Union Springs District Newsletter “Excellence….Together We Achieve It!” August 2014
A Message from Superintendent, Linda Rice Dear District Residents, While we are in the midst of a beautiful summer filled with hot and humid weather, it is difficult to remember that the opening of school is only a short time away. District employees have been working diligently to prepare for the opening day of school on Tuesday, September 2nd. This summer kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers worked on aligning our curriculum in both English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics with the National Common Core Learning Standards. A District goal for the 2014-2015 school year includes focusing on changes in the ELA and math curriculum in order to raise the proficiency and mastery level in all buildings. Education Law 3012-c addresses the disclosure of teacher and principal total effectiveness ratings and scores to parents/legal guardians of a student’s current teacher and building principal. Please refer to the following notice for more information. “In accordance with Section 3012-c of the Education Law, regarding the Annual Professional Performance Reviews (APPR) of teachers and principals, theDistrict is obligated to release the individual composite effectiveness scores and final ratings (0-100) of teachers and principals. Parents/legal guardians may request such information for the principal of the school building and teachers to which the student is assigned for the current school year. Only final data will be disclosed. Parents/legal guardians wishing to obtain such data must make a written request to the appointed school official. The identity of parents/guardians will be verified and the school official will only communicate the data verbally. Please send all written requests for APPR data to the respective building Principal or the Superintendent of Schools.”
Author and sports columnist Mitch Albom once wrote: “The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” As we get set to begin another school year, I am excited for the children to return and am confident with the staff we have, the resources that are available to us, and the support of the community; we can make this a great year for all of our students. You are encouraged and welcomed to attend and be involved in our school activities and programs, whether you have children in the schools or not. By working together, we can make this year a very special one for our children. Please enjoy the remaining days of summer vacation! I am looking forward to seeing all of our students when school begins on September 2nd. Sincerely,
Linda Rice Superintendent of Schools
MS/HS Orientation Activities
School Starts Tuesday September 2, 2014 School will open on Tuesday, September 2.
7th Grade MS Orientation Wednesday, August 27
Grades K-3 are located in Cayuga Elementary School, 4-6 in A. J. Smith School, 7-8 in the Middle School, and 9-12 in the High School.
5:00 pm @ MS/HS
If you have any questions, please call:
9th Grade HS Orientation
Cayuga Elementary School Principal
Thursday, August 27
Mrs. Sheila LaDouce @ 889-4170
7:00@ MS/HS
A. J. Smith School Principal
Mrs. Karen Burcroff @ 889-7102
Students will receive their locker assignments and schedules for the 1st semester and will have a chance to locate their classrooms.
Middle/High School Principal
Elementary PTO The first meeting of the Elementary PTO will be held on Wednesday, September 3 at 5:00 pm at Cayuga Elementary School. All parents and guardians (both Moms and Dads) of elementary students are members of the PTO and encouraged to come to meetings whenever they can. Parents of pre-school age children are also welcome to attend if they would like to begin getting to know other parents and school personnel. PTO meeting dates are listed on the District Calendar and usually alternate between our two elementary buildings. They are held at 5:00 pm. The PTO has an impressive record of making many significant contributions to our elementary schools and thereby benefiting all the children in our District. Volunteers help with school activities and fundraising has provided playground equipment, assembly programs, special awards and projects, Family Activity Nights, and mural paintings and new curtains in the cafeterias. This is only a sampling of the many ways, both big and small, that the PTO supports our students and staff. The officers of the PTO for the coming year are: President – Angela Owens Secretary – Kelly Yorkey Treasurer – Meghan Frances Biter Our thanks go to these individuals for committing their time and leadership skills to maintaining the PTO as the strong, active organization it is here in our
PTO Wrapping Paper Sale
(Innisbrook)
Sale Dates: September 8-18
Welcome Back Picnics Cayuga Elementary School Friday, Sept. 5 6:00-7:30 pm A. J. Smith School Friday, Sept. 12 6:00-7:30 pm Please plan to attend!
Parent Information Nights and Open Houses Cayuga Elementary Wednesday, September 24 Grades K, 1, Grades 2,& 3
A. J. Smith School Tuesday, September 9
Middle School Grades 7-8 Wednesday, September 17 6:00 - 8:00 pm
High School
Please Come and Support Your Students!
MS & HS Student Schedules
School Security In our continuing effort to provide as much security as possible for the occupants of our buildings, we remind all visitors to immediately check in and get visitor passes at the main offices at Cayuga Elementary and A. J. Smith School and at the reception office in the main foyer at the Secondary
Community Use of School Facilities
Schedules were mailed to all students in grades 8-12 on August 13. 7th grade students will get their schedules at their orientation on August 27, which begins at 5:00 pm. The bell schedule is shown below for your convenience. On the first day of school students in grades 8-12 should report to their homerooms. Students in seventh grade should report to the cafeteria where their homeroom teachers will pick them up and escort them via a little refresher tour to homeroom. The seventh grade students will have time to get into their lockers and head to first period.
Policy #3260 - Community Relations ~ Community groups are encouraged to use our school facilities. ~ Groups wishing to do so must secure written permission from the building principal or, for gym space, the Athletic Director. Use of Building request forms are available in all of our school offices. ~ School functions take precedence over all activities by non-school groups.
