TUSCAN SCHOOL
School District of South Orange and Maplewood, New Jersey
Office of the Principal
25 Harvard Avenue ² Maplewood ² New Jersey 07040
973-378-5221
Dear Tuscan Family:
Welcome to Tuscan School. The faculty and staff join me in assuring you of our commitment to nurture and enhance the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of all students.
Tuscan School is a wonderful school for learning. We have terrific students, caring, creative and dynamic teachers, actively involved and supportive parents; a dedicated school nurse, a devoted school secretary and a fabulous support staff all working together to create our outstanding school community.
This handbook is designed to help families have a pleasant and productive school year. It is a joint effort of the school and the PTA to provide information about school procedures and operations.
We invite and welcome parent involvement and we appreciate your continued support. Through home and school collaboration, we can best meet your child’s needs and help your child experience success.
If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your child’s Tuscan experience, please feel free to contact the teacher, our Assistant to the Principal Mrs. Hess or me.
I hope this year will be one of the most rewarding years in your child’s school career.
Sincerely,
Malikah Majeed
Principal
SCHOOL HOURS
FULL DAY SCHEDULE
Half Day Kindergarten:
AM session 8:45 am to 11:30 am
PM session 12:30 pm to 3:15 pm
Grades K to 5:
8:45 am to 3:15 pm
Children may not be left on school grounds before 8:40 am or after 3:20 pm. Playground supervision is not available during that time. Before-school and after-school programs are available. When the bell rings children are expected to say good-by to their parent/guardian at the door and walk with their classmates to class.
Before School Program: The South Mountain YMCA sponsors the before school program. For information please contact them at 973-762-3658.
After-School Programs: The South Mountain YMCA offers after-school care. The YMCA also offers full-time child care during school vacations, as a separate program. For details, contact the South Mountain YMCA at 973-762-0860. The Maplewood Recreation Department also offers on on-site after-school program. Contact Irene Gallagher at 973-762-0183 for details.
4-HOUR SESSION SCHEDULE
Kindergarten AM session 8:45 am to 11:15 am
PM session 10:15 am to 12:45 pm
Full Day K and Grades 1 to 5:
8:45 am to 12:45 pm
These days are set aside for parent conferences, in-service education for staff, days prior to Thanksgiving and winter vacation and end of the year. No lunch is provided on these days.
ABSENCES OR LATE ARRIVALS
In the event your child will be absent from school, kindly telephone the school. You may leave a message on the absence line (973)378-5221 ext. 7000. Please follow the same procedure if your child will be late for school. This helps us ensure that all children who start out for school do arrive safely. If your child is absent and you have not called, the secretary will try to contact you.
When your child returns to school, you must send a note explaining the absence. A physician’s note is required for an extended absence due to illness.
If your child arrives after the second bell (8:45 am) the student must report to the office for a late pass. Students arriving after 8:55 am must be signed in by a responsible adult.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
SCHOOL CLOSING
When school is closed because of inclement weather or because of other unforeseen circumstances, the Fire Department announces this with a one-minute blast of its whistle at 7:00 am.
The Tuscan PTA also notifies parents through a phone chain operated by class parents. (Early in the school year, you will be asked to sign a form giving the PTA and school permission to give your phone number to parents carrying out such school and PTA responsibilities.) If, we do use the phone chain, you do not receive a call, please notify the school office so the problem may be rectified.
School closing will also be announced on the following:
WINS (1010 AM) WBUD (1260 AM)
WOR (710 AM) WNYW FOX (Ch. 5)
CCN (Channel 35 in Maplewood) NEWS 12 (Ch 12)
(Channel 26 in So. Orange)
CANCELLATIONS.com
tuscanpta.org SOMSD.K12.nj.us
DELAYED OPENING
A delayed opening is announced by three 15-second blasts of the fire whistle at 7:00 am, 8:00 am and 9:00 am. The PTA phone chain also notifies parents. The school day begins exactly two hours later than usual on such days, and MORNING KINDERGARTEN IS CANCELLED.
