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Hagan Elementary School:
Student Handbook

[Also viewable/downloadable in Adobe Acrobat PDF form]

This handbook was prepared as a procedural guide for the Hagan Elementary School. It discusses board policies and procedures at Hagan as well as academics, health services, school programs, parental involvement, and more.

If you have any questions about the handbook's content, feel free to contact the classroom teacher, the principal, or a site-based team member. We hope you will find this an easy reference guide to your school.

Sincerely,

Revised by the 2005-06 Site Based Team
Revised by the 2004-05 Site-Based Team
Revised by the 2003-04 Site-Based Team
Revised by the 2002-03 Site-Based Team
Revised by the 2001-02 Site-Based Team
Revised by the 2000-01 Site-Based Team
Revised by the 1999-00 Site-Based Team
Revised by the 1997-98 Site-Based Team
Hagan Site-Based Team 1996

SPACKENKILL HISTORY

The Spackenkill Union Free School District was chartered by the New York State legislature in 1865 and is one of the few remaining Union Free School Districts within the state. “Union Free” means that the schools in a district have never merged with the schools in a neighboring district but rather remain independent without centralization. It does not mean that there are no labor unions in the district. Spackenkill is unique in that it has retained its status as a small closely knit, independent, Union Free School District.

The name Spackenkill comes from Spack’s Creek. Spackenkill comes from a Dutch word that means, “speaking water.” The creek used to be located across from where Croft Corners Fire House is now.

The district’s first school building was where the firehouse now is and was built of bricks brought from Holland.

Beginning in 1912, older students were sent to another district to continue their education. By 1920, the one-room schoolhouse was overcrowded with a total of 55 students, and plans were made for a new school building.

Because the number of people in the area kept growing, they needed to build more school buildings. In the 1940’s, the Martha W. Lawrence School was built; in 1959, the Orville Todd Middle School opened; in 1962, Nassau Elementary School was dedicated; in 1966, Hagan Elementary was opened; and in 1970, Spackenkill High School was started. In 1974, the first class was graduated from Spackenkill High School.

B. CURRICULUM

Spackenkill Schools have always worked toward providing an education appropriate for all children. The district's mission statement supports the belief that all children can learn. The district has developed curricula responsive to the mandates and recommendations of the New York State Education Department and the state and national standards. It strives to meet the needs of the individual child, enriching wherever possible and remediating whenever necessary. A parent meeting is held early each fall to discuss the programs specific to the individual grade level.

Descriptions of the subjects taught in our elementary school:

LANGUAGE ARTS

In the fall of 1995, the Spackenkill Elementary Schools implemented a new reading and language arts series in grades K - 5. This program integrates listening, speaking, thinking, reading, grammar, spelling, and writing. It incorporates “whole language” teaching as well as phonics.

MATHEMATICS

The math program in Spackenkill aims to teach children to think mathematically and develop reasoning abilities. Lessons and activities include manipulatives, active involvement, communication, cooperative learning activities, calculators, and computers.

The program aligns with the National and New York State Math Standards. The five content standards emphasize problem solving, communication, reasoning and proof, connections, estimation, number sense and operations, representation, geometry and spatial sense, measurement, statistics and probability, and algebra. It is conceptually oriented, requires active engagement in the lesson, and emphasizes the application of mathematics.

SOCIAL STUDIES

We follow the New York State recommended curriculum for Social Studies, which emphasizes a five-strand content approach to the subject. Contents taught include social, political, economic, geographic, and historic perspectives on various themes. Themes by grade level include:

Skills taught within the K - 5 programs include gathering, using and presenting information, participating in interpersonal and group relations, and self-management. Concepts taught include change, citizenship, culture, empathy, environment, identity, interdependence, nation-state, scarcity, and technology.

Teachers rely on various texts, technology, and local resources to teach the curriculum.

SCIENCE

The Spackenkill Elementary Schools have developed the science curriculum in accordance with the New York State Science Syllabus as well as its Learning Standards. Each grade level is responsible for units in the areas of physical science, life science, earth science as well as nutrition and health. Scientific literacy involves the knowledge of scientific facts coupled with critical thinking skills and application of the scientific method. Goals of the K - 5 program include demonstration of an increased knowledge in scientific literacy, solving problems effectively, applying skills systematically, developing positive science attitudes, and increasing understanding of science principles.