Students are asked to make schedule changes on Wednesday, August 28 and Thursday, August 29 between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. Please note that the Guidance Office will be closed for lunch from 12:00-12:30 on those days. Please call the Guidance Office to schedule an appointment (or consultation over the phone as needed) prior to August 27 to make any schedule changes. All schedule
~ The use of school facilities is limited to the hours between 6:30 am and 10:00 pm. This means that there should be no individual or non-school group activity on school grounds, including the outdoor basketball courts and playgrounds, between 10:00 pm and 6:30 am. ~ Skateboarding and rollerblading are not allowed on school grounds at any time. ~ A “carry in, carry out” policy requires that all individuals and non-school groups accept the responsibility to remove all their trash from school premises when they leave. ~ Only leashed dogs are permitted on school property, and owners are
MS/HS Lockers
Bell Schedule
Locker assignments will be issued
7:32 -Bell
with student schedules. Each locker has
7:38-7:50 -Homeroom/Advisory
a built-in combination lock. Deposits
Period 1: 7:53 -8:33
are not required for locker use. All
Period 2: 8:36 -9:16
students have their own lockers and are
Period 3: 9:19 -9:59
asked to not share with other students.
Period 4: 10:02 -10:42
Valuables should not be brought
Period 5/HSLunch:10:45 -11:24
to school or stored in lockers. If
Period 6/MS Lunch: 11:27 - 12:06
special circumstances occur, students
Period 7/HS Lunch: 12:09 - 12:48
should ask for help with securing any
Period 8: 12:51 -1:31 Period 9: 1:34 –2:15 Period 10/Intervention Time: 2:20 -
Athletic Physicals A Word About Solicitations Athletic physicals will be offered on Thursday, September 4. Any student in grades 7-12 who is planning to participate in interscholastic sports during the school year and has not yet had an athletic physical should see the school nurse to make an appointment. There is also a health history form that must be filled out before seeing the doctor.
Sometimes in the fall, local businesses are approached by salesmen asking for donations to provide free book covers for our students. Please note that we have NOT sanctioned any such programs. If you are approached by anyone in this regard, please contact Debbie Robinson in the District Office at 889-4101.
HOMECOMING WEEK New Students
Monday, Sept. 22 - Saturday, Sept. 27 Fall Sports At Home
Please come! HS Homecoming Dance
If you have moved into the school district this summer and have not yet registered your children for school, please do so as soon as possible so that homerooms and schedules can be assigned. All students K-12 should be registered at A.J. Smith Elementary. The District Registrar is Mrs. PennyRoss and she can be reached at 889-7102.
SEPTEMBER 2014 Union Springs Central School District Lunch Menu
Photographs For Publication Throughout the school year, photographs or videos may be taken of students for use in District-produced publications, productions, or by the news media. If you do not wish your child photographed, please indicate this, in writing, to the principal at your child’s school. Letters must be submitted every year.
Notification of Student Picture Use on USCS Website We routinely post pictures of students on the District website. If you do not wish your child’s picture used on our website, please write a letter to this effect to your child’s building principal. Letters must be submitted every year.
Emergency Contacts It is extremely important that our school offices have the names and telephone numbers of the individuals we should contact in the event of an emergency. Please notify the appropriate school office when there is a change and be certain that your child knows of this change.
Next Year’s Kindergartener If you have a child who will be eligible to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2014, please let us know. We would like to send you packets of materials which can be used at home this year to help your child succeed in school next year. Please send your child’s full name, address, birth date, parent’s name, address, and telephone number to: Cayuga Elementary School, c/o Jennifer Henry, 255 Wheat Street, Cayuga, NY 13034.
For school information, please visit our website at
www.uscsd.info
October
September Sept. 1
Labor Day
Sept. 2
School Opens K-12
Sept .3
PTO @ 5pm/CES
Sept. 4
HS Sports Physicals
Sept. 5
CES Welcome Back Picnic @ 6pm/CES
Sept. 9
AJ Open House @ 6pm
Sept. 9
After Prom Meeting @
Oct. 1
PTO Mtg. @ AJ 5pm
Oct. 2
K-6 National Read for Record Day
Oct. 3
AJ Visitation Day 11-1 pm
Oct. 9
SAT Registration Deadline
Oct. 11
SAT & Subject Tests
Oct. 13
NO SCHOOL—Columbus Day
Oct. 14
After Prom Meeting @ 7pm/HS
7pm/HS Sept. 11
AJ Grandfriends Day
Sept. 12
MS/HS Picture Day
Sept. 12
AJ Welcome Back Picnic @ 6pm/AJ
Sept. 17
HS Sports Physicals
Sept. 17
MS/HS Open House 6-8pm
Sept. 22-27 Homecoming Week Sept. 23
CES Parent Night 6pm
Sept. 24
AJ Beginning Band
Sept. 26
Oct. 14
BOE Meeting 7pm
Oct. 15
PSAT Test
Oct. 17
MS/HS Picture Make-Up Day
Oct. 20
Booster Club Meeting 7pm/HS
Oct. 21
NIHS Inductions
Oct. 23
NJHS Inductions
Oct. 24
NO School K-12— Superintendent’s Conference Day
Info Night 7pm
Oct. 25
ACT Exam
Emergency Go Home K-12
Oct. 27
BOE Meeting 7pm
Drill 1/2 Day Students
Oct. 31
CES Visitation Day 11-2
Sept. 27
Homecoming Dance
Parades 2pm @ CES
Sept. 29
Picture Day @CES/AJ
2:40 pm @ AJ
Welcome Back to Cayuga Elementary (Grades K-3) The Cayuga staff is looking forward to an exciting year of learning! We will kick-off the new school year with a character education assembly focused around “doing good deeds for others”. The program is based on a children’s book “Have You Filled A Bucket Today?” The book talks about how we can incorporate doing good things for others on a daily basis. These good deeds are said to help students talk about being filling someone’s bucket, hence being “bucket fillers” not “bucket dippers”. This theme is something we will use throughout the year to encourage students of good character. Curriculum and instruction will remain the same this school year. Now that we have a year of Common Core Learning Standards under our belt; teachers, students, and parents are much better prepared as to what lies ahead in ELA and Math. In ELA, students will be provided a balanced literacy approach using the Daily 5, Guided Reading, and Writer’s Workshop to continue to foster the love of reading and writing. In Math, we will continue to adapt the math modules, providing students daily fact fluency, visual representations of various math problems, and reinforcement of previously taught math concepts. We look forward to your daily support at home in assisting us with strengthening the skills mentioned above. Sheila LaDouce Cayuga Elementary Principal
