Woodglen Elementary School

121 Phillips Hill Road

New City, NY 10956

845-624-3417

FAMILY HANDBOOK

2021-2022

Clarkstown Central School District

62 Old Middletown Road,

New City, New York 10956

2021-2022

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mrs. Tamara Bierker, President

Mr. David Gosman, Vice President

Ms. Christine Alias

Mr. Daniel Cazes

Mrs. Zizette Deutsch

Mr. Walter Litvak

Ms. Irene Tagaris

Meetings of the Board of Education are held twice each month, usually on Thursday

evenings at 8:00 p.m. as indicated on the specific dates in the Clarkstown Calendar. All

meetings are held at the Chestnut Grove Administrative Center, 62 Old Middletown

Road, New City, N.Y. Residents of the district are invited to attend and speak. You can

access the Board Agenda on the district website at http://www.ccsd.edu . For further

information, please call the clerk to the board at 845-639-6455.

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Dr. Martin D. Cox

SUPERINTENDENT’S STAFF

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

Mr. John LaNave, Assistant Superintendent and Chief Administrative Officer

Mr. Jeff Sobel, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel

Ms. Susan Yom, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

DISTRICT STRATEGIC GOALS

• Focus Area #1: ACADEMIC
• - Advance Learning for All Students
• Focus Area #2: SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL & ETHICAL
• - Support the Social-Emotional and Ethical Development of All Students
• Focus Area #3: CAPACITY BUILDING
• - Invest in Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise of the Community
• Focus Area #4: SAFETY
• - Maintain and Promote a Safe and Respectful Environment

District Mission

CCSD, in partnership with the community, will meet the individual academic and social emotional needs of all students within a safe environment while empowering them to reach their full potential in a complex society.

District Vision

• Students will take ownership of their actions by demonstrating self advocacy, initiative, responsibility and critical thinking skills.
• Utilizing technology effectively as a tool, students will communicate, construct learning, and demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• The district will allocate resources in alignment with learning goals to create facilities which enhance and maintain technologically advanced, efficient and safe environments that are conducive to learning.
• The district will ensure high standards by using a variety of research-based curriculum and instructional models and professional development to create opportunities for all students to become critical thinkers and life-long learners.
• The Board recognizes that while the vision is intended to be a long-range statement of the ideal future for the district, it still requires continual evaluation. Accordingly, the Board will review the vision statement periodically in developing the district’s annual goals.

WOODGLEN’S MISSION STATEMENT

Woodglen Elementary School strives to provide the highest quality education to children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Our staff provides a safe, nurturing, respectful and stimulating environment, which fosters a love of learning and discovery. We are a community of learners with teachers, parents, and students modeling and supporting the behaviors we value: tolerance, honesty, responsibility, and respect for others.

Woodglen addresses the whole child, building the foundation for them to meet the challenges of a new millennium and inspiring them to live their daily lives with courage, compassion, and joy.

WELCOME

It is our pleasure to welcome you and your family to school. We are looking forward to providing many exciting and rewarding learning experiences for you throughout the school year. Through personal contact, regular conferences and newsletters, we can establish a partnership to ensure your child’s educational success.

It is the intent of this handbook to provide our parents and students with important information. It has been carefully prepared and presented, so that families may know and understand the policies and practices of Woodglen Elementary School.  Our school has a proud tradition of academic excellence, and with your help, we are sure that the present year will be one of our very best.

ABOUT US

Woodglen is a culturally and economically diverse K-5 elementary school of approximately 440 students.  The largest neighborhood elementary school in the Clarkstown Central School District, Woodglen also houses a variety of district-wide special needs programs.  Our instructional program challenges and supports each child, celebrates and develops their unique talents, and promotes appreciation for and tolerance of others.  An accomplished and dedicated staff and involved parent community are committed to maximizing the achievement of each student.  A full range of related service staff provides extensive academic and counseling support for children with special needs.  An annual multicultural fair highlights the cultures and contributions of the different ethnic groups that comprise the Woodglen community. 

Woodglen staff members will do our best to:

• Provide a quality instructional program for each student.
• Provide a safe school environment.
• Provide programs and activities that respond to the developmental needs of each student.
• Help children in developing discipline, respect, and self-confidence in order to

            participate in our school and community as responsible members.

Woodglen parents are asked to do their best to:

• Send their children to school each day on time.
• Send children prepared with all necessary materials, and well rested.
• Check their children’s work and homework on a regular basis.
• Provide their child with suitable study conditions at home.
• Communicate with their child’s teachers when they are concerned about their child’s work or health.
• Provide cooperation and support with appropriate discipline.

Woodglen students are asked to do their best to:

• Be in school on time.
• Have required classroom supplies available daily at home and in school.
• Actively participate in classroom discussions.
• Ask questions and tell the teacher when work is not understood.
• Do their personal best at all times.

WOODGLEN SCHOOL
FACULTY AND STAFF 2021-2022

Principal                          Ms. Lisa Maher

Secretary                          Ms. Helen Andromidas,  Ms. Maria Napoli

Classroom Teachers:

Kindergarten         Ms. Wendy Ansons                        103

                             Ms. Jennifer Teichmann                                   102

                    Ms. Betsy Savedoff                        101                        

First Grade                  Ms. Eileen Cording                        104

             Ms. Lisa Gould                        116

        Ms. Meredith Oppenheim                        115

        Ms. Kathyrn Zebrowski                        112                                

Sp. Ed 1        Ms. Frieda Levitas                        113                                                                        

Second Grade         Ms. Amy Meltzer                        121

        Ms. Leslie Melton                        111

        Ms. Stephanie Rosenblum                        124                        

Sp. Ed 2        Ms. Eileen Mahoney                        122

Third Grade          Ms. Linda Brinkman                                133

        Ms. Megan Freeman                                132

Ms. Allison Weintraub                              134     

Sp. Ed 3                   Ms. Andrea Kalter                        123                                

Fourth Grade           Ms. Caitlyn Dolphin                        241

        Ms. Lauren Moore                        243

        Ms. Donna Scott                        244

Sp. Ed 4        Ms. Toni Ann Holland                        232

Fifth Grade             Ms. Jessica Fox                        252

        Ms. Regina Maguire                        255

        Ms. Spedaliere /  Ms. Gutmann                254

        Ms. Alexis Sciortino                        253

Sp. Ed 5        Ms. Leslie Hollander                        251

Special Instruction:

Art                     Ms. Roslyn Gallo, Ms. Melanie Rodriguez        

Behaviorist                Ms. Katie Colaluca-Borbon, Ms. Sarah Orlans

Dimensions                Ms. Lisa Imperial

English Language Learning (ENL)        Ms. Katherine Kamidoi, Ms. Elizabeth Flanagan

FLES                Mr. Rich Wilhelm                

Librarian                     Ms. Sheila O’Rourke  

Math Specialist                Dr.  Marianne Strayton, Ms. Maggie Murray                

Music                                        Mr. Austin Frandino,  Mr. Larry Watson                        

Nurse                Ms. Caroline Melvin, Ms. Diane Greenspan

Occupational Therapy (OT)        Ms. Megan Natale                

Physical Education              Ms. Christine Crosby, Mr. Conor McGuiness, Mr. David Lynch

