Mott Elementary School Parent/Student Handbook

2019 – 2020

MUSTANGS!Dr. Channing C. Conway, Principal

45 Stokely AvenueTrenton, NJ 08611

Phone: (609) 656-4830 Fax: (609) 599-2318 0

Table of Contents

Principal’s Message

Mission Statement

School Contact Information

Mott Path to Success

School Song

Staff List

Important Dates

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Attendance Policy

Dress Code

Parent/Teacher Organization

Homework

Grading

Discipline Policy (See Code of Conduct)

School Serviceso Bilingual/ESLo Food Serviceso Guidanceo Health Serviceso Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS)o Security

Visitors

School Emergency Procedureso Fire Drillo School Evacuation

Accident Insurance

History of Mott

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Message From The Principal

September 9, 2019

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the new school year. The staff and I are ready to serve the children and you in helping our students meet high academic achievement. We pledge, as we work with the children, to always put the children first in our work. As we continue to encourage our students, we will focus on the habits that they need to build to be successful. It is our goal to build lifelong learners. Together we will strengthen the collegiate atmosphere, guiding them through rigorous discussions and exchanges of ideas.

During the first six weeks of school, through modeling and guided practice, our staff teaches children routines and expectations for the coming year. Children thrive in the environment the teachers and staff provide. The staff encourages positive habits that engage students in active learning. With their dedication and abilities, and the support of our parents, we strive to provide our students with the tools for success.

The faculty and staff at Mott Elementary School are proud of its students and parents. Together, school personnel and parents/guardians work diligently to instill a positive outlook in the students and to build a sense of respect, readiness, responsibility and resourcefulness that will allow them to be productive citizens in today’s society. You are invited to join our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). We will meet monthly and offer exciting and interesting workshops that will assist you in understanding the school’s curriculum, providing techniques that will help your students with their learning.

As the new principal at Mott, I look forward to meeting and working with you. Our work together is important and it, in many ways, will determine the success of our students. I want to know you. Your contributions to the life of the school are important.

With the warmest regards,

Dr. Channing C. ConwayPrincipal

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GERSHOM MOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Vision

The vision of Mott School is to provide a diverse learning environment that fosters independent thinkers and problem solvers. In a culture of respect, students are challenged to set personal goals, strive for academic excellence, and exhibit integrity as the move onward toward college and career.

MISSION STATEMENTOur Mission is to:

Obtain a high quality education and help students perform to their highest capabilities. Provide a conducive learning environment that is safe, rigorous, and inclusive, while embracing the

cultural diversity of our evolving school community. Follow the common core standards and meet the needs of all children through differentiated instruction. Encourage students to think independently, creatively, and aim high in all academic pursuits. Collaborate with parents, staff, and community members to help students succeed.

Core Values

MUSTANGS

Making wise decisions

Understanding and working with others

Standing for honesty and truth

Taking charge of our learning

Achieving goals at high levels

Nourishing our minds and bodies

Giving of ourselves to reach greatness

Success is our mission

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Moving Onward Toward Tomorrow

District and School Contact Information

Please try to make all phone calls during the hours of 8:40 am to 3:00 pm. All phones have answering machines, please leave a detailed message. Your call will be answered in a timely fashion. Include your name, number, child’s full name, teacher and reason for the call.

You must dial the main number first, and when prompted, please use the following extensions to dial direct to the person you need to reach:

Mott School

Main Number 609-656-4830Main Office x4832 / 4833Parent Liaison x4833Guidance x4838Nurse x4834Kitchen 609-989-0283

Fax NumbersMain Office Fax 609-599-2318

Board Meeting Dates (5:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Auditorium)

Board Meeting DatesMonday, August 26, 2019 Monday, September 30, 2019Monday, October 14, 2019Monday, November 18, 2019Monday, December 16, 2019Monday, January 27, 2020Monday, February 24, 2020Monday, March 23, 2020Monday, April 27, 2020

