Copy of Freshman Orientation c/o 2025

WELCOMEClass of 2025

Montclair High SchoolFreshman Orientation

Mr. Jeffrey A. Freeman, Principal

Ms. Mirta E. Alsina, Assistant Principal, 12th GradeMathematics DepartmentOffice of Student Services

Mr. Reginald E. Clark, Assistant Principal, 11th GradeSocial Studies and 21st Century Department

Office of Student and Public Information

Ms. SallyAnn D. Howell-Rembert, Assistant Principal, 10th GradeEnglish and World Language Department

Office of Pedagogy and Curriculum

Ms. Eileen P. Gilbert, Assistant Principal, 9th Grade Science and School of Visual and Performing Arts

Office of Security and Facility Management

Administrative Team

Dr. Patrick Scarpello, Director of AthleticsHealth, Physical Education, and Drivers’ Education

Mrs. Susan Matteson, Director of School CounselingSchool Counseling & Guidance Services

Dr. Shivoyne Trim, Supervisor of Special EducationSchool Psychologists, LDTC, and School Social Worker

Administrative Team cont’d

MHS PTA is back (after a multi-year hiatus) and we’re excited to work with any and all individuals/groups who are interested.

● We would love to have you join us (parents, teachers/staff, STUDENTS, and community members are all welcome!)○ Keep an eye out for emails starting in late September

● There will be lots of opportunities for events, volunteer work and community service. Have ideas? We’re open – please share them.

● Our website will be up shortly. In the meantime, feel free to email us at [email protected].

MHS PTA

● Top 2% in AmericaBest public high schools and high school teachers

● Top 3% in AmericaBest public high schools for athletes

● Ranked #3 out of 43 public high schools in Essex County

Montclair High School: Academic Highlights

● Economics ProgramNationally recognized Fed Challenge and Euro Challenge

● Highly Advanced Math ProgramOffering 3rd semester college Calculus

● Small Learning CommunitiesComprehensive multi-year programs in a number of disciplines

● Theatre and Fine Arts ProgramsAcademic and extracurricular; widely recognized for excellence

● Weston Science Scholars ProgramAfterschool and summer science enrichment programs

Academic Highlights, cont’d.

● World Languages ProgramsOffering instruction in six (6) World Languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, German, and Mandarin

● 86% College Placement Rate86% of our students go on to 2 and/or 4 year colleges20% of our students go on to highly selective institutions

● Career & Military 14% Career and Military

● Award Winning Robotics TeamNationally recognized for Science & Engineering achievement

● 27 Different Advanced Placement Courses


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● MHS students receive strong support from MFEE, the Montclair Scholarship Fund, Montclair Alumni Scholarships, and other community/civic organizations to attend college

● MHS currently offers the Career Internship Program to Seniors in good academic standing

● MHS hosts a legendary athletics program offering 66 teams in 31 different sports

● Dual credit opportunities with Montclair State University, Kean University and Seton Hall University are available


• 1:1 Chromebook Initiative • G Suite For Education/Student Accounts• 3-D printers for STEM small learning community

and Arts Curriculum

Technology

● Ninth Grade Academy @ George Inness

● Policies and Procedures

● School Counseling and Schedules

● Genesis

● Student Athletics and Activities

Program Overview

Overview, cont’d.STUDENTS

● Meet Senior Mentors● Ice-breaker Activity● Receive Schedules● Tour Buildings● Student ID Photos in

Little Theatre

PARENTS● Students will end the

program in the Little Theatre between 12:00 and 1:30.

Montclair High SchoolNinth Grade Academy

@ George Inness

Creating a friendly and caring learning environment where every student feels valued and supported while receiving a high quality,

creative, innovative, and challenging education.

Ninth Grade Academy @ George Inness Annex

Montclair High SchoolAttendance Policy 2021-2022

Attending classes on a regular basis is important for acquiring the course credits necessary for

graduation from high school. School attendance records are important for

post-secondary education institutions and future employers. This documentation is used to indicate your degree of commitment to be

punctual and mature in accepting responsibilities.

Attendance

● Attending School/Classes○ First Class starts at 8:00 am - in class ready to learn.○ Be mindful of your time.

Passing time is to get to your next class, stop at your locker, use the bathroom, and be on time.

● Genesis - official attendance recorded● Reporting Absences/Attendance Office

○ Please call 973-509-4100 x 2616 or use prompt #2 to report your child’s absence.

● Documentation - hand into Annex Office

Attendance Policy: General Information

● Leaving Early/Late Arrival● Signing Out - Person must be listed

in Genesis and have photo I.D.● Participation (Activities/Athletics)● Tardy (School/Class)● Study Hall Attendance

Attendance Policy: General Information, cont’d.

The maximum number of absences for courses are:

● 18 absences in a Full Year course● 14 absences in a 3 Quarter course● 10 absences in a Semester course● 5 absences in a Quarter (marking period) course

Students who exceed the absences detailed above will not receive credit for that course. A designation of NC (No Credit) will be

reflected on the report card; alternately, students who also fail the course will receive an F. The Attendance Appeal Process can be found

in the MHS Student Handbook.

