MCTS Student Handbook
2025-2026
Shared-Time, Culinary Arts Academy, & STEM Academy
129 Bull Run Road
Pennington, NJ 08534
609-737-9784
Shared-Time & Health Science Academy
1085 Old Trenton Road
Trenton, NJ 08690
609-586-5144
Mercer County Community College
1200 Old Trenton Road
Trenton, NJ 08690
609-570-3400
CREDIT SHEET • MERCER COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS 7
Replacing Lost & Damaged Devices 11
LOSS OF SCHOOL-OWNED PROPERTY 12
STUDENT DUE PROCESS/APPEALS 13
SCHOOL CLOSING/EMERGENCY CLOSING 15
STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE 16
HEALTH SCIENCE ACADEMY DRESS CODE 18
CULINARY ARTS ACADEMY DRESS CODE 19
ILLEGAL DRUGS, NARCOTICS, ALCOHOL, AND CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES 19
INTERROGATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS OF SEARCH AND SEIZURE 22
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING (HIB) 23
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP) 23
ADMINISTERING OF MEDICATION 26
TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS 27
STUDENT DUE PROCESS/APPEALS 27
(PTSA) PARENT TEACHER STUDENT ASSOCIATION 29
SCHOOL CALENDAR (12-MONTH) 2025-2026 33
Dear Student:
Welcome to Mercer County Technical Schools! Our goal is to provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to advance into the field of your interest upon graduation. Students will have the opportunity to acquire college credits while enrolled in many of our high school technology programs. We sincerely hope that the program you chose will more than meet your expectations.
The Centers and Academies are operated by the Mercer County Technical Schools’ Board of Education. For shared-time students, the Centers should be thought of as an extension of your local high school. Our programs have a student-centered and project-based focus. You will be expected to complete related math, science, and literacy, as well as shop requirements. Full-time academies include core subjects, a rigorous course of study, and field experiences. In addition to academic requirements and to achieve the full experience at MCTS, students are expected to adhere to district attendance requirements.
This handbook describes the services and activities found at our schools and provides the guidelines and regulations that are in place. It is strongly recommended that you carefully review and become familiar with the contents. Your knowledge of its contents will help you to become a valuable member of our school community and contribute to your success.
Sincerely,
Mercer County Technical Schools Administration
New Student Information
https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/new-students
Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.mcts.edu/schools/faq
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As of 08/27/2025
First Name | Last Name | Job Title | Location |
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION | |||
Matthew | Carey | Superintendent (Shared) | Assunpink |
Anisah | Coppin | School Business Administrator | District |
Charles | Powell | Assistant Superintendent | Assunpink |
Nisha | Goyal | Assistant School Business Administrator | District |
Ryan | Haimer | Director of Special Services (Shared) | Assunpink |
Troy | Long | Director of CTE & Grants Administration | Assunpink |
Michael | Orfe | Director of Pupil Services | Sypek |
Amanda | Gregorek | STEM Supervisor | Assunpink |
Brendan | O'Gibney | Humanities/ESL Supervisor | Sypek |
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION | |||
Jared | Warren | Principal | Sypek |
Susan | Conrad | Assistant Principal | Sypek |
Phillip | Crisostomo | Principal | Assunpink |
Eric | Finnegan | Assistant Principal | Assunpink |
TEACHERS | |||
Barkha | Agrawal | PLTW Teacher | Assunpink |
John | Baldino | Health/PE Teacher | Assunpink |
Wayne | Bender | Criminalistics Teacher | Assunpink |
Denver | Bird | Carpentry Teacher | Assunpink |
Edward | Birdsall | Horticulture and Turf Management Teacher | Sypek |
Carolyn | Brenner-Perlman | Graphic Arts Teacher | Sypek |
Christine | Cardinale | Cosmetology Teacher | Sypek |
Janet | Cash | Cosmetology Teacher | Sypek |
Samuel | Chilkotowsky | Computer Game Programming Teacher | Assunpink |
Michael | Cramer | Automotive Technology Teacher | Sypek |
Javier | Cortez | JROTC Teacher | Sypek |
Danielle | DiGravio | STEM Teacher | Sypek |
Kerry | Disbrow | Environmental Sustainability Teacher | Sypek |
John | Dorsi | Social Studies Teacher | Sypek |
Scott | Engle | Culinary Arts Teacher | Sypek |
Juana | Fernandez | Spanish Teacher | Sypek |
Trevor | Geisz | HVAC Teacher | Assunpink |
Corrina | Green | Health/PE Teacher | Sypek |
Rachel | Hendrickson | English Teacher | Assunpink |
Yvette | Hernandez | English Teacher | Sypek |
Wayne | Hummel | Social Studies Teacher | District |
Christina | Jackyra | English Teacher | Sypek |
Dakota | Jaworsky | English Teacher | Sypek |
Patrick | Jones | Special Education Teacher | Sypek |
Diane | Kanellis | Chemistry Teacher | District |
Sami | Khayyat | Physics Teacher | District |
Bong | Kim | Math Teacher | Sypek |
Adam | Kovitz | Engineering Tech Teacher | Sypek |
Jana | Kupec | Special Education Teacher | Assunpink |
William | Lewis | English Teacher | Assunpink |
Elise | Lybrand | Health Occupations Teacher | Assunpink |
Amanda | McCobb | Social Studies Teacher | Assunpink |
Dylan | McKinney | Auto Collision Teacher | Sypek |