Psychologist                  Ms. Meredith Grant, Dr. George Groth, Ms. Melissa Christiansen    Reading                 Ms. Kathy O’Donnell, Ms. April Solomon, Ms. Athena Kouridis

Special Education                Ms. Stephanie Costa 

Speech Therapist                  Ms. Loren Raimo, Ms. Amy Caivano, Ms. Rebecca Jaffee                      Student Assistance Counselor              Ms. Theresa Dowd

Teaching Assistants                  Mr. Shane Cronin

                Ms. Stacey Damesek

                Ms. Janine DaSalvo

                Ms. Shari Gilden

                Ms. Susan King

                Ms. Nicole Leto                        

                Ms. Susan Martin        

                Ms. Heather Ober

                Ms. Lisa Pisano

                Ms. Sofia Quesada

                Ms. Krista Reynolds

                Ms. Christine Rizzitiello

                Ms. Sonia Roldan

                Ms. Patricia Roughan

                Ms. Wendy Salesky

                Ms. Lauren Slome

                Ms. Carolyn Steiner        

Ms. Janice Zaslav        

Greeter                Mr. Anthony Gonzalez

Security                Mr. Peter Tetukevich                

Library Clerk                              Ms. Neetu Mathai    

Food Services                      Ms. Eileen Walter

                Ms. Michele Verderosa

Custodial Staff                            Mr.  Rocco Fiorillo

                Mr. Alex Rodriguez

Mr. Bob Neal        

WOODGLEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Lisa Maher: Principal

lmaher@ccsd.edu

Main Office (845) 624-3417 (press 3)

School Nurse: (845) 624-3417 (press 4)

Transportation: (845) 639-6380

Food Services: (845) 639-6526

SCHOOL HOURS

Student Arrival ……………….. 8:15 a.m. - 8:22 a.m.

Instructional Day……………... 8:22 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

Student is considered late after 8:25 a.m.

Dismissal……………………… 3:05 p.m. (Buses then walkers)

PLEASE NOTE

School supervision begins at 8:00 a.m.; therefore, students should not arrive before 8:00 a.m.

This is a safety precaution.

        LUNCH, RECESS and SPECIALS SCHEDULES

ELEMENTARY SCHEDULE OF REPORT CARDS AND

TRIMESTER DATES FOR

2021-2022

                        1st Trimester                 2nd Trimester                3rd Trimester                

Dates:                        Wednesday, Sept1        Monday, Dec 6                Monday, March 21                        

                        Friday, Dec. 4                Friday, March 18                Friday, June 24

Number of

School Days                       58                                 62                                  60      

Elementary

Report Cards        

Posted on                Friday, Dec. 10                  Friday, Mar. 25                         Friday, June 24

Parent Portal                         

Assessment                ELA Gr. 3-5                Math Gr. 3-5                           

Week                        March 29-31                April 26-28                             

Star Screening                Sept                Jan                May                        

RTI Screener                        

Parent Teacher Conferences: Parent-teacher conferences will be provided at all grade levels using a combination of Superintendent’s Conference Days.  To accomplish this, and to provide a uniform grade level schedule, the following dates have been established:

Parent Conferences for Elementary:        November 12, 2020  6:00 - 7:30PM

March 22, 2021 6:00 - 7:30PM

Early Release Days          October 13, 2021         Dec. 8, 2021          March 9, 2022        

Interim Progress Reports will be sent home for all students not making satisfactory academic progress since the date the previous report card was issued.  Report card envelopes should be returned to the teacher signed by the parent or guardian the next day after distribution.

Progress Reports:  Week of Oct. 19, 2020

    Week of Jan. 25, 2021

                    Week of May 10, 2021

Staff members are expected to hold parent-teacher conferences for those students who are not making progress in any trimester.

General Information

Information is listed in alphabetical order by topic.

Absence and Tardiness (refer to CCSD policy & regulation 5100)

Clarkstown Central School District in keeping with New York State Education Law, which requires that we inform parents of their right to be notified when their child is absent from attendance at school, has implemented the following procedure.  The process is simple and designed to help ensure that parents are aware of their child’s absence from school.

Parents will utilize the call-in system (624-3417) twenty-four hours a day to inform the school nurse if their child will be absent.  In addition, an email can be sent to klennon@ccsd.edu and Parents will leave a brief message that includes the child’s name, his/her teacher, the nature of illness, and the projected number of days of absence.  If the parent calls on the first date of absence, he/she need not call again to report successive dates of the same illness.

Students who are absent must bring a written note signed by the parent or guardian when they return to class indicating the reason for absence from school.  Children who are late must also bring a note of explanation signed by the parent or guardian.  Family vacation absences will be recorded as illegal absences.  The school recognizes the following reasons for student’s absences from school as valid:

• Sickness or death in the family
• Impassable roads
• Religious observance
• Illness
• School approved and supervised trips

Student absences for the purposes of vacationing while school is in session are illegal under the rules of the New York State Education Department.  Since such absences are illegal, school officials are not in a position to approve parent requests for such absences and urge parents to make every attempt to plan vacations during days when school is not in session.

It is our obligation; however, to see to it that such illegal absences cause a minimum of education harm to students.  We, therefore, require that parents and students assume the responsibility to accomplish the following whenever students are absent for an extended period of time.  Parents shall submit notification, in writing, to the principal of the school as early as possible, but not later than one week prior to the planned absence.  While on vacation, students will engage in activities, which can be considered to be extensions of school-related work.  Examples include the following:  read literature and brochures related to the vacation site, or other subjects, or take home materials or novels which have been assigned as a long-term project, write a daily log of experiences; calculate expenditures by maintaining an account of vacation expenses.  Other relevant activities may also apply.

Parents should inform the school immediately of any change in address, phone number or emergency number.  Parents should let us know if you will be away for more than a day and will be leaving your child(ren) in the care of a relative, friend, or neighbor.  For more information please refer to the district policy on absence and tardiness.

Accidents

Pupils requiring medical attention should be referred to the school nurse.  Accident reports should be filed for all accidents that require medical attention.

After School Program

There are various after school programs available for students through different organizations.  The FRC (Family Resource Center), CLC (Community Learning Center), PTA and YMCA are such groups that offer programs ranging from homework help to enrichment programs. The YMCA contact number is (845) 727-1037. Other organizations will send out notices as various programs become available. After school programs are generally cancelled when there is an early dismissal. You will be notified via the emergency calling system in such cases.

Animals on School Grounds (Refer to CCSD regulation 665)

This is the district policy regarding animals in the schools: “No animals, domestic or otherwise, except for seeing-eye dogs, are permitted on school grounds. Permits requiring use with animals will not be approved. The exceptions to the preceding will be those animals that are classroom pets, which are used in science experiments, and/or which performs a security or safety function, and which are part of any cultural arts programs provided for the students. Animals used for this purpose must be under the control of an adult and must be handled in a way that does not endanger children. Notification of any “animal visits” will be sent home to parents in case of allergies.

