Frequently Asked Questions

Student Life

Why does the school year have to start so early?

In 1992, we started the Academy program embracing non-traditional philosophies. We were ahead of our time by having a longer school day and school year. The national movement is currently trying to adapt. Also, the college experience dates in early August are possible because colleges and universities can accommodate us before their student population enters in late August.

Do all students have lockers?

Lockers are assigned by grade level. Students may choose a locker within that area. Please note that students should not keep valuables in their lockers at any time. The school is not responsible for such articles.

What time does supervision begin at the Academies?

Supervision is provided as of 7:00 a.m. Students may purchase breakfast in the cafeteria at this time.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. As stated in the Student Handbook "Students are expected to dress appropriately at all times on campus. Inappropriate dress includes, but may not be limited to, anything that is considered to be underwear worn as outer clothing, beachwear, including bare midriff shirts and halter tops, as well as any clothing with written profanity, references to illegal substances or any other clothing that is deemed unsuitable. Coats and outerwear, as well as sunglasses are prohibited in classrooms. Although hats are permitted to be worn in the hallways, teacher discretion determines whether or not they are allowed in the classroom. Students in labs must dress accordingly, wear safety glasses, hairnets, gloves, etc. The administration reserves the right to make a final determination on the appropriateness regarding campus dress when questions arise."

Is there smoking on campus?

No. This is a smoke-free campus.

Can a student begin a club that does not currently exist?

Yes. Each trimester, new clubs are added and old ones dropped based on student interest. If a student wishes to start a new club, he/she must solicit a faculty advisor.

Is an audition necessary for the Academy Chorus?

Yes. Contact Mr. Lemma and/or Dr. Finley during Freshman Orientation.

Where can students go during their free mods to study quietly?

The Common Area located on the first floor.

If a child chooses to stay late, how are parents notified?

It is expected that students notify their parents ahead of time. We have an extremely liberal policy for student use of the phone.

How are lunches paid for?

Each student is given an application for free/reduced price lunch. If families are eligible, students are issued lunch cards. If they are not eligible, lunch is approximately $3.00. Many of our students brown bag it.

Are dances generally on Friday night?

Yes. The Academy community is extremely sensitive to those students who cannot participate in school dances on Friday night for religious reasons. The reality is that faculty members who are required to chaperone prefer to have the weekends free. Also when we have scheduled dances on Saturday evening, fewer students attend because these dances conflict with family events.

Frost Valley

What is the participation rate of 9th graders at Frost Valley?

98%…If a student does not attend, he or she is required to come to school or be marked absent. Because 9th grade classes are not held during the Frost Valley trip, he or she would not be assigned a formal class schedule

Academics

Do they need to purchase books for summer reading?

Yes, if they don't already have a home copy. No, if they borrow it from the library or they download public domain copy from the Internet.

My child didn't take algebra. Does she/he need to go to summer school?

Yes. Please contact Mrs. Burke at 201.343.6000, ext. 3385

Why is geometry not taught at the Academies?

Most schools offer a traditional math sequence, i.e., one year of algebra, geometry, and trig, etc. The Academy curriculum does not isolate geometry from other math components but infuses it in several math courses such as Analysis I and II.

What is the chain of command if a child is struggling academically?

Parents are encouraged to contact the child's teachers directly via email, a letter, or a phone call. That is the most efficient course of action. If your child needs assistance in several classes, please contact guidance to arrange for a parent conference. If the problem has not been resolved, please contact your child's Program Manager.

Can a student change academies?

No. However, students can take electives across the disciplines and across the programs.

Can a child take two foreign languages?

They can, in junior year. Students are required to take at least three years of the same foreign language for graduation. Most students take four years. As juniors, they may choose to opt to take a second language as an elective.

How does a child find out about a pre-requisite for an art course?

Please refer to course catalog for pre-requisite courses for art/CCA electives.

What kind of assignments is typically offered on student vacations?

This depends on the time management skills of your child. Because many assignments are given early in the trimester with an extended due date, students often wait to the last minute to complete them. Generally, however, the faculty is extremely sensitive to the need for the students to relax and enjoy this special time with their families.

