Nassau Elementary School:
Student Handbook

[Also viewable/downloadable in Adobe Acrobat PDF form]

ABSENCES

New York State Law requires that parents or guardians of elementary school pupils be notified by their school district of the absence of their child from school [MISSING CHILDREN'S ACT, PARENT NOTIFICATION SECTION, 53984 GOODHUE - CHAPTER 617]. Therefore, please be advised that in the event your child is absent from school and you have not notified the school of his/her absence, you have the right to be notified that your child is not in attendance.

It is requested that parents contact the school in the event of your child being ill or being late for school. An absence note on the day the child returns to classes is also required. Please state the day and reason for the absence. As there is a direct correlation between school attendance and academic achievement, it is urged that parents support children coming to school on time and regularly.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Classes are from 9:15 - 3:15. Students should not arrive at the school prior to 8:45 in the morning unless they have some scheduled activity within the school since personnel are not available for supervision. Students are permitted to go to their classrooms at 9:00. Students who arrive after 9:15 are late and must get a pass from the main office. Parents are asked to please certain their child arrives on time. At the end of the school day, those students being picked up by parents or guardians are dismissed at 3:15, walkers are dismissed at 3:20 and buses leave at approximately 3:30. Please send in a note if there is any change in the usual dismissal routine. Parents picking up their children will wait in the cafeteria and will be asked to sign out their children.

ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS

Assignment notebooks are purchased by the school for use with all second, third, fourth and fifth grade students. A letter is sent to all parents or guardians of these students in the summer before they enter third, fourth or fifth grade describing the other items they need to complete the assignment notebook system. The system is designed to help students and parents or guardians keep track of assignments, improve organizational and study skills and improve communications between home and school.

BIKE POLICY - HELMETS MUST BE WORN

If your child rides a bike to school, encourage him/her to walk the bike down the sidewalk, upon entry and exit of the school property. Bikes are to be locked during the school day. If your child walks to school, be sure he/she walks on the sidewalks.

BUS

Bus Stop

Please arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before it is scheduled to arrive. As bus safety is always a concern, please remember the following rules:

• Wait safely at the bus stop.
• Form a line when the bus is approaching.
• Board the bus safely.
• Find a seat and remain sitting for the duration of the trip.
• Respect the bus driver.
• Large items, glass, and sharp objects are not permitted on the bus.
• Voices must be kept at a level that allows drivers instructions to be heard.

Bus Consequences

First offense

1. The driver will point out the misconduct of the child and may assign a special seat.
2. The driver may send a written referral to the principal who will discuss the misconduct with the child. A loss of privilege may occur.
3. The parent or guardian will receive a written report of the misconduct and/or request for a conference with the principal.

Second offense

1. The driver will send a written behavioral referral to the principal. The parent or guardian will be notified.
2. Loss of activity or a logical consequence will be determined to fit the offense will occur.
3. A parent or guardian/principal conference will be held.

Third offense

1. The child will be referred to the principal and the parent or guardian will be called in for a conference.
2. The child will lose bus-riding privileges for one to five days. If the offense warrants more than 5 days, a Superintendent's hearing may be held.

There are some behaviors that require more immediate consequences and those will be dealt with on an individual basis. Further transportation questions should be directed to Doreen Wright, 845.463.7800.

CALENDAR

See P.T.A. calendar, the Dialogue, and our web-based calendar for schedule of events.

CLOTHING

School dress must be appropriate for the weather and not be a distraction to other students. Skirts and shorts must be no more than two inches above the knee. T-shirts must not display anything that distracts from the learning environment. Halter-tops and tube tops are also not appropriate classroom attire. Sneakers are required for gym days and appropriate shoes for all other times. For safety reasons, high soles are not appropriate for gym. Flip-flops and sandals present safety concerns on the playground. Please encourage your child to wear sneakers for playing on the equipment.

