Welcome! The elementary level Student / Parent Handbook has recently been developed in anticipation of the opening of Shatekon Elementary School, our eighth K-5 school. Over the last 2 ½ years, one of the district’s long-range goals is to achieve consistency in curriculum and instructional programs in our elementary practices and procedures. Our goal is to ensure that each school clearly reflects the elementary schools’ Mission and the Profile of an Elementary School Student.
The handbook addresses many topics and attempts to answer most of your questions. Our guidelines and procedures have been developed to maintain a positive learning and safe environment for students, their families and staff members.
DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT
To work continuously and in partnership with the community to ensure that all students develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities and character needed to live useful, productive and rewarding lives.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT
The Shenendehowa elementary school mission is to provide a high quality educational experience that prepares each child to meet or exceed characteristics described in the Profile of an Elementary Student. The achievement of academic, athletic, artistic and social success of our students is the responsibility of every student, teacher, support staff member and parent.
Profile of an Elementary Student
Ø Responsible children
Ø Lifelong learners
Ø Smart thinkers
Ø Involved students
Ø Clear communicators
Ø Cooperative learners
Ø Culturally appreciative learners
Ø Mathematically, scientifically and technologically competent children
We believe:
Ø Consistent academic programs will develop reading, writing, listening, speaking and problem solving skills
Ø The unique characteristic of each child will be respected, supported and celebrated
Ø Class size will be reasonable and consistent with Board of Education provisions
Ø Strong early intervention provisions will take place to fit the needs of the varied student population
Ø The individual needs and abilities of students will be assessed and supported programmatically
Ø A safe and encouraging environment will be provided
Profile of a Shenendehowa
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT
…defining WHAT our students must learn
Students learn best…when given a variety of ways to demonstrate achievement.
Responsible Children…who take care of themselves – both body and mind and take care of others, including family members, friends and others in need. Essential skills—Students who…
· Treat others as they would like to be treated; respect the opinions and rights of others
· Respect themselves by dressing and presenting themselves appropriately, avoiding drugs, alcohol and other dangerous behaviors
· Make good choices
· Develop a good character by practicing such things as respect, honesty, responsibility and caring for others
Lifelong learners who understand, love and seek to learn. Most important skills—Students who…
· Set goals and work to achieve them
· Try new things
· Know when to ask for help by realizing there is a problem and looking for a solution
· Ask questions
· Identify and follow their interests
· Are willing to change and able to accept change
· Enjoy learning
Thinkers…who examine issues and find ways to solve problems. Basic skills—Students who…
· Use good judgment by thinking before acting and speaking
· Communicate information in an accurate and understandable manner
· Defend and explain their decisions
· Demonstrate creative thinking
Involved Students…who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to contribute positively to their community. Essential skills—Students who…
· Accept and respect others
· Are the best they can be in all settings
· Accept responsibility for their own actions
· Volunteer for activities and events
Clear Communicators…who understand and express knowledge, thoughts and feelings about themselves and others. Essential skills—Students who…
· Read, write, speak and listen when interacting in school, at home and in the community
· Use a variety of ways to express their ideas
· Demonstrate effective presentation skills
Cooperative Learners…who work with others to accomplish goals and tasks; who work and play together respectfully. Essential skills—Students who…
· Make appropriate choices in a variety of situations
· Respect others, ourselves and the world
· Find good ways to avoid or solve problems
· Celebrate and respect the differences among fellow students
· Respect differences among people in the larger community
· Take an active role in group activities
Culturally Appreciative Persons…who value and respect creative expression of interests, talents and experiences. Essential Skills—Students who…
Mathematically, Scientifically and Technologically Competent People…Who will learn to use their knowledge of math, science and technology to help solve problems both inside and outside the classroom.
Essential Skills—Students who…
Students learn best when their success is recognized.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Kindergarten through 5th Grade
Your school is a special place where you and your teachers and other adults work together to ensure the happiness, safety, and self-respect of all students and adults. Behavior of this type will also help you in your world outside of school.
Coming to school and going home you are expected to:
· Keep a safe distance from the bus, cars, or trucks
· Walk on sidewalks. Stay out of the way of traffic.
