Policy

In the event of non-attendance, it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the attendance office on the morning of the child’s absence. Unless legitimate prior notice has been given, the attendance office will contact a student’s parent/guardian to verify the absence. Upon the student’s return to school, the parent/guardian must supply a note indicating the date(s) and reason(s) for the absence. Any student who returns to school with a medical note following an illness/injury must report to the attendance office. All medical notes must be received by the attendance office within two (2) weeks of the date of absence in order to be excused. Please note that every 3 lates to the same class equates to an unexcused absence in that class.

Considerations for excused absences:

• School sponsored activities (field trips, meetings, testing)
• Religious holidays (as defined by New Jersey Department of Education) and require a note from parent/guardian
• Suspensions
• Home Instruction
• Death in Family (approval of Principal or designee)
• Educational opportunities (approval of Principal or designee)
• College visitations: 3 days for juniors and seniors. You must have proof of visit from college admissions or registrar's office.
• Driving Test

Students are not permitted to take driving lessons during the school day.

Though we understand that students occasionally will be absent because of plans made by their family, please note that these absences are unexcused and should be avoided, when possible.

Tardiness to School

Students are required to be in their first time slot by 7:30 am.

1. If a student arrives in class after 7:30 AM, they are considered tardy.  

2. If students arrive between 7:30 and 8:25 am, they must report to the designated sign-in table located in the Atrium outside the Main Office. Any student reporting after 8:25 am must sign in at the attendance office located in the Main Office.

3. Any student who arrives to school after 7:30 am will be considered tardy. When a student is tardy a third time to the same class during the first time slot, the student will be charged with an unexcused absence for that class. Excessive tardiness to school can result in loss of credit in one or more courses.

4. Any student who arrives after 8:00 am will be considered absent from their first time slot of the day.

5. Any student arriving during passing time must still sign in. They should go to the attendance office. Students not signing in will receive a cut for each class missed on that day.

6. Any junior who accumulates 15 tardies during their junior year will forfeit their opportunity to get a parking spot during their senior year.

7. Any student who is assigned a parking space on campus is responsible for maintaining a commendable attendance record. If a student accumulates 15 tardies, whether excused or unexcused, he/she will lose the parking space for the remainder of the school year.

8. Attendance is required in study hall including when the student’s study hall falls in Time Slot 1. Such "lates" to study hall will count toward the WHRHS "late policy."

Any student who wishes to be excused from school before 2:15 pm must present a written note from the parent/guardian to the attendance office one day in advance. The note must include a verification telephone number and reason for the early dismissal. This includes students who drive. A phone call will be placed home confirming that the student will be leaving school. A person from the attendance office must make contact with a parent/guardian to confirm an early dismissal for a student driving themselves. If contact is not made, the student will not be permitted to leave school, this includes students that are 18 years of age.

• A student who fails to sign out from the attendance office will be disciplined.
• A parent/guardian must come into the attendance office to sign their child out.
• Students are not permitted to leave school during lunch (10:30-11:15 am), even with parental permission, unless the student provides a parent note requesting an early dismissal at lunch for medical reasons. The student must bring a note to the attendance office before 7:30 am. The student must present a doctor’s note upon his/her return.
• Anyone other than the parent/guardian signing a child out must be listed on the early note with contact information. The parent will be contacted to confirm.
• All students must report to the attendance office for an early dismissal pass.
• Students must sign out of the main office before leaving the building.
• Students with early dismissal must be picked up by a parent or adult listed on the student contact page.
• If a student signs out anytime during the day and returns to school, he/she must sign back in at the Main Office.
• Students who are ill must leave through the nurse's office.
• Excessive early dismissals will impact attendance and parking privileges. 
• There are no early dismissals during final exams or for the semi-formal.

Students are required to attend all assigned activities including classes, study hall, and detention. Unless a student is legitimately absent from school or has had the prior approval of a teacher or administrator to be out of an assigned area, a student who is not in attendance will be marked as cutting. A student who is more than 10 minutes late to a class without a pass (other than the first class of the day), will be assigned a cut for that class. Administrators will assign the student 7 points with the appropriate penalty for each offense. Cuts are considered serious violations. Students who lose credit due to cutting class will not be afforded the opportunity to participate in the appeals process. Any assignment, quiz, or test will receive a grade of zero if a class is cut.

Cutting Physical Education/Health
In Physical Education and in Health the student loses credit upon the 2nd cut.

