Arthur R. Sypek Center

129 Bull Run Rd.

Pennington, NJ 08534

(609)-737-9785

www.mcts.edu

Student Handbook 2014-2015

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTY OF MERCER

MR. ALBERT PITMAN

PRESIDENT

MR. JOHN ZOLLER VICE–PRESIDENT

DR. LAURA C. MORANA

INTERIM EXECUTIVE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

MS. JUDITH ISZARD MR. JOSEPH MURPHY

MS. YOLANDA STINGER BOARD MEMBERS

MS. TANYA DAWSON

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY

MS. DEBORAH DONNELLY ASSISTANT BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Kimberly J. Schneider Superintendent Ms. Dana Hice-DePugh Assistant-Superintendent for

Curriculum and Instruction Ms. Patti Michalchuk Administrative Assistant Mr. Sean Cavalier Manager of Buildings/Grounds

SYPEK CENTER ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Ms. Mary Smith-Jones Principal Ms. Alice Curry-Sheret Supervisor Ms. Deborah Brown-Kuhn School Nurse Mr. David Nash District C.I.E. Coordinator Mr. Lance Simek Social Worker

SECRETARIAL STAFF

TBA Principal’s Secretary Ms. Dosha Brown Secretary Ms. Jackie Dzbenski Secretary TBA Secretary

CUSTODIAL & MAINTENANCE STAFF

Mr. Joseph Hoenisch Head Custodian Ms. Sue Gorish Custodian Mr. Lafayette Brown Custodian Mr. Joe Cruz Custodian Mr. Esaw Coons Custodian Mr. Daniel Blazovic Custodian

• Welcome •

Dear Student: On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration at Sypek Center, I would like to welcome you to the start of a fulfilling, rewarding and enriching school year. Whether you are preparing to join the world of work or to further your education upon completion of your program at Sypek, our knowledgeable and dedicated staff will inspire and challenge you. Beyond the career and technical training that you will receive here, the supportive environment will provide many opportunities for a well-rounded education that will enhance your social and life skills both in and out of the classroom. As your safety and success are a top priority, be sure to review the important information provided in this Handbook and the “Student Code of Conduct” so you are aware of our expectations. Your knowledge of their contents will help you succeed at the Sypek Center. I look forward to watching you grow intellectually and technically and hope you take advantage of your opportunity at Sypek. Have an exciting year. Please contact me should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. Sincerely, Mary Smith-Jones, M. Ed Principal

• TABLE OF CONTENTS • Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

10

Adult Students 12 Affirmative Action Back Cover

Aggressive Body Contact (Fighting) 19 Asbestos Assurance Statement Back Cover Attendance Policy 8 Awards and Scholarships 31 Cameras 26 Career Prep 28 Cell Phones, Headphones, Earbuds, and Personal Electronics 25 Change of Address 10 Cheating/Plagiarism 19 Class Cutting/ Leaving School Grounds 24 Cooperative Industrial Education 11 Counseling 13 DECA 16 Dress Code 19 Early Dismissals 11 Entrance Requirements 7 Field Trips 13 Food, Drink and Gum 20 Gambling and Card Playing 20 Grades and Credits 12 Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and Hazing 20 Illegal Drugs, Narcotics, Alcohol, and Controlled Dangerous Substance 20-24 Instructional Staff 6 Insubordination 24 Insurance 15 Interim Reports 13 Interrogations, Investigations, Search, and Seizure 24 Lateness to School 9 Law Enforcement Liaison 20 Loss of School Owned Property 15 Map 33 Mission Statement 7 Parent-Teacher Conferences 15 Profanity/Obscenity 25 Pupil Projects and Work Requests 15 Safety 15 Save the Date Back Inside Cover School Calendar 33 School Closing/Emergency Closing 16 School Day 16 School Spirit 18

• TABLE OF CONTENTS •

6

• INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF •

7

To fulfill this mission, the faculty and staff will:

“due–process”

8

9

must report to the main office or they will be reported absent.

10

Excused Lateness:

Excused Lateness with Official Documentation:

Unexcused lateness will be cumulative for the entire school year.

Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act (Title II of the Broadband Data Information Act)

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

Mercer County Technical Schools Policy #2361

N.J.S.A. 2A:38A-3.

11

“world of work”

“qualified student”

12

Since it is not possible to duplicate shop/clinical experiences when a student is absent, excessive and unexpected absenteeism affects a student’s performance and will be reflected in the student’s grade.

