Www.rcsd.k12.ny.us



VAN RENSSELAER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLPARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOKOur school is a safe and caring community where students learn to think critically, grow socially, and develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime. We will be polite, work hard, and have fun as we SHOW PRIDE at Van Rensselaer Elementary School.Rensselaer City School District Administration/SupervisorsNameTitlePhone NumberExt.Sally Ann Shields Superintendent of Schools465-75094001Jeff Palmer Elementary Principal 436-46181001Karen Urbanski Junior-Senior HS Principal436-85613001TBD Director of Pupil Personnel Serv.465-64406307David Howell IT/Network Systems Engineer 436-46184304Rhonda Greenway Transportation Supervisor283-0671N/ATheresa Hopper School Lunch Manager436-46184108Ryan Morris Maintenance & Grounds Supervisor436-77544009Student Support ServicesBeth WhitneySchool Psychologist465-64406310Carolyn MaasSchool Psychologist465-64406308Heather StaszakSocial Worker465-64406309Allyson White School Nurse396-34844121Katy StaatsSchool Nurse396-34864120Eric Ferrone Elementary Dean of Students436-4618 1201John Mooney Jr. School Resource Officer465-64406304Board of EducationJohn Mooney, PresidentEdward Burns, Vice PresidentDana Endres, MemberKenneth Pratt, MemberTimothy Spath, MemberPlease understand that the purpose of this handbook is to provide basic information about Van Rensselaer Elementary School. Please refer to rcsd.k12.ny.us for complete district/school policies & procedures. Always contact the school with any questions or concerns.School Policies & ProceduresSchool Hours:The school day begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m. Please note that the Prekindergarten Program begins at about 8:30 a.m. Pre-K students may not be dropped off earlier than 8:15.Students may not be dropped off before 7:00 a.m. The doors to the building are locked until 7:00 a.m.Students that arrive late to school must be signed in by a parent.After school begins visitors may enter the Junior-Senior High School entrance or the Elementary entrance. After 3:30 only the JSHS entrance will be open. Visitors Visitors are expected to be respectful at all times when in the building and to follow the expectations or guidelines outlined below. Our district uses the Raptor Visitor Management System.?? Visitors will be asked to present a valid state-issued ID which will be scanned into the system.? Parents are being encouraged to come into one of the main offices and register their data.Visitors are welcome as parent volunteers when scheduled, as participants in special activities, and for scheduled appointments. Unannounced visits to classrooms prior to the start of the school day or during the school day to speak with staff cannot be accommodated as such visits interfere with instruction and planned meetings/activities. Parents are welcome to have lunch with his/her child occasionally, but are not invited to visit during recess. AttendanceEach student is required to attend school each day unless excused for legitimate reasons by a parent or guardian. In case of absence, the student's parent or guardian must submit a written statement of reason for the absence and dates involved. This written statement should be brought by the student to the main office upon the day of their return to school. Parents who expect to be away for any length of time should notify the school authorities of the adult responsible for the student during that period of time.A parent/guardian should call the school by 9:00 am if a child is absent. A phone call home will be made anytime a school has not been notified of absence by a parent or guardian. Students are required to make-up homework, tests, quizzes, and daily assignments following any absence.Any student arriving after 7:45 am is tardy and must report to the main office. After a student has entered the school grounds, he/she is not permitted to leave without special permission.STAYING AFTER SCHOOLIn order to make staying after school possible, students who remain after school must be supervised by an adult. Permission slips will be sent home for all after school activities and written consent is required by the parent.SCHOOL CLOSING/IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS Closings and emergency dismissal notification will be through the automated phone system.Announcements are also on local television stations.Parents are asked to keep their phone numbers and emails current so that automated announcements may be made through the computer network.TELEPHONE CALLSStudents will be allowed to use the office phone for important calls. Cell Phones are prohibited from school grounds. The Health Office will contact home pertaining to any health issues/concerns.LOST AND FOUND''Lost and Found'' is located in bins outside of the elementary cafeteria.It is advised that all articles of clothing and equipment be plainly marked with the owner's name. Items lost or stolen should be reported to the elementary office as soon as possible. The school is not responsible for lost items.LOCKERSMost students in Grades 1-6 will be assigned a locker for his/her belongings. Valuable items should not be stored in lockers.The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.Lockers are the property of the school district. School officials retain the authority to inspect student lockers.STUDENT ATTIRENo attire may be worn that distracts from the teaching and learning experience.No open toe shoes or flip-flops No clothes advocating weapons, drugs, alcohol or tobacco use. No inappropriate clothing including sexual connotations, hate crimes, or gang affiliated attire including but not limited to colors, bandanas, etc.No hats/headwear or sunglasses of any kind may be worn during the school day; these items must be secured in a locker until 2:40pm.No coats or jackets (as defined as outerwear other than sweaters, sweatshirts, hooded sweatshirts with or without zippers, fleece or blazer) may be worn during the school day; these items must be secured in a locker.Book bags may be limited by individual teachers and teams. 