NORTHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION FILE CODE: 6145
Northfield, New Jersey Monitored
X Mandated
Policy X Other Reasons
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The Northfield Board of Education believes that the educational goals and objectives of the district are best achieved by a diversity of learning experiences, some of which are more appropriately conducted outside the regular classroom program.
The board shall maintain the program of extracurricular activities at no cost to participating students, except that:
A. The board’s responsibility for the provision of supplies shall carry the same exemptions as listed in the board’s policy on regular school supplies;
B. Students may assume all or part of the costs of travel and attendance at extracurricular events and trips.
The purpose of extracurricular activities shall be:
A. To develop useful new capabilities in students that can lead to extension of career opportunities;
B. To develop student initiative and provide for the exercise of responsibility;
C. To develop leadership capabilities and good organizational skills;
D. To aid students in the social skills;
E. To enable students to explore a wider range of individual interests than might be available in the regular program.
For purposes of this policy, “extracurricular activities” shall be those activities that are sponsored or approved by the board but are not offered for academic credit. Such activities shall generally be conducted outside the regular school day, available to students who voluntarily elect to participate, marked by student participation in the processes of initiation, planning, organizing and execution and shall ordinarily include band, clubs, dramatic or musical presentations, and intramural and interscholastic sports.
Equal access to school facilities shall be granted to all activities that meet this definition.
The Superintendent shall prepare procedures to implement an extracurricular program which shall:
A. Assess the needs and interests of the students of this district;
B. Ensure the provision of competent guidance and supervision by staff;
C. Guard against the exploitation of students;
D. Provide for a variety of experiences and a diversity of organizational models;
E. Provide for the continuing evaluation of the extracurricular program and staff;
F. Ensure that all extracurricular activities are open to all eligible students and that all students are fully informed of the opportunities open to them.
The guidance goal for each student shall be a balanced program of appropriate academic studies and activities to be determined by the school, the parents/guardians and the student. Guidance is necessary to encourage nonparticipants, and to prevent the overenthusiastic from emphasizing activities at the cost of their academic performance.
Only persons in the employ of a board of education shall be permitted to organize district students during school time or during any recess in the school day for purposes of instruction or coaching or for conducting games, events, or contests in physical education or athletics.
No activity shall be considered to be under the sponsorship of this board unless it has been approved by the board on recommendation of the Superintendent. Fund-raising activities of extracurricular groups must be approved by the board.
All students in good disciplinary and academic standing shall have equal access to all extracurricular activities regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, disability, immigration status, English proficiency, housing status or socioeconomic status. The district shall ensure equity in educational programs including extracurricular activities and provide opportunities for students to interact positively with others on a nondiscriminatory basis
Good Disciplinary Standing
Good disciplinary standing shall mean that a pupil is not eligible to participate while serving a detention or suspension.
Good Academic Standing
Good academic standing at the beginning of the school year. Continuing good academic standing requires maintenance of passing grades in all subjects during the current year.
Attendance
The district’s attendance policy shall also apply.
Implementation
The Superintendent shall direct development of detailed regulations to ensure equitable implementation of this policy. Particular care shall be taken to ensure that all extra-curricular programs and their operation comply with district equity requirements. Participation in academically related coaching or tutoring groups may be exempt from the eligibility requirement at the Superintendent discretion.
NJSBA Review/Update: December 2009; December 2010; March 2017
Adopted: October 24, 2011
Key Words
Extracurricular Activities, Cocurricular Activities, Student Activities, Student Activities
Legal References: N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. Law Against Discrimination
N.J.S.A. 18A:11-3 Voluntary associations regulating conduct of student activities; membership; rules and regulations; appeals
N.J.S.A. 18A:19-14 Funds derived from student activities
N.J.S.A. 18A:35-20 Participation in courses in which verbalization unessential to
understanding of subject matter; location of and children in bilingual programs
N.J.S.A. 18A:42-5, -6 Certain student organizations declared harmful …
N.J.S.A. 34:13A-1 et seq. New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act
N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.1 et seq. Managing for Equality and Equity in Education
N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.2 Career education and counseling
N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-5.16 Athletics personnel
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.2 Required health services
N.J.A.C. 6A:30-1.1 et seq. Evaluation of the Performance of School Districts
N.J.A.C. 6A:32-9.1 et seq. Athletics Procedures
20 U.S.C.A. 4071-4074 – Equal Access Act
20 U.S.C.A. 1681 et seq. – Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Krupp v. Bd. of Ed. of Union County Reg. H.S. Dist. #1, 278 N.J. Super. 31 (App. Div. 1994) cert. den. 140 N.J. 277 (1994)
Good News Club v. Milford Central School, 121 U.S. 2093 (2001)
The Comprehensive Equity Plan, New Jersey Department of Education
NJSIAA Constitution, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations
Possible
Cross References: 1210 Community organizations
1320 Participation in out of school community activities
*1322 Contests for students
*2224 Nondiscrimination/affirmative action
*3453 School activity funds
4143 Extra pay for extra work
*5113 Absences and excuses
*5126 Awards for achievement
*5131 Conduct/discipline
*5136 Fund-raising activities
5143 Insurance
*5145.4 Equal educational opportunity
*6010 Goals and objectives
*6142 Subject fields
6142.5 Travel and exchange programs
*6142.12 Career education
*6145.1/6145.2 Intramural competition; interscholastic competition
6145.4 Public performances and exhibitions
6145.5 Student organizations
6145.7 Social events/meetings
*6146 Graduation requirements
*6153 Field trips
*Indicates policy is included in the Critical Policy Reference Manual.