McNair Student Handbook Formatted Draft SY23

Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic
High School

Student / Parent Handbook

2022- 2023

Table of Contents

Welcome to McNair Academic High School
Faculty and Staff
Parent Teacher Association
Phone Directory
Official Websites and Social Media
Google Classroom
Infinite Campus
Quick List of Student Issues and Who Can Help
Academic Support / Tutoring

About McNair Academic
Institutional Values
Origin Story
School Culture
STAR Program

School Operations
Communicating with Families
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
Health Office
Student Services
Homework Policy
Grade Reporting (Infinite Campus)
Use of Technology
Standard Operating Procedures
Safety and Security Procedures
Athletics
Clubs and Activities

Student Conduct and Responsibilities
Dress Code
Attendance
Academic Integrity - Plagiarism and Cheating
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)
Banned and Restricted Items
Theft, Vandalism, and Violence
Disciplinary Procedures

School Counseling
Role of School Counselors
Counselor Assignments
Parent, Teacher, and Counselor Communication
Naviance
Document Requests

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Academic Program
Bell Schedules
Monthly Calendar
Graduation Requirements
Grade Point Average & Class Rank
Course Scheduling
Course Catalog

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Welcome to McNair Academic High School

Your high school years will go by quickly, so we urge you to make the most of the opportunities that await you
at MAHS. By enrolling as a McNair Academic student, you have made the decision to challenge yourselves, go
on to higher education and make a positive contribution to the world.

At McNair Academic, we have high expectations for your achievement and concern for your well-being. Our
staff has two major priorities. The first is to create an environment of academic excellence. Part of your
contribution towards this goal is to make an active and continual commitment to your studies from the first day
until graduation day, maintain excellent attendance and punctuality, and keep a positive attitude.

Our second priority is to maintain an open line of communication with you and your parents so that you can
take advantage of all of the opportunities being part of #McNairNation provides. McNair Nation is a community
of fellow students, administrators, guidance counselors, teachers and faculty, clerical staff, custodians,
lunchroom staff, alumni and community partners who all work together to create a welcoming space where you
can learn and develop. Part of the challenge you will experience is developing time management and
organizational habits that will aid you to be a balanced student - one who works diligently and has an active
social and extra-curricular life.

The numerous awards, honors and rankings McNair receives are a result of the hard work and commitment to
education put forth by all, but especially by the student body. You have the power to not just maintain the
soon-to-be-fifty-year-old legacy and reputation of the school, but to continue to further our impact locally,
nationally and globally. McNair gives you a platform, it is in your hands to responsibly use it.

This handbook has information you will need to help you be in-the-know, not simply within the classroom, but in
all areas of your life at McNair. The handbook contains information on how to access all the resources and
facilities that are available to you, what the school rules for conduct are and how to follow them, what courses
are available, and listings of the extra-curricular clubs and activities we offer – as well as many other items of
interest.

This is your guide; read it and save it. Student Handbook doesn’t have all the answers, but it is a good starting
point for navigating MAHS. If you have questions, by all means – ask! A teacher or your guidance counselor is
there to help you. Your questions can help us improve this handbook for future students. Our school website
https://mhs.jcboe.org will also feature updated information.

Welcome to the McNair Family.

Gooooooooooo Cougars!

Thomas Macagnano, ‘91
Principal

Our motto: Academic Excellence And Nothing Less

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Faculty and Staff

Non-Instructional Staff

Administration
Thomas Macagnano, Principal……………[email protected]
Monica Patel, Vice Principal………………[email protected]
Kristen Hart, Athletic Supervisor……………………………[email protected]

Guidance
Robyn Bartley…….…………[email protected]
Gena Colello…………………[email protected]
Kisha Williams.…..……..…[email protected]

Health & Human Services
Maria Elena Basile (School Nurse)………[email protected]
Margaret Grimsby…………[email protected]
Barry Camhi, Athletic Trainer………………………………[email protected]

Crisis Intervention Teacher
John Hughes……………………[email protected]

Attendance
Ivelisse Morales……………[email protected]

Education Technology
Eric Black………………………[email protected]

Instructional Staff

Art & Music
Nina DiRienzo…………[email protected]
David Fallon………………[email protected]
Anthony Gabriele……………[email protected]
Scott Mallm…………[email protected]

English Language Arts
Jose Avegno……...…………[email protected]
Alexander Doyle……………[email protected]
Gary Flanagan………………[email protected]
MaryEllen Gillick……………[email protected]
Jessica Gladstone…………[email protected]

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Ted Guzmán………………[email protected]
Fortunato Kelly……………[email protected]
Holly Smith…………..…....…[email protected]

Health & Physical Education
David Masciale…………..…[email protected]
Aliquan Smith………………[email protected]
Evan Villareale………………[email protected]
Lacey Ann Yuan…………………[email protected]

JROTC (Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps)
Sgt. James Long, Army JROTC Instructor…[email protected]

Mathematics
Renzo Arevalo ………………[email protected]
Jalia Carter……………………[email protected]
Christopher Kaczka…….…[email protected]
Antonio Infante……………[email protected]
Sandra Rivera………………[email protected]
Supratik Sengupta…………[email protected]
Jacquelyn Shannon…..........…[email protected]

Social Studies
Sean Collison……………[email protected]
Tremayne Gibson…………[email protected]
Joe Maini……………………[email protected]
Nicholas Moore………………………[email protected]
Veronica MacMasters……………[email protected]
Franky Maldonado…..……[email protected]
Robert Thomas……………[email protected]
Carl Van Note………...……[email protected]

Science
Sundoes Elbery………………[email protected]
Chumki Gupta…………...…[email protected]
Ziniel Persaud…………………[email protected]
Maria Nolau….…………[email protected]
Joseph Osenenko……………[email protected]
Emma Osoria………..…….…[email protected]
Paris Rapp……………………[email protected]

STAR Program
Frederick Barbi…………………[email protected]

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Balkaran Brijlal…………………[email protected]
Marlene Colon…………………[email protected]
Rachel Delgado…………………[email protected]
Eman Eweda……………………[email protected]
Wendy Figueroa…………………[email protected]
Marlen Abdo-Habib……………[email protected]
Antoinette Harris ………………[email protected]
Esther Mahgoube………………[email protected]
Robert Mauriello…………………[email protected]
Martin Murphy……………………[email protected]
Hetalben Patel…………………[email protected]
Marilyn Rivers……………………[email protected]
Crystal Robinson…………………[email protected]
Manju Sharma……………………[email protected]
Robin Whiteford……………….…[email protected]
Christopher Witt…………………[email protected]

World Language
Catherine Bellanca………...…[email protected]
Silam Lam….…………...........…[email protected]
Eric Patterson…………….…[email protected]
Maria Rodriguez……………[email protected]
Jacqueline Román…………[email protected]

Child Study Team
Claudia Figueroa-Piñeros, School Psychologist (CST)[email protected]
Nicole Quinn CST - LDTC………………………………………..…[email protected]
Stephanie Salsberg, School Social Worker………………………[email protected]

Clerical
Beverly Castillo………………[email protected]
Elizabeth Cruz…………………[email protected]
Melanie Figueroa………...……[email protected]

Library
Lisa Jefferson………………[email protected]

Security
Roshelle Blackwell…………………[email protected]
Bridgette Johnson…………………[email protected]
Jakkiyah Nicholson…………………[email protected]
Michael Tirado………………………[email protected]

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Custodial
Debra Cerreta……………………………………[email protected]
Ralph Colasurdo…………………………………[email protected]
Lanier Davis……………………………………[email protected]
Lori Espana, Head Custodian…………………[email protected]
Raymond Felder…………………………………[email protected]
Trina Ford………………………………………[email protected]
Pablo Rodriguez………………………...………[email protected]
Turkessa Smith…………………………………[email protected]

JCPSNJ.org email addresses:

Please note, staff and students are assigned a @jcpsnj.org email address which is a
closed-domain linked to Google Classroom. Closed-domain means that @jcpsnj.org addresses can
only receive messages from another jcpsnj address. Certain features, such as attaching files or
photos, are restricted. Generally, students should communicate directly with their teachers using
jcpsnj.org (either via Google Classroom messaging features, or the address book autocomplete in
jcpsnj Gmail). Parents should continue to use jcboe.org addresses.