Arrival

We count on all of our parents to help us observe established morning routines, to ensure the safety of our children.  Therefore, please be aware of the following arrival procedure for cars and buses:

• Our school buses typically arrive between 8:05 a.m. and 8:20 a.m.  Buses average 60 to 90 seconds to unload the children in front of the school, where we have excellent direct supervision.
• According to our Transportation Department, statistics show that children who ride school buses are safer than traveling to school by other means. This also helps ensure a smooth and efficient arrival procedure.
• If you do choose to drive your children to school, please adhere to the requests of the staff member directing traffic in front of the school.
• It will be easier to drop off your child if you can avoid the busiest bus drop off time, which is between 8:00-8:20 a.m.  Patience is critical to our children’s safety, so we ask that you never back out of the entrance to the school.  In addition, drop off is in the right lane closest to the school.  The middle lane proceeds to parking.

It is the family’s responsibility to get children to school on time.  The first ten minutes of school set the tone for the entire day. Instruction begins promptly at 8:25 a.m.  Children who arrive after 8:25 a.m. will be marked late.  Children who arrive ten minutes late each day will miss 50 minutes of instruction each week, and 30 hours of instruction over the course of the year.  Please help us ensure your child’s success by facilitating his/her timely arrival each school day.

Please review the following arrival safety rules with your children:

1. Leave buses in good order.
2. Walk into the assigned areas in school.
3. Do not linger on the front walk, waiting for friends.
4. Settle into class lines in the cafeteria, quickly and quietly.

School will open at 8 a.m. The cafeteria will be open at 7:45 a.m. for those students who wish to participate in the breakfast program. Classrooms will open at 8:22 a.m. Instruction will begin at 8:25 a.m.

Please make every effort to have your child in school on time so that he or she can begin the day ready and prepared.

• Students who are purchasing breakfast go directly to the cafeteria at 8 a.m.   Supervision will be provided for   students eating breakfast.

• Upon entering the building, students will report to the cafeteria.

• Walkers (not participating in the breakfast program) are requested to arrive at school no earlier than 8:20.

Assembly Attendance

Throughout the school year, our students perform at a variety of concerts and assemblies.  Parents, preschool age siblings, and other adult family members are usually invited to attend these special events at the school. For some assemblies, siblings, who are students at Woodglen, will be invited to attend as well, as long as their parent(s) are in attendance. In this situation, a parent must notify the office to grant permission for the student to leave the classroom. For all assemblies and concerts, the school will determine whether siblings will be permitted to attend based on fire codes.

This decision will be based upon many factors, including space considerations, appropriateness and timing of the assembly (i.e. time away from learning or testing schedules).

Behavior

Playground Behavior

• Demonstrate respect and responsibility
• Display good sportsmanship
• Allow everyone to play
• Stay in your playground area

Hallway Behavior

• Demonstrate respect and responsibility
• Stay in place in line
• Do not disturb artwork/class work that is displayed in the hallway

• Go directly to destination
• Stay right

Bicycles

Children riding bicycles to school must have a parent permission note on file in the office.  Students riding bicycles must wear a helmet. All bicycles must be placed in the racks and locked.

Birthdays

Individual student birthdays may be recognized and celebrated in the classroom in keeping with the NYS and CCSD guidelines. Such celebrations should be coordinated with the parent a few days in advance as to not interrupt the teacher’s instructional plans.  Invitations for home parties are not to be distributed in school unless all students are invited.  Allowing students to hand out invitations is at the discretion of the teacher. RSVPs must be made directly to parents and may not be communicated through school.  Birthday treats should only include pre packaged fruit, vegetables, and water.

Books

All textbooks should be covered by the second week of school.  All books are to be returned at the end of the school year or when students are discharged from school.  June report cards will not be distributed to students who have not returned all books.

Breakfast Program

Breakfast is served from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. daily. On delayed opening, morning breakfast is not served. 

The Clarkstown Community Learning Center and Clarkstown Family Resource Center are collaborating to offer an Early Riser Club from 7:00-8:10 a.m. for children whose families need child care before school.  Children may purchase breakfast for an additional charge. On delayed opening mornings, there will be no Early Risers program. All questions regarding the Early Riser Club should be directed to Marion Arbuco at marbuco@ccsd.edu or you may call 845-620-2017. You may also direct questions to clarkstownfrc@gmail.com.

Building Access:  

In order for us to maintain the safety of our staff and students in the building during after school hours, we are not permitted to allow anyone in the building to retrieve forgotten books, homework or other items. In addition, the YMCA is not permitted to allow access to the building.

Bus Safety

Students may be involved in behavioral incidents on our school buses. If a student is the recipient of any verbal or physical abuse, please report the incident immediately to the Transportation Department at 639-6380. They will conduct a follow-up investigation and report back to the parent/school.

For the safety of all students, please stress the importance of these rules.

• Students are to be orderly on the bus.  Any activity that distracts the bus driver is not permitted.  
• At the bus stop, students are expected to be as well mannered as in all other areas.
• Upper grade students are our role models and are expected to help the younger students.

Please stress bus safety with your children. All students riding school buses are expected to wear their seatbelts while riding to and from school and all school activities.  Students must remain seated during the entire bus ride to or from school, and must refrain from getting up from the seat until the bus makes a complete stop. Students are expected to keep hands to themselves, and treat others with respect.   The district will conduct periodic bus safety drills during the course of the year for all students.

Bus Transportation

Those students who are eligible for bus transportation will receive a bus pass at the end of the summer. Parents with concerns or questions can call the bus garage at 639-6380. Students who ride the bus will be put on their bus everyday unless we have a note from the parent. Students may not ride on any bus other than their own, without special permission from the bus garage.  You can fax the transportation office for such a request at (845) 639-4061.

In the event of a family emergency or special circumstance, pupils who receive transportation may ride to or from school on a different bus.  Requests for bus changes must be made, in writing, to the principal and the bus garage.  Because most buses are close to capacity, changes cannot be made for routine after-school activities such as play dates.

Cafeteria

Hot lunch, including milk, is served daily.  Online payment options are available on the district website at http://www.ccsd.edu//parents.cfm?subpage=1654. Free and reduced lunches are available to all students who qualify. A container of milk is available for those students who choose to bring their lunches. Healthy snacks are also available for purchase. The monthly lunch menu will be posted online. For more information on the breakfast and lunch programs, please contact the Food Services Department (639-6546).

Cellular Phones (refer to CCSD policy & regulation 5410)

As per the district policy, students may not use a cell phone during the regular school day.”  For parents: When visiting the school, please set your cellular phones to “vibrate.”  Also, please exit the classroom and/or student area before you answer your call. This will help us minimize disruptions during instructional time.

Child Custody and Visitation Rights

For the protection of the child, it is imperative that parents provide the main office with a copy of any legal document specifying the custodial parent/visitation rights. This is intended to prevent the release of a student to a parent who may no longer have the legal right to see a child or remove him/her from school. The office will share this confidential information with pertinent staff members.  In the absence of any court order to the contrary, a non-custodial parent who makes the request is entitled to receive copies of the following documents:

• Report card

• Progress reports

• Information about parent-teacher conferences

• Notification of concerts, plays, field trips

Clarkstown Family Resource Center Partnership

The Clarkstown Family Resource Center Partnership (CFRCP) will offer a variety of programs at Woodglen Elementary School during the school year. These may include the Early Riser Club, and After School Enrichment classes.  If you have any questions about the CFRCP, please contact the CFRP Director by emailing clarkstownFRC@gmail.com or by calling 845-639-5619.  You may also contact Marion Arbuco, CLC Assistant Director at marbuco@ccsd.edu.