DISCIPLINE PLAN

The three main goals of this plan for each child to follow are:

1. I will listen and follow directions.
2. I will keep others and myself safe.
3. I will treat others and myself with respect and courtesy.

Consequences have been developed by the staff, which is correlated with the District-Wide Discipline Plan approved by the Superintendent and the Board of Education. When an offense is deemed more severe, steps of the discipline plan may skip some levels and be a direct referral to he principal.

First Offense [One will occur]

1. A child will be asked to stop, think, and discuss the misbehavior.
2. Time out will be assigned.
3. The child will be asked to demonstrate the correct behavior.

Second Offense [One will be selected]

1. Loss of activity for one day.
2. Logical consequence to fit the offense.

Third Offense [Both will be used]

1. Loss of activity for two days.
2. A parent or guardian/teacher/student conference will be held.

Fourth Offense

The child will be referred to the principal and the parent or guardian will come in for a conference.

Possible consequences are:

1. Detention after school or loss of activity for more than 2 days. This may include suspension from attending field trips.
2. In-school suspension where students will remain isolated from their class. All privileges will be taken away. Class assignments will be completed.
3. Referrals will be made to appropriate support personnel.
4. Out of school suspension for one to five days. If more than 5 days are warranted, a Superintendent's hearing may be held.

EARLY DISMISSAL

If your child has to leave during the day or before regular dismissal time, please remember to send a note in with them on that day. Please sign the child out in the office before leaving.

EMERGENCY PLANNING

It is important that you have a plan established with your children in the event of an emergency closing of the school. A system should be in place where your child can go to the home of a neighbor or friend.

The district’s School Connect will notify all enrolled in case of an early closing due to weather related issues or mechanical malfunctions. It is critical to keep your phone numbers updated to ensure that calls are received.

FIELD/CLASS TRIPS

Field trips are experiences directly related to classroom studies. To provide this experience the school has established guidelines, which help to make for well-planned trips. Before any field trip, your child will be given a form, which includes the date of the trip, the date the note is to be returned and the destination of the trip. Students are expected to stay with their group and follow their chaperone's instructions. Field trips are a privilege and may be taken away as a possible disciplinary measure. If parents volunteer to assist on a field trip, they may not bring siblings along.

GUM

Gum is not allowed in school. The maintenance problem gum causes necessitates this rule.

ILLNESSES

There are times when a child will feel too sick to attend school. A child with fever, diarrhea, vomiting or symptoms of cold or flu would be much more comfortable and less contagious to others if he/she spends the day recuperating at home. A ‘reason for absence” note from the parent is required upon the child’s return to school. Parents may call Mrs. Downer, School Nurse-Teacher with questions or concerns regarding their child’s health [845.463.6390]

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES TEAM

The Instructional Strategies Team exists as a group of professionals who are available to assist classroom teachers and parents or guardians in resolving student difficulties. Assistance may include intervention suggestions, direct support services, consultation and/or evaluation services. Faculty members, as well as parents or guardians 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 the resource room teacher.

LIBRARY

The library's purpose is to provide resources for curriculum support, research, enrichment and leisure reading.

1. Types of materials available for student use:

1. Reference books – most are available for overnight checkout – some are for library use only.
2. Books in the general collection are signed out for one week at a time with renewals possible on an as needed basis.
3. Magazines - can be signed out by students in 3rd - 5th grade.
4. Videos, DVD's, computer software and equipment are for teacher use only except under special circumstances.

2. Accessibility to students

1. 1. Students come with their class at assigned times during the week. They may visit the library anytime during school hours as long as the librarian is available.
2. 2. Students may not be in the library without adult supervision.

3. Student responsibilities

1. A student's presence in the library indicates purposeful quiet work.
2. Students are to be considerate to others.
3. Students are expected to observe all school rules and library procedures.
4. Students must sign out all materials used.
5. Students with outstanding materials will not be allowed to sign out more library materials but can use all materials during school hours.
6. Students are expected to take care of all library materials and are expected to pay for all damaged or lost items. Students will be charged the cost of replacing the item and a $3.00 processing fee.

