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JAC 2023-24 Parent- Student Handbook as of 8-7-2023 (FINAL).docx
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James A. Cotten

 Intermediate School

Parent and Student Handbook

2023-2024

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/A3XwonvIGPI1ziCrvSJLeAGskI-Unq0M6QY6Z80hKUTdHVAsu5SPX81tq36s6FdC1pFHFy2Tjfk9XbCILknRCKNddPTI3Js7mmRP3jkbKH8rSjF-tJgqOwN-FLjWAt_ZOCRpNW8H-fozSW7XQkuf99E

Dr. Sonya Nock, Principal

Barbara Coleman, Assistant Principal

Dr. Dezoray Moore, Lead Educator 

 Devon Russaw, Dean of Students

 “Respect – Responsibility – Self Control. The PRIDE starts with Me!”

District Mission Statement: The mission of the Willingboro Public School District is to create a challenging learning environment that encourages high expectations for all students. The district will implement differentiated, standards-based instruction that allows for individual differences and learning styles. We will promote a safe and supportive environment, where each student’s self-esteem is fostered through positive relationships. In collaboration with parents and all stakeholders, the district endeavors to nurture and develop the greatness in every student. 

District Vision Statement: The Willingboro Public School District envisions a community of 21st-century thinkers and learners dedicated to academic excellence. Students will become lifelong learners and productive citizens who will be prepared to compete in a competitive, pluralistic, and ever-changing global society. 

District Purpose: District goals are established to ensure that a plan of action is created, monitored, and successfully implemented to fulfill our mission to provide all students with a quality educational experience that prepares them to be productive members of our ever-changing, global society.

Each year, the Willingboro Board of Education develops goals that govern various initiatives, community outreach, and student academic performance outcomes. Annual goals are approved by resolution and serve to provide the Superintendent of Schools with focused priorities. The Superintendent is responsible for demonstrating progress toward achieving the goal.                          

School Quote

“We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

School Purpose Statement

James Cotten Intermediate School welcomes all who enter - students, parents, staff, and community members - are working, learning, and celebrating together.  The climate is safe, serious, sensitive, and supportive. Everyone knows we are all responsible for helping each other overcome all barriers, which may impact teaching and learning. Each student's self-esteem is fostered by positive relationships with peers and staff.

We actively seek to understand the complex, and rich identities of self and others, and lean into difficult topics related to diversity and inclusion.  We equip every student with the knowledge, critical life skills, and strategies needed to reach educational excellence.  We are committed to what is best for all students. In everything we think, say, and do – student achievement will always be the focal point. 

School Affirmation:

You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think!

*The terms “Parent” and “Parental” throughout this publication also refers to legal guardians.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARENTS AS PARTNERS

Next to our students, our parents are the most important stakeholders in our school’s learning community. A positive link between home and school creates the best learning conditions for students. Below are some ways we ask parents to support us in helping their child be the best student they can be:

ATTENDANCE

“ATTENDANCE MATTERS AT COTTEN!!!!

Student attendance is vital to academic success at all grade levels. Students learn best if they are consistently present and on time for instruction. The New Jersey Compulsory Education Statute (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-28 through 31) requires all children between the ages of 6-16 to consistently attend school. Barring any medical/ emergency issues, students are expected to attend school daily, on time, and prepared with a desire to be successful learners. The New Jersey School Performance Report defines a chronically absent student as a student who is not present for 10% of the school year, for any reason.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

The Discipline Policy has been developed to encourage students to acquire positive and acceptable behavior skills.

