HEIGHTS PRE-K HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 HEIGHTS PRE-K HANDBOOK

2 Table of Contents Greetings from School Principal....1 Message from P.F.A..2 The Pre-Kindergarten.. 3 Beginning Days 3 The School Day...4 Arrival/Transportation...4 Bus Safety 5-6 Dismissal.6 Delayed Opening, Emergency School Closing, And Early Dismissal Clothing 7 Birthday Parties.. 7 Special Services Parental Participation Communication Protocol...10 Health Precautions/Outdoor Play Medication Guidelines & Procedures.11 CPSE Referral Process The Internet.14 Non-Discrimination Statement. 15 School Calendar.16

3 Heights School 240 Willow Street Roslyn Heights, New York September 2016 Dear Parents: It gives me great pleasure to welcome both you and your child to the Heights School. Our educational program offers every youngster the opportunity to develop outstanding skills while building a strong, healthy body and a keen understanding of self and others. In addition to their regular classroom participation, pre-kindergartners at Heights School are exposed to a host of stimulating activities in music, physical education and library. Also available are the services of a registered nurse, a school psychologist, special education support staff, and a school social worker. I encourage you to become fully familiar with our lovely building, excellent school program and outstanding personnel. Let us enjoy together the delightfully happy world of the primary school child. Cordially, Regina Colardi Regina Colardi Principal - 1 -

4 September 2016 Dear Parents: On behalf of the Heights Parent Faculty Association, we would like to personally welcome you to the Heights School! We trust that your first introduction to the Roslyn School District will be a wonderful and exciting experience. The PFA of the Heights School hosts many events and fundraisers throughout the year and we invite your participation. The more involved you become in your children s school life, the more rewarding it will be for all. We are here to facilitate communication between the Heights staff and parents. We urge you to contact us with any suggestions you might have. We are looking forward to a memorable year for all. Cordially yours, Tania Beck & Jenna Freed Co-Presidents, Heights PFA - 2 -

5 PRE- KINDERGARTEN The Pre-Kindergarten class has twenty children. The class meets in the morning from 8:55 to 11:55 and lunch is provided to all students. The Pre-K classroom is a place where children are actively engaged in play. Play is a critical part of the growth and development of young children. Children are developing pre-reading skills and mathematical awareness as they play. Pre-K helps children learn to play with others, learn about the world around them, learn to use many creative materials, and to feel good about themselves. The goal of instruction at this level is to build a foundation for life-long learning. A typical day in Pre-K would include: Building with blocks Computer Creating with play-doh, paint and other art materials Playing in the family center Listening to stories, looking at pictures, and joining in discussion Enjoying music and movement Playing at the sand table Working with puzzles, pegs and other small manipulative materials Playing at the water table Outdoor play Socializing and learning to work and play together Family-style lunch If your child is unable to eat breakfast at home, he/she may have breakfast at school. BEGINNING DAYS Starting school is an important event in your child s life. You and your child s teacher want the first experience to be free of anxiety and worry. Some children need more time than others to feel comfortable and to develop trust. This is the beginning of many years of education, and we want to do all we can to make it a good beginning for all. The following information will help you prepare yourself and your child for the first days of school

6 1. First days are shortened. Children spend their first days becoming familiar with the classroom and routines. These days are very exciting and children may tire quickly. The class session is shortened so that children leave after a good experience. 2. Children need a parent or familiar adult to stay with them until they become accustomed to their surroundings. Some children may need their parent to stay in the classroom longer than others. 3. If you are calm, your child will be calm. 4. If your child is clinging, let him or her stay with you without comment. Allow the teacher to make suggestions to your child- don t push him or her into an activity. Some children need to sit by and watch. This is also a form of learning. Allow your child to move away from you when he or she is ready. 5. The teacher will tell you when to leave. She ll know when your child is ready. Never leave without the teacher s knowledge and consent. THE SCHOOL DAY PRE-K HOURS: 8:55 A.M. - 11:55 A.M. A SAFE ARRIVAL BUS: Pre-Kindergarten children are provided with free bus transportation to and from school. We try very hard to keep our school schedule. However, sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances that cause delays. If there are any bus problems, please call the bus garage at IMPORTANT: 1. See that someone brings your child to the bus stop and waits until the bus comes. WALKERS: Parents who choose to have their children walk to school are reminded that children must arrive at school no earlier than 8:50 a.m. (adequate supervision is unavailable earlier). Children should be picked up at the school office at 11:

