Student Handbook

2025 - 2026

(all policies subject to change as NYCDOE  guidelines change)

Dr. Falyn Wiggan, Principal

Linden Hislop, Assistant Principal

590 Sheffield Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207

Main Office: 929-397-2967

https://www.legacyschoolofthearts.com/

Table of Contents

Overview of Legacy School of the Arts

Our Mission

        Our Vision

        Our Guiding Principles

        Our Equity Statement

        School Day Schedule

Legacy Beatitudes: Be a Learner, Be Kind, Be Safe

Operational Policies

Attendance & Lateness

Otus (student grades)

Remind App

Bullying & Respect for All

        Cell Phone Policy

        Counseling & Mental Health

        Dismissal

        Door Alarms

        Entering the Building

        Evacuations & Lockdown

        Hall Passes

        Metro Card

        Plagiarism 

        PSAL Sports

        School Year Calendar

        Uniform Policy

Grading

        Legacy’s Grading Policy

        Report Cards        

Behavioral Expectations

        Hallway Passing

        Internet Usage

Health & Safety

        Covid-19 Safety Measures

Legacy’s Mission & Vision

Legacy’s Guiding Principles 

1. Every Kid Matters; Every Day Matters
2. Our classes are grounded in innovation and reflective of the 21st century preparing students for our future world.
3. Social Emotional Learning & Mental Health are as important as Academic Learning & Physical Health.
4. Our school is a safe space for children and adults- safe physically, emotionally & spiritually.
5. Our school is culturally responsive and inclusive.
6. Our students will be given the room to explore themselves, their potential, and their future  completely free from judgment.
7. Our instruction is designed for the unique needs of our students, driven by data, with excellence and mastery learning as the goal.
8. Grading is equitable, easy to understand, reflective of our students’ current understanding while promoting a growth mindset.
9. The Arts are integral to human development and a full life; they will be incorporated into all classrooms.
10. Our school is a community that sparks joy, wonder & excitement, thinking, exploration & creativity.

Legacy’s Equity Statement

At Legacy, we believe that all students deserve high-quality instruction. We believe that all students are capable and worthy of high achievement. We believe that a school should be an engine for thoughtful, conscious anti-racism. We believe that adults must carefully look inward and outward to identify and expose bias to ensure that our students are met with unconditional love, support, and respect.

School Day Schedule

• The school day for students starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays.
• On Fridays the school day for students starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m.  
• Students of any grade may stay for after-school tutoring or clubs (excluding Friday’s ).

Bell Schedule

Legacy Beatitudes

Operational Policies

Attendance & Lateness

How do students do well in school? They go every day! Did you know that a student with 90% attendance has missed one month of school by the end of the year? You may miss school for illness, emergencies, or for religious reasons, but we want to see every student in school every day.

Here are some basic things you should know about attendance in New York City schools:

• Schools must take attendance to show whether a student is in school or not; it’s the law.
• There is no general remote learning option this year. If your child is learning remotely because they either have been asked to quarantine or are enrolled in medically necessary instruction, your child will be flagged as “learning remotely” in the DOE’s attendance system.
• While schools can mark an absence as “excused” for religious reasons, illness, or some other reasons, the excused absence is still an absence and must be part of the student’s record.
• Schools must tell families when students are absent or late. They will make a positive call or outreach home. Does your school have the right information to contact you? Update your child’s NYCSA account with your current contact information.

Lateness:

Being at school on time is crucial, but it is always better to come to school late than to miss the whole day.

• Students who arrive after 8:10 am will receive a late pass at the main entrance and should give it to their 1st period teacher.
• Students who arrive after 8:30 am should report directly to the main office to receive your late pass.

Jupiter

You may use this link to login into your Jupiter account - https://login.jupitered.com/login/?87090

Jupiter gives you access to student grades and academic updates.  You may be given assignments through jupiter.  Messages can also be sent to you or your parent/guardians through Jupiter.

Remind App

Want to stay connected with us? Need to send a message to your child? Please set up your Remind account to engage with Legacy staff via text message. Directions on how to set up your account can be found HERE.

Bullying & Respect for All

Respect for All is our system-wide response to bullying and harassment. We are committed to keeping our schools safe, supportive, and free from discrimination. At Legacy School of the Arts, Ms. Raymond is our Respect for All (RFA) liaison.

What Bullying Is:

• Bullying is behavior that is intended to cause some kind of harm. The person doing the bullying purposely says or does something to hurt the target (other person or group).
• The targeted person is harmed by what is purposely being said or done.