Class Parents (refer to CCSD policy & regulation 5495)

In September, a letter will be sent home to all parents regarding their interest in becoming a class parent. Class parents will be designated with the responsibility of organizing celebrations and assisting with supervision needs of the teacher (i.e. chaperoning trips). Class celebrations must adhere to the NYS and CCSD guidelines.

PLEASE NOTE:   Due to health codes, all food, including fruits and vegetables, that is distributed MUST BE IN ORIGINAL packaging, with ingredients clearly stated. No home baked goods can be distributed during the instructional day.

Clothing

Be sure to label all of your children's clothing and other belongings. Kindly contact the school when your child reports items missing. We will do our best to assist you.  Please ensure that your child’s footwear is safe and appropriate, to avoid accidents and injury.  Please encourage students to wear closed toe footwear on playgrounds.  (Flip flops or open toe sandals are not safe for the playground or physical education. “Heelys,” roller skates or skateboards are not permitted in school).  During the winter months, we will have outdoor recess, weather permitting. Please make sure your child comes to school with appropriate cold weather clothing: a warm coat, hood or hat, and gloves or mittens.  Please refer to the CCSD Code of Conduct for information about the District dress code.

Code of Conduct

Maintaining the integrity of the educational process is dependent upon the cooperation of everyone in the educational community – students, teachers, parents, administrators, non-teaching staff, and the citizens of the District. Therefore each of these groups is responsible for following the District Code of Conduct. The District Code of Conduct can be found online:  http://www.ccsd.edu/district.cfm?subpage=25 .  A committee of parents, teachers, teaching assistants, and the school principal was formed to develop a school Code of Conduct. We have read

excerpts from a book entitled, Discipline with Dignity and established a School Code of Excellence. The rules and consequences established are aligned to the District Code of Conduct. The Olweus Team has also aligned its guidelines to our school Code of Excellence.  Children who harm others, break school rules, and/or deliberately destroy property will be subjected to consequences as outlined by our Code of Conduct. The consequences will range from verbal/written warnings to reflective logs, to suspension from school. Parents will be notified of both in-school and out-of-school suspensions. In the case of out-of-school suspensions, the students must be escorted by a parent upon returning to school for a reentry meeting with the building principal.

The school strives for the development of pupil self-discipline at every grade level.  Pupils are permitted as much freedom as they can handle successfully.  Leadership qualities and other positive and adaptive behaviors are reinforced, encouraged, and developed.  Pupils who engage in misconduct are disciplined in a manner appropriate to the specific offense.  Possible consequences include the following:

        1.  Verbal guidance and/or reprimand

        2.  Telephone contact with parents                                                      

3.  Written notification to parents  

4.  Suspension from transportation

5. In-school suspension
6. Out-of-school suspension

At Woodglen Elementary School, we take pride in our positive behavior, respect and responsibility for self and others.  We developed and adopted our own Code of Excellence, which supports a school environment where students can feel safe, comfortable and challenged to reach high academic standards. It is using these key principles that we developed our school and class rules.

Common Core

The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.  Please see the following link.

http://www.corestandards.org/

Communication Protocol

In order to facilitate the receipt of information and the resolution of concerns, we ask that parents follow the District’s chain of command.

To Resolve:

• Classroom Issues:  Telephone or e-mail the classroom teacher first. If you are in need of additional assistance, contact the Principal, Lisa Maher.
• Building Wide Issues: Telephone or e-mail the Principal, Lisa Maher.
• PTA Issues: Contact PTA President, Natalia Lanzo / Aparna Tantr
• Transportation Issues: Telephone the Transportation Department at 639-6380 and ask for Tom Balco.

Conferences & Communication with Staff

The purpose of the parent, teacher communication is to establish and maintain a good working relationship between the home and the school. Parent-teacher conferences are always encouraged whenever questions or problems arise. If you would like to speak with the teacher, please send a note in with the child and the teacher will contact you at their earliest convenience. The main office will not interrupt the class unless an emergency exists. In order to preserve instructional time, teachers will often get back to you at the end of the day. If you have a concern regarding

a classroom practice or procedure, please contact the classroom teacher first. If you are in need of additional assistance, contact the school Principal, Ms. Maher.  District-wide parent teacher conferences have been scheduled throughout the year. Please check the school calendar or visit the school website for the dates and times.

Contacting your child during school hours

If there is an urgent need to reach your child, or an emergency during school hours, please contact the main office. Your child will be called to the main office to speak with you.

Crossing guards

A crossing guard is provided for the safety of the students on Phillips Hill Road between 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. The Police Department assigns the crossing guard.

Daily Schedule

8:22-8:25 a.m. - Students go directly to their rooms.

8:22 a.m. - School begins.  

8:22 a.m. - Bell rings – signals lateness from this point forward.

8:25 a.m. - Students are marked late.  School-wide morning announcements are to be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance in each class.  Morning routines such as attendance, lunch count, class rules, and schedules should be attended to at this time.

3:00 p.m. - Student pick up if needed for appointment

3:05 p.m. - Dismissal for bus riders.

3:15 p.m. - Dismissal for walkers.                        

PLEASE NOTE:

School supervision begins at 8:15 a.m.; therefore, students should not arrive before 8:15 a.m.

This is a safety precaution.         

Delayed Openings

When school is closed due to inclement weather or other emergencies, announcements are made via multiple mediums:

• NTI: The District Emergency Notification System will distribute the message via the contact numbers you submitted on the emergency contact forms.

• CCSD Switchboard: (845) 639-6300 (Press 9 and then 4. This will take you to the weather information mailbox.)

• Radio: WLNA (1420), WHUD (100.7 FM), WFAS (1230 AM & 103.9FM), WVOX (1460 AM),

WVNJ (1160 AM), WCBS (880 AM) & County Radio (1640 AM).

• Television: WABC-TV (Channel 7) & Fox 5 (WNYW), WRNN-TV (Kingston),

WNBC-TV (Channel 4)

• Internet: www.cancellations.com, www.ccsd.edu

The decision to close or delay openings is made after consultation with local police, the highway department, various weather services, and the transportation department. Should the number of days of inclement weather closings exceed the number of days provided, the excess days will be made up.

Dignity for All (DASA)

New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) was passed to create a safe learning environment for our state’s public elementary and secondary school students – an environment free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.  The Dignity Act is not an anti-bullying law, rather the law focuses on acts of discrimination and harassment.  Bullying is considered an act of harassment.  The intent of the law is the prohibition of harassment, discrimination, and other intimidating behaviors of students by students and staff. Please refer to Clarkstown Central School District’s Policy #5410 to find out information about the code of conduct and how this law is reflected in our school district policy.

Dismissal

1. Buses that arrive before 3:05 p.m. will begin loading at 3:05 p.m. and will depart by 3:15 p.m.  Walkers and students who are picked up by parents will be dismissed at 3:15 p.m., after the buses have departed.