7 BUS SAFETY It is important that safety rules be discussed at home as well as at school. Stress the following bus safety rules with your child: 1. Do not play in the street. 2. Wait your turn to get on the bus. 3. Remain seated until the bus arrives at school or at your own stop. 4. Keep arms and head inside the windows. 5. Talk quietly to the person next to you. Shouting or yelling distracts the bus driver. 6. If you need to cross the street, cross 10 steps in front of the bus so that the driver can see you. Violations of School Bus Safety Rules Include: - Inappropriate behavior such as pushing, shoving, and fighting aboard the school bus - Inappropriate language - Taking possessions belonging to others - Throwing items out of the bus window - Reserving or saving seats - Vandalizing the school bus (Vandals will be required to pay for damages) - Eating, or drinking on the school bus - Extending arms or any other part of the body out of the window - Failure to remain seated - Participating in any other unsafe or damaging activity Violations of the rules listed above will require disciplinary action. Please refer to Schedule of Disciplinary Actions below. Schedule of Disciplinary Actions We are concerned about the safety and well-being of all Roslyn pupils. Riders who violate the School Bus Safety Rules may have their school bus privileges suspended. Because we seek to assure uniform treatment of our pupils, the following schedule of Disciplinary Actions will be followed throughout the District: 1 st Violation Parent notified of violation. 2 nd Violation Conference with parent, pupil and school personnel. Pupil placed on probation. 3 rd Violation Parent notified; bus privileges suspended for three (3) school days. 4 th Violation Parent notified; bus privileges suspended for five (5) school days. Students with disabilities will be referred to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). If problems persist, suspension of bus privileges may occur for the remainder of the school year

8 If a violation, even the first, constitutes a serious danger to any individual, then a conference shall be required as outlined under 2 nd violation above, and bus privileges may be suspended immediately for a minimum of five (5) school days. NOTE: Please call the bus garage directly at to report items left on the bus or discrepancies between anticipated and actual bus pick-up or drop-off times. A SAFE DISMISSAL EARLY DISMISSAL: All children are expected to arrive on time and remain in school for a complete school day. Requests for early dismissal are granted only when absolutely necessary. If an early dismissal is required: 1)Parent must send a note in advance to the teacher stating the reason, date and time for the dismissal. 2)Parent must sign the child out of school in the main office. The secretary will send for the child at that time. PARENTAL PICKUP: Children may be picked up at 11:50 a.m. before the buses arrive. Bus Drop Off: If the expected adult is not present at the bus drop off site, the child will be brought back to school. The child s parent will then be responsible for providing their child with transportation home. If an adult other than parent, please send a note and have ID available. DELAYED OPENING/ EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS/ EARLY DISMISSAL School openings may be delayed or canceled for the day because of extreme weather conditions. The following radio stations carry announcements of school closings: WGBB WINS WHLI WGSM- 740 WALK Cablevision Channel 12 School opening may be delayed by one or two hours. The delayed school opening schedule for Heights is as follows: Grades 1 Hour Delay 2 Hour Delay Pre-K 9:55 a.m. No Classes Kindergarten and First Grade 9:55 a.m. 10:55 a.m

9 A delayed school opening means bus schedules will also be delayed one or two hours. On rare occasions, when weather becomes hazardous during school hours and early dismissal is necessary, the Heights PTA will telephone each household to notify parents regarding early dismissal information. No child will be dropped off without parent notification. We also have a district-wide announcement system that will be implemented. CLOTHING We urge you to dress your child in casual, easily managed indoor and outdoor clothing. You will need to send a complete change of clothes, including underwear, to school. The clothes will remain in school all year, so it is best to send in something old that won t be missed. The teacher may need them to change your child if there is an accident or a spill. Please clearly label everything with your child s name. Your child will be playing in the gym and on the playground and will, therefore, need a pair of sneakers either to stay in school all year, or to be worn each day. Children play outdoors every school day, except in rain. Please make sure that your child comes to school properly dressed for outdoor play. (Mittens, scarves, hats, pants, and boots are often necessary in winter). BIRTHDAYS It is fun for children to celebrate birthdays with school friends. Many parents like to come with a special snack on this important day. If you d like to come, please contact your child s teacher a few days ahead of time and let her know. Invitations, goody bags and gifts for home parties will not be distributed in school. They will be returned home with your child. SPECIAL SERVICES Class groups are scheduled to receive instruction in library, music and physical education every week. According to their individual needs, children will be provided with the services of specialized personnel. The School Psychologist is the specialist whose function is to assist the administrators, teachers, parents and children in establishing the most productive learning environment for each child. The psychologist may accomplish this by individual evaluation of the child; classroom observations; classroom discussions; consultation with teachers, administrators and parents