Dana | Nicholas-Mattia | Special Education Teacher | Sypek |
William | Park | Automotive Technology Teacher | Sypek |
Rory | Philipson | Culinary Arts Teacher | Sypek |
Joseph | Ragusa | Biological Science Teacher | Sypek |
Leonardo | Ramos | JROTC Teacher | Sypek |
Samuel | Schools | Welding Teacher | Assunpink |
Lester | Schriber | Health/PE Teacher | Sypek |
Patrick | Schroeder | Diesel Technology Teacher | Assunpink |
Frederick | Scruggs | Electrical Teacher | Assunpink |
Erik | Silverman | Culinary Arts Teacher | Sypek |
Julie | Trauger | Spanish Teacher | Assunpink |
Christoper | Voitsberger | Culinary Arts Teacher | Sypek |
Valerie | Wallace | Math Teacher | Assunpink |
Shuya | Wang | ESL Teacher | Sypek |
Jessica | Warshauer | Math Teacher | Sypek |
Joseph | Washington | Social Studies Teacher | Sypek |
Dana | West | Allied Health Teacher | Assunpink |
Samantha | Wheeler | Math Teacher | Assunpink |
SCHOOL NURSES | |||
Gina | Feeney | Nurse | Sypek |
Patricia | Foltiny | Nurse | Assunpink |
COORDINATORS | |||
Zully | Almonte | Social Worker | Sypek |
Marcia | Calle | Social Worker | Assunpink |
Megan | Ferdetta | College & Career School Counselor | District |
George | Gent | WBL/CIE Coordinator | Assunpink |
Catherine | Kloss | School Psychologist | District |
David | Nash | WBL/CIE Coordinator | Sypek |
Lance | Simek | Social Worker | Sypek |
Gabriella | Stinger | School Counselor | Assunpink |
Dana | Tanzini | School Counselor | Sypek |
TEACHER ASSISTANTS | |||
James | Bryde | Teacher Assistant | Sypek |
Anna | Clark | Teacher Assistant | Assunpink |
Barbara | Dunn | Teacher Assistant | Sypek |
Andrea | Gormerley | Teacher Assistant | Assunpink |
Brita | Halder | Teacher Assistant | Assunpink |
Nadia | Khaliq | Teacher Assistant | Assunpink |
Adriana | Penna | Teacher Assistant | Sypek |
Tasha | Reed | Teacher Assistant | Assunpink |
Milton | Sarmiento | Teacher Assistant | Sypek |
Olga | Schmid | Teacher Assistant | Sypek |
Xavier | Shuda | Teacher Assistant | Sypek |
SECRETARIES | |||
Main Office Secretary | Assunpink | ||
Lucille | Cavanaugh | Admissions Secretary | Sypek |
Sylvia | Correa | Principal’s Secretary | Sypek |
Jennifer | Hardwick | Guidance Secretary | Sypek |
Kristin | Ricci | Main Office Secretary | Sypek |
Kim | Schreck | B&G and Special Education Secretary | Assunpink |
Barbara | Venanzi | Guidance Secretary | Assunpink |
Laura | Wurtzel | Principal’s Secretary | Assunpink |
CUSTODIAL/MAINTENANCE STAFF | |||
John | Allen | Maintenance Technician | Sypek |
Edward | Atkins | Custodian II | Sypek |
Daniel | Blazovic | Custodian II | Assunpink |
Ranceford | Byles | Custodian II | Assunpink |
Ruben | Casillas | Custodian I | Sypek |
Esaw | Coons | Custodian III | Sypek |
Christian | Feliciano | Custodian II | Assunpink |
Stephen | Harcher | Custodian I | Assunpink |
Zachary | Mazur | Custodian II | Sypek |
Joseph | Salzano | Custodian II | Sypek |
Josue | Reyes | Custodian II | Sypek |
Matthew | Stroud | Custodian II | Assunpink |
UNAFFILIATED STAFF | |||
Michelle | Baldwin | Human Resources Manager | Assunpink |
Zuleyka | Concepcion | Administrative Assistant to the School Business Administrator | District |
Jake | Corrigan | IT Technician | Assunpink |
Peter | Corrigan | IT Technician | Sypek |
Jose | Cruz | Manager of Buildings & Grounds | Assunpink |
Anthony | Giovannetti | Manager of Technology - (Shared) | District |
Matthew | Goldstein | Network Coordinator - (Shared) | District |
Maria | Evans | Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent | Assunpink |
Steve | Middleton | School Safety & Security Director - (Shared) | District |
Amy | Nemeth | Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent - (Shared) | District |
Barbara | Paskewicz | Accounts Payable Specialist | District |
Annmarie | Ricci | Payroll Coordinator - (Shared) | District |
Nick | Sakowski | Community Liaison - (Shared) | District |
As of 08/27/2025
County of Mercer
Hon. Dan Benson, County Executive
Board of County Commissioners
Hon. John A. Cimino, Vice Chair
Hon. Kristen L. McLaughlin, Commissioner
Hon. Samuel T. Frisby, Commissioner
Hon. Cathleen M. Lewis, Commissioner
Hon. Nina D. Melker, Commissioner
Hon. Terrance Stokes, Commissioner
Hon. Lucylle R.S. Walter, Commissioner
Board of Education of the Area Vocational Technical Schools of Mercer County
Mr. Michael Sabo, President
Mr. Johnnie E. Whittington, Vice President
Mr. Albert W. Pitman, Board Member
Ms. Tennille McCoy, Board Member
Ms. Barbara Panfili, Board Member
Mr. Jayson Maksymovich, Board Member
Dr. Daryl Minus-Vincent, Interim Executive County Superintendent of Schools
Ms. Anisah Coppin, Board Secretary
Mercer County Technical School District Administration
Mr. Matthew C. Carey, Superintendent
Dr. Charles Powell, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Ms. Anisah Coppin, School Business Administrator
Dr. Phillip L. Crisostomo, Principal Assunpink Center
Mr. Jared Warren, Principal Sypek Center
Ms. Susan Conrad, Assistant Principal Sypek Center
Mr. Eric Finnegan, Assistant Principal Assunpink Center
Mr. Michael Orfe, Director of Pupil Services
Mr. Ryan Haimer, Director of Special Services