EARLY DISMISSAL
You will receive an Emergency Dismissal Form at the beginning of the year. The information on this form is very important and aids in assuring that your wishes are followed should there be an early or emergency dismissal. Please complete the form promptly and return it as it is essential to the safety of the children. If school must close early, the school, with the PTA’s help, will make every effort to phone you or the “emergency contacts” you have listed on the Emergency Dismissal Form. Children whose parents’ instructions cannot be followed will be cared for by the school (possibly with the help of the police department and the district office) until the end of the regular school day. Please discuss your emergency plans with your child.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EARLY DISMISSAL,
AFTERNOON KINDERGARTEN IS CANCELLED.
EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS
Tuscan School has an agreement with Maplewood Middle School for situations in which the school population might have to leave the building quickly during the school day. If Tuscan were to need to evacuate the building, children would be walked or bused to Maplewood Middle School. The PTA would help us notify parents.
STAYING AFTER SCHOOL
Students are sometimes asked to stay after school, either because they need learning assistance or as a result of their misbehavior. Students are not kept for more than five minutes without your knowledge. Teachers will either send a note the day before or a responsible adult will make voice contact with you for the same day permission. Students are not asked or permitted to make these calls without having you talk to the teacher, the school secretary, or the administrators.
CROSSING GUARDS
AND SAFETY PATROL
The Police Department employs adult crossing guards who are on duty at various intersections near the school. Crossing guards are on duty in the morning, at lunch time and after school until 4:00 PM. For this reason, student are not kept after school unless parents provide a way for children to return home. It is extremely important that students know what route their parents expect them to use going to and from school . The guards are on duty at Valley and Tuscan, Tuscan and Prospect, Harvard and Osborne, Prospect and the Crescent, and Prospect and Harvard.
DROP OFF/PICK-UP POLICY
Parking, Loading, and Unloading Passengers:
The following are our parking and walking rules:
· BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8 AM AND 4 PM, ONLY REGULAR TUSCAN STAFF CAN DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES INTO THE PARKING LOT. The ONLY exception is a person with a handicapped license plate!
· Two-hour parking only is permitted on the side of Harvard Avenue opposite the school
· Parking and standing are permitted on the south side of Tuscan Road.
· Tuscan Road is the safest place to discharge and pick up children.
· Children are permitted to use the bridge to enter and leave school property from the Tuscan Road side of the school. (This privilege is revoked if a child behaves in an unsafe way. Then the child can only use the main entrance.)
· Children are not permitted to walk through the teachers’ parking lot at any time. Children approaching the school from the bridge must enter at the cafeteria entrance, and they must obey the Safety Patrol students who oversee this area.
Be especially aware of the following:
· There is no supervision before school begins. That is why your children should not arrive before they are required to be at school.
· There is no standing or parking directly in front of the school.
· Only school district buses are permitted to stop in front of the school.
· Children are permitted to cross the street only at designated crosswalks.
· If you drive children to the Harvard Avenue side of the school, you are responsible for parking and crossing your children yourself unless you have them walk to the corner of Harvard and Osborne and cross under official supervision. Children may not cross Harvard Avenue unsupervised.
· Children may NOT ride bicycles to school.
Safety of your children is at stake!
Afternoon Kindergarten Drop-Off
An adult is expected to remain with your child until the teacher arrives at 12:30 pm. Please stay at the front door to avoid confusion and noise in the classrooms and hallway.
Pick-Up Upon Dismissal
Parents of morning kindergartners may wait at the front entrance for dismissal. Any parent wishing to meet their child at dismissal should do so outside rather than going to the classroom. This avoids congestion in the hallways and allows for orderly exit by each class.
If a child is to leave early his/her parent must come into the office and sign out the child. He/she will be called to meet a parent in the office.
If a child is going home with someone other than his/her parent, a note must be sent to the teacher and office. Under no circumstance is a parent to take another child without a note or approval from the principal’s office.