Absences

Absences (Noncumulative)The following absences are noncumulative and

do not count towards absence totals:● Religious observance ● A college visit (11th and 12th graders only)● “Take Our Children to Work Day” or other rule issued by

the Commissioner of Education● Participation in observance of Veterans Day or district

board of election membership activities ● The closure of a bussing district that prevents a student

from having transportation to the receiving school.

PLEASE NOTE: PARENT NOTES DO NOT EXCUSE ABSENCES.

Regular Bell ScheduleA Day B Day C Day D Day

8:00-8:52Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4



10:46-11:42Community Lunch




Genesis is our Student Information System that provides both students and parents access to:

● Assignments and Grades● Daily Attendance● Interim Reports, Marking Period Grades● Student-Teacher-Parent Communication

Genesis

Montclair High SchoolSafety & Security Procedures

● Caregivers will need to sign-in at the front door with security and present a picture I.D.

● Please call ahead to expedite this process.● Caregivers will not be admitted into the building

per district COVID protocols.● If you are signing-out a student, then we will need

to verify that you are listed in Genesis as the guardian or emergency contact.

Building Access & Signing-Out Students

● Freshmen must bring a lock for their lockers - regular locker and gym locker.

● Freshmen must stay on campus for lunch. ● All students must wear their I.D.s at all times.● Students are not to have in possession, use, or distribute Drugs/Drug

paraphernalia/Alcohol/Tobacco Products/Vaping Devices● All garbage must be disposed of in provided garbage cans, both inside

and outside.● Two Drills per month (One Fire and One Lockdown, Shelter in Place,

Evacuation, Active Shooter or Bomb Threat)● Headphones/Earbuds are not to be worn in school unless for an

educational purpose or at lunchtime.

Safety and Security

Montclair High School Dress Code

Montclair High School expects that all students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or for any school sponsored event. The school district is responsible for seeing that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student, that student attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student.

Dress Code:

Basic Principle: Certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times. ● Clothes must be worn in a way such that genitalia, buttocks,

breasts, and nipples are fully covered with opaque fabric. ● All items listed in the “must wear”category below meets this

basic principle.

Students Must Wear, while following the basic principle above:

● A Shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms)covering the torso, AND

● Pants/jeans or the equivalent (for example, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress or shorts), AND

● Shoes

.

Dress Code: Appropriate Dress

Students May Wear, as long as these items do not violate principles in the previous slide: ● Hats facing straight forward or straight backward. Hats must allow the

face to be visible to staff, and not interfere with the line of sight of any student or staff.

● Religious headwear ● Hoodie sweatshirts (wearing the hood overhead is allowed, but the face

and ears must be visible to school staff). ● Fitted pants, including opaque leggings, yoga pants

and “skinny jeans” ● Ripped jeans, as long as underwear and buttocks

are not exposed. ● Tank tops, including spaghetti straps;

halter tops. ● Athletic attire


Students Cannot Wear:

✧ Violent language or images. ✧ Images or language depicting/suggesting drugs, alcohol, vaping or paraphernalia

(or any illegal item or activity). ✧ Bullet proof vest, body armour, tactical gear, or

facsimile. ✧ Hate speech, profanity,

pornography. ✧ Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on

any protected class or consistently marginalized groups. ✧ Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments ✧ Pajamas ✧ Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic

practice). ✧ Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used

as a weapon. ✧ Any item that obscures the face or ears (except as a religious

observance). ✧ Sunglasses, unless doctor approved for medical reasons.


Students in violation of dress code above will be provided three (3) options to be dressed aligned with the code during the school day:

● Students will be asked to put on their own alternative clothing, if already available at school, to be dressed more to code for the remainder of the day.

● Students will be provided with temporary school clothing to be

dressed more to code for the remainder of the day. ● If necessary, students’ parents may be called during the school day to

bring alternative clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the day.


Montclair High SchoolHarassment, Intimidation,

and Bullying Policy(HIB)

HIB behaviors include ANY gesture or ANY written, verbal, or physical act, or ANY electronic communication which serve to:

● harass, intimidate, or bully that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic.

● will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; or

● has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school; or

● creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.

Definition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

● Race● Color● Religion● Ancestry● Nation of Origin● Gender● Body Type● Sexual Orientation● Gender Identity and Expression● Mental, Physical, or Sensory Disability● Any other Distinguishing Characteristic

Protected Categories

The location of an HIB incident can occur:● On school property● At a school-sponsored event● Off school grounds (including cyberspace)

HIB behaviors can be presented as a single incident or a series of incidents.

Investigation of HIB Incidents:● All alleged reports will be thoroughly investigated● Parents of all parties will be notified

HIB: Location of Incident

Conflicts at school will occur. However, conflict and bullying are very different.

● Conflict is MUTUAL, all participants play some part in initiating, continuing or engaging in the disagreement.

● Bullying, on the other hand, is ONE-SIDED. There is no mutual participation in the actions.