Many diverse materials, books, and technology are used to help the children develop the concepts and skills appropriate for each grade level.

BLOCK SCHEDULE

Hagan utilizes a Block Scheduling System to allow for enhanced collaboration between teachers and other school staff. The schedule is formatted into a four-day cycle [i.e., A Day, B Day, C Day, and D Day]. If school is missed due to holidays or snow days, when your child returns to school, the schedule will resume with the letter day that was missed. For example, if Friday is a B Day, then Monday will be a C Day, if Monday is a holiday, Tuesday will become a C Day. A sign will be posted in the office letting the students know what day it is. Communications from your child’s teacher will facilitate accuracy with the schedule.

Blocking Scheduling also provides for more consistent participation by each class in the four specials offered at Hagan. These specials are art, music, physical education, and library. Each special is 40 minutes in length. Students will attend art, music and library one time per four-day rotation. Students will attend physical education two times per four-day rotation.

MUSIC

All students in grades K - 5 attend general music throughout the school year. Since music is lifelong for everyone, the basic philosophy behind our general music program is to develop an appreciation of music through understanding. During our class time, students are actively engaged in a variety of activities designed to help develop their singing voice, tonal and rhythmic abilities, listening skills, and overall music literacy. All instruction and assessments are directly reflective on the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts and the goals of our district.

Optional Music Programs include:

Chorus:

The choral program is a before school activity that rehearses twice a week and runs for the entire school year. It is available to all students in grades three, four, and five. No audition is required. All members participate in a variety of performances including the elementary concerts that are held in the winter and the spring. If a child is interested in participating in more than one group, the rehearsal schedule is designed so that they may be in both chorus, band, and orchestra without conflict.

Instrumental Music:

Strings: The string program is available for students in grades three through five. At the end of the second grade, students may decide on violin, viola, or cello in preparation for third grade. These instruments may be started in fourth or fifth grade as well. Each week students are given one thirty-minute group lesson. Every string student participates in the elementary school concerts held in the winter and spring. Students have one before school rehearsal a week.

Band: Instrumental lessons for the band program begin in the fourth or fifth grade. Students receive one thirty-minute small group lesson each week. Students may select from the following instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and snare drum. Recruitment usually occurs in June for students planning to start in September.

Beginner band students participate in the two elementary concerts held in the winter and spring. Rehearsals for these concerts take place during the school day.

Second year band students participate in the elementary band. This band rehearses twice week before school. It consists mostly of fifth graders. However, first year players who progress quickly may enter in the second half of the year. The Hagan band students combine with the Nassau band students to present winter and spring concerts.

ART

The K - 5 art program actively engages students in the processes of creation and performance in the arts. Students are introduced to the resources, materials, and techniques that will allow each child to participate to the best of his/her ability. Students will learn to critically analyze and interpret works of art through the knowledge and use of art vocabulary. In addition, this program strives to develop an understanding and appreciation for the diverse cultural contributions of the arts, the many forms that art may take, and the role of the artist within the community.

LIBRARY

During scheduled library classes, skills are presented to familiarize the children with the organization of the library and the process of information retrieval. The appreciation and enjoyment of the various types of literature are encouraged. Students select their own books weekly for their reading pleasure. Books are due back the next time library is scheduled but may be renewed unless they are on hold. When the budget allows for it, a summer library program will be available for students.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The focus on Physical Education is the development of healthy lifestyles. This includes motor skills, movement knowledge, social, and personal skills. It is expected that students will:

Students in grades K - 5 participate in their regular school clothes. The wearing of sneakers is required.

An optional intramural program is also available to students in grade 2 - 5. Any student participating in the intramural program is expected to attend his/her assigned game. A student unable to attend should see the intramural supervisor prior to the game.

HEALTH CURRICULUM

The School Nurse Teacher provides direct classroom instruction and works collaboratively with classroom teachers to provide materials such as videos and lesson plans for specific health related topics. She serves as a liaison to community agencies who serve as guest speakers for the classroom. Curriculum and lessons are designed in accordance with New York State Learning Standards.