Monday, May 18, 2020 – Organization MeetingTuesday, May 26, 2020

Monday, June 22, 2020

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BOARD OF EDUCATION

Addie Daniels-Lane, PresidentTaraun Tice-McKnight, Vice President

Gene BouieFiah Kwesseu

Yolanda Marrero-LopezGerald TruehartSadé S. WilliamsEmily HernandezJeannie Weakliem

Frequently Called District Numbers

Human Resources 609-656-4900 ext. 5461 fax: (609) 695-6487Payroll 609-656-4900 ext. 5628 fax: (609) 989-2860Benefits 609-656-4900 ext. 5730 fax: (609) 396-2819Student Services 609-656-4900 ext. 5783 fax: (609) 989-2402Bilingual Office 609-656-4900 ext. 5733 fax: (609) 989-2682Transportation 609-656-4876 fax: (609) 989-2661

Path to Success Be Respectful

Use appropriate language Use manners Practice kindness

Be Ready Come prepared to learn Bring a good attitude

Be Responsible Bring your backpack Completed homework and Reading Log Bring your Reading Books and bag.

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School SongOh, Mott School, you shared with us, the

knowledge that you had.We’ll always treasure the loyal friends we made

along the way.When we see the blue and white unfurl against the

sky,We’ll always know that caring’s there, held right

within your walls.We want to make society more caring and aware

Of everyone’s important place, right here upon the Earth.

It’s Mott and me, forever we’ll be, making memories,

It’s Mott and me, forever we’ll be, making memories,

Making memories, making memories, making memories.

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Staff List

Administrative Staff SpecialistsDr. Channing C. Conway, Principal Ms. Helena Shakleford – ArtMs. Indra Love, Secretary Mr. Kenneth Mayberg – Computer

Mr. James Conrad – MusicKindergarten Mr. Brian Brunell –

Health/Physical Ed.Mrs. Kimberly Marcucci Mr. Ola Wayne Johnson - LibraryMs. Afiya GrissomMs. Joyce Williams ESL StaffBilingual Kindergarten Ms. Yvette Bishara 3-5 Ms. Emily Maldonado Mrs. Leslie Sparks K-2

First Grade Literacy SpecialistMr. Rickie Kennedy Mrs. Gayle McClureTrisha EckelbergMs. Rasheeda Robinson-Dunns Speech TherapistBilingual First Grade Shalvah DuortinYesenia Gaud-Moro

School NurseSecond Grade Mrs. Karen MinottMrs. Joy OnsDr. Nicole Stephens Parent LiaisonMrs. Katherine Hammons Mrs. Gloria Olmeda

Third Grade Security OfficersMrs. Susan Franco Ms. Ebony GrierMrs. Elba Rivera Ms. Crystal BarretoMrs. Amanda Short

Para-ProfessionalsFourth Grade Mrs. Madeline EnnisMrs. Jill Wiley-Maurice Mrs. Karen Clark-JacksonMrs. Eunice Park Ms. Gloria WilliamsMs. Christal Bennett-Hood Ms. Ashley Parham

Ms. Renee MhoonFifth GradeMr. Scot Exner CustodiansMrs. Deirdre Kiley Ms. Dawn GilbertMrs. Angelia Curtis Ms. Deasha Ford

Mr. Washington PressleyK-5 Resource Room Mr. Robert FinkMrs. Catherine Lewis

3-5 Special Education - MD Cafeteria StaffMrs. Dawn Kunkel Rafaella Munoz- Manager

Geneva Walder - Café Aide3-5 Special Education - LLD Tracy Daniels - CookMs. Jessica Costa

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School HoursFirst Day of School: Thursday, September 9, 2019

8:45am – 3:15pm 8:15 am - School Doors Open 8:15 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Breakfast Ends 8:45 am - Dismiss to Class 9:00 am - Tardy 1:00 pm - Reduced Day Dismissal 3:15 pm - School Dismissal

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURESArrival

Car Riders No Students admitted Before 8:15 a.m. students are dropped off at the main entrance must remain

outside until 8:15 a.m. All students who wish to eat breakfast are dropped off at the main entrance and must arrive before

9:00 a.m. Breakfast is served between 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. in the cafeteria for Kindergarten – 2nd Grade; in the

gymnasium for 3rd – 5th grades. Between 8:15 a.m.-.8:40 a.m. students who will not eat breakfast are dropped off at the designated areas.

o Bus RidersBuses drop off students in front of school or in parking lot at sidewalk

Students who arrive before 8:45 a.m. remain in their designated morning area until their teacher arrives to pick them up.