Welcome Back to A.J. Smith (Grades 4-6) The AJ staff is looking forward to a year of exciting learning opportunities! Our schedule has been changed to a Monday through Friday plan (students will have specials once a week instead of the A-D schedule). We have also created an “AM Learning Zone” (7:45-8:45 am) which will be the time where all of our music ensembles (concert and beginning bands, chorus, and choralairs) will rehearse. Mr. Darnell will continue to offer Early-Birds for students to participate in athletics and Ms. Drossos will still be conducting reading intervention groups. Our daily schedule (8:50 am - 3:25 pm) will have fifth and sixth grade students moving between their three academic blocks every 80 minutes (1hour 20 minutes) to allow teachers to meet the increased learning expectations. There will be many changes brought on by the new Common Core Learning Standards. In ELA, students will be reading several new book titles and exploring different topics that have been suggested in the NYS sponsored curriculum materials (written by Expeditionary Learning). Teachers will continue to foster the love of reading and writing in “workshop” situations and will find ways to maintain our “Balanced Literacy” approach. Science and Social Studies will be integrated in with ELA as much as possible in order for students to practice their reading skills when using informational text. In addition, students will be completing “Inquiry Research” at least four times throughout the year. In Math, students will continue to build their fact fluency and master the skill of representing their thinking process in visual forms (i.e. tape diagrams). The AJ staff is committed to making our students as college and career ready as possible. I look forward to seeing students as they return on Wednesday, September 4th and excited to see everyone on Friday, September 6th for the PTO Welcome Back Picnic! It is time for our students to finish reading the chapter book and to break out the math fact cards!
Karen Burcroff A.J. Smith Elementary Principal
Schools Must Provide Addresses
Children With Disabilities
Unless Parents Decline
The Union Springs Central School District advises residents that parents who suspect they may have a child with a disability should contact Sheila LaDouce at Cayuga Elementary School, 255 Wheat Street, Cayuga, NY 13034 or call her at 889-4117 for more information.
The No Child Left Behind Act requires that school districts send address information for all high school seniors and juniors to the armed services for recruitment purposes. However, parents have the right to request that this information not be sent for their children. To make this request, please contact the High School Guidance Office at 889-4124 by September 30 and your address information will be removed from the list.
Welcome Back to the Middle/High School (Grades 7-12) In just a few short weeks the doors of the Middle/High School will once again be open, the halls filled with well rested adolescents ready for their next set of challenges. The maintenance staff has been busy preparing the buildings and grounds for opening day. Mr. Crowley has been busy helping improve some of our new technologies that the staff and students will be using this year. Teachers too have attended a number of trainings this summer as they prepare for the upcoming year. This year the Middle School will have a “Career Day” where each student will have the opportunity to explore multiple careers they may be interested in pursuing. Several community members have volunteered to come in and share what they do. If you are interested in being a presenter, please contact Nina Darnell at (315) 889-4124 or Mike Wurster at (315) 889-4110. The High School guidance staff is once again planning two college visits in (one in the Fall and one in the Spring). More information will be coming as we get further into the school year. Academically, this year’s focus is to continually improve our test results by analyzing data, enhancing curriculum, and monitoring student progress throughout the year. The Middle School is going into their third year with the Common Core ELA and Math testing while the High School will see the addition of the Common Core Geometry Exam continue the phase in process with the addition of the Common Core Algebra II/Trigonometry and English exams. The 2014/15 school year has the promise to be very exciting and interesting for our students, as always if you have any questions please contact me at (315) 889-4110. Enjoy the remainder of your summer and we’ll see you on opening day, September 2, 2014. Chuck Walker,
Mike Wurster
Middle/High Principal
Middle/High School Assistant Principal
Breakfast
Cafeteria Information
Breakfast is available in all three instructional buildings. It is offered after students arrive on their regular bus runs and costs $1.50. All students may participate as they wish on a daily basis. Lunch Prices
Grades K-6 ...... ..............
$2.00
Grades 7-12 .....................
2.25
Reduced Price Lunch .......
.25
Milk …….........................
.50
Adult Lunches ..................
3.75
Bob Lockwood is our Food Service Director and may be reached at the MS/HS at 889-4120.
Union Springs Central Schools implemented the NutriKids computerized Point of Sale payment system for all school meals purchased in the district’s cafeterias during December 2012. Every student has their own personal student account number and can access their accounts on the PIN pads located at every register. If they forget their account number, we can access it through every register. We encourage parents to deposit money into the student’s account, although you may still pay cash at the register. Monies paid into a student account can be used for the purchase of regular meals and ala carte items. A prepayment credit system is offered by MySchoolBucks.com which will allow payments into student/staff accounts by credit/debit card using the internet.
This form of payment will assess a $1.75 service fee for each deposit made using a credit/debit card. If your student has qualified for free or reduced price lunches or breakfasts, this information is securely contained within the system and the meal will be processed just as it is for all other students. There is no need to be concerned for a potentially uncomfortable situation for the student. If you are concerned about a food allergy that your student has, please notify the cafeteria with this information. A warning will appear on the cashier’s screen for a quick review of the items on the student’s meal tray.
