Good Intent Elementary School

Family/Student Handbook 2025-2026

Dear Deptford Families,

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Welcome to your new Student/Family Handbook. We hope you find the new and improved handbook easy to use and filled with the most up-to-date information.

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You can navigate through the handbook using one of the following methods:

1. Tab through the pages using the arrow key on your keyboard.
2. Use the tabs on the side of the handbook by clicking the topic/section you are looking for.
3. Navigate using important links page.

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At the bottom of each page is the Deptford Crest. To go back to the main page, click on the crest.

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Safety & Security

Important links

Bell Schedule

Student Attendance

Student Expectations

Staff Directory

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Mission

Vision

Absenteeism

District Calendar

District Website

Schedules

Policies

Safety & Security

Student Attendance

Student Expectations

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Good Intent Elementary School

1555 Good Intent Road

Deptford, New Jersey 08096

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Phone: (856) 232-2737

Fax: (856) 227-8014

Good Intent School Homepage

Important Links

Good Intent Main Office Staff

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Mr. Jason Strouse Mrs. Gwen Clement

Principal Secretary (Ext 1101)

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Mrs. Patricia Huff Ms. Cheryl Rahn

School Nurse (Ext. 1102) School Counselor (Ext. 1112)

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Central Office Administration

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Mr. Kevin Kanauss Mrs. Heather Jackson

Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent

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Mr. Michael Nicely Mr. Ron Latham

Director of Special Education Business Administrator

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Mrs. Valerie Gambale Mrs. Allison Lear

Chief Assessment, Academies Chief Technology Officer

& Scheduling Officer

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Mrs. Kaitlin Kosmaczewski Ms. Leigh Brown

Curriculum Supervisor Curriculum Supervisor

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Deptford Township Board of Education

Mr. Joseph McKenna (P) Mr. Mark Getsinger (VP)

Mr. Milton Corsey Mr. James McDevitt

Dr. Carol Gioia Mr. Edward Kalinowski

Mr. Daniel McCurdy Mr. Justin Green

Dr. Frank Scambia

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Security Personnel

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Mr. Donald Kiermeier Officer Ricky Rodgers

School Security School Resource Officer

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Good Intent Faculty & Staff

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Good Intent Elementary School

EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE

FULL DAY SCHEDULE

DELAYED OPENING SCHEDULE

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Click here for link to district calendar

Student Attendance

Absenteeism (Board of Education Policy #5200)

Attendance in school and participation in class are an integral part of academic achievement and the teaching-learning process. Regular attendance develops patterns of behavior essential to professional and personal success in life. According to N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, regular attendance is mandatory. The State of New Jersey requires that every child in the State between the ages of six and sixteen attend school. Parents or legal guardians have the responsibility for ensuring that students attend and remain at school daily.  

If a student is absent, the parent/guardian must call the school by 8:30 AM, and send a written note or doctor’s note to the teacher giving the reason for the absence within (3) days of their return to school. Students who have (4) or more unexcused absences will receive a letter from the office. Students who have (8) or more unexcused absences will receive a letter from the office. If a child has (10) or more unexcused absences, the parent/guardian will receive a letter and may be asked to attend a meeting to develop an attendance action plan. If a child accumulates 15 or more unexcused absences, the parent/guardian may be subject to a court appearance.

Late / Tardy:

• Student arrival after 8:35 AM
• Four (4) tardy and/or early release equals one (1) absence

Excused Absences:

• Religious holiday or observance
• Illness or injury, accompanied by a doctor’s note
• Death of a family member
• Medical or dental appointment, accompanied by a doctor’s note
• Court appearance

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Student Arrival & Dismissal

Please review and adhere to the procedures at your child’s school to ensure the safety of all. Student arrival begins at 8:25 am. Please see that your child does not arrive prior to 8:25 am. Staff are not on duty to supervise students until 8:25 am. If you transport your child to and from school, please use the designated areas. All parents and students should utilize crossing guards at all intersections. This will ensure the safety of everyone.