Students who arrive after 8:45 a.m. will report to their classroom immediately or after eating breakfast. Dismissal The main office will be closed for dismissal from 2:15 – 3:25 p.m. The school doors will be locked to ensure the safety all those in the building. Students must be picked up by parents no later than 3:30 p.m. to avoid a late pick up fee.

Walkers & Bus Riders Dismissed through the front door.

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Students are dismissed by the staff on Stokely Avenue. Buses are loaded on Stokely Avenue.

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for success in school and promotion to the next grade. When an absence is necessary, it is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work, 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.

Perfect Attendance Present for more than ½ the instructional day daily. (4 hours present is considered a full day) Less than 3 tardies. 0 unexcused absences.

Excused AbsencesIt is essential that every parent and student accept responsibility for the student’s daily attendance in school. In order to be excused, a note from a doctor, hospital or specialist must be submitted to the teacher and/or main office. Excused absences include the following:

1. Illness2. Recovery from an accident. (Police report accepted)3. Death in the family (obituary or funeral program)4. Religious holiday5. Medical or dental appointment which cannot be kept outside of school hours.

TardinessSchool begins at 8:45 each day. Attendance is taken daily at 9:00. Students who are tardy must report to the security officer or main office for a tardy slip for class. Early dismissal before 1pm is not considered a full day.

Early DismissalEarly dismissal 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 report to the main office, sign out their child/children as a safety measure. The Early Dismissal Sign Out book is located on the main office counter.

We encourage students to remain in school for the entire school day. We understand that emergencies do occur. Please contact the school as soon as possible for early dismissal due to emergencies. We must work together to make each day an academic success for each student. In order to be counted for perfect attendance, students must remain in the building until 1:00 p.m. or 4 hours of the day if arriving late.

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School Calendar Important Dates 2019-2020 (These dates are subject to change based on necessity)

September 2 Labor Day/Schools ClosedSeptember 3 - 6 Staff In-ServiceSeptember 4 – 5 Staff In-Service District WideSeptember 9 First Day of School for Staff and StudentsSeptember 24 Elementary Back to School Night/Reduced Day for Students September 30 Board MeetingOctober 2 Staff In-Service/Extended Staff Meeting/Reduced Day for StudentsOctober 9 Interim Reports Available in Parent PortalOctober 14 Board MeetingOctober 16 PSAT/SAT DayNovember 15 First Marking Period Ends

November 7-8 NJEA Teacher Convention (Schools Closed)November 11 Veteran’s Day/School ClosedNovember 13 Staff In-Service/Extended Staff Meeting/Reduced Day for StudentsNovember 13 1st Marking Period EndsNovember 18 Board MeetingNovember 19 Report Cards Available in Parent PortalNovember 19 Reduced Day/Parent/Teacher Conferences (Pre-K – 5th - Evening Only)November 20 Reduced Day/Parent/Teacher Conferences (Elementary)November 27 Reduced Day for Staff and Students (Pre-Thanksgiving Recess)November 28-29 Thanksgiving Recess (Schools Closed)December 4 Staff In-Service/Extended Staff Meeting/Reduced Day for StudentsDecember 16 Board Meeting December 17 Interim Reports Available in Parent PortalDecember 20 Reduced Day for Staff and Students (Pre-Winter Recess)December 23 - 31 Winter Recess (Schools Closed)January 1 – 3 Winter Recess (Schools Closed)January 8 Staff In-Service/Extended Staff Meeting/Reduced Day for StudentsJanuary 20 Martin Luther King Day (Schools Closed)January 27 Board MeetingFebruary 3 2nd Marking Period EndsFebruary 5 Report Cards Available in Parent PortalFebruary 12 Staff In-Service/Extended Staff Meeting/Reduced Day for StudentsFebruary 17 President’s Day (Schools Closed)February 24 Board MeetingMarch 4 Staff In-Service/Extended Staff Meeting/Reduced Day for StudentsMarch 4 Interim Reports Available in Parent PortalMarch 23 Board MeetingMarch 24 Parent Teacher Conferences (Pre-K – 5th - Evening Only)March 25 Parent Teacher Conferences (Pre-K – 5th)April 1 Staff In-Service/Reduced Day for StudentsApril 7 3rd Marking Period EndsApril 10-17 Spring Recess (Schools Closed)April 20 Report Cards Available on Parent Portal

