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GUIDANCE SERVICES

Guidance Counselors are available in each school in South River. One counselor works solely with the Elementary School (grades K - 4), two counselors are available at the Middle School (grades 5- 8), and three counselors are assigned to the High School. The Guidance Director is located at South River High School. The Guidance staff is available for academic, personal or career counseling, as well as parent concerns and questions. In coordination with the Director of Student Services and the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, the guidance department assists with the organization of the standardized testing program for the district.

Please visit the Coin³ website. This site is an internet based career exploration program that utilizes effective tools that will guide students through the career planning process. Coin³ takes students on a journey that connects school and careers. The South River site ID is nj14543, and students will use their school ID to log on to the site.

Elementary………………………………………………………………….…………1

Middle School…………………………………………………………………………2

Counseling Services……………………………………………………………….2

Coordinator of Student Assistance Services (SAC)……………………………….2

Grading Procedure………………………………………………………………...3

Honor Roll………………………………………………………………………...4

Progress Reports………………………………………………………………….4

Standardized Testing……………………………………………………………...4

Liaison Services…………………………………………………………………..4

Referral to School and Community Agencies..…………………………………...5

High School……………………………………………………………………………6

Graduation Requirements…………………………………………………………6

Grading Procedure…………...………………………………………………...…7

Honor Roll………………………………………………………………………...7

Progress Reports………………………………………………………………….7

Academic Structure and Curriculum.……………………………………………..8

Class Rank Policy…………………………………………………………………9

Scheduling Procedures………………………………………………………….…9

Standardized Testing…………………………………………………………… .10

Informational Services…………………………………………………………...10

Counseling Services……………………………………………………………...11

Liaison Services………………………………………………………………….11

Referral to School and Community Agencies…………………………………. 12

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(732) 613-4073, Ext. 7106

The elementary guidance program is based upon the belief that growth and development during the early years of schooling are the most significant in the total education of the child.

Counseling during the primary years of development will help students function as successful individuals both in school and later as adults in the community.

The elementary guidance program is available in grades K-4 throughout the school year. The essential elements of the program include self-concept, social interaction, school performance, decision making, safety, health and communication skills. The counselor works with parents to help them understand their child’s growth and development, feelings and behavior.

COORDINATOR OF STUDENT ASSISTANCE SERVICES (SAC)

The SAC provides individual and group counseling to students in grades K – 4 who:

- have difficulty getting along with others

- are sad or withdrawn

- use alcohol or other drugs

- are experiencing a divorce in the family

- frequently get into fights and arguments

- are worried because of family related problems

- are concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use.

Supportive counseling is offered to help students develop:

- coping skills

- problem solving skills

- positive self esteem

- communication skills

- positive ways of dealing with anger and stress

- healthy alternatives to negative behaviors.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

(732) 613-4073, Ext. 7355

South River Middle School consists of grades five, six, seven and eight. Middle school students differ dramatically from students at other age levels because they show a wide range of variation in their development and are undergoing profound physiological, psychological, intellectual and emotional changes. SRMS is designed to provide an effective transition between the elementary and high school experience. The individual student is of primary concern, with emphasis on the intellectual achievement as well as social and emotional growth.

Students at the Middle School take the following courses:

English, Reading, Social Studies, Math, Science, Physical Education/Health,

Computer Literacy, Art, Technology, Spanish, Dramatic Arts/Public Speaking, GEPA Math, GEPA Language Arts, Music Appreciation,

English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Compensatory Education

Band, and Chorus

COUNSELING SERVICES

The counseling program at South River Middle School is in place to help students, parents/guardians and teachers develop positive learning experiences. The program contains various services and activities. Included are individual and group counseling, parent/teacher consultation, classroom guidance, peer mediation, referral assistance to other programs and services in the community, standardized testing and scheduling.

COORDINATOR OF STUDENT ASSISTANCE SERVICES (SAC)

The SAC provides individual and group counseling to students in grades 5-8 who:

- have difficulty getting along with others

- are sad or withdrawn

- use alcohol or other drugs

- are experiencing a divorce in the family

- frequently get into fights and arguments

- are worried because of family related problems

- are concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use.

Supportive counseling is offered to help students develop:

- coping skills

- problem solving skills

- positive self esteem

- communication skills

- positive ways of dealing with anger and stress

- healthy alternatives to negative behaviors.

GRADING PROCEDURE

The school year is divided into four (4) marking periods. Report cards will list a letter grade of each marking period. To determine the final grade, the following distribution is used:

A+ 97-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D 60-69

A 93-96 B 83-86 C 73-76 F 59 and below

A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72

Students will receive an incomplete grade if required work is not submitted. A student may maintain an incomplete for 10 days after the end of the marking period.

If the work is not made up by the end of the 10^th day, those specific assignments will be averaged in as zero for that marking period and a grade will be given. During the last marking period, the student will be informed one week prior to the end of the marking period of outstanding work due and will be given that week to complete the work. If the work is not done, a zero will be averaged in for the incomplete work.

Students who receive an incomplete will be subject to these restrictions until the guidance department is notified of the completed work by the teacher.