The following suggestions are important to remember:

  1. Awareness by the entire school community (students, staff, and parents) about the school’s goals, objectives, rules, and procedures will be fostered.  Parents are asked to become active partners in assisting students with developing strong, and positive self-management behaviors.
  2. All school employees are responsible for monitoring the behavior and safety of all students.
  3. Classroom teachers have the primary responsibility for instructing students concerning expectations of behavior management.  Students must accept guidance from all adults working in a supervisory capacity (teachers, assistants, secretaries, custodians, lunch and transportation personnel, and parent volunteers).
  4. All staff members should actively engage in ways of recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviors that are exhibited by individual students throughout the school.
  5. Classroom teachers will establish a process for recognizing, rewarding, and reinforcing appropriate management behaviors.  Students will realize that they have control over their behavior and that choices will carry either positive or negative consequences.
  6. James A Cotten Intermediate School prohibits harassment based on gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability.  School personnel will be proactive in preventing the harassment, and will act quickly if an incident occurs.  Any concerns should be immediately reported to the school’s HIB Coordinator and/or school administrator.

The following tasks are deemed essential:

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: Please review, submit, or update the following:

 

IMPORTANT SCHOOL/DISTRICT PERSONNEL

James A Cotten's 2023-2024 PTA Participation Interest Link

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, & BULLYING (HIB)

The NJ Anti Bullying rights Act (ABR) defines harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) as any gesture, any written,   verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of   incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by an actual or perceived characteristic.

Knowing a problem exists is the first step to addressing it! All members of our school’s community including employees, pupils, parents or legal guardians,            volunteers, and visitors are obligated to immediately report allegations of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

· Allegations are directed to the HIB Coordinator to begin the process of investigating the concern.

· Incident reporting forms are available in the main office. We ask that incidents be reported in writing to clarify the details and to maintain an accurate record of            concerns being communicated.

· Reporting information is also available on the district’s webpage.

More information regarding the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Rights Act can be found at the following website:

http://www.state.nj.us/education/students/safety/behavior/hib/

James A Cotten’s HIB Coordinators can be reached at 609-835-8980:  

SCHOOL NURSE

Students who are ill or injured during the school day will be assessed and treated in the Nurse’s office. If it is necessary for your student to go home, a Parent/Guardian will be contacted. If the school is unable to contact you, the contacts listed on file will be contacted.

How do I know when my student is ill?

In order to achieve the goal of minimizing the spread of communicable disease at school the following criteria may be considered reasons to keep a child home from school:

The School Nurse can be reached at (609) 835-8930   x 4009

IMMUNIZATIONS

It is a violation of New Jersey’s compulsory school immunization law for any student to enroll in school without up-to-date records of immunization or proper record of exemption.  Please contact the nurse for current requirements.

MEDICATION POLICY

Students who require prescription medications during the school day must have an “Authorization for Medication” signed by their physician and parent on file in the nurse’s office.  Medications that are prescribed “three times a day” can be given before school, after school, and at bedtime.  Students who take over-the-counter medications must have a Parent Authorization form on file in the health room. ALL MEDICATIONS must be in the original pharmacy labeled container or the original over-the-counter container- baggies and unlabeled containers will not be accepted.  Parents must deliver medications to school and turn them in to the School Nurse, and no medications of any kind will be transported home by a student.  Students who use asthma inhalers may carry them on their person if there is written authorization from both the physician and parent on file in the Nurse’s Office. Otherwise, those medications must be kept in the Nurse’s office, and students may use them under the supervision of the nurse as prescribed by the physician.  Inhalers must also be labeled by the pharmacy.

EMERGENCY DISMISSAL

Emergency dismissal procedures will be used in the event of severe weather conditions or conditions which might occur that endanger the safety of students and /or employees. The decision to designate “emergency dismissal” will be announced via the news media. Please make necessary arrangements to educate your child with appropriate procedures should this situation occur. The Emergency Dismissal Form you completed as part of the registration process will be kept on file in the office.  Should any information change, please immediately notify the main office.  

Emergency evacuation (including fire and lockdown drills) and other safety procedures will be practiced at regular intervals.  PLEASE NOTE:  In the event of an emergency dismissal situation it is important that telephone lines be kept clear.  The school staff is prepared to deal with situations as they occur.