· Walk to and from the bus.
In school you are expected to:
· Walk in the halls-no running.
· Keep lunchboxes, pencils, and other items away from walls.
· Stay in the classroom until excused or dismissed.
· Use good language in all places including in school, on the playground, and on the bus.
· Respect the rights of others by being quiet and polite in the hallways.
· Take care not to damage or destroy school property such as desks, chairs, walls, books, or any other items.
· Respect the rights and feelings of others by only saying kind things to others and by keeping your hands and feet to yourself.
· Follow the rules and directions of your teacher and other adults who are in charge.
· Use special care when handling equipment in art, music, library, and physical education classes.
In school, during assemblies, going out for recess, attending field trips, special events, or in emergency situations, you are expected to:
· Sit where you are told
· Leave the room or area only with permission from an adult.
· Watch and listen quietly to the performance or speakers.
· Clap politely to show appreciation.
· Leave the room or area quietly, following directions of the adults in charge.
In school, during lunch, you are expected to:
· Remember your table manners
· Never throw food or any objects.
· Talk quietly during lunch.
· Listen to and follow directions.
· Clean up after lunch and dispose of your trash properly.
On the playground, you are expected to:
· Play only in areas chosen by an adult and be sure an adult is with you at all times.
· Never leave the playground area without permission.
· Play only safe games.
· Use playground equipment safely.
· Report injuries to the adult in charge.
· Keep your hands to yourself.
· Use good language.
· Say kind things to other children.
· Be a good sport.
Consequences – Students who break the above listed rules will face disciplinary action depending on the facts of the case. This could mean suspension, exclusion from activities, reprimand or warning. Suspension proceedings are conducted according to Section 3214 of the Education Law.
Student Rights and Responsibilities are detailed in the complete Student Code of conduct available in the annual school calendar or from the District Office. Detailed definitions, prohibited conduct, infractions and disciplinary procedures are also outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
SCHOOL SAFETY
Volunteers
We encourage parents/guardians to become involved in the classroom and other school activities. Such involvement really makes a significant difference in our children’s success. Please explore the many opportunities available through your child(ren)’s classroom teachers, the principal’s office and PTA.
Visitors
Our procedures are in no way intended to discourage visitors, rather they represent our efforts to maintain a safe, orderly school for all students and the need to know all visitors locations when in the building.
Visitors and volunteers are required to sign in at the main office and wear a visitor’s tag while in school. 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. Minor interruptions can have a major impact on instruction.
Parents are welcome on a special occasion only to have lunch with his/her child. Parents are not invited to visit during recess.
Parents and others may sign in and proceed to a classroom or other area of the school, only when expected by a faculty member, i.e. when asked to volunteer or invited to a special activity.
Items such as lunch, snacks, homework, musical instruments, etc. may be brought to the main office. We will see that your child receives forgotten items. Please label these items.
Emergency or Early Dismissal
In the unlikely event of an early dismissal or other emergency, it may be necessary to send your child home from school by bus during the school day. During periods of bad weather, we expect parents/guardians to monitor the news to keep up to date about possible early dismissals or school closings (see “school closings” below). When you expect to be away from your home during school hours, please arrange to have a relative or friend available to meet your child. Please talk to your child, and make certain that they know where to go if you are not home.
School Closings
Additional information regarding cancellation of afternoon/evening activities is also available at www.shenet.org. Parents can also call the Times Union Source Line at 446-4000 for additional information. Shenendehowa’s access code is 9191.
Fire and Safety Drills
Fire drills will periodically occur throughout the year to ensure that students and staff are familiar with proper evacuation procedures in the event of a real emergency.
As part of our “Safe Schools Plan,” we practice drills which will involve a complete LOCKDOWN or LOCKOUT of the total school facility.
*When a LOCKDOWN drill occurs, students and staff will be required to remain in their rooms with the doors locked until the drill is over. Visitors are also expected to remain quiet and follow directions.
*During a LOCKOUT drill, visitors will be asked to remain outside the building until the drill is complete.
