Accident To Students

Accidents to students of a nature requiring other than the teacher's attention shall be reported to the school nurse. The health office is the distribution center for health services, materials, and first aid supplies.Back to Contents

The regular school program can be greatly enriched by a variety of assemblies. At all times, students are expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and to be courteous and attentive to the presentation. Please review proper assembly and correct deportment with your children so that all participants and spectators can have a positive experience.

The regular master schedule applies to the teacher supervision of assemblies. Should a special class period begin during an assembly, the special area teacher will join the class at the appointed time.Back to Contents

Family travel and/or vacations will be recorded as an unexcused absence and teachers will no longer be providing homework to take along. However, a parent or guardian may make a written request to the building principal prior to the absence to obtain permission to make up the work upon return. The principal, after consultation with the teacher(s) involved, will grant or deny the request. If the request is granted, the teacher's normal policy for late work applies. The decision of the principal is final and may not be appealed.

More on Attendance . . .

Students are expected to attend school on a regular basis. Failure of a student to attend when he or she is able to do so will jeopardize the education of the child.

A pupil returning after an absence from school should report to the health office to pick up their attendance card. The child must also bring a written statement from his/her parent/guardian stating briefly the reason for the absence.

If your child arrives late, and attendance cards have already been sent to the health office, the child should go to the health office and pick up the attendance card. Please be sure to include a written statement from home stating the reason for the tardiness.

Education law, article 65 states that it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to see that minors (ages 6-16) attend school regularly for the entire time that school is in session.

The Hyde Park Board of Education recognizes the following as valid absences from school.

1. sickness or death in the family,
2. impassable roads or weather making travel unsafe.
3. religious observance,
4. sickness requiring attendance at a medical clinic,
5. approved school sponsored trips,
6. quarantine, and
7. required court appearances.

Any other absence is considered illegal. Each absence must be accounted for. It is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to notify the office on the morning of the absence. It is essential that parents/guardians provide a written excuse for each absence. Such excuse should contain the reason and date of absence.

In the event that a child has excessive illegal absences, and (or) is habitually tardy, we may be required to file a PINS petition with Dutchess County Probation or a report with CPS (Child Protective Services).Back to Contents

Banana Splits is a school based program for any child whose family has changed through separation, divorce, or death. It is an ongoing peer support group, rather than a therapy group, and is offered in our school for students in grades 1 through 6. At Hyde Park Elementary the Banana Splits program is run by the school social worker.

Permission must be given by the parent in order for the children to participate in the program.

If you feel that your child would benefit from such a group, please contact the school social worker for additional information.Back to Contents

A breakfast program is available to all students. Children should go directly to the cafeteria upon entering the building in the morning and report to their classrooms prior to 8:40 following breakfast. A nominal fee is charged for breakfast.Back to Contents

The Child Study Team is a link between the school, teacher, and parents of a student who is experiencing difficulties. The CST will monitor the child's progress and bring the parent into the discussion as necessary.

There is an opportunity for the teacher, parent, and CST to meet to address specific concerns and mutually plan a course of action to help the child. CST is a collaborative, collegial support system.

The CST generally holds weekly meetings during the school year.

The following personnel voluntarily serve on our building Child Study Team:

• Principal
• School Psychologist
• Resource Teacher Consultant
• Math Assistant
• Speech Therapist
• Classroom Teacher or Referred Child
• Special Area Teacher Rep.
• Classroom Teacher Rep.
  

CST is designed to be an early intervention process to work with you and your children.Back to Contents

The assigning of students to classes is a team approach. The team is made up of the principal. the child's present teacher, the teachers at the new grade level. special area teachers, and special education and ESL teachers.