BREAKFASTS AND LUNCHES

A notice is sent home at the beginning of the year explaining the qualifications for free or reduced prices for lunch. Tickets for 10 lunches are available for purchase at the cost of $16.50. Breakfast is also available every morning at the cost of $1.00. Students, who qualify for free or reduced lunch, also qualify for breakfast. Further questions should be directed to Mrs. Lisa French, 463-7836. In addition to the entrees listed on the school lunch menu, salads are available daily. Good nutrition is the goal of all involved in the School Lunch Program.

LOST AND FOUND

Parents or guardians are requested to put their child's name on all belongings. Any unmarked articles found will be placed in a box in the school lobby. Valuables found, like glasses, watches or wallets will be put in the office. These items will be discarded after a reasonable period of time.

MEDICATION

New York State Education law requires that medication [prescribed or over the counter] during the school day may be administered when:

1. The prescribing physician writes a note indicating the name of the medication, dosage and frequency.
2. The medication is delivered to school by the parent in its original prescription bottle.
3. Unused medication may be returned to a child’s parent or discarded at the end of the school year. Unfortunately, this includes inhalers and epipens. Please remember to pick up your child’s medications from the health office before the last day of school.

PTA - PARENT TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

An Executive Board of the District PTA heads the Spackenkill PTA. Hagan and Nassau each have a Committee, which runs the PTA in their school. The chairperson of this Committee oversees all PTA functions in that school. Meetings are generally held once a month at 7:00 p.m. and all parents or guardians are invited to attend. The purpose of the PTA meetings is to inform families of the events of the organization.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Conferences will be scheduled for the school year and attending these are a wonderful opportunity to have an informative exchange with the teacher and the parents.

RECESS

Outside recess is provided daily. Children go out in winter as well, so please see that they are properly dressed. Children are only exempt from outdoor activities if they have a doctor's order. During the winter, we have sleds for our students to use during recess. However, they must be properly dressed to use them. This includes snow pants, boots, hats and gloves. Certain types of shoes may also be inappropriate for playing at recess. Sandals, high-soled shoes and flip-flops are not allowed if a student is using the playground equipment.

REGISTERING NEW STUDENTS

Proof of residence, birth certificate and immunization records are required for registration and a screening will be done for appropriate placement. The school registration form will need to be notarized. Contact the school office for further information.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued throughout the year to serve as an additional vehicle for communication between school and home. Supplemental scholarship Reports may also be used to inform parents of student’s progress. Teachers and or Parents may request Parent-Teacher conferences at any time during the year.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS/WEATHER EMERGENCIES

In the event of a school closing due to inclement weather, School Connect will contact all those who are signed up for this service. Additionally, the following radio stations will announce closings and or delays:

WEOK, WKIP, WPDH, WHVW, WBNR, WSPK, WCZX, WRWD, WGYN, WHUD, Z93, television station WRNN-TV 62, WRRV, and Cancellations.com.

It is important to have an alternate place for your child to go in the event school is dismissed early and you are unable to be at home. Please inform the school of these arrangements.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

A full range of special education services is available for students who require such services and accommodations to meet their educational needs. If you suspect that your child may have a disability that requires accommodations or special education services, talk to your child's teacher, the school principal or contact the district's Pupil Personnel Director. The office is located at the District Office in Todd Middle School. The phone number is 463-7808.

COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED

The Spackenkill Union Free School District provides access to communication services for students’ parents or guardians with hearing impairments at their request with ten-calendar days notice. Please contact your building principal at 463-7844 to arrange for services.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS, ADDRESSES
& EMERGENCY CARDS

It is most important that we have the correct address and telephone number of each child. Please notify the school, if you have a change of address, a change of your telephone number, a new work number and any changes in emergency numbers.