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April 27 Board MeetingApril 9-30 PARCC (Grades 3-8) Dynamic Learning MapsMay 1-19 PARCC (Grades 3-8) Dynamic Learning MapsMay 6 Staff In-Service/Reduced Day for StudentsMay 14 Interim Reports Available in Parent PortalMay 18 Board Meeting (Organizational)May 25 Memorial Day (Schools Closed)

May 26 Board MeetingMay 31 NJ ASK Science (Grades 4 & 5)June 3 Staff In-Service/Reduced Day for StudentsJune 18 4th Marking Period EndsJune 18 Last Day of School for Students/Reduced Day for StudentsJune 18 4th Marking Period EndsJune 18 Report Cards Available in Parent PortalJune 22 Last Day of School for StaffJune 22 Board Meeting

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Dress Code12

Mott School students will be required to wear uniforms Monday through Friday with the exception of our Dress Down Fundraiser days which are held every Friday. Students who wish to participate will pay $1.00 to dress down. All other students must wear their uniforms. If a holiday or a school closing falls on a Friday, we will hold the activity the day before. The fundraiser helps to fund student activities throughout the year and our end of the year “Fun Day,” which is a fun filled, all day event, with music, food, games, activities and more!

Uniform Requirementso Light blue blouse or polo shirtso Khaki pants, skirts, or jumperso Boys are required to wear their shirts inside their pants.o Girls are required to wear their skirts/jumpers no higher than 2 inches above the knee.o Belts are encouraged to prevent “sagging” or “wardrobe malfunctions.”o Navy blue or white sweaters/jackets are permitted to be worn during the school day.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)We have an active and involved Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Mott School. We hope that every parent will participate in PTO sponsored activities during the 2019-2020 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 the 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 child’s 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.

HomeworkHomework is part of a student’s 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. It is important that your child participates in all class activities and completes all assignments in order to ensure success. Parents are encouraged to review and sign all homework assignments.

Homework is assigned DAILY Monday – Friday for all grades. Homework is 10% of the final grade. Homework is independent practice/review for skills taught in class that day. A Reading Log is to be completed and turned in DAILY.

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Grading

Grade Level - Kindergarten

Language Arts/Literacy/Reading/ESL: Mathematics: Kindergarten

Grading Category School Recommendation Final RecommendationHomework 10%Classroom Participation/Classwork 70%Projects/Performance Tasks 20%

Science: Social Studies: Kindergarten

Grading Category School recommendation Final RecommendationHomework 10%Classroom/Participation/Classwork 90%

Kindergarten Specialist (Art, Music, Media/Library, Physical Education, Technology)

Grading Category School Recommendation Final RecommendationHomework 10%Classroom Participation/Classwork

50%Quizzes 15%Test/Projects/Performances 25%

** If the course being taught does not have a “district common assessment” that is given, then the category of TESTS will be increased by 10% to make up for the removal of the category of “district common assessment”.