If your child is not met on time at dismissal, your child will be brought to the office and must be picked up there
Tuscan School students endorse and practice a Code of Conduct designed to promote positive attitudes and behavior in school. This code of behavior requires a commitment from students and parents to work toward the goals listed. The major goal is to have each student develop a healthy respect for self, authority figures, peer groups, property and rules.
Tuscan C A R E S
Cooperation I PROMISE….
to speak softly throughout the school,
to pick up litter in and around the school, and
to let my teacher know where I am at all times.
Attitude I PROMISE….
to be a good sport, to be attentive in all my classes, and
to exercise self-control.
Respect I PROMISE….
to respect my classmates and my teachers,
to respect all property, and
to accept responsibility for all I do.
Effort I PROMISE….
to always do my best work,
to accept responsibility for all my assignments, and
do everything I can to make Tuscan the best school.
Safety I PROMISE….
to walk in the hallways and on stairs,
to follow directions in all situations especially in
case of an emergency,
to think about safe behavior everywhere, and
to follow the direction of the safety patrols.
Code of Conduct
The primary objective of requiring appropriate student behavior and self-discipline is to produce a positive and safe learning atmosphere in which there will be no interruption of the teaching-learning environment. All students will assume personal responsibility and consequences of any inappropriate behavior. To accomplish this objective requires a cooperative effort from students, staff and parents.
All students shall…
1. Respect the educational process through the display of appropriate language, attitude and physical behavior. This will be accomplished when the following rules are observed:
· Walk quietly at all times in the hallways and classrooms.
· Be kind, courteous and respectful to all staff members and to each other.
· Treat others the same way one wishes to be treated.
· Use only acceptable and appropriate language.
· Accept responsibility for one’s actions.
· Respect all bulletin boards and student work.
· Use playground equipment safely.
· Follow all classroom, cafeteria and school rules.
· If a classroom is vacant, students are prohibited from entering the room without adult supervision.
2. Respect and honor the right of other students to learn in an environment free of intimidation or harassment.
3. Maintain satisfactory attendance.
4. Report to classes on time.
5. Comply with the dress code.
There is a ZERO TOLERANCE at Tuscan School for “harassment, intimidation or bullying” of ANY kind.
“Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any gesture written, verbal or physical act that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory handicap, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus that:
· A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his person or damage to his property; or
· Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause substantial disruption, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school
Any student who is the victim of any act of “harassment, intimidation or bullying” or witnesses any act of this kind is to:
· Immediately speak to an adult in school that they feel comfortable with. Students who witness this kind of act and do not report this will be considered to be a part of the “harassment, intimidation or bullying”.
· Each classroom will have a process where this type of activity may be reported anonymously.
· Any student who reports this type of activity will not experience any kind of retaliation by anyone. This will be made very clear to all students at the beginning of school.
· The report of any such activity will be looked into immediately. If it is deemed appropriate conflict resolution and peer mediation will be utilized to resolve these kinds of problems.
· Serious events of this nature will be dealt with by the principal, the assistant to the principal and the parents. If warranted other appropriate authorities will be contacted. Further disciplinary action may be taken.
· Anyone who falsely accuses another as a means of retaliation or as a means of harassment, intimidation or bullying will be dealt with through the same steps outlined in this section.
Homework
By School Board policy, the following time allocations for homework at various grade levels are intended to be applicable to the average student. Teachers are expected to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate students whose specific needs require more or less homework. In addition, regular reading of reasonable length may be assigned.
Homework should help develop the pupil’s responsibility and provide an opportunity for the exercise of independent work and judgement. Implicit in this statement is the expectation that the assignment will require minimal involvement of the parent/guardian.
1. Kindergarten—There should be simple assignments that are easily completed in approximately 15 minutes, once or twice a week.
2. Grade One—There should be regularly assigned homework in this grade for approximately 30 minutes, two to three times a week.