Conflict vs. Bullying

● Students can report HIB incidents to the Anti-Bullying Specialists or any staff member.

● Parents who suspect that their child is being bullied at school can report the matter to school ABS or AP.

○ HIB complaint form can be found on the District’s website.

● A mailbox for anonymous reporting is located :○ when students enter the corridor of the Office of Public and Student

Information on the lower level of the first floor in the main building. ○ on the outside of Ms. Fields’ door in the Annex on the main level.

HIB Reporting

Montclair High SchoolElectronics Policy

Bring your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

Students enrolled at Montclair High School have permission to utilize privately-owned technology as part of their educational

and instructional programming during the school day.

The school assumes no responsibility for the security of or damage to any privately-owned technology during school time, before school, or at a school sponsored activity. The

student is responsible for its proper operation.

Electronics Policy: Overview

It is recommended that private insurance for loss, damage, or theft be purchased.

Permission will be granted by the classroom teacher for instructional use. Devices not in use shall be silenced

and stored safely out of sight.

Devices used and or activated in violation of this policy will be confiscated.

Electronics Policy, cont’d.

Levels of Intervention

Level 1: Detention, Parent Notified, Teacher Student Conference.

Level 2: Parent Notified/Conference, Loss of Privileges, Detention, Referral to Administrator.


Students can be held accountable for any inappropriate or illegal or inappropriate content accessed on their devices, while the device is being operated on school premise or while logged into or using a district account.

District devices, networks, and assigned accounts are monitored by the district.


Montclair High School

School Counseling Department & Scheduling

Mrs. Susan MattesonDirector of School Counseling

Ms. Chanda FieldsStudents last names A-K

Ms. Lauren CsukaStudents last names L-Z

Mrs. Jaime DoshiStudent Assistance Counselor (SAC)

Mrs. Patricia FeelySchool Nurse

School Counseling

Graduation RequirementsThe State of New Jersey Requires the following for graduation:

Credits Area of study20 Language Arts Literacy

15 Mathematics

15 Social Studies

15 Science

5 World Language

5 Visual and performing Arts & 5 in 21st Century

15 Health and Physical Education

2.5 Financial Literacy

ALL STUDENTS MUST MEET STATE ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Can be earned by performing a service to the school or community.

• To be eligible for a Service Award freshmen must complete 10 hours; it increases each year of HS by 10 hours

• Service Award Forms are due at the end of April 2022• Service Award Forms will be available on our website.• More information about Service Awards is available in the

student handbook, given on the first day of school.

Service Awards

https://mhs.montclair.k12.nj.us/cms/one.aspx?portalId=891779&pageId=1082844

https://mhs.montclair.k12.nj.us/cms/one.aspx?portalId=891779&pageId=1082844

● Course Change Request forms for errors and omissions are currently being processed by School

Counselors.

● Students will receive schedulestoday and a final one on the first day of school.

● Access to schedules in Genesis require the completion of the online forms.

Scheduling

● August 26th - September 20th - Counselors will address all scheduling errors and omissions.

● Tuesday, September 21st - Counselors will begin processing all other schedule change requests.○ Changes made pending availability within schedule.

● Friday, September 24th - No Changes will occur after this date.

Scheduling (cont.)

Social Emotional Learning Program

○ Self-Awareness○ Self-Management○ Social Awareness○ Responsible Decision Making○ Relationship Skills

MHS 101

Montclair High SchoolAthletics and Activities

● Fall Sports - start August 16th

● Winter Sports - start Nov 8th (I.H., BW, SW), Nov 29th

(BB/WR/Fen./Track)

● Spring Sports - start March 7th (Lacrosse, Golf, Track);

March 11th (Boys Tennis, Boys VB, Baseball, Softball)

MHS Athletics

A number of student clubs and activities are offered to suit a wide range of student interests. Freshmen should become engaged in

one or more extra-curricular activities. These include:

● Academic Clubs● Arts/Music/Performance Interest Clubs● Awareness, Community, and World Interest Clubs● Community and School Service Clubs● Special Interest and Cultural Clubs● Sports and Recreational Clubs

https://sites.google.com/mpsdnj.us/mhs-extracurricular-clubs/home

MHS Activities

https://sites.google.com/mpsdnj.us/mhs-extracurricular-clubs/home

Montclair High School School Events

Clubs and Activities FairOctober 7

Back to School NightSeptember 22

9th Grade Parent NightAcademic/Special Programs (Transition to Grade 10)

TBD

Upcoming Dates

● Montclair High School Webpage○ https://mhs.montclair.k12.nj.us/

● Google Classroom for each class○ Students have received an invitation through their mpsdnj.us

account. ● Twitter @montclair_h● Instagram @montclair_high_school_100● School Messenger

COMMUNICATIONS

Montclair High School Senior Mentors

Senior Mentors

&

Ms. Jamie DoshiMs. Chanda FieldsMs. Lauren Csuka

Senior Mentor Advisors

Have a great school year!

Montclair High SchoolFreshman Orientation

Copy of Freshman Orientation c/o 2025

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