Announcements
OUR MISSION:
The Pinelands Regional Student Services Department offers a variety of counseling services to students and their families. The department takes pride in the genuineness of our staff and the knowledge that all students will be treated empathetically with unconditional positive regard. Our staff is not only certified, but the majority possess state and/or national counseling licenses or the requirements for such licenses. Personal, career and educational counseling as well as substance abuse awareness, intervention and educational programs are an integral part of the district wide student service curriculum.
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Students in each building are assigned to an alphabetic counselor who will be that student's professional helper while the student is at Pinelands. Additionally, the alphabetic counselor will act as a liaison between the home and the school. Any parental inquiries or concerns should be directed to this counselor. No question will go unanswered or concern considered insignificant. For those students who may have more pressing personal issues, major problems or concerns or substance abuse problems, each building is staffed by a substance awareness coordinator/student assistance counselor licensed not only educationally but also nationally with expertise in these areas.
Academic Information
Student Grade Portal:
To access the grade portal, simply click on the link below:
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For parents, enter username (which may be your email address) and password.
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You will see your name in the upper right hand corner. Click on the pull-down arrow if you would like to change your password or need help navigating the portal.
2020/2021 Grading Dates
(dates are tentative pending inclement weather)
Credit Structure and Graduation Requirements for High School Students:
According to the Pinelands Regional Board of Education policy on graduation requirements, students must satisfy subject area and total credit requirements as follows:
Graduation Requirements
English – 20 credits
Science – 15 credits
Social Studies – 15 credits
Mathematics – 15 credits
Health & Physical Education – 20 credits
World Language – 5 credits
Visual & Performing Arts – 5 credits
21st Century Life & Careers – 5 credits
Financial Literacy – 2.5 credits
(Keys to Financial Success, AP Micro Economics. AP Macro Economics, JAGS)
Other courses that a student needs to meet his/her own educational objectives are selected during a conference with the school counselor. Students must successfully pass NJSLA testing. Students who score below the state minimum levels of proficiency receive assisted academic support instruction in the area(s) requiring remediation. The minimum credit totals necessary for yearly promotion depend on the accumulation of credits as follows:
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To become a sophomore – 27.5 credits
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To become a junior – 55 credits
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To become a senior – 85 credits
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TOTAL CREDITS FOR GRADUATION – 120
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Schedule Change Policy:
Since student course selection plays a key role in determining the needs of the coming year, students will be expected to accept full responsibility for their academic programs and to fulfill their commitment to these selections.
Please note, elective class choices are not guaranteed.
It is not expected that students will change courses once selected except in the following circumstances: summer school makeup, computer errors, schedule conflicts, elimination of study halls, and special program placements.
All schedule change requests for the upcoming school year must be made in the Spring. NO SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUEST WILL BE HONORED OVER THE SUMMER.
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Course Selection Appeal Form:
Students who are not satisfied with the teacher’s course recommendation may submit the Course Selection Appeal Form to their guidance counselor. Handing this form in will initiate the administrative review process. The Course Selection Appeal Form is available on the website under Important Forms.
Class Rank:
All students are ranked according to grade point average. This is obtained by multiplying the final grade for the course by the credit value of the course, adding these products and dividing by the number of credits attempted. All courses, academic and non academic, grades 10 through 12 are included.
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Weighted Grades:
To encourage students to elect more challenging subjects, a weighted grade system is utilized. Honor/Advanced subjects are weighted by an index of 1.20.
Quality Points
A+ = 4.5
A = 4.0
B+ = 3.5
B = 3.0
C+ = 2.5
C = 2.0
D = 1.0
F = 0.0
Grading System
97-100 = A+
90-96 = A
87-89 = B+
80-86 = B
77-79 = C+
70-76 = C
65-69 = D
64-0 = F
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Ocean County Achievement Center
Youth Career Opportunity Program
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Ocean County PIC, Inc. in partnership with the Ocean County Achievement Center on Ocean County College Campus, provides young adults, ages 16-24, a safe and friendly environment to learn and explore career opportunities.