Mercer County Technical Schools’ mission is to produce a community of inspired, compassionate learners who are knowledgeable, skilled, and possess the competencies that will prepare them for success in an ever-changing technological world. We provide our students with educational opportunities in preparing for careers in business and industry while emphasizing a culture of personal attention that focuses on the individual learner. Our goal is to foster a school climate that emphasizes the importance of the teaching-learning process and provides youth and adults the opportunities to maximize their potential, reflect, and offer solutions to challenges posed by society.
To fulfill this mission, the faculty and staff will:
It is the expectation of this school district that all pupils achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) at all grade levels.
In partnership with the educational, business, healthcare, industrial, cultural, and labor communities, the Mercer County Technical School district enables youth and adults to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for career success in the ever-changing technological world.
Policy 2110 DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT/PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION (M)
Adopted: 17 November 2009
Revised: 22 January 2013
Students are expected to have full knowledge of the Mercer County Technical Schools Board of Education Policy on Student Attendance which is pursuant to New Jersey Statutes Annotated Title 18A and Administrative Code, Chapter 6.
The Board of Education has an obligation to require that the students enrolled in this district be present in school in order that they may receive proper instruction. This policy is for the benefit of the students, their parents/guardians, and the community at large.
The Board of Education believes attendance is important in order to provide the student with the maximum opportunity for acquiring the necessary technical skills and other learning experiences appropriate to each technical program. Attendance has a direct effect on the accomplishments at the school as well as providing positive work habits necessary for securing future employment.
Students are expected to abide by the following:
For students arriving late, they must report to the main office or they will be reported absent.
Repeated lateness will result in disciplinary action according to the Code of Conduct.
Excused Lateness:
Excused Lateness with Official Documentation:
Appropriate documentation must be presented at the time of lateness. School staff will mark the appropriate excuse on the late pass to the teacher or mark it as unexcused.
Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the administration.
Lateness to class is a Level 1 offense; please see the code of conduct. https://bit.ly/cc-mcts
SPORTS & ACTIVITY FORM - EARLY DISMISSAL
Students, regardless of age, are expected to refrain from requesting permission to be excused from school to do something that can be completed outside of school hours. If it becomes necessary to leave school prior to dismissal time, the student must follow the procedure below in advance before the beginning of the class period:
The school main office must be notified immediately in writing by a parent/guardian of any change of address, phone number, or emergency contact information of the student, parent and/or guardian. The school will require proof of residency in order to approve the change of address. Families are also required to provide documentation to their child’s home school, following established protocol in the sending district. This is especially important to ensure that transportation is properly arranged. Students who move outside of the boundaries of Mercer County Technical Schools are required to withdraw and register in the district for which they live.
All academy students will be issued a device for them to use both at home and at school. Each device has an asset tag which will correlate to the student which the device is assigned to.
All devices in shared-time classrooms will be checked out to the teacher/corresponding shop. Those teachers must maintain a sign-out sheet and notify Technology when a device is missing.
If a device is found, it should be brought to the Main Office to determine who the device is checked out to. Do not assume that a device belongs to a student, even if they claim it is theirs. Technology will verify the student to whom the device is checked out.
If a student loses a device, they should notify a staff member, who will put in a help desk ticket with technology.
Students with a damaged device should notify a staff member, who will put in a help desk ticket with technology. If the issue with the device is not due to physical damage or misuse, the device will be fixed or replaced. If it is due to negligent physical damage or misuse, or the device was lost, the student will be responsible to pay for replacement per the Acceptable Use Policy, and an obligation letter will be sent from the Main Office to the family. For the 2025-2026 school year, Chromebook replacement cost is $300 per unit. Chromebook charger replacement cost is $30 per unit.
Regardless of adult status, MCTS is obligated to maintain contact with the parent/guardian of any student who has not completed the requirements for a high school diploma.
As a student of the Mercer County Technical Schools, you represent the school on campus as well as on field trips. Students are ambassadors of the school and need to conduct themselves properly. Field trips are an extension of the school environment; all school rules apply.