10 The School Nurse sees all children. They participate in hearing and vision screening during the school year. You will be contacted by our Nurse if your child is referred for further testing. Special Education services are provided to children with a disability as per their CPSE recommendations and their Individual Educational Plan (IEP). PARENTAL PARTICIPATION Communication between home and school is very important to insure that each child develops in the best possible ways. You play an important role in the Pre-Kindergarten Program. The following are some of the many ways that parents and the school staff work together as a team. 1. Home Visits: Teacher and family get acquainted when the teacher and homeschool coordinator make friendly calls at the child s home. The adjustment to school is made easier following these visits. When the teacher visits the home, the child meets her in a familiar place. The child sees the parent talk and laugh with a new adult. This is a special time for your child since he/she does not have to share the teacher with other children. Your child will have her undivided attention. When the teacher visits, she will bring information about classroom routines and bus transportation. 2. Parent Visits: We encourage parents to visit school. Upon entering our school building, all parents are required to report to the school office and sign in with ID. For security reasons, it is of utmost importance that personnel in the main office be aware of each visitor in our school building. ALL ARTICLES BROUGHT TO SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN BY PARENTS MUST BE LEFT AT THE OFFICE. 3. Class Visits: Parents will be invited to visit the class during the year. They will be able to observe and participate in the program and learn more about how their child functions in the school setting. 4. Trips: Parents are welcomed as chaperones for the class trips. Your presence helps the teacher and the children. A permission slip is required for each class trip. You must return your slip promptly so that your child may attend. 5. Parent Advisory Council: The council is composed of Pre-K parents. Alumni are also welcome. This group provides a way for parents to communicate with each other, and to the school, about the Pre-K Program

11 Newsletters are prepared by the parents, and teachers, so they can share with each other information relating to their children and families. Parent meetings, workshops, and discussion groups are held throughout the year. It is a time for parents to get to know each other and share concerns, questions, and information about raising young children. 6. P.F.A.: The P.F.A sponsors activities that are both educationally enriching and socially enjoyable for both children and parents. At our the General Meetings, they offer speakers on a variety of topics as well as discussion of school and district news, school/child related problems and solutions, and items of interest to the community. The PFA is also responsible for a book fair, photographs, various holiday gatherings, teas, and luncheons. They are only effective with an ACTIVE membership. They urge you to join their committees and to attend the meetings and functions. They can t do it alone. THEY NEED YOUR HELP! Together we can make this a most memorable year. 7. Phone Calls to Teachers: Parents who wish to contact the teacher should call and leave a message. The teacher will return the call as soon as possible. 8. Parent-Teacher Conference: During the school year, each teacher will have a minimum of two individual conferences with the parents of each child. Conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring. Parents may request additional conferences as the need arises. 9. Progress Memorandum Forms: Written progress reports are completed once yearly in Pre-K. Conference memorandum forms are distributed in spring and reflect the progress made by each child during the school year. 10. Notices from School: Your child will bring important school notices home in a special envelope. Please keep the notes and return the envelope to school the next day. Returning the envelope lets the teacher know that you have received the notes. 11. Library Services: Books and other informational materials on issues like effective discipline or how to help your child in school are available to parents in the Heights Library

