School Policies and Procedures

Code of Conduct & School Rules

Cell phone & Electronics Policy

Students are permitted to bring the following electronic items to school: 1) cell phones; 2) laptops, tablets, iPads and other similar computing devices (“computing devices”); and 3) portable music and entertainment systems, such as iPods, MP3 players, PSP, and Nintendo DS.

A. The use of cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems at school is subject to the restrictions below.

Cell phones and portable music and entertainment systems must remain in the pockets and book bags of the students. These devices may be kept in lockers if they are provided. These items must remain off for the entire time that the student is in school.
Cell phones and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.
Computing devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.
Use of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and other electronic devices during the administration of state standardized examinations is governed by State Education Department Rules.
Cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
Cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be used in locker rooms or bathrooms.

B. Cell phones may be used as set forth below.
During the school day:

Cell phones may not be turned on or used while on school property, including during instructional time, except with the explicit approval of the teacher.
During after-school, school-sponsored programs or activities our cell phone policy for use during the school day will be effect.

C. Computing devices may be used as set forth below.

During the school day:

Computing systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.
During after-school, school-sponsored programs or activities our cell phone policy for use during the school day will be effect.

D. Portable music and entertainment systems may be used as set forth below.

During the school day:

Portable music devices and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.
During after-school and school-sponsored activities, our cell phone policy for use during the school day will be effect.

E. Confiscation and return of electronic items
This is the order of discipline that will be followed if a student takes out a cell phone or other electronics during the school day for any reason other for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher:

The first time a student is seen with his or her phone or other electronic device, he or she will be asked to put it away.
The second time a student is seen with his or her phone or other electronic device; it will be confiscated and placed in the office of the principal. The item will be returned at the end of the day.
The third time a student is seen with his or her phone or other electronic device; it will be confiscated and placed in the office of the principal. The item will be returned only when the student’s parent comes to the school to retrieve it.

What NOT to Bring to School

A serious academic environment is one without distractions; the following items not only contribute to disruptions in learning and social relationships but also may be lost or damaged. The following items should NOT be brought to school

Laser pointers
Firecrackers, poppers, weapons, illegal items etc.

Any student found with weapons, illegal items and explosive materials are subject to disciplinary action.

Please do not allow your child to bring any articles of value to school. We are not responsible for items that are stolen, lost, misplaced or broken

Stolen or Lost Items

In the occasion that any articles of value have been brought to school and lost/misplaced or stolen, a claim with The Office of The New York City Comptroller may be filed. Do NOT file this claim with the Department of Education. The following link provides the claim form and procedures

http://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/property-damage-loss.pdf
*For more information or help filing these forms please contact your Parent Coordinator

SUSPENSIONS

Principal’s Suspension

For a student with a disability, the principal also shall determine the number of days of exclusion from the student’s current educational program due to disciplinary action. Students must attend school however they will not attend class.

Superintendent’s Suspension

The Superintendent has the authority to suspend students for more than five (5) school days for all students in general education and special education, grades K-12. Once a suspension is authorized, the Superintendent/designee must notify the principal of the suspending school, the appropriate Network Leader and the Suspension Hearing Office.

Chancellor’s Regulations:

Chancellor’s Regulations provide guidance to school administrators, students and parents

The following regulations describe:

A-443 Student Discipline Procedures

A-210 Minimum Standard for Attendance

A-449 Safety Transfers

This regulation sets forth the procedures for granting safety transfers (1) when students are victims of a violent criminal offense on school property; and (2) in other situations, when it is determined that a student’s continued presence in the school is unsafe for the student.

All regulations can be accessed here

HOMEWORK

Homework has always been recognized by the school community as an important medium to foster the academic achievement of students and extend school activities into the home and community. Homework assignments are given on a daily basis.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are designed to coordinate with your child’s Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.) they will keep you aware of your child’s progress and needs. The areas covered are your child’s social growth and academic progress. Report cards will become a part of your child’s school record.

SCHOOL MEALS

It is possible for all students to have breakfast and lunch in school everyday. All students are eligible for free breakfast and/or lunch

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Fire and shelter drills are held periodically throughout the school year to ensure that our students and staff are familiar with the procedures in case of an emergency.

INCLEMENT WEATHER/STORM DAY PROCEDURES

In the event of emergency conditions such as weather emergencies or school wide emergencies please tune in to local radio or television stations to gain information about school closing such as, WINS (1010 AM), NY1 (Cable TV) and Fox 5. Most local television stations have information beginning at 6:30 AM.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

It is extremely important that your child attend school. If possible, please schedule appointments after school hours or during school holidays.

If you child is ill, please let the school know. If a student becomes ill at school, you, or in your absence, the person designated on the emergency blue card will be contacted.

If your child will be out for three (3) days or more, please inform both the school and the bus driver. This will ensure that there is no disruption of bus service.

Parents will be notified in writing about half-days and holidays.

STUDENT SIGN IN-OUT PROCEDURES

Students not arriving on the school bus must be signed in by their parent or guardian. Sometimes it is necessary for a family member to pick up a child at school before dismissal. Please try to let your child’s teacher know in advance if you are planning to pick him/her up early. No child will be released without a parent signature. If someone other than a parent will be picking up a child, they must be listed on the blue card and classroom teacher should be notified. (Students arriving late on public transportation should report to the main office.)