Student Handbook

All accidents occurring on school grounds or on the school bus must be reported immediately to the person in charge. Parents will be contacted accordingly.

Regular attendance is very important to a child’s education. Students who are absent must bring a written note signed by a parent or guardian stating the date(s) and reason for the absence.

The State Education Department will accept the following reasons as an excused absence:

• Personal illness
• Sickness or death in the family
• Religious observance
• Court appearance
• Attendance at health clinics

Any other absence(s) not explained in writing are considered unexcused.  In addition to absences, schools are now required to keep records of lateness and early dismissals.  Arrivals after 12:00 pm are considered absent. As a general rule, ten absences or late arrivals would be of concern to us and would warrant intervention in the form of a letter home, call home and/or parent conference. For your convenience, Absence Notices can be obtained from the Main Office and on our District website www.rondout.k12.ny.us.

According to Board of Education Policy # 7110 all students must attend school.  Excessive absences, lateness, or early dismissals will be reported to Child Protective Services for Educational Neglect or a PINS (Person In Need of Supervision) petition will be filed with Family Court.

A child will only be allowed to change buses for childcare purposes with written permission from the parent/guardian. Bus change requests for after school transportation may be sent by email to kesoffice@rondout.k12.ny.us, sent as a written note with your child, or by fax at (845) 377-6441.  Bus Change Forms can be obtained from our Main Office, on our District website, and in Appendix B.  The school will not accept routine changes over the phone.  In the event of an emergency change, please do not leave a message; be sure to speak directly to an office staff member so we may assist you.  All requests for bus changes must include the following information:

• Current Date AND date(s) of bus change
• The child’s full name
• The teacher’s name
• The name, address, and phone number to where your child is going
• The bus route or symbol
• Your signature

**Please note that the District has the right to deny a change if a bus is at capacity.**

(Please refer to Transportation on page 19 regarding any questions or concerns.)

Children and families with custody orders in place must provide the school with legal documentation.  Copies of court documents will be kept in a confidential file in the Main Office. Families requiring a second mailing of reports and notices must submit a new request in writing each September and update your address with the Main Office.

New York State’s Dignity for All Student’s Act (The Dignity Act) seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or school function.

The Rondout Valley Central School District has created a Dignity Act Incident Reporting Form through which any individual possessing information suggesting that a student has been subject to such harassment, bullying or discrimination can report such information so that it may be properly investigated and addressed.  Dignity Act Incident Reporting Forms and Instructions can be obtained from our Main Office, on the District’s web site under “Policies and Procedures” https://www.rondout.k12.ny.us/. 

The Rondout Valley Central Schools revised its Code of Conduct in June, 2018.  Kerhonkson Elementary School has created a Code of Conduct based on the District’s Code of Conduct and is being issued separately with this Student Handbook.  The complete RVCSD Code of Conduct can be obtained and our Main Office found on the District’s website. Contact Jackie VanNosdall, School Principal, with any questions about the Code of Conduct.

As part of growing up, children will make mistakes. Mistakes provide opportunities for children to learn and grow. It is important that they be honest and that they take responsibility for their actions. Sometimes there will be consequences for their actions. The consequence should match the action. When possible, we prefer to take a restorative approach to allow students the opportunity to take responsibility and make things right. Possible restorative actions include:

• Student counseled by principal
• Student(s) meet with school counselor
• Mediation
• Parent Contact
• Time away for reset
• Parent / Team Meeting 
• Restorative Conference  

If a restorative approach is not successful, consequences such as loss of privilege or, in an extreme case, suspension from school, may occur. Students as well as faculty and administration are responsible for working             together to maintain a safe, respectful environment for learning. Our main purpose is to provide each child with a quality education, and we take actions by individuals that interfere with, hinder or disrupt the education process very seriously.  Disciplinary action will be taken on the basis of what is in the best interest of both the individual student and the total school community.

Administration reserves the right to increase or decrease discipline on a case by case basis and to allow or disallow any student to attend any extra-curricular function including but not limited to PTA events, dances or field trips.

An assault is a willful, physical attack, upon another person. A fight is a physical   confrontation in which two or more people willfully use force with the intent of inflicting harm on one another as the result of a conflict.