“Duck and cover” drills are also held to prepare for the possibility of severe weather conditions, such as a high wind warning.
Electronic Devices
All electronic devices, including hand-held games, CD players, MP3 Players and cell phones are not allowed to be used during the school day and will be taken to the main office. Students should not bring such devices to school.
STUDENT APPEARANCE/DRESS GUIDELINES
Parental guidance and responsibility are necessary to help children make appropriate choices about their school attire. Students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for our school environment and all school activities and does not detract from a positive learning environment. Athletic shoes with wheels are not allowed in school.
LOST AND FOUND
It is suggested that parents label coats, sweaters, books, hats, lunch boxes and other personal items to ensure prompt return to the owner. Items such as wallets and eyeglasses, if found, will be kept in a safe location. We encourage each child to check each lost and found location if an item is misplaced. Please check with your school about where most lost items are gathered.
ATTENDANCE
Elementary Starting and Dismissal Times
Grades 1-5
Arongen 8:00 a.m. – 2:10 p.m.
Karigon/Orenda/Skano/Tesago 8:05 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Chango/Okte 9:05 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Kindergarten
Arongen AM 8:00 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.
Arongen PM 11:35 a.m. – 2:10 p.m.
Karigon/Orenda/Skano/Tesago AM 8:05 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
Karigon/Orenda/Skano/Tesago PM 11:40 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Chango/Okte AM 9:05 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.
Chango/Okte PM 12:40 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Student Drop-off
Children should not be dropped off earlier than 10 minutes prior to the official start time at which time adult supervision will be in place. Children are not allowed to walk unattended in the parking lot. Children must be walked to the crosswalks.
Tardiness
Any student arriving after the official start time of the school day is considered “tardy”. A note of explanation from the parent will ensure the proper reason for the tardiness is noted in the student’s official attendance record. State law requires strict accounting of student attendance and punctuality, regardless of cause. Each child must be walked and signed into school if tardy. Parents must park in a designated parking place before walking into school.
Reporting Absences
If your child is absent, please notify the attendance clerk of the reason and expected length of absence. Voice mail will record messages before or after school hours. If a parent has notified the school by phone, a written excuse is not required upon the student’s return. When a child is absent for a long period of time (2 weeks or longer) due to illness, he/she may qualify for home tutoring. A doctor’s note stating the diagnosed illness and the length of confinement at home must be submitted to the principal, along with a written parental request for home tutoring.
The New York State Education Law and Board of Education policy requires schools to record the reasons for students’ absences. Please call the Attendance Clerk to report your child will be out. A written note is not required if the absence and reason have been reported by phone. A written note is required within 3 days if a telephone contact has not been made.
Medical/Dental Appointments
Parents are asked to make routine medical appointments outside of school hours. Doctors and dentists have generally cooperated in order that the student will not lose any valuable instruction time.
Pupils Excused During School Hours, or at Dismissal
Students are expected to attend all day, each day and not allowed to be dismissed for early pick up except for physician or other appointments. A phone call or a note is expected from a parent/guardian if anyone other than the parent or guardian is picking up a student, even if the person is listed on the emergency card.
When a parent/guardian or other “designated adult” plans to sign a student out at the end of the day, rather than allowing the student to ride the bus home, a note requesting this change should be sent to the child’s teacher on the day of this change in routine.
The student will not be released to the adult directly from the classroom. The student will be called to the office, where the adult will sign him/her out.
Religious Observances
The Shenendehowa Central School District recognizes the diverse religious backgrounds and values represented in the school community and have adopted a regulation that addresses many of the questions related to this issue. The complete policy and regulations are available at the district office, 881-0611. Please note some highlighted sections of the regulation below:
Family Trips
Absences from school deprive a student of the classroom interactions, practice, and opportunities for additional assistance necessary for academic growth. There is concern regarding the loss of instructional time due to family trips scheduled while school is in session. Unexcused absences are defined as illegal according to State Education Law.
In the event of such an absence, teachers are not required to provide work prior to the trip. It is the parent’s responsibility, working with the teacher, to make certain that any assignments and tests be completed in an agreed amount of time.
