Standard Operating Procedures

Gifted and Talented services are designed to recognize and nurture students whose abilities and potential extend beyond grade-level expectations. Using a fair, multi-measure identification process that is reviewed over time, the district ensures students are matched with learning experiences that truly meet their needs. Through the NJTSS framework and national gifted education guidance, enrichment and challenge are embedded into everyday classroom instruction and extended through targeted and individualized supports when needed.

The goal is simple and student-centered: identify gifted learners fairly, support their academic and social-emotional growth, and create learning environments where curiosity is encouraged, strengths are developed, and students are consistently challenged to grow. 

Access Control Expectations

1. All employees must have keys to their assigned rooms and must lock all windows and doors when rooms are unoccupied.
2. Students may not possess building keys or staff IDs.
3. Teachers may not give school keys or access cards to students or family members.
4. Teachers needing access to additional spaces will be reviewed case by case by the Principal.
5. Athletic coaches may receive teacher-level access; final decisions rest with the Principal, Athletic Director, HR Director, and Security Director.
6. Teacher swipe access allows entry only to their assigned building. Department Supervisors and ASCA leadership may have districtwide access, including Central Office.
7. Vendors or contractors may not receive keys or swipe access without approval from the Director of Facilities.
8. Paraprofessional access will be determined at the building level based on student needs.
9. Administrators, IT, Custodians, Athletic Trainers, Security Guards, Department Supervisors, Facilities, and Buildings and Grounds staff should have 24/7 access.
10. Teacher swipe access runs from 0630 to 2200. Summer and weekend access is determined by the Principal.
11. Only Law Enforcement, Firefighters, SLT, DAT, Maintenance, Security, and Custodians have 24/7 access to all buildings, including Central Office.
12. Substitute and long-term substitute teachers receive building-specific access from 0730 to 1600.
13. Teachers involved in extracurricular activities will receive access determined case by case by the Principal.
14. Lost IDs or keys must be reported immediately to IT, the Facilities Director, or the Director of Security.
15. Building Administrators, Teachers, or staff may not approve the use of keys or swipe access for students, community members, or volunteers.
16. Any employee who gives a key to a student or parent will be immediately referred to HR.
17. Final compensation for departing employees may be withheld until all district property (keys, ID) is returned.
18. During summer months, access control keys must be deactivated for individuals who do not require building access.
19. Vendors or non-district employees who lose or damage an ID will be charged $10 for replacement.
20. Intern access will be determined.

The Special Education Reference Guide offers a clear overview of the special education process in the South Orange & Maplewood School District, guiding families and staff from initial intervention through the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

It explains how Child Study Teams identify, evaluate, and support students with educational disabilities in partnership with general education programs. Designed as a practical resource, it outlines district procedures while emphasizing inclusion and alignment with New Jersey Special Education Law.