3. Grade Two—There should be regular assigned homework in this grade for approximately 30 minutes, three to four times a week.
4. Grade Three—There should be regular assigned homework in this grade for no more than 45 minutes, four to five times a week.
5. Grade Four and Five—There should be regular assigned home
work in these grades for no more that 60 minutes, five times a
week.
Library
Tuscan has teaching librarians, Mrs. Roberta Baltin and Ms. Sophie Blavet. They plan and instruct children as a co-teacher with your child’s regular teacher. Our library/media center has a strong multi-media component, including a computer lab and an emerging TV studio. Children visit the library in classes, in small groups, and on their own. Parent volunteers staff the circulation desk almost full time, assisting the librarian in many ways. Children are expected to return books within a two-week borrowing period. Lost books must be paid for, and report cards are withheld as long as books or payments are outstanding.
Your cooperation in helping your child become a happy, responsible user of the library is greatly appreciated. Creating joyful, lifelong lovers of books is our major goal.
Computer
The computer lab is equipped with Dell computers that are used for the class instruction which is conducted by the classroom teacher and/or the librarian. All students participate in working and learning at the lab and in the classroom.
World Language
Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will study a world language during regular class time. All of our elementary schools will offer Spanish.
Art Program
Kindergarten students have 25 minutes while grades 1 thru 5 students have 50 minutes of art instruction with an art specialist once a week. Art is also integrated into the classroom curriculum at all levels in a variety of ways.
Physical Education
Kindergarten students participate in Physical Education for 50 minutes once a week. Students in grades 1 thru 5 have P.E. for 100 minutes per week (two 50 min. periods). All students must wear sneakers in order to participate.
Music Program
Students in grades 1 through 5 have 50 minutes of music instruction per week. Kindergarten students receive music instruction
for 25 minutes per week. Third grade students study the recorder within their music classes. Fifth grade students are offered band or orchestra along with small group instrumental lessons. Small group lessons are scheduled during regular classes and involve pullout time. No student is denied the opportunity to learn to play an instrument because of financial hardship. Parents may contact the instrumental music team or the school administrators to arrange for scholarship. We also offer chorus to the 4th and 5th grades.
Lunch
· Children may return home for lunch or remain at school. Those who remain at school may bring lunch from home or buy lunch, drinks or snacks using a P.I.N. number to access their own prepaid lunch account. An account needs to be opened for the student before purchases can be made. A brochure describing the program is available in the school office.
· Families may apply for free or reduced-price lunches. A form is available in the office. Children receiving free or reduced lunches are not identified in any way and access the food by using their own P.I.N. number.
· If your child forgets his/her lunch at home, please deliver it to the office. Your child will be notified that his/her lunch is available at the office to be picked up by the child on his/her way to the cafeteria.
· If your child is to leave the building for lunch period, a note must be sent to the child’s teacher and the child must be signed out in the office when leaving.
· If you wish to have your child go home daily, then please write your child’s teacher a note indicating this routine at the beginning of the school year. You will need to send a special note on any days you wish to have your child stay in school during the lunch hour.
Lunch Time Activities
The lunch time is divided into an eating period and a play period. Children who eat more slowly may remain in the cafeteria to finish eating. Paid lunch aides supervise the children during the lunch time. During the fall and spring, and during fair winter weather, the children enjoy outdoor play on the playground. During inclement weather, children are offered indoor activities.
Lunchtime Discipline
Having a choice of activities and seat partners at the lunch program is a privilege, not a right. Students will be taught the rules that apply during lunch. We will begin the school year with students seated in class groups. As students acclimate themselves to an appropriate routine, privileges may be expanded.
While on the Playground
· Lunch aides are responsible for monitoring the playground.
· All should use kind words and appropriate language.
· Children must remain in the assigned play area.
· Children are expected to take turns on the playground equipment.
· No rough housing will be allowed, such as screaming, pushing, kicking, fighting, etc.
· No toys or games should be brought from home. They may not be used during lunch play.
