WARRENSBURG ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

PARENT – STUDENT HANDBOOK

2017-2018

Warrensburg Elementary School 1 James Street

Warrensburg, NY 12885 518.623.9747- Phone

518.623.3779- Fax http://www.wcsd.org

Warrensburg Central School District Warrensburg, New York 12885-4803 Dear Parent/Guardian: Children need healthy meals to learn. Warrensburg Central School offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs $1.00; lunch costs $2.35. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. Reduced price is $0.25 for breakfast and $0.25 for lunch.

1. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR EACH CHILD? No. Complete the application to apply for free or reduced price meals. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to: Sharon Zaccari, Warrensburg CSD; 103 Schroon River Road; Warrensburg, NY 12885; 623-2861,x228.

2. WHO CAN GET FREE MEALS? All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or TANF, can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, your children can get free meals if your household’s gross income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

3. Can foster children get free meals? Yes, foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are eligible for free meals. Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income.

4. CAN HOMELESS, RUNAWAY, AND MIGRANT CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Yes, children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant qualify for free meals. If you haven’t been told your children will get free meals, please call or e-mail Stephanie Gibson at 623.9747, x143 or gibsons@wcsd.org to see if they qualify.

5. WHO CAN GET REDUCED PRICE MEALS? Your children can get low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Eligibility Income Chart, shown on this application.

6. SHOULD I FILL OUT AN APPLICATION IF I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS SCHOOL YEAR SAYING MY CHILDREN ARE APPROVED FOR FREE MEALS? Please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. Call the school at 623-2861, x228 if you have questions.

7. MY CHILD’S APPLICATION WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT ANOTHER ONE? Yes. Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first 30 days of this school year. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year.

8. I GET WIC. CAN MY CHILD(REN) GET FREE MEALS? Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please fill out a FREE/REDUCED PRICE MEAL application.

9. WILL THE INFORMATION I GIVE BE CHECKED? Yes and we may also ask you to send written proof. 10. IF I DON’T QUALIFY NOW, MAY I APPLY LATER? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example,

children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.

11. WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE SCHOOL’S DECISION ABOUT MY APPLICATION? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to John S. Goralski, Superintendent; 103 Schroon River Road; Warrensburg, NY 12885; 623-2861, x224 or goralskij@wcsd.org.

12. MAY I APPLY IF SOMEONE IN MY HOUSEHOLD IS NOT A U.S. CITIZEN? Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for free or reduced price meals.

13. WHO SHOULD I INCLUDE AS MEMBERS OF MY HOUSEHOLD? You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends) who share income and expenses. You must include yourself and all children living with you. If you live with other people who are economically independent (for example, people who you do not support, who do not share income with you or your children, and who pay a pro-rated share of expenses), do not include them.

14. WHAT IF MY INCOME IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME? List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.

15. WE ARE IN THE MILITARY. DO WE INCLUDE OUR HOUSING ALLOWANCE AS INCOME? If you get an off-base housing allowance, it must be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income.

16. MY SPOUSE IS DEPLOYED TO A COMBAT ZONE. IS HER COMBAT PAY COUNTED AS INCOME? No, if the combat pay is received in addition to her basic pay because of her deployment and it wasn’t received before she was deployed, combat pay is not counted as income. Contact your school for more information.

17. MY FAMILY NEEDS MORE HELP. ARE THERE OTHER PROGRAMS WE MIGHT APPLY FOR? To find out how to apply for SNAP or other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office or call 1-800-342-3009.

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2017-2018 INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS OR FREE MILK

REDUCED PRICE ELIGIBILITY INCOME CHART

Total Family Size

Annual Monthly Twice per Month Every Two Weeks Weekly

1 $ 22,311 $ 1,860 $ 930 $ 859 $ 430

2 $ 30,044 $ 2,504 $ 1,252 $ 1,156 $ 578

3 $ 37,777 $ 3,149 $ 1,575 $ 1,453 $ 727

4 $ 45,510 $ 3,793 $ 1,897 $ 1,751 $ 876

5 $ 53,243 $ 4,437 $ 2,219 $ 2,048 $ 1,024

6 $ 60,976 $ 5,082 $ 2,541 $ 2,346 $ 1,173

7 $ 68,709 $ 5,726 $ 2,863 $ 2,643 $ 1,322

8 $ 76,442 $ 6,371 $ 3,186 $ 2,941 $ 1,471

*Each Add’l person add $ 7,733 $ 645 $ 323 $ 298 $ 149

How to Apply: To get free or reduced price meals for your children you may submit an Eligibility Letter for Free Meals received from

the NYS Education Department, OR carefully complete one application for your household and return it to the designated office. If you now receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) for any children, or participate in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), the application must include the children's names, the household food stamp, TANF or FDPIR case number and the signature of an adult household member. All children should be listed on the same application. If you do not list a food stamp, TANF or FDPIR case number for all the children for whom you are applying, the application must include the names of everyone in the household, the amount of income each household member, and how often it is received and where it comes from. It must include the signature of an adult household member and the last four digits of that adult's social security number, or check the box if the adult does not have a social security number. An application that is not complete cannot be approved. Contact your local Department of Social Services for your food stamp or TANF case number or complete the income portion of the application.

