handbook

Opening Letter From Mrs. Shea, Principal
Board of Education Members
School District Administrators, Supervisors, and Staff
School District Staff
Elementary School Faculty and Staff
Elementary School Nurse
Elementary School Secretary
Elementary School Resource Personnel
Elementary School Teaching Assistants
Elementary School Cafeteria Staff
Elementary School Custodians

Greenwood Lake Free School District Description
Vision Statement	Mission Statement		Belief Statement

Core Values
Trustworthiness	Respect		Responsibility
Fairness	Caring		Citizenship

general information
Registration	Communication		Arrival Procedure
Dismissal Procedure	Early Dismissal		Emergency Dismissal
Emergency and/or Snow Days	Transportation		Change of Address, Phone Number, or Custody Matters
Attendance	Tardiness		Homework During Absences
Absence For Family Vacation	School Breakfast & Lunch Program, Birthday Parties, and Invitations		Nurse's Office
Medication	Accident Procedure		Shard Decision Making Team/Building Level Team (BLT)
Academic Intervention Services (AIS)	Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)		Textbooks, Materials and Equipment
Homework	Parent-Teacher Conferences		Report Cards
Progress Reports	Standardized Testing		Physical Education
Student Dress	Visitors		Telephone
Electronic Devices	Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller blades		Concert and School Performance Etiquette
Computer Network, and World Wide Web Acceptable Use Guidelines

CODE OF HONOR
Introduction	Definitions		Roles
The Role of Students	The Role of Parents		The Role of School Personnel
The Role of Teachers	The Role of Administration		The Role of District Administrators
The Role of the Board of Education	Reporting Code Violations		Removal of a Student from the Classroom
Student Suspension Process	Disciplinary Measures		Infractions with Penalty References
Public Conduct on School Property	Conduct of Visitors		Prohibited Conduct
Penalties and Procedures	Enforcement Program		Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
Rights of Students	Responsible Student Conduct		Student Conduct and Discipline
Definition of Student Disciplinary Measures	Detention		In-School Suspension
Out of School Suspension	Superintendent's Hearing		Permanent Suspension
Suspensions, Detentions, and Exclusion from School Trips		Other Exclusions from School Trips

UNACCEPTABLE STUDENT CONDUCT-SPECIFICS
Insubordination/Disrespect to Authority	Use of Profane Language		Misconduct
Assault, Fighting	Possession of Weapons/Items Used as Weapons		Harassment
Sexual Harassment	Tobacco Products		Use, Sale, Possession of Drugs, Alcohol
Vandalism to School Property	False Alarm, Bomb Threats, Fireworks		Endangerment
Fire Drills (Proper Procedure)	Truancy		Lateness to School
Passes	Passing Between Classes		Cutting Class
Unauthorized/Unsupervised Area	Unprepared for Class		Lockers (Middle School)
Search (Lockers)	Theft		Cheating and Dishonesty
Misuse of Food and Drink	Cafeteria		Lunch Charges
Proper Conduct in Assemblies	Proper Conduct on Class Trips		Dressing and Grooming
Unauthorized Selling	Bus Conduct Rules		Range of Consequences for Bus Conduct Report
Sexual Harassment Complaint Form	Appeal Form		Elementary Breakfast and Lunch Price List
Birthday Treat Order Form

Welcome to the Greenwood Lake Elementary School! This handbook contains the policies, procedures and practices, as well as the District Code of Honor, for the 2008-2009 school year. Please take the time to review this handbook and sign below indicating that you and your child have an understanding of the expectations of our school. Please tear out this page with your signatures and have your child return it to his or her classroom teacher by FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008.

By working together, we can ensure a safe and successful learning community for all of our students, parents and staff. The Greenwood Lake Elementary School teachers and staff look forward to sharing a successful and safe school year with you!

DESCRIPTION

The Greenwood Lake Union Free School District is a small rural middle class community located in the Hudson Valley. The School District is one of the few K-8 School Districts in the State.

There are approximately 700 students in the School District, and they are educated in two school buildings: 1-4 and K, 5-8.

The Greenwood Lake School District enjoys small class sizes, averaging 20 students in a classroom. There is common planning time allocated for staff throughout the K-8 School Programs, so that teachers can have the opportunity to work on common themes. There is a Middle School concept employed for students in grades 5-8. Middle School Teams utilize common planning time to address curriculum issues, meet with parents, and meet with students who are in need.