· Children will not be permitted to return to the building during recess except by permission of the lunch aide.
· Use the Belly Button Rule: Jump only off any surface that is lower than your belly button.
· All students Must be dressed appropriately and safe for playground activities.
Special Programs and Resources
Project Ahead Program: Students who are identified as needing extra help in reading, writing and/or mathematics are enrolled in the Project Ahead Program. Students attend the class for small group instruction for several sessions throughout the week.
Intervention Team: Interventions in the general school programs to alleviate educational problems will be provided to the pupil unless the degree of the problem dictates immediate referral to the Child Study Team. Meetings will be convened to develop appropriate strategies to be incorporated into the child’s classroom program. Written documentation of the interventions may be made by the staff of the regular education program and provided to the parents upon request.
The Child Study Team: In conjunction with parents and teachers, this group determines whether children are eligible for special education services.
Special Education: All special education program and nursing are under the direction of the Special Services Department at 973-762-5600. The district provides special education programs and speech/language therapy. The special education programs currently offered at Tuscan are Speech/Language, Resource Room, and the ASPIRE class. The self-contained special education class participates in music, art and physical education classes, school assemblies and special occasions
Speech/Language specialists provide the following school services:
· Identification of students with communication problems by screening, survey or referral;
· Assessment and diagnosis of student communication behaviors and needs;
· Provision of goal-based remediation;
· Consultations
· Periodic reevaluation.
Scouting Opportunities
Scouts are available for both boy and girls. Please watch your child’s backpack for details and registration.
Opportunities for Adults
The Parenting Center: The District Parenting Center is a community resource that offers a wide range of services aimed at supporting parents as they help their children grow and develop. The center has a lending library, literature and videotapes, identifies and addresses common parenting concerns through evening meetings, and offers parents sharing a common concern the opportunity to participate in groups. You can use the center to identify local, state and national resources available to parents, and you are invited to share your ideas and resources by participating in the Parent Information Exchange. The Parenting Center is located at the Board of Education Building.
Medical Issues
School Nurse – The school nurse serves the Tuscan community in many ways including but not limited to teaching health, screening students for various health conditions, caring for student with chronic health conditions and working with staff to minimize the educational impact of such, providing health counseling, treating minor injury and masking necessary referrals for more serious injuries, administering medications, and maintaining health records.
As mandated by the state, height, weight and vision screenings are conducted yearly by the school nurse. You will be informed of any results outside the norm. Scoliosis screening will be conducted on students in grade 5
Important information for caretakers
Medication – If your child requires medication during school hours there are specific procedures to be followed. An order form completed by your physician as well as a consent form signed by the parent is required. This includes antibiotics as well as over the counter medications such as Tylenol. Medication must be in the original labeled container. Proper forms can be picked up in the nurse’s office. All medications are to be kept in the nurse’s office. Students are not permitted to carry medication except under very special circumstances, which can be discussed with the nurse. This includes transporting medication to and from school. In the event of the class field trip it is never possible for staff to administer medication. Other arrangements will need to be made.
Illness - Parents generally use good judgment when deciding whether a child is ill and should be kept home.
Following is a list of guidelines to aid in your judgment.
Sniffles and coughs - A child who has a very runny nose, frequent sneezing, or congested cough should stay home. If these symptoms are associated with allergies talk to your doctor about measures to alleviate symptoms. A child who is very uncomfortable can’t participate in the learning process. They also interrupt the learning of others.
Stomachaches - are often hard to evaluate. They can be caused by anxiety or worry. You know your child best. If they complain of not feeling well and have a decreased energy level they may be coming down with something or fighting a virus or infection. Rest is an important factor in getting well. A day of rest may speed the recovery process as well as keep the illness from spreading to others.
Rashes – can either be contagious or non-contagious. If you are aware of a rash on your child and they have been seen by a doctor please let me know. Knowing that a child is under treatment can calm fears among staff, students, and parents. Concern always exists that they can be spread to others. If you not sure please discuss it with me. Children may be excluded from school for undiagnosed skin conditions.