SCHOOL DISMISSAL MODE

The school is in Dismissal Mode between the hours of 2:20 – 2:40 p.m. on full days and 12:10-12:30 p.m. on reduced days.   To minimize interruption to students preparing to end the school day, and barring an emergency, students will only be released for early dismissals prior to 2:20 pm on full days and 12:10 p.m. on reduced days.

STUDENT DISMISSAL DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Families are encouraged to arrange doctors, dentists, and other appointments so that they do not interfere with the instructional day. If it is absolutely necessary for your child to be excused from class during school hours, please notify the teacher and the office in advance. Please do not request a child’s dismissal by telephone.  

For your child’s safety and protection, the parent is required to come into the office to sign the child out. Parents will be asked to show a photo ID when signing students out.  If a designee is sent to pick up a student, it is important to remember students will only be released to adults that are listed on file in their emergency contact. The designee will also be expected to present photo identification. If it becomes necessary for parents to go out of town, please notify the teacher and the office regarding procedures, emergency contact information, and names and telephone numbers of authorized parties.

Lastly, children are NOT allowed to walk home alone while school is in session.  

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are an extension of the curriculum and support concepts at each grade level.  It is the district’s policy that each student has a separate permission form signed by the parent for each field trip.  A signed permission form for the trip in question must be in the hands of the teacher before the student may embark on the trip.  The District’s permission form has been developed and approved by legal counsel.  Any alteration to its content or wording invalidates the form and may make it necessary to exclude the student from the trip.  A telephone call is not acceptable.  Please make sure the teacher and school nurse is aware of any medical needs prior to the trip.

**Students are expected to dress in accordance with the district’s dress policy unless otherwise specified.

Parents who volunteer to chaperone must be aware that field trips are learning experiences and that they must make every effort to follow directions and procedures as set forth by the teacher.

STUDENT CLASSWORK & HOMEWORK

Learning is not an activity that should be restricted to a six-hour day or the interior of the classroom. Homework should reinforce and extend the work in the classroom and benefit the student by such augmentation.  Student homework that is appropriately selected and planned can add greatly to the learning activity by providing support, directed study, enrichment experience, and individualization that is not possible in the classroom. To be effective, however, homework must be reasonable, limited, and purposeful.

There are many ways by which a teacher can calculate grades for their students using the framework of the district’s grading policy. At James A. Cotten we have determined there needs to be a clear and consistent format for teachers to follow within the framework of the district’s grading policy in order to appropriately provide students with enough opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency in a manner that is understood by all. It is important to note the following:

∙  Classwork consists of assignments that are completed while students are present in school. These tasks are designed to assist in the learning process and will only be scored/graded if the teacher is assessing skill acquisition. Participation, engagement, and effort to complete work in class will be measured by the teacher and communicated via Genesis.

∙  Homework is an opportunity for reinforcement of concepts being taught in the classroom. As with classwork, homework will be measured and communicated via Genesis.

DRESS CODE: (APPROPRIATE DRESS RULES - PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 8)

All pupils should recognize the need to dress appropriately for school. Clothing that appears to create an improper or disruptive influence on the educational environment will not be tolerated. The district designates the school uniform for students in Pre-K thru grade 8 as:

Boys:

Girls:

** Physical Education uniforms: Solid color navy blue sweat pants, sweat shirt or t-shirts.

The following dress rules will be in effect:

  1. No hats, head coverings, or sweatbands are to be worn. (Religious exceptions)
  2. No tank tops, halters, open-chest shirts, or tops that resemble underwear or are transparent will be tolerated.
  3. No long, oversized "T" shirts are to be worn.
  4. No blouses, sweaters, or shirts that are worn with a bare midriff will be permitted.
  5. Shorts/Skirts/Dresses must be finger-tip length, measured with arms, hands, and fingertips extended on the side of the body.
  6. Biker shorts/pants (spandex material) are not permitted.
  7. Pants must be worn with the waistbands at the waist. No drooping pants; trousers are to be properly worn at all times while in school.
  8. If you wear bib overalls, the straps must be buttoned at all times.
  9. Articles of clothing that may have indecent patches, pictures, slogans, or writing may not be worn.
  10. No tattered clothing or cut-offs will be permitted.
  11. No sandals or open-toed shoes will be permitted.
  12. Rings which are designed for more than one finger are not to be worn on school property.
  13. Heavy outerwear, overcoats