Programs offered to the students include:

CHARACTER EDUCATION

Hagan Elementary School has adopted a very practical character education program for the 2006 - 2007 school year. The objective of this program is to improve basic manners among all Hagan students. We have decided on five basic expectations and are calling these “Hagan’s Essential Five.” Please review these expectations with your child. Support from home is critical to consistency.

“Hagan’s Essential Five”:

Students will be expected to…

  1. Address all adults by name [or ma’am and sir at the teacher’s discretion].
  2. Give people eye contact when they are speaking to you.
  3. Say please, thank you, and I’m sorry when appropriate.
  4. Display proper hall walking, assembly and cafeteria behavior, and door etiquette.
  5. Perform random acts of kindness.

TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Each classroom is equipped with computers and a printer. Every classroom is networked to a central file server for greater access. Additionally, there is a computer lab for teacher and student use.

Computers in the classroom enable technology to be more readily integrated into the curriculum. They are viewed as teaching tools, which enhance the educational process. Teachers use classroom computers to draw on an extraordinary range of materials such as colorful visuals, dynamic presentations, and encyclopedia resources. Visit the Spackenkill website at www.spackenkillschools.org

PROGRESS REPORTS/REPORT CARDS

Understanding the need for the sense of partnerships with parents in educating children, every effort is made to report academic progress to the parents. Report cards are issued four times a year. All parents are asked to have a conference with the teacher at the end of the first marking period. Three half days are set-aside at this time to allow for the meetings. Parents generally sign up for a conference time at the Parents' Coffee in September. Extra progress reports can be issued at any other point during the marking periods. Parents are encouraged to request additional conferences during the year if there are concerns.

ASSESSMENT

Assessments of students' learning are conducted both formally and informally to identify areas of weakness for possible academic intervention, to identify areas of strength for possible enrichment, and to make necessary program adjustments.

In Kindergarten, and first grades, Steps Into Reading [STIR] is used to assess students' readiness to read.

Grades 3 and 5 testing includes projected assessments in Language Arts and Mathematics. Fifth grade testing also includes the New York Assessment in Social Studies.

Fourth grade testing includes the New York State Assessments in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.

Parents may review these results by requesting a conference with the teacher.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Realizing that not all children work at the same rate or with the same ease of understanding, and that children require different amounts of reinforcement, teachers assign homework based on these differences. Teachers will notify parents about the amount of time to be spent on homework and the procedures to be followed regarding homework completion. However, we believe that homework for all elementary age students can and should be a productive part of their education. If your child is absent, homework requests should be made in the morning before 9:00a.m.

C. SCHOOL PROGRAMS

TALENTED AND GIFTED [TAG] PROGRAM / ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

All students in grades K - 3 participate in a challenging enrichment program designed collaboratively between the classroom teacher and the TAG [Talented and Gifted] teacher. Instruction is held within the regular classroom.

Students in grades 4 & 5, who have been screened and identified as TAG students, attend pullout TAG classes three times a week. Some of the identification criteria includes results from the New York State tests, teacher nomination scores, and the Torrance Test of Divergent Thinking Skills. The pullout classes focus on topics such as critical thinking, creative problem solving, math enrichment and acceleration, and other differentiated curriculum areas of study.

The TAG program also offers a variety of special adjunct enrichment programs open to all students. Previous adjuncts have included: Odyssey of the Mind, Continental Math League, the National Geography Bee, Teamwork Counts, the Math Carnival, and other activities of general interest. These adjunct topics are evaluated each year to determine if they will be continued or if new ones will be considered. Math enrichment is also provided for students in grades 1 - 3. Each school year students are selected weekly by his/her classroom teacher based upon classroom performance and standardized test scores.

BANANA SPLITS PROGRAM

“Banana Splits” is a peer support group to help children handle issues associated with the loss of a parent, divorce, separation, and remarriage. The program is available to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. Children who participate must have permission from their parent or guardian to attend. Children participate in Banana Splits on a voluntary basis.

