Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

POB Middle School Parent Handbook

Grades 7 & 8

2011-2012

Dear Parents, Welcome to the 2011 – 2012 school year! The staff in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District is looking forward to providing an exciting, educational experience for your child. This handbook was designed to provide you with information about our middle school curriculum, special programs, and general information regarding our schools. Included are the names and phone numbers of District personnel that you may need to utilize. We encourage communication between the parents and school. Please feel free to call us to clarify any questions or provide pertinent information regarding your child and his/her program. Enjoy the school year!

Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School

121 Central Park Road Plainview, NY 11803-2098

John McNamara, Principal Angela DeLessio, Assistant Principal Joan Wartell, Assistant Principal

Main Office 349-4750 First Alert 349-4753 Guidance Department 349-4756 School Nurse 349-4760

School Hours: 8:43 a.m. – 2:53 p.m. Intramurals/Clubs Period 0 (7:52 a.m.–8:34 a.m.) Monday, Wednesday Extra Help Period 9 (2:57 p.m.–3:38 p.m.) Tuesday, Thursday

Music Performing Groups: Grade 7/8 Chorus Period 9 (2:57 p.m. – 3:38 p.m.) Monday, Wednesday

and Period 0 (7:52 a.m. – 8:34 a.m.) Friday Grade 7-8 Symphonic Orchestra Period 0 (7:52 a.m. – 8:34 a.m.) Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Grade 7-8 Symphonic Band Period 0 (7:52 a.m. – 8:34 a.m.) Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Table of Contents

Curricular Programs

English Language Arts ....................................................................... 1 Goals of the Reading Curriculum ........................................................ 2 Writing Curriculum ............................................................................ 3 Mathematics ..................................................................................... 4 Science ............................................................................................. 5 Social Studies ................................................................................... 6 World Languages .............................................................................. 7

Specials

Music ............................................................................................... 8 Art ................................................................................................... 9 Health & Physical Education Programs .............................................. 10 Technology ..................................................................................... 11 Home & Careers .............................................................................. 11

Support Services

Testing Dates & Other Important Dates ............................................ 12 Gifted Program ............................................................................... 13 Middle School Enrichment For All ..................................................... 13 MAP Program .................................................................................. 13 Special Education Services ............................................................... 14 Psychologists .................................................................................. 14 Social Workers ................................................................................ 14 Guidance Counselors ....................................................................... 14

General Information

Parent/Teacher Organizations .......................................................... 15 Communicating with Parents ............................................................ 15 Child Care Program ......................................................................... 15 Health Services ............................................................................... 16 Emergency School Closings/Delayed Openings .................................. 16 Attendance Policy ............................................................................ 17 School Calendar .............................................................................. 18

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

All students will be expected to meet the New York State Standards for English Language Arts. That means students will read, write, listen and speak for:

Information and understanding Literary response and expression Critical analysis and evaluation

Social interaction

Additionally, all students will take the New York State ELA assessment in April. While each school enriches the language arts program with a myriad of worthwhile reading, listening, and speaking activities, what follows are the core reading and writing activities experienced by all students in the district.

Reading-Enriching reading experiences are offered to students in each

middle school grade. Literature and/or anthologies are used as resources to develop necessary reading skills. Additionally, reading experiences include author and genre studies targeted for each grade level. These might include:

Grade Author Genre 7 Avi Historical Fiction Gary Soto Realistic Fiction Cultural Fiction 8 Edgar Allan Poe Science Fiction Mark Twain Drama Cultural Fiction

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GOALS OF THE READING CURRICULUM

1. Each student will complete at least eight novels or non-fiction books per year. This number will include the summer reading program. 2. Each student will keep a reading record card listing the books he or she has read. The cards will follow each student through the grades, and the cards will be colored coded by grade level. 3. Each student will read a variety of literature, both fiction and non-fiction, and demonstrate evidence of both literal and inferential comprehension. 4. Each student will be able to identify and understand the various story elements that are embodied in a piece of fiction. 5. Each student will develop his/her ability at textbook reading in the content areas and demonstrate this through knowledge and use of graphic organizers, note taking, and study strategies. 6. Each student will develop strategies to enhance vocabulary knowledge including structural analysis, vocabulary in context, and other meaning-detecting skills. 7. Each student will demonstrate evidence of written response to literature including, but not limited to, use of journals, literary essays, retelling and/or summaries, comparison-contrast essays, and critical lens essays.