2. Cars will not be permitted to enter or exit the driveway from 2:45 to 3:15 p.m.  Parents are encouraged to arrive after 3:15 p.m.  

3. Please be reminded that all traffic must observe one-way rules in the driveway and that U-turns are prohibited.  Cars should never be parked in the parts of the driveway nearest to Phillips Hill Road.  Parked cars in this area pose a serious hazard to cars and buses that are either entering or exiting the driveway.  Parking is not permitted in the spaces opposite the building in the front driveway before 8:30 a.m. and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

4. In order to reduce congestion and to minimize activity in the main office at dismissal, students may not be signed out after 2:55 p.m.

In order not to disrupt instruction, please try to schedule any appointments after school.  Due to limited office staff, please do not pick children up before 3:15 p.m.  Please pick your children up with the walkers.  If it is an emergency situation, your child will be called to the office for you.

For the safety of our children, parents are asked to do the following.

• Do not pass buses that are loading and unloading.  This is a traffic violation.
• Carpool – fewer cars on limited ground.  For faster loading, instruct children in car pool to wait together.
• Drive slowly and safely when dropping off or picking up children.
• Do not enter the bus loading zone.
• Do not park on the left side of the driveway or in an unmarked parking spot.  We must leave access for emergency vehicles.  

These precautions may take a few extra minutes, but they protect our children.

PARENTS WISHING TO CHANGE DISMISSAL ROUTINE:

As you know, we are always concerned with the safety of your children. This atmosphere of safety relies most importantly on communication between home and school. For this reason, in the event you need to change your child's dismissal procedure on any given day, you must put the requested change in writing with all the details. This information must be given to the teacher on the day before or on the morning of the request and is only good for the date(s) you specify on the note. If you place the letter in a sealed envelope, please mark the envelope “DISMISSAL” in case of a teacher absence. A separate note for each sibling affected by the change should be given to that child's teacher. This note must include a telephone number where you can be reached.

Except in the event of an emergency, there will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy requiring a written note. If an emergency arises, please call the office.

Early Dismissals

Parents are to make sure they have completed and returned an updated “Emergency Information Card” to the office. Families will be notified of all early school dismissals by the NTI calling system. The home number listed will be the primary number that will be called for early dismissals, snow days, etc…. Please make sure you keep the school office updated of any changes in any phone numbers.

Early Risers Club

The Early Riser Club is a program designed to help parents meet their childcare needs in order to balance work and other obligations.  You can drop your child off at 7:00 a.m. and your child is safely awaiting the start of the school day.  For more information, please contact Marion Arbuco, CFRCP Director at clarkstownfrc@gmail.com or 845-639-5619.

School supervision begins at 8:05 a.m.; therefore, only students who are participating in the supervised breakfast program may arrive before 8:05 a.m., but not before 7:50 a.m..  This is a safety precaution.

Emergency Cards (Contact Verification Form)

An Emergency Card must be filled out for each student. List emergency phone numbers of people other than yourself to notify in case your child becomes ill or injured and you are not available. Complete and return these cards promptly each year. The school must be notified of changes of address, phone number, name (family or individual), and temporary residence due to a family emergency. Parents and guardians are always called first.    

Emergency  Response Procedures

Lockdown

A lockdown is a security procedure used when there is an imminent danger present in a building (intruder, hazardous material) and we want our students and staff to remain in the building, out of danger.  The lockdown typically begins with an announcement of or signal for an immediate lockdown.  All students are to be accounted for and remain sheltered until an all-clear is declared.  The lockdown is designed to remove students from harm's way in anticipation of a police response to the scene.

Lockout

A lockout is used to alert staff and students of a potential danger at or in the vicinity of school.  A lockout hold requires students to be accounted for and under the close supervision of staff.  Classroom instruction continues as usual with exterior security precautions and limited outside student activity.

Hold In Place

A hold in place is a security procedure used when students and staff are to remain in place until an all clear is called.  It is used in medical emergencies, during a search, following a failure in a mechanical system, or in situations where the school administration wants to limit student movement temporarily.  The building administrator announces the hold in place and all staff and students remain in their classroom or area until further notice.  Class instruction will continue as normal as possible.

Shelter in Place

Shelter in Place is an emergency response used in response to natural disasters, weather-related, environmental or accidental emergencies.  Students are moved to predetermined areas with greater structural integrity or large group instructional areas (gyms, auditoriums and large group rooms) that offer improved supervision and protection from potential hazards.

Evacuation

An evacuation response is a procedure used when students and staff need to evacuate for the safety of students, teachers, other building personnel and visitors to the building personnel and visitors to the building in the event of a serious violent incident.

Drills will be practiced every school year.

Engage New York

The Parents’ Guide to Student Success was developed by the National Parent Teacher Association® (PTA) in response to the Common Core Standards.  The National PTA® created the guides in English and Spanish for grades K-8 and two for grades 9-12 (one for English language arts/literacy and one for mathematics).  Please see the following link.  http://engageny.org/resource/parents-guide-to-student-success/

English Language Arts

English Language Arts will have an uninterrupted period of time each day.  At this time, the office will be unable to buzz into the classroom.

Entrance Procedures

1. Buses begin discharging passengers at approximately 8:05 a.m.  Students in grades K-3 proceed to the cafeteria and grades 4 & 5 in the gymnasium.   Parents who drive their children to school should  drop them off between 8:20 and 8:22 a.m.  If you enter the driveway while students are exiting from the buses, please wait patiently behind the last bus.  Do not discharge children at the rear of the driveway.  It is illegal to make a U-turn in any part of the driveway.  Please be reminded that IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW TO PASS A SCHOOL BUS WHEN ITS LIGHTS ARE FLASHING.

2. After each bus has discharged its passengers and left the curb, cars may approach the curb.  Parents are urged to drive as far forward as they can, past the building entrance if possible, so that all cars can be accommodated at the curb.  ALL STUDENTS MUST BE DISCHARGED AT THE CURB.

3. Buses that arrive subsequent to 8:30 a.m. will discharge children as close to the front entrance as possible.  These buses will have their lights flashing.  Drivers who are behind these buses should follow the procedures outlined above.

Extra Help

Each teacher must schedule two additional help periods per week either before or after the instructional day.   Teachers will inform parents of the extra help schedule.   Struggling learners should use this time for intervention on a weekly basis.

Field Trips

Teachers are encouraged to schedule field trips that complement the regular instructional program.  All students who participate in a field trip must have written parental consent.  Field trips may not be scheduled on Fridays, during the last two weeks of school, on days of religious observance, or on any days when state assessments are being given.

Food Services

A menu is sent home each month listing the day’s choice(s) and price for lunch, milk and snacks.  Parents are encouraged to read the menu daily to avoid confusion at lunchtime.

Students may purchase breakfast and lunch at school.  Breakfast is served from 7:45 to 9:00 a.m.  Menus are sent home each month to assist you in planning your child’s meals.  The cost of elementary school, student meals can always be found on the menu.

Parents have the option of utilizing a “cashless” payment system, (www.myLunchMoney.com).  You may deposit money in your child’s account that may be used at any time until the balance is depleted.  The computerized account system will keep a record for your child.  Deposits may be made at any time by cash or check payable to “CCSD Food Services.”  It is recommended that deposits be large enough to cover one month’s purchases.  Students also have the option of paying for meals with cash.  Please contact Ms. Walters, our food services manager, for additional information.  