It is extremely important your child be at school on time during New York State testing weeks (see school calendar). Should your child miss these tests, their lack of a score may affect the school’s good standing. Kindly avoid taking family vacations during testing weeks.
CUSTODIAL/LEGAL ISSUES
Our schools are often informed about parenting arrangements, custody issues and related information. The district’s guidelines are described below:
Busing
Students may have a different bus stop in the morning than afternoon (or mid-day for kindergartners). However, in the interests of safety, these pick-up and drop-off stops may not vary from day to day. For example, a student will not be dropped off at one location on Tuesdays and Thursdays and another location on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Both parents must make arrangements necessary to ensure the student’s safety prior to pick-up and immediately following drop-off.
Student Pickup by a Parent/Guardian
Unless a court order or custody agreement has been issued stating that a parent or guardian is not allowed any contact with a student or specifically states a parent is not allowed to pick up the student from school, the district will release a student at the end of or during the school day to either parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian who is unknown to school staff requests release of a student, every effort will be made to contact the other parent/guardian before releasing the student. If a parent or former guardian is legally barred from contact, the school must have a current copy of such order to be kept on file by the school principal.
Decision Making
When parents provide conflicting instruction or directions to the school concerning educational matters about which we need parental input, we will (when possible) make reasonable efforts to let parents know there is a conflict so the two parents/guardians can resolve it. However, when that does not result in agreement, the school staff will generally rely on the input of the parent who most regularly communicates decisions about the student’s education.
Either parent may provide consent for a child to participate in activities that require consent, unless there is a court order that specifically says one parent is not allowed any contact or to make school decisions.
In an emergency, we will first try to contact the parent who is identified in the parenting arrangement as the primary contact, but if that parent/guardian cannot be reached we will also try to contact the other parent/guardian.
Teachers and other staff are not expected to meet with parents/guardians separately to discuss a student’s progress on a particular issue. This allows our teachers and other staff to use limited time wisely, and also helps ensure that both parents/guardians are provided with the same information.
The district is not required to hold more than the required number of Committee on Special Education meetings to which both parents/guardians are invited to attend.
Records and Information
Unless there is a court order or custody agreement that specifically says one parent is not allowed to have information about the child, both parents, by request can review the child’s record and have copies of records, including report cards.
School Events
Unless there is a specific court order or custody agreement that prohibits one parent from attending school events, both parents can attend events such as concerts, plays, sports events, and awards ceremonies. If parents are unable to attend without conflict, or their interactions at the event are disruptive, both parents may be asked to leave.
We appreciate being informed about information that affects our students and will keep the documents you have provided us on file. The education and safety of all children enrolled in district schools is our primary responsibility, and therefore, we cannot adapt our programs and procedures to conform to every private parenting arrangement about which we are informed.
CAFETERIA
A lunch menu is sent home with students each month. Breakfast is available each day. The breakfast selection can also be found on the menu and is available to all children after being released from their morning bus and checking in with their teacher.
Food Allergies
The district is aware of the need to accommodate students with severe food allergies. Guidelines are available and plans are developed and implemented to meet the individual needs of each student.
Debit System
Shenendehowa’s schools use a computerized debit system that allows parents to deposit money into a child’s account at the school to be used as needed in the cafeteria. While cash can also be used, the debit system offers several advantages:
Shenendehowa Food Service – 881-0630
Board of Education Lunch Policy
The Board of Education expects all students to be treated with dignity and compassion. Students are expected to pay for meals with cash or by using a debit account. Recognizing that individual students may occasionally come to school without breakfast or lunch money, the following guidelines have been established:
After the 6th meal is served without payment, the cook/manager will contact the District Food Service Director. The School Principal or Designee will also be informed in order to remedy the situation.
Y-Time
Y-Time is an after school child care program for school age children Kindergarten through 5th grade. The program is operated by the Southern Saratoga Branch of the Capital district YMCA. Y-Time provides a comfortable, secure atmosphere for children to play, explore, and grow together under the supervision of trained personnel. Registration for Y-Time must be made through the YMCA. For further information, please call 371-2139, ext.15.