Reporting Changes: The benefits that you are approved for at the time of application are effective for the entire school year. You no longer need to report changes for an increase in income or decrease in household size, or if you no longer receive SNAP. Income Exclusions: The value of any child care provided or arranged, or any amount received as payment for such child care or reimbursement for costs incurred for such care under the Child Care Development (Block Grant) Fund should not be considered as income for this program. Nondiscrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish). Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

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Meal Service to Children With Disabilities: Federal regulations require schools and institutions to serve meals at no extra charge to children with a disability which may restrict their diet. A student with a disability is defined in 7CFR Part 15b.3 of Federal regulations, as one who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities are defined to include functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. You must request the special meals from the school and provide the school with medical certification from a medical doctor. If you believe your child needs substitutions because of a disability, please get in touch with us for further information, as there is specific information that the medical certification must contain. Confidentiality: The United States Department of Agriculture has approved the release of students names and eligibility status, without parent/guardian consent, to persons directly connected with the administration or enforcement of federal education programs such as Title I and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which are United States Department of Education programs used to determine areas such as the allocation of funds to schools, to evaluate socioeconomic status of the school's attendance area, and to assess educational progress. Information may also be released to State health or State education programs administered by the State agency or local education agency, provided the State or local education agency administers the program, and federal State or local nutrition programs similar to the National School Lunch Program. Additionally, all information contained in the free and reduced price application may be released to persons directly connected with the administration or enforcement of programs authorized under the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) or Child Nutrition Act (CNA); including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC); the Comptroller General of the United States for audit purposes, and federal, State or local law enforcement officials investigating alleged violation of the programs under the NSLA or CNA.

Reapplication: You may apply for benefits any time during the school year. Also, if you are not eligible now, but during the school year become unemployed, have a decrease in household income, or an increase in family size you may request and complete an application at that time.

The disclosure of eligibility information not specifically authorized by the NSLA requires a written consent statement from the parent/guardian. We will let you know when your application is approved or denied.

Sincerely, John S. Goralski Superintendent of Schools JSG:lv

Date Withdrew__________ Attachment Va F ____R _____D_____

2017-2018 Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals/Milk

To apply for free and reduced price meals for your children, read the instructions on the back, complete only one form for your household, sign your name and return it to Warrensburg Central School. Call Sharon Zaccari at 623-2861, x228, if you need help. Additional names may be listed on a separate paper. 1. List all children in your household who attend school:

Student Name School Grade/Teacher Foster Child

No Income

2. SNAP/TANF/FDPIR Benefits: If anyone in your household receives either SNAP, TANF or FDPIR benefits, list their name and CASE # here. Skip to Part 5, and sign the application. Name:______________________________________ CASE #__________________________________

3. If any child you are applying for is homeless, migrant or a runaway, please call this number: ________________________________________________

Homeless Migrant Runaway (Homeless Liaison/Migrant Education Coordinator)

4. Household Gross Income: List all people living in your household, how much and how often they are paid (weekly, every other week, twice per month,

monthly). Do not leave income blank. If no income, check box. If you have listed a foster child above, you must report their personal income.

Name of household member Earnings from work before deductions Amount / How Often

Child Support, Alimony Amount / How Often

Pensions, Retirement Payments Amount / How Often

Other Income, Social Security Amount / How Often

No Income

$ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________

$ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________

$ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________

$ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________

$ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________

$ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________

$ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________

$ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________

$ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________ $ ________ / ________

5. Signature: An adult household member must sign this application and provide the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SS#), or mark the “I do not have a SS# box” before it can be approved. I certify (promise) that all of the information on this application is true and that all income is reported. I understand that the information is being given so the school will get federal funds; the school officials may verify the information and if I purposely give false information, I may be prosecuted under applicable State and federal laws, and my children may lose meal benefits. Signature:__________________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Email Address: ______________________________________________ Last Four Digits of Social Security Number: ***-**- __ __ __ __ Home Phone _________________ Work Phone_____________________ Home Address______________________________________________

DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE – FOR SCHOOL USE ONLY

Annual Income Conversion (Only convert when multiple income frequencies are reported on application)

Weekly X 52; Every Two Weeks (bi-weekly) X 26; Twice Per Month X 24; Monthly X 12

SNAP/TANF/Foster

Income Household: Total Household Income/How Often: _________________/________________ Household Size: _________________

Free Meals Reduced Price Meals Denied/Paid

Signature of Reviewing Official________________________________________________________ Date Notice Sent:________________