“D”“F”

LETTER ACHIEVEMENT GRADE A (90–100)B (80–89)C (70–79)D (60–69)F (0–59)INCX

13

14

In order for a student to take prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) medications during the school day, the procedures are as follows:

Standard Procedures of School Health Services/Standing Orders Parent permission must be provided on the Student Medical Emergency Card

Students, regardless of age may not

carry medicine to school.

www.mcts.edu/forms

15

16

www.wpst.com www.mcts.edu.

17

Transportation arrangements are made through the home school.

Students should be aware that the use of a vehicle is a privilege and not a right. Excessive tardiness or failure to abide by posted driving and parking regulations will result in the loss of the student’s driving privilege.

18

Remember YOU are the best SALESPERSON of the program!!!

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!

19

20

www.mcts.edu

21

A. VIOLATIONS RELATED TO SCHOOL

1. CONSUMING, POSSESSING OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS, NARCOTICS, ALCOHOL AND/OR CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES.

22

2. INSTANCES INVOLVING ANABOLIC STEROIDS:

23

3. ANY STAFF MEMBER WHO REPORTS A STUDENT TO THE PRINCIPAL OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF N.J.A.C. 6:29– 6.5 SHALL NOT BE LIABLE IN CIVIL DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF MAKING SUCH A REPORT AS SPECIFIED IN N.J.S.A. 18A:40A–13 AND N.J.S.A. 18A:40A– 14.

B. VIOLATIONS NOT RELATED TO SCHOOL

C. SELLING OR PROVIDING OTHERS WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS, NARCOTICS, ALCOHOL AND/OR CONTROLLED DANGEROUS

SUBSTANCES

D. NON-STUDENT VIOLATION

E. ANNUAL REVIEW AND AVAILABILITY

24

F. IN-SERVICE TRAINING

G. REPORTING PROCEDURES

1. Not following classroom rules, regulations and procedures. 2. Not following school rules, regulations and procedures. 3. Not following a staff member’s reasonable request or directive. 4. Refusal to participate or do work in class/shop.

25

•First Offense:

•Second Offense:

•Third Offense:

•With continued use of cell phone during class/shop,

26

There will be zero tolerance of cell phone use during assemblies, standardized testing, fire drills and other school evacuations. This is also a reminder to all parents that your child may only contact you with his/her cell phone with the permission of the School Nurse, Guidance Department, or Main Office. Discipline violations and violations of the MCTS Harassment Intimidation or Bullying Policy, via cell phone, will be handled as per the Student Code of Conduct and MCTS Regulations/Procedures.

27

New Jersey State Laws

SMOKING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION!!!

28

MERCER COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

C A R E E R P R E P

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO EARN COLLEGE CREDIT

What is CAREER PREP?

CAREER PREP is a program of the Mercer County Technical Schools in partnership with Mercer County Community College.

CAREER PREP offers high school students a chance to enroll in courses at Mercer County Community College

An exceptional elective opportunity for students to simultaneously earn high school and college credits

College credits can be applied toward Associate degree programs at MCCC and/or in many cases be transferred to four-year colleges and universities

Who is Eligible for CAREER PREP?

All Mercer County high school seniors who have: o earned a recommended GPA of 3.25 or higher in current high school classes o maintained an excellent attendance record o completed the appropriate number of high school credits for high school

graduation o a strong interest in the program of study o a thorough understanding of the program requirements o a strong counselor recommendation

When are CAREER PREP classes offered?

CAREER PREP courses are offered from 11:45 AM to 2:30 PM daily on the grounds of Mercer County Community College, West Windsor campus with the exception of Fire Science Technology that will be hosted at the Dempster Fire Training Center in Lawrenceville

The college schedule is followed—therefore students must attend classes based on the MCCC calendar which may differ from the high school calendar

Who should apply for CAREER PREP?

Students entering 12th grade

Students who want to get a jump-start on their college education while still in high school

Self-motivated students capable of working independently in a college environment

Students who can advocate for themselves The benefits of CAREER PREP

Students will earn 12 college credits, tuition free if they maintain a B average in the classes

Students completing CAREER PREP programs will receive transferable college credits upon graduation from their high school

Students’ responsibility for CAREER PREP Programs

Students must purchase books and any uniform requirements (tuition is provided)

Students must attend all scheduled class meetings

Students must complete all assignments by due dates determined by the MCCC faculty

Students must earn passing grades, according to MCCC policy (C and above), in all classes during the 1st semester in order to advance to the 2nd semester courses

Students must adhere to college procedures, code of conduct and college rules and regulations according to the Mercer County Community College Handbook or face withdrawal from the program