Instructors are available for such conferences between 2:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. each day by contacting the office. Arrangements must be made in advance for a parent-teacher conference. Visitors are required to sign in at the main office prior to the conference.
All loaned or issued school-owned property must be returned by the end of each school year or at a time designated by the instructor. Loss of such property may result in the withholding of grades, diplomas, and credits.
Students over 18 years of age, or parents/guardians of students under 18, have the right to inspect and review their permanent records by making the request to the Guidance Counselor or Administration.
School records to which students or parents/guardians have access consist of identification, family information, attendance, courses taken, grades and credits earned, health data, standardized test scores, achievement awards, and activities. Student records may also include behavioral infractions in the form of an Unsatisfactory Conduct Report (UCR).
Transportation arrangements are made through the home school district. Students must abide by the rules and regulations established by the home and technical schools. Permission to drive a vehicle to campus will be granted upon the following procedures:
Students should be aware that the use of a vehicle is a privilege and not a right. Excessive tardiness or failure to abide by posted driving and parking regulations will result in the loss of the student’s driving privilege.
All visitors must report to the Main Office. Visitors are not allowed in any classroom without the permission of the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Supervisor. Anyone who wishes to visit any campus must make arrangements for such a visit in advance by contacting the Main Office. Anyone visiting from non-instructional or curriculum-based programming must visit after 2:30 PM by appointment only.
A pupil grievance will be heard in the following manner:
1. A pupil should first make the grievance known to the staff member most closely involved or with a guidance counselor and both shall attempt to resolve the matter informally and directly;
2. A grievance not resolved at the first step must be reduced to a written statement in which the pupil sets forth the specific nature of the grievance, the facts that gave rise to it, the relief sought, and the reasons why that relief is appropriate;
3. The written grievance may be submitted to the Building Principal, the Superintendent, and the Board of Education, in that order and within a suitable period of time to be allowed at each level for the hearing of the grievance and the preparation of a response;
4. At each step beyond the first, the school authority hearing the grievance may summon the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a grievant who is not an adult. The grievant may summon the assistance of his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) at any step;
5. A pupil grievance that proceeds to the Board will be determined promptly and the Board will issue a decision in no more than ten calendar days. The pupil will be informed of the right to appeal a decision of the Board to the Commissioner of Education.
For appeals specifically regarding consequences given under the Code of Conduct, please refer to the code of conduct (section on due process appeal procedures): https://bit.ly/cc-mcts
Mercer County Technical Schools provides the opportunity for all students to have breakfast and lunch. Costs for breakfast and lunch are as follows:
Breakfast | Lunch | |
Free | FREE | FREE |
Reduced | FREE | FREE |
Paid | $1.75 | $3.35 |
Families that may be eligible can apply for free or reduced-price school meals. A new application must be submitted each year. Students found eligible will be provided with free or reduced-price meals through the end of the school year.
If your child was found eligible in the previous year, they will be eligible to continue receiving free or reduced meals for the first 30 days of school. Afterward, if a new application is not approved, they will be required to pay for each meal. If your child was not found eligible in the previous year, they must pay for their meals until their application is approved.
Students not eligible for free or reduced meals can set up an account through Payschools to view activity, meal balances, and to add money to an account: https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/food-services/payschools
If a student does not pay for their meal, the district shall contact the student’s parent to provide notice of the arrearage and shall provide the parent with a period of ten school days to pay the amount due. If the student’s parent has not made full payment by the end of the designated ten school day period, then the district shall again contact the student’s parent to provide notice of any action to be taken by the school district in response to the arrearage.
A parent who has received a second notice their child’s meal bill is in arrears and who has not made payment in full within one week from the date of the second notice may be requested to meet with the Principal or designee to discuss and resolve the matter.
A parent’s refusal to meet with the Principal or designee or take other steps to resolve the matter may be indicative of more serious issues in the family or household. However, when a parent’s routine failure to provide breakfast or lunch is reasonably suspected to be indicative of child neglect, the Principal or designee shall immediately report such suspicion to the Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection and Permanency as required in N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10. Such reporting shall not be delayed to accommodate a parent’s meeting with the Principal or designee.
https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/food-services/school-nutrition-program
Students can be assigned a locker by either the Main Office (Academy students) or by their shop teacher (CTE program students). Mercer County Technical Schools will maintain the combination and reserve the right to search lockers as needed (see Interrogations and Investigations of Search and Seizure).
Students will receive a new ID card at the beginning of each school year. They are expected to wear their ID on a lanyard throughout the day for identification. After the first replacement ID card each year, Replacement ID cards are $5.00.
Students are not allowed to solicit meal deliveries through any provider (i.e. GrubHub, Uber Eats) for any delivery during the school day. All deliveries will be sent back to the restaurant; when this is not an option, those deliveries will be confiscated and destroyed.
Mercer County Technical Schools’ shared-time programs operate two sessions and academies operate four 80-minute blocks.
Shared-Time Academy
AM Session: 8:00-10:30 a.m. Block 1: 8:00-9:20 a.m. Block 3: 11:48 a.m-1:08 p.m.
PM Session: 11:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Block 2: 9:22-10:42 a.m. Block 4: 1:10-2:30 p.m.