Before a placement is made the following are taken into consideration:

• The child's current academic level (math, language arts, science, social studies)
• The child's personality
• The child's weaknesses
• The child's strengths
• The child's gender
• The child's behavior record
• The child's ability to get along with others
  

After all the information has been evaluated by the team, a placement is made which the team feels will provide the best possible educational program for the student.
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If you anticipate being a parent or grandparent volunteer helper in the classroom, the teacher must file a brief outline of your duties and expectations. It is expected that the teacher will supervise all participating volunteers while they are working in the classroom.Back to Contents

The intent of the HPE discipline policy is to create a safe, quiet and orderly learning environment, encouraging responsibility involving students, staff and parents. Our goal is to foster a cooperative atmosphere of mutual respect, responsible actions and courteous behavior in order to enable students to reach their highest potentioal.

Students will be given recognition for responsible behavior. Students will face consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Through positive choices, students will learn to build a true sense of self-discipline which will benefit the entire school community.

Maintaining discipline is the prime responsibility of the school's professional staff, both individually and collectively. Good teaching and effective learning have the best chance when a safe an orderly atmosphere is established. Developing a sense of pride and respect for the entire school setting are important goals in establishing an orderly environment in which learning can be the first priority. The intent of the Hyde Park Elementary School discipline policy is to create a safe, quiet and orderly learning environment, encouraging responsibility involving students, staff and parents. Our goal is to foster a cooperative atmosphere of mutual respect, responsible actions and courteous behavior in order to enable students to reach their highest potential.

Students will be given recognition for responsible behavior. Students will face consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Through positive choices, students will learn to build a true sense of self discipline which will benefit the entire school community.

Disciplinary actions should be fair, firm, and consistent. They must also best meet the needs of the specific situation and the individual child or children involved.

Discipline is most effective when is deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs and in a way that is viewed as fair an impartial by the student. Therefore, before seeking outside assistance, teachers will first use all their resources to create a change of behavior in the classroom. When the teacher has made every effort to bring about positive behavioral change and has been unsuccessful the student will be referred to the principal to decide what further action will be taken.

Depending upon the nature of the situation, it is the school's desire that student discipline be progressive. A student's first violation should merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations. All data, information, and supporting records should be given to the principal to help attain a satisfactory resolution.

Although the teacher is in charge of discipline in the classroom, there will be occasions when a student will need to be sent to the principal.

Behavior Do's and Don'ts

1. Treat faculty, staff, and students respectfully.
2. Use appropriate language when in school.
3. Treat school property respectfully.
4. Be on your best behavior at all times.
5. Keep hands and feet to yourself at all times.
6. Stay on school grounds throughout the day.
7. Attend school every day and be on time.
8. Do not brign drugs or controlled substances.
9. Do not bother another person's property.
10. Do not Bring knives or other dangerous weapons to school.

It is necessary that children learn to develop self-discipline in order to further their learning. We ask that you discuss with your child the importance of and the need for good behavior and a good attitude while at school.

Consequences

The following consequences may be imposed either alone or in combination. The range of consequences for violation of the student code of behavior includes, but are not limited to the following:

Verbal warning	Time out
Written warning	Suspension from social or extracurricular activities
Written notification to parents (parent communication forms are available)	Suspension of other privileges
Counseling	Exclusion from a particular class
Immediate telephone conferences with parent	In-house suspension
Reprimand	External suspension
Detention	Expulsion

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It is the obligation of the school to safeguard pupils in every manner. It shall thereforebe the practice not to dismiss a child during school hours be request, unless theparent makes arrangements with the school authorities. Children must be dismissed from the main office only.

Early Dismissal Procedure

Early dismissal is not encouraged. Instructional time always has a detrimental effect on student learning achievement. If early dismissal is absolutely essential, please follow the procedure below.

1. Child brings note from parent or guardian to the main office.
   
2. School secretary records message, initial note
   
3. Child brings note to classroom teacher
   
4. Teacher dismissed child to the office when contacted by the office upon arrival ofthe parent/guardian.
   
5. Child is dismissed from main office after parent or child records dismissal in register located in the office.
   

Emergency Early Dismissal

When conditions are such that it is safer to send the students home than to keep themin school details will be announced over the local radio stations. The emergenciescould be weather related or be related to a difficulty with the physical plant. Please make sure to fill out an emergency go home card. The card will give your child's teacher specific instructions in the event of an emergency early dismissal. Back to Contents

We are required by law to conduct a minimum of twelve fire drills per year, eight of which must occur between the first day of school and December first of each school year. We are also required during some of our regular drills to block some usual exits so that children and teachers will be required to find safe alternate routes of exit. Be prepared for this.