A modified group has also been opened up for children in 1st and 2nd grades when the need is present.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

A full range of special education services are available for students who require such services and accommodations to meet their educational needs. If you suspect that your child may have a disability which requires accommodations or special education services, talk to your child's teacher, the school principal, or contact the district's “Director of Pupil Personnel Services” at 845.463.7808.

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES TEAM / ACADEMIC INTERVENTION TEAM

The Instructional Strategies Team exists as a group of fellow professionals who are available to assist classroom teachers in the development of behavioral or learning strategies for students. The variety of assistance may include intervention suggestions, direct support services, consultation, and/or evaluation services. Faculty members, as well as parents in consultation with their child's teacher, are encouraged to have their concerns placed on an Instructional Strategies Team [IST] agenda to facilitate problem resolution. The regular members of the team include the school nurse teacher, principal, school psychologist, reading teacher, school social worker, at-risk tutor, consultant teacher, speech/language pathologist, and a special education teacher who acts as the Instructional Strategies Team chairperson.

ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS IN LANGUAGE ARTS, MATH, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES [A.I.S.]

Students receiving extra assistance [academic intervention services] in reading, math, science, social studies have been identified from scores obtained on standardized tests such as the New York State Assessments.

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Dutchess Community College operates the School Age Child Care Program [SACC Program] for Spackenkill children in grades K - 5. The program operates from 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. and from 3:00 - 5:45 p.m. They provide a supervised, safe and stimulating environment for children along with a morning and afternoon snack. There are activities that allow children to form friendships, enhance creativity, and increase socialization skills. For more information call their Office of Community Services at 845.431.8900. Other programs are available within our community as well.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are organized at various times throughout the school year for all students in grades K - 5. The purpose of field trips is to supplement and enrich the present curriculum. We expect our field trips to provide valuable educational and cultural experiences for our children. A parent’s/guardian’s written permission is required for participation in all scheduled field trips. Students are transported to and from these trips by bus.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

The Summer Enrichment Program typically offers four sessions of one-week, 3 1/2 hour per day programs. Offerings are for children from incoming kindergartners to eighth graders. The classes include fun activities in the areas of arts and crafts, computers, dramatics, reading, math, science, physical activity, and foreign language.

Information and registration materials are distributed to parents in the early spring to allow for summer planning. There is a fee for this program. The program is subject to the passing of the annual school budget.

SUMMER ACADEMY

Summer Academy was conducted for the first time during July 2001. It is an opportunity for students to receive extra help in language arts and math. New York State test scores and report card grades are among the criteria used for the selection of participants.

D. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are a strong and visible part of the Hagan Elementary School program. They bring unique experiences and talents to share with students and staff. They provide the opportunities for enriched instruction and help to broaden community awareness and support of the school. There are many opportunities for volunteering in the school through your child's teacher as well as through organized events sponsored by the PTA. Volunteer commitments may be for a single visit or for ongoing projects such as working in a classroom with a small group of students.

We ask that you contact your child's teacher or the PTA if you are interested in volunteering at Hagan. Flyers describing opportunities to participate are sent home frequently during the school year and will ask for your help. The Board of Education will approve lists of volunteers upon review and submission by the building principal.

Please remember volunteers need to register at the office when they enter and leave the building and are given a badge to wear. These practices are for safety purposes.

STAFF TELEPHONE CALLS

You may contact the principal, the nurse, or teachers by calling the Hagan School number. During school hours messages will be left for classroom teachers and they will return your calls at their earliest convenience. Calls regarding your child's progress and daily concerns should be directed to the classroom teacher. Building questions should be referred to the principal at 845.463.7840.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION

The PTA [Parent Teacher Association] was founded to secure the general welfare and rights of all children and provide the highest standards possible for education through the support of home and school partnerships.

At Spackenkill, the district-wide PTA has an executive board. Each school PTA has a chairperson who manages building activities and works with the board. Many of our events are district wide and the schools work together on projects that benefit all children. Some of the activities include book fairs, field days, and family nights. Whether the PTA is raising money or presenting helpful information, through guest speakers and parent training, the educational welfare of the children is always a top priority.

The Parent Teacher Association invites all families to become members of the PTA during their fall membership drive. For more information, the name of the current Hagan PTA chair is available from the school secretary.