Emergency school closings will be determined by the Superintendent on the basis of safe conditions for the students and staff. All closing and delay information will be posted on the district website at www.mcts.edu. Calls, texts, and social media postings will also occur.
Students are encouraged to create student clubs under the direction of the building administration. Students are considered a part of their home school and as such can participate in the extra and co-curricular activities offered there. Mercer County Technical Schools will not sponsor any athletic programs or musical activities. A current list of clubs and activities can be found here: https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/clubs-activities
A Code of Conduct is signed by all students/parents/guardians at the start of each school year and kept on file in the student record. All students must be in compliance with the MCTS student Code of Conduct at all times while in school or participating in school activities. Please see the Code of Conduct: https://bit.ly/cc-mcts
THINK BEFORE YOU ACT! Each shop and classroom contains hazardous areas and equipment. We will not tolerate actions that will endanger the safety of students or teachers. Individual teachers will handle their own student discipline. If and when the situation becomes a serious matter, the offender will be referred to the Assistant Principal or Principal for appropriate action. In the event of a suspension, a parent/guardian conference may be arranged before re-entry.
Cameras and audio video recordings from any electronic communication recording device (ECRD) that can record or transmit sound, video, or still images are prohibited on school grounds at all times. The proliferation of cameras and other ECRD has created incidents of cheating, taking inappropriate photos, drug dealing, bullying, invasion of privacy, compromising confidentiality, reputation attacks, and harassment between students. A camera or other ECRD may only be used on school grounds with permission of a school staff member supervising a curricular or school-sponsored co-curricular activity or for authorized or approved official curricular or school-sponsored co-curricular activities such as yearbook, staff or teacher-directed activities, and classroom presentations/projects.
Students who violate the procedures for recording and transmitting will have their camera or other ECRD confiscated and it will be returned only to a parent/guardian. Please see the code of conduct rubric: https://bit.ly/cc-mcts
It is expected that all students of the Mercer County Technical Schools will use good judgment in the selection of personal clothing that is neat, and clean and will not be offensive in either taste or modesty. Safety requirements of specialized instruction are prime factors that must also be considered; therefore, recommendations are in keeping with comfort, appearance and propriety.
For all specific shop dress codes, please see your instructor and/or visit the link below.
https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/new-students
Please see the next three (3) pages for the HSA, STEM, & Culinary Academy's dress codes.
Uniforms | Acceptable |
Name Badges | Should be worn on a lanyard or clipped on a shirt. |
Shirts & Pants |
|
Outerwear |
|
Shoes |
|
Jewelry |
|
Physical Education Uniform |
Note: Canvas top (i.e. Converse, Chuck Taylor), Vans style shoes, slides, flip flops, crocks, or rubber slip-ons are not permitted. Also, short shorts, yoga pants, crop tops, sleeveless shirts, tight-fitting/ revealing clothes will not be allowed for safety, sanitary, and discretionary reasons. |
Violations will be addressed per the MCTS Student Code of Conduct
Uniforms | Acceptable |
Pants | School Issued |
Shirts | School Issued |
Athletic Apparel (Physical Education purposes ONLY) | Students have the option to wear appropriate athletic clothing and sneakers |
Uniforms | Acceptable |
Pants | School Issued |
Shirts | School Issued |
Athletic Apparel (Physical Education purposes ONLY) | Students have the option to wear appropriate athletic clothing and sneakers |
In order to ensure that such cooperation continues, the Board directs the Chief School Administrator to serve as the school district’s liaison to law enforcement agencies. The roles and responsibilities of the school district liaison shall be made a part of the Memorandum of Agreement between the school district, the Hamilton Township and Hopewell Township law enforcement agencies.
A. VIOLATIONS RELATED TO SCHOOL
1. CONSUMING, POSSESSING OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS, NARCOTICS, ALCOHOL AND/OR CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES.
a. Any professional staff member to whom it appears that a student may be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs on school property or at a school function shall report the matter as soon as possible to the Principal or his/her designee.
b. The Principal or his/her designee shall immediately notify the parent or guardian and the Chief School Administrator and arrange for an immediate examination of the student. The examination may be performed by a physician selected by the parent or guardian or by the medical inspector of the sending district. If the chosen physician is not immediately available, the examination shall be conducted by the medical inspector of the sending district or, if the medical inspector of the sending district is not available, the student shall be accompanied by a member of the school staff, designated by the Principal, to the emergency room of the nearest hospital for examination. If available, a parent or guardian should also accompany the student. If the student is in possession of alcohol, illegal drugs or steroids or prescription pills (which must be signed in to the Nurse if required by physician for a student), law enforcement will be notified.
c. If, at the request of the parent or legal guardian, the medical examination is conducted by a physician other than the medical inspector, such an examination shall not be at the expense of the district board of education.
d. A written report of the medical examination shall be furnished to the parent or guardian of the student, the Principal, and the Chief School Administrator by the examining physician within 24 hours.
e. If the written report of the medical examination is not submitted to the parent or guardian, Principal and Chief School Administrator within 24 hours, the student shall be allowed to return to school until such time as a positive diagnosis of alcohol or other drug use is received.
f. If there is a positive diagnosis from the medical examination indicating that the student is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the student shall be suspended from school for a period of up to ten (10) days and/or in accordance with the sending district. Attendance at school shall not be resumed until a written report has been submitted to the Principal and Chief School Administrator from a physician who has examined the student to diagnose alcohol or other drug use. The report shall certify that a substance no longer interferes with the student’s physical and mental ability to perform in school. In addition, the staff member shall complete the Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse Incident Report.
g. Refusal or failure by a parent to comply with the provisions of N.J.S.A.18A:40A–12 shall be deemed a violation of the compulsory education (N.J.S.A. 18A:38–25 and 18A:38–31) and/or child neglect (N.J.S.A. 9:6–1 et seq.) laws.
h. While the student is at home because of the medical examination or after his or her return to school, the school may require additional evaluation for the purpose of determining the extent of the student’s alcohol or other drug use and its effect on his or her school performance.
