Lewiston-Porter Central School District Intermediate Education Center
Parent Handbook 2015-16
4061 Creek Road Youngstown, NY 14174 Telephone: 716-286-7252 Fax: 716-286-7854
Mr. Paul Casseri Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Julie M. Gajewski, Principal Intermediate Education Center MISSION STATEMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION CENTER ______
The mission of the Lewiston-Porter Intermediate School is to promote the quest for lifelong learning. Through this journey we will be respectful, responsible and resourceful individuals. This can be achieved through the cooperation of students, staff, parents and the community.
We envision our school as having students who:
• Are respectful of self, others and property • Work to their best ability • Follow rules • Accept others for who they are • Are creative and inquisitive • Are problem solvers • Are responsible for their own actions • Work cooperatively with others • Use technology and other resources to enrich learning
We envision our staff as people who:
• Value learning • Help children work to their best ability • Communicate openly with parents, students and other colleagues • Create a welcoming and friendly learning environment • Integrate technology and other resources to enhance learning • Are respectful, responsible and resourceful
We envision our school as having parents/guardians who:
• Value learning • Help children work to their best ability • Communicate openly with teachers and students • Provide an atmosphere for learning in the home • Promote good health habits • Are positive role models Quick Reference
Main Office Telephone Numbers Mrs. Gajewski, Principal 286-7252
Kathleen Scalfani 286-7252
Sharalyn Damstetter 286-7253
Lorrie Cammack 286-7254
Classroom Information Classroom Teacher
Bus Behavior Problems 1. Bus Driver 2. Mrs. Gajewski, Intermediate Principal
Alternate Bus Pass: Intermediate Office, Daily or Permanent Sharalyn Damstetter 286-7253
Change of Address, Telephone, Emergency Contact Information
Health Information/ Injuries School Nurse, Gloria Klettke 286-7284
Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) President, Information Christine Barrientos 745-3607 IEC Vice President, Melissa Eoute 553-9656
IEC Main Office 286-7252 School Fax 286-7854 IEC Nurse 286-7284 Kitchen 286-7288 District Transportation 286-7265 L-P Primary 286-7220 Special Education 286-7248 L-P Middle School 286-7201 District Office 754-8281 L-P High School 286-7263
Emergency Procedures and School Closings
Every school district in New York State is required to have emergency procedures in place should problems arise at school. Along with the usual fire drills, we will have other emergency drills throughout the year. While it is highly unlikely that we will ever experience a serious situation, we must still be prepared for all situations. These drills include:
Lockdown: Students and staff remain in classrooms away from doors and windows. Shelter in place: Students are moved to interior building spaces for safety. Lockout: Internal activities continue, but no one is allowed in or out of the building. Evacuation: Students and staff are moved out of the building to predetermined locations.
AM Stations FM Stations Television Channels WHLD 1270 WBUF 92.9 WIVB Channel 4 WJJL 1440 WYRK 106.5 WKBW Channel 7 WWKB 1520 WKSE 98.5 WGRZ Channel 2 WBEN 930 WEDG 103.3 WGR 550 WHTT 104.1 WECK 1230 WGRF 96.9
Emergency Early Dismissal
Should early dismissal be necessary, students will be transported to their homes in the same manner in which they are usually taken home at the close of the school day.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS – PLEASE NOTE: It is important that parents/guardians who work, or who may not be at home during the day, make arrangements with someone to take care of their children. Please make sure that person’s name and phone number is on record with the main office, and is updated annually.
BUILDING INFORMATION
SCHOOL HOURS
TEACHING STAFF: 8:40 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Monday—Friday OFFICE: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday—Friday STUDENTS: SCHOOL DAY BEGINS AT 8:45 a.m. STUDENT DISMISSAL BEGINS AT 3:30 p.m. * Students who are picked up by a parent/guardian/designee will be dismissed to the Office. * Students riding buses are dismissed by building wing. * Buses are dismissed from bus loop at approximately 3:35 p.m.
Student arrival: Students MUST be signed in at the main office.
Student departure: Parents/guardians who wish to pick up their child from school at the end of the day MUST send a note to the teacher, and the child MUST be signed out in the main office. You will be asked to present identification before the student is released to you.
Parents/guardians who wish to pick up students early from school MUST SEND A NOTE with the child that morning. The note should state the reason for the early release, the time the child will be picked up, and the name of the person to whom the child is being released.
FOR SAFETY REASONS, PARENTS/GUARDIANS: YOU SHOULD WAIT IN THE MAIN OFFICE FOR YOUR CHILD. DO NOT GO TO THE CLASSROOM, BUT SIGN THE CHILD OUT, AND WAIT IN THE MAIN LOBBY OR OFFICE FOR THE STUDENT TO BE CALLED DOWN.