Woodglen has a ten minute, voluntary, healthy snack program.  Only healthy snacks (e.g. fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, etc.) should be brought to school.  Please refer to the District’s Wellness policy.

HATS

Please have students leave their hats at home.  Students may not wear hats in school.  Hats are reserved for outside play or special functions.

Health Information (Refer to Regulations 546-549)

The health of each child is of primary importance. As parents, you play a vital role in your child’s physical well being. Please see the following link.  http://www.ccsd.edu/district.cfm?subpage=48

Please note:

Illness or Injury: If your child becomes ill or injured at school, we will do everything possible to make your child comfortable. Your child will be cared for temporarily by the school nurse or a member of the school staff. School personnel will render first aid treatment only. You will be contacted immediately and if you cannot be contacted, we will attempt to reach the person you have listed as an emergency contact. For your child’s sake, please notify us of any change in home/work phone numbers or your emergency contact person. We ask that children who are sent home ill please be picked up within one hour time, for the health and safety of all the children.

Fever: If your child has an elevated temperature (over 100 degrees) in the evening or in the morning before school and exhibits symptoms of a cold, cough or sore throat, keep him/her home and seek the advice of your physician. A child should remain home for 24 hours after and elevated temperature returns to normal.

Strep Throat: If a throat culture is pending for your child, please do not send your child to school until the final results are determined. Students must be home for 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotic medication before returning to school.

Rash: If your child has a rash that is itchy or oozing, keep him/her home and seek the advice of your physician.

Lice: Head lice can occur from time to time among school children. Please check your child’s head frequently. If you suspect your child has lice, please seek the advice of your physician and also notify the school nurse.

Physical Activity:  Children may be excused from physical education and recess for one day with a parent's note.  A medical note is required for longer exclusions or following surgery, hospitalizations, or serious injuries. A doctor’s note is needed to resume all normal activities. In special cases, our District Physician may become involved in the final approval.

Health Services

A.  Immunization Requirements

The Public Health Law of New York mandates that every child be immunized.  The parent/guardian must provide the school with a physician or clinic verified record or a copy of a school health record.  Your child will not be admitted to school without completed immunizations.  Please refer to the district website for all required immunizations.

B.   Communicable Diseases

Please notify Ms. Lennon the school nurses, if your child has a communicable disease.  Children with communicable diseases are required to remain at home for a minimum number of days.  Please contact Ms. Lennon  at 624-3417 for additional information.

        Medical and Dental Services

The New York State Education Law requires health examinations for students in grades K, 2, and 4.  Please reference the “nurses” section of the Woodglen homepage for each grade’s requirement.  These examinations may be performed by your own physician and dentist.  Forms may be obtained from the school nurse and examinations should be completed by October 1.  Students who are not examined privately will be screened by the school doctor and dentist.  If your child has been seen by his/her own dentist, you should also submit his/her dental form by October 1.  Scoliosis screening is required for students entering grade 5.  Students who are not examined privately will be screened by the school nurse.

      Medication

Students who take medication at school must do so under the supervision of the school nurse.  Medicine prescribed by your physician must be brought to school in its original container and must be accompanied by written notes from both the doctor and the parent stating when and how the medicine is to be administered.  These procedures extend to over-the-counter medications and topical creams.  Please contact Ms. Lennon at 624-3417 for additional information.

Any medication which is to be administered during the school day must be brought directly to the school nurse by a parent or legal guardian. It may not be sent to school or returned home on the school bus. Students cannot take medication without adult supervision. Prescription and non-prescription medications must be brought in the original pharmacy container with the instruction label attached. In addition, a doctor's note which includes the name of the medication and the dosage must accompany the medication. A doctor’s note is also required for non-prescription medication.

Homework (Refer to CCSD policy & regulation 6630)

Homework is important for many reasons. As an extension of the learning that takes place in school, homework can provide practice and drill that reinforces classroom learning and can provide opportunities for independent study, research, and creative thinking. According to district policy, in grades 1-2, the suggested daily homework time allotment is 15-30 minutes. In grades 3-4, the suggested daily homework time allotment is 30-45 minutes per night. In grades 5-6, the suggested daily time allotment is 45-90 minutes. Extended research projects, taking several weeks, may be assigned in the upper grades. This type of assignment helps children learn organization, planning and critical thinking skills. Parental support and cooperation are crucial and reinforcing good study habits at the elementary grades. If you have concerns about your child's homework, please contact your child's teacher.

These basic hints should help with work-study assignments:

• Establish a regular time for homework, and stick to it. A good routine is an hour of play after school followed by homework time before dinner.

• Establish a homework area. It may be at a desk or at a table. Make certain it is well lit, quiet and comfortable.

• Have homework supplies handy. Keep paper, pencils, pens, and eraser near your homework spot to save time and avoid interruptions.

• Concentrate on the task at hand, and see individual assignments through before taking a break.

• Keep a calendar of long-range assignments.

• Check homework assignment pad daily.

Lunch/Recess Schedule

When weather permits, students will go outside for recess. Please make sure they wear proper clothing and footwear for outdoor recess (For example, no flip flops or open toe sandals).

Students will have outdoor recess unless the “feels like” temperature drops lower than 32 degrees or there is a weather advisory which may jeopardize the safety of our students.  Students may also have indoor recess if the temperature feels like 95 degrees or higher and if there is a poor air quality alert.  If the grounds are wet or covered in snow, we may call a “blacktop only” recess.

Lost and Found                              

The Lost and Found is located inside the cafeteria near the water fountain.  Parents are asked to place name tags inside student clothing, so that lost items may be identified more easily.

Lunch Room

The goal is to provide a pleasant environment for our children, so that the lunch period is safe, relaxing, and enjoyable.

Lunchroom Rules:

• Demonstrate respect and responsibility
• Allow anyone to sit next to you
• Use an inside voice
• Know your ID number
• Clean up after yourself
• Remain seated while eating lunch
• Use your manners

Woodglen is a peanut aware school.  Please have your child sit with the students who buy school lunch, if they have an allergy.

Lunch Procedures

Classes should be escorted both to and from the cafeteria.  Teachers will supervise the seating of their classes.  Students should sit with their homeroom classes.  Supervision during lunch will be done by the teaching assistants.

Meet the Teacher Night

Each school has a "Meet the Teacher Night" early in the school year. It is intended to be an opportunity for parents to meet the teacher and see the classroom and curriculum materials.  Because of the proximity to the beginning of school, it is not intended as a time for conferences about your child's progress.

Olweus

Woodglen students will make good choices.

Good Choices are:

• I will use kind words and actions toward myself and others.
• I will be considerate of other people’s feelings. I will include others.
• I will treat others and their belongings with care.
• I will use Olweus rules.

Woodglen Elementary School has implemented a Bullying Prevention Program known as Olweus.  This is a preventative program, designed to raise the awareness of bullying, and ensure that adults and children are equipped with the knowledge to address bullying effectively.

