PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome to Mill Road Intermediate School!

At Mill Road Intermediate School we strive to meet the needs of all students. The faculty and staff believe that every child is unique, and that all can be successful. We believe it is our responsibility to help facilitate the development of each child’s maximum potential academically, physically, socially and emotionally. We are committed to providing opportunities to help students make self-directed and responsible decisions.

This handbook is intended to clearly define the procedures for students as they move to the Intermediate Wing of the Mill Road School, where Grades 3, 4, and 5 are located. The success of the transition is only possible with the cooperation and hard work from students, parents, and staff. It is our goal to provide students with the background and good work habits they will need to be successful here at Mill Road, at the secondary level and throughout life.

Parental support is a key ingredient to a child’s success in school. The school/home partnership is strengthened with two-way communication. School personnel will communicate through conferences, newsletters, phone calls, etc. We encourage you to contact us with your questions or concerns, as well.

Please read this handbook with your child and discuss the many important issues included. Together, we will create and maintain a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment for our students. We want our students to find school an enjoyable, meaningful and rich experience.

Thank you for your support and please stay involved with your child’s education. We have an active and supportive PTA, and are proud of the community support we receive. We look forward to working with you on behalf of the children at Mill Road.

Very truly yours,

Brian Boyd Intermediate Principal

The mission of the Red Hook Central School District shall be to develop in its students the skills, the knowledge, intellectual integrity and social consciousness to prepare them to accept the obligations and opportunities found in a free and complex society. The district seeks to provide a challenging educational environment that fosters and rewards the values of respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity and community service in all its members.

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ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Background

The academic program initiated in the Primary Grades is continued in the Intermediate Grades. Students study Reading, Math, Language, Spelling, Writing, Handwriting, Science, Health, and Social Studies. In addition, there are opportunities for students to learn to use computers and apply those skills in the academic areas. There are also additional opportunities in the Fine Arts areas through participation in Band, Chorus, and other special programs designed to infuse the Fine Arts into other areas of the curriculum. A review of instruction follows. Please note that instruction is presented in accordance with New York State and some locally developed curriculum guides.

Reading

In grades 3-5, reading instruction is addressed in two ways. Students have a current literature based basal reading series, which not only provides students with quality thematic based literature, but also provides teachers with an impressive array of materials to provide both support and enrichment in reading skills. This allows teachers to implement instruction in specific skill areas that need to be addressed by both individuals and groups of students.

In parallel to the reading series, teachers use novels which often support content areas of instruction, such as books about the American Revolution. Students may also read books that are of high interest to children or are examples of quality literature that the teacher feels the children should be exposed to. Selection of book titles is the responsibility of the individual reading teacher. Selections are made from collections of books made available to each grade level.

Students may group for reading between and within individual classrooms. Teaming and collaboration on the part of teachers is encouraged.

Additional instruction in reading is provided in the C.A.I. Lab. The software package in use provides strands which cover a host of reading and language skills.

Students needing extra help in reading may be assigned to classes with the Title I reading teacher. Students may also receive assistance from a Special Education teacher.

Mathematics

To facilitate instruction, we select a textbook series that is closely aligned with the math curriculum prescribed by the State Education Department. We use this series across the grades. Current trends in mathematics instruction call for the implementation of integrated instruction, where practical applications of math are integrated into other instructional areas. An increased emphasis on the use of manipulatives and technology

2 are also present in our math instruction. Some grouping may take place at the discretion of instructors.

Language Arts and Communications

The various components of Language Arts are difficult to separate, as they are related in function. Although instruction in the various areas of language is often integrated, we do view them as separate subjects.

A textbook series is used across the Intermediate Grades to provide a framework for instruction in language. It provides opportunities for students to practice their reading, listening, writing, punctuation, and grammatical skills. The skills taught in language also integrate well into the reading program.

Spelling textbooks are currently in use. While students are expected to learn to spell prescribed lists of words, teachers often supplement that listing with words from various areas of curriculum.

An ability to communicate in writing is a priority area of instruction. Competency in writing is a requirement for high school graduation and New York State mandated tests are administered at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Students are taught the process of writing and are given the opportunity to practice on a daily basis.