1. No participation in athletic/extra curricular activities.

2. No participation in trips.

HONOR ROLL

The Honor Roll consists of those students who earn “A’s” in at least three (3) subjects and nothing less than a “B” in all other subjects.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports are issued four (4) times during the school year: October, December, March and May. They are issued in the middle of each of the four marking periods.

The purpose of these Progress Reports is to inform both parents and students of the status of the student’s work in the various subjects, midway through the marking period. The hope is that if a student’s work is unsatisfactory, there is still time to bring his/her work up to a satisfactory level before the end of the marking period. Comments are made by all of a child’s teachers. If parents wish to schedule a conference with a classroom teacher, they are to call the Guidance Office and make an appointment. The telephone number for the Guidance Office is (732) 613-4073 ext. 7355.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

All standardized testing in the South River Middle School is overseen by members of the Guidance Department. The state mandated Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA) is administered each Spring for grade eight students. Terra Nova / NJ Pass are administered to students in grades 5 – 7 in March.

LIAISON SERVICES

An important function of the guidance department is to aid in communication between student, faculty and administration. Counselors work closely with teachers to facilitate maximum benefit from the learning situations. By providing and interpreting information about students, counselors act as liaisons between school and parents by way of conference and phone calls.

REFERRAL TO SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY AGENCIES

Through contact with students, parents, and teachers it may be determined that a student is experiencing extreme difficulty regarding school and/or home situations. It is critical at this point to refer the student and/or parent for specialized help that is available through the school system itself or from outside agencies. It is the role of the Special Services Department to evaluate and make recommendations for further help when it can be determined that a student requires special assistance. Through the services of the school psychologist, school social worker and learning disability consultant, appropriate avenues of assistance are determined. Close contact is kept with a variety of community based agencies so that a coordinated approach to aiding a student and his/her family is maintains.

HIGH SCHOOL

(732) 613-4014, Ext 6229

The primary function of the South River High School Guidance Department is to work closely with each student so that opportunities are provided for developing and implementing life and career plans. The student is helped to become aware of his/her unique needs, talents and abilities, so that appropriate educational and career choices can be made. This is achieved primarily through individual and small group counseling.

Students are assigned to each counselor in an alphabetical range so that they can experience continuity in counseling throughout their high school career. Students and parents are encouraged to make an appointment or to call the counselor any time a question or concern arises.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students are informed at the beginning of the ninth grade as to what examinations, demonstrated proficiencies, attendance and other requirements are needed for graduation All this information is contained in the Student Handbook, which is issued to all students the beginning of each year.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Grades	Credits	English Years	Math Years	Science Years	P.E. Years	Social Studies Years	Visual & Performing Arts Years	HSPA
10-12	120	4	3	3	4	3	1	Math 200 Language Arts 200

Grades	Credits	English Years	Math Years	Science Years	P.E. Years	Social Studies Years	Visual & Performing Arts Years	World Language Years	Career Ed Consumer, Family & Life Skills Or Vocational Technical Education 1	HSPA
9	120	4	3	3	4	3	1	1		Math 200 Language Arts - 200

GRADING PROCEDURE

The school year is divided into four (4) marking periods. A final exam in each course is given at the end of the school year. Report cards will list a letter grade of each marking period. To determine the final grade, the following distribution is used:

A+ 97-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D 60-69

A 93-96 B 83-86 C 73-76 F 59 & below

A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72

Students will receive an incomplete grade if required work is not submitted. A student may maintain an incomplete for 10 days after the end of the marking period.

period of outstanding work due and will be given that week to complete the work. If the work is not done, a zero will be averaged in for the incomplete work.

Students who receive an incomplete will be subject to these restrictions until the guidance department is notified of the completed work by the teacher.

1. No participation in athletic/extra curricular activities.

2. No participation in trips.

HONOR ROLL

The Honor Roll consists of those students who earn “A’s” in at least three (3) subjects and nothing less than a “B” in all other subjects.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports are issued four (4) times during the school year: October, December, March and May. They are issued in the middle of each of the four marking periods.

The purpose of these Progress Reports is to inform both parents and students of the status of the student’s work ion the various subjects, midway through the marking period. The hope is that if a student’s work is unsatisfactory, there is still time to bring his/her work up to a satisfactory level before the end of the marking period. Comments are made by all of a child’s teachers.

If parents wish to schedule a conference with a classroom teacher, they are to call the Guidance Office and make an appointment. The telephone number for the Guidance Office is (732) 613-4014 ext. 229.

ACADEMIC STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM

Class Placement Levels

Placement in an appropriate class level is based on a total overview of the student’s needs and abilities. Decisions are based on scholastic record, teacher and

counselor recommendations, standardized tests and course prerequisites. Consideration is also given to the amount of motivation the student expresses and exhibits. Groups include:

Honors Courses

Placement in an Honors course is based upon prior evidence of superior academic achievement and course prerequisites listed in the Program of Studies Manual. A weighted grade is awarded.

College Preparatory

These courses are primarily for the college bound student, yet may be taken by any student in any curriculum who demonstrates ability and meets the course prerequisites listed in the Program of Studies Manual.