Fever- Definitely keep you child home if they have a fever that morning. Don’t give them Tylenol or Motrin and send them to school knowing the fever will go down. They are sick and should stay home! This is for infection control purposes as well as your child’s benefit. Children who have a headache and fever can’t focus on learning. Staying home and resting allows the body’s immune system to do it’s job and fight the illness. If you child was sent home from school with a fever they should remain home until fever free for 24 hours.
Vomiting – Children who are vomiting or unable to eat because of sever nausea should stay home.
Children may be excluded from school for the following medical reasons
· Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
· Red sore throat, swollen tonsils or glands, pus on tonsils with or without a fever
· Severe tiredness/sleeping in class
· Earache
· Frequent coughing or sneezing or profuse nasal discharge
· Wheezing or breathing difficulty
· Discharge from eyes unless caused by a known allergy
· Undiagnosed rashes or skin conditions
· Known or suspected of being contagious
Occasionally a student may feel fine in the morning and develop symptoms of illness during the course of the school day. The school nurse will use the emergency card to contact parents or the nearest friend or relative if a child is ill and cannot remain in school. It is important to keep the emergency notification card current. If you change jobs or need to change the emergency contact person during the year please update these phone numbers in the nurse’s office. It is very upsetting to a child when they don’t feel well and no adult can be reached.
If your child has been hospitalized or has developed a change in his/her general health please inform the nurse so any necessary school and classroom accommodations may be discussed.
Orthopedic injuries: Students who have an injury necessitating a splint, cast, crutches or sling require a doctor’s note stating the reason for the device and what physical restrictions are necessary during gym, lunch/recess.
Please communicate to the nurse any medical conditions your child has that might impact his/her learning or activity in the school environment. You cannot educate a child who is not healthy and you cannot keep a child healthy who is not educated.
The nurse may be reached at 378-5221 ext 7003 if you have any questions or concerns. Please check the PTA website for timely health alerts and information.
If you child is absent due to illness, please allow 24 hour advance notice for teachers to provide assignments.
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School and Parent Communication
Parents are encouraged to contact their children’s teachers whenever they have concerns. Please call the school to leave a voicemail message for the teacher and arrange an appointment. Teachers are scheduled to be in the building from 8:15 AM to 3:30 PM. Before 8:40 am a teachers may be available for a conference by appointment. After the bell rings at 8:40 AM, the teachers must focus on the children. They will not be available for individual consultation at that time, but will return your call as soon as possible. Kindly follow this procedure rather than trying to speak with the teachers without notice so instructional time will not be interrupted. Problems are often solved quickly when they are communicated promptly to the teacher.
Check backpacks daily! Encourage your child to give you handouts, completed work and assignments promptly. Notices will be sent home periodically and also posted on the PTA website (Tuscanpta.org). Please sign and return permission slips to your child’s teacher the following day. By doing so you reinforce the value of good work and study skills, and build your child’s dependability and responsibility.
Back to School Night. On these evenings in the fall, teachers meet with parents to give them an overview of the program for the year.
Fall Conferences. An individual meeting will give you and your child’s teachers the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and special needs.
Progress Reports. The progress of the children is shared with parents three times during the year.
The PTA. The PTA is truly the parents’ voice in the school. The PTA organizes many forms of parent participation at Tuscan, including library helpers, class parents and other helpers, and also sponsors special activities and fund raising events every year. The PTA can be counted on to respond to parents’ concern. PTA meetings offer presentations of interest to Tuscan families and afford everyone the opportunity to know what is happening at Tuscan and to be heard. The Tuscan Tidings, the PTA bi-monthly news letter, provides news, commentary and information. The PTA also puts together a school directory which is distributed at the beginning of the school year. The PTA also sponsors an extensive cultural arts program that brings in resident artist, writers, and musicians for periodic assemblies and in-class instruction. You will be notified of these events through the Tuscan Tidings.