What Bullying Looks Like:

• Bullying is aggressive behavior by one individual (or group) that is directed at a particular person (or group).The aggressive behavior is unwanted and negative. It is deliberate and unprovoked.
• Harassment and/or bullying can be physical, non-verbal, verbal, or written.
• Written discrimination, harassment, intimidation and/or bullying includes electronically transmitted communications and cyberbullying (e.g., via information technology including, but not limited, to: internet, cell phone, email, social media, blogs, chat rooms, and gaming systems).

If You are the Target

• Report the incident to your school's Respect for All (RFA) liaison(s), Ms. Letren, Ms. Raymond and/or school administration- Dr. Wiggan, Mr. Hislop, Ms. Lalin, Ms. Letren, Ms. Edwards, or Ms. Cesar.
• There are also “Student Voice Boxes” in every room in our school where students can anonymously report incidents.

Cell Phone Policy

Effective: Sep 4, 2025

      Distraction-Free Learning Policy for Internet-Enabled Personal Devices

Dear Families,

In alignment with New York State legislation enacted by Governor Kathy Hochul and Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, all public schools are now required to implement a Distraction-Free Learning Policy that limits student access to internet-enabled personal devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar technology—during the instructional day.

Here at Legacy School of the Arts, we are committed to fostering a focused, safe, and engaging academic environment for all learners. Beginning September 4th 2025, students will no longer be permitted to access or store internet-enabled devices in their bookbags or on their person during the school day.

Definitions:

• Personal Internet-enabled Electronic Devices: Includes cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, and portable music/entertainment systems.
• School Day: From the time a student enters the school building until dismissal, including lunch and recess.  
• School Grounds: All areas within the school building and outdoor spaces under school supervision.  

Collection and Storage Procedures

To ensure compliance and support of a distraction-free school experience:

• Upon arrival, students must turn off all personal internet-enabled devices.
• Devices will be stored in a phone pouch and phone pouches should remain in students’ bookbags.
• Devices will be stored in designated collection bins if there is no phone pouch.
• Devices stored in collection bins will be returned to students at dismissal.
• Students who arrive late or leave early will follow check-in/check-out protocols with designated staff.
• Use of personal electronic devices is prohibited during instructional time, lunch, recess, and transitions.  
• Personal electronic devices may not be used in bathrooms, or during emergency drills.  
• The school is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen devices that have NOT been submitted for collection.
• Stolen or lost pouches can be replaced for a fee of $10.00.

Communication with Families:

• Parents/guardians should contact the main office in case of emergencies -

(929) 397-2967

• Students will not be permitted to use personal devices to communicate during the school day.
• Students may also request permission to use the main office phone for emergencies.
• The school will utilize the NYC DOE Messenger/Jupiter to communicate information to parents or guardians in case of an emergency.

Authorized Use Exceptions

Students may only use personal devices during the instructional day when:

• Required by a student’s IEP or 504 Plan (requires signed documentation from a medical provider)
• Needed for medically documented reasons (example: diabetes monitoring: requires signed documentation from a medical provider).
• Approved for translation or caregiving needs.
• Exceptions will be processed and approved within 7-0 business days.

Violations & Consequences (Aligned to Chancellor’s Regulation A-413)

Students found with an unauthorized internet-enabled device will face the following progressive consequences:

• 1st Offense: Device held in the main office and returned to the student at dismissal.
• 2nd Offense: Parent/guardian must retrieve the device from school.
• 3rd Offense and beyond: Meeting with school leadership. The item will not be allowed in school. **Additional interventions may apply based on the NYC DOE Discipline Code.

Policy Review and Notification:

• This policy will be reviewed annually with the School Leadership Team (SLT).
• It will be communicated to scholars, staff, and families by October 31st each school year.  
• The policy will be posted on the school’s website and included in the family handbook.

Acknowledgement Form

Student Acknowledgement

I have read and understand the school’s Distraction-Free Policy. I agree to turn off and submit my internet-enabled personal devices each day and will not use them during instructional hours unless given permission.

Student Full Name (please print): ______________________         Date: ________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement

I have reviewed the Distraction-Free Policy with my child. I understand and support the school’s expectations and agree to reinforce this policy at home.