12 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL In order to facilitate the receipt of information and the resolution of concerns, we ask that you follow the District s chain of command. To Resolve: Classroom Issues: Telephone the classroom teacher FIRST. If you are in need of additional assistance, contact the school Principal, Regina Colardi. If you have any further questions, seek the support of Central Administration and, if necessary, the Board of Education. Building Wide Issues: Telephone Ms. Colardi FIRST. If you are in need of additional assistance after speaking with our building administration, follow the chain of command (as above) or contact the PFA C0-Presidents. PFA Issues: Telephone the PFA Co-Presidents. If you are in need of additional assistance after speaking with the PFA Co-Presidents Tania Beck at , or Jenna Freed at (HeightsPFA@gmail.com), contact the Coordinating Council of Parent Associations (CCPA) Rachel Friedmann, Transportation Issues: Telephone David Shoob, Roslyn s Transportation Supervisor at If you are in need of additional assistance, contact Joseph Dragone, Assistant Superintendent for Business at After speaking with Mr. Dragone, seek the support of Central Administration, and, if necessary, the Board of Education. District Wide Issues: Telephone Ms. Colardi, the appropriate central administrator and, if necessary, the Board of Education. For other needs: 1. Personal or Family Issues- Telephone Tanya Fernandez, Social Worker at or Dr. Jillian Brass, the School Psychologist at General Information- Telephone the Heights School office at Health Issues- Telephone Colleen Feehan, School Nurse at HEALTH PRECAUTIONS ABSENCE: After any absence, State law requires that you send a note to the teacher stating the specific dates and reasons for his/her absence. Note: All parents are requested to send in a change of clothing for their child that will be maintained at the school throughout the year. (All clothing must be clearly marked with child s name.) DO send in ordinary play clothes rather than clothing that are special to you or your child

13 Medication Guidelines and Procedures School nurses are not permitted to dispense any medication, including over-the-counter preparations, without a doctor s written prescription, so states the New York State Nurses Practice Act. In addition, the parents written permission is also required. The following rules have been established by the Roslyn Public School District for the administration of medication in school and must be strictly adhered to. Only written doctor s orders are acceptable. The order must be written by your child s pediatrician, or family practitioner, and must include the following information: - The name and dosage of medication - The beginning and discontinued dates of administration - The time of administration - The child s diagnosis - Side effects of the medication Parents must bring the medication to the Nurse along with the doctor s and parents notes. Only medication in its original, labeled container will be accepted. All prescription and non-prescription medication must be locked in the Nurse s office and administered only by her or the school s designee. Children are NOT permitted to selfmedicate in school. All notes become part of the student s permanent record. Thank you for your strict adherence to these rules. They help us to ensure the safe, responsible administration of medication to your child in school. CONTAGIOUS DISEASE: Please inform us whenever your child has a contagious condition (chicken pox, head lice, etc.) so that we may take the necessary precautions. If your child has a serious illness, the school Nurse will require documentation from a physician prior to the child s return to school. OUTDOOR PLAY: Children play outdoors every school day, unless it is raining. Please make sure that your child comes to school properly dressed for this activity. Mittens, scarves, hats, boots, and snow pants are often necessary in winter. If your child is not well enough to participate in our complete school program, including outdoor play, please keep him/her at home until participation in all activities is advisable. All parental requests for exclusion from outdoor play and/or physical education must be accompanied by a physician s note

14 PRE-SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR PUPILS AGES 3-4 Does My Child Need Special Education Services? After school officials have consulted with you concerning all the modifications the school has attempted for your child and improvement is not being realized, you may be asked to sign a Referral to Special Education form. This form requests your permission to evaluate your child and indicates that, as a result of this evaluation, the need for special education services may exist. Parents also have the right to refer their child directly to the Committee on Pre-Special Education (CPSE) for evaluation when they believe that their child may have a disability. The same form is utilized in this situation and can be obtained from the school Principal. New families moving into the Roslyn community should contact the Chairperson of the CPSE, Barbara Schwartz, at in advance of moving when special education services are required for the child. What Should A CPSE Referral Contain? 1. An individual psycho-educational evaluation performed by a psychologist including individual IQ scores. 2. A complete educational profile of the child which includes specific academic and adjustment information, as well as observations in the classroom. 3. Principal s summary of evaluation recommendations. 4. A social history taken by the school social worker or psychologist. 5. Outside agency or professionals report if available. 6. A current medical examination by a physician and a summary of data from the school health record. What Takes Place at A CPSE Meeting? Parents receive notice of the CPSE meeting. They are invited and encouraged to attend and actively participate. The CPSE consists of a chairperson, psychologist, social worker, and parent member. The school physician will attend if requested in advance. Other professionals who have worked with your child may be invited to attend. Parents may bring anyone they wish to the CPSE meeting