Instruction is also provided in handwriting. Most students are introduced to the Palmer Method in Second Grade and further develop the ability to write in cursive in Third and subsequent grades.

Keyboarding is introduced in Third Grade. Students who become proficient are introduced to word processing. This usually occurs in Fourth Grade. By the Fifth Grade, students are encouraged to use computers for processing writing assignments.

Social Studies

Instruction is in accordance with the New York State Syllabus and themes are examined from social, political, economic, geographic, and historical perspectives. Focus for each grade is as follows: Grade Three - Communities around the world. Grade Four - Local History viewed in parallel to American History with a particular emphasis on site visitations. Grade Five - Growth and development of the United States and an awareness of Canada and Latin America.

Science

Science is taught in conjunction with the curriculum published by the State Education Departments. A hands-on approach to instruction is emphasized. Science kits

3 and other manipulative materials are available for student use. A text may be provided to each student. Teachers may team for instruction.

Health

Units on health and nutrition are incorporated into instruction. There is an emphasis on prevention and accordingly, students receive information on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, the dangers of smoking and age appropriate AIDS awareness instruction.

Physical Education

Students in grades, 3, 4, and 5 attend Physical Education class three times each week for forty minute sessions. A variety of units are taught throughout the school year and students are expected to do their best in each activity. Sneakers are required for Physical Education classes. In addition, students are expected to wear appropriate clothing that will allow them to fully participate in class. Classes may be moved outside to adjacent playing fields when weather is appropriate. A combination of team teaching and individual class teaching occurs during Physical Education instruction.

Art

Students go to the Art Room once each week for instruction. Instruction is provided by a certified art teacher. Instruction emphasizes the development of personal artistic skills and art appreciation. Student art is displayed throughout the school.

Music

Students in the Intermediate Grades attend general music class twice each week. This instruction provides students with opportunities to appreciate many forms of music and exposes them to musical theory and the history of music. Students sing and learn simple instruments and this may lead to their participation in band or chorus in Grades 4 and 5.

Music lessons on band instruments are available to Fourth and Fifth Grade students. Students are excused from class for those lessons. Instrumental students may participate in Band.

Band and Chorus practice before school each week. Participating students may ride the early bus from Linden Avenue Middle School.

Technology

The Red Hook Central School district is aware of the importance of technology in our changing world. A computer curriculum is in place. Beginning in grade 3, students

4 visit the Computer Lab twice a week where they learn the proper techniques for keyboarding and operation of a computer. They progress at their own pace and, when ready, learn a word processing program. When word processing has been mastered, they are able to apply their computer time to other forms of writing such as creative writing and researching and writing reports in different subjects. The Internet is available for students who have appropriate permissions and user agreements on file.

Adjacent to the Computer Lab is the Computer Assisted Instruction Lab. In C.A.I., students work in the CompassLearning Odyssey program and complete activities which reinforce their knowledge and skills in language arts, social studies, science and math.

Class sets of networked laptop computers are available for use in each classroom. There is also a broadcast studio which can send live and taped video, as well as programming from other sources such as cable, satellite, or CD ROM, to each classroom.

Field Trips

Field trips are used to enhance instruction and provide students with first hand experiences. In Fourth Grade, field trips are an integral part of the social studies curriculum and allow students to visit local historical sites. Trips are also used to provide students with hands-on experiences in science and other subjects. Examples of field trip activities are attendance at plays, visiting museums, and engaging in other educational and culturally enriching experiences.

Homework

Homework is an integral part of our academic program and may be expected in each grade. It is assigned for a variety of reasons such as reinforcing classroom instruction, providing opportunities for independent work, and to allow students to finish work started in school.

Assessment

Progress reports are issued four times each year at ten week intervals. These provide short term assessments of each child’s social and academic progress.

Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, students in grades 3-5 will take a New York State English Language Arts Examination (ELA) and a New York State Math Examination. In addition, Fourth Graders will take a New York State Science Examination and Fifth Graders will take a New York State Social Studies Examination.