Some of our services include:
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High School completion
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Work experience and employment opportunities
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Career training in demand occupations with credentials
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Post-secondary education
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Apprenticeships
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Education & workplace mentoring
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Financial literacy
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Leadership development, including community service projects
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Career and life skills guidance and counseling
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Referral to community partner agencies
Vocational School
Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) Offerings:
During 8th grade, a vocational assembly is held at the Jr High School for students who might be interested in attending one of the full-time OCVTS academies. Students apply in November of their 8th grade year for admittance in September of their freshman year. Interested students should see their guidance counselor.
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During 10th grade, a vocational assembly is held for High School students who might be interested in pursuing a vocational career. Students apply in January of their 10th grade year for admittance in September of their junior year. Interested students should see their guidance counselor.
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You can also visit the vocational website for more details by clicking on the button below:
Attendance
The Board of Education requires that pupils enrolled in the school of this district attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the state. The educational program offered by this district is predicated on the presence of the pupil and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. The regular contact of pupils with one another in the classroom and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher is vital to this purpose.
Attendance Requirements
1. Students must attend school/class as follows in order to receive credit.
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Full Year Course 165 Days (LOSS OF CREDIT/NO GRADE at 16 days)
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Semester Course 83 Days (LOSS OF CREDIT/NO GRADE at 8 days)
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2. School sponsored activities will not be used to penalize a student’s attendance. A student who participates in a field trip or has a school required appointment, i.e., guidance appointment, etc. will be marked as present for school/class.
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3. Days a student is suspended from school will not count towards loss of credit status. They will be allowed to make up any missed work.
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4. It is recognized that at times unusual circumstances will require students to be late to school or dismissed prior to the end of the school day. However, these are absences from those missed classes and will be part of their class attendance record.
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5. Documentation for absences will be required and must be submitted to the Attendance Office the day the students return to school.
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6. Special Education students will be required to follow the same guidelines unless individually exempted as per New Jersey Administrative Code Title 6A.
The five allowable reasons for absence according to the New Jersey Department of Education are:
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Religious observance (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.3(h));
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A college visit (up to 3 days per school year, only for students in grades 11 and 12);
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“Take Our Children to Work Day” (pursuant to the memo issued by the NJ Dept of Education);
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Participation in observance of Veteran’s Day (N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-13.2) or district board of election membership activities (N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-33); or
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The closure of a busing district that prevents a student from having transportation to the receiving school.
College and Career
ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS!
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
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All college visits will be held in the Media Center. Please sign up in Student Services if you are interested.
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Click picture below to see
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Going to College in New Jersey
A magazine for college-bound students in New Jersey.
Features colleges and universities in New Jersey.
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Other HELPFUL Resources
College Recruiting and Eligibility
All students planning on playing a division I or II sport MUST complete the NCAA Clearinghouse form the summer prior to their senior year.
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NCAA Eligibility Center:
Eligibility Quick Reference Sheet
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Army
Navy
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Marines
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Coast Guard
Air Force
Merchant Marines
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ROTC
OCC COLLEGE PATHWAYS PROGRAM
We are excited to announce our partnership with the College Pathways Program through Ocean County College. This program assists seniors and their families with college enrollment preparation for any college/university.
As part of the College Pathways program, OCC staff will be visiting English Classes to present information. In addition they will be having Parent Meetings in the evening as noted.
After completing the program, seniors will be ready to take their next steps towards college enrollment without ever having to leave their high school.
The College Pathways schedule is listed below and more detailed information can be found by visiting their website at https://go.ocean.edu/pathways.
Pinelands Regional School District will hold SAT testing
on the following dates:
Register for the SAT online at www.collegeboard.org.
Pinelands School Code = 311507
Test Center Code = 31-826
All Sophomores and Juniors were offered the PSATs at Pinelands Jr High School on Wednesday, October 10th, 2018. The test was administered during the school day, with NO FEES or REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
The PSAT is not a district assessment governed by IEP provisions, and will be administered without accommodations. For those juniors who may score high enough to enter the National Merit Scholarship competition, parents may apply to the College Board to seek approval for accommodations, but this application is not necessary for classified students to participate. The district does not utilize PSAT scores for program or placement decisions, and there are no negative consequences to participating in this enrichment opportunity.
Scholarships
Use the below links to access scholarship information
Would you like to help a Graduating Senior?
Consider becoming a
SCHOLARSHIP DONOR
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE
PINELANDS REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Call Kelly Ramirez at 609-296-3106 ext. 2207
10 Sites to Kick Off Your Scholarship Search
Through these sites, students can begin to tap into the billions of dollars in scholarship money awarded each year.