Grade Level – First and Second

Language Arts/Literacy/Reading/ESL: Grades 1-2

Grading Category School Recommendation Final RecommendationHomework 10%Classroom

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Participation/Classwork 40%Projects/Performance Task 25%Test/Projects/Performance 25%

Mathematics: Grades 1-2

Grading Category School Recommendation Final RecommendationHomework 15%Classroom Participation/Classwork 40%Quizes 20%Test/Projects/Performance 25%

Science: Social Studies: Grades 1-2

Grading Category School recommendation Final RecommendationHomework 10%Classroom/Participation/Classwork 50%Quizzes 20%Test/Projects/Performance 20%

Grades 1-2 Specialist (Art, Music, Media/Library, Physical Education, Technology)

Grading Category School Recommendation Final RecommendationClassroom Participation/Classwork 60%Quizzes 15%Test/Projects/Performances 25%

** If the course being taught does not have a “district common assessment” that is given, then the category of TESTS will be increased by 10% to make up for the removal of the category of “district common assessment”.

Grade Level – Third, Fourth and Fifth

Language Arts/Literacy/Reading/ESL: Mathematics

Grading Category School Recommendation Final RecommendationHomework 15%

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Classroom Participation/Classwork

40%

Quizzes 20%Tests/Projects/Performance 25%

Science: Social Studies: Grades 3-5

Grading Category School recommendation Final RecommendationHomework 5%Classroom/Participation/Classwork 40%Quizzes 15%Performance Tasks 25%Tests/Projects 15%

Grade Levels Third, Fourth and Fifth

Grades 3-5 Specialist (Art, Music, Media/Library, Physical Education, Technology)

Grading Category School Recommendation Final RecommendationHomework 5%Classroom Participation/Classwork 60%Quizzes 10%Test/Projects/Performance 25%

Honor Roll

Principal’s List: All P’s, O’s, or A’s in Academic and O’s in Specialist Grades Honor Roll: P’s, O’s/S’s A’s / B’s in Academic Areas and O’s/S’s in Specialist Grades

Perfect AttendanceThis category will be taken directly from PowerSchool and then sent to teachers for verification.

Present for more than ½ of the instructional day daily (1:00pm is considered a full day). Excused absences MUST be with a Doctor’s Note (Specialist or hospital included). Less than 3 tardies. Remember 3 tardies = 1 absence.

INTERIM AND FINAL REPORT CARD GRADESKindergarten First, Second and Specialist Third - Fifth

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P – Proficient O – Outstanding A+ (98-100) / A (93-97) / A- (90-92)S – Satisfactory S – Satisfactory B+ (87-89) / B (83-86) / B- (80-82)D – Developing I – Improving C+ (77-79) / C (73-76) / C- (70-72)N – Needs Improving NI – Needs Improving D+ (67-69) / D (63-66) / D- (60-62)U - Unsatisfactory U – Unsatisfactory F (0-59)

Honor Roll

Principal’s List: All P’s, O’s, or A’s in Academic and O’s in Specialist Grades Honor Roll: P’s, O’s/S’s A’s / B’s in Academic Areas and O’s/S’s in Specialist Grades

Note: The grading system is subject to change with Board Approval.

SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE PROGRAM

The purpose of discipline in a school setting is to provide the structure and safety to ensure 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.

BE RESPECTFUL BE READY BE RESPONSIBLE

Classroom Expectations 1. Speak quietly. 2. Show self-control. 3. Show respect. 4. Always do your best!

Hallway Expectations (Silent Hallways)1. Walk quietly.2. Keep an orderly line. 3. Stay to the right.4. Show self-control. 5. Show respect.

Mott Cafeteria Expectations 1. Speak quietly. 2. Stay in your seat. 3. Raise your hand if you need something. 4. Leave your area clean. 5. Show respect.

Playground Expectations 1. Play safely. 2. Show self-control. 3. Show respect.

Restroom Expectations 1. Quiet area. 2. Show self-control. 3. Respect privacy. 4. Wash and dry hands.

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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.

School ServicesBilingual/ESLThe Bilingual/English as a Second Language programs provide language assessment and instructional services to students identified as having a primary or home language other than English.

Food Services Aramark is our Board approved food service provider. Free Breakfast and Lunch Program is available to all students for the 2019-2020 school year

GuidanceStudent and Family Services are handled through the Guidance Office. When a student is experiencing 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 Social Worker for family support Any other service that impacts school performance and emotional health of all students.

Health ServicesMott 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 a 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 nurse’s office. When it is not advisable for the pupil to be moved, the nurse will go to the pupil. If necessary, the parent will be called to pick up the child.

