2015-2016 Sag Harbor Elementary School Student Handbook

Sag Harbor Elementary School 68 Hampton Street Sag Harbor, NY 11963 (631) 725-5301 Matthew P. Malone Principal mmalone@sagharborschools.org

Donna T. Denon Assistant Principal ddenon@sagharborschools.org

www.sagharborschools.org

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Welcome back to school. We hope you had a summer filled with fun adventures and learning experiences. As you take on the challenge of a new school year, it is important that you have the necessary tools to help you succeed. This planner is one of the tools that will help you develop into the best student you can be.

Organization is one of the keys to success. The expectation to work independently and to develop good work habits increases each successive school year. This planner is to assist you in recording your daily homework assignments as well as long-term projects. Be sure to use this planner each day so that you return assignments on their due date and record important information for your parents/guardians. We know each of you has the potential to develop strong study skills and responsible behavior.

Education is a life-long adventure. No matter how old you are, everything you experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Use this year to build on what you have already learned, to learn about new people, places and things and to learn about who you are and the person you are becoming.

Finally, remember to enjoy the journey.

Mission Statement The Sag Harbor School District, in partnership with all members of the community, is committed to provide equity in education; its mission is to provide students with a safe, child-centered environment which fosters personal, academic and creative excellence. This will empower students to become responsible and respectful members of a global society. As lifelong learners, students will be prepared to move successfully to the next stage of their lives.

School Hours School hours are from 8:45 a.m. until 3:20 p.m. each day. Students should not arrive earlier than 8:20 a.m. unless they are participating in a supervised activity. Students line up in the courtyard where there is adult supervision, and will be directed to enter the building at the appropriate time. Students who arrive to school after Morning Program should check in at the Main Office. Any child arriving after we recite the Pledge of Allegiance at 8:35 a.m. is late to school and will be marked tardy. Tardiness interrupts your instructional time and you may miss important information about the day or upcoming events.

Attendance An important part of being successful in school is regular and punctual attendance. All students are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are ill or a family emergency arises.

Early Release of Students Students who leave school early miss important instructional time. All students who must leave school before the end of the regular school day will be signed out with the security monitor by a parent or guardian. Students will be called from their classroom to the lobby once the parent/guardian has arrived.

We request that students dismissing early do so no later than 2:45 p.m.

Morning Program The school day starts at 8:45 a.m. with Morning Program. All students, faculty and staff gather in the gymnasium as a school family to begin our day with curriculum based presentations, announcements, celebrations and music. Parents and community members are welcome to attend Morning Program and join us for this special start to our school day.

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Snack/Lunch All students must bring their snack and lunch to school every day, as the Sag Harbor Elementary School does not have a cafeteria. Healthy snacks are encouraged, such as fruit and vegetables. Reusable water bottles may be filled at our filtered water stations and are a good way to stay hydrated. Beverages in glass bottles and soda are not allowed. Organic and low-fat milk are available for purchase.

Recess Our students play outdoors all year-round. During the colder months, students should come to school with appropriate outside clothing, including hats and gloves. Proper footwear is required so that children can participate in activities safely. Flip flops, high heels and sandals are not appropriate footwear for school.

Health Office Our school nurse is on duty during the school day. If a student becomes sick or injured, he/she will be sent to the Health Office. The nurse may call a parent or guardian if she decides the student should go home. Students may not call home to report an illness.

Medication Students may not give themselves their own medication. Medications that must be taken during school hours, as per a doctor’s prescription, must be stored in the Health Office and administered by the school nurse only.

Report Cards and Progress Reports Report cards are issued three times during the academic year. Information regarding academic progress, personal development, lifelong habits for learning and attendance are reported. Progress reports are mailed midway between report cards. Parent Teacher Conferences are held twice during the school year.

Additional conferences may be scheduled if needed.

Homework Homework is assigned by the teacher and is completed after school. It should be a review of what was taught in school and expand on a student’s school experience. Students are encouraged to set aside a regular time each evening to complete homework, discuss any papers with their parents that may have been brought home from school and to talk about the day’s events. Homework will be assigned Monday-Thursday and will include daily reading.

Communication Students are encouraged to visit teacher webpages often at www.sagharborschools.org, to check on assignments, projects, upcoming events and additional information posted by faculty.