29

C A R E E R P R E P

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO EARN COLLEGE CREDIT

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

BUSINESS STUDIES This program provides high school seniors with the opportunity to prepare for an array of careers and programs of study available today in the business field. Students enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to build foundation skills in technology and communications for success in business. College courses may include: Speech: Human Communications, Computer Concepts with Applications, Business Law and Basic Economics.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY This program offers 12th grade students the opportunity to prepare for immediate entry-level employment in business, industry and government information centers and offices. The program provides the student with the foundation required to build a rewarding career in the field of computer systems networking. Courses taken may include: Introduction to PC Hardware & Software, Fundamentals of Computer Networks, IT Essentials and Windows Desktop Operating System Administration. CRIMINAL JUSTICE This program is designed for qualified high school seniors who are planning a career in the field of law enforcement or for those preparing for advanced study in law, criminology, social welfare or criminal justice. College courses may include: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, Introduction to Corrections, Juvenile Justice and Criminology. CULINARY & PASTRY ARTS This program is designed to provide high school seniors with the opportunity to jump-start their career in the field of Culinary Arts. The program will allow students to acquire a variety of competencies needed to compete in this fast-paced and growing field. College courses may include: Food Preparation I, Hospitality Success Skills, Professional Baking, Advanced Food Preparation, Safety and Sanitation, and Food and Culture. DANCE The Dance program offers an intensive study of jazz, ballet and modern technique. Students also receive training in choreography and perform in shows as well as the Mercer Dance Ensemble (MDE), Mercer County’s own dance company. College courses may include: Intro to Dance & Culture, Studio Dance Technique I & II, and Choreography I. EXERCISE SCIENCE This program provides the opportunity for students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to enter the continually evolving field of exercise science and to transfer into related baccalaureate programs. Exercise Science offers a variety of career opportunities, such as those involving coaching, education, exercise physiology, exercise research, health promotion and program management, personal training, rehabilitative exercise and sport-specific athletic performance.

30

FIRE SCIENCE DEMPSTER FIRE TRAINING CENTER This program provides students with skills and knowledge to become candidates for entry and/or advancement as professional and volunteer fire personnel. Students will begin coursework toward earning a Fire Science A.A.S. degree. College courses may include: Introduction to Fire Science, Fire Department Organization, Water Supply for Fire Protection, and Building Construction. HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT This program prepares students for employment in various entry-level management careers in the food service and lodging industries. Individuals will receive the skill training, professional education, concepts, techniques and tools necessary for success in this field. Courses taken may include: Food Preparation I, Introduction to the Hospitality Industry, Food and Culture, Hospitality Success Skills and Sanitation/Safety in Food Service Operations. PRE-ENGINEERING This program offers high school students the opportunity to study pre-engineering as it relates to structural and civil engineering skills. Courses include Mechanics of Solids, Structural Steel Design, Statics and Reinforced Concrete Design. All students must have taken High School Physics to be accepted to the program. RADIO AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION This program is designed to prepare students for employment as TV camera persons, directors, character generator operators (electronic graphics), floor managers, audio board operators, lighting technicians or entry-level TV production positions with a TV station, cable TV system or private industry TV facility. Students will be working with state-of-the-art equipment in a college atmosphere. Radio classes work with state-of-the-art production studio equipment including practical work with radio consoles, audio tape machines, CD players and digital editing equipment. College courses may include: Introduction to Radio, Introduction to Television Production, Intermediate TV Production and Digital Audio Production I. THEATRE The Theatre program combines intensive classroom study and performance to challenge the serious student who aspires to a career in the entertainment industry. The program is focused on developing the total actor who can cope with the demands of the contemporary stage and work with a range of dramatic materials – from classical to modern, musicals to the avant-garde that reflect current productions in the theatre centers of the United States. College courses may include: Introduction to Theatre, Acting II: Principals of Characterization, Theater History: Classical to Elizabethan, and Fundamentals of Acting.

31

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

In June, a Certificate and Awards Ceremony is held in which certificates, awards and scholarships are presented to seniors. The following are awards and

scholarships which are presented annually:

Career Development AwardsThe Career Development Awards Foundation is an organization dedicated to providing scholarships to outstanding students who plan to pursue further technical education after high school in community colleges or technical schools.

Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship This award recognizes high school seniors from Comcast Communities for their commitment to community service, academic achievement and demonstrated leadership

Elizabeth M. Olszewski Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of Elizabeth M. Olszewski. Betty was an ardent advocate of technical education and an active participant as judge and facilitator of local, state and national SkillsUSA activities. She helped create CIE positions for students and exemplified the highest standards of the business community.

