Student Handbook

School begins at 9:00 and ends at 3:15.
Student arrival time is 8:45. There is no student supervision before that time.

Regular attendance is important to a child's success in school. If your child is ill and must remain home from school for the day, please call the school nurse or the attendance officer between 7:45 and 9:00 to report the absence, or leave a message on the attendance office voice mail extension 6133 at any time.

Upon returning to school after an absence, the child must bring a written excuse. The note should contain the following information: Child's name, teacher's name, date(s) of absence, reason for absence, parent signature and the date the note is being sent to the school. An example of the information needed follows:

                                                             Friday, Sept. 16, 2005
Dear (name of teacher)
My son, John Smith, was absent from school Thursday September 15, 2005 due to a sore throat.
Mrs. Stanley Smith

You will receive a note or phone call from the attendance office if you fail to report the absence. The school needs the information to satisfy state records. Please note that if your child misses school for any reason other than family emergency or illness, your child's school record will reflect an illegal absence.

At times, your child may become ill while at school. At the beginning of the school year we ask you to complete an Emergency Medical form. If information on this form changes during the school year, please notify the school office. Only persons designated on the emergency form will be allowed to pick up your child from school unless you can be reached by phone. Please list two people other than yourself that can be reached during the day if there is an emergency.

In case of minor accidents or illness, the school nurse will administer first aid. Parents will be contacted to pick up the child if the nature of the injury or illness warrants. Parents should sign in and wait at the office rather than going to the child's classroom or to the nurse.

In case of serious injury, the parent will be notified as soon as possible. The school physician or nearest available physician will also be notified and first aid administered. Children are minors, and in all cases of serious injury, every effort will be made to contact parents. The parent or guardian is responsible for all treatment other than first aid. If the parent cannot be reached, however, emergency treatment will be carried out by the school physician or the family physician if he or she is known.

CHILD CARE BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

Child care before 8:45 am and after 3:15 pm is the responsibility of the parent.

Alden Primary is a site for the Kids Quest Program.

Morning care is available between 7:00 am and 8:45 am and from 3:15 pm until 6:00 pm.
Arrangements are made directly with Kids Quest by calling 685-5353.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM

Breakfast is served beginning at 8:45.

Breakfast prices are: Full Breakfast Price $.50 (Reduced Price $.25)

Breakfast consists of assorted cereal, assorted fruit juices, breads, pastry, bagels and milk. *Hot breakfasts are available on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Lunch times begin at 11:25 am with the last lunch ending at 1:45 pm.

Lunch price is $1.25 - (Reduced prices $.25)

Lunch consists of the main menu item selection or a daily selection of pizza or peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

We have a pre-pay option for full prices lunches. Check your monthly menu for details.

SCHOOL POLICIES

Fire Drills: Fire Drills will be conducted periodically throughout the school year. Everyone will move in an orderly and silent manner to points directed by their teachers where roll will be taken. If the fire alarm rings when students are in the hallways, they should leave by the nearest exit. If a student pulls the fire alarm, law enforcement will be notified. All adults must also exit the building during a fire drill.

Food and Beverages at School: There is pride in the Alden Primary School. Everyone must work together to keep our school attractive. Gum is not permitted at school. No food or drink is allowed in the classroom unless authorized by the teacher. Most teachers have a designated snack time.

CLASS TRIPS

Throughout the school year, field trips may be scheduled for academic enrichment and special purposes. All students are expected to accompany their class on field trips. Every effort will be made to keep costs to a minimum. Students with poor behavior records may need to be accompanied by a parent or may not be allowed to participate.

CONDUCT AND COURTESY

Respect and good manners should be the key to a student’s conduct at school. A good attitude toward teachers and fellow students will make school enjoyable for all. Students are expected to have respect for school property and to take care of books, desks, and other furniture and equipment.

Sexual Discrimination and Harassment: Sexual harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination and thus a violation of the laws which prohibit sex discrimination.

A learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment shall be maintained. It shall be a violation of policy for any member of the district staff to harass another staff member or students or for students to harass other students through conduct or communications of a sexual nature. Although this is not common in a primary building, there is a need to inform everyone of what is not appropriate conduct.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a condition of a person’s employment or educational development.
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting such individual.
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS - INCLEMENT WEATHER
 
As we all know, Western New York receives national attention for its winter weather. In the event of severe weather, the superintendent of schools asks that you tune your radio to WGR 550 on the AM dial and listen for “Alden Central Schools” to be announced.

If serious weather conditions make it impossible and/or dangerous for buses to travel, the schools will be closed. Schools are open in accordance with state law and must operate if at all possible.

Whenever an emergency, such as a heavy snowfall, necessitates the closing of Schools, announcements of the closings will be made by radio stations. If school is delayed, pick-up time will be the designated delay time (ie. 2 hours) from the regular pick-up time. For example, if regular pick-up is usually 8:30 am and there is an announced 2 hour delay then pick-up will be at 10:30 am. Please stay tuned to the radio for regular updates or changes.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Three conference days are held each year after 11:00 am - two in the fall and one in the spring. At this time, information regarding a child’s progress in school is presented in a way that promotes better understanding and cooperation between home and school toward our mutual goal - THE TOTAL EDUCATION OF YOUR CHILD.

Not all conferences can be held on just these three days, so other conferences are held during that week either before school, after school, or during teacher planning time. Phone conferences or written contact can also be effective. Parents are encouraged, however, to contact the school to arrange conferences whenever they feel there is a need.

If you would like to contact your child’s teacher by phone, please call the school secretary and leave a message. From 8:45 until 3:15 all calls will be put through to the teacher’s voice mail. Your child’s teacher will return your call during their planning time or before or after school.

CLASS PLACEMENT

Each spring we prepare to do class placements for all students in the Primary School. This is a lengthy and difficult process. Many factors must be considered before a student receives a class assignment. Teachers begin the process by providing information on a student placement information card. Teachers tell us academic information and social information.

They may make recommendations about separating students who do not get along or other input on a child’s learning style. We develop class lists that have a mixture of reading levels, a balance of boys and girls and we also have to accommodate several groups of students who receive speech, remedial reading, resource room, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other services.

We are fortunate to have a special education teacher assigned to every grade level. These teachers form a team with one or more teachers at a grade level and work in the regular classroom setting to give extra help to those students who may have a learning disability, physical disability etc. A regular school program is conducted by the classroom teacher with extra help provided to any student who may be struggling with a particular subject or activity. Teacher aides also lend assistance in these classes. This program is called Blended Services because it services a normal mix of students while helping children with learning difficulties in a regular classroom setting.

If a parent would like to have input in their child’s placement they should send a letter to the school principal by April 28th. The letter should be concerned with the child’s learning style, strengths and/or weaknesses. It is best to describe the type of educational environment that will match your child’s needs. There is always a possibility of assignment changes and other grouping needs so please do not request a specific teacher.

After all information has been received from parents and teachers, the class groups are then reviewed by your child’s present teacher to ensure that a good placement has been made.

An excellent life skill for students is to learn how to get along with a variety of teachers and students. Only in very rare circumstances is a placement changed once it is finalized in June. We appreciate your consideration and support.

2. Wait for the bus to stop and the red lights to flash before approaching the bus to board.

3. If the child must cross the road, he should cross in front of the stopped bus. Walk 10 feet in front of the bus, and wait for the driver’s signal.

4. Stay back from the road while waiting for the bus.

5. Stay seated while the bus is in motion.

6. There will be no food, beverages, glass, living creatures or medicine allowed on the bus.

7. Use proper language and use a quiet voice.

8. Keep all parts of the body inside the bus and out of the aisles.

9. Refrain from fighting, pushing, shoving, kicking and horse play.

Before the first day of school, your child will be provided with a bus tag which has your child’s name, bus symbol, and teacher’s name and room number. Please have your child wear this tag until further notice. If you have a different drop-off address or have moved, please notify the school immediately. (Also see Code of Conduct)

GOING TO A FRIEND’S HOUSE

If your child is to take a different bus home for any reason, such as going to a friend’s house to play after school, you will need a note stating this. It is also necessary for the parent of the friend to send a note. In this way we will know that both parents are aware of what is happening.