I do not have a

SS#

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply for free and reduced price meals, submit a Free Meals/Milk Eligibility Letter received from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance OR complete only one application for your household using the instructions. Sign the application and return the application to Sharon Zaccari, Warrensburg, CSD; 103 Schroon River Rd; Warrensburg, NY 12885. If you have a foster child in your household, you may include them on your application. A separate application is no longer needed. Call the school if you need help: 623-2861, x228. Ensure that all information is provided. Failure to do so may result in denial of benefits for your child or unnecessary delay in approving your application. PART 1 ALL HOUSEHOLDS MUST COMPLETE STUDENT INFORMATION. DO NOT FILL OUT MORE THAN ONE APPLICATION FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD. (1) Print the names of the children, including foster children, for whom you are applying on one application. (2) List their grade and school. (3) Check the box to indicate a foster child living in your household, and check the box for each child with no income. PART 2 HOUSEHOLDS GETTING FOOD STAMPS, TANF OR FDPIR SHOULD COMPLETE PART 2 AND SIGN PART 5. (1) List a current Food Stamp, TANF or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) case number of anyone living in your household.. Do not use the 16-digit number on your benefit card. The case number is provided on your benefit letter. (2) An adult household member must sign the application in PART 5. SKIP PART 4. Do not list names of household members or income if you list a food stamp case number, TANF or FDPIR number. PART 3 Before completing an application for a child who may be homeless, a migrant education student, or a runaway, please call your school’s homeless liaison or migrant education coordinator at this number: Stephanie M. Gibson, Director of PPS, 623-2861, x143. (Homeless Liaison/Migrant Education Coordinator name and Phone Number) PARTS 4 & 5 ALL OTHER HOUSEHOLDS MUST COMPLETE THESE PARTS AND ALL OF PART 5. (1) Write the names of everyone in your household, whether or not they get income. Include yourself, the children you are applying for, all other children, your spouse, grandparents, and other related and unrelated people in your household. Use another piece of paper if you need more space. (2) Write the amount of current income each household member receives, before taxes or anything else is taken out, and indicate where it came from, such as earnings, welfare, pensions and other income. If the current income was more or less than usual, write that person’s usual income. Specify how often this income amount is received: weekly, every other week (bi-weekly), 2 x per month, monthly. If no income, check the box. The value of any child care provided or arranged, or any amount received as payment for such child care or reimbursement for costs incurred for such care under the Child Care and Development Block Grant, TANF and At Risk Child Care Programs should not be considered as income for this program. (3) The application must include the last four digits only of the social security number of the adult who signs PART 5 if Part 4 is completed. If the adult does not have a social security number, check the box. If you listed a food stamp, TANF or FDPIR number, a social security number is not needed. OTHER BENEFITS: Your child may be eligible for benefits such as Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In order to determine if your child is eligible, program officials need information from your free and reduced price meal application. Your written consent is required before any information may be released. Please refer to the attached parent Disclosure Letter and Consent Statement for information about other benefits.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

Privacy Act Statement: This explains how we will use the information you give us. The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act requires the information on this application. You do not have to give the information, but if you do not, we cannot approve your child for free or reduced price meals. You must include the last four digits of the social security number of the adult household member who signs the application. The last four digits of the social security number are not required when you apply on behalf of a foster child or you list a Food Stamp, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) case number or other FDPIR identifier for your child or when you indicate that the adult household member signing the application does not have a social security number. We will use your information to determine if your child is eligible for free or reduced price meals, and for administration and enforcement of the lunch and breakfast programs. We MAY share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.

DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov

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Annual Notifications

Access to Student Information

Board of Education Policy #5500 Access to student records and information is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Student Records Parents and students over 18 years of age have the right to:

Inspect and review their education records;

Request the amendment of records believed to be inaccurate or misleading;

Object to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records;

File a complaint with the United States Department of Education alleging failure of the district to comply with FERPA and its regulations.

Disclosure of Student Information Also under FERPA, upon request, WCSD must disclose to military recruiters or institutions of higher learning the name, address and telephone number of high school students. The district may also receive requests for what may be termed “directory information” regarding students. This could include a student’s name, address, telephone number, major course of study, participation in school activities, diplomas awarded or schools previously attended. Parents and students above the age of 18 may submit a written request to the Superintendent that the district not disclose student information. Opt out forms are available in the Superintendent’s Office, Guidance Office or on the district website www.wcsd.org. Asbestos Management Plan In accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1987 (40 CFR Part 763), the district conducts

periodic asbestos surveillance and a required triennial inspection. Asbestos projects shall be conducted according to all applicable local, state and federal regulation. The Asbestos Management Plan for the Warrensburg Central School District is available to the public for review on Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. For more information, please contact John S. Goralski, Superintendent and LEA Designee, at 518.623.2861 x224. Annual Fire Inspection The district conducts and annual fire inspection and submits the required reports to the New York State Education Department. For more information, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 518.623.2861 x224.

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APPR All parents/guardians will have the right to obtain the APPR quality ratings and composite effectiveness scores for their child’s current teacher(s) and principal(s) once the scores are officially available in accordance with state law. For additional details, please contact your child’s school. Child Find A child with physical, mental, emotional, medical or developmental problems should be evaluated to determine if he/she qualifies for special education programs or services. If you believe your child may meet these criteria, and is not already receiving Special Education services, please contact the Office of Pupil Personnel Services at 518.623.9747 x143 for more information. Code of Conduct Board of Education Policy #5300 The Warrensburg Central School District Board of Education is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive, and district personnel may deliver, quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, faculty and staff, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal. The Board recognizes the need to clearly define these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property, to identify the possible consequences of unacceptable conduct and to ensure that discipline when necessary is administered promptly and fairly. The complete Code of Conduct is available for review on the district website or by contacting your child’s school. Dignity of All Students Act (DASA) Board of Education Policy #0115 The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) was enacted to provide students with a safe, supportive educational environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. In accordance with DASA, the Warrensburg Central School District condemns and strictly prohibits all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying. To find definitions, details about district prevention and intervention tactics, staff training, disciplinary consequences, and more topics related to bullying and DASA legislation, please refer to Board of Education Policy #0115 and the district website. Questions and/or concerns about bullying should be directed to the appropriate DASA coordinator: Amy Langworthy, Elementary School Principal 518.623.9747 x191 Douglas Duell, Jr/Sr High School Principal 518.623.2861 x222