VISITORS
1. All visitors must check in at the main office. You will be asked for identification and to sign in. You will receive a visitor’s pass. 2. Visitors will not be allowed to the classrooms, unless previous arrangements have been made with the building principal and/or the classroom teacher. 3. Visitors are asked to please park in the parking lot. Any vehicles parked in the fire lane in front of the school are in violation of state law. Handicapped-accessible parking is available in both the front and rear parking lots of the school.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
1. Personal belongings should be clearly marked with student’s name. 2. A lost and found table is located in the main lobby of the school. 3. ELECTRONIC DEVICES (i.e. Gameboy, MP3, IPOD, electronic toys, etc.) are DISCOURAGED, due to the chance of being lost or broken. 4. Please refer to the Code of Conduct for more information. Emergency School Closing
Emergencies sometimes necessitate the closing of school. When such emergencies develop, the following radio stations will broadcast closing information:
WBEN 930 WJJL 1440 WGR 550 WKBW 1520
Parents/guardians are asked to refrain from calling the school to obtain closing information. Please review and plan with your children what you want them to do in case of an emergency. Please keep the following guidelines in mind should school close early, and your child is sent home:
1. Students will ride their designated bus home. 2. ALL after school activities and programs will be cancelled. 3. Please let affected neighbors know that you have designated them for your child to go to, and you have contacted that person. 4. Notify your child’s teacher of the emergency procedures that you would like your child to follow.
To assist you in planning, we have included a planning sheet that you can fill out. This will remind your child what you want them to do if they get home and you are not there. Please remember that your children can be very responsible, especially in an emergency situation. This is particularly true if you have planned well, and have thoroughly discussed the plan with them. It would also be a good idea to post a copy of the plan somewhere that is easily accessible for your children.
WHAT TO DO WHEN MY PARENTS ARE NOT HOME!
Dear ______(student name), if you arrive home from school, and I am not there to meet you, please:
A. Call a neighbor: ______Telephone # ______
B. Call me at work (telephone # ______) to let me know you are home.
C. Go to a neighbor’s house: (name) ______(address) ______
D. Other directions: ______
If you are alone for a while, these are good activities for you to do: ______
These are things that we do NOT want you to do: ______Intermediate Education Center Services
Special Area Classes Offered Art, Music, Physical Education, and Technology
Lunch One-half hour per day. Served from approximately 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Health Services Nurse on staff
Media Center/Library Open library/technology resources
Support Services Reading, Math, Speech/Language, Resource/Consultant Teacher, Occupational Therapy, Psychological Services
Latchkey Program Provided before and after school at the PEC by the Niagara Falls YMCA. Call 285-8491 for more information.
Local Day Care Services Imagination Station 754-4305 St. Mary’s Child Care 297-8759 Wee Care Day Care 754-2667
School Attendance
The IEC school day begins with the students getting off the bus at 8:45 a.m. If you are driving your student in, they should also arrive at 8:45 a.m. Classroom announcements begin at 8:55 a.m.
Any student arriving after 8:55 a.m will be considered tardy. Afternoon dismissal is at 3:30 p.m. Any students leaving prior to 3:25 p.m will be considered an early dismissal.
Regular attendance at school is vital if a student hopes to do well. Our school district has adopted an attendance policy based upon our District’s education and community needs, values and priorities. The School District has determined that absences, tardiness and early departures will be considered excused or unexcused according to the following standards:
Excused: An absence, tardiness or early departure may be excused if due to the following, or other such reasons as may be approved by the Board of Education.:
• Personal illness • Attendance at health clinics • Illness or death in the family • Approved school field trips • Impassable roads due to inclement weather • Approved college visits • Religious observance • Military obligations • Quarantine • Required court appearances
Unexcused: An absence, tardiness or early departure is considered unexcused if the reason for the lack of attendance does not fall into the above categories (e.g., family vacation, hunting, babysitting, haircut, missing the bus or oversleeping).
A student who is absent from school, for all or part of a day, must provide a valid written explanation, including the date and a specific reason for the absence/tardiness, signed by a parent/guardian. The written excuse is given to the attendance clerk upon returning to school. A student who is absent due to an appointment is encouraged to be in attendance for as much of the day as possible. Until a valid excuse is received, the absence will be considered unexcused.
Notification Process
Written notification will be at 7, 14 and 21 absences. The teacher will call the parent/ guardian after 10 absences. Written notification of possible retention will occur at 28 absences. With the progression of written notification, meetings will be established between parents/guardians and school personnel to discuss and implement strategies up to, and including, denial of grade level promotion. Home/School Communications
The importance of communication between the home and school cannot be underestimated. It is critical that parents know when and what events are taking place on a daily basis. Below are information sources available to parents/guardians:
1. School Website: We have a building website that is updated periodically. On that site you can find important information on scheduled events or important notices. You can also access individual teacher websites from this building website. The District address is: www.lew-port.com.
2. You can also e-mail the Principal at [email protected].
3. The Intermediate Education Center prepares a monthly newsletter, which is accessible on our website. The newsletter not only includes an up-to-date calendar for our building, it also has articles and pictures of events that have occurred. Many teachers at the IEC send home periodic classroom newsletters that will give you important information for their individual classroom events. On the District website, you may sign up for “e-news” notification.
4. Your Link, our Lewiston-Porter Central School District newsletter, is mailed to all residents of the District several times each year.
Parent Teacher Association
Under the direction of our PTA President, Christine Barrientos, and our building Vice President, Melissa Eoute, our parent-teacher group has been actively engaged in a number of activities and events. Our PTA plays a pivotal role in our school community. Members not only direct fund-raising activities and social events, they also play an important role in committees that have a direct influence on academic issues in our building. Please consider becoming actively engaged with our PTA. You can have a significant impact on the school your child attends if you choose to become a part of the decision making process. For information on how you can join the PTA, call Mrs. Barrientos at 807-8815.
