Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools
1182 Highway 34 Aberdeen, NJ 07747 Phone: 732-290-0033 Fax: 732-441-9085 Monday – Friday 7.00 am – 6.30 pm
WELCOME TO HOME AWAY FROM HOME ACADEMY
First Day Information Package
IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS
First Day of School
Tuesday September 6 Parent Orientation Night Infants through Pre-School (and all new parents)
Wednesday September 14
Back to School Night Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten
Thursday September 15
Health Forms Due
This includes the Universal Child Health Record and Immunization Record
August 15 IMPORTANT REMINDERS: Label all belongings! Send in a generous supply of diapers and wipes if applicable. Send in a complete change of clothes, weather appropriate. Breakfast is only served between 7:00am and 8:00am. Pack your child’s lunch “ready to eat” in a lunchbox with a drink. Snacks will be provided by the school for Toddlers and higher. No candy is permitted in school. Send in a small blanket for nap time, no pillows allowed. No toys from home are permitted. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call the school. Our staff is always available to answer your questions and we are looking forward to working with you to ensure that your child will have a most rewarding school year.
Parent Orientation Night Wednesday, September 14th @ 7:00pm Piazza di Roma (next door to school) Infant – Pre-School Parents
A general orientation meeting will be held for PARENTS ONLY of children attending our Infant – Pre-School programs. At this time the school’s policies and procedures will be discussed and the school nurse will give a brief health policy presentation. All new parents to the school are welcome to attend the general session! Following these presentations you will have the opportunity to visit your child’s classroom, and to meet with the teachers who will give individual presentations to each class, outlining your child’s typical daily schedule and the academic, emotional and social goals and activities that are incorporated into each child’s day. We hope you will be able to join us for a very informative and enjoyable evening.
Back to School Night Thursday, September 15th @ 7:00pm HAFHA Classrooms Pre-Kindergarten – Elementary Parents
Do not miss this very informative event! Parents Only Please! You will have the opportunity to visit your child’s classroom & to meet his/her teachers. In the classroom you can review all textbooks & learning materials for the school year. The teachers will also be discussing the academic, emotional and social goals that make up your child’s daily schedule. We hope to see you there!
We would like to take this opportunity to inform you of some very important information regarding the security plans for Home Away From Home Academy. In the last school year, our school diligently worked with the NJ State Department of Education and the Aberdeen Police and Fire Departments to update and streamline our documented emergency procedures. We are so pleased to say that a thorough Emergency Procedures Guide is completed and disseminated through each classroom outlining procedures for: - Blackout - Fire Evacuation – front and back door - Lockdown - Shelter in Place - Bomb Threat According to NJ State School Security requirements, our school will comply with one fire drill and one lockdown drill per month. One other school security drill is to be practiced one time a year. As with our monthly fire drills, parents will not be notified when drills are conducted. If an actual emergency procedure were to take place, parents would be notified once the situation has been contained and all occupants are safe. The students are made aware in the beginning of the school year what each drill entails as well as when the first drill will be taking place, so they remain calm. Additionally, we have implemented other new protocols as such: - Each classroom door is designated with the classroom number - All classrooms are ‘zoned’ in accordance with class numbers and wired into an upgraded central fire alarm system. - The school is equipped with public address system with a backup battery in place in the event of power loss during an emergency. - Every employee has security training with an online course offered through NJ State School Preparedness and Emergency Planning. - There will be continued police presence on site at various times. - Although the details of the plans cannot be disclosed, we would like to make you aware that our emergency backup location is assigned to Dykes Lumber on Route 34 South. We do have an authorized document accepted by the store manager for us to utilize that space in the event of an evacuation. Although we could never prevent all crises and acts of violence from occurring in our schools, we can work together toward reducing the risk and minimize harmful effects through continuous cooperation and planning. We thank you, the parents, for your ongoing support of these important matters.
HONEYWELL INSTANT ALERT SYSTEM Our school implements this communication system in order to reach families quickly and effectively. Within minutes, the school can send a single, clear message to parents by telephone, cell phone, email, text or pager. We utilize this system in the event of a weather closing or school wide emergency.