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Free/Reduced Meal Program Children need healthy meals to learn. The Warrensburg Central School District offers healthy meals every school day. K-12 breakfast costs $1.00 and lunch costs $2.35. Children from households that meet federal income guideline are eligible for free meals or reduced price meals. Reduced price meals at all grade levels cost each eligible student $.25 for breakfast and $.25 for lunch. The free/reduced meal application is sent to each household at the beginning of the school year and is also available on district website or by contacting your child’s school. Health Information Privacy HIPAA (the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act) requires written authorization from a parent or guardian in order for information to flow between health providers and the school. For example, immunization records require such authorization. Within the school setting, FERPA continues to govern the exchange of health care information that is contained in the student’s education record. It is not necessary to obtain a release of information from a parent or guardian in order to share such information with school staff for the purposes of insuring the best and most appropriate care for a student. Please contact the New York State School Health Services Center at 585.349.7630 for additional information. Non-Discrimination Notice Board of Education Policy #0100 The Warrensburg Central School District does not discriminate against any student, employee, or applicant based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender (including gender identity and expression) in the education programs and activities which it operates, including employment. The Director of Pupil Personnel Services has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the district’s non-discrimination policies. The DPPS can be reached at 518.623.9747 x143. NYS Anti-Idling Law & Regulation State education law limits the amount of time that a school owned, leased or contracted vehicle may sit idling on school grounds. Drivers of a WCSD school bus or other school vehicle must turn off the engine while waiting for passengers to load or off load. The law provides for certain exceptions when necessary for heating, mechanical or emergency circumstances. Pesticide Notification Board of Education Policy #8115

New York State education law requires schools to notify the school community that pesticide products may be used during the school year. Parents/guardians and staff members may request 48-hour advance written notification of certain pesticide applications. If an emergency application is necessary to protect against imminent

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threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the notification list. To register for 48-hour notification, contact John S. Goralski, Superintendent of Schools, between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm at 518.623.2861 x224. School Safety Plans Board of Education Policy #8130 In accordance with New York State Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (S.A.V.E.) law, district and building safety plans are reviewed annually by district-wide and building-level safety teams. Safety training is conducted throughout the year. All updates are submitted to the Board of Education for approval prior to submission to the New York State Education Department, local police and New York State Police respectively. For more information concerning the district-wide safety plan, please contact: John S. Goralski, Superintendent of Schools 518.623.2861 x224 Cynthia Turcotte, Business Administrator 518.623.2861 x228 Douglas A. Duell, Jr/Sr High School Principal 518.623.2861 x222 Amy Langworthy, Elementary Principal 518.623.9747 x191 Stephanie M. Gibson, Director of Pupil Personnel Services 518.623.9747 x143 Section 504 Board of Education Policy #4321 Section 504 prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability. WCSD provides a free, appropriate public education to all students who reside within the district regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. The District has a responsibility to identify, evaluate and give access to appropriate education services. Parents have the right to:

Inspect and review their child’s education records;

Make copies of these records;

Receive a list of individuals having access to those records;

Ask for amendment to inaccurate or misleading information;

A hearing on the issue if the school refuses to make the amendment. Parents with questions about Section 504 should contact the Director of Pupil Personnel Services at 518.623.9747 x143. Student Photographs and Work WCSD may occasionally use student’s photographs, video recordings or work on the district website, social media and/or in district and community publications.

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If you do not wish your child to be photographed or videotaped, please indicate this in writing to your child’s principal by September 12, 2017. This request must be renewed each year. Student Privacy Board of Education 5550 WCSD may occasionally conduct student surveys that touch on topics such as political affiliation, income, beliefs or religious practices of the student. In accordance with the Federal Protection of Pupil Rights amendment, WCSD will send a letter home to notify parents of their right to opt a child out from such a survey before it is conducted.

Classes not in session

____ Regents Testing

Superintendent’s Conference Day Early Release Day High School 12:45 pm Elementary 1:00 pm

Jr/Sr High School Quarter Ends Report Cards Issued 11/9/2017 11/17/2017 1/26/2018 2/2/2018 4/13/2018 4/20/2018 6/21/2018 6/25/2018

Elementary School Trimester Ends Report Cards Issued 12/1/2017 12/8/2017 3/9/2018 3/16/2018 6/15/2018 6/22/2018

This calendar includes 185 scheduled school days, including 5 snow/emergency days. If these days are not used prior to Spring Recess, they will be used during the remainder of the school year in order for there to be a total of 180 school days. Adopted: 2/13/2017

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June 2018

WARRENSBURG ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

WCSD Vision Statement

We maintain excellence to create success

District Mission Statement

We educate, nurture, and empower students within a safe and supportive

environment to become respectful and successful citizens of the global community.

District Beliefs

* Learning Should be challenging, engaging, meaningful, and safe for all students to realize their dreams and attain success

* Access to diverse academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities is critical to student success

* All students should be prepared with the necessary skills to be a productive member of their community

* The school and community have a shared responsibility to ensure both student achievement and community success

WARRENSBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

September 2017

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to Warrensburg Elementary School! Our motto here is Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be

Respectful!

The faculty and staff at the Warrensburg Elementary School are dedicated to helping each child

reach his/her academic potential and become a well-rounded citizen. A rich and challenging

program will be provided for every student while developing their social skills and learning how

to get along with others on a daily basis. We expect our students to always give their best effort

both academically and socially.

We encourage parents to get involved in our school community. Volunteering, attending

school events and participating in the PTSA events are all ways to be involved. Your child’s

education is a collaborative effort between school and home; therefore your involvement is

critical to your child’s success. I look forward to another outstanding year filled with learning

and fun for our students.

Thank you for your support and feel free to contact me at any time via e-mail at

langworthya@wcsd.org or by phone at 623-9747 x5.