5 Based on past experience, these examinations will be administered around the following times:

Third Grade ELA: January Third Grade Math: March Fourth Grade ELA: January Fourth Grade Math: March Fourth Grade Science: April/May Fifth Grade ELA: January Fifth Grade Math: March Fifth Grade Social Studies: November

Promotion, Placement, and Retention

Our philosophy emphasizes the recognition of student individuality and developmental readiness. For this reason, we have Level A Kindergarten and Pre-First classes in the Primary Grades. We try to address a child’s academic problems in the early grades and usually do not schedule a child for more than one extra year in the elementary grades.

When a child is having academic difficulty, our policy calls for notification of parents by the end of the second quarter. Our goal at that point is to ensure that changes are implemented which will allow the child to succeed. When those efforts are not successful, we meet with the parents to make a decision on the benefits of retention. If we feel that retention is warranted and parents do not agree, parents may sign off and, depending on the specific circumstances, the child may be Promoted or Placed to the next grade.

Students are Placed when they have not earned a clear promotion. It is possible for students who are Placed to be reassigned should they have academic difficulty in their new assignment.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Title I Reading and Math

Programs of remediation exist in both subject areas. Entry into the program is based on standardized test performance and teacher recommendation. At the Intermediate Level, instruction is usually provided outside of the regular classroom.

6 Special Education

Students suspected of having a handicapping condition which interferes with their ability to learn are referred to the District’s Committee on Special Education. The C.S.E. reviews the child’s status and, if warranted, may designate a pupil as educationally handicapped. Those designated are assigned to an appropriate level of service. Currently at Mill Road, students may be assigned to an integrated classroom or receive support services in a regular education class. Support services include Speech and Language Therapy, working in Resource Room, in-class assistance by Consulting or Resource Teachers.

Parents are involved whenever Special Education services are considered. They are notified in writing and must consent to the evaluation process before procedures are implemented. They may also initiate referrals to the C.S.E. The classroom teacher and building principal may be contacted if there are any concerns in this regard.

Counseling Services

Psychologists and a social worker are available to provide counseling services. Individual and group formats are used. Counseling written into a handicapped child’s Individual Education Plan (I.E.P) is considered to be mandated counseling. Other counseling is provided based on availability and the recommendations of teachers, parents and administration.

Child Study Team

A multi-disciplinary team is available for consultation when a particular child is having difficulty in school. The team consists of the building principal, school social worker, school psychologist, school nurse, and other professionals as warranted. The usual procedure involves a referral by the classroom teacher to the team for consideration of a particular student. It is the classroom teacher’s responsibility to inform parents that a child has been referred to the Child Study Team and to communicate team recommendations to the student’s parents.

504 Committee

The Child Study Team may also serve as a 504 Committee. The purpose of this committee is to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Act and provide students with services when failure to have those services could interfere with success in one or more of life’s major activities. Short term accommodations, participation in remedial and special education services, and other services may be provided as needed to individual students.

7 PUPIL PERSONNEL ITEMS

Health Office and Student Medication

The Intermediate Wing Health Office is staffed by a Registered Nurse. Her duties are to ensure that immunization and physical examination requirements are met, to treat student illnesses and administer first aid, to administer prescribed medications, and to monitor student attendance.

Internal medication can only be administered under the following conditions. It must be prescribed by a licensed physician and brought to school by a parent in the original container. Written consent from the parent and specific written instruction from the physician prescribing the medication must also be submitted. Students are not allowed to carry and take their own medication during the school day. These requirements also apply to over the counter medications.

Student Attendance

School attendance is mandatory for New York State students who have reached the age of six. It is also a critical factor in a student’s academic success. You are encouraged to ensure that your child has a good attendance record. If your child should be absent, he/she should present a note to the nurse upon their return. If a note is not received within 48 hours of returning to school, the absence will be marked as illegal. You are encouraged to call the school nurse at 758-2241 ext. 2235 if an extended absence is necessary. Likewise, the nurse will call you to check on your child’s progress in the event of absence. Children with infectious or contagious conditions may be excluded from school pending treatment. The School Nurse will advise parents in regard to specific situations.

Perfect Attendance

Students will need to be in school for a full day to be eligible for perfect attendance. Late buses and religious holidays will not be held against a student’s record. A child who has been tardy or has left school early, will not be eligible for perfect attendance.

