted.
• T-shirts and sweatshirts that have offensive
  sayings/slogans will not be visible
• T-shirts and sweatshirts that advertise for
  alcoholic beverages, drugs or tobacco products
  will not be permitted.
• Undergarments must not be visible.
• 5. Play fighting, wrestling or any physical
  contact
• 6. Inappropriate displays of affection

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• Serious Offenses
• (Require discipline referral forms)
• Disrespect for the authority of school personnel
  and school related personnel, e.g., willful
  defiance, damage to school property, etc. which
  constitute insubordination
• Academic dishonesty, e.g., copying another
  student's work, plagiarism, cheating of any sort,
  etc.
• Name calling, profanity or vulgarity that is
  considered indecent or obscene, e.g., verbal
  abuse of person based on race, religion, gender,
  creed, national origin, personal or physical
  attributes, disability, intellectual ability, or
  matters pertaining to sexuality. (This includes
  nonverbal and written and graphic material.)
• Fighting, bullying or physical assault
• Intimidating others for money or other items (It
  should be realized that borrowing" money may be
  considered intimidation.)
• Inappropriate or unauthorized use of computers,
  e.g., accessing another student's files,
  accessing confidential school files, etc.
• Gambling of any form
• Truancy
• Unauthorized selling of food or other items
• Possession of tobacco or alcohol
• Sexual Harassment
• Theft

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Consequences For Minor Offenses
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Consequences For Minor Offenses
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• Consequences for
• Serious and Major Offenses
• These offenses will be handled on an individual
  basis. Decisions will be based on district
  guidelines.
• Students may be referred for counseling services,
  suspensions or legal hearings, depending on the
  severity of the behavior.
• Please be advised that the Principal reserves the
  right of suspension in any situation that
  interferes with the right of teachers to teach,
  of students to learn and if the safety of any
  person is threatened.
• Discipline Procedures
• Communication
• Responsibility

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Behaviors and Definitions
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• Behavior Incentive Programs
• Peer Mediation
• In Mott School, students will have the
  opportunity to participate in the peer mediation
  process to resolve conflicts.
• There are several students in grades 3-8 who have
  been trained in peer mediation. Through this
  process, students can bring concerns or conflicts
  to the Peer Mediators. A mediation session is
  scheduled before a team of mediators and in the
  presence of the school's mediation moderator. In
  this process all involved parties present their
  side of the story and the mediators provide
• constructive suggestions for resolving dispute.
  Often, students are encouraged by staff members,
  guidance counselors or the administration to
  utilize this process to settle potential
  conflicts.
• Following each mediation session, the mediation
  moderator will monitor the students involved.
  Through the peer mediation process, many
  potential conflicts can be prevented.
• Gotchas
• Gotchas are slips distributed to students in any
  school-wide location when a student is caught
  demonstrating any school-wide rule expectation
  (doing the right thing). Classroom teachers will
  distribute these to students in their class,
  while other staff members are encouraged to
  distribute them to students across grade levels.
• Students are responsible for keeping their
  gotchas secured until Friday.
• Slips will be collected on Friday and one name
  per class will be selected in a random drawing.