If you have a change in a regular schedule, meaning your child is going home in a different manner than indicated, please be sure to send a written correspondence to your child’s teacher. If the person picking up the student is someone other than the parent, it is expected that this individual is listed on the Emergency Contact Form. If for some reason an individual is not on the Emergency Contact Form, his/her name should be provided in written correspondence to the teacher. The school will require a photo I.D. for student pick-up.

All visitors, including parents and guardians, must enter through the main entrance and have photo identification available.

Student Expectations

Dress & Grooming

Student dress and grooming are the responsibilities of the student and his/her parent or guardian. The school reserves the right; however, to require any student wearing clothes that are disruptive or inappropriate to change to more appropriate school dress. Students will be expected to follow the dress code accordingly:  

We feel that it is in the best interest of all children if the following are not worn to school:

• Tube top, tank top, halter top, open midriff (stomach area), spaghetti straps, or off-the-shoulder tops/sweaters
• Shoes with high heels, wheels, no backs (no back support/security), sandals, or open-toe shoes
• Tight bicycle/biker/spandex shorts, pajama pants
• Shorts & skirts (should be fingertip length)
• Shirts with offensive or inappropriate sayings or drawings
• Any dress or appearance which constitutes a threat or danger to the health and safety of students (e.g. chains hanging from pockets or accessories with spikes) 
• Hats, bandanas, or sunglasses should not be worn anywhere in the building unless approved by the principal for “school spirit” days  

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If a student is wearing inappropriate or disruptive clothing, parents/guardians will be called for a change of clothes.

Please see the link: Policy # 5511 Dress and Grooming

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Cafeteria Behavior

• Students will use an inside/indoor voice.
• Students will line up when the table is called.
• Students will know their account number.
• Students will wait for their turn.
• Students will respond to signals for silence.
• Students will give their attention to cafeteria staff when required.
• Students will respect others’ personal space.
• Students will keep hands, feet, and objects to self – sit in safe manner.
• Students will always walk.
• Students will remain seated until cafeteria staff states otherwise.
• Students will clean up their lunch space.

Bus Expectations

• Students are expected to tell the bus driver when someone is hurt, being bullied, or not following the rules.
• No eating on the bus. Students will keep food and drinks closed in their lunchbox or school bag.
• Students will walk slowly onto and off the bus.
• Students will remain seated at all times.
• Students will keep their body inside the bus at all times.
• Students will keep their hands to themselves.
• Students will respect others’ personal space.
• Students will keep the bus clean from vandalism.
• Students will listen to the bus driver.
• Students will share the seat with others.

*Parents must address any problems or special requests concerning busing with the Transportation Department at (856)232-2721.

Hallway Expectations

• Students will walk at all times.
• Students will walk silently (unless instructed otherwise).
• Students will stay with their class.
• Students will respect others’ personal space.
• Students will keep hands, feet, and objects to self.
• Students will walk on the (their) right side of the hallway.
• Students will go directly to their destination.

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Recess Expectations

• Students will line up before going directly to their destination.
• Students will respect others’ personal space.
• Students will keep hands, feet, and objects to self.
• Students will demonstrate sportsmanship.
• Students will give their attention to recess staff when required.

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Computer Use

All students are issued the Acceptable Use Policy for Network Systems and the Internet. A signed Student User Agreement Form and Parent/Guardian Response Form must be on file in order for students to access our network system and the Internet.

Students are to keep their passwords confidential. They may not install or download material onto the hard drive of any school computers. A student is responsible for whatever is done when the computer is logged in under his or her name. The playing of games is not allowed.

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Electronic Devices / Personal Property

Students may not bring such things as iPads, electronic games, other electronic tablets, collectible cards, playing cards, and toys to school unless authorized for educational use. Those items will be collected by school personnel and turned in to the school office. No skateboards may be brought

to school or used on school property at any time. Also, large sums of money should not be brought to school. Valuables of any kind should never be left unattended. Any personal item that disrupts the educational process will be confiscated immediately.