Parent Name (please print) ______________________________        Date: _______________

Parent Signature: ______________________________________                

**Failure to sign and return this form does not exempt your child from adhering to the  Policy. All students are expected to comply fully with the policy regardless of signature status**

Thank you for your continued support as we prioritize academic achievement, student wellness, and a safe school culture. Should you have questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Dr. Falyn Wiggan
Principal
Legacy School of the Arts

Counseling & Mental Health

Meet the Team:

Ms. Letern, Guidance Counselor Room 512

Ms. Edwards, Social Worker Room 514

Ms. Cesar, Social worker Room 518

Dismissal

Students will be dismissed at 3:10pm on Mon-Thur. and at 12pm on Fridays. Once you are dismissed from your 8th period class, all students must walk down stairwell C and exit through the side exit. As you exit the building, your Yondr pouch will be unlocked and you will have access to your Smartphone and/or Smartwatch. Students who are being picked up will wait in front of the building with a staff member.

Door Alarms

There are several doors in our building that have alarms and cannot be opened other than during an activity (i.e., evacuation or drill). DO NOT open alarmed doors, as they will sound immediately and alert school staff of inappropriate entry and/or exit. Always enter and exit through the doors designated under “Entering the Building” and “Dismissal”.

Entering the Building

Students may enter through the main entrance no earlier than 7:30a.m. Upon entrance, you must adhere to a temperature check and show proof of your completed DOE Buildings Health Screening. Once cleared, proceed through the Legacy entrance door (located to the left of school safety), lock your Yondr pouch and proceed to the cafeteria (before 8am) or your first class.

Evacuations & Lockdown

Safety is a priority at Legacy. In the event of an evacuation, which requires relocating away from the building, students are sent to sites that will be outlined in the School Safety Plan.  To ensure that we are ready for any emergency, there will be unannounced fire drills throughout the school year.  It is extremely important that you take these drills seriously. We have a mandatory, zero-tolerance, NO TALKING policy from beginning to end of the drill.  Any student found not following instructions will have a mandated conference with the Student-Life Coordinator.

In case of an emergency, following directions are critical to your safety and you will not be able to hear directions if you are talking. During ANY drill or evacuation, Legacy students must adhere to the following:

• Stay quiet
• Leave your belongings behind
• Form two single file lines
• Listen for directions
• Carefully follow the instructions of staff and School Safety on how to exit the building safely

Hall Passes

You should be in class and learning at all times.  If you need to travel to another location, Legacy students must have a pass with them anytime they are in the hallway. This includes visiting the restroom, main office, nurses’ office, Student-Life office, principal’s office, assistant principals office, or teachers classroom. If you are stopped by an adult and asked to present your pass, you must do so. If you do not have a pass, you will be sent back to class to obtain one.

Upon returning to class, please make sure to sanitize and then return the pass directly to its designated area in that classroom.  It’s for your safety! During COVID-19, you must stay 6 feet away from all people in the hallway, stairway, and bathrooms.

Nurse Pass

If you are feeling unwell, you should stay home. However, if you are in school and begin feeling ill or need medical attention please inform your teacher or the nearest Legacy staff member. They will write you a Legacy Nurse Pass and ensure that you obtain medical attention.

MetroCard (OMNY)

Metrocards will be distributed to eligible students at the start of the school.  You can immediately use your student MetroCard at every subway and local bus. Metrocards will be distributed during Mic Check.  If you are late to or absent from Mic Check, you must pick up your metrocard from the main office during lunch ONLY.

Student MetroCards are:

• Good for four free trips each day; allowing a student to travel to school, from school to an after-school activity, and from that activity to home
• Only to be used by the student to whom it was assigned
• For traveling to and from school and school-related activities between 24 hour, 7 days a week

***If Your Card is Lost or Stolen

Report lost or stolen school MetroCards to the main office. Your school will deactivate the missing card and provide a new one.

Plagiarism

Your word is the most important asset you will ever own. If you earn the trust of others, you become someone valued in the community. If you lose their trust, it takes dedication to win it back. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were your own. This includes copying information found on the internet and not citing where you got the information from.

At Legacy, there is a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism.  If you represent work or ideas belonging to another as your own, you will receive an automatic zero and be required to complete the assignment on your own. Additionally, you may lose the trust of your teachers, your family, and your peers. Further consequences may be implemented accordingly.  

School Year Calendar

2025-2026 School Year

***Important Planning Considerations

High school applications Due on December 1, 2023

Uniform Policy

All scholars should enter the school building wearing their Legacy School of The Arts Middle School

uniform top. Uniforms are to be graffiti, writing and ripped free. students must be in uniform Monday through Thursday. Students that wear their uniform Monday through Thursday  may participate in “Express Yourself Friday,” in which students may wear clothing of their choosing. Students are welcome to wear uniforms on Friday as well. As outlined in the NYC Behavioral

Expectations: B02: failure to wear required school uniform can result in range of possible actions.