Assault and fighting are serious infractions and will not be tolerated. Students who assault others or engage in fighting will receive an out of school suspension. Our shared expectation is that staff, administration, parents and students will work together to resolve conflicts respectfully.

The school bus is the place where most students start and end their day. All students deserve to be treated with respect on the bus and to have a safe bus ride to school. We have the same expectations for school bus behavior as we do in school. Students are expected to keep their hands, feet and personal possessions to themselves, remain seated at all times that the bus is in motion, and to follow all directives by adult aides that may be on the bus as well as the bus driver. Students who demonstrate misconduct on the bus will be subject to a call home as well as consequences. Possible consequences include:

• Discussion with the school principal about the action
• School counseling
• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension

Inappropriate use of computers, including iPads and Chromebooks, will result in suspension of privileges. Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to, intentional uses that violate the law and the rules outlined in the signed computer use agreements or any use that threatens the integrity or security of computers, networks or on-line accounts provided by the Rondout Valley Central School District.

Force, reasonable and moderate in degree, may be used by school personnel to restrain students from harming themselves, others, or property. Corporal punishment is prohibited in the

Rondout Valley Central School District. Any student who feels that he/she has been disciplined by school personnel using physical force should report the matter to the Principal at once.

If a student is suspended from school, he/she is prohibited from participating in the activity for the time of the suspension. Students must serve their disciplinary consequence before they can rejoin their activity. The terms of the Extracurricular Eligibility Policy apply to all of the following:

• Field Trips
• Class/Club Activities
• Athletic Activities
• Dances
• Office Aides
• After school events as spectator/participant

A person is guilty of disorderly conduct when, with intent to cause the public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm creates a risk thereof

• She/he engages in fighting or in violent or threatening behavior;
• She/he makes unreasonable noise, or in a public place uses abusive or obscene language or makes an obscene gesture;
• Without authority, she/he disturbs any authorized assembly or meeting of persons.
• She/he obstructs vehicle or pedestrian traffic;
• She/he congregates with other persons in a public place and refuses to comply with the request of a person in authority to disburse;
• She/he creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by an act that serves no legitimate purpose.

Students found guilty of disorderly conduct will be suspended in accordance with the Code of Conduct. In some circumstances, police referrals will be made.

Electronic devices including cell phones and mp3 players (i.e. ipods) are not to be seen  or used by students while classes are in session (8:30 am – 3:30 pm). Students violating this rule will have their device confiscated. Confiscated electronic devices will be held by a school administrator and will only be returned to the student’s parent or legal guardian. Students refusing to turn over an electronic device will face disciplinary action for insubordination. Tablets, PDAs and laptop computers are subject to the same rules unless a student is given explicit permission from a faculty member. In such cases permission only applies to the particular class and time period for which permission has been granted.

Every student has the right to pursue his/her educational opportunities free of fears about his/her personal well-being or the security of his/her property. The act of threatening, verbally, electronically (cyber bullying), or by gesture, the wellbeing, health, safety, or property of any person on school property or in route to or from school is strictly prohibited. Using such threats to obtain money, favors, etc. is considered extortion and is similarly forbidden. Violation of these prohibitions will result in suspension and/or legal action.

• Name Calling – Based on physical appearance, disability, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation, scholastic aptitude, financial status, dress, or any other comments meant to insult or humiliate, show disrespect, causing upset of another individual.
• Physical Harassment – Physical action (i.e., tripping, grabbing, pushing, shoving, spitting, etc.), resulting in intimidation/humiliation, or bodily harm of another.
• Discrimination – Unacceptable remarks/actions on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, disability or other reason resulting in intimidation or humiliation.
• Cyber Bullying – Using an electronic device to intimidate or harass another individual.

Insubordination is the refusal to follow the reasonable directive of a person in authority. Persons in authority include administrators, teachers, para-professionals, secretaries, custodians, volunteers, cafeteria workers, and other adults employed by the school district. Insubordination includes a violation of the rules, regulations and policies contained within this handbook. As with other kinds of infractions, there are degrees of insubordination, but it must be remembered that insubordination is generally considered a serious offense and may result in suspension.

Commission of conduct that constitutes a misdemeanor/felony while on school property or at a school event will be reported to law enforcement and subject to school discipline in accordance with the code of conduct.

