Parent Notifications
Parental Notifications
The Board of Education annually notifies parents of policies crafted to provide a safe and productive school environment for students. This notice summarizes these policies. You can find more information and the text of the policies along with other useful information such as the school calendar under the Parent Notifications tab on the district website.
Use of Electronic Communication and Recording Devices
In order to support school environments in which students can fully engage, the Board of Education has updated the Use of Electronic Communication and Recording Devices. Please click here for Policy #5516 and please click here for Regulation #5516.
Acceptable Use of Computer Networks
The Board of Education establishes ethical standards of conduct utilizing computers and networks for all students. The Students violating these acceptable use standards will be subject to suspension or loss of computer/network privileges in addition disciplinary consequences in the code of conduct. Click here for more information.
Electronic Surveillance in School Buildings and on School Grounds
The district utilizes electronic surveillance equipment (video cameras) in school buildings and on school grounds for the purpose of enhancing safety and security.
Accident Insurance
The Board of Education provides insurance coverage to protect all students against accidental injury during all school sponsored and supervised activities. Voluntary coverage for accidents outside of the school day is also available for parents to purchase. Click here for more information.
In accordance with Federal and State law requirements, the district creates and maintains an asbestos management plan and hazardous communication plan in order to protect students and staff from the dangers of asbestos. Click here for more information.
In order to comply with state law and to make sure students receive the important educational experiences they need, the Board of Education has established an attendance policy. The district defines three different types of absences – unexcused, parent explained/authorized, and administrative excused with documentation. This policy also defines parent responsibilities and school responses to increasing numbers of absences, up to and including referral to municipal court.
P5200 Revised Attendance Policy in its entirety.
The Gloucester Township Public Schools provides free programs for children ages 3 to 5 with special needs. If you know of a child who exhibits problems seeing, hearing, talking, moving or thinking, please encourage the parents to call 856-227-1400, ext. 3402 for a free evaluation.
Child Nutrition and Food Services
The Food Services department serves delicious and nutritious meals to the students and staff while remaining in compliance with all the Bureau of Child Nutrition and Board of Health regulations. Remember to apply for free or reduced cost meals by returning the application that was sent to you in August (copies available in school offices) to the GTPS Food Services office. Additionally, visit the district website to view menus, make meal account deposits, or view further policy information.
This dress code has been established on the premise that good grooming, neatness of personal appearance, and proper hygiene have a positive impact on a pupils' attitude and behavior. The standards listed have been developed in conjunction with our Student Government Association and Home and School Council. We feel that our expectations are consistent with the needs of school pupils, as well as our commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment. Click here to view the full dress code policy.
Equal Educational Opportunity
The Board of Education assures that all students will be afforded equal educational opportunities regardless of any race, color creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or disability. Click here for more information.
Gifted and Talented
The district offers Gifted and Talented services to students in grades K-8. All students are screened annually using multiple measures of student ability and achievement. Those who qualify based on the identification criteria take part in our enrichment programs. Other programs such as accelerated math and honors band and choir are determined by criteria specific to those disciplines.
The program handbooks describe the identification process and instructional programs. You can access the handbooks, the district’s eligibility criteria, and more information about the program curriculum and complaint/appeals process here: Gifted & Talented. If you wish to file a complaint regarding noncompliance with the provisions of the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, please contact the Gifted and Talented Supervisor via email.
Health Education
The District provides a comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum. In accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.7, any student whose parent presents to the Principal a signed statement that any part of the instruction in health, family life education, or sex education is in conflict with his/her conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs shall be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given and no penalties as to credit or graduation shall result.
The curriculum and opt-out forms are available at the GTPS Health and Physical Education page.
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying of a student. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying consist of single or repeated actions that are motivated by a victim or target’s identifying characteristics that may insult or demean a pupil or group of pupils. Procedures are established in policy to prevent, identify, investigate, and remediate these acts and to provide the physically and emotionally safe environment our students deserve. Click here for more information.
The Board of Education establishes and maintains an integrated pest management plan in order to keep a healthy school environment while managing pests with the most appropriate and safe means.
Monitoring Devices on School Vehicles
To provide safe and secure conditions on school vehicles, the Board of Education may utilize video, audio, or other recording devices to assist with student discipline matters, driver evaluation or training. Click here for more information.
Gloucester Township Public Schools are continually committed to developing an atmosphere of trust among our parent community, in our ability to provide not only a positive and enriching educational experience but a safe place for students to thrive too.
That is why we have partnered with Linewize, a leading global provider of online safety products and education, to create an educational hub for parents and teachers. This hub includes articles, videos, courses, and more, to ensure you know how to keep your kids safe online.
Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct
The student code of conduct is established to foster health and safety, support disciplined school environments, promote high academic standards, prevent problem behaviors, establish intervention and remediation of problem behaviors, and establish appropriate school responses to violations of the code. Click here for more information.
Substance Abuse
The Board of Education recognizes that student abuse of harmful substances threatens the student and the welfare of the school community. The Board therefore establishes disciplinary, instructional, and reporting procedures for suspected substance abuse or distribution. This includes educational programs, discipline consequences up to and including expulsion and report to law enforcement. Click here for more information.
Standardized Testing
The district administers standardized tests in accordance with federal and state guidelines and to gain formative data to drive student instruction. These include New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA), OLSAT, ACCESS for ELLs, NJ State Science Assessment, and STAR testing. Click here for more information.
Student Bus Conduct
The district has established expectations for conduct on school buses and vehicles. The rules are designed to ensure the safety of the students, and to ensure a safe environment for riding and driving the vehicle. Click here for more information.
The district maintains records for each student. Parents have the right to inspect and review the student's education records and to request changes if the records are inaccurate. Additionally, parents have the right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information from the student's education records, with the exception of legitimate educational use, or where permitted by state or federal regulations. School officials may share student data with employees, state or federal agencies, contractors, or consultants providing a legitimate educational service. Additionally, directory information may be shared unless opted out in writing to the building principal. Click here for more information.
Title I Parents’ Right-to-Know Letter
In accordance with Federal Law under the ESSA, all schools receiving Title I funds must inform parents of their right to ask schools about the professional qualifications of their child’s teachers and paraprofessionals. Please click here for this letter in its entirety.