USCS Lunch Program Our self-operated food service program will continue to provide breakfast and lunch at all three of our instructional buildings. Turkey sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and hot dogs are available at our elementary buildings every day and apples, oranges, and bananas are often fruit options. Menus are planned based on nutritional guidelines, what kids like, and expense. There is some regularity in the menus to make planning easier for students and families. On Wednesdays we usually serve tacos and on Fridays we serve pizza or fish, with more variation on the other days. Special attention is paid to limiting fat and salt content, and menus are audited for their nutritional value. At A.J. Smith and the MS/HS, deli made-to-order sandwiches, salad bar, and soup (usually homemade) are also available. The September menu is available on the school’s website at: www.myschoolpages.com/schools/unionsprings. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding our food services, please call Director Bob Lockwood at 889-4120.
Free & Reduced School Breakfast and Lunch Information Does your child qualify for free or reduced lunch/breakfast? Proper nutrition is important to a child’s development both physically and mentally. We would like to encourage you to take advantage of the free and reduced meal programs if you qualify. This is a federally funded program to assist families and by reviewing the Eligibility Income Chart below you can determine if your family qualifies. For families who have elementary, middle, and high school children, only one application needs to be done. Applications are being mailed to all District families and are available in the school offices. They must be completely filled out and returned to school. After the application is reviewed, you will be informed of your children’s eligibility. If you have any questions about the free or reduced meal program, please call 889-4137. Income Eligibility Guidelines For Reduced Price Meals Effective from July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014 Total Family Size
Annual
Monthly
Twice Per Month
Every Two Weeks
Weekly
1
$21,590
$1,800
$900
$831
$416
2
$29,101
$2,426
$1,213
$1,120
$560
3
$36,612
$3,051
$1,526
$1,409
$705
4
$44,123
$3,677
$1,839
$1,698
$849
5
$51,634
$4,303
$2,152
$1,986
$993
6
$59,145
$4,929
$2,465
$2,275
$1,138
7
$66,656
$5,555
$2,778
$2,564
$1,282
8
$74,167
$6,181
$3,091
$2,853
$1,427
* each additional person add:
$7,511
$626
$313
$289
$145
Transportation - A Message To Parents School starts on Tuesday September, 2. Please have your children ready at the bus stop well in advance of pick-up time. Time schedules are critical and your cooperation throughout the year in helping maintain them is most important. The times listed here are approximate and may vary due to the numerous changes that normally take place as school gets under way. Your patience and understanding during the first few weeks of school is always appreciated. Please review proper bus behavior with your children (see your Student Handbooks). Keep in mind that the bus driver’s main responsibility is that of delivering your children to and from school safely each day. Proper bus behavior of all students at all times is a safety must. Please call the Head Bus Driver at 889-5036 if you have any questions.
Middle /High School Bus Schedule 2014-2015 Bus 1 6:43am Dildine Rd. 6:45
Hardy Rd.
6:48
Wheeler Rd.
6:50
Great Gully Rd.
7:00
Kings Corners Rd.
7:02
Cooney Corners Rd.
7:05
Sands Rd.
7:10
Route 90 South
7:15
Farley’s Pt. & Rte. 90
7:17
Carrs Cove & Rte. 90
7:20
Cayuga Rd.(75 & lower)
7:22
Arnold St.
7:25
Middle/High School
Bus 2
Bus 4
Bus 7
All times are approximate and subject to change.
6:30am
Van Liew Rd.
6:35am
Clark St. Rd. (East)
6:33
White Rd.
6:42
Basswood Rd.
6:35
Delaney Rd.
6:50
Clark St. Rd. (West)
6:40
Van Liew Rd.
6:58
Cayuga Rd..
6:43
Dublin Rd.
7:05
Genesee St.(Mid Block)
6:45
Skillet Rd.
7:07
Willard & Genesee St.
6:48
Kijowski Rd.
7:10
Center & Genesee St.
6:50
Dougall Rd.
7:12
Annin & Center St.
6:53
Large Rd.
7:14
Wheat & Center St.
6:54
Sevior Rd.
7:16
Wheat St. (Lake Side)
6:59
Pinckney Rd.
7:25
Middle/High School
7:03
Overbrook Dr.
7:05
Bluefield Rd.
7:10
Skillet Rd.
7:13
Ridge Rd.
7:17
Spring St.
7:25
Middle/High School
Bus 9
Please Call the Head Bus Driver at 889-5036 with any questions.
Bus 11
6:20am
5067 Rte. 90
6:45am
Half Acre Rd.
6:40
Turnpike Rd.
6:50
Canoga Rd.
6:48
Fosterville Rd.
6:53
Webster Rd.
6:53
Blanchard Rd.
Bus 5
7:00
Laraway Rd. (south)
6:45am
Davis Rd.
7:05
Laraway Rd. (north)
6:50
Fitzpatrick Rd.
7:07
Baldwin Rd.
7:00
Beech Tree Rd.
6:53
Ridge Rd.
7:05
River Rd.
7:03
Clark St.
6:55
Oakwood Rd.
7:10
Rt. 90 (6000’s)
7:05
Clark St. / Mullen Dr.
7:00
A/S Townline Rd.
7:13
River Rd.
7:07
Emily Dr.
7:05
Highbridge Rd.
7:16
Rt. 90 (6000’s)
7:13
Johnson Dr.
7:07
Cross Rd.
7:18
Water St.
7:15
Cranebrook Dr.
7:10
Bacon Rd.
7:20
Lake St.
7:18
East/West Dr.
7:12
Connors Rd.
7:28
Middle/High School
7:25
Middle/High School
Bus 3
7:20
Lockwood Rd.
6:40am State Rt. 34
7:25
Middle/High School
6:43
Sloan Rd.
Bus 6
6:47
St.Rt.34 (4969& up)
6:52
Glanville Rd.
6:55
Silver St.Rd.
7:00
Stone School Rd.
7:03
Silver St. Rd.
7:05
Mill St.