10. COMPUTER USE GUIDELINESComputer use means that a student uses the Internet and other resources in an appropriate manner, abiding by the rules and regulations as described in the Rensselaer City School District Computer Policy: Student Agreement for Computer Usage: This agreement is provided to each student at the beginning of each school year and to new students when they register for school. The agreement contains a form that must be signed by both the student and their parent and returned to the main office before a student will be allowed internet access. A violation of this policy will be treated as a violation of the student discipline code and specifically as a violation of that section of the code that subjects a student to disciplinary action for failure to comply with the directions of a teacher, administrator, or other school employee. A violation of this policy may also result in disciplinary actions based upon other sections of the student discipline code. 11. HARASSEMENT, HAZING & BULLYING - REGULATIONThis regulation sets forth detailed guidelines for reporting, investigating and remedying allegations of harassment, hazing and bullying.Definitions:“Harassment” means any intentional written, verbal, or electronic communication or physical act including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability or other distinguishing characteristic when the intentional conduct or communication:Interferes with a student's academic performance or participation in school-sponsored activities or an employee's work performance;Creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or work environment;Harms a student or employee or damages the property of a student or employee;Places a student or employee in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to his/her property; or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.“Bullying” is a form of harassment that consists of inappropriate persistent behavior including threats or intimidation of others, treating others cruelly, terrorizing, coercing, or habitual putdowns and/or badgering others.“Hazing” is a form of harassment which involves committing an act against a student or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a risk of emotional, physical or psychological harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose.The fact that the victim may consent to the act does not excuse the behavior or lessen the offense.12. CHAPERONING FIELD TRIPSParents must fill out the Chaperone Agreement Form in order to be considered for chaperoning on a field trip. The form outlines the expectations for being a chaperone on a field trip.Behavior ExpectationsWe are committed to providing a school environment where each child is safe, respected, and motivated to learn. General Discipline Expectations:A Van Rensselaer student…Displays appropriate behavior at all times.Displays respect for adults and peers at all times.Follows directions the first time they are given and listens to the adults.Accepts responsibility for his or her own actions, tells the truth at all times, and accepts consequences without negative actions or words. Coming to School:A Van Rensselaer student…Is polite and considerate of other children at the bus stop.Looks both ways and then crosses the road when signaled by the driver.Does not throw things at the bus or at other children.Walks on sidewalks or as far away from traffic as possible.Opens and closes the windows only with permission.Walks in a line when walking to or from the bus.Helps keep the bus clean.Riding the School Bus:A Van Rensselaer student…Get to the bus stop on time.Gets on and off the bus at their assigned stops only.Obeys the driver at all times.Remains seated at all times while the bus is in motion.Does not eat or drink on the bus.Uses a quiet/indoor voice when talking on the bus. Is respectful of the driver and other students on the bus. In School:A Van Rensselaer student…Listens to the adults at all times.Respects that other classes are working by remaining quiet when walking in the hallways.Follows the rules and directions of the teachers and other adults in the building.Respects the rights and feelings of others.Is careful to ensure school property is not damaged or destroyed. Uses appropriate language and tone at all times. During School Assemblies:A Van Rensselaer student…Claps politely to show appreciation.Leaves at the end of the assembly in an orderly manner following the directions of the adults in charge. Sits where directed.Watches and listens politely to the performance and speakers.During Lunch:A Van Rensselaer student…Listens to directions and obeys the adults who are supervising.Stays seated unless given permission to get up.Cleans up after eating and throws away garbage before exiting the cafeteria.Talks quietly.At Recess:A Van Rensselaer student…Uses playground equipment safely.Plays only safe games.Plays only in areas designated by the adults that are supervising.Other Notable Behavior Expectations:Students may not have electronic devices in school. These devices include but are not limited to paging devices, cell phones, portable communication devices, electronic games, laser pointers, iPods, iPads, tablets, portable CD players, MP3 players, and DVD players.Students may not bring anything to school that may be considered a weapon (real or fake). If a student is not able to meet expectations, school personnel may:Try to talk to the student to solve the problem and remind the student of our municate with the student’s parent or guardian.Have a meeting to discuss the student’s behavior. Give consequences to the student.Write a behavior referral to document the situation for the Dean of Students or the Elementary Principal to handle. Possible Consequences for Behavior Referrals:WarningLunch Detention No RecessTime Out in the OfficeHalf Day of In School SuspensionFull Day of In School Suspension (I.S.S)External Suspension (O.S.S – Out of School Suspension)Loss of Transportation Privileges (Bus Behavior Referrals)*Appropriate consequences will be determined by the facts of the situation, the age of the student, and the student’s previous record of behavior. School ServicesCAFETERIA—Food ServiceWe are currently operating under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. Under this program we serve all