HEALTH OFFICE
The Elementary School health office is responsible for the physical well-being of your child while at school. You will be called by the nurse if your child has a facial, eye, or dental injury, needs stitches, has a broken bone, medium to severe head injury, vomiting, nose bleed lasting 20 to 30 minutes, temperature of 100 or higher, continuous or uncontrollable coughing, and after a second visit to the health office by your child. We rely on parents/guardians to inform the school nurse of any illness or conditions that require awareness by the nurse or other staff to ensure the student’s well being during the school day. If an extended absence is anticipated, please notify the school nurse or school principal so that necessary arrangements for tutoring can be made.
School Physicals
School physical examinations are required when children enter kindergarten and again during the 2nd, 4th, 7th, and 10th grade years. All students new to the district must have a physical exam. Physical examinations may be performed within 12 months of the start of the school year. If you do not have a physical examination completed by your own physician, your child will be examined by the school physician during the school year. For your convenience, Shenendehowa School Health Forms are available on the website, www.shenet.org, and clicking on the link for “FORMS.”
Medications
The school nurse cannot legally diagnose, prescribe, or treat health conditions. If it is necessary for a child to receive medication during school hours, each the following procedures must be followed:
1. Submit a written statement from your physician specifying diagnosis, medication (possible side effects), dosage, frequency and the time for administering this medication.
2. Submit a written request indicating that school nurse may administer the medication as ordered.
3. Provide the medication in the original container that clearly indicates date, name of child and physician, name of medication, dosage and frequency.
4. Medication must be brought to health office by the parent, not sent to school via the student riding the bus. It is against state law for any student to carry any medication without a direct physician order.
Medication for Field Trips
For questions regarding administering of medications during field trips, please call your school’s health office.
Routine Screenings
The following school-wide screenings are done by the school nurse:
Disease Notification
We appreciate your assistance in controlling the spread of communicable disease in school. We recommend keeping your child home during the first few days of a cold or other illness. This protects other children and staff from exposure, aids in faster recovery, and protects against complications. Please remember the ALL IMPORTANT 24 hour rule! Keep your child home if they have vomited in the last 24 hours, and they should be fever free (below 100 WITHOUT fever reducers) for 24 hours before returning to school. Your child needs to be on antibiotics for 24 hours prior to returning to school if they have been diagnosed with strep throat or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
We ask that you notify the school if your child has been diagnosed with a strep infection, chicken pox, conjunctivitis (pink eye), fifth’s disease, or head lice. Other diseases, which are uncommon, should also be reported to the school. These include measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, hepatitis, pinworms, and scabies.
When notified, the school nurse will send home a confidential notice informing parents of the health issue in your child’s classroom.
Excuses from Physical Education Class
Physical Education is an integral part of the school curriculum. Attendance and participation on the part of all students are required.
When your child is excused from physical education class, they are excused from playing at recess and are required to sit at the picnic table/bench when they are outside for recess. Any questions or concerns, please contact the health office.
COMMUNICATIONS
Student Registration/Emergency Cards
Registration/emergency cards are sent home at the beginning of the school year for each student. These cards contain vital information needed in the event of an emergency or early dismissal. Please review the preprinted portions of the card, make any changes necessary, and add new information if necessary. Please be sure that emergency contact information is accurate, up-to-date, and that people know you have included them on your cards. Most important: Please be sure to sign your child(ren)’s card. . A phone call or a note is expected from a parent/guardian if anyone other than the parent or guardian is picking up a student, even if the person is listed on the emergency card.
If any changes occur during the school year, please inform the office so the card can be kept up to date.
Reporting to Parents
Report Cards/Progress Reports
Students in grades K – 5 receive 4 report cards/progress reports during the school year. Elementary report cards dates are listed on the district calendar, occurring during the months of November, January, April and June. The first report card/progress report is usually handed out during the parent/teacher conference.
Conferences
Parent/teacher conference days are scheduled for early November – Election day (Tuesday) and the Monday before. During these two days, school is not in session. These conference days are set up so that teachers have the chance to speak with parents one on one. Parents are strongly encouraged to make childcare arrangements as young children can be disruptive to conferences being held throughout the building. CHILDCARE IS NOT PROVIDED AT SCHOOL.