Assignments for Illegal Absences

On occasion, some students are absent from school illegally (e.g. family vacations) and parents request missed assignments. Rather than assign homework in advance, teachers will maintain a folder of missed work. Students will have half the number of days absent to make up work without penalty. We believe it is critical that students attend school on a regular basis and not be illegally absent. Independent

8 completion of work does not adequately substitute for direct instruction from the classroom teacher.

Immunizations and Medical Screening

In order to enter school in New York State, students must meet the following immunization requirements: 3 doses of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, 3 doses of polio, and 2 doses of measles. 1 dose of rubella, I dose of mumps (this may be in the form of MMR, in which case all three are together), children born after 1/1/93 must have 3 doses of hepatitis B, and children born after 1/1/98 must have one dose of varicella. Fourth Graders must have a Physical Examination which may be performed by your personal physician or the school physician. Students in Grades 3-5 are checked annually in regard to height, weight, vision, and hearing. They are also screened for signs of scoliosis.

Emergency Cards

Emergency cards are maintained in the Nurse’s Office in order to insure that we may reach you in the event of illness or accident at school. They also allow parents to communicate student medical conditions such as allergies and designate emergency contacts should we not be able to reach them in the case of illness or other health emergency. Parents are asked to complete these cards during the first week of school. It is important that the information on these cards be kept current during the school year.

Please notify the school if you change jobs, get a new telephone number, move, or wish to change the individuals listed on the emergency card.

Child Custody

Please notify the building principal whenever parent custody is an issue. We need to see legal documentation before we restrict access of a legal parent to a child. A file is maintained for that purpose. We normally grant requests for copies of report cards and other student information to non-custodial parents, unless there is a legal prohibition against such access.

School Records

Parents have access to school records concerning their child. A folder is maintained on each child which contains relevant and factual information regarding a child’s progress. Teachers will gladly assist you in interpreting test scores. Records are treated as confidential and are only available to parents and professional staff who have a legitimate reason to see them.

9 DAILY PROCEDURES

Cafeteria

Breakfast and lunches are sold whenever school is in session. Students may buy tickets in the Lobby when they enter school in the morning or pay as they go through the cafeteria line. Free and reduced breakfast and lunch tickets are also available to students who qualify. Applications are sent home at the beginning of each school year and must be returned by September 28, 2007. They will also be available in the Main Office. In the Intermediate Grades, students are responsible for the tickets issued to them. Tickets may not be resold by students.

Participation in the breakfast and lunch program is optional. Students may also bring lunch to school and buy milk or other snacks which are sold in the cafeteria during the lunch period.

Students who forget their lunch or lunch money may borrow a ticket from the Office. They are expected to repay the office on the following day. Reminders are sent to the students daily.

While in the cafeteria, students are supervised by teacher aides. Students are expected to follow the directions of the aides, observe their own space, and demonstrate proper manners while eating. Talking at a reasonable level is allowed. Students violating cafeteria rules will be given a verbal warning. Continued inappropriate behavior may lead to students being assigned a seat in the cafeteria. Students continuing to misbehave or who commit a serious infraction may be sent to the Office for the balance of lunch and recess.

Recess

Unless there is inclement weather or poor field conditions, students are scheduled for recess on a daily basis. They should dress appropriately, particularly in winter months, when hats, coats, boots, and gloves may be needed. During recess, students are free to play on the fields and playground equipment. They are, however, expected to refrain from potentially dangerous activities such as tackle football, fighting, throwing snowballs, etc. Access to recess may be restricted for students who demonstrate poor behavior or fail to complete work. Students may also stay in for health reasons or to work on special projects.

Philosophically, we believe that recess should be an unstructured time for exercise. At times, students engage in less active endeavors during recess time. The endeavors are allowed so long as they are deemed safe and not overly disruptive. It is however, our preference that boys and girls engage in active play during this time.

10 Fire, Severe Weather, and Lock-down Drills

Twelve fire drills are held in school each year. Students are expected to evacuate the building promptly and report to designated areas on the school grounds. In addition, a minimum of one severe weather drill and one lock-down drill are held where students take shelter in a designated area inside the building.

Lost and Found

A box of found items is maintained in the cafetorium. Students may check for lost items. The transportation department and the K-2 Wing maintain similar facilities. Periodically, we dispose of unclaimed articles.