No student shall interfere with, intimidate or physically or verbally attack another student or school district employee on their way to or from school district property before, during or after school hours. **Any violation of school rules, which involves other students or school district employees, shall be dealt with as if the violation occurred on school district property. This includes, but is not limited to any type of verbal, physical, electronic or third party harassment. Any violation of this rule will result in the discipline of the student up to and including long term or permanent suspension.

External suspension will be utilized when other methods of discipline have failed to correct inappropriate behavior, when an offense is particularly serious, or when a student's presence in school constitutes a danger to herself/himself or others. Students may not participate in extra-curricular activities or school functions, including PTA sponsored functions, during the term of a suspension including an intervening weekend. This includes participation in any school related activity.

The school principal may suspend a student for a period not to exceed five school days. Only the Board of Education or the Superintendent has the power to suspend a student for more than five school days. In all cases of suspension the student and his/her parents have the right to a meeting where he/she shall be informed of the charges against him/her. No student shall be suspended for more than five school days without the opportunity to have Superintendent’s hearing, to be represented by counsel, and to cross-examine witnesses.

Plagiarism is the willful copying of previously published and/or written material such as books, articles, book reports, term papers, etc., and the presentation of these items as one’s own. This act constitutes academic fraud and is a form of cheating. It and other forms of cheating are prohibited. Students found guilty may receive academic penalties as well as disciplinary consequences.

Falsely pulling fire alarms poses a serious disruption to school functioning and safety and will result in suspension.

As in accordance with the Clean Indoor Air Act NO SMOKING or other tobacco use is     allowed in any building or property of the Rondout Valley Central School District. Students and adults are not allowed to smoke on school property. Although the side streets (Webster and Academy Streets) are not ‘on school property’, they are in view of school grounds and playgrounds, and we discourage smoking in view of the school.

The Administration recognizes that students are guaranteed certain rights by law, and believes that students are more likely to accept responsibility for following the rules and regulations of the school when these rights are understood, and students are treated fairly.

• The school is a community and the students, as well as the faculty and administration, are responsible for the atmosphere of the school. With this in mind, the Administration of Kerhonkson Elementary School advises students that they possess the following rights:
• Students have the right to free speech, provided that it does not interfere with the orderly conduct of classes and is not libelous, slanderous, or obscene.
• Students have the right to wear display buttons, arm bands, or other badges of expression as long as they do not interfere with the orderly conduct of classes or contain material that is prejudicial, libelous, slanderous or obscene.
• No student shall be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race, disability, religion, ethnicity, marital status, or sexual orientation.
• All students have equal access to all communications resources of the school, subject to the rules and regulations.

Students of Kerhonkson Elementary School whether in school or on school grounds, or at school activities, are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which is appropriate and which reflects respect for themselves and others. The main purpose of this elementary school is to provide a quality education in a safe environment. Anyone who interferes with or hinders this process will be subject to disciplinary action. Respect for others is a fundamental responsibility of all persons in the school building. If a student feels that she/he has been treated unfairly, she/he should report such instances to the administration. Every effort will be made to support and respect the student’s rights; however, it must be remembered that:

• No student has the right to refuse to respond to any reasonable directive made by a staff member, (e.g. move when told to do so, report to the office, stop horseplay, refrain from entering a restricted area, etc.).
• No student has the right to use language or engage in behavior that is seriously inappropriate or disruptive.
• No student has the right to refuse to attend school.

Students who are insubordinate or insolent in the above manner will be subject to    disciplinary action. Serious or recurring offenses may result in a call being placed to county or state agencies when school intervention has not remedied school attendance or behavioral issues.

All students are expected to give attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parents have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. Teachers and all other district personnel should exemplify and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of appropriate appearance in the school setting. A student’s dress, grooming and appearance, including but not limited to hair style/color, jewelry, make-up and nails, shall:

• Be Safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process
• Recognize that extremely brief garments are not appropriate
• Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.
• Include footwear at all times.  Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed
• Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, and libelous or denigrate others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability
• Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal, violent or gang related activities. 
• Hats are NOT allow in school
• Backpacks and/or ‘Sacks’ are to be stored in the student’s assigned locker.  They are NOT to be carried.

Each building principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for informing all students and their parents of the student dress code at the beginning of the school year and any revisions to the dress code made during the school year. Students who violate the dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do this shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in or out of school suspension for the day.