TRAFFIC FLOW

Please remember our safety guidelines for the use of the school driveway. The traffic pattern should flow in a loop. Cars should enter the driveway at the top of the loop next to the building and exit at the bottom of the loop, near the fence. While following this pattern, please watch for stopped school buses that may be loading or unloading students. It is against the law to pass the bus if red flashing lights are on.

VACATIONS WHILE SCHOOL IS IN SESSION

There is a high correlation between success in school and attendance. We all need to impress on the students the importance of school. Parents or guardians are urged to schedule vacations for times when the school is closed and not while classes are being held. Students are expected to make up all work that was done in their absence. Students who take vacations while school is in session must be recorded with illegal absences

VISITORS

All parents, guardians and other adult visitors are welcome to Nassau School. However, for safety reasons, everyone MUST report to the main office before going elsewhere in the building. Please enter by the main entrance, acquire a Visitor's Pass as you sign in, and return the pass when you leave. Parents are also asked NOT to try to conference with teachers without arranging a time to do so, especially when the teacher has a class that must be watched.

Students visiting from other schools are discouraged because of the disruption that may occur. Children are not allowed as guests during school hours.

VOLUNTEERS

Parents or guardians and other community people are invited to participate in the school's programs whenever possible. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available and your classroom teacher will inform you of these early in the school year. If you plan to volunteer in the classrooms, please make arrangements for siblings. Volunteers should stop at the office, sign the volunteer's book and receive a Visitor's Pass. All school volunteers’ names are given to the Board of Education for approval. This is mandatory for you to participate in any school activities in the beginning of the year as a chaperone or room parent.

WITHDRAWING STUDENTS

Please notify the school office as soon as possible when you anticipate withdrawing a student. All school materials, such as textbooks, library books and equipment need to be returned before a student leaves.

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NASSAU ACTIVITIES

Throughout the year, Nassau Elementary School has numerous activities for our students. Parents or guardians are reminded to guide their children as they choose a number of activities to participate in both in and out of school. You should strive to make certain that your child chooses wisely and does not get overwhelmed. Schoolwork obviously has to come first and additional activities should serve to round out a student's overall development.

BIKE RODEO

Bike Rodeo at Nassau Elementary School is an annual spring event for all third grade students. The physical education teacher, Mr. Molon, and school nurse-teacher, Mrs. Downer, collaborates with classroom teachers and parent or guardian volunteers to teach bicycle safety, "rules of the road", helmet laws and general bicycle maintenance to the students. Town of Poughkeepsie Police provide bicycle inspections and helmets and students learn to maneuver through road obstacles using their own bikes.

BOOK FAIR

This is held twice annually and sponsored by P.T.A. This event allows the children and parents or guardians to purchase new books. It is also a fund-raiser for P.T.A. and the company that supplies the books also donates free books to the library based on the quantity of books sold.

CONTINENTAL MATH

A series of math tests taken by all students’ grades 2-5.

Eliminations are based on number of right answers until a final top three remain in each grade. Awards are given to the top 3 in each grade.

CLASS PARTIES

In most grades, the teachers and room parents coordinate parties for Halloween, Valentines Day and a Holiday party held before the holiday vacation.

FAMILY FUN DAY

Once a year, in June, the Nassau P.T.A. sponsors a Family Fun Day. It’s a time to get together to relax and have fun. Food, drink and snacks are available at a small fee. There is entertainment and many outdoor games to play. It is held from 4:00 p.m. to dusk at the school. Students, friends, family, teachers and staff are welcome. However, children may not come unattended.

FIELD DAYS

Held annually in June, each class participates in a day of individual and class activities. The physical education teacher coordinates the day and refreshments are provided by P.T.A.

FIELD TRIPS

Coordinated by class teachers. P.T.A. subsidizes and provides chaperones when necessary. Permission slips are required for students to attend.