Sincerely,

Amy Langworthy

Principal, Warrensburg Elementary School

District Board of Education and Administration

Mr. Douglas West, President Mrs. Beth Callahan, Vice-President

Mr. Ash Anand Mrs. Diane Angell

Mr. Jonathan Boston Ms. Elaine Cowin

Mr. Robert Frasier

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Mr. John S. Goralski ………. 623 - 2861, Ext. 208

JR. / SR. HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Mr. Douglas Duell ………. 623 - 2861, Ext. 212

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

Mrs. Amy Langworthy ………. 623 - 9747, Ext. #5

DIRECTOR OF PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Mrs. Stephanie Gibson ………. 623 - 9747, Ext. #2

BUSINESS MANAGER

Mrs. Cynthia Turcotte ………. 623 - 2861, Ext. 204

TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR

Mr. Daniel Bruce ………. 623 – 3570

STAFF ROSTER

Main Office Staff: Amy Langworthy, Principal langworthya@wcsd.org Teri Frazier, Secretary to the Principal fraziert@wcsd.org Patricia MicGlire, Receptionist/ Typist micglirep@wcsd.org

Pupil Personnel Office: Mrs. Stephanie Gibson, Director gibsons@wcsd.org Mrs. Christine Langworthy, Secretary langworthyc@wcsd.org

Pre- Kindergarten: Mrs. Melinda Burkhardt

Kindergarten: Mrs. Judith Heideman Mrs. Rachel Brown Mrs. Amber Seeley

1st Grade: Mrs. Shari Raymond Mrs. Jessamyn Clifford Mrs. Diane Bakay-Talbot

2nd Grade: Mrs. AnnMarie Richards Mr. Kyle Holtz Mrs. Amy Chambers

3rd Grade: Mrs. Christine Sullivan Mrs. Mary Ciccarelli Ms. Mary Backus

4th Grade: Mrs. Erin Lang Ms. Darian Chapman Mr. Richard Cintora

5th Grade: Mrs. Sara Bammert Mrs. Susan Gerrain Mr. Nick Lavigne Mr. Chris Brown

6th Grade: Mrs. Catherine Caldaroni Mr. Tom Birkholz Mrs. Christene Baker

Mr. Chris Brown

Special Education: Mrs. Kimberly Ashe – K

Mr. Michael Kocher – 1st Mrs. Andrea Whalen – 2nd & 4th

Mrs. Stephanie Pratt – 5th Mrs. Crystal Collier – 3rd & 6th

Reading: Mrs. Cheryl Cooper (K-1) Ms. Teri Ruta (2-3) Mrs. Deborah Phillips (4-6)

Speech: Mrs. Margaret Lines - Therapist TBD - Pathologist

Art: Mrs. Sherri Lamy

Music: Mrs. Sheryl Davey

Physical Education: Mr. Robert Thomas Mr. Michael Perrone

Library: Mrs. Jennifer Casabonne

School Counselors: Mrs. Kate Motsiff (Social Worker) Mr. Brad West (Psychologist)

Nurse: Mrs. Jonelle Bacon

TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Mrs. Lori Andrews Mrs. Denise Fruda Ms. Jennifer Reed Ms. Brenda Barrett Mrs. Janis Merrithew Ms. Karen Reynolds Mrs. Deborah Collignon Mrs. Jessica Monroe TBD Ms. Judi Durkin Mrs. Jennifer Nissen TBD Literacy Center TBD

CUSTODIAL, SECURITY & TRANSPORTATION STAFF

Mr. Daniel Bruce Head Mechanic

Mr. David Hall Head Custodian - Elementary Building

TBD Security Monitor – Elementary Building

Contacting School Personnel

By Telephone: Main Office hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Voicemail can be left at any time. If

you would like to contact the teachers, your call can be forwarded to their voice mail. Teachers

return calls as soon as possible during the day.

In Writing: Please feel free to write a note to the teacher and send it to school with your child.

By e-mail: E-mail addresses for staff are listed on our school website.

By Fax: Our school fax number is 623-3779

School Hours

Breakfast Begins: 7:30 a.m.

Morning Bell: 8:00 a.m.

Instructional Day: 8:05-2:45 p.m.

Walkers Dismiss: 2:45 p.m.

Bus Students and Pick-up Dismiss: 2:50 p.m.

* If your child is late for any reason, or is returning to school (e.g. from an appointment), a parent must accompany them into the building and sign him/her in and provide the reason.

Reporting Absences and Early Dismissal

Parents should call the school in the morning each day their child is absent. If you leave a

message, please provide your child’s name, grade, the date and reason for absence. A

reminder that students are not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities if they are

absent from school.

Parents who need to take their child(ren) out of school early must put their request in writing

and send it in to their child’s teacher. Please do your best to schedule doctor and dentist

appointments, etc., outside of the school day or during school vacations.

Please keep in mind that family vacations are unexcused absences. Students who have

excessive unexcused absences may result in disciplinary action consistent with the district’s

policy and Code of Conduct.

Lunch/ Recess

Students in Grades K-1 have 60 minutes for lunch and recess daily. Students in Grades 2-6 have

50 minutes daily. 5th and 6th grade students do not have recess on band and chorus days due to

rehearsal times needed to prepare for upcoming concerts throughout the year.

Grade Level Lunch Recess

Kindergarten 11:00-11:30 11:30-11:55

1st Grade 11:30-12:00 12:00-12:30

2nd Grade 11:15-11:40 11:45-12:05

3rd Grade 12:30-12:55 12:55-1:20

4th Grade 12:15-12:40 12:40-1:05

5th Grade 12:00-12:25 12:25-12:45 Day 1 & 3 only

6th Grade 11:45-12:10 12:10-12:30 Day 2 & 4 only

Students go outside for recess 20 degrees and above- Please have them dress

appropriately (coats, hats, boots, etc.)