• No student will be searched by school district personnel unless the administration has determined reasonable cause to do so. Students are apprised that lockers and desks remain the property of the School District to be used by students, therefore, the     administration reserves the right to access lockers and desks at all times.
• In cases where police enter the school, students have the same constitutional protections that they would have if they were not in school.
• These rights have been adapted from the New York State Education Department publication, Guideline for Students Rights and Responsibilities. If you feel you have been denied any of the rights mentioned above, you should discuss it with your student organization representative, your school counselor or the Principal.

Trespassing is the unauthorized presence of a person on another’s property. There are   specific legal penalties for this offense. There are certain circumstances under which a student may be trespassing in his/her own school, which may result in disciplinary and/or legal action. These include:

• Entering or remaining in school during the term of an external suspension.
• Is on school grounds without permission at an unauthorized time.

Kerhonkson Elementary School students are not permitted on the grounds or in the building of other district schools without authorization. Violation of this rule will result in suspension and/or legal action.

As a matter of policy, it is recognized that not all foreseeable situations or their severity can be anticipated. Students and parents should understand that if unforeseeable situations should occur, the administrator will deal with these offenses at his/her discretion, including the possible use of law enforcement authorities. The principal may request a Superintendent’s Hearing at his/her discretion. All referrals may be appealed to the principal.

Vandalism refers to the willful destruction or defacing of property or physical structures. Under New York State Law, parents will have to pay for any vandalism of public property by their child up to $1,000. Students found guilty of vandalism will be suspended from school, will be required to make restitution where appropriate, and may be assigned a number of hours of school service. During those hours of service, the offender will be expected to work hard to improve the physical environment of the school as compensation for the damage she/he has caused. Under certain circumstances referrals to the police will be made.

A violent student is a student under the age of 21 whom:

• Commits an act of violence upon a school employee, or attempts to do so
• Commits an act of violence upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or at the school function, or attempts to do so.
• Possesses a weapon while on school property or at a school function,
• Displays what appears to be a weapon while on school property or at a school function.
• Threatens to use a weapon while on school property or at a school function
• Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys the personal property of any school employee or any person lawfully on school property or at a school function.
• Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys school district property.

Possession or use of a toy, or other objects that are intended or upon reasonable observation appear to be a weapon or potentially dangerous object, shall not be permitted on school grounds, on school buses or in school buildings.

Superintendent’s Regulation Policy #5312.2: Weapons may not be brought, by students, to school grounds or school buildings.

A firearm as defined in the Gun-Free Schools Act (18 USC 921) [any firearm, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of such firearm; any firearm muffler or silencer; or any destructive device], as well as any other gun, BB gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, disguised gun, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, gravity knife, brass knuckles, slingshot, metal knuckle knife, box cutter, cane sword, electronic dart gun, Kung Fu star, electronic stun gun, pepper spray or other noxious spray, explosive or incendiary bomb, or other device, instrument, material or   substance that can cause physical injury or death when used to cause physical injury or death. Any student violating the above rules shall be suspended for a prolonged period of time or permanently expelled.

The possession or use of potentially dangerous objects as defined below on school grounds, school buses or in school buildings shall result in the same discipline as the weapons rules violation.

Potentially dangerous objects shall be defined to include but not be limited to scissors, broken glass, explosive devices, spike clothing accessories, chains or other instruments, articles or substances which under the circumstances of attempted use, or threatened use, are readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury. Under certain circumstances, referrals to the police will be made.

You will be notified by the School Messenger Service should there be any school emergency closing (delayed opening, school closing or early dismissal). Every student should have a plan in place of where they are to go in case of an emergency closing.  If your child is to go on a different bus, please notify the school in writing and we will keep it on record. Information is also posted on the District website: www.rondout.k12.ny.us

This is a plan where if it becomes impossible for the students to remain in the school, we will use our Emergency Evacuation Plan.  Students will walk, under supervision, to the Kerhonkson

Fire Department and then be bussed home from there. Parents will be notified via School Messenger. An evacuation drill is conducted at least once annually.

Signs are posted in every classroom, office, and cafeteria directing students and staff to stairways and exits.  Everyone must move quickly, quietly, and in an orderly fashion to safety.