2. INSTANCES INVOLVING ANABOLIC STEROIDS
a. Whenever any teaching staff member, School Nurse or other educational personnel shall have reason to believe that a student has used or may be using anabolic steroids, that teaching staff member, School Nurse or other educational personnel shall report the matter as soon as possible to the Principal or, in his/her absence, to his or her designee.
b. The Principal or his/her designee shall immediately notify the parent or guardian and the Superintendent of Schools and shall arrange for an examination of the student by a doctor selected by the parent or guardian, the sending district’s, designated physician, or the emergency room. The student shall be examined immediately for the purpose of diagnosing whether or not the student has been using anabolic steroids.
c. A written report of that examination shall be furnished by the examining physician to the parent or guardian of the student and to the Superintendent of Schools.
d. If it is determined that the student has been using anabolic steroids, the student should be referred to his/her sending school district’s substance awareness coordinator.
3. ANY STAFF MEMBER WHO REPORTS A STUDENT TO THE PRINCIPAL OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF N.J.A.C. 6:29–6.5 SHALL NOT BE LIABLE IN CIVIL DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF MAKING SUCH A REPORT AS SPECIFIED IN N.J.S.A. 18A:40A–13 AND N.J.S.A. 18A:40A–14.
B. VIOLATIONS NOT RELATED TO SCHOOL
1. A student apprehended for the abuse of illegal drugs, narcotics, alcohol and/or controlled dangerous substances while off the grounds and before or after school hours will normally be permitted to continue attending classes pending disposition of his/her case in court.
2. The law enforcement authorities shall be requested to notify school officials of the nature of the charges and of the disposition. The Principal shall have responsibility for follow-up on the disposition of the criminal charges. The district reserves the right to take appropriate action following disposition of the criminal charges, consistent with the educational needs of the student and the district as a whole.
C. SELLING OR PROVIDING OTHERS WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS, NARCOTICS, ALCOHOL AND/OR CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES
1. The Principal/Supervisor shall follow all of the procedures as outlined in the Board’s “Agreement between Education and Law Enforcement Agencies.” This agreement has been established with the Hamilton Township Police Department.
D. NON-STUDENT VIOLATION
1. Any non–student in a school building or on school property who is found possessing, selling, consuming or under the influence of illegal drugs, narcotics, alcohol, and/or controlled dangerous substances at any time shall be reported to the Principal and/or designee who shall immediately report the incident to the law enforcement authorities and to the Superintendent.
E. ANNUAL REVIEW AND AVAILABILITY
1. Policies and procedures designed to control illegal drugs, narcotics, alcohol, and controlled dangerous substances shall be reviewed annually by both internal and external community groups such as the safety committee, the general advisory committee, and the parents’ association.
2. Procedures for illegal drugs, narcotics, alcohol, and controlled dangerous substances shall be published annually in both the staff manual and the student handbook.
F. IN-SERVICE TRAINING
1. The Chief School Administrator will ensure that all district employees receive annual in-service training to make them aware of their responsibilities in accordance with Board policies and N.J.A.C. 6:3–6.3 et. seq.
G. REPORTING PROCEDURES
1. In all instances involving illegal drugs, narcotics, alcohol, controlled dangerous substances, and confirmed Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying incidents, a Student Safety Data Sheet Report form and HIB Form 338 as prescribed by the Department of Education shall be completed.
Interrogations, investigations, search and seizure, and locker searches will follow due process procedures handled according to Board of Education policies 5145.11 and 5145.12. This information is available and on file in the Principal’s office for review.
When a school official has reasonable grounds to believe that students possess evidence (pursuant to N.J. Statutes 18A/36–19.2) of illegal activity or of an activity that would interfere with school discipline and order, the school official has the right to conduct a reasonable search for such evidence.
Unless you are experiencing a crisis or personal emergency, all visits to the School Counselor and Social Worker must be scheduled in advance. Passes will be given to students with scheduled appointments. In order to ensure the best possible service to our students, the following procedures must be followed:
During Instructional Time
Between Passing Bells
The sending school will continue to be the chief resource for career guidance and counseling for Shared-Time students. In cooperating with home school counselors and child study teams, program placement and follow-up of student’s progress are monitored so that effective articulation exists between the technical school and home school and/or parent/guardian. Individual and group counseling sessions are also conducted in order to assist students with their personal, educational, and career development needs.