SITE-BASED TEAM

Each school building has a site-based management team. Site-based management provides opportunities for parents, teachers, support service providers, and the principal to develop goals that improve the quality of education for the students.

The site-based team values your input and encourages you to contact the parent members. There is a site-based team mailbox in the school office where you may leave questions or suggestions for the parent members.

Our district encourages each of its constituencies to nominate members who will serve on the team for two years. The PTA selects parent members to participate on this shared decision-making team.

CONFERENCES

There are formal Parent/Teacher conferences each fall. Children have three half days of school on Parent/Teacher Conference days. While there are no formal spring conferences, you may request a conference with your child's teacher at any time during the school year by writing a note to the teacher or by calling the school and leaving a message for the teacher to call back to arrange a mutually convenient conference time.

ROOM PARENTS

Each September several parents from each classroom volunteer to be the "Room Parents" for the school year. These volunteers cooperatively plan with the classroom teacher the three holiday parties and assist with Teacher Appreciation Week in May. A room parent meeting is held in September to provide further details.

SCHOOL PARTIES

Hagan Elementary School has three school-wide parties that take place in each grade level classroom. They are on Halloween, in December before winter break, and on Valentine's Day. The room parents consult with classroom teachers and then organize refreshments and simple games or activities. The parties begin at 2:00 p.m. and last the remainder of the school day. These parties are an opportunity for children to socialize and share their family customs and traditions.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Your child is invited to celebrate his or her birthday in school by bringing in a special snack to share with classmates. For health and safety reasons, please do not send in “goodie bags” for in-class birthday celebrations without reviewing the contents with the teacher. Let the classroom teacher know the date of your celebration so she or he may set aside some extra time for the birthday snack.

If you are having a birthday party at home for classmates, we ask that you do not distribute the invitations in school unless all students are invited to the party.

E. POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND RULES

SCHOOL DAY

Children may arrive at school between 8:30 - 8:40 a.m. Please do not send children to school before 8:30 a.m. or have them stay beyond 2:50 p.m. unless a staff member contacts you about a special event. Only under these circumstances are we able to provide adequate supervision before 8:30 a.m. and after 2:50 p.m. unless your child rides a bus. Walkers are dismissed at 2:50 p.m. and buses leave our school between 3:00 - 3:10 p.m. If you would like to use the school playground before or after school, please remember to supervise your children in this area while avoiding, blacktop arrival and dismissal areas.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

When transporting students to and from school, it is critical that parents enter the school driveway bearing to the right into the upper playground area, following the arrows to the exit area, which is the gateway on your left. The purpose of the double lined area is to provide a safe walkway for students when they enter the school. The dotted lines serve as a guide for students. They are to walk between these lines and the playground area when entering the building. In the afternoon children being picked up should not go beyond the yellow lines. The exit runs parallel to these lines so children should be picked up as close to the exit as possible. Do not stop before this exit area to pick up or drop off your child because it blocks traffic.

Between 8:15 - 9:00 a.m and 2:45 - 3:30 p.m., no cars should enter the circle nearest the school or park in that parking area. Although you may be tempted to drop your child off closer to the main entrance due to bad weather, it presents a serious danger to your child and all the children at Hagan. Please watch for children and adults, at all times, as you enter and exit the driveway.

Morning and afternoon bike riders and walkers should walk on the sidewalk. When bike riders reach the end of the sidewalk, they may ride their bicycles. During times when these areas are covered with snow, children should walk as close to these designated spots as possible.

Band and chorus students should be dropped off at the front door at 7:55 a.m.

ABSENCES: EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED

All children are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are ill or a family emergency arises. We ask that all parents call the school at 845.463.7840 between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. if your child is home sick or if you are keeping your child home for any other reason [dentist or doctor appointment]. This will help us consolidate our absentee list so we can respond more quickly to any possible missing children concerns.

New York State Educational Law requires students to have a written excuse, verified by a parent or guardian, when they are absent or late in arriving to school, or if you are picking your child up during the school day. This excuse must state the student's full name, dates of absence or tardiness from school, and the reasons for being late or absent. It is a legal document, which must be kept on file by the school district. Failure to present this excuse will result in the absence being recorded as unexcused.