FUNDRAISERS

Fundraisers are held by the P.T.A. to help support various aspects of the elementary program. The P.T.A. sponsors many activities and awards such as the P.A.R.P. program, assembly program speakers, subsidizes expenditures for class trips, subsidizes expenditures for the school play, cast party, book fair entertainment, Skins and Skulls, Teamwork Counts, Super Sleuth, 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, Family Fun Day, Geography Bee Awards, Reflection Awards, Field Day Awards, Science Fair Awards, Corey Simpson Award, Sanford Howard Award, etc. There are many other things supported by the P.T.A. that are not mentioned. Families are asked to participate when possible.

GEOGRAPHY BEE

This event is held for students in Grades 4 - 5 and is sponsored by the National Geographic Society. A preliminary competition is held in each classroom to determine a class winner. These winners compete in a school-wide competition. The school winner is eligible to compete in a statewide competition, coordinated by TAG. P.T.A. supplies awards/prizes.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT [4th and 5th Grades]

Evening programs are conducted each year in the fall and spring explaining the physical changes that occur in adolescence. The School Nurse/Teachers from Nassau and Hagan coordinate this program. Participation is encouraged but optional.

KINDERGARTEN SCREENING

P.T.A. provides assistance in screening the incoming kindergarten students.

MUSIC PROGRAM

ALL COUNTY: Instrumental and vocal students are chosen on the basis of ability to perform with other county students in a concert.

BAND: Students in grades 4 - 5 are eligible to participate in band lessons. These small group lessons are given once a week for thirty minutes during the school day. Beginners participate in a Spring Concert and have rehearsals during the school day.

During the second year of lessons, students also participate in the Elementary Band, which rehearses one day a week before the beginning of the school day.

Students are encouraged to begin lessons during these two grades, as it becomes more difficult to begin in later years due to scheduling difficulties.

ORCHESTRA/STRINGS: Students in grades 3 - 5 are eligible to participate in the strings program. Lessons are given once a week during class time. Rental of instruments is also available. Students enrolled in orchestra/strings are expected to participate when practice is scheduled.

CHORISTERS: Members are selected from students in grades 3 - 5 and are expected to actively participate for the full year, barring extenuating circumstances.

CONCERTS: School chorus, orchestra/strings, and band members participate in two major concerts. A holiday concert is held in December and district-wide concert is held in the spring. These are held at the High School Auditorium.

NYSSMA: New York State School Music Association hosts competition for band, orchestra, and chorus members. Participation is based on student ability determined by music teachers.

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND

OM is an international, creative, problem-solving competition. All students in grades 3 through 12 may participate in tryouts to be on the seven member teams, which are coached by volunteer parents or guardians or teachers [tryouts - October]. Teams practice for the Regional OM Competition [Goshen, New York] from November until March, either before school, after school, noontimes, or weekends. Teams placing 1st at the Regional OM Competition are eligible to compete in the New York State OM finals at SUNY Binghamton [April]. Teams placing 1st at the N.Y.S. competition are eligible to compete in the OM World Finals.

CURRICULUM NIGHT/OPEN HOUSE

Held annually at the beginning of the school year, parents or guardians are invited to meet with the teachers who will provide an overview of the curriculum and expectations for the year. We have two nights for this; K - 2 on one night and 3 - 5 on the other night. Refreshments are provided by P.T.A. Because of the nature of this presentation, children are not permitted to attend. Parents can also sign up for volunteering, for teacher conferences, and for classroom parties during these open houses.

P.A.R.P.: Parents As Reading Partners

PARP is a reading program designed to encourage families to share the joy of reading on a daily basis. It is hoped that this will instill a love of reading and establish life long leisure reading habits. The program is a cooperative endeavor that involves the P.T.A., the students and their families, the teachers and the entire school community. The month long celebration of reading is fun, exciting and rewarding. Many special activities and events occur during this month and weekly packets full of ideas and hints are sent home.