BUS CHANGES

Changes for a different pick-up or drop off point must be done by completing a Bus Transportation Change Form available from the office.
Changes from day to day will not be allowed.

DISMISSAL

If parents wish to pick up their child at the end of the day, they must send a note to school with their child. They then must complete the sign-out sheet. Sign out for regular dismissal will be done in the large dining room. Students will be sent to meet you. Dismissal time is 3:15. All children leaving the building during the day must be signed out in the office.

Please call or send a note by 2:00 pm if you need to pick up your child. This will ensure that your child will be clear about arrangements and will eliminate the need to make numerous calls to classrooms at the last minute. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and will speed up the dismissal process.

HEALTH / IMMUNIZATIONS

A certificate of immunization will be necessary by September. If this requirement is not met, your child will be excluded from school. We also require to have on file a copy of your child's birth certificate, and a form filled in by your physician following the pre-Kindergarten physical.

The following vaccines are required for your child to attend school. 

3 doses of diphtheria-containing toxoid (usually administered as DPT, DT, or TD

3 doses of oral polio virus vaccine (OVP) or enhance inactivated polio vaccine (EIPV)

1 dose of mumps vaccine administered after 12 months of age and one dose of varicella (chicken pox vaccine) 

3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccinations

1 dose of rubella vaccine administered after 12 months of age 

2 doses of measles vaccine, the first administered after 12 months of age and the second after 15 months of age.

Religious or medical exemptions to these requirements must be submitted to school officials in writing.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

Parents should report any communicable disease to the Health Office as soon as possible after the child had been diagnosed. Through your cooperation, we hope to reduce its spread. The most common of these diseases among elementary school-age children include strep throat, scarlet fever, chicken pox, pediculosis capitis (head lice), conjunctivitis (pink eye), impetigo, pinworm, scabies, fifth disease, and ringworm. The school nurse will advise you of the minimum school exclusion periods based on requirements and recommendations of the NYS Department of Health and the NYS Department of Education. You must bring your child to the school nurse to be checked for readmittance to school after a contagious disease. DO NOT send them on the school bus. DO NOT send a child with a fever, or who is vomiting to school until 24 hours after these symptoms have subsided. Please check with the school nurse if you have any questions.

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

Medication: The following procedures must be followed to provide safeguards and protection for your child’s health. This policy has been implemented district-wide. Our school nurse must follow these district regulations for any student who takes any medication during the school day.

4. During field trips or other school activities, classroom teachers will be advised by the nurse regarding procedures.

5. Over-the-counter medication may only be dispensed when brought to school by the parent with written permission which includes the name of the medication, the dosage and the time intervals at which it is to be dispensed. The medication must be in a manufacturer’s labeled bottle. OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS MUST ALSO HAVE A DOCTOR’S NOTE. THIS INCLUDES ALL COUGH DROPS, LOZENGES, LIP BALMS, SKIN CREAMS AND ANALGESICS.

Illness and injury: The nurse is available to administer first aid to students for any illness or injury that occurs during the school day. Parents are notified of any serious illness or injury. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide any follow-up medical care for their child. The school nurse does not take the place of a doctor. Please do not expect her to diagnose illness or treat injuries sustained outside of the school. Parents are also responsible for transporting their child when he/she need to be dismissed early due to illness or injury. Parents must have an alternate emergency number available in the Health Office in the event they cannot be reached. You will be asked to complete an “emergency form” at registration and at the beginning of each school year. Please notify the nurse of any changes so these cards are current. Please contact the people you have listed so that they are aware that they will be called if you are not available in the event of an emergency.

HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS & PARTIES

Report cards are sent home in November, March and June. More frequent reporting is not practical due to the highly developmental nature of the program. Should you wish to discuss your child’s progress you may call to make an appointment with your child’s teacher. Your child will frequently bring home notices from school. Please be on the lookout for these notices. Make it a habit to check your child’s folder and backpack very thoroughly everyday. We use these to keep you informed about special school activities and programs.