If a child becomes ill during the school day, the nurse will use his/her professional skill to determine if the pupil should remain in school or sent home. It is essential for the nurse to have the current working telephone number of each parent or guardian.

I & RS

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This committee supports the following beliefs: That each individual student’s 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 impairment.

That early intervention provides individual learners the most opportunity to develop their maximum potential.

That early intervention provides individuals the most opportunity to develop 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.

SecurityMott is currently assigned two (2) security officers daily. These security officers are in place to assist the staff, students, parents, and members of the community to keep Mott School a safe place for learning.

VisitorsVisits to Mott School by our Parents are welcomed and encouraged. All visitors to the building are required to report to Security Desk and present valid photo identification. Parents will then be directed to the Main Office to obtain permission and a visitor’s pass prior to visiting any room in the building. No visitation to classrooms will be permitted during instructional time. Making an appointment with staff member prior to visiting the school is recommended.

School Emergency ProceduresParents and students please be informed that Mott School has in place a procedure for students to follow in emergency situations. Our school’s plan is specifically designed to provide maximum safety for all students. The plan addresses primary evacuation procedures and secondary evacuation procedures with an emphasis on safety and communications with local authorities, central services, and parents.

Emergency DrillsState law mandates two (2) emergency drills be conducted by the school on a monthly basis. The drills are held to prepare all students and staff to exit the building safely and rapidly in case of emergency.

EvacuationIn the event the school needs to be evacuated for an extended period of time, parents will be notified by School Messenger of any important information and dismissal procedures from the evacuation site.

Accident Insurance

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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 is 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 at the nurse’s office.

History of Mott School19 th Century

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 Center Street and was named 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.

20 th Century On March 4, 1912, Mott Elementary School was remodeled and enlarged. After the renovations, Mott School contained fourteen classrooms, including three rooms in the basement. A cornerstone in the front of the school bears this date. In June 1979, plans were made for construction of the present day Mott School located at 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 New Jersey to implement year-round education. In September 1999 Mott School adopted “The Corner School Development Program” as its whole school reform model. As of September 2004, Mott developed its own model, the Mott School Alternative Whole School Reform Design (AWSRD).

21 st Century In June 2003, Mott again went under construction to become a Pre-K to 8th grade school for September 2005. This construction turned Mott into a twenty-two classroom school, updated cafeteria a gym, high tech security system, computer lab, conference rooms, science lab, media center, music and art rooms, and a completely renovated school yard. In September 2007, the school’s configuration changed to Pre-K to 5th grade. In September 2013, Mott School again transformed into a school to service more and a variety of students. With the addition of 5 classrooms, Mott will service students with special needs and added a K-5th grade Bilingual Program.

Principals of Mott – A Timeline HistoryClara Wilson 1881-1918 Harry Barber 1983-1991Mary F. Connors 1918-1936 Alexander Brown 1991-2002Eleanor Lee 1936-1956 Elizabeth Ramirez 2002-2008Cora Pennington 1956-1963 Heather Jackson 2008-2010Clare Shaltis 1963-1966 Channing C. Conway 2010-2011 Eva Rotundo 1966-1972 Elizabeth Ramirez 2011 - 2013Alexander Ronca 1973-1979 Donnie Johnson 2013-2014Clifford Zdanowicz 1979-1982 Priscilla M. Dawson 2014 - 2015Jon McBride 1982-1983 Channing C. Conway 2015 - Present

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General Gershom Mott, Our School’s Namesake

On August 8, 1849 Gershom Mott married Elizabeth Smith. They had one child, Kate, who recorded and published the family genealogy.

From 1849 to 1961 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 the Riverview Cemetery which located at 870 Centre Street. He was given a full military funeral. For Gershom Mott’s 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.

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General Mott was born on April 7, 1822 in Lamberton, New Jersey. He was the grandson of Captain John Mott, who guided General George Washington’s 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 14 years old as a sales clerk in a dry goods store in New York City. He joined the Army from 1846 to 1849 during which he fought in the Mexican War.