7:07
Rte. 34
7:10
Rte.34B(4961& lower)
7:20
Center St./Anthony St.
7:25
Middle/High School
6:35am
4516 Rte. 34B
6:40
Rte. 34 (4813 & lower)
6:45
F/S Townline Rd.(2505 & up)
6:48
Sloan Rd.
6:55
Cork St.
6:57
Rte. 34B (4606)
7:02
F/S Townline Rd.
7:05
Number One Rd.
7:13
Creager Rd.
7:18
Oak Dr.
7:21
Grove (N & S Dr.)
7:23
Homer St.
7:25
Middle/High School
6:40am
Rt. 326
6:50
Genesee St. (incl. 1756)
6:57
ElmhurstCircle
7:00
Genesee St.
7:05
Bluefield Rd.(6125& up)
7:08
Deerview Dr.
7:10
Experimental Rd.
7:17
Rte. 326
7:25
Middle/High School
(Turnaround) 6:56
Canoga Rd. also crossover Beech Tree
Bus 10 6:30am
Rt. 90 (5000’s)
6:40
Wheat St. (B/W Rte. 90 & Chappell)
6:43 6:47 6:50 7:05
Chappell Rd. Chamberlain Rd. W. Genesee St. (1772 & smaller)
7:10
Court St. Rte. 90 (5000’s)
7:15
Connors Rd. (B/W Rte. 90 & Cross Rd.
7:18
Cross Rd.
7:25
Middle/High School
Elementary Bus Schedule 2014-2015 Bus 1—Bear 8:00am Hardy Rd. 8:07
Carrs Cove & Rte. 90
8:08
Farley’s Pt. & Rte. 90
8:10
4121 Rte. 90
8:13
Kings Corners Rd.
8:15
Cooney Corners Rd.
8:18
Sands Rd.
8:25
Great Gully Rd.
8:28
Wheeler Rd.
8:35
37 Center St.
8:38
Park St.
8:42
Factory St. & Cayuga
8:43
Basin & Cayuga St.
8:45
Homer St. (19 and smaller)
8:50
A.J. Smith School
Bus 2 Alligator
Bus 4-Frog
Bus 7-Rabbit
Bus 10-Squirrel
7:55am Van Liew Rd.
7:55am 5064 Rte. 90 8:05
Short Rd.
7:55a m
Backus Rd.
7:57
Wheat St.
White Rd.
8:00
Van Liew Rd.
8:08
Clark St. (East)
8:03
Bluefield Rd.
8:15
Basswood Rd.
8:10
989 Chamberlain Rd. W. Genesee St. (Even)
8:06
Skillet Rd.
8:20
Clark St. (West)
8:15
8:09
Kijowski Rd.
8:30
Cayuga St.
8:18
BOCES Day Care W. Genesee St. (Odd)
8:12
Large Rd.
8:15
Sevior Rd.
Genesee St.(Village of Cayuga)
8:30 8:33
570 Chamberlain Rd.
8:18
Pinckney Rd.
8:40
Center St. (Cayuga)
8:43
Chappell Rd.
8:22
Overbrook Dr.
8:43
Wheat St. (B/W Center & Court)
8:45
280 Wheat St.
8:48
Manitau Rd.
Cayuga Elementary
8:50
Lake St.
Rte. 90 (A.J. Students)
8:55
A.J. Smith School
8:25
Bluefield Rd.
8:30
Ridge Rd.
8:35
8:45
8:35
Spring St.
8:47
8:40
Center St.
8:50
8:43
Ridgeway & Center St.
9:00
8:50
A.J. Smith School
8:05am
Creager Rd.
8:10
Truesdale Rd.
8:12
Number One Rd.
7:50am
8:15
Waldron Rd. (south)
8:18
Cayuga Elementary A.J. Smith School
Bus 9 –Wolf 7:55am
Baldwin Rd.
8:00
Turnpike Rd.
Davis Rd.
8:03
Gable Lane
7:55
Powers Rd.
8:05
Turnpike Rd.
4298 Rt. 34B
8:00
Waldron Rd.
8:08
Fosterville Rd.
8:24
Rt. 34 (south of Sloan Rd.)
8:05
Fitzpatrick Rd.
8:13
Blanchard Rd.
8:30
F-S Townline Rd.
8:10
Ridge Rd.
8:18
Laraway Rd.
8:32
Cork St.
8:15
Oakwood Rd.
8:23
Turnpike Rd.
8:35
F-S Townline Rd.
8:17
A/S Townline Rd.
8:25
309 Clark St. Rd.
8:42
Oak Dr. Ext.
8:19
Cross Rd.
8:28
River Rd.
8:43
Oak Dr.
8:21
Bacon Rd.
8:35
Rte. 90 (6000’s)
8:46
South Dr.
8:23
Connors Rd.
8:40
Willard St.
8:48
Homer St.(20 & up) A.J. Smith School
8:26
Lockwood Rd.
8:42
Water St.
8:35
Cayuga St. (north)
8:43
W. Genesee St. (206)
8:37
Hillview & Rte. 90
8:45
Court St.
8:39
Schobey & Rte. 90
8:50
Cayuga Elementary Route 90 (5923) A.J. Smith School
8:50
Rt. 90 (5000’s East)
8:02
Bus 5—Dinosaur
Bus 3-Cat
8:40
Cayuga St.
8:55
8:00am Rte. 34 (Fleming)
8:45
Arnold St.
9:00
8:04
Mill St.
8:46
Evergreen St
8:06
Rte. 34
8:12
Silver St.
8:17
Stone School Rd.
8:00am
State Rt. 326
8:22
Sloan Rd.
8:15
W. Genesee St. (incl. 1756)
8:27
Rte. 34B
8:20
Elmhurst Circle
8:40
Center St.