INFORMED CONSENT

There may be circumstances when it is necessary to release confidential information regarding a student.  State law requires that any suspicion or evidence of child abuse/neglect or knowledge of a minor engaging in dangerous or illegal behavior will be reported to the appropriate child protection agencies and /or legal authorities. Furthermore, if a student poses a serious danger to himself/herself or is a substantial danger to others, any individual (including school personnel) with knowledge, evidence, or suspicion of said danger, is required by law to intervene. The intervention may include informing family members, identified victims, and/or the proper authorities to provide for the safety of the student and others.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please keep the school office informed of your correct home and business addresses and current telephone numbers.  It is essential that this information be kept up to date so that you may be contacted in case of an emergency.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held two times during the school year.  Dismissal on these days will be a 12:30 pm. The teachers and administrators encourage and welcome parental classroom visitation and conferences by appointment. However, we ask that you do not attempt to discuss any personal matters while a faculty member is on playground, duty, or conducting a class.  Please make appointments for conferences and classroom visits through the school counselor or the teacher.

CAFETERIA SERVICES   (Director: 835-8600 x- 4027)

Questions regarding lunch accounts should be directed to the cafeteria manager at the school site, or the Food Service Director. Cafeteria menus are available online and in the school newsletter. Breakfasts will be provided to students as they arrive at 8:00 am.  

Families are encouraged to complete a lunch application as soon as possible so their qualified students can be approved and accommodated for the upcoming school year. Fill out the free & reduced lunch application using the following links:

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

  1. Students are expected to sit at their designated tables and follow the directions of supervising adults.
  2. Students are expected to use conversational voices. PLEASE NO SHOUTING.
  3. Students are expected to ask permission before leaving their seats for any reason.
  4. Students are expected to clear the table and seat before leaving.
  5. Students are expected to stand quietly in line with hands and feet to themselves
  6. Students should exit quietly when dismissed by the supervising adult
  7. No food or drinks are allowed outside at lunchtime.

RECESS

All students go outdoors to play at recess.  If it is necessary for your child to remain in the building for health reasons, a note to that effect is required.  In case of inclement weather or limited supervision, the school will use its discretion as to whether or not the children will go outside (or to an alternate location) for recess.

RECESS AREA EXPECTATIONS

  1. Students are expected to respect school and personal property.
  2. Students are expected to use school equipment appropriately.
  3. Students are expected to use appropriate and respectful language and actions.

PERSONAL PROPERTY/LOST AND FOUND

Please mark the clothing and any other articles that your child brings to school.  We especially recommend that his/her name be printed on all articles of clothing, lunch bags/boxes, and school supplies. We ask that students not bring cell phones (unless necessary), CD players, radios, skateboards, roller blades, toys, or collector’s items, etc., to school.  These items are easily lost, stolen, or traded which causes undue disruption. Items brought to school will be confiscated if visible or used during school hours.  

SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION (Director- Amber Monserotte: 835-8600 x-7509)

It is the policy of the Board of Education in accordance with New Jersey state law to provide transportation for elementary students who live more than two miles from the school within their attendance area.  Bus schedules and revisions will be established by the Director of Transportation in consultation with the principal and bus contractors involved. The Principal, or designee, is responsible for addressing student conduct while students are being transported to and from school on school buses. Violations of safe bus riding rules will be reported by the bus drivers to the Director of Transportation and/or principal.  

NOTE:  Students cannot communicate changes to their daily bus travel verbally. Parents must submit requests for daily/occasional transportation changes in writing to the main office, counselor, teacher, or school administrator. Parents must also contact the transportation department for permission if at any time they would like the child dropped off at a stop other than the regular stop.  Children will not be allowed to leave the bus at any other stop otherwise.