The many ways you can help the PTA include serving on the different planning committees for one of our on-going activities or serving on a committee for a one-time event. You are invited to become as involved as your schedule permits, and you are encouraged to become an active part of the Tuscan family.
Miscellaneous
School Visitor Policy: All Tuscan school doors are locked for entering the building, but are unlocked for exiting. All persons entering the school building MUST ring the bell be buzzed in report directly to the office, sign in and obtain a visitor’s pass.
Lost and Found: If you child has lost clothing or property, please have the child check the lost and found (located outside of the cafeteria). We strongly recommend that you place identifying labels on all removable clothing such as hats, coats and gloves. Lunch boxes and backpacks should also be labeled. This will assist us greatly in returning lost items to the appropriate child.
Dress Code: Because no dress code can be all inclusive, the administration reserves the right to make the final decision on all attire. Students must wear clothing that is safe and not disruptive to the learning environment. Children are expected to wear clean, appropriate, and modest clothing in a manner that is conductive to an instructional and safe environment. For example:
· Head coverings are not to be worn inside the School building unless due to religious observations.
· Clothing and/or accessories must not display/advertise which could be considered by some to be offensive or insensitive.
· Clothing must not be unduly revealing or distracting. Attire shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments. Strapless tops, bare midriffs, halter tops, tube tops or tank tops are examples of prohibited clothing.
· Shoe attire—flip-flops (thong sandals), open-toe sandals and platform shoes are prohibited for safety reasons. All shoes must have backs.
· In chilly weather, children need clothing which is warn enough to allow comfortable outdoor play. If possible, a change of shoes or sneakers may be needed in inclement weather.
Electronic Devices and Unauthorized Items: The primary objective of prohibiting students from bringing restricted materials to school is to ensure students’ focus on educational tasks, students’ safety, and to prevent the loss or damage to private property. All unauthorized items confiscated by staff such as but not limited to: skateboards, cell phones, recording devices, laser pointers, toys containing water or other liquids and inappropriate items will not be returned directly to the student. Parents must recover confiscated items upon administrative approval within a reasonable period of time. Items not recovered within a reasonable period of time will be discarded. The school is not responsible for materials confiscated from students while at school. (The district’s cell phone policy is available for review on the district website.)
Field Trips: Occasional class trips may be taken during the school year. They are a wonderful enrichment to the curriculum and we will ensure your child’s safely at all times. You will be asked to sign a permission slip for each field trip in order for your child to attend. The method of transportation will be specified on the permission slip. When needed, we will ask parents to act as drivers or chaperones. You will also be asked to sign a permission slip that allows neighborhood walking trips.
Snacks/Nutrition: The school stresses good nutrition as part of the curriculum. We encourage parents to send lunches which emphasize a well-balanced, healthy diet. It may be possible to send in a snack for the class to celebrate your child’s birthday, but please discuss this with your child’s teacher in advance.
Moving or Changing Emergency Contact Information: Please inform the school if you move. School records will be mailed directly to your new school once you have signed the transfer form. If you change your address, phone number (work or home), the person to be notified in case of emergency, please notify the office immediately. Address changes also must be reported to the district’s registrar.
Absences Not Related to Illness: Parents who choose to take their child out of school for personal reasons (religious observance, family vacations, etc.) should understand that teachers are under no obligation to provide assignments during the period of absence from school. A note must be sent to the teacher in advance of any planned absence advising the teacher of the dates. Given adequate planning time, teachers can usually recommend educational activities for the period of absence. The classroom curriculum is not always well-adapted for use away from the school.
Principal—Malikah Majeed ext. 7002
Assistant to the Principal—Marianne Hess ext. 7005
Secretary—Denise Kwiatkowski ext. 7000
Clerical Aide-Marge Berardi ext. 7001
School Nurse-Lorraine Borek ext. 7003
Librarian-Roberta Baltin ext. 7004