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WRITING CURRICULUM

In 7th grade each student will: respond to an essay question with a detailed, well-formed, multi-paragraph essay; focus

will be on formulating a controlling idea (thesis) and supporting it with specific details from the text

write a four-paragraph comparison/contrast essay that analyzes the similarities and differences between works of literature, characters, genres, etc.

write a narrative essay describing an incident in his/her lives; this essay will follow narrative story format (introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution)

write a four-paragraph persuasive essay that gives his/her opinion supported with at least two clear reasons followed by examples

accurately reflect information provided by listening passage edit paragraphs with errors in capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and usage write for critical analysis and evaluation of author's use of literary devices

In 8th grade each student will: respond to critical lens essay question with a detailed, well-formed, multi-paragraph

essay; focus will be on formulating a controlling idea (thesis) and supporting it specific details from the text

write a four-paragraph comparison/contrast essay that analyzes the similarities and difference between works of literature, characters, genres, etc.

write a cause and effect essay using several sources of information that presents the causes of a problem, issue or event and the effects

write a descriptive essay that provides a colorful picture of people, places, things, events or ideas; this essay should touch on all sensory areas

write responses to various literary and information listening passages

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MATHEMATICS The Middle School Mathematics Program at Plainview-Old Bethpage offers students a hands-on mathematics experience. The New York State Core Curriculum is covered and students are prepared for the Grades 5-8 NYS Mathematics assessments administered in May. The chart below illustrates some of the topics covered at each grade level. Accelerated students will study seventh and eighth grade mathematics in the seventh grade and will begin to prepare for the Integrated Algebra Regents Exam in the eighth grade, using the AMSCO text.

Grade Topics

More advanced statistical applications (mean, median, mode, quartiles), review of graphs of data, exponents, order of operations on whole numbers, simple evaluation of algebraic expressions, solutions of simple first degree equations, more applications of fractions, decimals, and percents (sales tax, discounts, etc.), ratio and proportion, introduction to negative rational numbers, volume and surface area of simple solids, compound and shaded area of plane geometric shapes, area and circumference of circles, some solid geometry, Pythagorean Theorem, more on probability.

Evaluating more complex algebraic expressions, solving equations with parentheses and variables on both sides, graphing inequalities on the number line, the coordinate system, plotting linear equations on the coordinate axes, verbal problems involving linear equations, applications of ratio and proportion, volume and surface area of more complex solids (cones, pyramids, spheres, prisms), more advanced applications of percent, operations on polynomials.

(Accelerated)

All topics covered in the seventh and eighth grade non-accelerated curriculum.

(Accelerated)

Solving linear and quadratic equations, simplifying algebraic equations, adding, subtracting, and factoring polynomials, graphing systems of linear and/or quadratic equations and inequalities, operations on rational expressions, solving equations and proportions with variables in the denominator, simplifying radicals, rationalizing denominators, applications of the Pythagorean theorem involving variables, applications of geometry involving variables, absolute value, right triangle trigonometry, exponential growth and decay, statistics, probability.

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The Middle School Science Program at Plainview-Old Bethpage offers students a hands-on science experience. Lessons are designed from an MST (Math, Science and Technology) perspective. Students are encouraged to develop their understanding of the subject through inquiry and

experimentation. The New York State Core Curriculum is covered and students are well prepared for the

Grade 8 Intermediate Level Science Assessment. Students that demonstrate the academic ability and readiness to accelerate are encouraged to enroll in the Accelerated Earth Science Regents class offered in the 8th grade. The chart below illustrates some of the units covered and the kits used at each grade level.

Grade Topics

7 Life Science and Chemistry

8 Physical Science - Earth Science, Physics

Accelerated 8 Regents Earth Science

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SCIENCE

SOCIAL STUDIES The Middle School Social Studies Program facilitates student familiarity with all areas of the world, culminating in an in-depth study of our own nation. We encourage investigation through projects, collaborative learning, technology-supported research, interdisciplinary instruction and many other strategies designed to engage students. Our classes are heterogeneously organized throughout the middle school experience. Both the New York State Core Curriculum and New York State Standards are exceeded in our curriculum.

Grade 7 & Grade 8-The course of study in grades 7 & 8 focuses on a chronologically

organized study of the United States and New York State history. In these grades, the volume of work steadily increases and, consequently, there is greater need to work on organizational skills. Through 7th and 8th grade, students continue to learn the fundamentals of DBQ writing and establish the foundation necessary to be successful essay writers. Likewise, increased emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Self assessment becomes a more frequently used tool.

