ParentStudentHandbook2017-18 AUG.17

Student Eligibility Students who are not in good academic standing may try out for a team, but they are considered to be ineligible. Students who are ineligible and are a member of a team, may attend practices and games to support their peers, but will not be allowed to actively participate in the activity. Good Academic Standing – Students must maintain a “C” in all subjects, except for one, which may be a “D” in order to be eligible for extracurricular activities. If a student is found ineligible due to academics, they will remain ineligible until academics are re–evaluated. If a student received more than one “D or any Fs” on their previous Report Card, they can’t become eligible again until the next interim. If a student receives more than one “D or any Fs” in the fourth marking period of the previous year, they can’t become eligible until the first interim of the school year. Students who are ineligible are automatically provided additional support by being placed in the school Academic Support Group and Success for All programs. Good Disciplinary Standing – After school and extracurricular activities are a privilege and not a right. Any middle school student who is suspended will not be permitted to attend the next school dance. Students may also be excluded from other after school activities by the administration for school infractions. Any middle school student who is suspended twice during the academic year will lose the right to participate in remaining school activities. If the student is suspended a third time he/she will also lose interscholastic sport privileges, co–curricular activities and grade level activities. If a student has accumulated 20 demerits, they will be placed on Probationary Status with regard to all school activities. Please refer to the Student Discipline Code of Conduct.

Attendance Standards – A student shall not participate in a performance, exhibition, practice, or athletic event unless he/she has been present in school that day or has been absent for an excused reason other than for sickness.

Athletic Participation Fee The Berlin Borough Board of Education recognizes the value of athletic competition and co–curricular activities outside the regular instructional program. However, with reduced or limited revenue and increased expenses, the Board must consider alternative revenue options to support these school sponsored activities. Therefore, the Board of Education has authorized the establishment of an athletic participation fee program as a supplemental revenue source contributing to a percentage of the school district’s total costs for operating school–sponsored activities. For the 2017–2018 School Year, the fees will be as follows:

$70.00: Per Student/Per Interscholastic Sports Season

$125.00: Maximum family cap per season.

Medical Requirements for Athletic Teams The New Jersey State Code mandates that any student wishing to participate in school athletics must have the following in place prior to try–outs:

1. A physical examination conducted within 365 days. (Physicals expire exactly one year from date conducted.) 2. A health history questionnaire completed and signed by the parent. Questionnaire is due with each sport to assure that no changes in the student’s health have occurred. **Please Note: The state has mandated that the physical exam and health questionnaire must be completed only on forms provided by the school and that they are filled out completely. Incomplete forms will be returned and the student will not be eligible for try–outs until the forms are properly completed and returned. Physical exams completed on other forms cannot be accepted. Forms are due in the health office 2 weeks prior to the try–outs to provide the school nurse/doctor with time to review and given medical clearance.

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