College and Career counseling is available for full-time students, and is provided by Mrs. Ferdetta; mferdetta@mcts.edu. https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/college
Establishing, implementing, documenting, and evaluating a bullying prevention program or approaches, and other activities involving school personnel, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, law enforcement, and the community, is the responsibility of Mercer County Technical Schools. These policies and programs will be supported throughout our district in an effort to eliminate harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
If a parent, student, or member of staff suspects bullying has taken place, they should notify the school's principal, assistant principal, and/or District/School Anti-Bullying Specialist immediately. They can also report the incident through STOPit (see below).
Any gesture, written, verbal, physical or electronic communication, act, or incident perceived as HIB on or off school grounds that disrupts the operation of the school or the rights of others will warrant action. Consequences will include appropriate remedial steps for pupils who commit an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying beginning with behavior intervention sessions up to and including suspension or expulsion as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15b(1). https://www.mcts.edu/schools/hib
Mercer County Technical Schools uses STOPit, an online anonymous reporting system that is designed to deter bullying, discrimination and other inappropriate or unsafe behaviors. Students and families can use STOPit to:
Students and family members have the power to help put an end to harmful and inappropriate behavior they see online through social media and other means. Students can use STOPit to reach out for help if they or a peer are facing a personal crisis or experiencing bullying, abuse, or are in need of mental health support. STOPit can be used to report bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination, harassment, violence, threats, weapons, alcohol or drug related issues, mental health struggles like suicidal ideations, or any other concerns.
https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/stopit-reporting
The AUP protects students, staff and school districts from unsafe materials as well as from potential fraud and data theft. The adopted Mercer County Technical Schools’ AUP for staff and students will be provided and explained to each student.
The Mercer County Technical Schools’ AUP is in compliance with the following:
The AUP form must be signed by the parent/guardian and student and will be kept on file. An unsatisfactory conduct report will be filed for students accessing sites that are deemed inappropriate.
The district recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly evolving and may offer valuable learning opportunities. However, their use within the educational setting requires clear guidelines to ensure academic integrity and promote genuine learning.
The purpose of assignments is to assess student understanding and promote learning. AI tools may be used in the following ways:
When submitting AI-generated work, such content must be cited using MLA, APA, or Chicago-style formatting.
It is essential to understand that teachers may allow the limited use of generative AI on entire assignments or part of assignments for educational purposes on a case-by-case basis, considering their appropriateness for each educational context, accuracy, reliability, and alignment with curriculum standards.
The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited for students to accomplish the following:
Using AI to circumvent this process undermines educational goals, compromises academic integrity, and is tantamount to cheating. Students who have used AI tools in prohibited ways, as outlined above, will face progressive disciplinary consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and board policy, which may include failing grades, suspension, and other sanctions.
This program is designed to further prepare students for the “world of work” by placing them in an actual job situation. Qualified students secure a job approved by the C.I.E. Coordinator who then becomes responsible for their supervision. Students are placed only in situations that will enhance their education in the area in which they have received training. In addition to being paid by the employer, the student continues to earn credits toward graduation. A “qualified student” is one who has exhibited by the student performance, effort, attitude, and attendance that the student will represent the school well. Linkages to apprenticeships are arranged in occupational areas where applicable.
Failure to comply with the rules and regulations of the C.I.E. program, or failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct, can result in removal from the Work-Based Learning program.
For any questions, please see David Nash for Sypek or George Gent for Assunpink. https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/wbl
Grades earned at Mercer County Technical Schools will appear on the regular report card issued by the home school. Credits toward graduation for coursework will be determined and granted by the home school.
Since it is not possible to duplicate course/clinical experiences when a student is absent, excessive and unexpected absenteeism affects a student’s performance and will be reflected in the student’s grade.
In addition to the above, Grade Reports will be issued to the parent/guardian, which will include the achievement record and comments on theory, performance, attendance, and work ethic. Any student who withdraws during the school year or who does not achieve a minimum passing grade of “D” and 18 unexcused absences or more will not be eligible for credit. If a student receives an “F” for the school year, he/she will not be eligible for a certificate or, if a junior, not return for a senior year of study.
Parents of students with excused absences over ten (10) days due to medical reasons must contact the school as soon as possible. Upon providing the appropriate medical documentation, home instruction may be provided once such documentation is verified.
To find the grading rubric, please visit: https://bit.ly/mcts_grading
Based on MCTS Policy 5701, students caught cheating will be referred to the Principal and Assistant Principal's office for possible disciplinary action. Students will be provided due process for an alleged academic integrity violation. Whenever a student is given an assignment where information must be copied, credit to the source or author must be given. Copying without due credit is plagiarism, which in addition to being a disciplinary offense, will affect the grade considerably.
The inappropriate use of artificial intelligence may be considered as cheating and/or plagiarism. Please refer to the Artificial Intelligence section for more information.
In addition, for students completing Mercer County Community College courses, please review the MCCC Academic Integrity Policy at www.mccc.edu/academic_policies_integrity.shtml.
An Interim Report, issued at the mid-marking period, will be used at any time to inform parents/guardians of student progress. Interim Reports can be viewed on PowerSchool and may be mailed home upon request.
The Board and/or school district personnel shall not be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of student illness. It is the District’s Policy to ensure that the dispensing of medication and self-administration of medication should follow safe and proper standards in the school setting.