Excused absences: Excused absences include but are not limited to:

  1. personal illness
  2. illnesses or death in the immediate family
  3. disability
  4. impassable roads or weather
  5. religious observance
  6. quarantine
  7. required court appearances

Unexcused absences: These fall into two categories which include unlawful detention and truancy.

Truancy: A student sent to school by his parents and expected to be in school is considered truant if he absents himself for some unlawful reason.

Unlawful detention: Unlawful detention occurs when a pupil is absent from school with the knowledge and consent, stated or implied, of his parents for other than legal reasons, such as: visiting, shopping, babysitting, etc. Vacations are not excused absences. Family vacations during regularly scheduled school time are considered unexcused absences. Please schedule these vacations during the summer or our regularly designated time off which is noted on our district calendar.

Any student who arrives at school after 8:40 a.m. will be recorded as tardy. If your child arrives late to school, we ask that you or a designated party report to the office with your child so we can accurately record the tardiness. Please sign our record book when you arrive and provide the required written excuse stating the reason for the late arrival.

It is important that your child arrive at school on time on a regular basis. This will enable your child to be part of morning routines and instruction, and not disrupt his/her learning or the learning of others. We do understand emergency situations arise and we are pleased that he/she does arrive late rather than miss a whole day. Attendance is recorded on your child’s permanent record folder as well as the report card.

For the safety of each child, when it becomes necessary that a student be dismissed early from his/her daily schedule, the parent must visit the office to sign the child out. We will not release any student to anyone other than the parents or legal guardians without written permission from parents.

SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM

School districts are required to inform parents that parents have the right to be notified when their children are absent from elementary school. Parents who wish to be notified shall

forward a request in writing to the principal of the school. If your child walks to school or you have to leave your child before he/she gets on the bus you may like to be on our Safe Arrival Program. A notification form will be sent home for you to complete.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

In accordance with the regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the district has developed an Emergency Management Plan to safeguard the safety and health of students and staff as well as district property, in the event of a true emergency.

Each year the school will stage a "test" or drill of the Emergency Management Plan, including practice in sheltering students and staff, and a planned early dismissal on a specified date at a time not more than 15 minutes earlier than the normal dismissal time. Parents/Guardians will be informed of any such "test" at least one week prior to the drill.

  1. Decisions to delay and/or close school are made by 5:30 a.m. They are immediately relayed to the radio stations and local television.
  2. If there is a need to send students home due to bad weather and school is in session, a decision will be made at the earliest possible time to give parents adequate notice. Buses will begin to transport students approximately 1 hour after the decision is made. Dismissal begins with high school students followed by middle school students and finally the elementary students.
  3. If there is ever a need to close a particular school for emergency reasons (heat fails, water main break, etc.) after it is in session, the following events occur. Students will be transported to another school for their safety and comfort. Approximately 1 hour later, they will be transported home by bus. Radio and television stations would have been immediately alerted to announce what has occurred and the procedure in place. Students who do not ride the buses and are transported by parents should be picked up at the designated school emergency location. Of course, they will be safely supervised until all children have been picked up.
  4. Every effort is made not to have to send children home due to an emergency since it is possible that not all parents have access to a radio or television during the workday. Signs will be posted at the vacated school as to where the children are being safely housed. For those children who go home by bus, we advise that children be made aware beforehand of where they should go [neighbor, etc.] in the event you are unable to be home for them. This is a rare occurrence, but we feel it is important for you to be aware of the procedure for the safety of all children.

An additional way to receive notification of school delays and cancellations is through School Connects. School Connects is an automated communication system that provides time sensitive information to our district families via both telephone and e-mail message formats. Be sure to contact the school as soon as possible when any of your phone numbers have changed or these emergency notifications will not be possible.

The following web sites can also be utilized: www.cancellations.com, and the district web site: www.spackenkillschools.org

Since phone lines need to be clear for emergencies or when we have a delayed opening or school cancellation, we ask that you do not call the school for this information. Please listen to the following radio stations to receive these details: WBNR [1260], WKIP [1450], WEOK [1390], 98FAME, K104, WHVW, WTZA, WRWD [1073], WGNY

EMERGENCY DRILLS

These drills are mandated through Project Save and are recommended and approved by our Board of Education.