Private Gmail email addresses:
Because parents will need to use Google Forms and Google Meets, they will need a Google gmail
address. Students will need to sign up for web-based services and accounts that do not work with the
closed-domain jcpsnj account (For example, their College Board account), we strongly recommend
that parents and students create (and regularly check) a gmail account with a neutral or professional
name to use throughout their student career.

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Parent Teacher Association

The McNair Academic Parent Student Alumni Association (MAPSAA) is a volunteer-run 501c3
nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the students, faculty, and programs of McNair
Academic High School. We strive to build community, raise funds to support our kids' education, and
enrich the overall experience of school life. More information about us can be found here:
https://bit.ly/MAPSAAinfo on the McNair Academic School site in the Parents section.

We elect officers at the beginning of the school year. In 2021-2022 our officers were:

President: Lisa Schnettler
Vice President: Shalini Mishra
Treasurer: Jaya Vemuri
Communications Officer: Felicia Noth

We meet monthly, generally on Wednesdays at 7:30PM via Zoom. Although, in 2022-23, we are
hoping to also have some in-person meetings/options. Our updated calendar will be posted in
September. We have different committees available, including one focused on Fundraising.
Committees meet more often, approximately biweekly.

We welcome volunteers throughout the year!

Last year we were happy to be able to help fund the JROTC ball, the Esports team’s trip to their
national competition in Florida, and a Teacher appreciation breakfast.

We also have a question/concern form for parents who can’t make a meeting or don’t want to wait for
a meeting. https://bit.ly/MAPSAA_Concern-Question. Any questions/concerns can be kept
confidential upon request.

Anyone with other questions can also email us at [email protected] and/or join our Facebook
group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MAPSAA

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Phone Directory

School Contacts

Principal.......................................Mr. Thomas Macagano………....….201-418-7617

Vice Principal...............................Ms. Monica Patel……..…......…..….201-418-7617

Main Office..................................Mrs. Elizabeth Cruz………….....…...201-418-7617

Main Office …………………….…Mrs. Melanie Figueroa.....................201-876-4822

Athletic Director….........................Ms. Kristen Hart…….......................201-418-7631

Cafeteria Manager……………,….Ms. Devorah Montgomery…......……201-418-7624

Community Aide Attendance/Homeless Liaison……..Ms. Ivelisse Morales...........201-418-7638

Crisis Intervention Teacher (CIT)…....Mr. John Hughes………………….......201-

School Counselor....................…………...Mrs. Kisha Williams..……………......201-418-7648

School Counselor………………..…….…..Mrs. Robyn Bartley..……..……........201-418-7647

School Counselor…………………....……..Mrs. Gena Taunean….....................201-418-7646

Nurse……………………...…….Ms. Maria Elena Basile…..……...……….…201-418-7615

Coordinator………………..…..….Mrs. Kisha Williams………….……….201-418-7648
School Counselors, Nurses, SAC Counselor, Health & Human Services Coordinator

Coordinator…………….…………Ms. Antoinette Harris…………..…….201-418-4822
STAR Program and Child Study Team

Coordinator……….......................Ms. Holly Smith…..…………..………..201-418-7618
English, Art/Music, JROTC

Coordinator…………..……………Mrs. Emma Osoria…………...………201-418-7618
Science

Coordinator……………………..…Mrs. Si Lam Lam…..………….………201-418-7618
World Language

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Coordinator……………….……….Mr. Carl Van Note……………..………..201-418-7618
Social Studies

Coordinator…….......................M TK................................ 201-876-4805
Math

Coordinator……………….……….Ms. Lacey Yuan……………..………..201-418-7618
Health & Physical Education

Central Office Contacts

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norma Fernandez 201-915-6201 [email protected]

Business Administrator Ms. Regina Robinson 201-915-6274 [email protected]

Assoc. Supt., Secondary Division Mr. Jaime Morales 201-413-6934 [email protected]

Assoc.Supt./Student Life & Services Ms. Paula Christen 201-915-6130 [email protected]

Assoc. Supt., Curr. & Instruction Mrs. Ellen M. Ruane 201-915-6208 [email protected]

General Counsel Mr. Robert J. Pruchnik, Esq. 201-915-6231

Director, Early Childhood Dr. Ruth Cummings-Hypolite 201-915-6045

Director, Special Education Dr. Gerard Crisonino 201-369-2840

Director, Educational Tech/Info Systems Mr. Debasis Gupta 201-413-6958

Special Assistant Ms. Anne Beirne 201-915-6227

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Official Websites and Social Media

District Website: http://www.jcboe.org
District Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSchoolDistrictOfJerseyCity
School Website: https://mhs.jcboe.org
Infinite Campus Portal: https://jerseycitynj.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/jerseycity.jsp
Naviance Parent Link: https://succeed.naviance.com
Clever Single Source Log-In (For Students via jcpsnj.org): https://clever.com
School Lunch Application: https://myschoolapps.com
Health Forms and Information
https://www.jcboe.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1536868&type=d&pREC_ID=2218306
AP Classroom: https://myap.collegeboard.org/login
McNair Academic Parent Student Alumni Association (the PTA): https://bit.ly/MAPSAAinfo
McNair on Twitter: https://twitter.com/McNair_Cougars
McNair on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcnair_cougars
JCETV Streaming:
https://www.jcboe.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1577781&type=d&pREC_ID=1705346
McNair Academic Alumni Association: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2204513474
Academe Yearbook Orders: https://www.jostens.com
National Honor Society: https://www.nhs.us
Jersey City Free Public Library: https://www.jclibrary.org

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Google Classroom

The Jersey City Public Schools uses Google Classroom as our learning management platform.

Most school communication happens on Google Classroom. Each class and section has their own
Google Classroom (ex. Mrs. Gupta’s Block 1 Biology, Mr. Smith’s Block 2 Health). Most clubs and
activities also maintain a Google Classroom. Students can join with a class code or be invited to a
Google Classroom by the staff member who created the page. Club and activity classroom codes are
listed in the Daily Announcements.

Students access their Google Classroom by logging in to both their browser domain and Google
jcpsnj account (based on their six digit student identification number). Students visit
classroom.google.com and hit the + icon in the upper right to join with a class code. Students entering
McNair from the Jersey City Public Schools will keep their jcpsnj.org accounts. Students entering
from private or parochial schools will have a jcpsnj.org email address and a log-in created for them by
the Ed Tech department.

STUDENTS MUST KEEP PASSWORDS CONFIDENTIAL AND NOT SHARE PASSWORDS WITH
OTHER STUDENTS. STUDENTS MUST NEVER LOG-IN UNDER ANOTHER STUDENT’S
ACCOUNT.

Some main instructional uses of Google Classroom include: posting assignments and due dates;
instructions for classroom activities with course documents and materials; the submission of
assignments; updates and communications (via email, class stream, postings and comments);
discussion topics; collaborative documents (using Google Docs); communicating with teachers and
asking questions; and receiving teacher feedback.

A note to parents on reviewing submitted assignments: once a student submits an assignment, it
is marked as “turned in” in Google Classroom, even if the assignment was submitted blank or
incomplete. Open “view assignment” from the Classwork tab from the student’s account, and click
any file attachment icons to review what was actually completed and submitted.

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Keeping organized: We strongly recommend that students keep an academic year
planner/organizer/bullet journal to keep track of their assignments, deadlines, and time commitments
as they are announced. While Google Classroom does create notifications and can link to Google
Calendar, the amount of information from multiple Classrooms and other sources quickly becomes
difficult to track without a method of organization.
Google Classroom from the District Educational Technology Department:
https://www.jcboe.org/apps/pages/GoogleClassroomParentStudent
Parents may sign up for Guardian Summaries with a private gmail account:
https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6388136?hl=en
Access problems: Students with problems logging into Google Classroom should first consult their
homeroom or subject teacher, then Mr. Eric Black ([email protected]) to resolve issues. Please
make sure the browser is logged into jcpsnj.org (see the upper right hand corner) if there is trouble
accessing a page or link.