Standard Level

These courses are for the diversified student who plans for a vocational, technical or business career. These courses do not carry college credit.

CLASS RANK

In order for a student to be eligible for selection as the valedictorian or salutatorian, the student must have attended South River High School continuously since September 30^th of his/her sophomore year.

Class rank is determined by adding together all quality points accumulated from his/her completed courses. To determine a student’s total quality points for a course, the following formula is used: credits x quality points = total quality points. The following points are assigned for each level.

HONORS COLLEGE PREP STANDARD

A+ 5.33 4.83 4.33

A 5.00 4.50 4.00

A- 4.67 4.17 3.67

B+ 4.33 3.83 3.33

B 4.00 3.50 3.00

B- 3.67 3.17 2.67

C+ 3.33 2.83 2.33

C 3.0 2.50 2.00

C- 2.67 2.17 1.67

D 2.0 1.50 1.00

F 0 0 0

All students are ranked at the end of each school year. The final ranking for seniors is calculated at the end of the first semester of the senior year. The final ranking for the top thirteen seniors is calculated at the end of the third marking period.

SCHEDULING PROCEDURES

During the month of January, counselors visit each class in a small group situation to explain the overall scheduling procedure and general requirements for each curriculum. During the next 3 to 4 weeks, students are seen individually by their counselor. At this session, student, parent, teacher and counselor

input are thoroughly reviewed so that the best course selections can be made. Course

selections may be altered due to failed courses within a sequence, failed prerequisites and/or scores on state mandated tests. Each student must sign up for at least 35 credits.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

All standardized testing in the South River High School is overseen by members of the Guidance Department. The state mandated High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) is administered each Fall and Spring. The Scholastic Aptitude Tests I & II (SAT I & II) are administered each October, January and June. Advanced Placement (AP)

exams are administered each May, and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery ASVAB) is available each January. Information concerning these tests as well as others (ACT, TOEFL, etc.) is available in the Guidance Office.

INFORMATIONAL SERVICES

In addition to general student and school information, the Guidance Department’s informational services also include college, trade schools, scholarships and financial aid, career and job descriptions, and Armed Forces information. Much of this information is offered through individual counseling. However, the student also has available a large amount of information through books, pamphlets, catalogs and video tapes. Throughout the year, representatives from colleges across the country, as well as business and

military personnel visit South River High School. These visitations are scheduled during the lunch periods in the Cafeteria. The Guidance Office also offers an annual, usually in May, field trip to the National College Fair held at the Raritan Center in Edison.

A vital part of the student’s four year high school program consists of the Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior Conferences, wherein the student and parents are invited to discuss with the counselor the student’s future plans and activities. This conference is also used to review graduation status and requirements.

The Upper Class Newsletter is a bi-annual publication mailed to high school students with current information dealing with colleges and business visitations, scholarships, awards, grants and financial aid. The Guidance Office also hosts a Financial Aid Night for parents and interested community members in December.

COUNSELING SERVICES

The most important function of the Guidance Department concerns counseling services. A counseling relationship is based upon trust, honesty and a willingness of counselor and student to face situations in a realistic and meaningful way. The counselor’s role is not to make decisions for the student, but rather to encourage the student to determine his/her own course of action. Counseling can be initiated by the student or counselor or can be the result of a referral made by a parent, teacher or

administrator. The primary objectives of a counseling relationship are to encourage a student to evaluate his/her own situation; choose an appropriate course of action from several alternatives and accept responsibility for his/her own decisions. Typical situations which create a need for counseling may include:

1. Academic and school related problems

2. Career and vocational planning

3. Social and personal conflicts.

These situations often stem from lack of information or skills, lack of self-

confidence or feeling of anxiety caused by a stressful situation. The counselors are professionally trained to help students deal with these and other situations. Counseling may be done individually or in small groups where students share similar circumstances.

LIAISON SERVICES

REFERRAL TO SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY AGENCIES

Through contact with students, parents and teachers it may be determined that a student is experiencing extreme difficulty regarding school and/or home situations. It is critical at this point to refer the student and/or parent for specialized help that is available through the school system itself or from outside agencies. It is the role of the Special Services Department to evaluate and make recommendations for further help when it can be determined that a student requires special assistance. Through the services of the school psychologist, school social worker and learning disability consultant, appropriate

avenues of assistance are determined. Close contact is kept with a variety of community

based agencies so that a coordinated approach to aiding a student and his/her family is maintains.

COORDINATOR OF STUDENT ASSISTANCE SERVICES (SAC)

The SAC provides individual and group counseling to students in grades 9 – 12 who:

- have difficulty getting along with others

- are sad or withdrawn

- use alcohol or other drugs

- are experiencing a divorce in the family

- frequently get into fights and arguments

- are worried because of family related problems

- are concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use.

Supportive counseling is offered to help students develop:

- coping skills

- problem solving skills

- positive self esteem

- communication skills

- positive ways of dealing with anger and stress

- healthy alternatives to negative behaviors.

CONTENTS

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COUNSELING SERVICES