• CELL PHONES AND SMARTWATCHES MUST BE KEPT INSIDE THE STUDENTS’ BOOKBAGS AT ALL TIMES.
• AT NO TIME MAY A CELL PHONE BE USED AS A CAMERA (for pictures or videos) ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, ON THE SCHOOL BUS OR AT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS.
• STUDENT MISUSE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED ITEMS WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND/OR CONFISCATION, REQUIRING PARENT/GUARDIAN PICKUP.

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Student Code of Conduct (Behavior)

A range of consequences have been developed to assist principals, assistant principals and school officials in determining appropriate disciplinary consequences for student behavior. Conduct in violation of board policies and/or school expectations for appropriate behavior will result in disciplinary consequences. It is important for parents and students to understand that a range of consequences may be available. It is everyone’s responsibility at Good Intent Elementary to assist in maintaining an environment that allows maximum opportunity for learning.  Students at Good Intent Elementary are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not interfere with the rights, privileges, and safety of other students or staff members during the school day or at any school-sponsored activity.  

Students will:

• Be encouraged to take pride in our school.  One way to do this is to take proper care of school facilities such as furniture, equipment, and materials.  Please use the bathroom in a proper manner.

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• Be encouraged to take pride in the clothes you select to wear to school.  Dress considered to be disruptive to a learning atmosphere is not permitted.
• Take pride in your work.  Remember, hard work will help you reach your goals.
• Remain quiet during announcements, school assemblies, and fire drills.
• Respect teachers by listening and following directions.

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School Discipline Plan

We believe that students will behave their best when there are clear expectations of them and when encouragement and recognition of successes outweigh discipline.  Expectations for each area of the school are posted throughout the building, discussed with the students and integrated into everyday activities.  Teachers are responsible for all activities in their classrooms and will reward students who work hard and follow classroom and school rules.  Serious offenses will result in immediate office referrals and include weapons, fighting, physical assault on other students, verbal or physical aggression toward a staff member, inappropriate touching, extreme inappropriate behaviors which threaten the safety of oneself or others. 

School Rules:

• Be responsible for yourself, your words, actions, and property.
• Respect others: Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
• Remain in the assigned area unless given permission to do otherwise.
• Walk quietly in the hallways.
• Buying, selling or trading of any item is prohibited between students.
• Fighting and making threats are aggressive acts and against school rules.
• Respect teachers by listening and following directions.

• Gadgets, cell phones (have to remain inside a student’s book bag at all times); iPads, personal computers and toys are not permitted at school.  All technology should be turned off.

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Deptford Elementary School rules prohibit the following: 

• disruptive behavior, profanity, open defiance of authority, willful disobedience
• fighting, stealing, gambling
• disrespect shown to any school personnel 
• damaging or defacing school property 
• the use or possession of tobacco or tobacco-like products, alcoholic beverages, or illegal use of drugs in any form
• threats or physical harm to students or staff
• knives, guns, or any instrument that reasonably looks like a weapon or could be used as a weapon
• inappropriate behavior during school activities
• seeking to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable

Any violation of these rules could result in suspension from school from one to ten days or more, depending on the infraction and may require reporting to appropriate law enforcement personnel. 

Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying (HIB) Information

The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe and disciplined environment. Since students learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

HIB Resources

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• HIB Incident Reporting link
• HIBSTER Reporting Link

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• You can also access the link through the District website
• Go to “Our District” tab;
• Then “Anti-Bullying” tab;
• Then scroll to the bottom of the Anti-Bullying page; and
• Click on “HIB Incident Report.”

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Affirmative Action Program

The Board of Education of the Deptford Township High School affirms its policy to insure equal educational opportunities for all students, and to prohibit discrimination because of sex, race, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental handicap, social or economic status, in the educational programs, not limited to but including, course offerings, athletic programs, guidance and counseling tests and procedures, through an affirmative action program which shall be an integral part of every aspect of educational policies and programs, to the maximum extent possible.

Inquiries regarding compliance and the handling of complaints should be addressed to any of the following Board of Education affirmative action officers:

Mr. Ron Latham, School Business Administrator – Contract practices (232-2700, ext. 3008)

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Safety & Security

Drills

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

In the event of an emergency situation with the school where it is judged that minimal movement would be in the best interest of the students and staff, the planned emergency response procedures will be implemented. A demonstration of the emergency response procedures will be planned at least once during the school year.