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Infinite Campus

Infinite Campus Portal: https://jerseycitynj.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/jerseycity.jsp

Infinite Campus is the District’s information management system. Student and parent contact
information, online grade book, attendance records, progress reports, and report cards are
maintained and published via Infinite Campus.

The District creates and maintains accounts within Infinite Campus. Grades, scheduling, and
information is inputted and maintained on the school-level.

Parent / Guardian Access: Parents and families will access Infinite Campus through the student
log-in credentials. As per District policy, there is not a separate login for guardians. After first log-in,
students will set their own password, and be prompted for an email (not the jcpsnj domain) for future
password reset assistance. You are advised to fill that out. KEEP PASSWORDS CONFIDENTIAL.

Returning students should be able to access Infinite Campus and use the password reset feature if
needed. See the school website “Students” tab at https://mhs.jcboe.org for current default password /
new account log-in information.

Please be sure to update any changes to information (change of address, phone numbers, emails,
etc) to Ms. Melanie Figueroa, main office clerk, [email protected]. Questions about attendance
should be directed to Ms. Morales or the classroom teacher. Questions about grading should be
directed to the classroom teacher or School Counselor.

All issues and concerns regarding Infinite Campus accounts must be submitted through this District
form: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/Dwx8endcb1l11f0OJE1. For any Infinite Campus
issues, have full student name, date of birth, ID# and graduation year ready.

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Quick List of Student Issues and Who Can Help

Following is a quick list of possible student issues and first point of contact to help:

1. Course requirements and scheduling problems School Counselor
4th Floor Guidance Suite

2. Updating school records (change of address, etc) Melanie Figueroa [email protected] or
Beverly Castillo, [email protected]

3. College and career decisions School Counselor, 4th Floor Guidance Suite

4. Bus Tickets Application Available via Transportation Dept,
www.jcboe.org, Return to Ms. Yuan, Room 118.

5. Working papers Job Placement Coordinator, 201-915-6085
Ms. Nadia Jones, [email protected]

6. Transcript Request School Counselor, 4th Floor Guidance Suite

7. Lockers Mr. Guzmán, Room 307

8. Lunch Application myschoolapps.com (Should be completed in Sept.)

9. Student ID Cards Eric Black, 3rd Floor Library Office, replacement $3

10. Lost and Found Bin Room 103, Child Study Suite

11. Transfers School Counselor, 4th Floor Guidance Suite

12. Counseling Services Counselor's Office/School
Psychologist/Child Study Team/SAC

13. Questions on everyday routine Homeroom Teacher

14. Extra help with school subject Subject Teacher, Honor Society Tutorial Program,
School Counselors, Epsilon Club, JCPL

15. Report absence Community Aide/Attendance, Ms. Morales
[email protected] 201-418-7638

16. Naviance issues School Counselor, 4th Floor Counselor Suite

17. Daily Announcements See Adviser to submit announcements,
Ask for Student Council Announcement GC code in
Homeroom (via jcpsnj), posted outside of Room
200, posted on MAHS homepage

18. PTA https://bit.ly/MAPSAAinfo

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19. Posting to school website Eric Black, [email protected]

20. Posting to school social media Kristen Hart, [email protected]

21. Infinite Campus Issues
https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/Dwx8endcb1l11f0OJE1

22. District Health Forms
https://www.jcboe.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1536868&type=d&pREC_ID=2218306

Maintaining Current Records with the School

McNair Academic lists student information (guardians, home address, phone numbers, emails) in the
Infinite Campus portal. Please communicate any information changes to clerks, Melanie Figueroa,
[email protected], or Beverly Castillo, [email protected].

For school records requests, contact: Beverly Castillo, [email protected].

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Academic Support / Tutoring

Teacher Support / Office Hours

Teachers are available for academic support, either offered to the whole class or by student request.
Such assistance might include meeting between 8-8:30 a.m., special office hours, group review
sessions, or mutually available times during the school day or afterschool.

Peer Tutoring National Honor Society

Tutoring is held every Tues and Thurs in the 2nd Floor Library from 3:05 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. with tutors
from the National Honor Society. Students may be referred by staff or drop-in. In addition to review,
homework help, and study help in academic subjects, tutors can assist with school topics such as
study skills, time management, SAT prep, or general research topics (internship searches, college
search, etc). Tutors can also schedule one-on-one sessions outside of tutoring hours by request.

Epsilon Math Club Tutoring

Members of the Epsilon Math Club offer peer tutoring, advised by Ms. Rivera in Room 210. See Ms.
Rivera or speak to your Math teacher to be connected to an Epsilon peer tutor.

Tutor.com

Get a tutor 24/7 in 40+ subjects including Math, Science, Social Sciences, and English. Log-in with
your JCPL library bar code and password at
https://lhh.tutor.com/?ProgramGUID=fa562324-d741-4760-96af-9eb267cf71d2

JCPS AP Saturday Academy

The Jersey City Public Schools offers optional Saturday sessions on selected Advanced Placement
courses. The featured courses and dates of the program vary, but the sessions usually begin in
January, running until testing in May, between 3 and 6 sessions. Students need to do a simple
pre-registration for the class. Information will be provided to students if an Academy is offered for their

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course. While this is a substantial commitment of time for students, we strongly encourage students
to take advantage of the AP Saturday Academy if offered in their subject.

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About McNair Academic

Institutional Values

Mission

The mission of the McNair Academic community is to provide a challenging college preparatory
curriculum that maximizes intellectual excellence, personal development, and civic responsibility
within an ethnically and racially diverse environment.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the school centers on the idea that a high quality, integrated, college preparatory
education should sit at the core of every McNair student’s high school experience. To support this
principle, the school provides an intensive and comprehensive liberal arts program taking place within
an ethnically and racially balanced student body. The school also provides a positive instructional
climate which encourages students from all racial, religious, socioeconomic, and ideological
backgrounds to work together and learn from each other.

Also inherent in the school's design is the value of the individual student. Each student's emotional,
social, physical, and intellectual development is of paramount concern to all of the school’s
stakeholders. To maximize each student's potential, the administration, the faculty, staff, and parents
have united in a continuing effort to reach our common goal – providing the best education possible
for each student while recognizing the dignity and worth of all.

Beliefs

We, the members of the McNair Academic community, believe that:

● Respect and appreciation for diversity is the responsibility of an individual living in a pluralistic
society.

● Critical thinking and independent learning provide the necessary framework for success in
academic and professional life.

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● An educated citizenry is essential for a participatory democratic system to flourish.

● Education does not end at graduation; there is power in knowledge and joy in learning.

● Integrity is essential to the development of a well-rounded individual.

● Education engenders physical, mental, emotional, and social health.

● Education is the shared responsibility of governing authorities, the school, students, their
family, and the wider community.

● Daily attendance, punctuality, appropriate dress, time management and a strong work ethic are
attributes of a successful person.

● Problem solving, risk taking and a willingness to change are integral components of personal
growth.

● An appreciation of art, music, literature and cultural accomplishments from all the world's
cultures is an important factor to developing a well-rounded person.

● The ability to use technology is an essential component in ensuring adaptability within an
ever-changing and highly-industrialized economy.

● Individuals have the responsibility of environmental stewardship, both to maintain a healthy
and sustainable environment for themselves, as well as to pass down a habitable Earth to
future generations.

Origin Story

Our school’s intentional design of a racially and ethnically diverse student body was a direct result of
the earlier Civil Rights Movement and the watershed 1954 Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of
Education of Topeka. Responding to these calls for desegregation, Jersey City was one of many
school districts to begin implementing desegregation plans in the 1960s and 1970s.

Originally established in 1976, Academic High School began as a humble public magnet school in
buildings on Sip Avenue and later Bentley Avenue in Jersey City before settling into its final and
current home at 123 Coles Street beginning in 1997.

