Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the start of what I hope will be a successful and safe school year.

The first day of school for students is Tuesday, September 7, 2010 (12:00 early dismissal for students). Students are directed to report to their assigned grade room upon entering the building. Grade room assignments will be posted on the district’s website no later than August 31, 2010. Our first full day of school for students will be Wednesday, September 8, 2010. Breakfast and lunch will be served to students on September 8th.

Please join me in welcoming the following new staff to Burlington City High School:

• Darlene Brown, Vice Principal, BCJS
• Matthew Cann, Mathematics
• Paul Collins, Head Men’s Basketball Coach
• Pamela Crete-Sutton, Special Education
• Catherine DiPierro, Educational Assistant
• Marilyn Dunham, Special Education
• Jeffrey Hinson, Vice Principal, BCHS
• Angela Johnson, Mathematics
• Allison Rubba, English
• Roseanne Torres, Educational Assistant
• Linda Wittmann, English

I wish to thank our parents and guardians for the support and encouragement they provide for our students. Please read and review the list of parent, school, and student responsibilities listed below:

School Responsibilities

Burlington City High School/Junior School will:

1. Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the participating children to meet the State’s student academic achievement standards as follows:

Burlington City High School’s teachers meet state and federal certification stipulations. All teaching staff are highly qualified and certified to teach their assigned courses. Burlington City High operates under an approved curriculum which is aligned to the NJCCCS. Teachers use common planning time to discuss and plan lesson implementation. Staff members participate in collaborative learning throughout the school year and during summer academies. Students receive academic assistance through peer tutoring and a teacher academic assistance program during the school day. The school’s media center is available to students after school. An alternative education program is available for students who desire to pursue their education in nontraditional settings

2. Hold parent-teacher conferences during which this compact will be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement.

Parent-teacher conferences will be held on the following dates and at the indicated times:

• September 23, 2010 (Back to School Night) 6:30 pm
• November 18, 2010 (Parent-Teacher Conferences – BCJS& BCHS) 6:00 pm
• February 3, 2011 (Parent-Teacher Conferences – BCJS & BCHS) 6:00 pm

Progress reports for the 2010-2011 school year will be distributed/mailed on:

• October 8, 2010
• December 17, 2010
• March 4, 2011
• May 20, 2011

Report cards for the 2010-2011 school year will be issued on:

• November 19, 2010
• February 4, 2011
• April 15, 2011
• June 24, 2011
3. Provide parents opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, and to observe classroom activities, as follows:
   
   
   • Parent/guardian volunteers are welcomed and encouraged. Parents are asked to complete volunteer forms and return the forms to the school principal. Forms are available on the district’s website www.burlington-nj.net and in the high school’s main office.
   • Parents who wish to observe classroom activities are encouraged to call the building principal and schedule a mutual agreed upon time to discuss and schedule classroom visits. Athletic and co-curricular schedules are available on the school’s website. Please call (387-5817) the high school office if you have questions or concerns related to scheduled activities.

Burlington City High School’s Mission Statement

Burlington City High School is a proud institution built upon strong traditions. We are a diverse community of learners, educators and parents who are dedicated to providing rigorous course offerings, state of the art integrated technology and a wide range of academic and co-curricular experiences. We are dedicated to cultivating an unyielding desire for lifelong learning and achievement in our students, the leaders of tomorrow.

• Our community’s strength resides both in its unity and in its diversity.
• Through a partnership of learners, faculty, parents and community we will create an environment that promotes excellence.
• To inspire all students to achieve at their highest potential we must provide diversified educational experiences and a comprehensive, dynamic curriculum.
• Students are responsible to be active participants in their own learning.
• Through teaching tolerance and appreciation for others we will construct a safe learning environment.
• Each graduate will be prepared to successfully embrace and meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Parent Responsibilities

We, as parents, will support our children’s learning in the following ways:


• I will visit the district’s website and click on the parent portal or call the high school principal’s office at 387-5801 to check on my child’s attendance.
• I will contact my child’s teachers if I do not see visible evidence of homework assignments or completion.
• I will limit the amount of television my child watches on school nights.
• I will develop a contract with my child aligned with homework completion before watching television.
• I will contact the school and ask for volunteer forms. I will ask my child’s teacher or principal how I can assist at the school.
• I will get involved in the scheduling of classes, decisions related to co-curricula and athletic activities, college and career choices by contacting my child’s counselor.
• I will encourage my child to get involved in a school activity. This could include a school club or athletic team. I will encourage my child to select and participate in community service activities.
• I will stay informed about my child’s education and communicate with the high school by promptly reading all notices from the school or the school district either received by my child or by mail and responding, as appropriate.
• I will check the district’s website for pertinent notices.
• I will serve, to the extent possible, on policy advisory groups, such as: Title I, Part A parent representative on the school’s School Improvement Team, the Title I Policy Advisory Committee, the District Wide Policy Advisory Council, the State’s Committee of Practitioners, the School Support Team or other school advisory or policy groups.

Student Responsibilities:

• Do my homework every day and ask for assistance when I need assistance.
• Read at least 30 minutes every day outside of school time.
• Give to my parents or guardians who are responsible for my welfare all notices and information received by me from my school every day.
• Follow and adhere to the school’s code of conduct.

Families and schools working together form a dynamic team. Our students need and deserve our untiring support. Please monitor your child’s progress during the school year by contacting teachers and visiting the parent portal.

On the first day of school your student will receive important information related to the start of the school year. Please sign and return all pertinent information. I thank you for your anticipated cooperation and welcome your calls.