Cutting Same Class (semester)

a.1^st and 2^nd cut: Administrator assigns the student 7 points for each infraction with the appropriate penalty. Parent/guardian will be notified by letter.

b. 3rd cut: 7 points assigned. Student conference with the administrator to determine the status of the student. Loss of all credit for the course with no option to audit. Notice will be sent to parent/guardian.

Cutting Same Class (year course)
a. 1st and 2nd cut: Administrator assigns the student 7 points for each infraction with the appropriate penalty. Parent/guardian will be notified by letter.
b. 3rd cut: Administrator will assign the student 7 points. Penalties from the Personal Assessment System will be applied. The student is placed on academic probation for that class.
c. 4th cut: Student conference with administrator to determine status of student. 7 points assigned and student will lose credit for the course with the option to audit. Notification will be sent to parent/guardian.

Truancy is defined as an unauthorized absence taken by the student without parental/guardian permission. A pupil who is truant will received an “F” for any graded work in class. Twenty-eight (28) points from the Personal Assessment System will be assigned, and the parent/guardian will be notified. Twenty-eight (28) points will be assigned for each additional incident of truancy, and the appropriate disciplinary action for the particular level of points reached will be dispensed.

• Parking privileges are revoked if a student is truant.

The Board of Education believes that student participation in co-curricular activities is an invaluable aspect of the educational process. Participation must be in concert with acceptable overall academic achievement and standards of appropriate responsibility to set an example for others by the compliance with the rules and regulations of the school as well as with the academic requirements.

The faculty and administration are responsible for providing support and assistance to encourage the highest level of academic achievement possible from students participating in co-curricular activities. The Board of Education, the administration, and faculty want students to participate in as many co-curricular activities as possible. High school is a time to try new activities. Although specialization in one sport or activity may have advantages for few students, specialization can cause psychological and physiological burnout. Consequently, whenever possible, multi-sport/activity participation is encouraged.

The Board of Education recognizes that participation in co-curricular activities carries with it certain responsibilities. Student participants represent the school and community and must project positive images of both. They should maintain satisfactory academic achievement and standards of conduct. Both players and spectators have responsibilities.

• Academic
  
  a. A student will be considered academically eligible for the first semester (September 1 – January 31) if the student has passed thirty (30) credits required by the New Jersey Department of Education for graduation, for the preceding school year as evidenced by the final report card in June. Successful completion of summer school courses will also satisfy this requirement.
  
  b. A student will be considered academically eligible for the second semester (February – the last day of school) if the student has passed fifteen (15) of the credits required by the New Jersey Department of Education for graduation at the close of the preceding semester (January 31), as evidenced by the second marking period report card. Full-year courses shall be equated as one-half of the total credits to be gained for the full year in order to determine credits passed during the immediate preceding semester.
  
  A student who is eligible for co-curricular activity at the beginning of the winter season shall be allowed to finish that season.

• Attendance
  
  Students must be in attendance for four (4) hours (excluding lunch period) under the New Jersey Department of Education regulations in order to be marked “present” in the attendance register. If a student has not signed in before 9:30 a.m., the student is considered “absent” and, therefore, is not eligible to participate or practice in co-curricular events that day. Extenuating circumstances will be addressed by VP/AD on a case-by-case basis.

• Substance Involvement
  
  A student found to be in possession of, in control of or under the influence of any controlled dangerous substance (drugs, alcohol) shall immediately forfeit his/her eligibility for a period of time to be determined. In addition, all student/athletes will follow the same policy outlined under Substance Abuse.
  
  Further information about this procedure is outlined under Board Policy 2431-Athletic Participation, which can be viewed on the school's web site.

• Parent or Guardian/Physician Permission
  
  In order to participate in interscholastic athletics (player or manager) and cheerleading, a student must complete all athletic forms. This includes a parent questionnaire and physical form pursuant to Board Policy 5310-Health Services.

   

Appeals Process

Students and/or their parents/guardians have the right to appeal the decision of the administration regarding eligibility except when a student is in direct violation of the minimum academic requirements established by the NJSIAA.

a. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the principal within five (5) school days after receipt of the notice of ineligibility.

b. The appeals committee will be composed of the vice principal, athletic director, supervisor of the related activity, and two faculty members.

c. The appeals committee will be responsible to render decisions related to all appeals in a timely manner.