Applications for Free and Reduced Lunch are available in our Main Office, on our District website at www.rondout.k12.ny.us. The Food Services Department can be reached at 687-2400 extension 4215 or extension 4233.

Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. It is important to note that head lice are not a hazard or a sign of poor hygiene. RVCSD supports evidence-based strategies under the guidance of the school nurse for the management of head lice. Interventions shared with families are student centered.

Homework provides practice or review of work being taught.  The developmental needs of our students are considered along with expected time required for completion. The teacher assigns homework as an important part of the educational program.  Homework is expected to be completed and returned on time. If your child is having difficulties with their homework, contact his/her teacher immediately.

Students will be allowed to sign out library materials every week providing they have returned their material from the previous week. All library materials are due one week from the date on which it was borrowed. A student who forgets to return their library book(s) on library day will be given an alternative assignment for book selection time.  Those students can bring in their book(s) on another day and arrangements will be made for them to sign out a new book. If a library book is lost or damaged, the school will have to be reimbursed.  All monies collected are refundable if the lost book is ever found.  At the end of the year, report cards will be held until all books are returned and fines paid. Students are allowed to borrow one book in Kindergarten and 1st grade, two books in 2nd grade and three books in 3rd grade.

There may be times when the District Office or the Police will direct us to lock down or lock out the building.  In a lock down, all staff and students report to designated locations. Classrooms and exterior doors are locked. No one may enter or leave the school. During a lock out, the school day proceeds normally, however no one can leave or enter the school. Lockout and lockdown drills are utilized to familiarize staff and students with these routines.

Reading homework can be:

• your child reading from their book packet.  These books should not be hard.  The children read these books to practice their reading strategies, so the reading should sound smooth and fluent.  When you have listened to your child read, please sign or initial the reading log.
• someone else reading a book aloud to the child, maybe a bedtime story.
• looking through a library book, even if it is too difficult for the child to read all the words.

Homework is considered practice or review of work being taught in class.  If your child is having any difficultieswith homework or you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the teacher immediately!

There is a table and hooks on the wall near the Nurse’s Office for lost and found items.  If your child has lost something, have them check the lost and found.

The school nurse may dispense medicine in school only by a written request from the doctor.  The doctor must indicate the frequency and dosage of the prescribed medicine.  Also, we must have a written request from the parent/guardian. The medicine must be in the original labeled container and delivered to the nurse by the parent or guardian.  Do not send the medication to school with your child.

The newsletter contains information about academics, reminders and changes in schedules.  Please take a minute to check for events and programs.

Parent-teacher conferences typically occur in October. The specific dates and times will be forthcoming at the beginning of the year. Classroom teachers will be giving parents more information on when and how this will work.  Parent/teacher communication is essential for your child’s academic success. Regular communication is encouraged, and conferences can be scheduled any time you or your child’s teacher have concerns.   

For the safety of everyone, please park in the parent parking lot on the Webster Street side of the school building.  Do not park in front of the yellow parking ropes as it blocks traffic.  Always keep your child(ren) close to you, as there are cars and buses moving around.

Kerhonkson Elementary School                                             626-2451

Marbletown Elementary School                                             687-0284

Rondout Valley Central Schools                                            687-2400

(All Main Campus Buildings) 

Students must wear appropriate footwear to physical education class.  This is for the safety of the child as well as the safety of other children. Sneakers are the safest footwear, but soft-soled shoes are acceptable. Footwear that leaves marks will not be allowed.

Students that are being picked up by a parent or guardian prior to 3:15 need to be signed out in the Main Office.  Please make sure that you bring a photo ID with you, and please remind others authorized to pick up your child to do the same. Please note that we cannot release your child(ren) to anyone other than those individuals you have indicated on the Emergency Contact list. An office staff member will call your child’s classroom and have them sent to you in the Main Office. Advance notice of your intention to pick your child(ren) up early is appreciated and will expedite the process.

If you are picking your child up at the end of the school day, please pull into our parent drop-off/pick-up loop off of Webster Street no earlier than 3:15, and remain in your vehicle. Staff will come to you to sign your child out and will escort your child to your vehicle. Please remember to bring photo identification, and please remind others authorized to pick up your child to do the same.  To avoid confusion and delay, please notify the Main Office no later than 2:00 PM of your intention to pick up your child(ren) and their name(s) will be added to the pick-up list. This notification can also be sent in advance via written note, an email (to kesoffice@rondout.k12.ny.us), or a fax to (845) 377-6441.  