Teachers will have an evacuation plan for their classroom posted near the door. The evacuation plan, its importance, and the proper procedure will be discussed with the children early in the school year.Back to Contents

Homework is required on all grade levels. The importance of homework in the overall instructional program will be consistently reinforced at each grade level. Homework is an important extension of the classroom experience. Teachers assign homework to augment what is learned in the classroom and to complete work, reinforce skills, and to foster responsibility.

Children will understand that homework must be completed on time to the best of their ability. Parents and students will take the necessary steps to meet that condition.

The ideal setting for homework is a well lit, quiet study area with all necessary supplies close at hand. Parents will provide support as needed.

This building wide homework policy will be communicated to the parents and students prior to the opening of school, at the beginning of the year, and at Open House. The classroom homework policy for each grade level will be explained to parents and students in writing, during class, and at Open House.

 Carefully planned, completed, and reviewed homework assignments can result is significant positive effects in the learning process and improved academic performance. Back to Contents

The responsibility for safe, enjoyable recess is one that is shared by the entire staff, playground aides, and students.

Classroom teachers and parents should make sure the students/children are aware of the following rules:

• Obey the playground aides and treat them with respect.
• Wrestling, fighting, and the throwing of any objects (rocks, snowballs, sticks, tree branches, etc.) is prohibited.
• Stay within the boundaries of the playground.
• Avoid interrupting games in progress.
• Use the playground equipment as approved by the playground aides.
• Permission must be granted by the adult in charge before anyone leaves the playground to go inside the building. This is to help keep the students safe during recess.
• No radios, Walkmans, Game Boys, or other electronic equipment are allowed on the playground.
• Line up promptly when the playground aides sound a whistle.
• Appropriate dress (coats, boots, mittens, etc.) must be worn when required by the weather conditions.
• All students will refrain from using profanity, inappropriate language and gestures.

Recess
Playground aides will meet the children at the outside doorway exits to supervise the children for noontime recess. Classroom teachers will walk their classes to the playgoround aides. Children are not to walk unattended from their classrooms to the building exirs. Children go out for recess every day except during heavy downpours or extreme cold. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the conditions of the day. On days when it is necessary to have indoor recess, the playground aides will meet the children at the classrooms. Back to Contents

There are four marking periods ending in November, January, April, and June. Parent report card conferences for students in grade 1 through 5 are scheduled twice during the school year. Once in the fall and again in the spring. Kindergarten report card conferences are also scheduled twice per year, but the dates are different from those for other grades. Back to Contents

Each student is responsible for the general appearance and care of our school. It is their learning environment. The environment includes classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeteria, bathrooms, etc.

Students must learn to respect school property and are more likely to do so when they have pride and respect for their learning environment. The school staff urges all parents to encourage their child to take good care of his books and any materials he might use that have been furnished by the school.

Children should not leave books where small brothers or sisters could possible tear or mark on them.

All hard cover textbooks must be covered. Any damaged and/or lost textbooks must be paid for by the student and/or family. Final report cards will be distributed only when all debts have been satisfied. Back to Contents

If a child comes to school on the district bus, he must return on the regular district bus to the original point of pick up unless the child has written permission from a parent/guardian to do otherwise. Only the parent or guardian of that child can request alternate transportation arrangements. Bus permission slips will be issued in the office upon approval of such written requests. Upon arrival at school, please send only the student who is requesting the bus pass to the office. Remember that bus assignments cannot be changed except by the school administration.