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As early as 1986, the Board of Education had begun pushing to rebrand the school using the name of
the nationally mourned and celebrated astronaut Dr. Ronald Erwin McNair. In a compromise between
district administrators, students, and alumni, the hybrid name Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High
School was cemented as the official name in 1997. His story and legacy are a true reflection of what
our school was conceived to be and what our community assiduously strives to preserve.

Dr. Ronald E. McNair was born in Lake City, South Carolina in 1950. He grew up during a trying and
transformational time in American history. At nine years old, young
Ronald made his own small yet meaningful contribution to the nascent
Civil Rights Movement by challenging segregationist policy at his local
public library. Determined to learn and undeterred by the arrival of two
local policemen used to intimidate him, McNair stood his ground and
successfully checked out books on advanced science and calculus.

His precocious mind and determination led him to graduate
valedictorian from his high school and magna cum laude with a degree
in physics from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State
University. By age 26, McNair had earned a doctorate in laser physics
from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His dissertation was titled, “Energy Absorption and
Vibrational Heating in Molecules Following Intense Laser Excitation.” Dr. McNair grew to become a
respected authority in the field of laser physics as he accumulated numerous scholarships,
fellowships, and awards. In 1978, he became one of 35 astronauts selected by NASA (from an
applicant pool of 8,000) to join America’s space program. In 1984, serving as Mission Specialist
aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, Dr. McNair became the second African American to fly into
space.

As devoted as he was to science, Dr. McNair found time for various other creative pursuits as well.
He was an accomplished martial artist, having obtained a fifth degree black belt in Karate and served
as an instructor in the same. He was also known to be a talented jazz saxophonist who performed on
occasion. McNair also found time for family and fathered two children with his wife Cheryl (who later
served as the keynote speaker at McNair Academic High School’s official naming ceremony in 1997).

In 1986, Dr. McNair was tragically killed while participating in his second and final space mission. A
mere 73 seconds after launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center, the Space Shuttle Challenger

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exploded in midair killing all on board instantly – one of the most devastating accidents in NASA’s
history.

In 2004, Dr. McNair posthumously received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. Today dozens
of schools, parks, monuments, libraries, and educational programs are named in his honor. With our
mission, philosophy, and statement of beliefs we, the McNair Academic community, also strive to
honor the memory of our namesake and to emulate his example.

School Culture

Mascot and Alma Mater

Led by the Student Council, McNair’s original faculty and student body collaborated to develop
several aspects of the school’s enduring culture. By popular vote, the colors brown and gold were
chosen to be the official colors of the school and the mighty cougar was named our official mascot.
Over the years, the cougar’s visage has evolved and has even taken the form of a wiley six foot
costume that occasionally makes an appearance at school functions. By a popular vote organized by
a later Student Council, he officially assumed the terrifying moniker “Freddy Cougar.” There’s no need
to worry though because he’s usually super friendly and almost never bites.

Student Mary Lou Amos originally composed the alma mater, and Joseph Trapanese (Class of 2002)
completed a new arrangement of the alma mater which debuted at the Class of 2008 graduation
ceremony.

Lyrics:

Sing a song of honor and praise
For McNair Academic High,
We will ever loyal be.
Thy fame will spread over land and sea.

From this school shines forth a light.
Its lamp of knowledge does burn bright.
Though it emits tiny rays
They will influence future days.

REFRAIN:

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Sing the song of our Alma Mater loud.
Sing it fervently and sing it proud.
Raise the banner of the Cougar high.
Raise it up to the vast, blue sky.

Ms. Marvel and “Coles Academic”

McNair Academic has the honor of being an unofficial part of the Marvel Universe. Launched in 2014,
the Ms. Marvel comic book series depicts the adventures of the fictional 16-year old teen superhero
Kamala Khan, a teenaged, Muslim, Pakistani-American girl from Jersey City enrolled at “Coles
Academic High School.” McNair’s inclusion as the fictionalized origins of the school was confirmed by
G. Willow Wilson, the author of the comic book, at a debut event in February 2014 inside Word
Bookstore on Newark Avenue in Jersey City.

Though Wilson herself has no connection to the school (neither do any of the creators at Marvel or
Disney), after researching Jersey City, she came upon McNair due to our reputation and local
visibility. Coles Academic first appeared in the Marvel Universe in Ms. Marvel Vol. 3 Issue 3 in 2014.
Following an eight-year run, Kamala’s story migrated from the pages of comics to screens worldwide
with the release of the six-episode Disney+ series that premiered in June 2022. Ms. Marvel will
co-star in the sequel to the Captain Marvel movie (The Marvels) to be released in theaters July 2023.

Record of Excellence

Over the years, McNair Academic has distinguished itself among its peers locally, statewide, and
nationally. Our students routinely rank in the top percentiles of statewide assessments such as the
New Jersey State Learning Assessment and non-curricular standardized tests such as the PSAT,
SAT, and CollegeBoard Advanced Placement subject exams. We consistently boast a 100% annual
graduation rate with over 99% of our graduates immediately matriculating into post-secondary
institutions.

These accomplishments have been regularly affirmed by external authorities. The United States
Department of Education named McNair Academic a National Blue Ribbon School for exemplary high
performance first in 2008 and again in 2018. The New Jersey Department of Education has conferred
a number of honors on McNair over the years, including a “Star School” designation in 2005, a

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Governor’s School of Excellence award in 2006, and a National ESEA Distinguished School award in
2012.

McNair has also consistently been recognized as one of the best schools in the United States via
several indices sponsored by commercial media. For most of the past twenty years, our school has
been ranked #1 or #2 on the NJ Monthly Magazine biennial “Top Public High Schools” list. U.S. News
& World Report has consistently ranked McNair as one of the top five high schools in New Jersey and
one of the top 100 schools in the nation on its annual “Best U.S. High Schools” index.

Russo Library Media Center

The Library Media Center is named in honor of the late Language Arts teacher, Mr. Vincent Russo in
June 2005. Mr. Russo piloted many programs within the Jersey City Public Schools, including the
introduction of the film elective. While at McNair, he coached Academic Bowl, and advised the
Yearbook. Mr. Russo brought intellectual vitality to the students of McNair, employing Socratic
methods and higher order thinking in his classrooms. He pushed students to “speculate” and
“validate” their thoughts and ideas. He also connected students to his Italian, Roman Catholic
heritage, traditional Jersey City values, and the cultural offerings of New York City. The Library Media
Center was named in honor of Mr. Russo so as to preserve the legacy of life-long learning, the spirit
of inquiry, and the love of community.

Sara’s Stage

Dr. Sara Solberg joined the McNair faculty in 2000 teaching English and French and lent her help to
numerous school functions throughout the years. Dr. Solberg coached Academic Decathlon and the
English Speaking Union’s Shakespeare Recitation Competition. She ran the Shakespeare Festival,
hosted the National French Exam and the National Mythology Exam, advised the French Club, and
staged a French-language play of Babar the Elephant. Dr. Solberg initiated the relationship between
McNair and the Teen Reviewers and Critics program and helped launch the district’s mythology
elective. She was ardent in creating opportunities for students to view the arts in the Tri-State area
and providing performance opportunities for students within the school. In March 2010, a pop-up
black box theater space located in the cafeteria, known as Sara’s Stage, was erected in her honor
after her death from cancer in 2009. With each performance that is staged there amid their hectic

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schedules and impossible workloads, students honor her memory and reaffirm Dr. Solberg’s enduring
belief that in life there is always room for a new challenge.

Perkins Guidance Suite

In the Fall of 2016, the Guidance Suite was named in honor of the late Ms. Kashena Perkins. Born
and raised in Jersey City, Ms. Perkins’ entire professional career was spent as the Guidance Clerk of
McNair Academic. Service and community engagement were central to her character; she was
passionate about supporting philanthropic organizations, and attended numerous events committed
to curing cancer. In addition to her work, she participated in several independent cancer studies at
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Most inspiring is that Ms. Perkins continued to work despite
the progression of her illness and did so with an unremittingly positive attitude. The Guidance Suite is
being named in her honor so as to preserve her legacy of treating each member of the community
with compassion and respect, tenaciously maintaining a positive outlook in the face of obstacles, and
demonstrating unwavering dedication to the school community.