Details about the Honeywell Instant Alert System: Go to http://instantalert.honeywell.com Setup a profile with a user name and a password as a “New Parent” and keep this login information handy Data will already be entered for each family including a home phone number; be sure it is all correct Go to Alert Setup and add any other devices you would like contacted including a cell phone, work phone and email address Be sure all boxes are checked to receive alerts
If you already have a Honeywell Alert profile Be sure all information is correct and updated
PLEASE LOG IN TO HONEYWELL ONLY AFTER AUGUST 24 Our school implements this communication system in order to reach families quickly and effectively. Within minutes, the school can send a single, clear message to parents by telephone, cell phone, email, text or pager. We utilize this system in the event of a weather closing or school wide emergency. Keeping parents informed and involved helps to assure student safety. The responsibility to maintain your Honeywell profile lies solely on each family. All contact information should be kept accurately; if you do not comply with this request, you may not receive important notifications. If you need assistance with your profile, please feel free to contact Ms. Jennifer in the office at 732-290-0033 or hafha@aol.com. Thank you sincerely in advance for your attention and cooperation to this important matter!
PARENT - SCHOOL COMMUNICATION The best means we have of ensuring that you receive important notices and information about all upcoming events is through the use of PARENT MAILBOXES & OUR PARENT EMAIL SYSTEM. Please make sure to check with your child’s teachers as to where these mailboxes are located in each classroom. It is very important that you check your mailbox every day that your child attends school. It is even more important that the office has current email addresses on file for each family. Another way to keep the lines of communication open is to refer to the MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, which is published every month and sent to every family in the school via email. It includes a section on class news and the general calendar of school events. Please be sure to read it each month; it contains a great deal of information for you to review and it is very enjoyable. You can also check out our Facebook page! In addition to the individual mailboxes and monthly newsletter, we offer a formal parentteacher conference twice a year on an as-needed basis only. These conferences would be offered after you receive your child’s student evaluation. You may refer to your 2016-2017 School Year Calendar, to be distributed on the first day of school in your child’s mailbox. Informal telephone calls and daily written reports for our Infant/Waddler/Toddler programs, workshops on parenting issues, special family participation days, and trips are also ways we keep the lines of communication open. It is part of the Home Away From Home Academy philosophy that the parent is the child’s first and most important teacher. We feel that the best interests of your child are served when we, the staff of the Academy, and the parents develop an informal partnership in your child’s care and education. If you need to speak to any member of the staff, please feel free at any time to set up an appointment to do so, and remember to take advantage of the modes of communication we currently have set up to keep you informed. Thank you for your participation.
Peanut/Nut Free Policy Dear Parents, Please be advised that Home Away From Home Academy is a Peanut/Nut Free school. In order to ensure the safety of those students who have peanut/nut allergies, we ask that you please keep in mind the following VERY IMPORTANT POINTS when sending in food items for your child’s lunch: • Please do not send in sandwiches made with Nutella or almond butter as they are not safe alternatives to peanut butter. • Variations of peanut butter (i.e. “Wow” or “Sun” Butter) are safe. However, if your child is under the impression that they are eating ‘peanut butter’, the teachers have no way of knowing the food item is indeed a safe and acceptable alternative unless it is labeled. Therefore, in order to avoid a phone call to your office at lunch time, we ask that you please label this item as such. You can be creative; we have been told that there are even stickers available online from one of the manufacturers specifically for this purpose. • Please check all labels for ingredients. If a label says “may contain traces of nuts, tree nuts…” unfortunately that item cannot be served to your child in school. Even certain granola bars are labeled as such, so what you may assume to be a safe (peanut/nut free) food item, may not be. So we ask you to be diligent in this regard. • When it is time for your child’s birthday snack time celebration in school, (if you choose to do one), please check with the teachers as to what special treat you are bringing in for the class, so that we can be sure it is a safe and acceptable item for all to enjoy! We thank you very much for your cooperation with all of the above. As always, the safety of the children is our main concern.
IMPORTANT HEALTH POLICY CHANGE Please be advised that due to the growing number of children in our school with various food allergies, and the fact that we are a peanut/nut free school, we can no longer accept any homemade products into the school. Please note that this does not pertain to bringing in lunch for your own child. Home-made lunch is still acceptable, but must be nut free. All food items brought into the school for occasions such as: special holidays, Star of the Week, birthday celebrations, etc. must be peanut/nut free, bought from a licensed operating food store, sealed, with an ingredient label affixed to the package containing that specific food item. This includes, but not limited to: cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cakes, etc. We are aware that many big food stores (i.e. Stop & Shop or Shop Rite) have specially labeled items specific to “Peanut Free”. It would be advised to purchase those specific items to guarantee no allergens. Please also note that this will include any goody bag type favors that are not consumed in school, but sent home with the children in your child’s class for occasions such as: special holidays, birthday celebrations, etc. Goody bags containing food products must be bought from a licensed operating food store, sealed, and each individual food item in the bag must be affixed with an ingredient label. The typical goody bag containing “fun size” candies will no longer be acceptable, seeing as though they are not individually labeled with ingredients. If you do choose to bring in a goody bag, feel free to lean toward non-food related products such as pencils, play-doh, stickers, etc.
EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ITEM MUST BE
/
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PEANUT NUT FREE
It is so important for us to always consider the health and safety of all the children in our school. We appreciate all of our families support and cooperation with this very important matter.
HEALTH POLICIES When it comes to the health and welfare of your child, Home Away From Home Academy is at the forefront of preventive strategy. Making a healthy environment and preventive decisions can have an enormous impact of reducing the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses. Our school maintains and strictly enforces policies pertaining to the dispensation of medication to children and the management of communicable diseases. Our school has been extremely successful in the containment of communicable diseases based on the following reasons: 1. Strict adherence to our health policies 2. The cleanliness of our facilities 3. The daily disinfecting process of toys, garments, table tops, cribs and other objects in the school 4. The extreme care and specific procedures used by each of the teachers in their classrooms 5. Our continued information to parents on the welfare of their children, and our notice to you on any communicable diseases that may occur in the school Our school and our parents must work jointly for continued health and welfare of all of our children. It is our VERY STRICT POLICY not to have a child who is ill remain in school. Any elevated temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or over, or an axillary temperature (taken under the arm) of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or over, in conjunction with behavioral changes, will be considered a symptom of fever. We urge all parents, particularly those who work outside the home, to have an alternative care system in place before the need arises. We ask that you please not place the school in a compromising position when it comes to the health of your child and others in our school. All children MUST be Fever Free for 24 hours without the use of anti pyretics (Tylenol/Motrin) and Contagious Free with a note from the doctor before they return to school. Having your child return to school too early jeopardizes the health of the other children in his or her class. Our school will be in strict adherence to all the health requirements which governs us through DYFS. Each family is given an extensive Health Policy Manual upon registration. We ask that you please become completely familiar with these policies before beginning school this September. At Home Away From Home Academy our primary mission is to educate and care for all YOUR children in a healthy and safe environment. Thank you.
NEWS FROM THE NURSE Dear Parents/ Guardians: I would like to welcome you to the 2016/2017 school year. As we start this year, please take note and be reminded of the following: Health Records- All students must show proof of a physical exam each year. This includes the updated physical health form, as evidenced by a Universal Health Record with attached Immunization Record completed by your child’s pediatrician. These records must be on file before your child starts school. Immunization Records- Please be sure that your child’s immunizations are up to date. Our school is audited by the Department Of Health and missing immunizations may lead to exclusion from school. You are encouraged to submit a copy of the immunization record anytime they are updated, so that school records are always accurate. Flu Vaccine- All students 6 months to 59 months must have a flu shot annually. Please provide documentation of flu vaccine receipt no later than 12/31/16. It is recommended that you schedule this appointment early in the season; in past years supplies have been known to run out. Medications- School is for healthy children. It is school policy to discourage children from taking medication in school. However, if your child has a medical condition which necessitates his/her taking medication during school hours, please contact me. All medication, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, must be accompanied by written orders from a Physician. The completed Medication Authorization Form with parent consent and medication in original container must be brought in by the parent or guardian. For nebulized medicines, please send your child’s mask, cup and tubing in a large zip lock baggie with your child’s name on the bag. It is not necessary to send in the nebulizer machine. Please do not send any medications or vitamin supplements in with your child. **All medications should have an expiration date of June 2017 or later. Absences- Please call the school if your child will be absent. Let us know what illness they have so we can track contagious disease. If your child has been seen by a doctor, please ask for a note to return to school. If absence is planned, please advise your child’s teacher. Children Sent Home Sick- If your child becomes ill while in school, they must be picked up as soon as possible, no later than 45 minutes after you have been notified. Regardless of the time your child is sent home, they must remain home for the entire next school day. Children must be fever free (without the use of fever reducing medicines) and symptom free for twenty four hours before returning to school. Please be sure to have a ‘Back Up’ child care plan in place. Prevention- Please take steps to keep you and your family healthy. Get a good night’s sleep, pack healthy meals and snacks, dress in layers or appropriate to the season. Send your child with a coat or sweater, as we try to get outdoors as much as possible. Reinforce and encourage good hand hygiene. Stay home if you or your child is sick. Health Screenings- I will be completing the following health assessments of students: all children in PreSchool through Elementary Grades will have Vision Screening completed; children in Elementary Grades will also have Hearing Screening, as well as Height, Weight and Blood Pressure Screenings done. Please refer to your school calendar for these upcoming dates. If you prefer that I do not screen your child, please send a note to that effect. Children will come home with special stickers on the days they are screened. You will be notified of any positive findings.