ONLY THOSE CHILDREN AUTHORIZED TO RIDE THE BUS WILL BE PERMITTED TO BOARD

COTTEN PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

Parents are invited and encouraged to join the PTA at James A. Cotten Intermediate School.  The PTA strives to develop united efforts between the school and the community to provide quality educational opportunities for all students.

Every student, parent/guardian, and/or staff member benefit from the PTA. The PTA contributes greatly to the success of the school.  It provides a way for parents/guardians and other caring adults to become involved and serves as a major communication link between parents, school staff, central office administrators, and the school board.

In addition, the PTA sponsors many student and family-centered events.    Membership dues are collected each school year and are used to support school activities and participation at the County, State, and National PTA levels.  An application for membership can be obtained from the office and returned to your child’s teacher.  All PTA meetings are open, and parents are encouraged to attend.

2022-2023 PTA President: Cynthia Edwards

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

It is necessary for a student to have written permission from parents to be excused from physical education activities due to health reasons. It is important that the school nurse be notified if your child needs to be excused from physical education.

Physical Education Uniform: Solid color navy blue sweat pants, Sweatshirt or t-shirt.

COUNSELING SERVICES

The counselor assists in instilling a sense of self-worth and self-esteem in our students. Guidance sessions center on problem-solving, decision-making, building positive relationships, and conflict resolution.

Parents will be notified when/if their children are selected to participate in small group counseling sessions.  Typical topics may include separation and divorce, grief counseling, and friendship issues.  The counselor meets with individual students on a short-term basis when necessary.

SECTION 504 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The Willingboro Public Schools affords certain rights to students with disabilities.  These rights are described in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  A student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning or working) may qualify as having a disability under Section 504.

Parents or staff members who feel that a student may be eligible for 504 services should notify the guidance counselor and request a 504 Conference to consider eligibility.  An eligible student will have an Accommodation plan developed based on his/her educational needs and upon the least restrictive environment necessary to meet those needs. The 504 Accommodation Plan provides reasonable accommodations and supplementary aids and services which will allow the student an equal opportunity to participate in school and school related activities.

Parents of eligible students have the right to participate in the 504 Conference.  Parents will receive written notification of the school’s decisions concerning the student’s identification, evaluation, or educational placement.

For additional information about disabilities and procedures under Section 504, please contact the school principal or guidance counselor.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

In order to grant transfers from Cotten, the office should be notified at least three days prior to the child’s last day of school.  Records of transferring students are released to receiving schools upon request from the receiving school.

VISITOR POLICY

Parents are always welcome to visit the school. It is the policy of the Willingboro Public School District to permit visitors to enter onto school property only if the visitor complies with the rules and regulations of the District, as well as, federal, state, and local laws. Conduct that disrupts the school and jeopardizes the safety of our school environment will not be tolerated. In accordance with the Willingboro Public School Visitor’s Policy #9150:

 

Visits to individual classrooms must be cleared through the Principal. Visitors may observe only in classrooms in which their own child is registered.  Children may visit only when accompanied by an adult.  In order to minimize the interruption of the instructional process and to maintain security, you will be asked to follow these guidelines when visiting James A. Cotten Intermediate School:

**JAC Parent Classroom Visitor Expectations as of 8-2-2023

VOLUNTEERS

It is our belief that parental involvement is vital to a child’s success in school.  Parents can be involved with the school on many levels, and we acknowledge the value of all types of participation.  There are many opportunities to volunteer during the school year.  These can range anywhere from sending in materials for projects or working regularly in the library.  A unified effort between parents and staff is the key to providing an atmosphere conducive to learning.  In order to accomplish this goal, we ask that you follow these guidelines:

Per the superintendent, if a volunteer participates in more than five school activities, then he or she must be fingerprinted as per policy 9180. 

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS & SUPPORTS

The PBIS Program is designed to encourage students to practice positive and responsible behaviors.  The theme of Cotten’s ROAR Student Behavior Program embodies a core set of values that we seek to instill in all of our students. These core values are embedded in the school’s code of conduct and will be posted throughout the school. Students receive points in recognition of making positive choices, with prizes awarded based on their efforts.  