Parents may request additional meetings at any time during the school year by sending a note to the teacher, or calling the office to leave a message. Parent/teacher conferences which are planned will be of the most benefit to all concerned.
Open Houses
Open house is held by each elementary school early in the fall during which many aspects of the school year are presented to parents.
Homework
Grade level homework policy will be discussed with parents during Open House.
If you wish to request homework when your child is absent, please make requests in the morning by calling the Attendance Clerk by 9:00 a.m. Homework may be picked up in the office at dismissal time, or sent home with a designated sibling or other student.
BUSING
TRANSPORTATION STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Kindergarten through 5th Grade
Your school is a special place where you and your teachers and other adults work together to ensure the happiness, safety, and self-respect of all students and adults. Behavior of this type will also help you in your world outside of school.
Coming to school and going home, you are expected to:
· Keep a safe distance from the bus, cars, or trucks.
· Walk on sidewalks. Stay out of the way of traffic.
· Walk to and from the bus.
Any time you ride a school bus for any reason, you will:
· Behave at the bus stop or bus port at the school.
· Look both ways crossing a road, wait for the driver’s hand signal or direction, then cross the road.
· Enter and leave the bus quietly.
· Stay in your seat, facing the front of the bus.
· Keep the bus clean (no eating or drinking).
· Never throw items on the bus.
· Keep heads and hands inside the bus.
· Keep track of your belongings.
· Never touch other children’s property
· Never use bad language.
· Listen to and follow the bus driver’s instructions.
· Respect the rights and feelings of others by only saying kind things to others and by keeping your hands and feet to yourself.
Consequences - Students who break the above listed rules will face disciplinary action depending on the facts of the case. This could mean suspension, exclusion from activities, reprimand or warning. Suspension proceedings are conducted according to Section 3214 of the Education Law.
Disciplinary Referrals/Bus Privileges
Parents will be advised (via a bus referral form) if their child fails to follow bus safety rules, as highlighted in the district’s Code of Conduct. Continued misconduct (3 referrals) may result in suspension of bus privileges.
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Student Rights and Responsibilities are detailed in the complete Student Code of Conduct available in the annual school calendar or from the District Office. Detailed definitions, prohibited conduct, infractions and disciplinary procedures are also outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. |
Remember – Never take a ride from a stranger!!
General Information
We encourage all students to take a school bus to and from school. Recent research has confirmed that school bus transportation is the safest way for children to travel. Our drivers are required to attend many hours of training each year. Please also take advantage of school busing to help make our bus ports and roadways less busy and safer for pedestrians—children and staff.
Transportation is provided to eligible students residing in the district in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and local policies.
Families are notified of stops and pick-up times by mail in late August. Students should plan on being at their stop at least 10 minutes early. Students are expected to board the bus and sit down quickly and quietly.
Busing is only provided to and from the same address each day. Each bus has a distinctive and easily identifiable picture posted on a card in the second window from the entrance door. Students should not rely on the painted bus numbers, as the bus on the route may change.
The Transportation Office can be reached at 881-0240.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BEHAVIOR AND SAFETY OF THEIR STUDENTS AT THE BUS STOP UNTIL THEY ENTER THE BUS AND AFTER THEY DEPART THE BUS.
Bus Safety
Bus safety rules are issued from transportation, and distributed to families at the beginning of the year. Several bus drills are held during the school year.
Bus “Guests”
Students are allowed to ride a bus other than their own to visit a friend, attend a scout meeting or other event depending on seating availability. The student needs to bring a note from the parent saying where the child will be going. The note must be stamped in the office, and then given to the bus driver.