Grade 7-Students investigate the heritage of the American people prior to 1500,

exploration and colonization of the Americas, the creation of our nation, the founding of our government, life in the new nation, sectionalism, The Civil War and Reconstruction.

Grade 8-Students investigate the growth of our industrialized society, the emergence of the United States as an international power, American society between the wars, United States as a world leader, the changing nature of the American people from World War II to the present and citizenship in today’s world.

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WORLD LANGUAGES

New York State Standards for Languages Other Than English: Students will be able to use a language other than English for communication. Students will develop cross-cultural skills and understandings.

Students in our middle schools are given the opportunity to explore and eventually select a world language for study. The two languages offered are French and Spanish.

Our world language classes are active participation classes designed to provide our students with opportunities to communicate in their new language and gain an understanding of other cultures.

Grade 7 In addition to continuing to learn how to engage in simple conversations in their second language, students begin to learn to read and write in their new language. Seventh grade topics include expressing likes and dislikes, leisure activities, sports, hobbies, family life and school life. Students will also be able to identify the countries and major cities where their second language is spoken.

Grade 8 Vocabulary topics include making social plans, occupations and professions, community services such as the post office, plane and train travel, health, daily routines, food, clothing, shopping, and holiday celebrations. The students will also progress from describing events in the present tense to being able to describe past actions.

Under current regulations, in order to receive one High School credit in World Languages before entering grade 9, students are required to pass the seventh grade introductory course, the eighth grade level one course and the Foreign Language Association of Chairpeople and Supervisors’ Checkpoint A Exam in Spanish or French.

CONTACT Mr. Brian O’Sullivan, World Languages Chair K–12, can be reached by phone at (516) 937-6369 ext. 277 or via e-mail at bosullivan@pob.k12.ny.us

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MUSIC

Classroom Music - Grade 7: Students continue to develop the study of rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, form, dynamics, musical theater, music appreciation and music history through activities including listening, singing, playing classroom instruments, and movement. Performing Ensembles – Band, Orchestra and Chorus - Grades 7 and 8: Instrumental students are encouraged to continue the band or orchestra instrument they began in elementary school. Students who choose to participate in chorus can also participate in an instrumental ensemble (band or orchestra). The students in all ensembles continue to develop their individual musicianship and ensemble skills. The performing ensembles in the middle school are graded classes. Ensemble rehearsals take place either “0” period or period 9 at POBMS, or period 9 at MMS. In addition to the full ensemble rehearsals, there are group lessons for band and orchestra students scheduled on a rotating basis through the day. Parents play an important role in encouraging students to practice at home. Performance ensemble concepts include:

Proper technique, position, posture, grip, breathing, diction, etc.

Rhythm, articulation and phrasing Sight reading Tone production Dynamics Practice techniques

Rehearsal procedures/ensemble playing Instrument maintenance

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ART

The Middle School Art Program builds on the strengths of the foundation established by the elementary art concepts and practices and bridges to the high expectations of the competitive high school art program. The following outline presents a general overview of each grade level experience and identifies some of the mediums and areas of emphasis. Projects, interpretations and outcomes vary from year to year and from class to class.

GRADE 7 Refine applied design skills Draw from observation Develop three-dimensional drawing skills Color theory Develop art vocabulary (Students in 7th grade have art every other day for half of the year = 45 sessions) (A placement exam will be given to identify students for Art 9 in Grade 8. Art 9 students begin AP Portfolio Development in 9th Grade.)

GRADE 8 Refine design and color concepts Apply problem-solving Use sculpture as a reference point within a display (animal in its habitat) Continue drawing from observation (Students in 8th grade have art every day for half of the year = 90 sessions) (Art 9 students meet every day for a full year = 180 sessions = high school credit toward graduation. Earth Science students meet every other day for a full year= 90 sessions = ½ credit.)

GRADE 9 Develop personal style Explore selected themes Refine drawing skills Refine techniques in classic drawing mediums (pencil, pastels, paint, etc.)