School Volunteers
Here at the IEC, we really begin to foster independence with our students. Please let your child’s teacher know if you are willing to help out in the classroom, and they will notify you if, and when, help is needed. Parent Night Open House & Teacher Conferences
Parent Night Open House
In September, an evening is scheduled for parents/guardians to meet their child’s teacher. Valuable information is provided at this time, regarding classroom procedures, programs, and assessments. The date is noted on the school calendar. This information is for parents/guardians; therefore, your children do not need to attend. It is also a time for teachers to distribute general information to all parents/guardians of the class. Individual needs for your child will not be addressed at this time, although you are encouraged to set up a conference with your child’s teacher any time you have issues you would like to address.
Teacher Conferences
We encourage parents/guardians to contact teachers immediately any time a problem arises, but at the first semester marking period, all parents/guardians are contacted regarding a time for a conference with your child’s classroom teacher. These conferences are usually limited to 15 minutes. Conferences are again held after the 30-week marking period, but only if requested by the teacher or the parent/guardian. Again, teachers are available throughout the school year for additional conferences, as needed, to discuss your child’s progress. Student Activities & Clubs
The Intermediate Education Center has a number of activities which may be offered to our children. Below is a list of some of those offerings.
K-Kids Science Fair The K-Kids organization is sponsored by the Our annual Science Fair is open to all of the Kiwanis Club of our community. Students students at the IEC, and is held in May. engage in a number of different school and Information will be sent home prior community service activities. K-Kids is to the event. currently offered to 3rd grade students only. Meeting dates and time can be found on the Science Club IEC webpage under Clubs. The Science Club offers students hands-on participation into science exploration and en- School Musical vironmental studies. Fifth-grade students who Each year our 4th and 5th grade students are interested in scientific inquiries are invited are encouraged to try out for our Spring to participate. Meetings are announced one Musical production. Information is given to week prior to the date, and will be before and students by their general Music teacher. after school.
Young Authors’ Conference Safety Patrol In conjunction with our Parents as Reading In collaboration with the AAA Safety Patrol Partners Program, students from each class Program, 5th grade students will serve as are chosen to create their own books to Safety Patrol Leaders. These students, share. Published authors and illustrators are identified by their bright yellow safety patrol invited to spend the day with the belts, will assist students getting on and off students offering tips, advice and the bus. The group will also meet on a insight into the writing process. regular basis to discuss their observations and suggestions for keeping a safe environment on the Art Club Mandarin Chinese The IEC Art Club is offered to interested Mandarin Chinese language and culture students in Grades 4 and 5. Students will be instruction if offered by a certified teacher given an additional opportunity to work with from China. This is an exciting and innovative various tools, processes and media. They will educational opportunity. Information will be continue to learn to make choices that will provided in the Fall. enhance the visual communication of their ideas. Lessons may scaffold off prior concepts learned in weekly art education. Discipline
Unfortunately, it is necessary from time to time to address disruptive behavior on the bus and in school. In the vast majority of instances, teachers deal with incidents of poor behavior in the classroom. There are times, however, when the principal needs to get involved. In those instances, the procedure outlined below is enforced.
Please bear in mind that it is extremely difficult to set hard and fast rules for discipline issues. Frequently, there are extenuating circumstances regarding a student’s behavior that may result in less, or more severe, consequences. The disciplinary steps listed below are guidelines and are not always strictly adhered to because the nature of the infraction may vary greatly from one child to the next. As children are unique, we have to deal with students differently, depending on a variety of factors.
1. Students who are referred to the principal for the first time are interviewed and disciplined based on the gravity of the incident. In most cases, students are warned about the inappropriate behavior and the consequences of further noncompliance with the rules. 2. Based on the seriousness of the infraction, a student who is referred to the principal for a second time will be disciplined more harshly. Parents will be sent a letter specifying the nature of the incident and the consequences of the negative behavior. 3. If negative behavior still continues, an in-school suspension or a formal suspension from school may result. Parents will be notified by letter and a phone call of the action taken by administration. 4. For extremely serious offenses, the superintendent will be notified, and he will then conduct any further actions deemed necessary by the school district. 5. In regard to bus discipline referrals, any student receiving three referrals from the bus driver may lose busing privileges for a time determined by the principal and other district administrators.
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS These expectations apply to all areas of the school and school grounds. Be respectful to others in words and actions Keep all areas of the school clean and neat Follow directions of the school faculty and bus staff Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself
A strategy that has been an effective tool to assist students in solving conflicts in a respectful and responsible way is the ATT method. Please talk about this strategy with your child, and give them some feedback for what they should do if someone is not being respectful toward them. The ATT methods is as follows: A - Ask the person or people who are bothering you to stop T - Tell the person or people to stop what they are doing T - Tell an adult Any of the above steps can, and should, be skipped if an individual feels unsafe, or if there is a chance someone could get hurt.