Richard J. Olszewski Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of Richard J. Olszewski. This award goes to the individual who demonstrated outstanding citizenship and achievement at the Technical School and will continue their education

Ewing Woman’s Club Awards

These awards are given to two students from Ewing Township who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in scholastic and co-curricular activities.

Hamilton Rotary Award This award is given to a student from Hamilton Township who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in scholastic and community/school activities.

Jack Apgar STS Car Service Centers Leadership AwardThis award is presented by STS Car Service Centers to an outstanding Mercer County Technical Schools graduating student who will pursue a career in the automotive field. The STS Auto Award was presented in June in Somerset County.

32

Mercer County Technical Schools Educational Association Award

The Mercer County Technical Schools Education Association Award recognizes a senior who displays qualities of leadership, dedication to career goals and a commitment to continue their education upon graduation.

Mercer County Technical Schools General Advisory Committee Scholarship

The Mercer County Technical Schools General Advisory Committee Scholarship is presented to a student who is pursuing a post-secondary education endeavor and has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the theory class and shop, good citizenship and outstanding attendance. The award is sponsored by this group through the interest derived from contributions from various Mercer County companies, service clubs and individuals.

The Meritorious Student AwardsThe Meritorious Student Award is given to a senior student in each shop area. Instructors select one student who has shown the most progress during his or her training at the Sypek Center. The student is selected on the basis of skills, attitude, industry, cooperation, citizenship and attendance.

Nathan Bard Memorial AwardThis award is presented to an outstanding Building Maintenance Trades student who has demonstrated excellence in and the desire to pursue a career in the construction field.

N.J.A.C. Foundation Awards

The New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation Awarded scholarships from the New Jersey Manufacturers and Investors Savings Bank to Mercer County Technical Schools students who excelled in academics and plans to further their education. The Freeholders will present the awards this summer.

Principal’s AwardEstablished by the Principal, this award is presented annually to the student who has shown the most overall improvement.

AT

RI

UM

LO

BB

Y

ST

AF

F

LO

UN

GE

SYPEK

CENTER

AUTOMOTIVE

TECHNOLOGY

B-132

MERCER

COUNTY

TECHNICAL

SCHOOLS

BUILDING

B CUSTO DIA N

USE EXIT 5A

OFF I-95

129 BULL RUN ROAD

PENNINGTON, New Jersey

08534 –5399

PH. (609) 737– 9785

RETAIL FOOD

MARKET D-119

ROOM

113

ROOM

107

CULINARY

ARTS C-131

BAKING AND

DINING SERVICES

C-144

COSMETOLOGY

A-103

PRINCIPAL

• SUPERVISOR

• CIE COORDINATOR

• SOCIAL WORKER

FAX (609) 737– 3951

WEBSITE: www.mcts.edu

APPLIED

ACADEMICS

SCIENCE,

HISTORY &

FINANCIAL

LITERACY C-126

CENTRAL

OFFICES

BUILDING

A

MEDIA

CENTER

A-137

BUILDING

C

COSMETOLOGY

A-151

COMPUTER

LAB A-147

CRIMINALISTICS &

CRIMINAL SCIENCE

A-142

HEALTH & CHILD CARE SERVICES

C-122

NURSE’S OFFICE

HEALTH&

FITNESS

C-110

BUSINESS OFFICE

APPLICATIONS &

TECHNOLOGY

AND

APPLIED

ACADEMICS

LANGUAGE ARTS

A-114

TO ROUTE 31 129 BULL RUN ROAD TO FEDERAL CITY ROAD

AUTOMOTIVE

TECHNOLOGY

FUNDAMENTALS B-160

BUILDING

D

ANNEX

AUTOMOTIVE

COLLISION

TECHNOLOGY B-120

BUILDING

MAINTENANCE ELECTRICAL

B-100

GRAPHIC ARTS

TECHNOLOGY

B-154

BUILDING

MAINTENANCE

CARPENTRY

B-144

MECHANICAL ROOM

LANDSCAPE

MAINTENANCE

& DESIGN

AND APPLIED

ACADEMICS

D-110

34

*In the event days must be “made up” due to emergency closing, the days will be added to the end of June.

Save the Date

October 14, 2014

Located at Assunpink Center

November 15, 2014

Located at Assunpink Center

December 11, 2014

Located at Assunpink Center

January 27, 2015

Located at Arthur R. Sypek Center

February 19, 2015

Located at Arthur R. Sypek Center

March 11, 2015

Located at Health Careers Center