The Special Education and Academic Intervention Services Programs emphasize least restrictive environment for students, with a philosophy of providing educational services within the School District.

Enrichment activities are encouraged throughout the School Program. There is an extensive list of activities scheduled for students during and at the end of the regular instructional day.

The Greenwood Lake School District does not have its own high school; however, through a Tuition Agreement, students in grades 9-12 are transported to the Tuxedo Union Free School District and attend George F. Baker High School. Tuxedo is an adjacent community located across the mountain from the Greenwood Lake Community.

VISION STATEMENT

Every student in the Greenwood Lake School District can learn and will acquire the skills needed to be successful in the 21^st Century. It is our goal that Greenwood Lake Elementary School Students are SAFE, HAPPY, and MOTIVATED TO LEARN.

MISSION STATEMENT

Through providing an environment conducive to learning, the Greenwood Lake Union Free School District will teach each student the skills needed to acquire and process knowledge while developing and fostering social, emotional, and multi-cultural awareness, empowering each student to continue to set future goals for personal growth and the betterment of society.

BELIEF STATEMENTS

¨ We believe every child begins school with the desire and motivation to learn.

¨ We believe that every child has the right to a quality education in a safe and stimulating environment and no student has the right to interfere with another’s opportunity to learn.

¨ We believe all children have the capacity to contribute to society in a positive manner and become responsible citizens.

¨ We believe in a collaborative effort and shared responsibility among students, staff, parents and community members in the school’s educational process.

At Greenwood Lake Elementary School we have a set of core values that comprise our Code of Honor and that define who we want to become, people of good character. Good character demonstrates the six core values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Trustworthiness is being honest, telling the truth, keeping promises and being loyal so people can trust you. Trustworthy people don’t lie, cheat or steal. They have integrity and the moral courage to do the right thing and stand up for their beliefs even when it is hard to do so.

Respect is showing others that they are valued for who they are, for their character, not what they look like or what they have. It means treating others the way you want to be treated, never insulting or making fun of others who are different in looks, ability, race or religion. A respectful person is polite, does not use bad language and never uses violence.

Responsibility is doing what you are supposed to do. Responsible people think ahead, set reasonable goals, control their tempers and always do their best. They don’t give up easily, especially when others are counting on them. They are accountable for the consequences of their choices; they don’t blame others for their mistakes.

Fairness is playing by the rules, taking turns, sharing and listening. Fair people do not take advantage of others, consider all sides before they decide and don’t blame others unjustly.

Caring is being kind, helpful and generous to everyone. Caring people are not selfish; they are considerate and always think about how their conduct affects others. They have compassion and empathy; they care how others feel and they are charitable and forgiving. They do good deeds without thought of reward.

Citizenship is doing your share to help your family and make your community a better place. Good citizens are good neighbors. They cooperate with others, obey laws and rules, respect the authority of parents, teachers and others, and they protect the environment.

A student entering the Greenwood Lake Elementary School for the first time must present the following to the Main Office (477-2411):

2. Transfer form and academic report from the school which child previously attended.

4. Each pupil entering the Greenwood Lake Schools must furnish a health certificate.

You can communicate with any staff member using our electronic voicemail system. To use the voicemail system, call 477-2411 and you will be prompted by the auto attendant to enter a voicemail number.

For grades K-4, the school day begins at 8:40 a.m. It is imperative that students arrive on time and come to school ready to learn each day. The following procedure has been designed to ensure the safety of our students and staff as they arrive to school:

· Kindergarten: in front of Kindergarten wing at the Middle School *Please note that Waterstone Rd. will be closed between 8:30-9:00 a.m. Parents may park in the library and adjacent parking lots and walk students to the school.

Students in grades 1-4 will report to the cafeteria for breakfast OR to their classrooms.

9:00-9:20 a.m. Whole-School Community Meeting, grades 1-4 (Monday and Friday, School Gym)
Parents are welcome to attend.

For students in grade K-4, the school day ends at 3:20 p.m. The following dismissal guidelines have been established for the safety and well being of your child:

· Kindergarten: in front of Kindergarten wing at the Middle School
*Please note that Waterstone Rd. will be closed between 3:00-3:45 p.m. Parents may park in the library and adjacent parking lots and pick up students from the front of the school building.

For the safety and well being of your child, parents must notify the school IN WRITING if there is a change in the afternoon pick-up plan for your child. If there is a busing change, please contact the Bus Garage at 477-3198 at least 5 days in advance.