WHEN WE TREAT OTHER PEOPLE THE WAY WE WANT TO BE TREATED, THE IEC IS A SAFER PLACE TO BE ! BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AT THE IEC
Respectful Behaviors
Follow directions from all IEC adult staff members Keep hands and feet to self Allow others their personal space Greet and speak to others appropriately and respectfully Take care of materials and school property Use good manners Be patient with others
Responsible Behaviors
Bring all needed materials to school each day Walk appropriately in all areas of the school Be truthful Follow District Student Dress Code (see Code of Conduct Section V) Do not throw objects
Resourceful Behaviors
Work together as a team Solve conflicts peacefully Seek help to solve problems Be a positive member of our school environment
Remember to always treat others { the way you want to be treated! } Transportation
When Your Child Rides the Bus
From the time children enter school in September, the staff assists and supervises student arrival and dismissal. It is important for parents/guardians to go over the rules for bus behavior with their children. Proper student conduct promotes a safe and pleasant atmosphere. The bus contractor, Ransomville Bus Lines, has issued Rules of Conduct, which are printed in this handbook, as well as in the District Calendar.
VIOLATION OF THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF TRANSPORTATION PRIVILEGES. PLEASE REFER TO DISCIPLINE # 5.
Arrival
- Buses begin picking up students at approximately 8:10 a.m., arriving to school by 8:45 a.m. - Be sure your child is at his/her bus stop on time. Students must be at the end of the driveway, or at the designated corner, for the bus to stop. Please do not have your child wait at the door, and run out when they see the bus.
Dismissal
- Dismissal begins at approximately 3:25 p.m. - Students will not be allowed to get off their bus at a different stop, or change buses, with- out a bus pass. Bus passes are only obtained with a written request from the parent/ guardian.
Field Trips
Class field trips are an integral part of your child’s learning experience. Although the cost of the transportation is covered by the school, admission to many events is not. Therefore, the cost of the event is the responsibility of each child. Assistance is available for any family having financial hardships. Please contact your child’s teacher, or Mrs. Gajewski, if you are in need of assistance. A permission slip will be sent home with pertinent information regarding each trip. Slips must be signed by a parent/guardian, and returned on time for your child to participate.
School Bus Rules of Conduct
Transporting our students safely to and from school is of great concern. Rules of conduct for student behavior on school buses have been developed to promote a safe, efficient and pleasant atmosphere. In an ongoing pursuit to ensure student safety, it is expected that these bus procedures are followed. Parents/guardians are asked to review these rules with their children.
1. The bus driver is in charge. Obey the driver’s instructions.
2. Ride the bus you are assigned. Embark and disembark at your own stop.
3. The bus driver is authorized to assign seats. No seats are reserved unless assigned by the driver.
4. Be seated and remain seated. Seat belt use is recommended.
5. Three students per seat.
6. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself. Keep hands off property of others.
7. No eating, drinking or chewing gum on the bus.
8. Quiet, courteous voices will be used.
9. No profane language or gestures permitted.
10. No dangerous weapons permitted. (Lighted matches are dangerous weapons)
11. Do not litter or damage the bus. No writing on seats.
12. Keep the aisles clear.
13. Do not extend arms or heads from windows.
14. Do not tamper with emergency devices.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT TRANSPORTATION IS A PRIVILEGE TO STUDENTS, NOT A RIGHT. Health Information
Medical Examinations
The physical wellbeing of your child bears an important relationship to his/her progress and happiness in school. As required by law, Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten, Second, Fourth, Seventh and Tenth Grade students will be asked to either bring in a physical examination report from their family physician, or be seen by the school physician. Students entering the district for the first time will be required to present, upon entrance, certificates of immunization and a physical exam. A dental health exam is also requested in the same year that the medical exam is required.
Immunizations
New York State Public Health Law requires that all entrants to a New York State school are required to furnish proof of immunization. For information about free immunization clinics, please contact your child’s building nurse, or the Niagara County Health Department at 284-3114. A chart of required immunizations can be found on our website under District Services, then Health Services.
Hearing and Vision Testing Hearing and vision tests are done in Grades 3 and 5. These are screening tests, and are not diagnostic. If there is any apparent hearing loss, or vision difficulty, parents/guardians will be notified in writing by the school nurse to seek professional assessment.
Fever Information Any time a student is home with a fever over 100.0 degrees, they should be kept home until they have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin. Health Information, Continued
Medication
If your child must take prescription or non-prescription medication during the school day:
1. A written document from the doctor must be submitted to the nurse, stating the name of the medication, dosage and time to be given. A faxed order from the doctor is also acceptable. Our fax number is 286-7854.
2. A written request from the parent/guardian for medication to be taken by his/her child in school must be submitted. Our Medication in School form, provides for both health care provider and parent/guardian signatures.
3. Medication, in the original container with the prescription label, must be delivered to the school by the parent/guardian. Over-the-counter medication must be labeled with the child’s name.
4. The medication will be safely locked away in the Health Office. Your child will be given the proper dose at the proper time.
5. An adult must pick up any remaining medications at the end of the school year. NO MEDICATION WILL BE SENT HOME WITH A CHILD AT ANY TIME.
6. Inhalers and EpiPens may only be carried by a child on their person with a specific doctor’s order that the child is self directed to do so.
New law for prescription medications: Please submit 2 labeled bottles: One for school and one for field trips. Your pharmacy will be able to give you an extra labeled bottle.
NO MEDICATION NO MEDICATION, WILL BE ADMINISTERED PRESCRIPTION OR WITHOUT A NON-PRESCRIPTION, PHYSICIAN’S WRITTEN IS TO BE SENT TO SCHOOL STATEMENT WITH YOUR STUDENT
ALL MEDICAL FORMS MAY BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE More on Health….