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

The building doors are open at 7:30 a.m. and breakfast is available for students at this time. NO students will be allowed in the building prior to 7:30 a.m. including high school students who are boarding the shuttle buses to the high school. When riding bicycles, skateboards, etc. to school, NYS Law requires that children wear a helmet. It is also against school policy to ride these on school property. Therefore for the safety of all other pedestrians, we ask that once on school property students walk these items to the bike rack and secure them for the day. Please use the sidewalks at all times. There is a lot of traffic at morning and dismissal times and running through the parking lots or front circle is not a safe route. It is difficult for vehicles to see small children that may be behind them.

Students who are getting dropped off should use the front entrance. The back entrance is reserved for buses and bus students only. For this reason, the back parking lot is not accessible to vehicles other than buses after 7:30 a.m. Dismissal procedures require that all students who are being picked up must be signed out daily

in the Main Gymnasium by a parent/guardian or individual who is listed on the student pick- up

form. Students will not be released to anyone who is not on the approved pick-up list. Parents

must send in a written note if dismissal procedures for their child will be different on any given

day. Dismissal for Walkers will be 2:45 p.m. Bus Students and Pick-ups will be dismissed at

2:50 p.m.

The parking lot area is reserved for parents who are coming in to the building to sign out and

pick up their child. It may not be used for students who are signing out as walkers. All students

exiting the building by the General Purpose Room exit are expected to walk off school property.

You are welcome to meet your child by the exit and walk with them to your vehicle location,

but the parking spaces need to be used for parents/guardians who are coming in to the building

for dismissal procedures.

PTSA (Parent- Teacher- Student Association)

The Warrensburg PTSA is comprised of parents and community members that are dedicated to

helping make the educational experience of the children rich and rewarding. The association

has meetings throughout the year that are relaxed, informal, interesting and fun. Please

contact one of the officers if you are interested in helping.

President, Michelle Olden

Treasurer, Adrienne Bell

Secretary, Miko Galusha-Hensler

NYS PTSA Rural Specialist – Adrienne Bell

Contact Information: Warrensburgptsa@gmail.com or 323-2711

Facebook “Warrensburg central school PTSA”

Academic Information

Our curriculum aligns to the NYS Common Core Learning Standards in all grade levels. Students

in the Elementary School receive a minimum of 1 ½ hours of English Language Arts Instruction

and 1 hour of Math Instruction daily. Science and Social studies varies on a daily basis and is

also integrated within our ELA and Math instruction for several content areas to maximize

instructional time. Teachers do their best to meet the individual needs of every child by

differentiating instruction and using small group instruction daily.

Students who need extra support in ELA or Math may receive Intervention services during the

school day. In addition, we offer extra support outside of the school day for students who need

some additional individualized practice and assistance. Students who receive these services are

determined through the use of assessment information, classroom performance and teacher

recommendation as well as parent feedback. The Elementary School also has a Child Study

Team that reviews individual student progress and needs throughout the school year if a child is

not making progress in their classrooms either academically or socially. If you have concerns

about your child’s progress at any time, please discuss these with your child’s teacher.

Students in K-6 will receive testing in Reading and Math 3 times per year using AIMS Web

screening assessments. Students who do not perform on grade level will then receive

additional diagnostic assessments to identify what areas we need to target to help them

improve their skills. Students in Grades 3-6 will also participate in NYS Assessments in ELA and

Math each spring. 4th grade students also take a NYS Science test in the spring as well. All

assessment results are reported to parents and can be discussed with your child’s teacher at

any time.

Report cards are distributed 3 times per year (December, March and June). We use a standards

based report card that identifies specific skills that are being taught during the year and the

progress your child is making on these skills. In 6th grade, students switch to a more traditional

numeric report card for each of the subject areas. Students in 6th grade also receive academic

awards such as Merit Roll, Honor Roll, High Honor Roll each tri-mester. Any student with a

failing grade is ineligible for these awards (A failing grade is 69 or below) These awards are

given to 6th grade students at an academic awards assembly at the end of each trimester.

Parents are welcome to attend.

Computer Use

The Warrensburg Central School District is pleased to offer student’s access to the Internet on

our computer network system. Access from school is structured to point students to sources

that have been evaluated prior to use, however students may inadvertently be able to access

resources that have not been approved by staff. Students are provided with a password to log

in to our computer network each year. They are expected to use their access to the Internet

responsibly just as they do in the classroom setting. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary

action including loss of privilege to the computer network in the school. The purpose of

providing school wide internet access is to facilitate communication, research and engaging

learning activities.

Discipline

Extremely important to the development of self-respect and respect for others is the

maintenance of discipline. We use the word, “discipline”, in the sense of training that develops

self-control and character. This is a responsibility of the school and parents to work together to

develop this idea of discipline.

To guarantee a good social and educational climate, it is important that students understand that acceptable standards of behavior will be expected at all times. Courtesy and good manners should be the key to a child’s conduct at school. A good attitude will make school enjoyable for all! Discipline will be administered when any individual’s actions interfere with the right of teachers to teach and students to learn. Our school maintains a Positive Behavior Code as our Daily Code of Conduct. We expect students to exhibit these three behaviors in all areas of our building and at all school related activities:

* Be Safe

* Be Responsible

* Be Respectful

Specific rules exist in each classroom or location which are for the safety of the student and

establish conditions necessary to allow things to be done. The usual sequence in handling

discipline problems starts with prevention through understanding and correction by the

teacher or other staff person and moves along in the following sequence: i.e. report to parents,

report to the principal, parent-student-teacher conference, suspension of special privileges,

detention, in-school suspension, and in extreme cases,out of school suspension.