Bicycles

Students need written permission from parents before riding bicycles to school. A bicycle rack is provided. Students are encouraged to lock up their bikes. Students riding bicycles to school should be careful to avoid morning traffic. In the afternoon, they may not leave until school buses have left the property.

CD Players and Electronic Devices

CD players (including I-Pods) and electronic devices are not allowed in school or on the bus. Students who bring these items to school will have them confiscated. Parents can retrieve these devices in the Main Office.

It is our belief that these electronic devices distract students from our core mission. We prefer students to interact socially and be an active participant in our learning community.

On rare occasions, the principal may allow the limited use of an electronic device. This use will be based on the individual needs of the student.

School Store

A school store is open two mornings per week prior to class. It is staffed by parent and student volunteers. Items such as pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. are available for purchase. Proceeds from the store are used primarily to supplement the Fifth Grade trip and celebration.

Emergency Dismissals

On occasion, we have been forced to close school early due to power failure and inclement weather. We realize that supervision is a problem in such cases and we ask

11 your cooperation. First of all, please discuss with your children the procedures they should follow in the event they arrive home and no one is there. This might include going to a reliable neighbor’s home, using a key, etc. In September each family will be given a form entitled “Unscheduled Early Dismissal Plan.” You will have options to choose from and the directions on this form will supersede any other dismissal notes for that day. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that the information on these forms remains current during the school year.

School Delays, Closings, and Emergency Dismissals

Inclement weather and other emergencies may result in school closings, delays, and emergency dismissals. These are announced on the following stations:

WEOK/WPDH 1390 AM, 101.5 FM, 106.1 FM, 97.7 FM, 97.3 FM WGHQ 92 AM WROW 590 AM WKIP 1450 AM WHCU 1230 AM WRNQ 92.1 FM WCTJ 96.1 FM WCTW 98.5 FM WTHK 93.5 FM WKNY 1490 AM WDST 100.1 FM WYJB 95.5 FM WFLY 92.3 FM WAJZ 96.3 FM WZMR 104.9 FM WRWD 107.3 FM, Z93.3 FM WRRV 92.7 FM, 96.9 FM WBPM 94.3 FM

Television Stations: Channel 10 WTEN Channel 6 WRGB Channel 13 WNYT Channel 12 RNN

Current information regarding school closings, delays, and emergency dismissals may also be received by calling the District number, 758-2241. When school is delayed, closed or dismissed early, you will hear a recorded message to that effect when the phone is answered.

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SCHOOL BUS CONCERNS

Transportation Policy

School bus transportation is provided for all students. We may accommodate, on a space available basis, daily requests for changes in bus route for significant reasons such as child care. Any change from the normal transportation procedure including pick up by parent at school should be requested in writing. Students should deliver such requests to the Office prior to the start of school. They will be given a pass stipulating the arrangements for the day. Please note: Students should arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before their approximate scheduled pick-up time. Buses can arrive either 5 minutes before or after the approximate scheduled pick-up time.

Bus Behavior

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

Proper student behavior is essential for safe transportation. The following rules and consequences are established:

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY RULES

1. Students waiting at their bus stop should not play in the road or street. 2. Students must wait for their bus to come to a complete stop, with the red lights flashing, before boarding or crossing the road. 3. Students should take the first available seat (especially in the A.M.)- unless seats have been assigned, and remain seated at all times when the bus is in motion.

SCHOOL BUS RULES

1. Students are expected to obey the bus driver at all times. 2. Enter/exit the bus in an orderly manner. Running, pushing or crowding may cause an accident or injury. 3. Do not try to leave the bus while it is in motion; remain seated until you have received permission from the driver to exit the bus. 4. Sit facing forward while the bus is in motion. 5. If your bus stop requires that you cross the road, wait and watch for the bus driver’s directions and cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus. 6. Throwing food, paper or refuse on the floor or out the window will not be tolerated. 7. Talk in an ordinary tone of voice, having due consideration for others on the bus. Do not shout, scream, whistle or in any way cause a distraction. Radios, DVD, iPods or CD players are not to be displayed or used on any bus.