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HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Health and Physical Education Program is a seamless K-12 curriculum. The two related disciplines, health and physical education, focus on the whole child, fostering successful experiences, and creating positive learning environments with an emphasis on the acquisition of life skills to promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy decision making. This tenet recognizes and supports the individuality of students’ growth and development, and the broad variety of personal achievement levels. This will lay the ground work for each child to develop into a productive citizen with a positive outlook and a healthful quality of life. Health Education is skills based, providing students with useful personal tools to make educated, informed health-related decisions. Physical education has an emphasis on personal fitness. The students are provided a varied curriculum designed to offer everyone a physical outlet to promote fitness. Through an integrated sequential curriculum, students will practice decision-making skills that foster independence and informed risk-taking; practice goal setting and problem solving; develop kinesthetic intelligence; and acquire social interaction skills, cooperation skills, and respect and tolerance for others. The students will also learn to channel their energy and creative spirit into constructive participation and use of leisure time and build relationships in school, family and community daily. The middle school program must encompass the needs of the whole child by recognizing that each child develops at his or her own pace. Students will gain skills, knowledge, personal confidence, positive attitudes toward fitness and personal health, and acquire a means to attain personal wellness. The activities and lessons are multidisciplinary that highlight interactions in the physical, emotional, mental and social domains. Through all of the middle school grades, by engaging the students, we endeavor to make every experience fun and attainable. The end product for the students is lasting health and fitness and the means to attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives.

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TECHNOLOGY

Introduction to Technology is a course of study designed to enable 7th and 8th grade students to understand the concepts that underlie technological systems. Students will learn about the influence of technological systems on their total lifestyle including home, school, and the world of work.

Topics included in the 7th Grade curriculum:

Problem Solving/Decision Making Measurements

Using Machines and Tools Manufacturing Designing Construction Machine Safety

Topics included in the 8th Grade curriculum: Problem Solving/Decision Making Using Machines and Tools

Safety Issues Mechanical Drawing Engineering

HOME & CAREERS

Home & Career Skills is a class designed to help adolescents live in a society of constant change and help them prepare for their present and future responsibilities as family members, consumers, home managers, and wage earners.

Topics included in the 7th Grade curriculum:

Career Planning o Preparing a Career Plan o Career Café

Problem Solving/Decision Making Nutrition Education

o Diet/Disease o Eating Disorders-

obesity, anorexia, bulimia o Kitchen Safety and Sanitation o Meal Planning/Healthy Eating Choices

Sewing Skills o Use and Care of a Sewing Machine o Projects

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2011-2012 TESTING DATES

As of 8/18/2011, New York State Department of Education has not published the 2011-2012 testing dates.

TBD Grades 5 – 8 NYSESLAT Speaking

TBD Grades 5 – 8 NYSED ELA Test

TBD Grades 5 – 8 NYSED Math Test

TBD Grades 5 – 8 NYSESLAT

TBD Grade 8 NYSED Science Objective & Performance

TBD Grade 8 NYSED Science Written

TBD Grade 8 Earth Science Lab Practical

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

September 27 MMS Grades 7 & 8

POBMS Back-to-School

November 8 Superintendent’s Conference Day

December 1 MMS P/T Conferences POBMS L-Z Grades 7 & 8

December 7 MMS P/T Conferences POBMS A-K Grades 7 & 8

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GIFTED PROGRAM

The program in Project Challenge is designed to foster self-directed learning by encouraging exploration, inquiry, in-depth study and reflective thinking. Adhering to an overarching theme, children participate in interdisciplinary learning experiences that focus on critical thinking, intellectual discussion, interpretation, creativity, research and problem-solving.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ENRICHMENT FOR ALL

In an effort to bring the Enrichment for All experience to all middle school students, we have developed a plan that will introduce and develop the skills of writing a research paper in any discipline. It is imperative that students enter the high school with the skills set of conducting literature research, physical research and especially in writing a research document.

7th grade – During the spring semester every 7th grade student will be introduced to the basic steps for conducting research. They will use an inquiry model to find a topic of interest and will conduct basic literature research on that topic to help them establish essential question. The overarching theme of all inquiry must be related to global impact. This will be the foundation for their 8th grade research endeavor.

8th grade – During the fall semester every 8th grade student will participate in a research-based experience. Students will develop an understanding of how inquiry is essential for conducting effective and meaningful research. Students will

learn skills for researching literature use the research wheel to organize their findings select a topic related to the concept of global impact conduct research on their topic create a research based document present their findings to their peers

MAP PROGRAM

As part of our Middle School Advisory Program (MAP), all middle school students will be assigned to an advisory period that will take place between first and second periods of the day. The goal of MAP is to ensure that each student has at least one staff member who knows that child well and acts as their advocate throughout their middle school

years. MAP will include activities and discussions that help students develop friendships, support academic success and promote good work habits and organizational skills. Students will meet for 10 minutes each day in small groups lead by their MAP advisors. Once per month students will stay with their MAP group for an extended period of 26 minutes to participate in more comprehensive activities that address the goals of the program.