Felton Gymnatorium

In 2023, the Cougar Dome, aka the Gymnatorium, will receive a new title, being formally named in
honor of long-time physical education teacher and founding McNair faculty member Ms. Sharon
Felton-James. Ms. Felton began coaching volleyball in 1987 and posted an impressive record,
winning seven city championships and the 2011 league championships with the girls’ team and the
2009 divisional title for the boys’ team. She developed a reputation for a fearsome courtside
presence, captured by her nickname: “The Feltonator.” Ms. Felton is still known to drop by practices
and bump a volleyball over the net.

Athletic Hall of Fame

In the fall of 2022, the athletic department will unveil a public display of McNair Academic’s most
accomplished alumni athletes, the Hall of Fame, on an electronic display outside of Athletic Director’s
Office on the 1st floor. Inductees will be alumni, at least five years post high school graduation, who
have demonstrated outstanding talent and accomplishment throughout their high school and college
athletics careers. They will be announced and honored at the Athletic Awards Dinner.

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STAR Program

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School Operations

Communicating with Families

Regular, respectful, and honest communication between all school stakeholders is an essential
component of student success. To ensure parents, students, and school staff remain fully informed
about all conditions impacting each student’s achievement, the district and school offer a variety of
avenues for communication between parents and the school.

District & School Websites

The Jersey City Public Schools maintains a website, https://www.jcboe.org, with a variety of
information about all aspects of district school policies, operations, the annual school calendar, as
well as recently published messages from the superintendent of schools and the Board of Education.
McNair Academic also maintains its own individual site with information specific to our building’s
specific policies and operations available at https://mhs.jcboe.org.

Robocalls & Email Broadcasts

The school will periodically send communications to families via a recorded message (“robocall”) and
emails. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in Infinite Campus to ensure you
receive these messages. The content of robocalls range from reminders of special schedules such as
half-days, to timely updates on school closings, delayed openings, etc.

The superintendent of schools records a weekly call sent to families every Sunday evening. This call
contains important updates and information about district wide initiatives and events. Messages can
also also be found at: https://www.jcboe.org/apps/pages/SuperintendentMessage

Infinite Campus

For real time insight into their child’s academic progress in all subjects, parents should log into Infinite
Campus. All mid-marking period progress reports, marking period and annual grades (posted at the
close of the school year), as well as results for midterm and final exams will also be posted on Infinite
Campus.

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Naviance

Naviance is the college and career platform offered by the District and used by school counselors to
share college and career information with students. College and career tasks from the District, college
search tools, summer programs, sign ups for college admissions visits to McNair, scholarship search
tools, career information, deadlines and information from the counselors, and college applications
tasks are some of the content available on Naviance. Required elements of college applications are
also prepared and submitted through Naviance eDocs such as letters of recommendation, transcripts,
mid-year reports. Students should check their Naviance accounts daily using Clever. Students can set
alerts to go to their private email accounts.

Upon registering at McNair and verifying a home address, one unique parent/guardian log-in tied to
their child’s account will be created and sent to the email provided during this registration.
Parents/guardians of multiple students at McNair can view all of their children’s accounts under the
same parent log-in. Parents/guardians will be able to view documents, news bulletins, and other
information shared by the school. Parents, students, and teachers will also be able to message each
other within “Family Connection.”

Conferences

Occasionally, parents will have questions or concerns that can only be addressed through direct
in-person contact with someone at the school. Students and parents are encouraged to seek
individual conferences, by appointment only, with teachers, counselors, and administrators whenever
necessary. Appointments may be scheduled by contacting their child’s school counselor.

Informal Reporting

Teachers, students, and parents share a joint responsibility for informally keeping each other
informed about a student's progress or special circumstances through telephone calls, notes, letters,
emails, Naviance, etc. As a general rule, any parent communication with teachers should be done
either through a school counselor and/or with school counselors included (e.g., cc’d on all emails).

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Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

The education of children is a cooperative effort involving the students, school and parents. While
every effort will be made to keep parents informed, it is imperative that parents/guardians accept the
following responsibilities to ensure an optimal learning experience for their children.

Parent/Guardian responsibilities:

1. To be personally responsible to understand and encourage your children to follow all school
rules and regulations.

2. To make your children’s attendance a top priority for all days school is in session.

3. To support the integrity of the attendance policy by adhering to all its components as they
relate to:

● reporting absences punctually and accurately, in the morning.

● providing dated notes explaining absences.

● not condoning illegal class absences (cutting).

● encouraging your children to follow procedures for late/missing work.

● participating in meetings/reviews cited in the attendance procedure.

4. To ensure their children are in full compliance of the McNair Academic High School dress
code, without any modifications.

5. To help their children understand and follow guidelines regarding the acceptable use of all
electronic devices.

6. To help their children refrain from any form of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying whether
verbally, emotionally, physically, or electronically.

7. To monitor their children for signs of illness everyday. Children who are sick should NOT attend
school.

8. To assume full responsibility for damage to school property, including the financial
responsibility for repair or replacement of the property.

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9. To understand that only phone calls of an emergency nature will be accepted during school
hours. These calls should be directed to your child's school counselor.

Expectations of Parent/Guardians

1. To encourage positive attitudes toward learning and respect for school authorities and other
students.

2. To cooperate with school personnel in efforts to maintain and improve student attitudes and
behavior, as well as encourage enthusiasm for excellence, involvement in extracurricular
activities, and acceptance of the challenge of responsibility and leadership roles.

3. To encourage students to be proud members of the McNair Academic High School student
body.

Health Office

Ms. Elena Basile, the school nurse, can be reached at [email protected] or 201-418-7615. The
Health Office is located on the first floor of the school building at 123 Coles Street with student health
services offered between the hours of 8:10 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Strict compliance with Health Office requests and procedures is expected of all students. Failure to
comply may result in the student being excluded from school.

Available Services
1. First Aid (emergency care only).

2. General health advice.

3. Required periodic physical examination (vision, hearing, height, weight, blood pressure
checks, scoliosis screening, and a general physical examination by the school doctor).
Tuberculosis tests are performed when applicable. Continual updating of immunizations
mandated by law is required. Failure to comply will result in exclusion. Medications are
administered by the school nurse with private physicians’ orders only.

4. Required physical examination for participation in athletics. Athletic physicals are done by the
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student’s personal doctor after the student has obtained an athletic form from the specific
coach and parental consent for athletic participation.
5. Working papers validation.
6. Continual update of medical records.
7. Follow-up for medical problems and support with chronic and acute illnesses.
General Health Policies

All students requesting to see the nurse must obtain a special blue medical pass to be completed by
a teacher and presented by the student to the nurse upon arrival.

Students who need to be excused from physical education classes for legitimate medical reasons
must present to the school nurse a doctor's certification and/or parent's note, as required by the nurse
and/or classroom teacher.

Any student who must leave during the school day due to injury or illness or for medical reasons will
be permitted to do so only after the Health Office has contacted a parent or guardian who must
accompany the student who is leaving school premises.

Students are encouraged to schedule doctor and dental appointments after school hours. Special
permission from the nurse is required for all student visits to any clinic during school hours.

Medical Excuses from Physical Education
Students are required by law to participate in physical education if they are physically able. There
may be times, however, when a student is physically unable to participate. Please follow this
procedure:

1. Excuses for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days require a parent note. This note is to be presented to
the physical education teacher.

2. Excuses for more than 3 consecutive days require a doctor’s verification. This excuse must be
submitted to the nurse’s office.

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Medications

No medication will be administered to students in school except: by the school nurse, another
registered nurse, or the pupil's parent.

Medication must:

● be delivered to the school nurse in its original labeled container by the student's parent

● be accompanied by the parent's written request for its administration

● include a physician's written and signed statement of the medication's name, the purpose of its
administration to the intended student, its proper timing and dosage, its side effects, and the
time when its use will be discontinued

● promptly removed by the parent once no longer required.