FIRE DRILL/EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Every school must conduct one fire drill and one emergency/lockdown drill each month that school is in session. Summer drills will be conducted as outlined by the district. There are Students and staff will become familiar with evacuation drills, lockdown procedures, and/or any other drill deemed necessary by staff and administration.

Proper discipline must be maintained as students move away from the exits to a sufficient distance so that no student is within 75 feet of the building.  Teachers will take attendance when all students are out of the building.  During a fire drill, the entire class walks at a brisk and orderly pace, without pushing, and in a single file out of the classroom using the outer doors. Students who are in the nurse’s office should leave the building with the nurse or secretary.

AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

Children should return home before going to play.  Any alternate dismissal arrangements should be made clear to the students by parents before children come to school, or in writing to the school if it differs from the daily bus transportation assignment.  The use of the telephone at school for such arrangements is not always accessible, and students cannot use their cell phones during the school day.

SCHOOL LOCK DOWN MODE

In the event of an emergency or threat of an emergency, students will not be dismissed or released from school nor is anyone other than emergency personnel allowed to enter the building until clearance has been established by the administration.

STUDENTS ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL (Regular School Day)

STUDENTS ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL (Reduced Day)

*Please be reminded instructional staff do not arrive until 7:55 am. Supervision prior to 8:00 am is only provided for students enrolled in the Before School Program.

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Before/After School Program, sponsored by the Willingboro Board of Education, is designed to provide a safe and caring environment for children enrolled in the program.

 

When the school is operating on a delayed opening due to inclement weather, the Before School program is canceled.

When school is dismissed early, the After School program begins at 12:30 p.m.

LUNCH SCHEDULES:  To ensure all students have an opportunity to participate in recess activities, the following schedules are used for lunch and recess.

Grade 5 A Wing

Class

5th Grade Wing A- Team 1

10:24-10:44 Lunch

10:44-11:04 Recess

Adams

Bass

Eadie

A-6 HR

5th Grade Wing A- Team 2

10:24-10:44 Recess

10:44-11:04 Lunch

Weathers

Leach

Holland

Grade 5 B Wing

Teacher

5th Grade Wing B- Team 1

11:07- 11:27 Lunch

11:27- 11:47 Recess

Smiley

Shanks

Coleman

B-6 HR

L.Gushue

5th Grade Wing B- Team 2

11:07- 11:27 Recess

11:27- 11:47 Lunch

B-4 HR

Moragne

B-2 HR

Landell

Grade 6 C Wing

Teacher

6th Grade Wing C- Team 1

11:50-12:10 Lunch

12:10-12:30 Recess

Cook

Bill

Mills

C-5 HR

C-4 HR

6th Grade Wing C- Team 2

11:50-12:10 Recess

12:10-12:30 Lunch

Rhodes

Scott

DiPalantino

McKinnon

Grade 6 D Wing

Teacher

6th Grade Wing D- Team 1

12:33- 12:53 Lunch

12:53 – 1:13 Recess

Wargo

Campbell Talbert

Casper

Dupell

6th Grade Wing D- Team 2

12:33- 12:53 Lunch

12:53 – 1:13 Recess

Davis

D-4 HR

Chrzanowski

M. Allen

PARKING LOT SAFETY

Please assist in the smooth flow of traffic by following all safety rules and exercising patience and good judgment.  The safety of our children is paramount.

JAMES A Cotten TITLE-1 TEAM

The Title 1 Leadership Team consists of school stakeholders who assist school      administration in making fiscal and programming decisions that directly impact instruction. Our previous parent participants were instrumental in providing the team with a family and community perspective that would otherwise have been missed. The team tentatively meets monthly on designated Mondays @ 3:00 pm. Please contact Dr. Nock if you are interested in participating.