Musical Instruments and Other Items on the Bus
New York State Department of Transportation and federal regulations PROHIBIT bringing large items and musical instruments on school buses. This prevents the blockage of seats and aisles in the event of an accident. In addition to large school projects, the following lists are the items which are allowed or not allowed to be transported on the bus:
Allowable Non-Allowable Non-Allowable
Alto Saxophone Alto Clarinet Aerosol Cans
Bassoon Baritone Horn Bicycles
Flute Baritone Saxophone Fishing Poles
French Horn Bass Clarinet Glass Containers
Oboe Cello Large School Projects
Piccolo Contra Bass Clarinet Pets or any live animal
Snare Drum Guitar Skateboards
Soprano Clarinet String Bass Skis/ski poles
Trumpet Tenor Saxophone Sleds
Viola Trombone
Violin Tuba
Allowable items can be held on the student’s lap or placed on the floor between his/her feet while sitting on the bus seat.
Lost Items
Articles left on the bus are normally kept on the bus so that the student can reclaim them the next day. If not claimed, articles are returned to the appropriate school, or to the bus garage. Students should label their clothes and other possessions.
Child Care and Related Busing
Alternate Transportation Forms are mailed home to each family in the winter preceding the next school year in order to allow adequate time for requests to be processed and alternate busing to be arranged. Should you need to make different arrangements during the summer or school year, you must obtain a form from the Transportation Department and return it there for processing.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
Textbooks
Students are responsible for the proper care of textbooks. In accordance with district policy, students must pay for lost or damaged textbooks. Students and parents will receive a bill at the end of the school year for books that are not returned.
Special Area Classes
Art
Students will know, understand and apply a variety of materials, techniques and processes when creating a work of art. They will learn to understand and value the arts through the study of different cultures and master artists. Students will understand and effectively use the elements of art and the principles of design. They will be able to use this knowledge during the creative process and be able to verbally evaluate their artwork.
General Music/Band/Chorus
General Music classes offer students an approach to musical experience which develops their skills, focusing on basic singing and reading activities. In additional to singing, students participate in listening, rhythm, movement, playing percussion instruments, composing, improvising, analyzing and evaluating. Students meet for music twice a week for 30 minutes. The music curriculum is geared to enable each child to experience all aspects of music’s elements. In third grade, students learn to play the soprano recorder in general music class. This prepares them to enter STRING instrument lessons in 4th and 5th grade, or BAND instrument lessons in 5th grade. Band begins in 5th grade. Students also have a weekly small group lesson and a weekly band rehearsal. The band performs once in the spring. For more information check out the Shen band website.
CHORUS is an option as well in 4th and 5th grade. All ensembles perform concerts as they are ready.
Strings/Orchestra
Strings instruction in the District Elementary Schools begins in fourth grade. Students have the option of learning the violin, viola, cello or bass. Students attend lessons for a half hour each week. The lessons are set up on a rotating schedule to allow for minimal disruption with their classroom learning.
Upon reaching a basic skill level, the students are eligible to participate in the school orchestra. The orchestra meets once a week for 45 minutes. There are two concerts a year for 4th and 5th graders, (a winter and spring concert), and one for 5th graders only (the District String Festival in the spring).
Physical Education
The Physical Education Program goal is to promote physical fitness and activity through fun and cooperative games so that students can gain a respect for a healthy lifestyle they can take with them into their teenage and adult lives. This is our goal because students who learn to enjoy physical activity, and are active at a young age, tend to be more active as adults. Students are encouraged to engage in vigorous physical activity daily at home.
Kindergarten classes meet 30 minutes per week. Grades 1-5 have two 30-minute classes each week.
All children must wear sneakers to participate in physical education class. It is suggested that all students wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing while participating in physical education class.
Physical education is an integral part of the school curriculum. Attendance and participation on the part of all students is required. The only excuse for not attending and/or participating in physical education is a medical excuse, signed by a physician.
Computer Lab
The Computer Lab is a fun learning environment where students learn to use the computer as a tool to access, generate, process and transfer information. Throughout their elementary experience, technology is integrated with curriculum, connecting common themes and applying them to other areas of learning.
Library
The mission of the elementary school library program is to foster a love of literature and learning. The Essential Content and Competencies of the elementary library program define the skills taught which include: library awareness, lifelong reading, and information problem solving.