HELPING YOUR CHILD COPE

Please remember that your child’s teacher has become an important part of your child’s life. Please call if there has been a traumatic experience in your child’s life so that his/her teacher can more appropriately help your child deal with it. A teacher’s response for what seems to be a child’s lack of interest will be quite different from her response to a child who has just lost a pet or family member.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

This year we are offering “Catering your Child’s Birthday.” For a nominal fee our cafeteria will provide a cupcake and drink for your child’s birthday celebration. We enjoy sharing our birthdays with our friends, and you are welcome to send a treat for the day. It would be helpful to the teacher if you would send a note three days BEFORE the event so teachers can plan time for sharing. Please keep treats simple: a cookie, cupcakes, a small toy or pencil, etc. and send all necessary supplies, such as cups, spoons, napkins, etc. Please be respectful of allergies to foods in your child’s classroom. Your child’s teacher will alert you to anything you should be aware of. Summer birthdays may be celebrated at your discretion. A June celebration or a _ birthday in January or February (for July and August birthdays) are options. The PTO provides birthday books as a gift to the birthday child. Each child chooses his/her own birthday book to add to his/her home library.

We also have a birthday book contribution that can be made in your child’s honor. A family can donate a favorite storybook which will be marked with your child’s name. This book will be displayed and read during the week of his/her birthday. The book will then be processed and put into circulation. Our library collection has grown due to this program!

Sending Notes to School: Whenever you send a note to school, please send it in an envelope labeled with your child’s name, who the note is for (teacher, attendance, etc.) and a word or two explaining what the note is about. (Example:John Smith, Mrs. Brown’s class, Absentee note: or John Smith, Miss Black’s class, parent question) This will help the note get to the right place and will immediately let the teacher know whether the contents require her immediate attention, her attention after dismissal, or if the note is to be routed elsewhere.

Notes requiring the teacher’s response should be sent the same way. Please write URGENT on the envelope if it needs a response that day, otherwise, notes are usually answered the next day. If you do not get a response within two days and you have checked your child’s backpack thoroughly, please send another note or call your child’s teacher. Teachers want you to have accurate information. It makes their jobs much easier!

We request that parents not call their child’s teacher while the children are present as they cannot safely monitor the students while they are on the phone. We are available daily from 8:15 - 8:45, or 3:20 - 3:35. You may also wish to leave a message on their voice mail. Calls will be returned as soon as possible, usually the next day.

You will be notified of special training sessions for our volunteers. This will make volunteers aware of the activities, equipment and other things that will make your volunteer experience an enjoyable one!

Toys

Children are asked to refrain from bringing toys to school. Personal belongings have a tendency to become lost, broken, misused or "borrowed" by classmates. Our classrooms have plenty of toys for students to use. Toys and special items are allowed for individual classroom “show and share” days.

Special Note: For safety reasons, we ask that you pay special attention to the new drop-off areas and parking arrangements. We also ask that you drop children off at the main entrance area and not go to the classroom after the first three days of school. This will help with safety issues and also help your child become more confident and independent. It helps us monitor who is in the building. Anyone who needs to go to a classroom must sign in at the office and wear a volunteer or visitor tag.

GREETINGS FROM YOUR PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

I hope you had a safe, fun-filled summer! I hope you’ve been reading over the summer so we can start off right where we left off in June with teaching and learning.

I look forward to working with all of you and look forward to another successful school year.

Our Building Improvement Team will continue to develop long and short-term goals to help us provide the best possible educational experience we can for your children.

Our belief is that each child should be provided with the resources to enable him or her to grow into a socially, emotionally and intellectually well-rounded individual. We will use a variety of great teaching strategies, exposure to good literature, hands-on learning activities and excellent role models to achieve this goal.

We encourage good communication and strong parental support at home and through our volunteer program. We continue to offer volunteer training and a handbook, designed by a committee, to afford many more parents the opportunity to work at our school in a variety of capacities. Trained parent names will be approved by the Board of Education. You will be receiving monthly newsletters, menus and a school calendar, and we will soon have teacher and principal web-sites for you to visit on your computers. You can always leave a message on your child’s teachers’ voice mail or e-mail them!

This informational handbook highlights rules and five new expectations of our school. Please read it carefully and share with your entire family.

I look forward to a successful and exciting 2005-2006 school year!

Sincerely yours,

Mrs. Melanie Monacelli Principal

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