15 What Happens After The Meeting? Parents receive full written notification of the recommendation in Phase I of the Individual Education Plan (IEP). The CPSE at this phase recommends: 1. The handicapping condition, if it exists. 2. The kind of special education placement and program. 3. The degree of mainstreaming activities. 4. Related services, if any. For new placements to special education, in addition to the recommendations and due process sheet, a Parent Permission Form is forwarded requesting the parent s signature and approval for placement. In the interim, the school Principal is informed of the CPSE decision, but takes no action in formally placing or providing the pupil with services until receipt of parent s consent. The CPSE Chairperson prepares the Committee on Special Education recommendations for Board of Education approval. Formal action by the Board of Education takes place following discussion in Executive (Closed) Session. The child must be placed within 30 days of the CPSE recommendation. Within 30 days of placement, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) Phase II is developed for the pupil, and parent participation is encouraged during formulation of this document. The parent, the pupil s teacher and a representative of the School District other than the pupil s teacher, who is able to provide or supervise Special Education Services, attend the Phase II planning conference. One participant must be knowledgeable about the evaluation procedures used with the child. The notice of the conference must provide the names of the participants. What Happens Once the IEP is finished For My Child? Under current regulations and depending upon when your child is identified and placed by the CPSE, an Annual Review takes place each year, in the spring, to plan for the following year s programming and services. The building Principal, teachers, psychologist, parents, and other professionals are invited to this Annual Review CPSE meeting. Parents are also invited to attend a pre-annual review meeting with the special education committee to discuss recommendations for the following school year

16 What Is the Internet? THE INTERNET The Internet was developed by the U.S. Defense Department as a worldwide network of computers that use the same language to communicate over telephone lines. The information may take the form of messages, documents, graphics, sounds, or a combination of all those things. All of this information has the potential for being used for instruction in schools. How Can Students and Teachers Take Advantage of the Internet in Their Classrooms? Through the Internet, students and teachers have access to information from around the world and resources that can enrich the school environment and curriculum. Teachers can make contact with fellow teachers and subject experts around the world and use electronic journals and conferences as a means of keeping up to date with their subject area and with professional developments. By searching online, students not only have access to information that would be difficult to locate any other way, but they also acquire important information skills. By taking part in Internet-based cooperative projects, they can improve their communication skills and increase their awareness and knowledge of the world. The World Wide Web, the most popular service on the Internet, contains text, pictures, audio, and video and can be used to enhance a student s learning. There are three basic ways of getting information on The Web : going to a site where you know the address, using a search engine such as Yahoo!, and surfing the web by clicking on links to other web sites. Sometimes, users do not know what content may be on one of these linked pages. Ensuring safety on the Internet is an important issue. If you follow the rules below, the Internet can be a wonderful resource. Student Guidelines for Online Safety - Never give out personal information such as name, address, telephone number, or picture. - Never agree to get together with someone you met online without first checking with your parents or teacher. - Never respond to inappropriate messages. Inform an adult right away if any messages make you feel uncomfortable. - Use appropriate language and respect the person to whom you are sending mail. is not private. - Do not accept everything you read as an absolute truth simply because you read it while online. Always check your sources

17 NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT The Board of Education, its officers, and employees will not discriminate against any student or employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed or religion, marital status, sexual orientation, handicapping condition, sex or age. For questions or issues concerning Title IX, contact Regina Colardi, the District Title IX Coordinator, For questions or issues concerning the Rehabilitation Act or Human Rights Law, contact Barbara Schwartz, CPSE Chairperson and Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education,

18 roslyn public schools School Calendar SEPTEMBER (Aug) DECEMBER OCTOBER JANUARY NOVEMBER FEBRUARY MARCH JUNE first and last days for students staff only - no classes schools closed weather contingency days (5/26 = Day 2; 5/30 = Day 1) APRIL August 31 September 1 September 5 October 3-4 October 10 October 12 November 11 November Dec 26 - Jan 2 January 16 February April May June 23 MAY Superintendent s Conference Day 1st Day of School for Students Labor Day Rosh Hashanah Columbus Day Yom Kippur Veterans Day Thanksgiving Recess Holiday Recess Martin Luther King Day Winter Recess Spring Recess Memorial Day Weekend Last Day of School approved by the Board of Education, December 17, 2015