The successive order of appeal is as follows:

• Appeals Committee
• Principal
• Superintendent
• Board of Education

The Responsibilities of Sportsmanship

The Player:

• treats opponents with respect
• plays hard, but plays within the rules
• exercises self-control, setting an example for others
• respects officials and accepts their decisions without gesture or comment
• wins without boasting, loses without excuses, and never quits
• always remembers that it is a privilege to represent the school and community

The Spectator:

• attempts to understand and be informed of the playing rules
• appreciates a good play no matter who makes it
• cooperates with and responds enthusiastically to cheerleaders
• shows compassion for an injured player and acts in an appropriate way
• respects the judgment of the coach and performance of other players
• respects the property of others and the authority of those who administer the competition
• encourages positive behavior from fellow spectators

Bus departure time: 2:25 pm
Activity bus departure time: 4:15 pm

All students are assigned bus routes. Each student will be notified of his/her route. Bus drivers are in charge of the bus and are responsible for student behavior. They are required by law to report all infractions of school regulations to an administrator. Any misbehavior on the bus will result in disciplinary action. Intentional and repeated infractions can result in loss of the privilege to ride the bus. The following rules should be observed at all times:

1. arrive at the bus stop on time
2. wait on the side for the bus or within the designated confines of the loading zone
3. because many stops are adjacent to private homes and businesses, respect the property of others
4. remain seated while the bus is in motion and keep arms inside the bus at all times
5. do not distract the driver or ask to make unscheduled stops
6. do not litter the bus or the road by throwing objects from the bus
7. do not smoke or use any electronic nicotine delivery device on the bus
8. do not use improper language on the bus
9. immediately report any damage on the bus to the driver
10. cooperate during the mandated emergency drill

1. Every effort must be made to keep the school reasonably clean. Students are responsible for returning trays and disposing of their garbage. The throwing of any item will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to suspension.
2. Any student caught stealing will be subject to disciplinary action.
3. Payments to your account can be made online via PaySchools Central or by sending in a check/cash to Attention: Cafeteria Account. Cash is also accepted at any register.
4. Charging is not permitted. If you do not have money in your account or cash for the items you wish to purchase, you will not be able to receive those items.
5. Backpacks are not permitted in the serving areas.
6. Students must present their student ID at the time of purchase. Students may not make purchases using another student’s account.
7. Menus, serving times, and price lists are posted in all serving areas.
8. Students who have a deficit in their account at the end of the school year, will not have access to their final grades until their account has been paid in full.
9. While changing locations is always possible, it is helpful to establish a consistent place to eat in the first weeks of school. As a reminder, these are the available locations by grade:
   • 9th Grade: North Cafeteria and Room 105
   • 10th Grade: Gym 3/4 and Atrium
   • 11th Grade: Atrium and South Cafeteria
   • 12th Grade: South Cafeteria and Courtyard

During passing time, students are not permitted to purchase food or drinks to take to a classroom, nor are they permitted to leave a class to purchase food or drinks.

Parents are encouraged to have their child/children participate in the Lunch Debit Program, allowing students to quickly move through the lunch lines.Checks payable to WHRHS Cafeteria Account may be sent to WHRHS, 108 Stirling Road, Warren, NJ 07059, labeled “Cafeteria Account.”

The Student Code of Conduct is based upon the underlying belief that all students have the right to a civil, safe, secure, and supportive school environment conducive to learning. It is the goal of the Code of Conduct that students become responsible for their own behavior. However, situations do arise which require action on the part of the school to modify student behavior in order to meet the expectations of the student code of conduct. Infractions brought to the attention of the administration will be given the appropriate time and consideration. Students are responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide regarding any incident and the lack of knowledge of school rules will not be considered an excuse for breaking school rules.

Student Expected Behavior (Board Policy 5500)
The Board of Education believes that pupils should commit themselves to learning and to the development of their unique potential.  Pupils should know that their attitudes and acts affect both their own and their classmates’ learning and should accept responsibility for helping to create a positive school environment.  With the support and assistance of school staff members and parent(s) or legal guardian(s), all pupils can contribute to the effectiveness of the schools and the value of their education.

The Board expects all pupils in this school district, commensurate with their age and ability, to:
1.         Prepare themselves mentally and physically for the process of learning;
2.         Respect the person, property, and intellectual and creative products of others;
3.         Take responsibility for their own behavior;
4.         Use time and other resources responsibly;
5.         Share responsibilities when working with others;
6.         Meet the requirements of each course of study;
7.         Monitor their own progress toward school objectives; and
8.         Communicate with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and appropriate school staff members.