An exception is made for students with asthma or other potentially life-threatening illnesses,
who shall be allowed to self-administer medication, provided permissions for such administration are
on file in the office of the school nurse and comply with the conditions for granting permission
contained in NJ State Regulation 5330.

Orthopedic Conditions

Special and temporary orthopedic conditions requiring casts, splints or crutches need a doctor’s note
containing the reason for the device and what restrictions apply. The length of time for using the
device should be included in the note. Students should plan to inform the nurse of these needs
PRIOR to their first day back in the building to make sure these arrangements are in place. This
includes use of the elevator.

School Exclusions for Health Reasons
Students may be excluded from school for the following medical reasons:

1. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
2. Persistent headache, fever of 100 degrees or more

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3. Red, sore throat, swollen tonsils or glands with or without fever.

4. Painful earache.

5. Frequent coughing or sneezing (unless these symptoms are related to a known allergy).

6. Red and watery eyes with drainage.

7. Wheezing or difficulty breathing.

8. Undiagnosed rashes, impetigo or other skin conditions.

9. Evidence of head lice infestation.

It is important that sick children not come to school. Children must be without fever for 24 hours
before returning to school. If they have been diagnosed with strep throat or any other contagious
disease, they must have been to a doctor and received appropriate treatment. Children diagnosed
with conjunctivitis can only return to school when the drainage from their eyes has resolved. If a
parent/guardian is at all unsure about their child’s health, please call the nurse at 201-418-7615 to
confer.

Health Forms and Information

For any necessary health forms or additional information, you may contact Nurse Basile or go to the
District Health WebPage
https://www.jcboe.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1536868&type=d&pREC_ID=2218306

COVID-19 Response / Voluntary Student COVID testing

The COVID-19 Response is an ongoing and changing process based on levels of community spread.
The Jersey City Public Schools follows the NJ Dept. of Education “The Road Forward” Guidelines
https://www.nj.gov/education/roadforward/ Any updates to COVID policy will be communicated via
Robocalls, posted on the school and District websites, and provided to students.

McNair Academic High School offers COVID-19 PCR testing on Wednesdays, testing will take place
from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. An announcement is made when the testing staff is onsite and ready to
begin.

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If you wish to register your child, please fill out a consent form for COVID-19 PCR tests for your
student at McNair Academic High School. This process should take no more than 5 minutes to
complete using a computer or a smartphone.
Please access the consent form by using one of the following links and McNair’s access code
MACS001

● For Test Takers under the age of 18 (U-18):
https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/minor-consent

● For Test Takers over the age of 18 (O-18):
https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/invite-by-code

If at any point you no longer want your child tested, you withdraw your consent through a written
notice to the school nurse.

On the day of testing:
1. Students must not eat or drink anything 30 minutes prior to testing.
2. Students with completed consent forms will follow the schedule.
3. While testing, all participants will adhere to the school's social distancing and mask
requirements
4. Students will return to class once they complete the testing procedures.
5. Parents can anticipate results electronically once the laboratories complete and upload the
results to their database.

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Student Services

Home Instruction

In accordance with New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 6A, the purpose of home instruction is
to provide students the opportunity to continue their academic studies at times when circumstances
prevent them from participating in the traditional school setting. Home instruction is a temporary
service available to the public and non-public school students enrolled in the Jersey City School
District (General and Special Education). Its sole purpose is to provide instructional services in the
areas of Math, Science, Health, Social Studies, and Language Arts, to students who are unable to
attend school because of illness, injury, disability, administrative decision or court mandates.

Home Instruction services are available to both general and special education students. General
education students are serviced from Kindergarten through grade 12. Special education students are
serviced from age 3-21. The home instruction teacher typically meets with the student at their home
or another convenient setting, such as the library. You can inquire or set up home instruction via
Nurse Basile, [email protected].

Persons Experiencing Homelessness

If you are a student experiencing homelessness, notify the school homeless liaison immediately to
ensure you are able to continue receiving services in Jersey City. Contact Ms. Ivelisse Morales at
[email protected] or 201-418-7621.

504 Plans

A 504 plan is a legal, written document for students with impairments that limit one or more major life
activities having a substantial impact on the student’s academic performance. 504 plans protect a
child’s rights and health at school, fall under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and are reviewed/updated once a year OR each time a child
changes schools. Please contact Margaret Grimsby, school social worker at [email protected], for
more information or to request a 504 meeting.

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Homework Policy

Homework is an extension of classroom instruction and, as such, it is planned and effectively used
throughout the entire academic program. Students are made aware at the beginning of the school
year that:

1. There are outside-of-class requirements in every class.
2. These assignments have a valid educational purpose.
3. The teacher will hold each student accountable for the successful completion of the

assignments.
4. Students are allowed makeup time for any excused absences to make up work due to those

excused absences. This makeup time will be determined by the teacher. Work from classes
that a student has a cut/unexcused absence in cannot be made up for grading.
5. Due to the modified rotating schedule, the amount of homework per week may vary due to the
number of class meetings in a week.
6. Due to the modified rotating schedule, students should plan in advance for when assignments
are due and not wait until the day before their next class meeting.

The Importance and Relevance of Homework

1. To reinforce learning that has been part of the in-school process.
2. To develop independent work-study habits.
3. To provide enrichment activities.
4. To teach responsibility and self-discipline.

Homework Time Allocation
Homework may take the form of daily, weekly assignments, long-term recurring tasks or as
checkpoints in project completion. It is understood that there will be daily homework assignments,
including weekend assignments. Teachers will post homework assignments in advance of, or during

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school hours. Assignments will be due during class meeting times. To preserve student family life,
homework assigned over weekends, holidays and breaks will be assigned in advance. Assignments
over a school break will have deadlines occurring after the first day from break.

The required time for a homework assignment depends upon the grade and age of students and the
purpose of the assignment. Whenever possible, teachers are to coordinate homework assignments
with other teachers, so that students do not feel overwhelmed by the amount of homework they may
receive for any given period of time.

Grade-Level Daily Time Allocation
K-1 15 minutes
2-3 30 minutes
4-5 45 minutes
6-8 90 minutes
9 - 12 90 - 120 minutes (per day or the equivalent on a weekly basis)

Homework Grading

Students will receive a grading policy for each course with the weights for various assignment types
(ex. projects, tests, class participation, etc). The general District policy is homework counts for 5
percent of the marking period grade. Advanced Placement courses set different weights for
homework based on the requirements of the subject. Assignments that count as homework will be
labeled as such in Infinite Campus.

Parental Involvement and Homework

The District homework policy is contained in the JCPS Student Code of Conduct. At the beginning of
the school year parents should sign and return the slip to the student’s Home Room teacher (Block 1
class) indicating they have read the District homework policy.

Teacher expectations for homework assignments based on the specific grade level and/or discipline

are to be discussed with students during the first week of school and with parents during "Back to

School Night" and Open House.

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Parents are expected to support the school by providing an atmosphere at home which is conducive
to effective studying, and taking an interest in their student’s home assignments. They should discuss
any difficulties their child is encountering with the teachers through email, Google Classroom, and
maintain regular contact with teachers and counselors regarding their child's progress through email
or phone contacts by referring to the McNair Academic HS staff directory.

District Homework/Makeup Policy
McNair Academic High School follows the details outlined in the
https://4.files.edl.io/bfc1/04/08/19/171943-ddee2d93-7664-46af-88ed-69596b7e1107.pdf

Grade Reporting (Infinite Campus)

Mid-marking period progress reports and quarterly report cards are posted to Infinite Campus to track
student progress and achievement in school. Parents should carefully examine the report card and
contact their school counselor and/or subject specific teacher if they have any questions.

There are four (4) marking periods per academic year. Parents should see report cards in November,
February, April, and June. See the District calendar for specific dates.