MEET & GREET
This is a special invitation to all NEW families who will be attending Home Away From Home Academy for the 2016/2017 school year for the Very First Time, from Waddlers through Elementary Grades.
29 AUGUST
9:30am - 11:30am A chance for you & your child to meet their teachers & to see their classroom for the upcoming school year before the official “first day� of school. This event will be in addition to your regular transitioning visits during the month of August.
The teachers will be in the classrooms on this morning especially to welcome & meet all students who are new to Home Away From Home Academy. The children will get the opportunity to meet new friends in their class and to see their classroom before the official first day of school, which is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6th. The teachers would like your child (& you!) to feel comfortable and excited about their first school experience at Home Away From Home Academy. We invite your child to visit for 20 to 30 minutes. Again, this special event is only open to those children who will be attending Home Away From Home Academy for the 2016/2017 school year for the VERY FIRST TIME. We look forward to seeing all NEW students on Monday morning, August 29, 2016.
After School Activities
School of Dance Ballet: Ballet is a theatrical representation of a story or an abstract idea by means of dance or pantomimic action accompanied by music. Classical ballet is a precise discipline where dancers learn technique for posture, body alignment, poise and grace through barre and center work, port de bras, adage, allegro and theory. Tap: Tap is a form of dance wherein rhythmic sounds are created by the feet. This class is designed to enhance the coordination of the ankles and feet, by striking the floor in a rhythmic fashion. It teaches basic tap skills, as well as steps across the floor and fun rhythmic tap routines. The School of Dance students will perform twice a year, on stage. Their recital will be incorporated into our annual Holiday Show (in December) and our Graduation Show & Ceremony at the end of the school year (in June).
School of Karate Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. Taekwondo's popularity has resulted in the varied evolution of the martial art into several domains: as with many other arts, it combines stance techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation and philosophy. Traditional taekwondo is typically not competition-oriented and tends to focus primarily on the self-defense and traditional values of the art. Taekwondo as a sport and exercise is popular with people of both sexes and of many ages. Physically, taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. This program provides a focus on mental and ethical discipline, justice, etiquette, respect, and self-confidence. The Karate students will showcase their progression and test for their next level “colored belt� in one of our classrooms at the end of the year.
Fit Kids Fit Kids is offered to both girls and boys to encourage them to stay active both outdoors & indoors (in case of inclement weather). This program will challenge the students to their fullest potential in a variety of athletic areas including: fundamentals of organized sport, aerobics, strength, balance and agility. This after school program will incorporate health, teamwork, cooperation, confidence and skill building in a fun & energetic atmosphere.
*Dance is offered to students Pre-School & up* ($65.00/month) *Karate is offered to students Pre-K & up* ($50.00/month) *Fit Kids is offered to students Pre-K & up* ($65.00/month) *All classes are held once a week* *$40 registration fee (will apply for new students)
Elementary Grades Book Bill
Dear Parents, This 2016/2017 school year, the elementary grades’ textbook bill is $250.00 per student. This includes a series of workbooks & textbooks for the following subjects: Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Reading, Spelling & Penmanship, a current events newspaper and student planner for certain grades. Each child will be able to keep all these books at the end of the school year. This amount will be included on your child’s September tuition statement and is payable no later than Tuesday, September 6th (the first day of school). We are looking forward to a fantastic year with you and your child. Thank you for your cooperation.
Dear Elementary Parents, The supplies that your child will need are as follows: * 2 blue & white marble composition notebook (Grade 2)** * 4 or 5 #2 pencils * 2 homework folders * 1 big eraser * 2 packs of big glue sticks * 2 packs of 8 Crayola crayons (primary colors) * A zippered pencil case (medium or large size) * A backpack (big enough to carry books, blanket & other class necessities). * A complete change of clothes (in a plastic bag) in case of spills or accidents. PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING We will also be requesting a family photo, so please have one ready for your child to bring into school. Please have all your child’s supplies in school by Friday, September 9, 2016. Thank you very much for your cooperation. **Grade 2 (blue) marble composition notebooks can be found at Staples.
An Accredited Middle States Association School
1182 Highway 34 Aberdeen, NJ 07747
Phone: 732-290-0033 Fax: 732-441-9085
hafha@aol.com hafha.com
Monday – Friday 7.00 am – 6.30 pm