Progressive Discipline Plan
This program is designed to provide response to violations of school rules or behavior that disrupt the educational opportunities of other students. Points are assigned for violations of unacceptable student behavior. Consequences will result when a specific cumulative total is reached. However, administrative discretion applies in all circumstances. (Pursuant to N.J.A.C.6A:16-7). 

Factors for Determining Consequences

1. Age, developmental and maturity levels of the parties involved;
2. Surrounding circumstances;
3. Nature and severity of the behavior(s);
4. Incidences that are part of a continuing pattern of behavior;
5. Relationships between the parties involved; and
6. Context in which the alleged incidents occurred.

Code of Conduct Violations
Infractions deemed in violation of the student Code of Conduct can be found below along with the corresponding  point(s) value.  A pupil’s conduct extends beyond school grounds and includes a school bus, a school-sponsored function, and as appropriate, conduct away from school grounds.

Discipline Infractions:

• Failure to report: (5-25 pts) Violations include but are not limited to failure to report to detentions, failure to properly sign-in, excessive tardies, out of class without a pass, or lacking supervision.
• Disrespectful/inappropriate behavior: (7-25 pts) Violations include but are not limited to being disrespectful to teacher, staff, or other students, using obscene language, refusal to identify, throwing objects, failure to comply with procedures, or violations of the student dress code. 
• Insubordination/disruptive behavior: (7-50 pts)  Violations include but are not limited to using abusive language, willful disobedience or jeopardizing the safety of others.
• Violation of the Academic Integrity Policy: (0-50 pts) Violations include but are not limited to sharing your work with others, submitting someone else’s work as your own, copying, plagiarizing, obtaining or disseminating test questions or answers.
• Parking lot violation: (5-25 points) Violations include but are not limited to parking without a permit, parking illegally, or reckless driving.
• Violation of the Computer/Acceptable Use Policy (5-50 pts)
• Truancy: (25-50 pts)
• Violence/Vandalism (25+ pts)
• Violation of the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy (14-50+ pts)
• Violations of the Vaping / Substance, Alcohol and Abuse Policy (25-50+ pts)  

Disciplinary Actions:
* Disciplinary actions may also include counseling via School Assistance Counselor (SAC), loss of privileges (ie. parking, senior leave), participation in school sponsored programs, or any activities on school grounds.

1. Teacher Detention: For infractions of classroom rules, teachers should have students report to them before or after school or at lunch. The length of the detention is determined by the teacher.
2. Central Detention: For repeated or more serious violations of the student code of conduct. Central detentions are assigned by the Vice Principals or designee and are served in Room 310 from 2:30 - 3:55 pm. Students arriving AFTER 2:30 pm will not be permitted into detention. 
3. Extended Central Detention: For more serious or repeated violations of the code of conduct.  Extended Detentions are assigned by the Vice Principals or designee and are served in Room 310 from 2:30 - 5:15 pm. Students arriving AFTER 2:30 pm will not be permitted into detention.
4. Saturday Detention: For gross violations of the code of conduct or an accumulation of 25 points or more. Saturday Detentions are assigned by the Vice Principals or designee and are served on selected Saturdays from 8 am - 12 noon. Students arriving AFTER 8:00 am will not be permitted into detention.
5. Suspension (In-school or out-of school): For gross violations of the code of conduct or an accumulation of 50 points or more. Pursuant to Board Policy 5610, the Board of Education recognizes that even the temporary exclusion of a pupil from the education program of this district is a severe sanction and one that cannot be imposed without due process. The high school administrator may suspend a pupil from school when it is deemed necessary in the interest of student discipline and the well-being of the educational program. Returning to classes following a suspension shall require a parent conference. While suspended, students are not allowed to participate in any school-related activities, or attend any school-sponsored events (including home and away athletic contests).
6. Additional Ramifications - HIB infractions
   (Including Bullying/Harassment/Discriminatory Language/Hate Speech)
   (To be decided by VP/Administration)
   •   Counseling via School Assistance Counselor (SAC) 
   •   Formal apology and meeting with the affected via Vice Principal and/or SAC
   •   Mandatory in-person meeting with both student and parent
   •   Possible HIB referral and investigation

Tobacco or electronic smoking device 

Pursuant to Board Policy 5533, the use or possession of any tobacco products or any electronic device that can be used to deliver nicotine or other substances to the person inhaling from the device, including, but not limited to, an electronic cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, or pipe, or any cartridge or other component of the device or related products is prohibited on school premises, at any school function, or on school buses. These products will be confiscated and may be turned over to the Warren Township Police Department for testing. If the test results are positive, consequences for substance abuse will be administered. For the health and safety of the students, the nurse will conduct a medical assessment for any student found possessing or suspected of using any of these products.

