District Information Guide - South Brunswick Public Schools

Student: Tess BoylerTeacher: Jill WardMonmouth Junction SchoolNutrition PolicySouth Brunswick School District contractsits school dining services through ChartwellsDining Services, which provides school lunchoptions in compliance with the State mandatedNutrition Policy.As per the District’s Nutrition Policy, SouthBrunswick schools will not serve, sell or provideon school property before the end of theschool day: foods of minimal nutritional valueas defi ned by the U.S. Department of Agricultureregulations, all food and beverage itemslisting any form of sugar as the fi rst ingredientand all forms of candy.Additionally, due to the growing number ofstudents who have been diagnosed with peanutallergies which can be fatal to some, ChartwellsSchool Dining Services no longer serves itemsthat are peanut-based or uses foods preparedwith peanut-based products in any of our cafeterias.While this change does not impact“packed” lunches or snacks, we ask that parentsand guardians be mindful of the existenceof food allergies among children and discouragesharing of snacks.“Success is a Choice”Parent-Teacher ConferencesParent-Teacher conferences help foster an open dialogue between teachers and theparents or guardians of their students. This dialogue helps teachers and parents orguardians better understand the progress and needs of the student.Although conferences can be arranged any time during the school year by contactingyour child’s teacher, formal parent-teacher conferences take place in November andApril, during a series of early release days. Schools offer evening conference timesfor parents or guardians who are unavailable during the daytime. Your school willcommunicate such availability.At the elementary level, a communication regarding the scheduling of conferences issent home to parents prior to the week of conferences. Conferences will be scheduledfor up to 15 minutes at the elementary level. At the middle and high school levels,conference times are published in advance and parents or guardians may drop-in duringthose times without an appointment.Parent-Teacher OrganizationsEach school community has a parent-teacher organization. Membership is voluntary andeach group is committed to serving as an advocate for the needs and welfare of allDistrict students. These parent organizations are links between the school and families,provide educational information and foster a sense of community among all students,staff and families.The High School has a number of opportunities for parents to become involved,including the Viking Athletic Club, Band Parents, Project Graduation and School SiteCouncil.Elementary school parents who plan to send in birthday celebratory items should bemindful of the District’s Nutrition Policy as well as the dietary restrictions of studentswithin the classroom.Free and Reduced Lunch BenefitsThe South Brunswick School District participates in the Child Nutrition Programs as defined by the Federal Government. Benefi ts for free or reduced meals are granted tofamilies that meet federally established wage earnings. Applications for lunch benefi tsmay be obtained from your child’s school. Families are encouraged to apply for benefi tsat any time throughout the school year if they feel they may qualify for lunch benefi ts.For questions regarding your family’s lunch benefi ts, please contact Patti Gable at (732)297-7800 Ext. 3107. For questions regarding your child’s lunch account balance or todetermine items being purchased, please contact Joanne Smith of Chartwells DiningService at 732-329-4044 Ext. 3263.For additional information or to become a member of any of these groups, contact yourchild’s school of attendance.Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment(PPRA)The Protection of Pupil Privacy (PPRA) requires South Brunswick School District toannually allow parents or guardians the opportunity to opt their child out of participatingin certain school activities such as a student survey, analysis or evaluation thatconcerns one or more of the following areas: political affiliations or beliefs of the studentor student’s parents or guardians; mental or psychological problems of the studentor student’s family; sex behavior or attitudes; illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating ordemeaning behavior; critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have closefamily relationships; legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers,doctors or ministers; religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or parentsor guardians; or income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.