If a child is absent, can homework be emailed?

Yes. The child must, however, be proactive in reaching out to the staff member requesting an assignment. It is the student's responsibility to contact her/his teacher's for work missed.

Guidance / Scheduling

When will freshman register for electives?

Elective lists will be given to freshmen during orientation.

How many free mods are students supposed to have?

Academy policy suggests that students should have no fewer than nine free mods or no more than eighteen free mods per week. Please know that the number of electives may change on your child's schedule each trimester; therefore, it is imperative that parents review their child's schedule and course selection each trimester.

My child's schedule is missing core courses and electives. What can be done?

Should your child have a problem, please direct him/her to meet with his/her guidance counselor before the school day begins or during free mods. In the event your child does not have free mods, she/he go to guidance to set up an appointment during a scheduled class time.

Is GPA calculated annually?

Yes. It is an unweighted calculation.

How should parents share their interests and concerns about their child's schedule and school life in general?

At the Bergen County Academies, you have many options. You may contact the guidance department, the Program Managers, access teachers directly, call administration, or request a meeting with any of the above. The PPO has strong outreach efforts to assist all parents. You may also wish to contact the individual class parent liaison to the PPO.

Is there a course on planning and time management?

All 9th graders will receive time-management strategies in their required guidance seminars.

How is ethics addressed on campus?

All freshmen are required to take a project in ethics one trimester.

Sports

What is offered to provide training for sports?

Students are provided with opportunities in physical education to train for sports. Of course, if your child is enrolled in a fall sport, he/she would not take phys ed. To accommodate that matter, we offered training sessions all summer to interested students. We just outfitted our weight lifting room with leading edge machines. Students playing a spring sport are encouraged to develop strength-training programs in the first and second trimester.

Who does a student see to add a sport?

With regard to adding sports, students should meet with the athletic director, Rich LaManna, extension 2264, or email him at riclam@bergen.org. All requests for additional sports team are formally made to the Board of Education who allocate the necessary funds in the budget one year in advance of the establishment of the team.

Parent Communication / Technology

What about snow emergencies?

If the school day is called off in the early morning, a PPO phone chain is initiated. It is suggested that you turn on the radio/television to a station that announces school closings. If inclement weather causes early dismissal, the bus companies are notified immediately according to our emergency dismissal plan. If your sending district is closed because of inclement weather and the Academies is open, parents must arrange transportation.

Will you be sending communications via email in addition to posting on the Web?

One future goal is to communicate with parents through the Principal's Update access from our home page and via email. Because some parents do not have access to email, we will continue to mail necessary announcements, information, narratives, report cards, and transcripts until we can be assured one hundred percent security. Currently a group of students, under the leadership of a staff member, has taken on this effort as a project. Please be sure to check the Academy Website on a continuous basis. http://www.bergen.org/ACADEMY

When will freshman get their email accounts?

Ninth grade Internet email accounts will be processed when our school Netiquette Policy Agreement is signed by parents and students.

Our 9th grader is unable to access his email?

Please have your child see any one of the technology instructors to ask for assistance. Also, each 9th grader has mandatory technology classes and he or she may be comfortable requesting assisting from the instructor.

Do you recommend a specific brand of computer for home use?

No. The campus is a multi-platform environment. Some labs/classrooms have Macs; others, PCs.

Should we purchase a laptop for our child?

Several students do have laptops. They are not required.

Transportation

Who do we contact regarding bussing?

Each sending district is given a list of Academy students, their address, etc. and a calendar of days off and abbreviated days. Buses leave the campus daily at approximately 4:40 p.m. and on half days at approximately 12:40 p.m. Each town/business administrator is responsible to work with the bus companies to design routes. Please refer inquiries to your local board of education.

Why do sports buses arrive home so late?

There are two late buses... one for the northern part of the county, one for the southern part. They leave the campus at 6:30 p.m. These buses have designated drop-offs at your local high school. Due to our many student athletes, and, therefore, many stops, the students may arrive late. Therefore, we encourage you to arrange car pooling as an alternative, if possible.