Penalties for students found smoking or using any of these products or devices are cumulative over the four years of their high school career. Each infraction will result in:

• Suspension and/or Saturday detention.

• Mandatory parent meeting.

• Mandatory counseling with the Student Assistance Counselor.  

• Current and future parking privileges will be revoked.

• Subsequent offenses will result in the same consequences with additional days of suspension and detention. 

Vaping/Smoking Policy Implementation Procedures

Restrooms will be carefully monitored by teachers and administrators.

• School grounds will be monitored by teachers and administrators.

• School buses will be monitored by bus drivers.

• If an employee has reasonable suspicion that a student is in possession of tobacco products, marijuana, e-cigarettes, or any other drugs or drug paraphernalia, that student will be subject to a search of student’s person or belongings.

• Any student suspected of being under the influence of any substance that impairs the student’s judgment will be sent for a drug/alcohol test in accordance with Board policy and regulation 5530.

It is illegal to possess and/or use any item viewed to be a weapon or facsimile weapon. Possession and/or use of these items on school grounds at any time will result in suspension from school as well as police notification. If there is a report of a weapon or facsimile weapon, including mace, the police will be called immediately to investigate the matter. (N.J.A.C.6A: 16-7.8)

*Students arriving AFTER 2:30 pm will not be permitted into detention, and will face consequences for missing detention.

Detention on Saturday Morning
Saturday morning detention is a discipline program that will be used to enforce the school discipline code. The program will run from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The students will spend four hours in a quiet study. With permission of their parents/guardians, students may also be asked to help clean school grounds. Students not in compliance will be addressed through the Personal Assessment System. The following are the rules and regulations regarding Saturday Detention:

• students must report by 8:00 am sharp. Students will be dismissed at 12 noon.
• students must turn off all cell phones and electronic devices. Students may only use their school issued chromebook to work on school work.
• students are not allowed to talk to other students or sleep
• students must remain in assigned seats
• students must bring their school/homework or something to read
• failure to adhere to these rules will result in students being asked to leave

If a student is removed, they face further discipline that could result in additional Saturday detentions and/or suspension.

Consequences for Missing Detention/Removal from Detention

1st Offense: 2 detentions
2nd Offense: 10 points
3rd & subsequent offenses: 10 points & 1 day for each incident

Consequences for Missing Extended Detention/Removal from Detention

1st Offense: 2 detentions
2nd Offense: 15 points
3rd & subsequent offenses: 15 points & 2 day suspension for each incident

Consequences for Missing Saturday Detention/Removal from Detention

1st Offense: 2 Saturday detentions
2nd Offense: 1 day suspension
3rd & subsequent: 3 day suspension

Pursuant to Board Policy 5610, the Board of Education recognizes that even the temporary exclusion of a pupil from the education program of this district is a severe sanction and one that cannot be imposed without due process. The high school administrator may suspend a pupil from school when it is deemed necessary in the interest of student discipline and the well-being of the educational program. Suspension does not vacate the assignment of points nor does it mitigate the ancillary discipline. Returning to classes following a suspension shall require a parent conference. The following could result in suspension from school:

1. Fighting
2. Gambling
3. Willful destruction of school property
4. Insubordination or disrespect
5. Possession of drugs/alcohol
6. Possession of fireworks/explosives/weapons or facsimiles
7. Reckless driving
8. Theft
9. Intimidation/threats/bullying/harassment
10. Disorderly conduct
11. Involvement in a food fight
12. Violating terms of suspension
13. Conduct of such character as to constitute a danger to the physical well-being of others
14. Unsportsmanlike behavior at a public event
15. Profanity toward faculty/staff member

School closings and delayed openings are announced between 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. on the following radio stations:

WMTR 1250 AM Morristown WOR710 AM

WCTC1450 AM New Brunswick WMGQ 98.3 FM

WKMB 1070 AM Stirling WKX 101.5 FM

WDHA 105.5 FM

Watchung Hills Regional High School is a separate district from Warren, Watchung, Long Hill, and Green Brook schools. The closings may not be uniform.