Cell Phones If a family feels a child must bring a cell phone to school, the phone must remain in the child’s backpack in the off position during the school day. Students are not to utilize their phones during the day; a child needing to call home during school hours can do so using the office phones.

Electronic Devices Electronic devices (re: iPads, Kindles, iPods etc.) can serve to support and enhance classroom studies, however, such devices may only be used under the direction of classroom teachers. If electronic devices are used improperly or become a distraction in the classroom, students will lose the privilege of using these devices.

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Visitors Sag Harbor Elementary students are not permitted to bring student guests to school because it distracts from the normal flow of educational activities in the classrooms. Extenuating circumstances involving student guests should be discussed with the principal and the classroom teacher.

Standards of Behavior The Sag Harbor Elementary School has developed standards of behavior which are designed to foster responsible and respectful behaviors, contributing to a safe learning environment. The school behavior management program is guided by the following: Standards of Behavior: 1. Respect others by being kind in action and words 2. Respect property 3. Demonstrate cooperative behavior 4. Demonstrate good manners Disposition: 1. Warning 2. Time Out 3. Loss of recess – 1 day 4. Loss of recess – 2 days and parental contact 5. Principal’s office Positive reinforcement: Behavior recognition slips, weekly and monthly awards, positive calls, certificates, and special programs.

Dress Code The “Dress Code” has been approved by the school district. It is expected that all members of the school family will dress appropriately for all school functions. Students and parents have the right to determine school dress providing they follow these guidelines. Students may not wear: 1. clothing or jewelry with markings of tobacco, alcohol or drugs 2. clothing or jewelry that has inappropriate language, promotes violence or poses a physical danger 3. short-shorts/short skirts and/or clothing that expose bare midriffs or bare shoulders 4. torn, transparent (see through), and fishnet clothing 5. pants that are worn beneath the waist or which expose undergarments 6. gang-related clothing or paraphernalia 7. head coverings worn in the classroom 8. clothing that bears expressions or insignia that are obscene, libelous or disruptive 9. items that criticize others on account of race, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability Students may be required to wear appropriate protective gear in certain classes, (e.g., physical education, science).

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The principal, assistant principal or teacher has the right to decide the appropriateness of attire on an individual basis.

Transportation The Sag Harbor Union Free School District provides transportation on a school bus to those students whose health or distance from the school makes the service necessary. Riding these buses is a privilege and may be withdrawn if the student does not follow the rules and regulations.

Students must ride the bus and bus stop assigned by the Transportation Director and are expected to practice orderly and safe behaviors while waiting for the bus. The following rules are to be followed: 1. Listen to the bus driver’s directions and respect their rules.

2. Wear seatbelts at all times.

3. Remain in the seat facing the front of the bus at all times 4. Keep hands, arms, and personal belongings inside the bus 5. Talk quietly and do not make unnecessary noise.

6. Keep the aisles clear of backpacks and coats.

7. Eating and drinking on the bus are not permitted.

8. Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street.

9. Cross at least ten feet in front of the bus.

10. Follow the rules. Be smart! Be safe!

Students who do not follow the rules may lose the privilege of riding the bus.

Technology Agreement The Sag Harbor Elementary School provides students with computers to use during the school day. The computers have access to the Internet and may be used to enhance learning. Using the computers and the Internet is a privilege and each student must have permission from their parent or guardian before he/she can use the computers at school.

The parents of all students in the Elementary School are required to sign a form stating that he/she has read the Acceptable Use Policy and agrees to follow its rules. Students will be issued a password only after a signed Acceptable Use Policy form is handed in. If a parent or guardian objects to his/her child using the Internet, he/she must state the objection in writing and send it to the building principal.

The following are actions that are not permitted while using the technology services of the District: • Sharing or selling a password or account number • Using impersonation, anonymity or pseudonyms • Leaving your account open and unattended • Damaging, abusing or breaking software, hardware or the network • Plagiarizing or using copyrighted material without permission • Using the computers for illegal activities or commercial gain • Sending, using or displaying inappropriate language, pictures or any type of communication, including profanity, inflammatory speech, or accessing inappropriate websites • Disrespecting the rights and property of others • Improperly accessing, destroying or misusing files or data of others • Opening another person’s file • Attempting to work in or modify the Network Operating System • Exploring or changing any system files 5

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Intentionally wasting limited resources Installing/downloading or attempting to install software and/or music from the Internet or any other software program, which only designated employees are allowed to do

Textbooks, Library Books and Musical Instruments Students are responsible for returning all textbooks, library books and musical instruments in the same condition in which they were received. All lost or damaged items must be paid for by the family. Library books are to be returned by their due date. Textbooks and instruments are expected to be returned in June, unless otherwise requested.