Course grades recorded on progress reports and report cards follow the corresponding letter and
numerical grading scheme below:

A - 90 and above
B - 80-89
C - 71-79
D - 70
F - Below 70 (failure)*
M - Medically excused from Physical Education
I - Incomplete

Progress Reports

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Progress reports are posted on Infinite Campus in the middle of each marking period to inform
students and their parents of unsatisfactory or failing grades. A robocall / email will go out to parents
to notify that the progress reports are posted. Progress reports are intended to give the student
enough time to improve their grades before the close of the marking period. Parents should contact
counselors and teachers when a failing progress report is received. Teachers are to correspond with
guardians in the event of subject failures to schedule conferences with the parent/guardian and
school counselor.

Three open house hours are available during the year for brief conferences. See the District calendar
for the specific dates and times.

Honor Roll Requirements

To be listed on the Distinguished Honor Roll, a student must earn an A grade in all subjects. To be
listed on the Merit Roll, a student must earn all A’s and no more than one B.

Use of Technology

Technology Support / Instructional Technology Coach

The McNair Academic technology coach is Mr. Eric Black, [email protected]. Mr. Black’s office is in
the 3rd floor library. If an issue occurs outside of school hours, tech issues can be reported by
emailing [email protected] to begin problem-solving. Equipment needs,email access, Google
Classroom, network security, hardware/software for staff and students are addressed by our
technology coach.

Cell Phones

Students are not permitted to use cell phones during class unless given permission by the teacher. In
some circumstances, cell phones are used as part of educational activities in the classroom.
Otherwise they should be out of sight. Cell phones may be collected by the teacher during classroom
assessments and will be collected (or not allowed in a testing room) during midterm exams, final
exams, and all standardized testing. Cell phones may be used during a student’s lunch in the
designated eating areas. Cell phones may not be used in ways that violate the HIB or Acceptable Use

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of Technology policies. See the District Student Code of Conduct for more details.

Earbuds / Headphones / Portable Speakers

Students are not permitted to use listening devices (earbuds, headphones, portable speakers) during
class unless given permission by the teacher. Students are also prohibited from using these devices
in the hallways, in part so as to not interfere with their ability to hear emergency announcements or
anyone speaking to a student.

Game Consoles and Other Non-Essential Devices

The same rules for cell phones and listening devices apply to portable game consoles and other
electronic devices not authorized for use by a teacher. They may be used during a student’s lunch in
the designated eating areas.

JCPS Chromebooks

Students receive a school-issued Chromebook maintained by the District (log-in using jcpsnj.org
account). Repair or replacement of Chromebooks is on-going during the school year as needed.
Students with Chromebook problems can consult the school technology coach in person or by email.

For some classroom activities and tests, special software may be uploaded (“pushed”) directly to the
school-issued Chromebook, and in those cases, only the school-issued Chromebook may be used.

It is recommended that students use their school-issued Chromebook while in school and avoid using
their personal computers / tablets as the school takes no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to
personal property. Students should consult with their teachers regarding permission to use personal
devices in the classroom.

Students will turn in their Chromebooks and chargers at the end of their senior year. The replacement
fee for a lost charger is currently $20. Device drop-off is in the 3rd floor library. To return a
Chromebook:

● Bring it in with a charge, so it can be checked

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● Remove all accounts from the device

● Remove any stickers

● Lightly wipe down the device with a general cleaner (apply to rag or paper towel, not directly to
the device) or an alcohol wipe / wet nap.

All students are expected to follow the policies and procedures outlined in the JCPS Acceptable Use
of Technology Policy, which can be found in the District Code of Conduct. Students are expected to
bring their Chromebook to school every day, fully charged. During instructional activities, the device is
to be focused solely on the activity at hand. Only school related e-communication is allowed.

Students will be asked to have parents/guardians sign and return the AUP policy located in the
Student Code of Conduct to their Homeroom Teacher. If a student chooses not to follow the AUP
policy, they will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, including
confiscation of the device, conference with administration, parent conference. Failure to turn over the
device to a staff member may result in additional consequences.

Policy 5516: Use of Electronic Communication & Recording Devices (ECRD)

The Board of Education believes students and/or school staff members should not be subject to
having a video or audio recording taken of any student(s) or school staff member(s) for any
purpose without the consent of the student, the student’s parent, and/or the school staff member.

In addition to protecting the privacy rights of students and school staff members, the Board
recognizes such recordings can be disruptive to the educational program. In addition,
inappropriate recordings of educational material, student assessment instruments, and/or student
assessment reviews can be used to compromise the integrity of the district’s educational program
or lead to academic dishonesty in the event such recordings are stored and/or transmitted to other
students. Therefore, the Board of Education adopts this Policy regarding student use of
electronic communication and recording devices.

“Electronic communication and recording device (ECRD)” includes any device with the
capability to audio or video record or is capable of receiving or transmitting any type of

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communication between persons, and any other device that allows a person to record and/or
transmit, on either a real time or delayed basis, sound, video, or still images, text, or other
information.
A student is not permitted to have turned on or use an ECRD on school grounds during the
school day or when the student is participating in a curricular or school-sponsored co-curricular
activity. A student’s personal ECRD may only be used on school grounds in an emergency
situation or before and after the school day or with the permission of a school staff member
supervising the student in a curricular or school-sponsored co-curricular activity. Any audio
and/or video recording by a student using their personal ECRD with permission of a school staff
member while participating in a curricular or school-sponsored activity where other students or
staff members are present shall require the permission for such recording from any other student
and their parent/guardian and/or staff members whose voice or image is to be recorded. This policy is
not intended to prohibit appropriate use of electronic devices for authorized or approved official
curricular or school-sponsored co-curricular activities such as yearbook photographs, staff
member/teacher-directed and approved activities, classroom presentations, athletic events, and
drama production filming.

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Standard Operating Procedures

Student ID Cards

School-issued student identification cards are a legal form of identification and often the main form of
identification for minors without a government-issued ID. Students may need to present their McNair
ID for standardized testing, to receive student admissions at cultural institutions (museums, theaters),
and to enter District buildings. While in the building, students should have their student IDs visible (on
a lanyard or ID case). Students should not cover or deface the photo portion of their student
Identification card.

When reporting to McNair for the first time, students will be called to take an ID picture. Cards will be
printed and a lanyard or strap will be provided. This usually happens during freshmen orientation or
the opening days of school.

Students without IDs will be issued a temporary ID at the security desk for $1. Students who need a
replacement ID should see Mr. Black in the 3rd Floor Library with a $3 replacement fee.

Bus Tickets

Bus ticket eligibility is determined solely by the Transportation Department at the District Central
Office based on a 2.5 mile distance from McNair. Bus tickets are distributed throughout the year (not
in one lump distribution). Unless a student changes addresses, they need only apply for bus tickets
one time. Bus tickets are distributed during Health and Physical Education periods, with students
signing for receipt of tickets. Applications will be given out on the first day of students' Health and
Physical Education class.

There is a delay in processing during the first distribution, tickets usually do not arrive until October.
Returning students should reserve tickets from their last distribution to cover this gap in the Fall.
Students should return their bus ticket application to Ms. Yuan in Room 118 as soon as
possible in September to apply for bus tickets:
https://www.jcboe.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1537406&type=d&pREC_ID=1667853

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Lockers

All students are assigned a personal locker and are provided with a school-issued Master lock to be
used for the purpose of securing their school locker each year. A student’s locker assignment and
location will change periodically during their time at McNair (e.g., freshman lockers are all on the
fourth floor), but they will retain the same lock for all four years.

All students will pay refundable deposits of $10 for their locks and

● those physical locks will act as students’ receipts

● students will be responsible for the care, maintenance, and safe-keeping of their locks while
their locker is unoccupied during summer break months and until graduation

● there will be a $10 replacement fee for lost or misplaced locks

● seniors will return the same issued lock prior to graduation and be refunded their $10 deposits

● non-issued locks will routinely be clipped off

● McNair Academic High School will not reimburse or pay for clipped locks

● lockers and McNair Academic locks will remain the sole property of McNair Academic High
School

Students are permitted to use their lockers during the following times:

● Before first class, between 8:10 a.m. – 8:35 a.m.

● Before and after Physical Education

● During their scheduled lunch period

● After the close of the school day

The following policies are in place to ensure safety and security for everyone at school:

● No sharing of lockers with other students

● No placing belongings in other students’ lockers

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● No sharing of locks and their combinations with other students

● No moving and/or switching of lockers with other students without prior approval.