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SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

Special education services are provided to students based on recommendations made by the Committee on Special Education. Services may include: consultant teacher services, resource room instruction, integrated co-teaching, special class instruction, related services and declassification support services.

PSYCHOLOGISTS

The psychologist’s role in the middle school involves support to school staff, parents, and students regarding any academic, emotional, social or behavioral needs that may arise. The psychologist evaluates students who are referred to the CSE to assist in determining if special education services are necessary. The psychologist also provides counseling and crisis intervention services. They are an active participant in the development of functional

behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans, and facilitate their implementation. The school psychologist’s consultation with teachers, administration, parents, and outside providers is an integral component in ensuring the student’s success.

SOCIAL WORKERS The social worker in the middle school supports students’ academic and social success by providing specialized services that may include:

Individual and group counseling Crisis intervention for students and families Substance abuse prevention and awareness activities Intervention services for students with attendance and disciplinary issues Assistance for students in developing advocacy skills and/or social skills Referrals for community resources Liaison between school and community agencies

The social worker provides intensive services for students experiencing multiple risk factors to support educational success. Students and families receive assistance in obtaining resources within the school and community.

GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Middle school years can be positive ones of self-discovery for children. The guidance counselors work with administration, staff, parents and students in many ways through our comprehensive counseling program. Each service is aimed at helping children learn and develop to their highest potential. Our goal

is to provide opportunities to promote excellence and success for all students.

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PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATIONS

Each school in the district has a PTA and the district has a Special Education Parent-Teacher Association (SEPTA). If you are interested in getting involved, consult your calendar for dates and times of the meetings. For further information regarding SEPTA meetings, contact the Office of Pupil Personnel Services at 937-6325.

COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS All schools in the district use written reports designed to interpret the student’s progress in academic fields and personal development. These reports are issued four times per year. At the elementary level, parent/teacher conferences are held in the fall and the spring. Please see the district calendar for the specific dates.

Parents are urged to discuss the schoolwork, tests, and quarterly reports with their child. When a child is experiencing difficulties, parents should contact the child’s teacher to determine the reason for the difficulties so that a plan for improvement may be developed and implemented.

CHILD CARE PROGRAM

Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District offers child care for children in the middle schools in grades 5 - 8. The Child Care Program is located in both Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School and Mattlin Middle School. Before-school care begins an hour prior to the start of the school day. The morning program is contingent upon registration. The afterschool program is a flexible program beginning at the close of the day (8th period) coordinating with 9th period activities until 6:00 pm.

Registration for all programs is accepted throughout the year. For more information, contact Cindy DuBoff at the Child Care office, 349-4776 X249 between the hours of 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm during the school year.

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HEALTH SERVICES The registered nurse is a resource for the planning, coordination, and implementation of an effective program meeting all the requirements set forth in the New York State laws and the Commissioner’s regulations. These include monitoring of physical examinations, immunizations as well as vision, hearing and scoliosis screening. A cumulative health record is maintained for all students. Registered nurses are available for emergency care as well as consultation in all matters pertaining to the health and well-being of the students. Physical examinations are required by October 1st for all students entering 7th grade. Physicals are also required for all new entrants as well as for any student participating in a sports activity. The nurses will also check to make sure that your child’s immunizations are up-to-date. New entrants and students in grades 5 and 7 will be screened for distance vision. All students are required to have DPT, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Hepatitis B and Varicella vaccines as mandated by NYS law. All students entering 6th grade as of 2008 are required to have a tdap immunization. If your child is to be excused from Physical Education for the day, a note is required. If a student visits a doctor and is to be medically excused from participating in class, a doctor’s note is required with the length of time for excuse. If your child must take medication in school, please contact the school nurse. The school may not give your child any medication (including over-the-counter) internally and externally, unless there is a written direction by the family physician and parent. Students are not permitted to administer their own medication in school. Contact Information It is most important that the contact information form be returned to the office and the school nurse. The individuals you choose for this responsibility should be able to come to school during the day to pick up your child if necessary. Please update your contact information as necessary.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS/DELAYED OPENINGS In the event of inclement weather or emergency conditions, the Superintendent of Schools determines whether schools will be closed or there will be a delayed opening of schools. If it is determined that the conditions will allow for the safe arrival of staff and students, the Superintendent may authorize a one and one-half hour delay in the start of the school day. This alternative to closing the schools permits greater flexibility in meeting the 180 day minimum session requirement for students set by the New York State Education Department. A delayed opening schedule means that classes will start one and one-half hours later than normal and transportation will be provided one and one-half hours later than the normal pickup for all district and private schools. In the event of a delayed opening, “Parent Link” will be activated in the same way it would be if schools were to be closed for the day. Please make sure the school has your current telephone number in order for you to receive this call. Delayed Starting Time Mattlin Middle School 9:30 am Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School 10:13 am