8:25
Genesee St.
8:42
Anthony St.
8:27
8:45
Seminary St.
8:30
Bluefield Rd. (B/W Pinckney & Genesee)
8:50
A.J. Smith School
8:35
Bus 6-Horse
8:40 8:50
Bus 11-Giraffe 8:05a m
Half Acre Rd.
8:10
Johnson Dr. (mailboxes)
8:15
Clark St.
8:16
Birch Dr. & Clark St.
8:17 8:20 8:22 8:35 8:38 8:45 8:50
Emily Dr. & Clark St. Mullen Dr. & Clark St. Beechtree Rd. Canoga Rd. Webster Rd.
A.J. Smith School
Deerview Dr.
*Please Note - In the am buses 7, 9, 10, and 11 go to Cayuga Elementary first then to A.J .Smith*
Experimental Rd. Rte. 326 A.J. Smith School
Please Call the Head Bus Driver at 889-5036 with any questions.
Non-Discrimination Policy The Union Springs Central School District, in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Title VI of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act, or the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, age, marital or veteran status, or disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide an environment free from harassment and intimidation in the career, technical or educational programs and activities it operates. We do not permit discrimination by employees, school volunteers, students and non-employees such as contractors and vendors, as well as any third parties participating in, observing or otherwise engaged in activities subject to the supervision of the district. This includes recruitment and employment practices, pay and benefits, counseling services for students, access by students to career, technical or other educational programs, courses and activities. The board also prohibits harassment based upon an individual’s opposition to the discrimination or participation in a related investigation or complaint proceeding under the anti-discrimination statutes. This policy of non-discrimination and anti-harassment will be enforced on school district premises, in school buildings and at all school sponsored events, programs and activities including those that take place off school premises. Inquires or complaint should be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools.
Grievance Procedure for Non-Discrimination Policy The compliance officer for Section 504 and other grievances related to student activities is the Program Coordinator, Sheila LaDouce, telephone 315-889-4117. The compliance officer for all employee related activities is the Business Administrator, Marge Robbins, telephone 315-889-4157. Both can be contacted in writing at the School District Offices, 239 Cayuga Street, Union Springs, New York 13160. The compliance officer, upon request, will provide a copy of the district’s grievance procedure to any employee, student or other covered person. A copy of each of the Acts and Regulations upon which this notice is based will be made available, upon written request to the district compliance officer.
~ ~ Wanted ~ ~
Parent & Community Members for our Site & District Based Teams Would you like to be more involved with what is going on at your son or daughter’s school? We have openings for parent and community members on all of our Site Based Teams and the District Based Team. Terms are for two years and will begin in the fall. Site Based Teams usually meet once a month and the District Based Team meets every other month. Meetings are usually held in the afternoon. Site Based Teams deal with issues specific to their sites – Cayuga Elementary, A. J. Smith, Middle School, and High School. The District Based Team oversees the shared decision making process in the District. To be a parent member on a site based team, a parent must have a student at that site in the fall. All parents
with children in school are eligible to serve on the District Based Team and all community members are eligible to serve on any of our teams. New members are selected randomly from those who express interest in the various positions. If you have been serving on one of our teams and your term is up, we’d be happy to have you volunteer for another term. If you are interested in serving on one of our teams, please fill out the form located on the back of this newsletter and return it to Mike Wurster by September 5, 2014 at: Union Springs Middle/High School 239 Cayuga St. Union Springs, NY 13160 If you would like further information or have questions, please call Mike at 889-4110.
UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Summary of the Code of Conduct Public Notification This is a summary of the Code of Conduct adopted by the Board of Education of the Union Springs Central School District. This code contains the rules for conduct on District property and at District functions as well as the penalties for unacceptable conduct. The code applies to ALL individuals who come on school property and is not restricted to classroom instruction. Students, parents, visitors, and District employees all have certain responsibilities regarding the education of the District students and are all subject to the code while on District property or at District functions. Generally, the District expects:
Students to come to school prepared to learn and to conduct themselves in a safe and respectful manner while at school. Parents to cooperate with the District in the education of their children and to communicate with appropriate school personnel regarding any questions or concerns. Teachers to be prepared to teach and to strive for an atmosphere of mutual respect in the classroom. Administrators to promote a safe, healthy, and stimulating academic environment that is conducive to learning and student success. Student Rights and Responsibilities
All district students have the right to pursue an education in an atmosphere that is safe and conducive to learning, and to achieve all that they are capable of achieving and to be respected on the merits of their attributes as individuals. As citizens of the United States of America and residents of New York State, the students have the right to procedural due process guaranteed by The United States Constitution and New York State Education Law prior to disciplinary action taken against them. Students have the right to freedom of speech and expression which do not interfere with the educational process or infringe upon the right of others. Each and every student has the right to attend school and be free from discrimination in any form. Along with the rights comes responsibility. It is expected that all students of The Union Springs Central School District will conduct themselves with respect toward self, fellow students, teachers, and others. Furthermore, it is expected that all students will strive to achieve to their potential in all areas. Students should show respect for the District property and the property of others by following reasonable directions of the faculty and administration by fulfilling their classroom learning obligations. Display positive behavior and performance and always demonstrate a high degree of good sportsmanship. Dress Code All students, teachers, and visitors are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parents have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. A student’s dress; grooming and appearance shall be safe, appropriate, and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process. Recognize that extremely brief garments such as muscle shirts, tank tops, or similar cut-off shirts, tube tops, net tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, plunging necklines (front and/or back), and see-through garments are not appropriate. Straps on shirts or tank tops shall be at least the width of two fingers. Shorts and skirts shall be at least the length of four fingers above the student’s knees. Shorts may be worn only at the discretion of District staff. Cut-off shorts are not permitted and shorts shall not be torn or have frayed edges. Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing and ensure that all private body parts, including buttocks, are covered with outer clothing. All persons on school property and at school functions shall not include items that are vulgar, obscene, and libelous or denigrate others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Clothing should not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.
