NASSAU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2020-2021 “Through collaborative efforts among community, school, and family, our mission at Nassau Elementary School is to provide a nurturing, caring, and safe learning environment respectful and accepting of all to promote academic excellence in this ever-changing world.” Updated: 10/9/20 Dear Families, Welcome to the Nassau Elementary School! It is with great excitement and anticipation that we look forward to this coming school year. The Staff is eager to meet and work closely with you and your child as his/her education journey begins. The guiding principles shaping education in the Spackenkill Union Free School District are dedicated to the beliefs that all students will learn and that all children are our messengers to the future. As stated in the District mission statement: We, the parents, school, and community are committed to: The right and responsibility for all children to reach their fullest potential by the development of critical thinking skills, communication skills and problem solving skills through programs which require mastery and encourage attitudes that support lifelong learning. The right and responsibility of all children to create good citizenry which recognizes individual difference and concern for others, encourages the growth of self-esteem and nurtures the human potential, contributing to a democratic society. The right and responsibility of all children to make responsible and fulfilling career choice and to apply these choices so that American’s place in the global society is assured. The Nassau Elementary School Staff is committed to the academic, physical, emotional and social successes of all students. As we begin a new year, we ask students to make a commitment to do their very best each and every day. Students are expected to set new goals for themselves and make plans to achieve those goals. A new school year is an opportunity to make new friends and strengthen existing friendships. Let’s all work together to continue our respectful school environment in which everyone feels comfortable and confident. Students are to be respectful and considerate of how their actions affect others. Remember to treat others as you would like to be treated. Through the combined efforts of the staff, students and families, we are confident each and every child will have a successful school year. Sincerely, Erik Lynch School Principal 1 FAMILY AWARENESS INFORMATION Dear Families: Spackenkill is fortunate to be able to provide twenty-first century technology in all schools in our instruction program. Along with this comes a responsibility that every student respects appropriate usage practices of modern technology. Each year you receive a student handbook which outlines the rules and regulations that we all must follow in the school district. The Board of Education's policy on technology and its use in the district is included in the handbook. This letter and the attached signature sheets will serve to familiarize you with the district's policy and certify your receipt and acknowledgment of its terms. We ask that you and your child sign the agreement regardless of the grade or age of your child. Our purpose in requesting your child sign the sheet is to impress upon children the civic responsibility that comes with following school district policies, as well as federal, state, and local laws and regulations that address technology in our society. Kindly sign the attached sheet and return it to your School office by Friday, September 13th. Sincerely, Mr. Erik Lynch School Principal Student Agreement I have received the Spackenkill Union Free School District's policy on technology. My signature indicates receipt of the policy that is in accordance with the rules and regulations that are consistent with the District's Code of Student Conduct and State and Federal laws and regulations, and that I will: 1. Respect Myself. I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online names that are appropriate, and I will consider the ages of users who can view the information and images that I post online. I will not post personal information about my life. I will not be obscene. 2. Protect Myself. I will ensure that the information I post online will not put me at risk. I will not publish my personal details, contact details or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me. I will protect passwords, accounts and resources. 3. Respect Others. I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to bully, harass, or stalk people. I will show respect for others in my choice of websites, and I will not visit sites that are inappropriate. I will not abuse my rights of access, and I will not enter other people's spaces or areas. I will respect the ownership of media or information. I will request permission to use resources and suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media, etc. 4. Protect Others. I will protect others by reporting abuse, not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications; and not visiting sites that are inappropriate. By signing the enclosed agreement, I undertake to always act in a manner that is respectful to myself and others, to act appropriately in a moral and ethical manner and to use the Internet only for educational purposes. I agree to follow the principles of digital citizenship and accept that failing to follow them will have consequences. 2 FAMILY AWARENESS STATEMENT September 2020 We have reviewed the Acceptable Use Policy 6470, Technology and Networks. In addition we have reviewed the Nassau Elementary School Handbook, including the Student Behavior Responsibilities and Code of Conduct. This resource has been prepared as a guide and provides information to ensure your child has a successful school year. Whether you are new here or returning, you will find this handbook helpful. This document can be located on the Nassau School webpage Our signatures indicate acknowledgement of them in accordance with the rules and regulations that are consistent with the District’s Code of Conduct and State and Federal laws and regulations. I have reviewed the contents of the Nassau Elementary School Handbook with my child. I have read and discussed the Student Behavior Responsibilities and District Code of Conduct. I have read and discussed the Acceptable Use Policy 6470, Technology and Networks. _______________________ (Student Signature) _______________________ (Parent/Guardian Signature) _______________________ (Date) Please print the information below. Name of Student: _________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ Grade/Teacher: ________________________________________ Please return to the school by Friday, September 18th. 3 Board Of Education Mr. Thomas Keith Jr., President Daniel Koehler, Vice President Herman Lo, Board Member Mary Sawyer, Board Member Richard Horvath, Board Member Nassau Elementary School 7 Nassau Road Poughkeepsie, New York 12601 (845) 463-7843 Fax: (845) 463-7842 Administrator Mr. Erik Lynch School Principal Office Assistants TBA TBA Spackenkill Union Free School District Administrative Offices (845) 463-7800 Fax: (845) 463-7804 Dr. Paul Fanuele, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lori Mulford, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction & Pupil Personnel Mr. David Downes, Director of Facilities & Grounds Mr. Brett Hasbrouck, Director of Technology Ms. Lisa French, School Lunch Director Ms. Doreen Wright, Transportation Supervisor 4 ATTENDANCE INFORMATION The Nassau Elementary School is in session from 8:45 a.m. until 2:50 p.m. Any student who arrives after 8:45 am will be recorded as tardy. Consistent attendance is the heart of education. This will enable your child to be part of the daily routines and instruction, and not disrupt his/her learning. Understand that while he/she is out of school, classroom instruction continues. Excessive absenteeism can have an adverse effect upon academic achievement. All children are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are ill or a family emergency arises. We ask that all parents/guardians call the school at 845-463-7843 between 8:00-8:30 am if your child is to be absent or tardy. This will help us consolidate our absentee list so we can respond quickly to any possible missing student concerns. If your child arrives late to school after 8:45 am, we ask that you or a designated party report to the office with your child so we can accurately record the tardiness. Please sign our record book when you arrive and provide the required written excuse stating the reason for the late arrival. When it is necessary for a child to be dismissed early from his/her daily schedule, parents/guardians must send in a note to the child’s homeroom teacher at the beginning of the school day identifying the reason. Calling throughout the day for early pickups or bus changes should be avoided unless unavoidable. When picking up your child parents/guardians must visit the office to sign out their child and may be required to show proof of identification. Please be prepared to show a photo ID. A student will not be released to anyone other than the parent/guardian without written permission from the parent/guardian. Picking up a child from 2:15 -2:50 pm in the main office should be avoided unless it is an emergency. A parent requesting homework for an absent student must notify the main office by 10:30 am on the day of absence and may pick up material after 3:15 pm. Requests made after 10:30 am will be completed and available for parents on the following school day. The New York State Education Department requires schools to produce a monthly attendance report identifying all students’ absences, tardies and early dismissals. In addition they are required by law to address chronic absences. Administration will follow the steps below for those students with chronic absences.