In the event that schools are closed or delayed in opening because of inclement weather or other emergency, the following radio and TV stations will be notified and will make announcements, usually from 7:00 am to 9:00 am. WCBS 880AM WBAB 102.3FM WKJY 98.3FM WHLI 1100AM WALK 97.5FM WINS 1010AM WGBB 1240AM Cablevision Ch. 12 In addition, “Parent Link” will send a message to all families with active phone numbers in our system. NOTE: With the cooperation of the Plainview Fire Department, arrangements have been made to sound the fire siren at 6:30 am, 7:00 am, and 7:30 am promptly. When the emergency conditions warrant the closing of schools, listen for the signal.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY

Every student has a right to educational opportunities that will enable the student to develop his or her fullest potential. Our attendance policy is based upon the principle that regular school attendance maximizes the student’s interaction with his or her teachers and peers. Attendance is a major component of academic success. Poor attendance may be reflected in the class participation components of your child’s grade.

Any student taking a high school level course will be denied course credit where he/she has exceeded eighteen (18) absences for a full year course or exceeded nine (9) absences for a half year course exclusive of absences for approved school sponsored trips and activities and pre-arranged school appointments. In 7th and 8th grade students who fall below the minimum standards for attendance will be given a grade of “incomplete.” Students in middle schools who receive incompletes must make up their work to earn a final grade by attending summer school. For courses not offered in summer school, students must satisfactorily complete, over the summer, an independent project under the supervision of the principal and/or his designee. The Commissioner of Education defines excused absences as absences due to personal illness, illness or death in the family, impassable roads or weather, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearances, attendance at health clinics, approved college visits, approved cooperative work programs, or military obligations.

Absences due to a family trip or vacation are NOT excused and will be reflected as illegal on the child’s permanent record.

When a student is absent, please notify the school by phoning the school’s first alert number as soon as possible. On the day of return, the student must bring in a written excuse from home.

If a student is absent for an extended period of time due to illness, injury or hospitalization, contact the Office of Pupil Personnel Services for information and, if indicated, an application for Home Tutoring Services.

Parents will be notified of excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused. Should absences persist, a meeting with school personnel will be scheduled to assess the situation and devise an appropriate plan to remedy the situation. Similar procedures apply to excessive tardiness.

Where a student’s absenteeism is due to parents’ failure to enable his or her attendance, and the student is of compulsory age, school personnel are obligated to report the matter as “educational neglect” to the State Department of Social Services.

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BOARD OF EDUCATION

2011-2012 Mr. Gary Bettan, President

Mrs. Amy Pierno, Vice President Mrs. Debbie Bernstein

Mr. Angel Cepeda Mrs. Ginger Lieberman

Mrs. Evy Rothman Mrs. Emily Schulman

Central Administration

Mr. Gerard W. Dempsey, Jr..............................................................Superintendent of Schools Ms. Jill M. Gierasch …………………….……………Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Mr. Arthur Jonas..................................................................................Deputy Superintendent Mr. Ryan Ruf........................................................................Asst. Superintendent for Business Ms. Ellie Becker…………...................................................... Director of Pupil Personnel Services Ms. Catherine Maiman………...................Asst. Director of Special Education, Grades Preschool-4 Ms. Dolores Binstock.…..….………..………..............Asst. Director of Special Education, Grades 5-8 Ms. Sandy Steinberg........................................Asst. Director of Special Education, Grades 9-12 Mr. Kevin McDermott.............................Director of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics Dr. Judith Chen................................................................................................Director of Art Mr. Joshua Golbert........................................................................................Director of Music Mr. Guy Lodico.....................................................................................Director of Technology Ms. Kim Parahus……………………………………………….Director of School Facilities and Operations II Ms. Nadine Eiring............................................District Transportation Specialist & Safety Officer Mr. Mark Donovan............................................................................Transportation Supervisor

Mission Statement

The mission of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District is to provide an academically challenging and stimulating environment for all students, and to enable them to realize their full potential to be happy, ethical and analytical citizens of the world. We do this by:

making tolerance, acceptance, respect, honesty and kindness expectations for all students, and for members of the Plainview-Old Bethpage school community;

identifying each student’s academic, social-emotional, aesthetic and

physical needs, and striving to meet those needs; and

encouraging communication between and among students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members