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FIRE

Emergency drills are held at least twice each month (one fire drill and one emergency management drill). Promptness and silence are required. Near the door in each classroom is a card giving directions as to the exit to be used by the students in the room. If an alarm sounds while classes are passing in the halls, the students proceed toward the exit section of the hall in which they are at the moment. Students must remember that perfect order is an essential of complete safety.

Fire alarm equipment is governed by State and Federal Laws. Any student tampering with fire alarms/fire extinguishers will be subject to suspension, arrest, and prosecution.

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WEATHER EMERGENCY

In the event of a severe weather emergency such as a tornado warning, planned procedures to maximize student and staff safety will be initiated. A demonstration of the weather emergency procedures will be planned at least once during the school year.

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Standard Response Protocol

In order to stay current on our safety procedures, the district has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). We base all of our emergency responses and drills off of this nationally utilized platform.

Standard Response Protocol Emergency Card

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Dropping Off Items to Students

Dropping off items to your children during the school day is discouraged. However, when necessary to do so, the items should be labeled with the student’s name, and dropped off at the Main Office. ALL FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES SUCH AS DOORDASH, GRUBHUB, and RESTAURANT DELIVERY ARE NOT PERMITTED.

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Altered Scheduling

DELAYED OPENINGS AND EARLY DISMISSALS

When weather conditions or other circumstances cause delays, early dismissals or school closings, please check the district/school website for announcements/information. Additionally, the district utilizes a “school to home” messaging system that will call and/or email parents/guardians in the event of a delayed opening, early dismissal, or full day closing.

www.Deptfordschools.org (District Website)

https://good-intent.deptfordschools.org (Good Intent Elementary Website)

In a delayed opening, if all Deptford Township Public Schools opened two (2) hours later than normal starting time, for example, then all Deptford buses transporting students to both public and private schools would be running two (2) hours later than the regularly scheduled time. Dismissals would be at the regular time when there is a delayed opening.

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When delayed openings are planned, families will be given prior notification.

Emergency Contacts

It is essential that all emergency contact information be kept up-to-date. It is the parents’ responsibility to inform the school of all changes in telephone numbers and contacts. This may be done by calling your school’s main office.

Visitors

All visitors must sign-in at the main office. You must present your Driver’s License/I.D. You will sign-in and out and receive a red visitor lanyard. All visitors should be prepared to show a photo ID.

Parents and guardians, please do the following if/when necessary:

• When you need to get or give information from/to the teachers, please send an email or leave a message and number on their voicemail.  
• Please Do Not bypass the office and go to classrooms during the school day. This is a safety issue, and we are striving to maintain a safe environment for all students and staff.

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Medical Information

Good Intent Elementary is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the children of Deptford Twp. This commitment includes a procedure to monitor the distribution of medication(s) as approved by the child’s parent and physician.

School personnel are allowed to administer medications prescribed by a doctor upon written request of the student’s parents or guardians. The medication used at school must be in its original container with the student’s name, a doctor’s note of signed authorization, the name of the drug, the dosage information, and physician’s name printed on it. 

• Please see Board of Education policy #5330, Administration of Medication
• Any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s nurse.

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Mission

Deptford Township Schools will foster an environment of high expectations which empowers all students to succeed and contribute in a rapidly changing and competitive global community.

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~ SPARTANS ARE THE EXAMPLE! ~

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Vision

Our students will be lifelong scholars, curious learners, critical thinkers, effective problem solvers, and innovative leaders.

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ALMA MATER

Hail Spartans Hail! Hail Black and Gold!

We pledge our hearts and hands

to keep thy color ever bold.

Forward we go. We will not fail.

Sing to our alma mater –

Hail, Hail, Hail!

Praises we sing. For Black and Gold.

In thee our Alma Mater

Is wisdom, truth and light.

And when at last we reach that goal,

All glory will be due to our

Black and Gold!