If you need to pick up your child from the Nurse’s Office, please stop into the Main Office to sign them out.  The office staff will then contact the Nurse.

Rondout Valley has developed a character education program based on the principles of PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.  PBIS was established to address the behavioral and discipline systems needed for successful learning and social development of students. The school-wide system includes proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments.  A system of acknowledgements will help motivate students to try their best and to encourage others as well.  One important piece of PBIS is to create a set of simple school rules that are well known to all affiliated with our school.  Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful!

Our acknowledgement system recognizes positive behavior in the cafeteria, hallway, classroom, and during recess.  Displays of good character help students to earn “Gander Tickets” so they can receive their incentives. The following is how your child will be acknowledged for good character and positive behavior this year:

Students will be working on safety, responsibility and respect in the four areas of our school (Classroom, Cafeteria, Hallway, and Recess).  As part of our acknowledgement system, teachers and school staff will distribute Gander tickets to students who exhibit these positive behaviors.  

We celebrate students who consistently demonstrate our expectations with grade level rewards and  during school-wide assemblies.

Our PTA has been a great asset to our school over the years. Their purpose is to support and enrich all the children of the school.  We encourage everyone to join the PTA and become involved. Check the calendar for upcoming meetings and look for their monthly newsletters.  

Recess is for students to interact socially and be physically active. Students may bring items to play with for recess but they should check with an adult to make sure it is appropriate. Expensive toys should be left at home. Additionally, children should always be properly dressed. This includes the proper footwear for safety. Sandals, flip flops or shoes with heels are not appropriate for running around. We go outside for recess unless it is raining or the temperature is below 20 degrees (with the wind chill). Children should be appropriately dressed for the weather conditions.  In the winter, coats, hats, and gloves should always be worn.  If a student wants to play in the snow, they must also have boots and snow pants.

The purpose of report cards is to inform students and their parents/guardians of their progress. Report card envelopes must be signed by parents or guardians and returned.

According to the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, parents have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher.  All requests should be made in writing to the principal.

Our school day begins at 8:40 am.  Students may not be dropped off earlier than 8:30 am, as we do not have supervision at that time. Parents/guardians  bringing their child(ren) to school are required to walk them to the main entrance of the building where staff are there to greet them. To ensure instruction begins on time, parents or guardians may not walk their children to their classrooms. If parents have a scheduled conference with the teacher they must report to the Main Office, sign in, receive a Visitor’s Pass and remain in the Office while the office staff contact the teacher. Students arriving after 8:50 am are considered tardy and must check in to the Main Office before going to their classroom. Students arriving after 12pm (noon) are considered absent for the day.

Our dismissal time is 3:20 pm, when all the buses have arrived.  If you are picking your child up at the end of the day, you must sign your child out and then wait outside the gymnasium.  At 3:15 pm students will be released to that location.  (Please read the section entitled “PICKING UP STUDENTS AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY” on page 13.)  Students picked up before 3:15 pm will be marked as having an early dismissal.

We discourage students from bringing toys and valuables to school. The school is not responsible if they are lost or stolen.  If a child wishes to bring in a special item, they should first get permission from their classroom teacher. Cell phones and all other electronic devices are not allowed in school.  If there is a special reason for a student to have a cell phone or other electronic device in school, it must be cleared by the principal.

The Transportation Department can be reached at (845) 687-2400 extension 4815 if there are any questions or concerns regarding transportation to and from school. (See Bus Change instructions on Page 1). Requests for changes in morning transportation are made through the Transportation Department and not through the Main Office.

All visitors are welcome to our school.  For security reasons, every visitor must show a form of picture identification at the Main Office, sign in, and get either a visitor’s badge or a visitor’s pass.  Any person without proper identification will not be allowed to proceed to their intended destination. This is for the safety of all our students. In order to limit disruption to the instructional process, unannounced classroom visits are discouraged unless absolutely necessary. We do encourage you to make an appointment with your child’s teacher to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Making an appointment will afford you and your child’s teacher the time you need to discuss your child’s needs as well as privacy for your conversation. Your cooperation is appreciated.