13 8. Large musical instruments and skateboards are not permitted on the bus. Transport of other questionable items will be left to the discretion of the driver through the Transportation Supervisor. 9. Dangerous weapons are not permissible on school buses, i.e. guns, knives, pocketknives, brass knuckles, etc. Students who are found with objectionable devices will be subject to disciplinary action. 10. Students, who wish to ride on any bus other than their assigned bus, or who need to be dropped off the bus at a stop other than their regular one, must present a school office issued bus pass to the driver. High School students’ requests for these passes may be limited to educational purposes. 11. Keep heads, arms, and hands inside the bus at all times, whether the bus is in motion or stopped. 12. Bus drivers have the right to assign seats if necessary.

CONSEQUENCES

Failure to abide by the above rules may result in a range of consequences, depending on the facts and circumstances. The School Administration may also impose severe disciplinary measures. 1st- Verbal Warning 2nd- Written warning sent home 3rd- One-day bus suspension 4th- Three-day bus suspension 5th- Five-day bus suspension 6th- up to 20 or more day bus suspension

SEVERE BEHAVIOR CONSEQUENCE- determined by building administrator.

Students will be responsible for payment of damages to property.

SPECIAL NOTE: Upon arrival at school, students are to go directly to their school building. Upon arrival at the afternoon bus stop, students should go directly home. Do not talk to or accept rides with strangers.

Safety Drills

Three bus evacuation drills are conducted each year. The first is held in September and is conducted by classroom teachers. The two remaining drills are conducted by bus drivers.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT 14

We view parents as partners in education and we feel that home school communications are very important. You are encouraged to get to know your child’s teacher and maintain frequent contact. Teachers are available for conferences before and after school. They usually cannot be contacted by phone during the school day, but they will return your calls.

In addition, special days are scheduled during the school year which are designed to bring parents and sometimes other family members to school. They are Fall Evening Open House, class visitations during American Education Week, parent conference day at end of the first quarter, Winter and Spring Concerts, and other events scheduled during the year.

Some individual teachers make use of volunteers and interested parents should contact their child’s teacher or the school office.

The Mill Road PTA is our parent-teacher organization. It is an active unit which has contributed greatly to our overall program. Parents are encouraged to become involved in PTA and to participate in events sponsored by that organization.

SHARED DECISION MAKING

Provision is made for shared decision making. Representatives of teachers, parents, support staff, and administration meet regularly to address items which will lead to improvement of instruction. There are K-2 and 3-5 Building Level Teams at Mill Road. Building Level Teams also exist at the Middle School and the High School. PTA elects representatives to the Mill Road Building Level Teams. These meetings are open to the public. ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Every parent must make a decision on what Accident Insurance they should carry on their child, whether a child is at school, home or at a neighbors.

The Red Hook Central School District does not provide primary or comprehensive health or accident insurance for its students. Parents or guardians should secure this for their child/children through an employer provider or individual provider.

The District does have in place a Student Accident Insurance Policy that provides scheduled, limited payments for certain medical costs not covered by a student's own health insurance. This policy only responds in excess of other coverage available for school related accidents. Automobile accidents (bus) are not covered by Student Accident Insurance.

If a student is injured while riding on a school bus, New York State Law stipulates that the parents’ Personal Auto Policy No-Fault coverage is the primary

15 coverage for medical cost incurred by the students. If a student’s parent(s) do not have an automobile policy, the Red Hook Central School District’s Personal Injury Protection coverage will respond with statutory coverage as required in New York.

The District carries a Liability Insurance Policy which will pay if the District is found negligent in relation to a student accident. It is important to remember that in most accidents, negligence of the district is not the cause. Therefore, this policy should not be depended on to provide primary coverage for student medical costs.

Student Rights, Responsibilities, Conduct and Discipline

The New York State Legislature has enacted SAVE Legislation intended to promote safe schools. One of the requirements of this legislation is that school districts publish a Code of Conduct that is in accordance with the new legislation.

The Code of Conduct for the Red Hook Central School District is published in its entirety on the following pages. It outlines student rights and responsibilities and also outlines the role of parents, teachers, and administration. Prohibited conduct and consequences for code violations are also described. Please read it carefully.

Revised July 2007

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