Fire Drills/Evacuation Drills: We are required by State Law to have a minimum of twelve drills during the school year, eight of which must be conducted before December 1st. Fire exits are clearly marked and routes to exit the building are posted in each classroom. One drill each year is monitored by our local fire department.

Bus Fire Drills: A minimum of three such drills are conducted each year. The drills take place on the school bus. The first bus drill is conducted during the first week of school. Bus fire drills include instruction in the use of windows and emergency doors as the means of escape in the case of fire or accident.

Severe Weather Drills: Occasional practice in seeking shelter from severe weather will be held each year. This involves moving all students and building occupants to interior hallways on the first floor of the building. Doors and windows are kept open or closed depending on whether the alert is for hurricane, tornado, or another weather emergency. Students are expected to stand or sit facing the wall with hands behind their necks or heads to protect them from flying debris.

Lockdown Drills: Practice drills are held to prepare students and staff to know what to do if an intruder or act of violence threatens their safety.

AED Drill: Practice drills are held to prepare students and staff to know what to do if a person requires the use of a defibrillator.

Lockouts: When an emergency situation evolves outside of the building, all exterior doors are locked.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Each student is encouraged to develop and achieve individual educational goals. The district will provide every student with equal education regardless of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, age, economic status, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. No student will be excluded on such basis from participating in or having access to any course offerings, student athletics, counseling services, extracurricular activities, or other school resources.

District parents with disabilities will be afforded an equal opportunity to participate in the services, programs, and activities of the district, particularly those which are designed for parental involvement and are directly related to their child's academic and/or disciplinary progress[parent/teacher conferences, and/or meetings with other school personnel].

CUSTODY

This school will provide access to student(s) and/or record(s) in a manner consistent with the provisions of FERPA; terms of any relevant court order(s); of the terms of any other legally binding instrument filed with the school.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

Each year more and more cases of child abuse and neglect are reported, although in many instances, child abuse does go unreported. It is not a subject, which school officials can ignore.

According to New York State Law, school personnel must report to Child Protective Services suspected non-accidental injury, sexual molestation, abuse, and neglect.

VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW

The superintendent, building principal, or his/her designee shall notify the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department and report all code violations that constitute a crime [misdemeanor or felony] under New York State Law.

VISITORS

Parents and other community members are welcome to visit our school. To help provide a safe environment for our students, all visitors should report to the main office to notify the office staff of the purpose of the visit. Upon receiving clearance to visit, a person must sign in and be issued a visitor's sticker, which must be displayed at all times. The visitor must sign out at the conclusion of the visit.

Although communication is critical between parents and teachers, we recommend that arrangements be made for mutually convenient times to discuss your child. While discussing your child, the privacy and full attention that you deserve may be more easily provided with an agreed upon meeting time. Stopping by a classroom to discuss your child while a teacher has students may even jeopardize the safety of the other pupils.

BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY

To ensure the safety of all children, access to the building is limited. Pupils who need to enter the school before 8:30a.m. because they are attending special programs should enter through the main entrance. All other students may enter the building between 8:30 - 8:40a.m., through the main entrance or the one near the bicycle rack. If your child arrives to school after 8:40, unless the tardiness is due to traffic congestion at the school entrance, it is important that your youngster is signed in at the office.

After student dismissal time, limited access through the building’s main entrance will be available until 4:00p.m. The main office is open from 7:30a.m.- 4:00p.m.

REGISTRATION

When registering your child for school the following items are required: proof of residency, immunization records, physical examination, and a long form birth certificate.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Children in the Spackenkill School District attend a full day kindergarten program. Dates for registration are published in the DIALOGUE in the spring.

To be eligible to enter school, a child must be five years old on or before December 1st for the upcoming school year.