If you’re hoping to fund some, or all, of your college career with scholarships, you’re in luck: There are billions of dollars in scholarship and grant money awarded each year.
You don’t need to be a valedictorian or football star to win scholarship money – there are scholarships for all types of students. But you do need to put some effort into your search.
“What I find is that the students who are most successful – they treat this almost like a mini job,” says Kim Stezala, author of "Scholarships 101: The Real-World Guide to Getting Cash for College."
“They are looking at multiple sites. They are entering profiles on different sites. They’re assessing, ‘Is this a good match? Is there too much competition? Do I have a good chance of winning?’”
Stezala recommends picking just two sites to start, then expanding your search if you don’t find what you’re looking for. Here are 10 sites to choose from to get started.
1. Scholarships.com: The free scholarship search is one of the most established and robust, tracking a reported $19 billion in scholarships. “It’s basically like an eHarmony site for money,” says Elizabeth Hartley, an independent education consultant and owner of Scholarship Gold Consulting.
After you fill out a profile, the site will use your criteria to filter through all scholarships to generate a short list.
“Based on your answers, it’ll try to match the student to scholarships that may be a fit,” Hartley says.
2. Fastweb.com: Fastweb, owned by parent company Monster.com, is also a free scholarship search provider that claims to have more than 1.5 million scholarships in its database. Like scholarships.com, the site will find scholarships in its database and email you matches, deadlines and newsletters.
“I like it because it’s got such a huge database,” says Monica Matthews, who helped her son win more than $100,000 in college scholarships and is author of “How to Win College Scholarships."
Expect a flood of emails as you begin your scholarship search, Matthews says. She also recommends creating an email address specifically to field scholarship searches.
3. Chegg.com: Chegg is a textbook website that has a scholarship search function, offering more than 25,000 scholarships. The site also offers online tutors to help students with their scholarship essays.
“They’re definitely trying to stay on top of what’s new on the market in terms of scholarships,” Hartley says.
4. Cappex.com: Cappex allows students to search both schools and scholarships, with a database of more than $11 billion in scholarships. A proprietary calculator also allows students to gauge their chances of getting into prospective schools with user-generated data.
And while the site doesn't break down students' chances of getting a scholarship, Stezala says she likes it because it provides a "reality check" on whether they may get admitted to schools that give out a lot of scholarship money.
5. JLV College Counseling: Jessica Velasco, a former admissions officer, started JLV College Counseling, which offers information on various scholarships. Velasco also posts scholarships every Saturday on her Facebook page with upcoming application deadlines. Via her blog, Velasco offers scholarship and college admissions tips and advice.
6. The College Board: The College Board’s comprehensive BigFuture site helps students look up information about colleges and how to pay for school. Its scholarships search engine provides information on more than $6 billion in scholarships, financial aid and internships.
7. Niche.com: On Niche.com, students can gain a sense of each school's "personality," Hartley says, by reading student reviews. They can also search for scholarships. Niche pairs students with the scholarships that match their qualifications, with student-friendly categories like no-essay scholarships.
8. Your high school website: Don’t overlook your own high school’s website, which may have a list of local scholarships. These scholarships can have less competition than those posted to national databases, Matthews says.
Stezala adds that if your high school doesn’t have a list, you should check websites of other area high schools. “Some will post it publicly, and some won’t,” she says.
9. Community foundation website: Like your high school website, families should check local community foundations' websites, which may also host a list of area scholarships.
“You have to look at what is available in your local community, which may not show up on these large national websites,” Stezala says, adding that there are lots of local scholarships from social organizations, like the Elks Lodge, or veterans groups such as the American Legion.
10. College websites where you’re applying: Although not all schools award merit-based scholarships, those that do are very valuable because they’ll likely renew all four years.
But the process for giving out scholarship money varies from school to school. You should also check the department of the major you’re considering, which may have its own scholarships and process for awarding them.
"Go to the college’s website, type in the word 'scholarships' and see what process the college will be using to give out their scholarship opportunities,” Hartley says.
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Trying to fund your education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for College center.