Nowhere else in the school program are students exposed to greater risks than when riding the

School Bus to and from school. Students who do not follow our safety rules on the bus may

lose the privilege of riding the bus. The bus driver and parents should work together if there is

an ongoing problem with behavior on the school bus.

Field trips for students provide off- campus experiences that enhance the educational program.

Because students are leaving the schools grounds, entering a less restrictive environment, and

representing our school community; these trips must be limited to those students who in all

situations will fulfill the requirements of our School’s Code of Conduct and expectations of

being safe, responsible and respectful. The following behaviors reflect an inability to meet the

school’s standards, and therefore ineligible for a field trip:

* Five suspensions during the course of a school year.

* Three suspensions, either in school or out of school, in a school trimester.

* Five detentions in the current or previous calendar trimester.

Parents are often asked to serve as chaperones on school trips to provide more adult assistance

for the safety of our children. If you are serving in the role of a chaperone, you MAY NOT bring

another child with you on the trip. As a chaperone, your responsibility is the children on the

trip. In addition, if you are serving as a chaperone for a school function, you must abide by the

district rules for school functions. This includes following our no tobacco policy.

Dress Code Guidelines

All students should come to school clean and appropriately dressed for school activities.

Any style of dress which creates a disruption to the basic school program or is a health/safety

risk is to be avoided. Parental understanding and good judgment regarding their children’s

dress is greatly appreciated. The following guidelines include ALL school activities.

Student’s clothes, grooming and appearance, including hair, jewelry, make-up etc. should:

1. Be safe and appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process 2. Not include items that are vulgar, obscene or denigrate others. In addition they may not

wear items that promote alcohol, tobacco, drug products, weapons, gang affiliation or promote any illegal activities.

3. Not include short midriff tops, tank tops that are not at least 1 inch in width, spaghetti straps, plunging necklines, see through tops, halter tops, tube tops

4. Not include skirts and shorts that are above the mid-thigh (a good way to measure this is that your shorts, skirts should fall at the tip of your fingers when your arms are held at your sides)

5. Not include any clothing that reveals undergarments or private body parts. Underwear must be completely covered with clothing. No baggy pants or shirts with large openings under the arms.

6. Not include pajamas, slippers or any sleepwear 7. Not include face paint or costumes 8. Not include wallet/pocket/clothing chains, dog collars, spiked collars and/or lanyards

hanging from pockets 9. NO HATS or headwear may be worn in the school building at any time. This includes

bandanas. Hair bands must be worn on top of the head for the purpose of holding the hair away from the student’s face. Hoodies may not be worn to cover the head/face.

The building principal reserves the right to declare any outfit as being inappropriate for an

educational setting.

Food Services

Our school district provides a school breakfast and lunch program for all of our students. At the

beginning of each month a copy of the menu is posted on the district website. Copies of the

menu are also available in the Main Office if you would like a paper copy.

Price Breakfast Lunch Milk

Full $1.00 $2.35 $0.50

Reduced $0.25 $0.25

Students are not allowed to bring open containers of food or beverage into the building. All

food should be closed in a lunch box/bag and only eaten in the cafeteria. Items from

McDonalds, Subway etc. are not allowed in school. If you are not eating breakfast here in

school, please finish you breakfast at home.

Families may complete the application for free or reduced price lunches available in the

handbook, on our web site, or by picking one up at the school business office. If you have

questions about the form, please contact the Business Office @ 623-2861 x 228 .

Our School Cafeteria program will continue to use Nutri Kids this year as their Point of Sale

System. Your child will need to know their PIN number when purchasing any items from the

cafeteria. You may pre-pay on your child’s account at any time during the year in the cafeteria,

the Business Office located at the High School or online. You can access the online system via

the school website at http://www.wcsd.org. If you have questions, please contact the Business

Office at 623-2861 x 228.

Health Services

All staff makes every attempt to avoid student accidents. Most school rules are based on safety

concerns, but even these efforts can’t always prevent accidents. It is important that the school

nurse and/or office know where to contact parents in an emergency.

PLEASE BE SURE TO KEEP PARENT HOME, CELL AND WORK PHONE NUMBERS UP-TO-DATE!

Accidents sometimes happen and are not noticed by the staff. Children must report all injuries

or accidents at once to their teachers. Appropriate treatment, parent notification and

completion of accident reports can then occur.

Injuries requiring medical treatment are covered first under the parent’s medical insurance

program, then by the school district’s accident insurance. Accidents must be reported within

thirty (30) days of their occurrence and claims submitted within one year. Medical/Dental

treatment must be rendered within forty-five (45) days of the day of injury. It must be

emphasized that student insurance coverage is only for school sponsored, teacher supervised

activities which are part of the regular school program. Any questions regarding accidents or

claims should be directed through the school district business office, 623-2861.

If parents have any health related information which would be a factor in their child’s school

experience, they should contact the nurse to update the health records.

Body Mass Index- NYS Education Law requires the Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight status

category be included as part of the student’s required school health examination. School

districts are required to submit summary information on weight status category to the NYS

Dept. of Health to help officials develop programs to improve children’s health. No personally

identifiable student information will be sent. Parents may choose to have their child’s

information excluded from this reporting.

Communicable Diseases- Students who have communicable diseases such as chicken pox, strep

throat, impetigo, pink eye, pediculosis (head lice), scabies or an undiagnosed rash must be

excluded from school. If you are suspicious of such problems, please do not send the child to

school for diagnosis. When you suspect strep throat in your child, don’t let him/her return to

school until you have the results of the throat culture. If a child is out sick for more than three

days in a row or is diagnosed as having a communicable disease, parents should call the nurse

to notify her.