Medical Lunch Restrictions
The school’s kitchen staff requires a written doctor’s note if your child has a milk allergy, and juice is to be substituted: NO EXCEPTIONS. We also provide a nut-free table in the cafeteria for any child who has an allergy to nuts. Students may invite a friend to sit with them, provided their lunch is nut free. No products containing nuts, or those that have been processed at a facility where nuts may come into contact with other foods, are allowed at the nut-free table. Please read food labels for this information.
Medical Physical Education Restrictions If a health care provider takes your child out of physical education class for a period of time, the school requires a follow-up note from that provider to allow your child to return to participation. A note from a parent/guardian cannot be accepted as reinstatement to physical education class. While your child is out on doctor’s orders, an alternate assignment will be given to your child. If you would not like your child to participate for just one day as they are recovering from illness or injury, please send in a written note stating the reason, or you may call and discuss it with the school nurse at 286-7284. Again, a written or quiet activity will be assigned for the day.
Medical Accident/Athletic Insurance
The Lewiston-Porter Central School District does not provide student accident insurance. Students involved in an accident while participating in a school-sponsored activity requiring medical, hospital or dental care, must rely on their family coverage.
Clothing Donations Clean, slightly-used clothing is always accepted by the nurse. Most popular for this age group are elastic-waist pants, shorts, T-shirts and jeans, sizes 8 to 14. Socks and underwear are also often needed. Keeping an extra set of clothes in your child’s locker is a good idea, as we often do not have needed sizes. Physical Education
Physical Education is an important part of the total school program. New York State requires every child to participate in physical education. Be prepared to participate EVERY DAY.
Parent/guardian note When a child is hurt or ill, a note explaining the nature of the problem should be sent to school with your child. Your child will attend the physical education class, and the physical education teacher will adapt your child’s activity for that day. Adapted activities include moderate (instead of vigorous) activity, and possibly written work that reinforces cognitive skills for the current unit.
Doctor’s note If a medical problem exists that will take your child out of physical education class for an extended period of time, a doctor’s note is required. The doctor’s note should specify the specific dates for inactivity, rather than “until further notice”. Students with medical excuses will attend the class and be assigned written work that reinforces cognitive skills for current unit.
Appropriate Clothing
* Sneakers must be worn to all Physical Education classes. * T-shirt, shorts and a pair of socks (no jean shorts). * Long hair must be tied back or braided.
No Jewelry
For your child’s safety and well being, jewelry is not allowed to be worn during physical education class. Dress Code
While we do offer guidelines as to what is safe and acceptable for elementary-aged students, we do rely on parents/guardians to make decisions on what clothes are appropriate for a school setting. We recommend that clothes be tasteful, modest (no short shorts, no spaghetti straps) and conducive to safe participation in daily activities. We ask parents/guardians to carefully monitor shirts that have inappropriate messages regarding alcohol or drug use, violence, religious, racial or ethnic slurs and sexually suggestive images or words. In the event a child is wearing a questionable article of clothing, the office will contact the parent/guardian to come to school, and bring a more appropriate garment.
We ask that students NOT wear flip flops to school. Past injuries resulting from tripping on the stairs, as well as puncture wounds and splinters from wood chips on the playground, have shown us that this is the best way to keep your child safe in these situations. If they do not have appropriate shoes for the playground, they will be asked to sit out for safety reasons. Students may wear sandals with a back strap in school, but will be asked to put on sneakers when going to the playground.
Unless it has been deemed medically necessary, we do have a “hats off at the door” policy. As hats tend to be a distraction in the classroom, we ask students to remove their hats as they enter school. They may put them on again as they are leaving at the end of the day. One “Spirit Day” is offered each school year as “crazy hat day”, on which the students may wear a hat deemed acceptable.
Electronic Devices
Cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, iPads, DS games and any other electronic devices should remain at home. These items tend to be very expensive, and we cannot be responsible when a student loses, misplaces or has these items stolen. An Acceptable Use form must be completed for all students. Cafeteria
The Lewiston-Porter School District cafeteria serves breakfast and lunch to interested students. Both the breakfast and lunch programs at Lewiston-Porter are provided by a private food service firm.
Breakfast and lunch menus are sent home with students at the beginning of each month, and are available on the school website. Breakfast is available at 8:45 a.m. when students arrive off the bus. Students may choose a hot lunch or ‘a la carte’ items. Snacks, cookies and ice cream are available on limited days. Please call the school at ext. 7288 if you would like restrictions placed on your child’s account. Food allergies should be reported to the school nurse and kitchen staff.
You may prepay your child's lunch account at any time. Checks should be made out to the Lewiston-Porter Central School District, and may be sent to school with your child. The cost of breakfast is $1.75, reduced cost is $0.25 The cost of lunch is $2.10, reduced cost is $0.25 Free/Reduced School Meals information is sent home at the beginning of the school year. An application may be requested at any time by calling the office.
In the event that a student forgets or loses lunch money, he/she will be allowed to charge a lunch for that day. Please send repayment for the lunch with your child on the next school day.
MY
SCHOOL
BUCKS
Lewiston-Porter is now using myschoolbucks.com,
an online service allowing you to pay for your
student’s school meals online, using your credit/
debit card or electronic check.
myschool bucks.com
If you have any questions regarding our food service, please call Anna Thomas, Food Service Director, at 286-7288.
CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS Students are expected to... … remain in their seats unless given permission by an adult. … return trays, dishes and utensils to the appropriate area. … keep table and floor neat and clean. … use courteous voices; shouting is not tolerated. 2015 –2016 School Calendar
This is the District school calendar for the 2015—2016 school year. This calendar is subject to change. There will be an updated Intermediate Education Center calendar in our monthly newsletter.
SEPTEMBER MARCH 9 First Day of school 3 Chorus Kaleidoscope Concert 15 Elementary PTA meeting 10 Orchestra Kaleidoscope Concert 16 Open House 11 Data Day (Half-day student attendance) 29 IEC picture day 14 End of marking period 15 Elementary PTA meeting OCTOBER 17 Band Kaleidoscope Concert 12 Columbus Day 21-28 Spring Recess 20 Elementary PTA meeting 25-28 District Closed
NOVEMBER APRIL 4 IEC Picture Retake day 5-7 NYS ELA Exams, Grades 3-5 11 Veterans Day 13-15 NYS Math Exams, Grades 3-8 17 Elementary PTA meeting 16 NYSSMA Auditions 20 Data Day (Half-day student attendance) 19 Elementary PTA Meeting 25-27 Thanksgiving Recess 22 Parent/Teacher Conference Day (Half-day student attendance) DECEMBER 4 End of marking period MAY 11 Parent/Teacher Conference 17 Elementary PTA meeting (No student attendance) 17 Science Fair 12 All-County auditions 19 Grade 4 Concert 21 Grade 5 Concert 26 Grade 5 Concert 23-31 Winter Recess 27-30 Memorial Day Recess 30 District Closed JANUARY 1 Winter Recess 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day JUNE 19 Elementary PTA Meeting 1-3 NYS Science Performance Assessments Gr.4 21 Grade 4 Concert 6 NYS Written Science Exams, Gr. 4 29-30 Festival 1 Elementary Chorus 6 Gr. 3 Band, Orchestra, Chorus Info Night 14 Flag Day Celebration FEBRUARY 20 Field Day 5-6 Festival 2 Elementary Band 22 Last day for student attendance 15 Presidents Day 16 Elementary PTA Meeting 23 Class Picture Day 26-27 Festival 3 Elementary Orchestra
LEWISTON-PORTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ABBREVIATED CODE OF CONDUCT ______
STUDENT RIGHTS The Lewiston-Porter Central School District is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under state and federal law. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly and civil school environment, all district students have the right to: 1. Take part in all district activities on an equal basis, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation or disability. 2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty. 3. Access school rules, and when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES All district students have the responsibility to: 1. Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and to property. 2. Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct. 3. Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class, on time, prepared to learn. 4. Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of achievement possible. 5. React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive way. 6. Work to develop mechanisms to control their anger. 7. Ask questions when they do not understand. 8. Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline. 9. Dress appropriately for school and school functions (see School Dress Code section of this code). 10. Accept responsibility for actions. 11. Conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending school-sponsored extracurricular events, and hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor and sportsmanship.
ESSENTIAL PARTNERS:
PARENTS All parents are expected to: 1. Recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of parents and the school community. 2. Send their child(ren) to school ready to participate and learn. 3. Ensure their child(ren) attend school regularly and on time. 4. Ensure absences are excused. 5. Insist their children be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code. 6. Help their children understand that in a democratic society, appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly environment. 7. Know school rules and help their child(ren) understand them. 8. Convey to their child(ren) a supportive attitude toward education and the district. 9. Build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their child(ren)’s friends. 10. Help their child(ren) deal effectively with peer pressure. 11. Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance. 12. Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed.
TEACHERS All Lewiston-Porter district teachers are expected to: 1. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, which will strengthen student self-concept and promote confidence to learn. 2. Be prepared to teach. 3. Demonstrate interest in teaching and concern for student achievement. 4. Know school policies and rules and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner. 5. Communicate to students and parents: Course objectives and requirements Expectations for students Marking/grading procedures Classroom discipline plan Assignment deadlines
6. Communicate regularly with students, parents and other teachers concerning growth and achievement.
LEWISTON-PORTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ABBREVIATED CODE OF CONDUCT ______
GUIDANCE COUNSELORS 1. Assist students in coping with peer pressure and emergency personal, social and emotional problems. 2. Initiate teacher/student/counselor conferences and parent/student/counselor conferences, as necessary, as a way to resolve problems. 3. Regularly review with students their educational progress and career plans. 4. Provide information to assist students with career planning. 5. Encourage students to benefit from curriculum and extracurricular programs.
PRINCIPALS 1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning. 2. Ensure that students and staff have the opportunity to communicate regularly with the principal and approach the principal for redress or grievances. 3. Evaluate on a regular basis all instructional programs. 4. Support the development of student participation in appropriate curricular activities. 5. Be responsible for enforcing the code of conduct and ensure that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.
SUPERINTENDENT 1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning. 2. Review with district administrators and staff the policies of the Board of Education and state and federal laws related to school operations and management. 3. Inform the Board about educational trends related to student discipline. 4. Work to create instructional programs that minimize problems of misconduct and are sensitive to student and teacher needs. 5. Work with district administrators in enforcing the code of conduct and ensure that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.