A student who needs to be excused before the regular dismissal time must present a written request to the main office stating the reason and time of requested early dismissal. The excuse should be a legal excuse and may not be regularly scheduled without administrative approval. The following steps must be completed:

1. The student must bring in a note written by parent or guardian stating the reason for the early release.

2. Parents or guardians are to meet the student in the main office and sign the dismissal book.

Every attempt will be made to adhere to normal dismissal times. However, emergencies do arise (e.g., sudden snowstorms, loss of electrical power, etc.) and students may have to be sent home prior to the normal dismissal time. Please make arrangements with relatives, neighbors, or friends so that students know where to go in the case of an early dismissal. Each child should know where he/she is expected to go if an emergency should force the early closing of school.

PARENTS ARE URGED TO DISCUSS THESE PROCEDURES AND DEVELOP A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN WITH THEIR CHILDREN.

If the school is closed, announcements will be made on Radio Stations WHUD, 100.74 FM, WPDH 101.5, WGNY 1220 AM – 103.1 FM, WALL, 1340 AM, WSPK – 104.7 FM and WRNN-TV Local Channel (19). Announcements will be made the morning of the day of the emergency. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL.

Students in grades 1-4 will be dismissed to their buses at 3:20 p.m. from the elementary building, and students in Kindergarten will be dismissed at 3:20 p.m. from the middle school building. For the children’s safety, bus drivers are instructed not to release a kindergarten student from the bus unless there is a visible parent or older sibling waiting for them at the bus stop. If there is no parent or older sibling at the bus stop, then the student will be returned to their school, where the parents will need to pick up the student. If a change in route is warranted, a written request to the Bus Garage must be submitted at least five days in advance. Please contact the Bus Garage at 477-3198.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR CUSTODY MATTERS

If you change your address or phone number, please notify the school immediately. If there is any change in the legal custodial arrangements for your child, please notify the Main Office at once in writing.

Good scholarship and success in school are dependent upon regular attendance. The office should be called between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to report the child’s absence. It is our intent to call the parents/guardians each day their child is absent, except in instance of extended absence where the school has been notified in advance. After an absence from school, students are required by law to present an excuse in writing from the parent. This note should contain the student’s full name, date(s) of absence, reason for absence and must be signed by a parent or guardian. Absentees submit their excuses upon returning to school to the classroom teacher.

New York State law states that legal reasons for absence/lateness for a minor include ONLY the following:

Coming to school on time develops positive school habits and routines for children. It also allows the teacher to maximize on-task learning time for students without significant interuption. Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. need to report to the Main Office and will be issued a “pass” to enter class. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in referral to the school social worker and/or principal.

Assignments missed during short-term absences can be made up upon returning to classes. Homework is not sent home for one-day absences. However, upon the absence of two days, the parent/guardian should call the office before 10:30 a.m. and parents may request written homework from the school. Homework assignments may be picked up from the Main Office after 3 p.m. on the day following the request.

We understand that some parents may have no choice but to take vacation time that includes some school days. We are, however, REQUIRED by state regulations to record such absences as “Unexcused”.

The student is responsible for all work missed. Teachers will inform students about the general area of instruction during their anticipated absence, but cannot provide detailed instructional plans. Upon return, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher for make-up of assignments or tests. Teachers will assist students and provide reasonable time to meet requirements.

It is the goal of the District food service department to implement the Wellness Committee’s recommendations to include a sampling of alternative healthy foods and snacks in the Elementary and Middle Schools breakfast and lunch program. Breakfast and lunch prices, along with a comprehensive listing of healthy snacks can be found at the end of this handbook.

If you would like your child to celebrate his or her birthday at school, please contact your child’s teacher for classroom protocols and procedures for birthday parties. You can order healthy birthday treats for your child’s class by using the birthday order form found at the end of this handbook. It is recommended that invitations to birthday or other parties not be given out at school unless all students in the class are included.

The nurse’s office is available for medical emergencies and the authorized dispensing of medication only. You can contact the school nurse by calling 477-2411 ext. 3010.

All medication to be taken during the school hours must be accompanied by written order from the doctor as well as written permission from the parent. Parental permission slips are also required for over the counter medications including aspirin or Tylenol. The School District requires that parents personally deliver this medication to the Health Office in properly labeled bottles. The medication is to be left in the nurse’s office and taken in the presence of the nurse or an administrator. A doctor’s written order must also be on file in the nurse’s office for any child to use or carry an inhaler in school. <