students a reimbursable breakfast and lunch each school day at no cost to them; regardless of financial eligibility. This is the second year of a four year program with the potential to renew. If you have a child with food allergies or issues, please give that information to the school nurse. The nurse will then forward the appropriate information to the foodservice department to be posted on your child’s meal account. If your child would like to purchase additional items (seconds, snacks, etc.) he/she may purchase them with cash or money placed on their account. There is ABSOLUTELY NO CHARGING. The student’s meal account number is their school identification number without the leading zeros (i.e. school number = 000000123; meal number = 123). Please have your child practice and learn their meal account number. Purchased food is to be consumed in the cafeteria and not removed from the cafeteria.We follow all Federal and State regulations for National School Breakfast, Lunch and Afterschool meal programs.For information about menus, online prepayments and account monitoring, please visit the district’s website. If you have any questions, please contact the foodservice manager at (518) 396-3491. Health Office Your child needs to stay home from school if they have had: Diarrhea in the past 24 hoursFever in the past 24 hours (100.0 or greater)Vomiting in the past 24 hoursStrep Throat (must have been taking an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school)Bad Cold, with a very runny nose or bad cough, especially if it has kept the child awake at night Head lice -We are a NIT FREE school district. An Adult must accompany the student to the Health Office to be re-checked by school nurse prior to re-entering classroomPink Eye: Redness in the white of the eyes, itching, yellow discharge, matted eyelashes, or crusting as these are signs of conjunctivitis A doctor should be consulted for treatment, as “Pink Eye” is highly contagious. A note from the doctor stating that the child has been seen diagnosed and treated must accompany the child when they return to school. Any RASH to include but not limited to: blisters that are oozing and painful as it could be a sign of a contagious infection such as chicken pox, impetigo, ring worm, or shingles. Wounds MUST be covered AND WITH NO VISIBLE DRAINAGE. If the wound is draining then the child will be sent home and not allowed to return to school until the drainage stops and they are cleared from their physician. The wound MUST be covered while the child is in school. Any condition in which an antibiotic has been prescribed. The student must stay home for 24 hours. A note from the doctor stating that the child was seen, diagnosed and treated must accompany the child when they return to school. Physicals:Physical Exams are required for grades Pre-K, K, 2, 4, 7, & 10.Hearing and Vision Screenings: Evaluations are conducted in the Health Office as indicated by grade. Immunizations: All immunizations must be compliant with NYS standards. Medications: A physicians order and written parent permission is required. An adult MUST bring the medication into the health office. Medication may NOT be transported by a student. Field Trips:Parents are responsible to contact the Health Office if their child is scheduled to attend a field trip and requires a daily or as needed medication. Miscellaneous:If your child becomes ill at school and is unable benefit from classroom instruction, you will be asked to pick up your child. It is ESSENTIAL that you provide a working phone number where you can be contacted during the day and an emergency number in the event you cannot be reachedAccidents occurring in school, on school grounds, or on the bus should be reported as soon as possible to the person supervising the student at the time of the accident. If a student requires crutches, sling, wheelchair or any type of brace a physicians’ note is required to be given to the school nurse. PUPIL SERVICESGuidance and social services are available to students and parents. These services include assistance with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, assistance with personal, school or social concerns, or any question the student or parent would like to discuss. Students wishing to visit a counselor, social worker, or psychologist should make arrangements through their teacher or administrator to arrange for an appointment.CLUBS & ACTIVITIESSchool Band and Chorus (Grades 4-6 students)The students in grades 4-6 can participate in our music program. Students gain an appreciation of music through the playing of an instrument or by singing in the chorus. Students attend lessons and perform at concerts throughout the school year.Minecraft ClubMinecraft Club is a club for 24 fifth and sixth grade students, offered on a first come, first serve basis. Students explore, create, and collaborate in various Minecraft worlds. Two sections of Minecraft Club are offered each year; one from September through December, the second from January through April.Student CouncilStudent Council is a group of students who are elected by their classmates to do community service for the school and local community.? The Student Council is comprised of two representatives from each 5th and 6th Grade class and one representative from each 4th Grade class.? Some of the activities the Student Council participates in each year include the annual Van Rensselaer Elementary School Spelling Bee, Make-A-Wish’s Adopt-a-Wish, toy drives and drive to increase recycling at the school.?Odyssey of the MindOdyssey of the Mind is a hands-on program for kids and hands-off for adults.? For the long term portion of this program, the students select a problem to solve, write the script, create all props, backgrounds, and costumes, and compete/perform in front of a panel of judges.? Throughout the year, the team will also practice spontaneous problems.? This is where the team will be given a verbal, hands-on, or verbal/hands-on situation.? The students need to work together in just a few short minutes to creatively solve the problem or answer the question.? Teamwork, creativity, and improvisation are extremely important.? ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download