Olweus Rules are:

• We will not bully others.
• We will try to help students who are bullied.
• We will try to include students who are left out.
• If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

Olweus Class Meeting Ground Rules are:

• We raise our hands when we want to say something.
• Everyone has the right to be heard.
• We let others speak without interrupting.
• Everyone has the right to pass.
• We can disagree without being disagreeable or saying mean things; no “put-downs.”
• When talking about bullying or other problems between students, we don’t mention names.

Possible Consequences include:

• Natural consequences will be imposed as often as appropriate.
• Warning
• Restricted Activities at Recess
• Apology – verbal and/or written
• Behavior Reflection Log
• Parent Called
• Office Notified
• Detention
• In School Suspension
• Out of School Suspension

Parking

Please understand numbered parking spots are for staff only.  If you must park on school grounds, please use the spots labeled visitors.   Cars that are parked illegally pose a hazard to pedestrians and to other vehicular traffic.  Cars that are angle parked at the rear of the driveway should pull forward as far as possible so that school buses can pass them. Please be reminded that there is no parking in the front driveway spaces before 8:30 a.m. and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Peaceful Bus

The Peaceful School Bus Program is a whole-school program designed to decrease inappropriate behavior on school buses while creating a climate of respect and cooperation. The adults in school take the primary responsibility of educating and training students in the program so students can, in turn, act responsibly on school buses when staff members are not present.

The Peaceful School Bus Program is neither a discipline program, nor is it training for school bus drivers. The program aims to change the social dynamics on the school bus by building strong, positive relationships among students (and the bus driver) and teaching students to take responsibility for their "bus route group" and what happens on the bus.

Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS)

Improving student academic and behavior outcomes is about ensuring all students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and behavioral practices and interventions possible.  PBIS provides an operational framework for achieving these outcomes.  More importantly, PBIS is not a curriculum, intervention, or practice, but is a decision making framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence-based academic and behavioral practices for improving important academic and behavior outcomes for all students.  Please reference Woodglen’s PBIS matrix.

Phones

Students will not be allowed to use the school phone. In case of emergency, the secretary will process the call. Students may bring a cell phone to school (for emergency purposes), but may not use it during the school day. They must leave the phone turned off in their backpack during school hours.

Physical Education

Students are required to wear sneakers to physical education class. A parent and/or doctor's note is required for exclusion from physical education class.

PTA

PTA membership meetings are held during the year. Notices are sent home and posted online prior to each meeting. Woodglen parents have developed a very active PTA whose main goal is to maintain the safety and health of all students and to provide educational experiences, which will enhance the child's learning. Each child benefit from the efforts of the PTA. Therefore, we strongly urge you to join in this important part of school life. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome. Our goal is 100% membership at Woodglen.

Religious Observance Days (Refer to CCSD policy & regulation 5100)

On specific days recognized as days of religious observance by the school district and when school is in session, the following regulations are in effect:

• Every effort will be made by teachers to schedule tests on days other than a religious observance day.
• Homework may be assigned, but students absent for religious observances on recognized days will have at least as long to make up the homework as a student out ill on the same day.
• Field trips and special programs will not be scheduled on these days whenever alternative dates can be scheduled.
• New material may be introduced.
• No special penalties will be applied due to a student’s absence for religious observances on a recognized day.

Report Cards

Communication of student learning is one key to student success.  Clarkstown CSD has developed a Standards-Based Elementary Report Card.  A standards-based report card lists the most important skills students should learn in each subject at a particular grade level.  In a standards-based learning environment, students receive marks that show how well they mastered each skill during each trimester.  The marks are listed in four categories:

Level 4, Meeting Learning Standards with Distinction:  Student performance demonstrates a thorough understanding of the knowledge and skills expected at this grade level.

Level 3, Meeting Learning Standards:  Student performance demonstrates an understanding of the knowledge and skills expected at this grade level.

Level 2, Partially Meeting Learning Standards:  Student performance demonstrates a partial understanding of the knowledge and skills expected at this grade level.

Level 1, Not Meeting Learning Standards:  Student performance does not demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge and skills expected at this grade level.

Our standards-based report card is based on three trimesters.  Teachers will use trimester rubrics to evaluate student progress.  These rubrics will provide consistency between teachers and schools because all teachers will be using the same rubrics.

Report cards will be sent home in December, March, and June.  As in the past, interim progress reports will be sent home for all students not making satisfactory academic progress during each trimester.  In November and March, parent-teacher meetings will be scheduled.  It is the District’s expectation that teachers will communicate with parents if there is any concern with progress at any time of year.   

If a student receives special education services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the IEP includes a great deal of information including evaluation results, present levels of educational performance and goals. 

Requests for Teachers                  

Parent comments, concerns, and insights regarding the educational needs of their children are valued and appreciated.  They provide the school with information that assists the faculty in developing class placements that best meet the youngster’s social, emotional, physical, and academic needs.  Parents are not to request a specific teacher for their child since requests are often based on limited impressions and second hand information.  However, a parent request not to have a teacher based on past experiences will be considered.  Requests and meetings of this nature should be made in writing to the principal prior to May 1st.  

Reviewing Student Records

If parents wish to review their child's records, they may fill out the appropriate form in the main office and make an appointment to review the file.

Response to Intervention

In October, 2010, New York State released a guidance document to assist districts in implementing Response to Intervention (RtI). The guidance document states the following about the purpose of RtI:

RtI begins with high quality research-based instruction in the general education setting provided by the general education teacher. Instruction is matched to student needs through provision of differentiated instruction in the core curriculum and supplemental intervention delivered in a multi-tier format with increasing levels of intensity and targeted focus of instruction. As a consequence of school-wide screenings of all students and progress monitoring, students who have not mastered critical skills or who are not making satisfactory progress can be identified for supplemental intervention. If the student continues not to make sufficient progress after receiving the most intensive level of instructional intervention, it may be determined that a referral for a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility for special education is needed (NYSED RtI Guidance Document, October, 2010, p.1).

The diagram is provided by New York State as a guide for districts. The diagram outlines a three tier system that focuses on academic and behavioral supports. The important message from this diagram is that learners move across the tiers as they make progress or require more intensive interventions. Decisions about progress are based upon data collected by the classroom teacher and analyzed by the school’s instructional support team. The processes outlined in the diagram will assist our district in narrowing and ultimately closing the achievement gap.

In December, 2010, the Clarkstown Central School District convened a Response to Intervention Steering Committee to develop processes and procedures for implementing Response to Intervention for students in grades K-12. The seventy member committee met from January, 2010-May, 2010. At the December, 2010 meeting, participants signed up to work on one of five subcommittees which were: (1) policy, (2) forms and procedures, (3) resources and inventory, (4) curriculum based measurements and progress monitoring and (5) reading. After reading the Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey (2010) publication entitled Enhancing RTI: How to Ensure Success with Effective Classroom Instruction and Intervention, it became clear to the district that including “instruction” in the RtI title was critical. Elevating instruction in the RtI framework, places appropriate attention on the importance of effective differentiation of instruction in the general education setting. The work of Fisher and Frey reminds us that before an intervention is planned outside of the general education setting, we must ensure that all learners receive high quality, research based instruction. The documents from the sub-committees represent a district wide effort to improve the outcomes for all learners who will face more rigorous and demanding curriculum and assessments over the next few years. The resources created by the RtI Steering Committee represent our starting point in implementing RtI with fidelity to ensure that improvements in student learning and performance are sustainable.