Harassment and Discrimination The District prohibits discrimination or harassment against any student, by employees or students on school property or at a school function, that creates a hostile environment by conduct, with or without discrimination and harassment of students based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex by school employees or students on school property and at school-sponsored activities and events that take place at locations off school property. In addition, any act of discrimination or harassment, outside of school-sponsored events, which can reasonably be expected to materially and substantially disrupt the education process may be subject to discipline.
Appropriate Language It is expected that all members of the learning community will use appropriate language and refrain from gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar, or abusive while on school property or attending school sponsored events.
Continued on next page
Summary of the Code of Conduct (Continued) Prohibited Student Conduct The code contains a list of defined prohibited conduct, which is not meant to be exhaustive. Any conduct that violates the code, any federal or New York State statute, or any established practice of the District may be the basis for discipline. Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school when they engage in conduct that is disorderly, insubordinate, disruptive, violent or that endangers the safety, morals and the health and welfare of others. It is also a violation of the code of conduct if a student engages in any form of academic misconduct.
Conduct on School Buses The code also governs the conduct of students on school buses. Generally, standards of conduct that apply in the classroom shall also apply to conduct on school buses. All passengers are to obey the instructions of the bus driver. The District may suspend a student’s right to ride the bus for any conduct that distracts the driver.
Discipline Students and any others who violate the code will be subject to disciplinary action. District officials may use a range of responses to student misconduct. Before disciplining a student, District officials may issue a warning, conduct a parent conference, or provide counseling or mediation. Disciplinary actions may include a consequence from a sequential discipline schedule, a school or activity suspension, in-School Planning, a Superintendent’s Hearing, personal liability, and police notification. Any person found in violation of the code shall be subject to appropriate criminal and/or civil penalties.
Due Process Students are entitled to due process before the District imposes any discipline. In every case, the District must inform the student of the misconduct and investigate the facts surrounding the misconduct. The District must allow all students to present their version of the facts. Beyond this, the level of due process ranges from parent notification and informal conferences to a formal hearing pursuant to the Education Law #3214. Detailed procedures for dealing with misconduct by special education and disabled students are also in place.
Teacher Removal of Disruptive Students The code authorizes classroom teachers to remove disruptive students from classrooms when classroom management techniques are ineffective. The code spells out the procedures that must be followed when a teacher removes a student from the classroom, including notice to the student and the opportunity for parents to meet with the principal. No teacher may remove a student with a disability from a class until the teacher has verified with the principal or the chairperson of the Committee on Special Education that the removal will not violate the student’s rights under state or federal law.
Visitors The code also applies to visitors, who are subject to the authority of the building principal while on District premises or at District functions. All visitors must use the main entrance to the building and report upon arrival to the principal’s offices at Cayuga Elementary and A. J. Smith and the Attendance Office at the Middle/High School to sign the visitor’s log and receive a visitor pass. The visitor’s pass must be worn at all times while on District premises.
Violations
Review of Code
The code contains a list of defined prohibited conduct, which is not meant to be exhaustive. Any conduct that violates the code, any federal or New York State statute, or any established practice of the District may be the basis for discipline.
Any person wishing to review the code may do so. It is included in the Middle School and High School Handbooks. The code is also available on our website at www.uscsd.info.
After Prom Party Meeting ANNOUNCEMENT
When: Tuesday, September 14, 2014 Where: High School Time: 7:00 pm You can also find the After Prom Party meeting dates included in the District calendar months.
For School Closings And Other Messages From The Superintendent
please check our website
at www.uscsd.info Sign up for email and/or text notification by going to our website and the QuickLink “Notification SignUp” School closings will also be announced on local radio and TV stations.
Asbestos Management Plan Public Notification Notice is hereby given that the Asbestos Management Plan for the Union Springs Central School District is available for review at the District Office during regular working hours – Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Safety Plans PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (“Project SAVE”) requires all New York School districts to adopt district-wide and building-level safety plans. The Union Springs Central School District (the “District”) has adopted a district-wide plan and a building-level plan for each of the district schools, as required by Project SAVE. The following is a summary of the district-wide plan: The district-wide plan contains policies and procedures for responding to threats of violence or acts of violence by students, staff and visitors; prevention and intervention strategies; policies and procedures for contacting law enforcement officials, parent/ guardians, and emergency responders in the event of an incident; policies and procedures regarding school building security; protocols for responding to incidents; and strategies for improving communication and the reporting of potential incidents. The following is a summary of the building-level plans: Each building-level plan contains policies and procedures for the safe evacuation of students, staff, and visitors in the event of an incident; designation of an emergency response team; designation of a post-incident response team; establishment of internal and external emergency communications; definitions of a chain-of-command; protocol for access to federal, state, and local mental health resources; procedures for review of the plan and for conducting drills; and policies and procedures for securing and restricting access to a crime scene. Copies of the district-wide plan are available upon request at the office of the District Clerk.
Notice of Parental Right To Request Information Regarding Teacher Qualifications Dear Parent or Guardian: Pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, you have the right to request specific information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers. The information that may be requested includes the following: if the teacher has met New York State qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas he or she teaches whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which the State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived the teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees or certifications and, if so, the subject area of such degrees or certifications if your child is provided services by any instructional paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. Requests for information about the qualifications of your child’s teacher(s) should be directed, in writing, to: Superintendent’s Office Union Springs Central School 239 Cayuga Street Union Springs, New York
and should identify the teachers whose qualifications you seek and the information requested from the bulleted items above.