BOARD OF EDUCATION 1. Lead by example by conducting Board meetings in a professional, respectful and courteous manner. 2. Collaborate with student, teacher, administrator and parent organizations, school safety personnel and other school personnel to develop a code of conduct that clearly defines expectations for the conduct of students, district personnel and visitors on school property and at school functions. 3. Adopt and review at least annually the district’s code of conduct to evaluate the code’s effectiveness and the fairness and consistency of its implementation.
STUDENT DRESS CODE A student’s dress, grooming and appearance, including hair style/color, jewelry, make-up and nails, shall: 1. Be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process. 2. Recognize that extremely brief garments such as miniskirts, shorts, tube tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, plunging necklines (front and/or back) and see-through garments are not appropriate. 3. Ensure that underwear is completely covered by outer clothing. 4. Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed. 5. Not include the wearing of hats in the classroom except for medical or religious purposes. 6. Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, provocative, libelous or that denigrate others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability. 7. Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs. 8. Not encourage other illegal or violent activities, nor promote homicide/suicide.
PROHIBITED STUDENT CONDUCT Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they: - Engage in conduct that is disorderly. Examples of disorderly conduct are: 1. Running in hallways. 2. Making unreasonable noise. 3. Using language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar, or abusive. 4. Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic. 5. Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the normal operation of the school community. 6. Trespassing. During the school day, students are not permitted in any school building, other than the one they regularly attend, without the permission of the administrator in charge of the building. Beyond the normal school day, students must be under the supervision of an authorized adult. 7. Electronic communication/computer misuse, including any unauthorized use of computers, cell phones, beepers, software, or internet/intranet account; accessing inappropriate websites; or any other violation of the district’s acceptable use policy. LEWISTON-PORTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ABBREVIATED CODE OF CONDUCT ______
Reporting Violations All students are expected to promptly report violations of the code of conduct to a teacher, guidance counselor, the building principal or his or her designees. Any student observing a student possessing a weapon, alcohol or illegal substances of school property or at a school function shall report this information immediately to a teacher, the building principal, the principal’s designee or the superintendent.
Public Conduct on School Property or Attending a School Function The district is committed to providing an orderly, respectful environment that is conducive to learning. To create and maintain this kind of environment, it is necessary to regulate public conduct on school property and at school functions. For purposes of this section of the code, “public” shall mean persons when on school property or attending a school function, including students, teachers, district personnel and visitors/guests.
All persons on school property or attending a school function shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. In addition, all persons on school property or attending a school function are expected to be properly attired for the purpose for which they are on the school property or attending a school function.
Prohibited Conduct No person, either alone, or with others, shall: 1. Intentionally injure any other person or threaten to do so. 2. Intentionally damage or destroy school district property or the personal property of a teacher, administrator, other district employee, student, or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson. 3. Use language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar or abusive. 4. Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programs or other school activities. 5. Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school program. 6. Intimidate, harass, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability. 7. Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed. 8. Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies. 9. Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions on vehicles. 10. Possess, consume, sell, distribute, or exchange alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function. 11. Consume, sell, distribute or exchange tobacco products on school property or at a school function. 12. Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at a school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers or except as specifically authorized by the school district. 13. Loiter on or about school property. 14. Gamble on school property or at school functions. 15. Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school district officials performing their duties. 16. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code. 17. Violate any federal or state statue, local ordinance, or board policy while on school property or while at a school function.
Disciplinary Penalties, Procedures and Referrals
Discipline is moist effective when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs, and in a way that students view as fair and impartial. School personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary, and to place emphasis on the student’s ability to grow in self-discipline.
Disciplinary action, when necessary, will be firm, fair, and consistent so as to be the most effective in changing student behavior. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, school personnel authorized to impose disciplinary penalties will consider the following: 1. The student’s age 2. The nature of the offense and the circumstances which led to the offense 3. The student’s prior disciplinary record 4. The effectiveness of other forms of discipline 5. Information from parents, teachers and/or others, as appropriate.
As a general rule, discipline will be progressive. This means that a student’s first violation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations. LEWISTON-PORTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ABBREVIATED CODE OF CONDUCT ______
Engage in conduct that is insubordinate. Examples of insubordinate conduct include: 1. Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect. 2. Tardiness, missing or leaving class or school without permission. 3. Skipping detention. 4. Engage in conduct that is disruptive. Examples of disruptive conduct include: 5. Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school personnel in charge of students. 6. Engaging in activities that distract others from learning.
Engage in conduct that is violent. Examples of violent conduct include: 1. Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator, or other school employee or attempting to do so. 2. Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so. 3. Possessing a weapon. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a school function. 4. Displaying what appears to be a weapon. 5. Threatening to use any weapon. 6. Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other district employee or any per- son lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson. 7. Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property.
Engage in any conduct that endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others. Examples include: 1. Lying to school personnel. 2. Stealing the property of the district, other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function. 3. Defamation, which includes making false or unprivileged statements or representations about an individual or identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by demeaning them. 4. Discrimination, which includes the use of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability as a basis for treating another in a negative manner. 5. Harassment, which includes a sufficiently severe action or a persistent, pervasive pattern of actions or statements directed at an identifiable individual or group which are intended to be, or which are intended to be, or which a reasonable person would perceive as, ridiculing or demeaning. 6. Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm. 7. Hazing, which includes any intentional or reckless act directed against another for the purpose of initiation into, affiliating with or maintaining membership in any school sponsored activity, organization, club or team. 8. Selling, using, or possessing obscene materials. 9. Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing. 10. Smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or using chewing or smokeless tobacco. 11. Possessing, consuming, selling, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either. “Illegal substances” include, but are not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look-alike drugs, and any substances commonly referred to as “designer drugs”. 12. Inappropriately possessing, using, or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs. 13. Gambling. 14. Indecent exposure, that is, exposure to sight of private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner. 15. Initiating a report warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire extinguisher.