In order for a student to take prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) medications during the school day, the procedures are as follows:
These orders are kept on file in the office of the School Nurse.
Students will be issued textbooks and other instructional materials for class. Textbooks and instructional materials have been selected to meet the appropriate individual needs of students. Student records such as report cards could be held until all fines are paid or materials are returned.
All visitors must report to the Main Office. Visitors are not allowed in any classroom without the permission of the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Supervisor. Anyone who wishes to visit any campus must make arrangements for such a visit in advance by contacting the Main Office. Anyone visiting from non-instructional or curriculum-based programming must visit after 2:30 PM by appointment only.
Students enrolled in Mercer County Community College courses have full use of the College Library. Students enrolled in the Health Science Academy, Culinary Arts Academy, and STEM Academy will be issued “student cards” through the Mercer County Library System. https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/library
A pupil grievance will be heard in the following manner:
1. A pupil should first make the grievance known to the staff member most closely involved or with a guidance counselor and both shall attempt to resolve the matter informally and directly;
2. A grievance not resolved at the first step must be reduced to a written statement in which the pupil sets forth the specific nature of the grievance, the facts that gave rise to it, the relief sought, and the reasons why that relief is appropriate;
3. The written grievance may be submitted to the Building Principal, the Superintendent, and the Board of Education, in that order and within a suitable period of time to be allowed at each level for the hearing of the grievance and the preparation of a response;
4. At each step beyond the first, the school authority hearing the grievance may summon the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a grievant who is not an adult. The grievant may summon the assistance of his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) at any step;
5. A pupil grievance that proceeds to the Board will be determined promptly and the Board will issue a decision in no more than ten calendar days. The pupil will be informed of the right to appeal a decision of the Board to the Commissioner of Education.
For appeals specifically regarding consequences given under the Code of Conduct, please refer to the code of conduct (section on due process appeal procedures): https://bit.ly/cc-mcts
Students enrolled in courses at institutions outside of Mercer County Technical Schools must adhere to their policies and procedures in addition to being in compliance with all applicable policies and procedures at Mercer County Technical Schools.
We are pleased to offer our students access to Tutor.com, a valuable online resource that provides personalized academic support. This service is designed to help you succeed in your studies by offering on-demand tutoring and homework assistance across a wide range of subjects. Here’s how you can make the most of this resource
What is Tutor.com?
Tutor.com is an online tutoring platform that connects students with experienced tutors in real-time. Whether you need help with a specific question, understanding a complex concept, or preparing for an exam, Tutor.com provides a convenient and flexible way to get the support you need.
Key Features:
To start using Tutor.com, visit https://www.mcts.edu/students-families/tutor-com and select “Tutor.com Portal.” Follow the instructions to log in or sign up. If you encounter any issues or need additional support, contact your school counselor.
We encourage all students to take advantage of this resource to support their academic goals and enhance their learning experience.
MCTS has a Parent Teacher Student Association that is very involved and works to further the interests of the school community. They hold multiple fundraisers throughout the year to help fund events for students. Parents and students are encouraged to get involved, and can sign up for a membership here:
https://mctsptsa.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true
English Version
Mercer County Technical Schools offers career and technical education programs in Career Technical Education. Admission to these programs is based on the standards outlined in our Admissions Policy. This policy is available on our website. It is the policy of Mercer County Technical Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Mercer County Technical Schools will take steps to ensure that a lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.
For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at morfe@mcts.edu, 609-737-9784 and/or the Section 504 Coordinator at ckloss@mcts.edu, 609-737-9784.
Versión en español
Mercer County Technical School ofrece programas de educación técnica y vocacional en programas diseñados para carreras técnicas. La admisión a estos programas se basa en nuestra policía académica, marcado en nuestro sitio web.
Es norma de Mercer County Technical School no discriminar en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
Es norma de Mercer County Technical School no discriminar en sus procedimientos de empleo por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, la ley de Discriminación por Edad, de 1975, según enmienda; y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
Mercer County Technical School tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.
Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos de quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título IX en morfe@mcts.edu, 609-737-9784, y/o el Coordinador de la Sección 504 en ckloss@mcts.edu, 609-737-9784.
On October 30, 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) published the following rules in the Federal Register: ASBESTOS-CONTAINING MATERIALS IN SCHOOLS; FINAL RULE AND NOTICE, commonly referred to as the AHERA regulation. The rule requires Local Education Agencies (ie., school boards) to inspect school buildings for the presence of Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACBM).
In our continuing effort to fully comply with the various asbestos regulations, the Mercer County Technical School District has been inspected by EPA-accredited inspectors and Management Plans have been prepared by EPA-accredited management planners. The Management Plans detail the findings and the measures the school system is taking to maintain a safe environment in which our staff and students may function.
The Management Plans are located at the Central Administration Board Office at the Assunpink Center. If you wish to review the Management Plan, please call (609) 586–5594 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to make an appointment.
Mercer County Technical Schools District does not discriminate in its educational or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin or handicap.
The Affirmative Action Officer is Mick Orfe, 129 Bull Run Rd., Pennington, NJ 08534, telephone number
(609) 737-9784. The Section 504 Officer of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Ryan Haimer, 1085 Old Trenton Road, Trenton, NJ, 08690, telephone (609) 586-5144.
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