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CONTESTS FOR PUPILS
FILE CODE: 1322
Monitored
Mandated
X Other Reasons
The superintendent shall approve participation in extracurricular contests sponsored by organizations outside the schools, as long as participation does not interfere with the instructional program. When such contests involve promotional aid, school time, or faculty assistance to pupils in essay writing, poster making, or other activities, the superintendent or building principal shall determine whether the experiences are closely enough aligned to and in support of the instructional work of the school and will clearly serve to advance the educational aims of the district. Academic achievement contests, whenever possible, shall be aligned with the state's core curriculum content standards. The worthiness of the sponsoring agency's cause or the opportunity for individuals to win prizes shall not in themselves constitute sufficient reason for approving a contest.
Contests and awards whether local, state, or national shall be:
A. For the benefit of the pupil;
B. Open to all pupils on a non-discriminatory basis;
C. Consistent with district objectives;
D. Judged by disinterested parties;
E. Properly supervised with safety precautions in place;
F. Voluntary for pupils and teachers.
Contests and awards shall not place undue time or financial burdens on pupils, teachers and parents. They shall not promote commercial products or partisan viewpoints. Participation shall not be dependent on the financial status of the pupil.
Date: December 19, 1994
Revised: April 2002
NJSBA Review/Update: January 2008
Readopted: May 27, 2008
Key Words
N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1 General mandatory powers and duties
N.J.S.A. 18A:42-2 School orchestra not to compete with civilian musicians; exceptions
N.J.S.A. 18A:54-20 Powers of board (county vocational schools)