Engage in misconduct while on a school bus. It is critical for students to behave appropriately while riding on district buses to ensure their safety and that of other passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver. Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom or school behavior.
Engage in any form of academic misconduct. Examples of academic misconduct include: 1. Plagiarism 2. Cheating 3. Copying 4. Altering records 5. Assisting another student in any of the above actions. LEWISTON-PORTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ABBREVIATED CODE OF CONDUCT ______
If the conduct of a student is related to a disability or suspected disability, the student shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education and discipline, if warranted, shall be administered consistent with the separate requirements of this code of conduct for discipline of students with a disability or presumed to have a disability. A student identified as having a disability shall not be disciplined for behavior related to his/her disability.
Penalties Students who are found to have violated the district’s code of conduct may be subject to the following penalties, either alone or in combination. The school personnel identified after each penalty are authorized to impose that penalty, consistent with the student’s right to due process. 1. Oral warning – any member of the district staff 2. Written warning – bus drivers, hall and lunch monitors, coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, principal, superintendent or designees. 3. Written notification to parent – bus drivers, hall and lunch monitors, coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, principal, superintendent or designees. 4. Detention – teachers, principal, superintendent or designees. 5. Suspension from transportation – director of transportation, principal, superintendent or designees. 6. Suspension from athletic participation – coaches, principal, superintendent or designees. 7. Suspension from social or extracurricular activities – activity director, principal, superintendent or designees. 8. Suspension of other privileges - principal, superintendent or designees. 9. In-school suspension - principal, superintendent or designees. 10. Removal from classroom – teachers, principal, or designees. 11. Short-term (five days or less) suspension from school – principal, superintendent, board of education, or designees. 12. Long-term (more than five days) suspension from school - principal, superintendent, board of education, or designees. 13. Permanent suspension from school – superintendent, board of education, or designees.
Procedures The amount of due process a student is entitled to receive before a penalty is imposed depends on the penalty being imposed. In all cases, regardless of the penalty being imposed, the school personnel authorized to impose the penalty must inform the student of the alleged misconduct and must investigate, to the extent necessary, the facts surrounding the alleged misconduct. All students will have an opportunity to present their version of the facts to the school personnel imposing the disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty.
Students who are to be given penalties other than an oral warning, written warning or written notification to their parents are entitled to additional rights before the penalty is imposed. These additional rights are explained below:
1. Detention Teachers, principals and the superintendent may use after-school detention as a penalty for student misconduct in situations where removal from the classroom or suspension would be inappropriate. Detention will be imposed as a penalty only after the student’s parent has been notified to confirm that there is no parental objection to the penalty and the student has appropriate transportation home following detention.
2. Suspension from Transportation If a student does not conduct him/herself properly on a bus, the bus driver is expected to bring such misconduct to the building principal’s attention. Students who become a serious disciplinary problem may have their riding privileges suspended by the building principal or the superintendent or other designees. In such cases, the student’s parent will become responsible for seeing that his or her child gets to and from school safely.
A student subjected to a suspension from transportation is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law 3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the building principal or the principal’s designees to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.
3. Suspension from athletic participation, extra-curricular activities and other privileges A student subjected to a suspension form athletic participation, extra-curricular activities or other privileges is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law 3124. The student and the student’s parent will be provided a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the district official imposing the suspension to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.
LEWISTON-PORTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ABBREVIATED CODE OF CONDUCT ______
4. In-School Suspension The board recognizes the school must balance the need of students to attend school and the need for order in the classroom or to establish an environment conducive to learning. As such, the board authorizes building principals and the superintendent to place students who would otherwise be suspended from school as a result of a code of conduct violation in “in-school” suspension.
A student subjected to an in-school suspension is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law 3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided an opportunity for an informal conference with the district official imposing the in-school suspension to discuss the conduct and the penalty imposed.
5. Suspension from School Suspension from school is a severe penalty, which may be imposed only upon students who are insubordinate, disorderly, violent or disruptive, or whose conduct otherwise endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others. The board retains its authority to suspend students, but places primary responsibility for the suspension of students with the superintendent and the building principals. All recommendations and referrals for suspension shall be made in writing unless the conditions underlying the recommendation or referral warrants immediate attention.
Parents are essential partners in the education of their child(ren). To this end, we ask that you sign hereafter, reviewing the behavior expectations and Code of Conduct with your child. Your signature recognizes that it is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community to fully educate each child. Thank you for joining the mission of the Lewiston-Porter Intermediate Education Center.
______Parent/Guardian Signature Date
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Lewiston-Porter Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, religious practice, national origin, ethnic group, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence), gender identity, sexual orientation (the term "sexual orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or asexuality ), political affiliation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, weight, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by New York state and/or federal non-discrimination laws in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the District's non-discrimination policies should be directed to:
e-mail: [email protected]
Dr. Patricia Grupka and/or Mr. Andrew Krazmien Civil Rights Compliance Officers Lewiston-Porter Central School District 4061 Creek Road Youngstown, NY 14174