If your child is diagnosed with head lice and you would like information about how to treat your

child and your house, please contact the health office.

Dental Certificates- NYS Education Law 903, Chapter 281, permits schools to request a dental

examination report for all newly enrolled students, and for students in grades K, 2, 4, 7, and 10.

These certificates are to be completed by the parent and the child’s dentist.

Gym Excuses- If, due to accident or illness, you feel that your child is unable to participate in

physical education; you must request in writing that your child be excused from gym. A

physician’s excuse is required if the child is to be excused for more than one week. Physical

Education is a requirement for all students, even those with limitations. In such cases, a

modified gym program approved by the child’s physician is provided.

CHILDREN EXCUSED FROM GYM FOR MEDICAL REASONS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO

PARTICIPATE IN RECESS.

Health Office hours are 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Immunization Requirements- Section 2164 of the NYS Public Health Law requires that parents

provide evidence of their child’s vaccination status before he/she can be admitted to school.

All students attending school must be immunized against Hepatitis B, Varicella, Diphtheria,

Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Physicians administering such

immunizing agents are required to provide a certificate of immunization to the parent. A note

or letter from the parent is NOT acceptable.

Medication in Schools- State regulation and school policy state that any school staff or school

nurse may not dispense any medication to students UNLESS THERE IS A WRITTEN REQUEST

FROM THE PHYSICIAN AND WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM A PARENT OR GUARDIAN. The note

must state the dosage, frequency of and name of the medication. Medication must be brought

in by a parent in a properly labeled “original”/ pharmacy container. These regulations apply to

all drugs, even non-prescription drugs such as aspirin. Whenever possible, please try to arrange

to administer medication outside the school hours. If you send cough drops, ointments or

other over the counter products to school, please drop them off at the health office with

written permission and the nurse will administer the product.

Physical Exams- A physical exam is required for all children entering the school system for the

first time and all children entering grades K, 2, 4, 7, and 10. Proof of this exam must be a signed

physician’s physical appraisal form. If such an exam is not provided, the school is required by

law to provide the exam.

Health Screenings - NYS Education Law (Article 19, Section 905), and the Commissioners

Regulations, Section 136.3, requires that schools provide the following health screenings:

Vision screening for all newly enrolled students and students in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and

10.

Hearing screening for all newly enrolled students and students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10.

Scoliosis screening is done each year on all students in grades 5-9.

Parent(s) will be notified if there are any concerns during their child’s screening. Results of all

screenings will be documented in the student’s health record.

District Code of Conduct

The Board of Education of the Warrensburg Central School District is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, administrators, other District personnel, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal.

The District has a long-standing set of expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. These expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity. These expectations are clearly defined in the District’s Code of Conduct. The Code applies to all students, school personnel, parents and other visitors when on school property (including school transportation) or attending a school function.

The following is a summary of the Code. You may obtain a copy of the full Code of Conduct, or another copy of this summary from the main office of each District school building, and at the District’s central offices. The full code of conduct is also available on the district web site @ www.wcsd.org

The code contains the following provisions:

A. Student Rights

The District is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under state and federal law. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly and civil school environment, all District students have the right to:

1. Take part in all district activities on an equal basis regardless of race, weight, color, creed, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, gender or sexual orientation or disability.

2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty.

3. Access school rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.

B. Student Responsibilities

All District students have certain responsibilities as a member of the school community. These responsibilities include:

1. Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and to property.

2. Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.

3. Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class, on time, and prepared to learn.

4. Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of achievement possible.

5. React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.

6. Work to develop mechanisms to control their anger. 7. Ask questions when they do not understand. 8. Seek help in solving problems. 9. Dress appropriately for school and school functions. 10. Accept responsibility for their actions. 11. Conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending

school-sponsored extracurricular events and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

C. Student Conduct

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they:

A. Engage in conduct that is disorderly. B. Engage in conduct that is insubordinate. C. Engage in conduct that is disruptive. D. Engage in conduct that is violent. E. Engage in any conduct that endangers the safety, physical or mental health or welfare of others. F. Engage in misconduct while on a school bus. G. Engage in any form of academic misconduct. H. Engage in off-campus misconduct that interferes with, or can reasonably be expected to substantially disrupt the educational process in the school or at a school function. This includes the inappropriate use of social media, texting etc.

Dignity Act (Bullying, Harassment) - The Dignity Act relates to bullying as it is a form of harassment. Bullying has been described by the United States Department of Education (U.S.D.O.E.) as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying can occur before and after school hours, in a school building or places like a playground or bus, while a child is traveling to or from school or on the Internet. Children who are bullied and those who bully others could have serious, lasting problems. Additionally, according to the U.S.D.E. bullying generally involves the following characteristics:

An Imbalance of Power: Children who bully use their power, such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity, to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.

The Intent to Cause Harm: The person bullying has a goal of causing harm.

Repetition: Bullying behaviors generally happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once. Examples of bullying include, but are not limited to:

o Verbal: Name-calling, teasing, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, and

threatening to cause harm.

o Social: Spreading rumors about someone, excluding others on purpose, telling other children not to be friends with someone, and embarrassing someone in public.

o Physical: Hitting, punching, shoving, kicking, pinching, spitting, tripping, pushing,

taking or breaking someone’s things, and making mean or rude hand gestures. Additionally, under the Dignity Act, schools will be responsible for collecting and reporting

data regarding material incidents of discrimination and harassment. For more information

regarding the Dignity Act go to http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/