High School Nurse
609-296-3106 ext. 2208
Fax 609-296-4802
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Kelli Loiseau
Caitlyn Welsh
Junior High School Nurse
609-296-3106 ext. 4425
Fax 609-296-4802
Emily Baker
Anti-Bullying Information
To report a possible HIB, please click on the Stop sign below, read the full definition of a HIB, and fill-in all required fields:
District Anti-Bullying Coordinator:
Karen M. Kenny, Director of Guidance
(609) 296-3106 ext. 2216 KKenny@prsdnj.org
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High School Anti-Bullying Coordinator:
Joann Fella, Counselor
(609) 296-3106 ext. 2995 JFella@prsdnj.org
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Junior High School Anti-Bullying Coordinator:
Melissa Thompson, Counselor
(609) 296-3106 ext. 4468 MThompson@prsdnj.org
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RESOURCES:
Strangers Come to Aid of Bullied Teen
National Association of School Psychologists
Bullying Prevention: 5 Tips for Teachers, Principals, and Parents
Substance Abuse Information
Pinelands Regional School District is dedicated to the education and prevention of adolescent substance abuse. The Student Assistance Coordinators in the District meet with students either individually or in a group setting to assist with a variety of issues. Meetings are arranged based on mutually convenient times during the school day. Parent/Family meetings are set up when necessary.
This page offers resources to help parents and guardians recognize the signs and symptoms of youth substance use/abuse as well as where to reach out for help. In addition, we will post up to date information on drug trends amongst our youth as well as any pertinent news information.
Please feel free to reach out to us to discuss any concerns you may have. We are committed to ensuring the success of all our students.
Joann Fella
High School SAC
609-296-3106 Extension 2995
Monday through Friday
Melissa Thompson
Junior High School SAC
609-296-3106 Extension 4468
Monday through Friday
Under the influence warning signs: Substance Abuse Warning Behaviors
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Bloodshot, dull-looking or watery eyes
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Dilated pupils
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Inattentiveness, drowsiness
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Runny nose, sniffing, coughing
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Clumsiness, falling, tripping
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Disheveled appearance, poor hygiene
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Tremors, hallucinations, delusions
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Uncontrollable laughter or crying
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Substance Abuse Warning Behaviors
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A sudden drop or decrease in grades
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An apparent low level of concentration; mistakes, error in judgment that was not there before
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Switching friends
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Secretiveness
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Defiance of rules and regulations
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Withdrawal from family functions
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Change in physical hygiene, dressing less neatly, wearing particular clothes constantly
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Hiding mail from school
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Excuses for staying out late. Not coming home on time or not coming home at all; constant excuses.
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Isolation: spending time in his/her room
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Suspicions that money or alcohol are missing
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Selling possessions
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Feeling manipulated and bargained with; playing family members against one another
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Weight changes; drastic gain or loss
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Secretive and suspicious phone conversations
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Incense
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Use of inappropriate language
Additional Resources
Out of Thin Air:
Vaping and Teens
click on image to see presentation
HELPLINES
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1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373) The Parents Toll Free Hotline:
This nationwide support service offers assistance to parents and other primary caregivers of children.
1-800-221-6333 Alcohol and Other Drug Information and Recovery Support Line:
This free confidential service provides information, recovery support, advocacy and referral. Callers are connected with an Information Specialist who can provide accurate, up-to-date information on alcohol and other drugs including, among others, risks, effects, signs and symptoms of use and can link individuals to reliable resources.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
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Questions to Ask Treatment Providers:
A comprehensive workbook that helps parents find the right help for their teen or young adult who is struggling with drugs or alcohol. Developed by Treatment Research Institute with Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.
Continuing Care: A Parent’s Guide to your Teen’s Recovery from Substance Abuse:
Answers families’ most pressing questions about how to best support their teen’s recovery following treatment. Developed by Treatment Research Institute with Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.
Six Components of Effective Parenting:
Provides an engaging discussion of parenting practices that can help reduce the chances a child will develop a drug or alcohol problem. It is available in English and Spanish. Developed by Treatment Research Institute with Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.
Parent’s Guide to the Teen Brain:
An interactive, multimedia tool to help parents understand teen brain processes and establish the parent-teen talking connection. Developed by Treatment Research Institute with Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.