ROOM PARENTS

P.T.A. volunteers from each class assist the teacher in planning class parties, picnics, and any other function where the teacher or P.T.A needs parent participation.

SCHOOL PICTURES

Sponsored by P.T.A. each fall, photographers come to each of the schools to take individual and class pictures of all of the students. The parents or guardian may purchase pictures and participation is optional. Pictures are also included in the school's Memory Book. There may also be an opportunity for spring pictures.

SCHOOL PLAY

These are put on annually and involve 4th and 5th graders with a theme involving music and dancing.

SCHOOL STORE

A school store is available every Friday during lunch periods. Students may purchase various school materials during this time.

SCIENCE FAIR

Primarily for students in the 5th grade, this is an opportunity for children to engage in the scientific process. Participation in this event is held during the month of March. The event supports New York State and District Science Curricula. Winners may go on to the Dutchess County Science Fair. Students are required to do a project that entails using the Scientific Inquiry Process.

STAFF APPRECIATION

The P.T.A. also has periods of appreciation for the Board of Education, the teachers, and the staff. P.T.A. provided a luncheon for office staff during Secretaries' Week. The day is determined at the convenience of the staff.

SHARPE TRIP

Each year the 5th grade students of Nassau and Hagan School spend time at the Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill where they participate in a number of scientific/educational activities under the direction of the personnel at Sharpe. Family volunteers participate along with teachers.

SITE BASED MANAGEMENT TEAM

A State mandated Committee organized to set goals aimed at improving the quality of education, discipline, and parent or guardian-teacher communication. The Committee consists of the principal, teachers and P.T.A. representatives. Terms for committee members [except principal] are for two years.

SUMMER LIBRARY

During the summer, the library is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for about four weeks.

STATE TESTS

The New York State Education Department now requires testing in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. All of these students are tested in English Language Arts and Math. 4th graders are also given the Science test while 5th graders are additionally tested in Social Studies.

SUMMER ACADEMY

To help meet the higher standards in New York State, the Spackenkill School District provides a summer academic assistance program for recommended students. The goals of the summer program are to:

1. Develop and strengthen strategies, which will support success in school, while meeting New York State higher standards.
2. Reduce academic loss over the summer months.
3. Familiarize students with state standards and assessments.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

The Summer Enrichment Program is typically for four weeks, each session is one week long and 3 1/2 hours per day, with offerings 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, and physical activity.

Information and registration materials are distributed to parents or guardians in the early spring to allow summer planning.

TAG [TALENTED AND GIFTED PROGRAM (by invitation only)]

Eligibility is determined by a series of tests and recommendations of teachers. The TAG program is offered as an additional way to stimulate and challenge some students. Currently, this is done as a pullout program.

TEAMWORK COUNTS

Annual event when students of Hagan and Nassau spend a day together, working in groups consisting of students from both schools. Twenty problem-solving stations are set up where students, as teams, work on a variety of techniques solving problems. P.T.A. volunteers man the various stations.

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ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY/TECHNOLOGY

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

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PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT [PPRA]

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This is to verify that I have received a copy of the Spackenkill Union Free School District Nassau Elementary School student and parents handbook for the 2006 - 2007 school year and that I am knowledgeable of the rules and consequences set for within. I further verify that I have discussed these rules and consequences with my child.

We have also reviewed the contents of the Spackenkill Union Free School District's policy on technology. Our signatures indicate receipt and acknowledgment of them in accordance with the rules and regulations that are consistent with the District's Code of Student Conduct and State and Federal laws and regulations.

Student's Name________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________

Home Phone__________________________________________________

Student Signature______________________________________________

Parent Signature_______________________________________________

Date_________________________________________________________

PLEASE RETURN TO MRS. SAMPLE BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND.

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This handbook was compiled by the Site-Based Management Team to assist parents and children with the rules, procedures, and happenings at Nassau School.