Do not call the local police; instead, please access our web site at www.whrhs.org.

If a delayed opening is announced, the school schedule and bus schedule will be adjusted two hours later. School will begin at 9:35 am.

Please click the link below for all WHRHS time schedules:

GPA Calculations

Both weighted and un-weighted ranks are computed but not published or disseminated.

Parking is a privilege not a right, and with that privilege comes serious responsibility. Strict enforcement of the parking rules will take place to ensure a safe campus. We are committed to providing fair access to parking and to fairness in the application process.

The Watchung Hills Regional High School (WHRHS) has a duty to locate, identify and evaluate all resident children with exceptional educational needs, regardless of the severity of their disability. Therefore, the school district has a special outreach program to locate all children with suspected disabilities who are residents of the district. Upon request, the school district will provide information to determine whether a special educational referral is appropriate. Such a request may be made by contacting the Director of Special Services, 108 Stirling Road, Warren, NJ 07059, or by calling (908) 647-4800 ext. 4835. Many educational opportunities are available in the community for children with disabilities. WHRHS provides special education and/or related services for children ages 14-21.

Successfully complete a minimum of 131 credits. The coursework must include the following course requirements:

• four years (20 credits) of English
• three years (15 credits) of history: World History, US History 1 and 2
• three years (15 credits) of math: including Algebra 1 and Geometry
• three years (15 credits) of science: including at least 5 credits in laboratory biology/life science; chemistry,
• environmental science or physics; and an additional laboratory/inquiry-based science
• two years (10 credits) of world language
• 5 credits of visual and performing arts
• 5 credits of 21st century life and careers or career technical education course(s)
• four years (20 credits) of Health and Physical Education
• 2.5 credits of financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy
• 5 credits of 21st century life and careers or career technical education Guidance-based

General Information:

1. As a practice, the school district does not honor requests for teacher changes. Any concerns in this area need to be directed to the appropriate supervisor.

2. Schedules reflect the student's grade level for 2022-2023. Students are promoted to grade 10 if they have earned 33 credits at the end of grade 9; to grade 11 if they have earned 66 credits at the end of grade 10; and to grade 12 if they have earned 98 credits at the end of grade 11.

The schedule process at WHRHS is a very careful and important matter which requires the input of students, teachers, counselors, and parents. Students are making a commitment which determines the master schedule and staffing needs for the coming school year.  Outlined below are acceptable reasons for course changes (including electives) once the schedules are finalized and before the start of the school year:

• to address a failure which prohibits progress to the next sequential course
• to take into account successful summer school remedial courses
• to correct a data processing error
• to permit seniors to fulfill graduation requirements

In addition, students who request to drop a course once school has begun must follow the deadlines as described below:

Semester One Course

• Dropping a course prior to October 3, 2022, will result in the course not being reported on the transcript.
• Dropping the course after this date will result in a WP or WF on the transcript.

Semester Two Courses

• Dropping a course prior to March 2, 2023, will result in the course not being reported on the transcript.
• Dropping the course after this date will result in a WP or WF on the transcript.

Year-Long Courses

• Dropping a course prior to November 9, 2022, will result in the course not being reported on the transcript.
• Dropping a course after this date will result in a WP or WF reported on the transcript.

Parents/guardians and adult pupils have the right to review the pupil’s entire record or any part(s) of it within 10 days of their request to do so, to have copies made, to challenge the contents of the record, and to insert any comments. Parents/guardians and adult pupils must give their written permission, or in other situations, receive prior notice before the school discloses student record information to an organization, agency, or person outside the district, unless the school has been instructed by law or court to do otherwise.

Student directory information, which may be released without permission, consists of the following: name, address, phone number, date/place of birth, participation in recognized activities/sports, height/weight (if a member of athletics), awards received, and previous schools attended.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s/guardian’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include but are not limited to companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local schools receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories: names, addresses, and telephone listings, unless parents/guardians have advised the district that they do not want their child’s information disclosed without written consent.

Students/parents planning on moving into the district must make prior arrangements with Mr. Flakker in order to have a personal tour of the school. To schedule an appointment, contact Mr. Flakker at (908) 647-4800 ext. 6975.

Returning graduates of Watchung Hills who wish to visit former teachers, may do so by calling the Main Office receptionist at (908) 647-4800 ext. 0, to make appropriate arrangements. Although former students are welcome to visit, visits will be honored only after 2:15 pm, so that the instructional program is not disrupted.