Time to Act!:
An online resource consisting of science-based guidance if You Think Your Child is Using
Or if You Know Your Child Is Using
News and Newsworthy
How I Knew My Daughter Was Using Substances and in a Mental Health Crisis.
https://drugfree.org/parent-blog/the-teen-vaping-trend-what-parents-need-to-know/
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The Teen Vaping Trend: What Parents Need to Know.
https://drugfree.org/parent-blog/the-teen-vaping-trend-what-parents-need-to-know/
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How Nicotine Can Affect the Teenage Brain
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Meth is On the Rise Again: What Parents Should Know
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My Daughter Died From an Overdose. I'm Sharing Her Story.
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2016 HS graduate dies after overdosing at Free Press Summer Festival | abc7ny.com http://abc7ny.com/1377748/
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Parents Charged with Hosting Underage Drinking Party http://www.njherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20160506/ARTICLE/305079993#
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Drug Overdose Deaths Increased in Almost Every U.S. County http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/drug-overdose-deaths-increased-almost-every-u-s-county/
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Download your free Marijuana Talk Kit here. Learn how to have a meaningful conversation with your teen about marijuana. http://www.drugfree.org/MJTalkKit/
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What is Flakka? What is flakka (aka gravel) and why is it more dangerous than cocaine?
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Know! What in the World is DABBIN':
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JWg2oYlm02ZKDGzNHkGV_o2qNfNJUxzu_
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E-Cigarette Information: http://www.nbcnews.com/health/cancer/you-vape-high-levels-formaldehyde-hidden-e-cigs-n290826
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Heroin. Stop the Silence. Speak the Truth. Start the Conversation.
https://stopthesilencespeakthetruth.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/hello-world/
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Drinking Responsibly: https://hlottritz.wordpress.com/2016/01/06/drinking-responsibly/
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Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet!
http://drugfree.org/medicine-abuse-project/
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Fentanyl is the deadliest drug in America, CDC confirms:
High School Guidance Counselors
Marla Heinemann (A-En)
609-296-3106 ext. 2285
Susan Raylman (Es-Lav)
609-296-3106 ext. 2206
Kristen Mooney (Law-Q)
609-296-3106 ext. 2204
Lauren Coia (R-Z)
609-296-3106 ext 2205
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Patricia Stewart (Special Education A-Z)
609-296-3106 ext. 2286
High School Secretarial Staff
Julia Wood
609-296-3106 ext 2217
Kelli Nutt
609-296-3106 ext 2218
High School Attendance Office
Christine English
609-296-3106
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Jackie Zimnoch
609-296-3106
District
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Director of Guidance
Karen M. Kenny
(609) 296-3106 ext. 2216
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Dir of Guidance Secretary
Kelly Ramirez
609-296-3106 ext 2207
General Guidance Phone #:
609) 294-1983
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General Guidance Fax #:
(609) 294-2718
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Jr High School Guidance Counselors
Barbara Dougherty (Grade 7)
609-296-3106 ext. 4411
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Christine Papernik (Grade 8)
609-296-3106 ext. 4413
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Jr High School
Secretarial Staff & Attendance
Linda Wible
609-296-3106 ext. 4410
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Pinelands Student Services is excited to announce our new online student registration process!
Please be advised in any situation where both parents do not reside with the student, ONLY the parent who has been given primary residential custody through the court system will be permitted to register a student, and evidence of such must be provided before the registration is finalized.
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Simply follow the link below to begin your student's enrollment.
NOTE: During the online registration, you will be asked to download, print, and complete various documents. If you have scan capabilities, you may upload the completed documents prior to your final submission. If you do not have scan capabilities, you will be asked to complete those forms and bring with you to your registration appointment.
PRIOR TO registering at Pinelands:
YOU MUST WITHDRAW YOUR STUDENT FROM HIS/HER LAST SCHOOL OF ATTENDANCE!
An Appointment is Required for All New Student Registrations!
Once you complete the online registration, a Pinelands Guidance representative will contact you to schedule an appointment to finalize your registration in person, and determine the student's school schedule. Both the primary residential parent and the student must attend the final registration appointment.
Change of Address
Proof of residency is required for NEW student registration AND for ENROLLED student address changes
PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
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ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING, which must include parent/guardian name and local address:
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Current Lease
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Property Deed
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Current Mortgage Agreement
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Current Tax Bill
AND
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ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING, which must include parent/guardian name and local address:
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Driver’s License
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Current Utility Bill
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Recent Post Office Change of Address Form/Notification