Cotten’s HONORARIUM/CLUBS (Subject to change and based on staff availability)

Honorariums

Description

Arts & Craft Club

Crafts explore themes such as culture, science, and math. Through these crafts, students learn background information about each of the themes. Arts & Crafts intrigues students’ creativity by exploring two-dimensional and three-dimensional art and graphic design. Students are exposed to the nuances of each medium and have the opportunity to create and share their own creative designs. It is a fun way for students to learn about making household objects into works of art. The activities are easy, thought-provoking, and educational. Crafts explore themes such as culture, science, and math. Through these crafts, students learn background information about each of the themes. Upon completion of an activity, students are encouraged to share their artwork with their peers, friends, and family. Student products will be featured in an Art Show at the end of the school year and around the school throughout the year.

Music Club

Students will extend their knowledge of musical terminology through their exposure to instrumentation, learning how to play instruments individually or in small groups. Students will be exposed to musical concepts beyond what is gained during the regular classroom.  

Debate Club

The debate club is a fun and structured forum for students to develop their oratory skills. In addition to enhancing their vocabulary, therefore, students will become more informed about the world around them. Students will be exposed to a variety of activities to increase pupils’ critical thinking skills and build a confident communication skill-set.

Garden Club

Students will learn how to use basic tools in a garden and make decisions on the creation of the school-wide atrium garden. Students will learn the fundamentals of gardening including growing flowers, trees, and vegetables.

Mentoring Groups

The mentoring group are designed to create a sense of citizenship among each other.  The groups will help increase student achievement, attendance, and life and interpersonal skills.

National Elementary Honors Society (NEHS)

Through NEHS chapter activities, members are involved in service to their school and community and leadership development activities that introduce them to new skills and values. Students are eligible for selection in this chapter by meeting the academic, attendance, and conduct standard requirements.

Candidates are invited to complete an application form and are considered based on their demonstrated personal responsibility, leadership, and service.  After the selection process has been completed, students are officially inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society. 

 

Honor Society members complete community service projects throughout the entire school year.

Photography Club

The Photography Club allows students to hone their skills by understanding and learning about what makes a good photograph, from composition to artistic expression. Students will contribute to the school yearbook.

Reading Club

Students in the Reading Club will read, engage, and interact with group novels throughout the school year. Students will understand reading literature concepts and the development and analysis of character and character traits. In addition, students will present one project relating to each novel read throughout the year. 

Robotics Lego

The club provides students with beginning engineering, beginning computer programming, problem-solving, and scientific concepts around movement.  Students will work on projects as teams for a specific aspect of robotic design: drive train, programming, challenge course, etc. Students will also have additional opportunities to design and test circuits for various functions.

Spelling Bee

Philosophy (Mission) Statement: The Spelling Bee Club is designed to support building student literacy and vocabulary skills to prepare for the school-wide Spelling Bee.

(STEAM)

Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics

The club will focus on all elements of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.  Students will also have an opportunity to explore with their own Makerspace location. They are engaging in different materials with an intentional focus on science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Students will work in teams, problem-solving together. 

Student Council

Student Council is a student-based civic organization designed to help promote school spirit and leadership among students. Participants will develop their socio-political awareness and leadership skills.  Additionally, the entire student body engages in the electoral process, thereby establishing and solidifying the importance of voting as a part of their civic responsibility.

Theater Arts

Students will engage in performance activities that guide their exploration of cultural and societal diversity. In addition, students will be exposed to the basics of stagecraft and reinforce self-confidence, self-discipline, the importance of hard work, creativity, and listening skills.

Yearbook Club

Advisors guide students in learning to be photographers, graphic designers, and marketing planners. In addition, students learn the process of creating a memorable representation of their school experiences.

Intramurals

(Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer)

Students will participate in various sports after school to promote healthy competition and relationship building. The primary focus of this program is to allow students to be exposed to sports who do not participate in the athletic program.

“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody!” -Lily Tomlin

James A Cotten Intermediate School

50 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.

Willingboro, N.J. 08046

Phone: (609) 835-8930

www.willingboroschools.org