Safety Drills Throughout the school year students practice several different types of safety drills. These include bus evacuation drills, fire drills and lock-down drills.

Bus Safety Drill – Students are instructed about bus rules and procedures and practice evacuation of the bus through the emergency exits. Information about location and use of the portable fire extinguisher and two-way radio are included in the discussion.

Fire Drill – Students are required to be silent during a fire drill. This assures that any emergency instructions from school officials or fire fighters can be heard accurately. Students exit the building using the designated route and remain with the class and teacher until an all-clear signal is given.

Students in the halls or bathrooms at the time the alarm is sounded should join the class line they are closest to at the time of the alarm. Teachers will take attendance when the class is in a safe area and report attendance to the principal.

Lock-down drill – This is a drill for occasions when it would be safest to have students and staff remain in the school. The teachers lock their classroom doors and move the students to an area away from the windows and doorway. Students and staff will remain quiet.

Closing of School During the school year, the superintendent may have to cancel classes before the scheduled dismissal time because of weather conditions or other unforeseen reasons. If weather conditions or other factors force the closing of school, the following radio and television stations will carry the announcement: Radio: WLNG – 92.1 FM Automated Alert System – phone call, text messages, email

Television: Channel 12 – News Website: www.sagharborschools.org

Lost and Found All found items are placed in the Lost and Found lockers near the lobby. The school is not responsible for lost items. Please write names or initials on all items such as coats, jackets, sweaters, lunchboxes, backpacks, etc. Unclaimed items are given to charity at the end of each semester.

Sag Harbor After-School Elementary Program (S.H.A.E.P.) Sag Harbor Elementary School has both a morning and after-school child-care program called S.H.A.E.P. This program is for K-5 students who attend the Elementary School. During S.H.A.E.P. the students have time to complete homework and play. S.H.A.E.P. meets every day school is in session before school at 7:30 a.m. and after-school until 5:00 p.m. S.H.A.E.P. is cancelled when there is a delayed opening or an early dismissal due to weather conditions.

After-School Enrichment Program The Sag Harbor Elementary School offers many after-school enrichment clubs and activities. There are three sessions of clubs offered during the school year. Each session meets for eight weeks with the 6

exception of Band, Chorus and Guitar Ensemble, which students join for the school year. Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 register for each session before it begins. When clubs are dismissed, students are either picked up by a parent or go to S.H.A.E.P. if they are registered. Previously sponsored clubs have been Art, Dance, Sign Language, Computer, Indoor Soccer, Basketball, Chorus, Band, Science, Spanish, Robotics, Japanese Culture, and Fitness.

School Spirit Sag Harbor Elementary prides itself on being a school family and celebrates school spirit. Our school colors are red and black and our mascot is the whale. Students and faculty are encouraged to wear our school colors on Fridays.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE Art

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Library ____________ Music ______________ Physical Education _____________ Science Lab _____________

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Computer Lab ____________ Spanish _______________

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Other _____________________

Classmate Contacts

Name

Phone number

Name

Phone number

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SEPTEMBER 2015 – JUNE 2016 September 7…………………………………………..……………………………………..Labor Day 8…...………………………………………………........Superintendent’s Conference Day 9…………………………..…………………..……………………. First Day for Students 14….…………………………………………………………………….....Rosh Hashanah 23……………………………………………………………………………...Yom Kippur October 12..…………………………………………….………..………………….....………...Columbus Day November 11………………………………………………….….……………..……......Veterans Day 26-27……………………………………………...……………..…...Thanksgiving Recess December 24-31……………………………………………………………...……....…Winter Recess January 1…………………………………………………………………...…….…..Winter Recess 18…….………………………………………....….…..Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday February 16-20………………………….……………………………………..…Mid-Winter Recess March 25……………………………………………………………………………...Good Friday April 25-29…...…………….……...……………………………………...……… Spring Recess May 30…………………..…………………………….…………………….....…Memorial Day June 24………………...…………………..…………………...…………….Last Day of School

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