Specific student behavior expect ions are established for the safe and efficient operation of the school district transportation system in accordance with state law and regulations. Transportation is considered an extension of the regular school program and students who violate behavior expectations while riding a bus are subject to suspension from riding the bus and/or all other penalties established for misbehavior while students are on the school premises. Any questions or concerns pertaining to the district transportation system should be directed to the supervisor of transportation at 229-4070.

An orderly bus trip is essential to the safety of all students. Please encourage your child to follow all rules and respond courteously to the driver's instructions.

Glass containers, live animals, and large musical instruments are not allowed on the bus. The following musical instruments may be carried on the bus if students them on the floor between tier legs without interfering with other passengers in the seat: alto clarinet, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trombone, bassoon, flute, piccolo, trumpet, oboe, french horn, violin, viola, and half size cello.

Bus Behavior Rules

• Students will follow the directions of the driver.
• Students will safely wait to board and exit the bus.
• Students will remain seated.
• Students will keep hands, arms and legs inside the bus.
• Students will talk quietly
• Students will not eat on the bus.

Regulation about standing on a bus

Section 156.2 of the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education states that standees on a school bus may not exceed 20% of the seating capacity of the bus. Section 1229-b of the Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibits a bus from traveling a distance of ten or more miles with one or more standing passengers. Therefore, read together, the status of the law is that a school bus may have up to 20% of the seating capacity of the bus as standees as long as the distance traveled with one or more standing passengers is ten miles or less.

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If your child becomes ill at school we will contact you. If we cannot reach you, we will use the emergency contact information you have provided. Please remember to keep all phone numbers current in the event we need to contact you. The front door of the school will provide the only access to the building once the students have arrived. All other doors will be locked. Of course all doors will be available for exiting. It is only the access from the outside which will be limited. Back to Contents

Students in grades K through 5 begin their day at 8:40 AM and end at 2:50 PM. The building opens at 8:25 AM (15 minutes prior to the start of the student day). No students will be allowed in the building prior to 8:25. Please do not allow your child to arrive at school prior to 8:25. There is no one available to supervise children prior to 8:25. Back to Contents

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the nation's first law to protect the civil rights of handicapped people and provides that: No otherwise qualified individual shall solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Section 504 includes specific prohibitions against discrimination based on handicap in areas related to employment and program accessibility as well as student programs, activities and services.

Please contact Pupil Personnel Services, 483-3600. They will provide you with information on rights and procedures under Section 504. Back to Contents

In compliance with Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972, the Hyde Park Central school District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or handicap. The policy of nondiscrimination includes the following areas: recruitment and appointment of employees; employment pay and benefits; counseling services for students; access by students to educational programs, course offerings, and student activities.

The Title IX Coordinator for the District is: Mr. Victor DeBonis, Assistant Superintendent for Business, HPCSD Administration Offices, 386 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601; phone 483-3600. This official will provide information, including complaint procedures, to any student or employee who feels that his/her rights under Title IX may have been violated by the District or its officials.Back to Contents

Inclement weather conditions may cause the school to be closed. School closings are determined by the superintendent of schools and not by the local school. Announcements of closings will be broadcast via local news media. The basic premise to observe is that school is open or will remain open unless it is specifically announced otherwise. Back to Contents

Student radios, tape players, basketballs, soccer balls, etc., should not be brought to school for use in the classrooms or on the playground. In addition to other problems they create, the school will not be responsible for damage that might occur. Should a student bring such an item, the teacher can hold it until dismissal. Back to Contents

Parents are an important part of our school. In order for the school to keep a record of your visit and for the safety of all our students, please sign in immediately upon entering the school and affix a name badge. Upon leaving, be sure to sign yourself out as well. Back to Contents

For safety reasons, walkers and bike riders will be dismissed following the departure of the buses. Walkers will come up with their classes and wait in the cafeteria.

As of June 1994, all children under the age of 14 must wear a bicycle helmet at all times while riding their bicycle. The helmet should be ANSI or SNELL approved.

Bike riders and walkers must have a signed parental permission slip on file in the office.

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