Safety and Security

The school staff is committed to ensuring a safe and secure school environment for students. We ask your cooperation by helping us to enforce the following procedures:

• For security purposes, all entrances to the building will be locked during the school day and after school hours, including the main lobby doors.

• ALL visitors MUST BE buzzed in by the greeter both during the school day and after school hours when there are no scheduled after school activities.

• All parents and visitors must report first to the greeter and show a picture ID.

• Community members may not use any area of the school playground during school hours. All community members are welcome to use our playgrounds when school is not in session.

• Possessing articles, materials, toys, etc. or engaging in any activity, which may be considered injurious to the health, safety, and welfare of oneself or others is prohibited.  Therefore, the use or possession of tobacco products, narcotics, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, firearms, weapons, knives, water pistols or other devices that cause bodily harm is prohibited on school property and on school buses. Violation of these rules may result in suspension from school.

Snack Time

Parents are requested to provide a nutritious snack for their children. A nutritious snack could include a half sandwich, low-fat cheese, a piece of fruit, a small box of raisins, carrot sticks, whole grain crackers, etc. Please avoid sweets.  Due to the increased number of peanut/nut allergies, we ask parents to be conscious and courteous of sending in peanut snacks.

Special Area Classes

A well-rounded education is valued at Woodglen Elementary. In addition to our core curriculum, students also receive instruction in the areas of arts, music, physical education, library and technology.

Special Education Programs & Intervention Services

Woodglen ES offers a continuum of special education services inline with the CCSD Special Education Plan

( http://www.ccsd.edu/files/filesystem/SpecialEd-%20DistrictPlan.pdf ). We currently offer consultant teaching services, special class, and resource room. In addition, there are related services such as speech/language, occupational therapy, and counseling. If the required services are not available in the building, students may be referred to another school with such services.  Recommendations for services are made by the instructional study team. Individual teachers cannot make program referrals without the consultation of the building team.

Student and Adult Visitations

Friends and relatives who may be visiting the homes of Woodglen students are not permitted to sit in on regular classes.

Toys

For education and safety reasons, students are not permitted to bring toys to school. For special occasions or events, teachers may permit favorite games or toys. You will be notified by the classroom teacher of such exceptions.

Valuables

The school staff cannot be responsible for valuables which students bring to school. It is recommended that students leave all valuables at home.

Visitors

All visitors will be met in the front hallway by our “greeter.” You will be asked to sign in upon arrival and sign out when leaving the building. You will receive a special visitor's identification badge displayed during your visit with us. This procedure is designed to maintain the safety and welfare of all our students.

Volunteers

Research confirms that families who are involved in their children’s education promote greater academic success for their children.  Parent support of educational programs also positively impacts all of the students in the school.  There are many ways parents are involved at Woodglen:

• Make school an important priority

• Promote habits that ensure a happy, healthy child who is eager to learn

• Provide ongoing encouragement and positive reinforcement for learning

• Read with children daily
• Support completion of homework and projects
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and school events
• Volunteer to help at special events, or for one of our many PTA programs
• Serve on the building committee teams
• Be a guest reader
• Volunteer to read with a student on a weekly basis
• Attend any parent workshops on the instructional program that are offered by the school.

If you are interested in volunteering, or sharing a special interest or talent, please speak with your child’s teacher, one of our PTA Presidents or any of the PTA Executive board members, or contact the school.

Wellness Policy (Refer to CCSD policies & regulations)

In compliance with the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, the Clarkstown Central School District Board of Education approved a Physical Activity and Nutrition Policy (known as the “Wellness Policy”) and Regulation.   The goal of the policy is to create and maintain a school environment that supports and offers opportunities for students to eat healthy, be physically active, and be educated about healthy lifestyles in order to grow, learn, and thrive.

Each of the district schools has its own school-based wellness committee.  Their members are represented at a District level School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) comprised of parents, teachers, administrators, students, Board of Education members and community members.  Clarkstown is privileged to include members from the Rockland County Department of Health on their SHAC.  The building committees and District SHAC are continually reviewing the Wellness Policy in order to strengthen the District's mission toward better health for their students. 
Accordingly, school day celebrations will now be approached in a healthier way.  Birthday "parties" will only include fruits, vegetables, and water, and may be non-food "activity-based" events.  Some holidays, such as Halloween, will be planned as non-food events, while winter holiday or end of the year celebrations will be luncheon events, where students plan the menus based on healthy choices.  Any foods brought to the buildings must meet two guidelines.  First, they must comply with Board Policy #5496, and state and local sanitary regulations.  This means that food that is brought into our schools during the school day (other than for individual meal or snack consumption) must be purchased from a commercial establishment and cannot be prepared at home.  Second, foods brought into the school must be approved by the building principal.  Detailed descriptions of these changes and policies can be found on our website.

The District SHAC will continue to review the Policy with another goal of increasing physical activity during the school day.  Parental and community involvement is essential to our ongoing success.  Contact your building principal or the Coordinator of Health Services if you are interested in becoming a member of any

committee. The District website contains a complete description of the Wellness Policy on its homepage as well as other ideas for healthy choices.

WOODGLEN GLOSSARY OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS, 21-2022

Meet The Teacher Nights – Grades K - 2 – September

                                               -  Grades 3 - 5 – September

These PARENTS ONLY nights provide parents with the opportunity to learn more about the curriculum, class and grade procedures, and special projects from your child(ren)’s teacher(s).  PTA sponsors a membership drive on this evening.  Information on the PTA Fall Fundraiser will also be available.

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Winter Concert –

The fifth grade school band and chorus present a musical program at night for parents and friends.

Spring Concert –

The fifth and fourth grade school band and chorus present a musical program at night for parents and friends.

Spring Concert –

The first and second graders present a musical program at night for parents and friends.

Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) -  

Students in all grades, participate in a program that encourages parents to read aloud to their children at home.  In addition, class time is set aside each day for parents, or other family members such as grandparents or older siblings, to read to children in class.

PTA Book Fair –

For two days, half of the gym becomes your favorite bookstore. Forms are sent home so parents can review the selections before the fair.  Parents may visit the fair with their children to help them select books.  Books may also be purchased during Open House.

Open House –

Parents have the opportunity to visit the classrooms with their children at this annual, evening event.

Memorial Day Parade –  

Fourth and fifth grade band members march in the town parade.

Third Grade Recorder Concert –

Third grade classes perform a recorder ensemble concert during school hours, 9:00 a.m.  Learning a personal melody instrument helps students decide if they wish to learn to play an instrument in fourth grade.

Moving Up Ceremony –

Fifth grade students celebrate their moving up to the middle school.

Woodglen Elementary School practices and protocol are aligned with the Clarkstown Central School District policies and regulations, which can be found online at http://www.ccsd.edu/district.cfm?subpage=25.

Please note, all information included in this handbook is subject to change.  District updates to the policy and regulations can be found online (BoardDocs and/or district website).  Any changes to the school practices and protocol will be communicated to staff in writing.