LOST AND FOUND

Parents are requested to put their child's full name on all belongings. Articles, which are lost, are placed in a box in the lobby. Students and parents are encouraged to check frequently for missing items. Articles left in lost and found will be donated to a local charity at the end of the school year unless you are notified about earlier times for disposal.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY AND BUS CONDUCT RULES

Our goal is to bus students to and from school safely and on time. Parents are asked to assist the district staff in this endeavor by ensuring that their children are at their bus stops a few minutes before their scheduled pick up time and by reviewing the bus safety and conduct rules with their children.

  1. Children waiting at the bus stop should not play in the road or street.
  2. Children should wait for their bus to come to a complete stop with the red flashing lights on before boarding the bus or crossing the road. If the bus stops on the opposite side of the street from your home, wait for the driver to signal you to cross, then look both ways yourself.
  3. When crossing the road to board the bus, and when leaving the bus, students are to walk at least ten [10] feet in front of the bus so that the driver can see them.
  4. Upon entering the bus, students should immediately be seated and remain seated at all times. Pupils should not change seats.
  5. Students are to follow the rules below:
    1. Follow directions of the driver.
    2. Respect property and rights of others.
    3. Speak in a reasonable [quiet] tone of voice.
    4. Don't swear or use vulgar language.
    5. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
    6. Remain seated, facing front.
    7. Do not damage buses.
  6. For safety purposes, glass containers, knives, large projects, baseball bats, hockey sticks, and large instruments may not be carried on the bus.

AFTER LEAVING THE BUS UPON ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL, STUDENTS ARE TO GO DIRECTLY INTO THE SCHOOL BUILDING. AFTER LEAVING THE BUS IN THE AFTERNOON, CHILDREN ARE TO WALK DIRECTLY HOME. THEY SHOULD NOT TALK TO OR ACCEPT RIDES FROM STRANGERS. STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH SCHOOL BUS SAFETY OR BUS CONDUCT RULES MAY BE DENIED BUS SERVICE.

  1. For the first infraction, a meeting is held with the child, parents are notified, and the consequences are determined.
  2. For the second infraction, a written bus conduct report is sent home, a meeting is held with the student, and consequences are determined.
  3. For the third infraction, there is a denial of bus service for one to five days.
  4. For repeated infractions, there is a denial of bus service for 5 or more days.

TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS/GOING HOME WITH FRIEND OR RELATIVE

Safety problems often arise when students change buses for a day, to visit a friend or relative. While bus changes may be necessary under emergency situations, we ask that such requests be handled as follows:

  1. Parent writes a request, which is sent to the office, that the child be switched to a different bus. Please identify the destination, bus number, and the name of the person that will watch your child in the event of an emergency.
  2. Requests will be honored as long as seats are available. You will be notified by phone if the request is denied. Therefore, it is important to inform us of your request and of the number where you can be reached during the day.
  3. A master list of daily and permanent bus changes will be maintained in the elementary office.

CLASS PLACEMENT

The process of placing children in classes for the following school year begins in May and involves many meetings with the current year's teachers and support staff who decides where each child will be best suited academically, emotionally, and socially. Since the goal of these meetings is also to form classes consisting of the most teachable mix of students' learning styles, habits, and abilities, parent input is valued in relation to how you view your child as a learner. It is not intended to be an opportunity for the parent to request an assignment to a specific teacher, to the exclusion of the other considerations that the school should have. Input about your child's learning may be given verbally to a teacher during a mutually arranged conference time or by completing a parent input form, which is available in the office before May 1st.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS

The district is committed to safeguarding the right of all students within the school district to learn in an environment that is free from all forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including but not limited to: inappropriate touching, verbal comments, sexual name calling, spreading sexual rumors, gestures and jokes.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. Any student, who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment, should report the alleged misconduct immediately to the principal who will contact appropriate individuals to begin an investigation.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY/TECHNOLOGY

NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS OR GUARDIANS
AND ELIGIBLE STUDENTS OF RIGHTS
REGARDING STUDENT RECORDS [FERPA]

PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT [PPRA]

DISTRICT CODE OF CONDUCT

Last Updated: Thursday, September 21, 2006

Spackenkill Union Free School District   •     Dr. Lois Colletta, Superintendent of Schools
15 Croft Road    •    Poughkeepsie, New York 12603    •    v: 845.463.7800    •    f: 845.463.7804
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