Access to Student Records Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents and students over 18 years of age have the right to inspect and review their child’s records or to request the amendment of records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. Student records are private unless the parent
or student older than 18 consents to disclosure of personally identifiable information. (FERPA authorizes disclosure of personal information without consent in limited circumstances, such as criminal investigations.) The U.S. Education Department in recently released FERPA guidance,
states that school districts may, in their discretion, release education records, including disciplinary records, to another educational institution, including a college, where the student seeks to enroll without obtaining parental consent.
Public Notification STATE MANDATED INFORMATION REGARDING INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (Section 409-H of the State Education Law)
Dear Parent, Guardian, and School Staff: New York State Education Law Section 409-H, effective July 1, 2001, requires all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools to provide written notification to all persons in parental relation, faculty, and staff regarding the potential use of pesticides periodically throughout the school year. The Union Springs Central School District is required to maintain a list of persons in parental relation, faculty, and staff who wish to receive 48-hour written notification of certain pesticide applications. The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements: •
a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72-hours following an application;
•
anti-microbial products;
•
nonvolatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;
•
nonvolatile insecticidal baits in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;
•
silica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-use pastes, foams, or gels in areas inaccessible to children;
•
boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate;
•
the application of EPA designated biopesticides;
•
the applications of EPA designated exempt materials under 40CFR152.25;
•
the use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals from an imminent threat from stinging and biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps, and hornets.
In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. If you would like to receive 48-hour prior notification of pesticide applications that are scheduled to occur in your school , please complete the form below and return it to our pesticide representative, Mr. Larry Eaton, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, at 239 Cayuga St., Union Springs, NY 13160. For further information on these requirements, you may contact Larry at 889-4122 or fax 889-4108 or email leaton@unionspringscsd.org.
Union Springs Central School District Request for Pesticide Application Notification (Please Print)
Name: Day Phone:
Address: Evening Phone:
E-Mail:
Information About Possible Inclusion in a NYS Department of Health Survey As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low. Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s health examination. A sample of school districts will be selected to take part in a survey by the New York State department of Health. If our school is selected to be part of the survey, we will be reporting to New York State Department of Health information about our students’ weight status groups. Only summary information is sent. No names and no information about individual students are sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report. The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier. If you do not wish your child’s weight status group information included as part of the Health Department’s survey this year, please print and sign your name below and return this form to the nurse in your child’s school. Jane Bacon, Cayuga Elementary School, 255 Wheat St., Cayuga, NY 13034 Colleen Romano, A. J. Smith School, 26 Homer St., Union Springs, NY 13160 Kathryn Blowers, USCS Middle/High school, 239 Cayuga St., Union Springs, NY 13160 *Please do not include my child’s weight status information in the 2014 –2015 School Survey.*
Print Child’s Name
Print Parent’s Name
Date
Parent’s Signature
Lions Club—Booster Club Chicken Barbecue Saturday, September 27th, at the Trinity Church in Union Springs. Pre-Sale Tickets are available through any Modified/Varsity athlete or can be purchased the day of the BBQ. Chicken will be sold from 10:00am—1pm until it is gone. 5.50 Half 8.00 Whole
Seeking volunteers to help with this fundraiser!
Jill’s Dance Co. Returns
District and Site Based Teams Interest Form For more information, please see the article on page 10 of this newsletter. You may check more than one box, but please indicate your preference if you have one.
Site Based Teams
Parent
Community
Member
Member
Cayuga Elem. (K-3) A.J. Smith (4-6) Middle School (7-8) High School (9-12)
District Based Team
Your Name
Street Address
City
State
Home Phone
Zip
We are happy to again be able to offer dance classes to students in grades K-12 on Tuesdays under our Continuing Education Program. Classes will be held between 4:00 and 8:00 pm. Jill O’Hearn, of Jill’s Dance Co., offers classes in tap and ballet to students in grades K-12 and jazz/hiphop to students in grades 2-12. Each class lasts a half-hour and the registration fee is $65.00 for the year. There is an additional charge of $5.00 per class for participants who live outside the District. All fees are nonrefundable. Classes are held at A. J. Smith and participants are responsible for their own transportation. Classes meet only when school is in session. Classes will be suspended in December when so many other things are going on. Students need to have dance leotards, tights, and the proper shoes for their specific classes. These items may be purchased from Jill or at any store of your choice. A dance demonstration will be held on Friday, April 24, in the MS/HS auditorium. Registration will be held on Tuesday, September 16, at A. J. Smith between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. Exact class groupings and times will be available at that time. Jill is really looking forward to working with our students again this year. If you have any questions, please call Jill at 255-4622. All fees are due in full at the time of registration
Work Phone or Cell
Please return to Mike Wurster @ Union Springs Middle/High School, 239 Cayuga Street, Cayuga, NY 13160. Deadline - Friday, September 5, 2014
The cost to you: 1st Offense $250 - $400 and/or 30 days in jail 2nd Offense $600 - $750 and/or 180 days in jail 3rd Offense $750 - $850 and/or 180 days in jail Worst Case
US Postage Paid Union Springs, NY Permit #3 Non-Profit Organization
YELLOW FLASHING LIGHTS on a school bus mean the bus is preparing to stop and load or unload passengers. RED LIGHTS mean that loading or unloading is taking place. NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (1174) requires all motorists to ALWAYS STOP FOR A SCHOOL BUS WITH RED LIGHTS FLASHING on ALL roads, including multi-lane or divided highways, on school grounds, in driveways or parking lots. EVERYWHERE! Each year in the United States children are killed by motorists who pass school buses that have stopped to load or unload passengers. Please be careful! Obey the law and protect our children. Union Springs Central School 239 Cayuga Street Union Springs, NY 13160
Rural Route or Boxholder