● No permanent marks or decorations on the lockers

● No decorations that impede the use of the locker or adjacent lockers

● No leaving lockers open, locker doors ajar, or jamming the closing mechanism

● No leaving food, drinks, or other perishable items overnight (to prevent bugs and rodents)

Please note: In the continuing effort to ensure a safe and orderly environment for our students,
student searches may be conducted for prohibited objects/materials in the event that there is
reasonable suspicion. Student lockers remain the property of the school even when used by students
and student locker searches may be conducted. See JCPS Student Code of Conduct for more
details.

Lockers used for Physical Education (PE) classes and/or other athletic activities are located in the
basement locker rooms and are to be used for official school purposes only. All gym lockers must be
locked by the student using their own combination lock. The school will not be responsible for theft
from unlocked lockers. Clothing, books, and valuables are not to be stored in gym lockers after the
PE period (or athletic event) is finished. No locks are to remain on lockers past this period. No items
should be left on the floor of the PE locker rooms. Custodial staff will cut off any locks left on lockers
at the end of the school day.

Caring for Books and Materials

Students will be issued instructional materials appropriate to their courses by their classroom teacher
or department coordinator. Such materials include textbooks, calculators, use of laboratory
equipment, safety equipment, sports equipment, etc.

Students will carefully follow directions on signing materials out, understand the appropriate care and
handling of materials, and procedure for returning the materials. Students must protect and preserve
school-issued materials from moisture, damage from careless handling in backpacks and lockers,
loss and theft. Books should be covered. Tape should be attached to the cover, not the book itself.

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Brown bag cover how-to:
https://craftingagreenworld.com/articles/tutorial-brown-paper-bag-book-cover

If materials are lost or damaged, students will be responsible for replacement of a like item in the
same condition (for example, same model calculator, same edition of a textbook, hardcover novel not
paperback). Please consult your teacher before replacing items. Students may be withheld from
participation in activities or distribution of items (ex. Yearbook, diploma, etc) until all materials are
returned or replaced.

Lost and Found

A Lost and Found bin is in Room 113 in the Child Study Team Suite. Lost items can be brought to the
bin, and students looking for items should check the bin. Students can also notify the Main Office of
lost items so as to make an announcement.

As students are in multiple areas during the day, it is very easy to misplace or leave items behind.
And many items are common to students, therefore hard to reunite with their owners (water bottles,
PE bags, lunch bags, notebooks, pencil cases). For these reasons, please LABEL YOUR ITEMS!
Students should write their name, teacher, and classroom on notebooks; attach a key chain with their
name and email written on it to a gym bag zipper; write their name and email with Sharpie inside a
pencil case or lunch bag; attach a label on a phone case or create a lock screen with their name on a
cell; attach a label on the bottom of a water bottle or on a Chromebook; write their name on a jacket
or sweater tag. Doing any of these suggestions can go a long way to reuniting you with your lost
items!

Grab & Go Breakfasts

All students are offered “Grab and Go” breakfasts everyday at no cost to families. The cafeteria will
be open to students beginning at 7:30 a.m. for students arriving early to school, although students
may not go upstairs until 8:10 a.m. Breakfast may be eaten in the cafeteria or in a student’s first
period classroom, but all food must be eaten, discarded or put away by 8:45 am. “Grab and Go”
distribution sites will be announced, but are usually near the kitchen entrance in the Basement or on
the even-numbered side of the 1st Floor.

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Lunch Time Policies

Students will eat their lunches during one of two 45 minute lunch periods depending on a specific
day’s schedule. Lunch A is from 11:25 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. and Lunch B is from 12:20 p.m. – 1:05 p.m.

All students, except for freshmen, are permitted to go outside during their lunch period. Student
identification cards should be visible to exit and enter the building. Students who leave the building
during lunch will need to go through the security process to re-enter the building. Students have five
(5) minutes passing time after the end of lunch to report to class (12:10 – 12:15 p.m. and 1:05 - 1:10
p.m., respectively). It is the students’ responsibility to budget enough time to complete all required
lunchtime activities before the start of their after lunch class (e.g., the security process, use lockers,
restrooms, etc.). Students reporting to class after the late “bell” (12:15 p.m., 1:10 p.m.) will be issued
a lateness by their classroom teacher which will result in a detention.

Students should keep in mind the following lunchtime guidelines which are to be followed at all times:

1. Eating is not permitted in the following areas:

● Main entrance vestibule of the building

● Hallways

● Basement locker rooms

● Second and Third Floor Library Media Center

● Lavatories

● Classrooms (without teacher permission)

● Gymnatorium

2. Students may eat in classrooms under the direct supervision of a teacher and with an
assurance that no glass bottles will be used and that garbage will be placed in the receptacle.

3. Students may purchase lunch in the cafeteria or bring lunch from home to eat in the cafeteria.

4. The throwing of food, papers, etc. is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action
including exclusion from eating in the cafeteria and possible detention/suspension, depending
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on the situation.
5. Each student is responsible for cleaning his or her eating area before leaving the area.
6. Food Delivery inside the school is prohibited.

Some students may qualify for free or reduced-price lunches from the school cafeteria. To confirm
eligibility students must fill out the lunch application in September at https://myschoolapps.com. Free
or reduced-price lunch participation levels are important to the school and the student. McNair’s
ability to participate in Title 1 programs and other grants is based on the percentage of our student
body who qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch. Many fee-waivers for standardized tests (such as
the SAT or ACT), college applications, and other student programs are also based on a student
qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

Supervised Use of Facilities

Students must be supervised to use school facilities at all times before, during, and after school. This
includes classrooms, weight room, cafeteria, etc. Students should not be in a room without a teacher
or staff member present.

Library Media Center

The Library Media Center is open for student use from 8:10 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., during student lunch
periods, and on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during National Honor Society tutoring.

Any students visiting the library must have an school-issued ID visible on their person and must sign
the library log. Students who visit the library during class periods need a pass from their teacher.

Students may print from the library, following the posted printing policies.

Students may supplement McNair Academic’s educational resources with the freely available
resources offered by the Jersey City Public Library system. Students can sign up for a free JCPL card
with their student ID and proof of address using this website: https://www.jclibrary.org/library-card.

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The nearest JCPL branch is the Pavonia Branch located directly across the street from McNair
Academic on and it is an excellent resource and quiet study space for students. Operating hours and
contact information are as follows:

Pavonia Branch Library Monday: 12:30PM - 8:00PM
326 Eighth St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 Tuesday: 10:30AM - 6:00PM
Phone: (201) 547 - 4808 Wednesday: 10:30AM - 6:00PM
Thursday: 10:30AM - 6:00PM
Friday: 9:30AM - 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:30AM - 5:00PM
Sunday: CLOSED

Students can request books and materials for delivery to the Pavonia Branch using
https://www.jclibrary.org/mylibroweb and can access ebooks and movies and high-quality academic
databases using https://www.jclibrary.org/databases. College Readiness Help and 24/7 Live Tutoring
Resources are available using https://www.jclibrary.org/college-readiness.

If a library card becomes lost, stolen or misplaced, patrons will not be charged a fee for replacement
library cards. Students can check theirJCPL account status online
(https://jepl.sirsi.net/uhtbin/cgisirsi/x/x/0/29/1167/X/1), call the library, or stop in the Pavonia Branch to
talk with a staff member. Please be sure to bring your photo ID or library card.

If a student needs help with lost materials, or is otherwise hesitant regarding their library status,
please email Ms. Smith, [email protected] or visit Room 203 and she can help advocate for
restoring your library access.

Assemblies / Special Programs

Assemblies provide opportunities to share talent, create cultural awareness, nurture school spirit and
expand upon the classroom learning experience. Assemblies generally take place in the
Gymnatorium. It is important to be a respectful audience and to respond in an appropriate manner.
Attending assemblies is a privilege, not a right. Any students who do not meet the standards of
behavior will be removed from the assembly and will receive disciplinary consequences.

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