The elementary libraries of the Shenendehowa School District offer a dynamic environment with ongoing literature guidance, regular book exchanges, research instruction and support for whole class, small group or individual learning experiences.
Each elementary library promotes reading programs that encourage students to engage in reading for leisure and pleasure. The elementary libraries maintain an open access policy which actively encourages creative thought and intellectual exploration through both technology and print resources.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Child Study Teams/Instructional Support Team
In each of Shenendehowa’s Elementary schools a team of professionals is available to help support parents, faculty and students. This team meets regularly to problem solve, identify strategies and resources in effort to support student success in school. This team may include the building principal, the school counselor, the school psychologist, teachers and therapists.
School Counselor
Shenendehowa’s elementary counselors provide a developmental and preventive program that promotes student learning by supporting the positive personal, social and emotional growth of all students. Through individual and group counseling, classroom lessons, consultation and collaboration, the counselors work with students, staff, parents and community resources to promote student adjustment and academic success.
School Psychologist
The school psychologist assists in recognizing, identifying, and assessing the diverse learning styles of students. Classroom observations are performed for many students to ascertain their typical daily behavior and its impact on their learning. Additionally, cognitive and achievement evaluations are administered to assess a child’s specific strengths and weaknesses relative to the learning environment. The school psychologist collaborates with students, parents, teachers and school personnel to enhance the learning of students.
Academic Intervention Services (AIS)
Speech/Language Therapy
Special Education
Students with possible learning problems or developmental disabilities are referred to a multi-disciplinary team called the Committee on Special Education (CSE). This team evaluates students’ strengths and weaknesses with the consent of the parent/guardian. The CSE recommends an appropriate Individualized Education Plan (IEP) based on education results. The program is implemented upon Board of Education and parental/guardian approval. School personnel, members of the CSE, and parents work together to implement an appropriate education for the student in the least restrictive environment.
Some of the services provided are special programs, special class instruction, resource room instruction, and consultant teacher services.
It is the goal of the special education program to integrate students with disabilities into regular education programs and services as much as possible. The Committee on Special Education and building principals work together to ensure that this integration is possible.
Information regarding other District level instructional and support programs is available at the district website. Go to www.shenet.org and click on the link to “SPECIAL EDUCATION.”
Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy (OT and PT)
Director of Student Services: Michael J. Smith
Coordinator for Student Services: Debbie Rous
Young Scholars
The Young Scholars Program at Shenendehowa is offered to students in 4th and 5th grade who demonstrate well above average verbal and reasoning skills (4 grades above current level). Young Scholars is a BOCES sponsored program and is intended to supplement a student’s education with extensive opportunities in the humanities and science, with emphasis upon classical literature and independent projects. Students qualify for this program by meeting the requirements of the School and College Ability Test (SCAT). Young Scholars students meet once a week and are expected to complete any classroom work that is assigned during their absence.
Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)
D.A.R.E. is a seventeen week program designed to help 5th graders recognize and avoid the pressures that may influence them to experiment with tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, and other drugs. D.A.R.E. was created in 1983. It is funded by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office sends a highly trained police officer into the 5th grade classes once a week for 17 weeks. This results in the development of a bond of understanding and friendship between the officer and the students.
The program follows a carefully structured curriculum, focusing on topics such as personal safety, drug use and misuse, consequences of behavior, resisting peer pressure, building self-esteem, assertiveness training, managing stress without drugs, media images of drug use, role models and support systems.
Following the completion of the program, students participate in a D.A.R.E. Graduation ceremony. Various officials attend and speak to the students, who receive awards and diplomas. Parents are invited to attend.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The National Congress of Parents and Teachers is an educational organization that seeks to unite the forces of home, school, and community on behalf of children and youth. Its purposes are:
Partnership Team
The purpose of the Partnership Team is to improve the educational performance of all students in the school; regardless of such factors as socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, language background and/or disability. The team consists of representatives from parent, teacher, non-teaching staff and administrative groups. Team members distribute information to their shareholders, seek input, and report back. Through their participation they share their diverse views and help search for consensus decisions. This produces better decisions from broader perspective as well as developing the ownership, commitment and support so essential to successful outcomes.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
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