While we encourage you to wear school logos, it is acceptable to be in a top and bottom in alignment with your grade color (colors listed above). For example, if a 6th grade student does not have an official uniform top, they may wear any gold/yellow top.

n order to promote educational excellence, we honor both a school uniform and dress code policy.The codes promote an effective learning climate, fosters school unity, and pride. Additionally, it teaches young adults the importance of appearance and attire. The following policies applies to all scholars.

• Skirts, dresses, skorts, and shorts must be knee length.
• All undergarments – (not limited to but including) underwear, bra(s), and boxers must be
• completely covered by outer garments.
• Pants, shorts, skirts etc. must be at waist level, not below the hip or buttocks.
• Clothing (pants, shorts, jeans etc.) with excessive holes/tears/rips should be worn with garments
• (pants, shorts, tights) underneath.
• Clothing should not be transparent or see through.
• Closed footwear (i.e., sneakers) must be always worn. Sandals must have a heel strap. Sandals such as flip flops, sandals, slides etc. are not allowed, as there is no heel strap to those. Therefore, clogs or crocs should be worn with the strap behind the heel.
• Crop tops and biker shorts are not advisable to wear in a school setting.

The following are prohibited:

• - short/brief garments such as tube tops, halter tops, net tops, tank tops, plunging necklines (front and/or back), clothing that exposes mid-section of the body, miniskirts and see-through garments.
• - Clothing may not be vulgar, obscene, or libelous, or denigrate others on account of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
• - Clothing may not promote or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.
• - Hats, scarves, hair nets, bonnets, bandanas, durags etc. and other head gear may not be worn unless for an approved medical or religious purpose. Acceptable documentation must be provided to the Guidance Counselor.

Grading  

Legacy’s Grading Policy

Scale of Marks

Report Cards

There are three marking periods for the school year. Below are the start and end dates of each marking period.

Marking Period 1: September 4, 2025 - December 10, 2025

Marling Period 2: December 11, 2025- March 18, 2026

Marking Period 3: March 19, 2026 - June 26, 2026

Behavioral Expectations

      Hallway Passing

Conduct yourself appropriately at all times in the school building. It is for your safety and the safety of others and it also makes you look like the scholar that you are!  

After each class, students will be dismissed to their next class, lunch, or out of the building. When you are in the hallway or stairwell, you must always walk on the right side and keep the mandated distance from anyone else walking in front of or behind you. Do not run, skip, or speed walk in hallways, stairwells, the cafeteria, or classrooms.

Internet Usage Policy

The NYC Department of Education provides access to the Department’s Internet Systems for its employees, agents, students, and volunteers, for educational and business purposes, in conformance with applicable law. Student use of the Department’s Internet Systems is governed by this policy. Users may not engage in any of the activities prohibited by this policy when using or accessing the Department’s Internet Systems. If users are uncertain whether behavior is prohibited, they should contact a teacher, administrator, or other appropriate Department personnel. The Department reserves the right to take immediate action regarding activities that violate this policy.

Below is a list of examples of prohibited behavior:

• Using, posting or distributing profane, lewd, vulgar, threatening, or abusive language in e-mail messages, or school platforms (i.e. Google Classroom, Nearpod, Amplify, Padlet, etc.)
• Accessing, using, posting, or distributing information or materials that are pornographic or otherwise obscene, advocate illegal or dangerous acts, or advocate violence or discrimination.
• Accessing, posting or distributing harassing, discriminatory, inflammatory, or hateful material, or making damaging or false statements about others.
• Sending, posting, or otherwise distributing chain letters or engaging in spamming;
• Damaging computer equipment, files, data or the school’s Internet System in any way
• Downloading, posting, reproducing or distributing music, photographs, video or other works in violation of applicable copyright laws. Any music, photographs and/or video should only be downloaded for school, and not personal purposes.
• Malicious tampering, phishing or hacking activities;
• Engaging in criminal or other unlawful activities.

Student Internet Responsibilities

• Follow all school and class rules for using technology
• Act responsibly to all—both online and face-to-face
• Only use accounts that belong to you.
• Protect passwords—don’t share them with others & don’t automatically save passwords on school devices
• Don’t give out personal information online without your parent’s permission
• Respect and care for both: Student work (yours and your peers)
• Only download appropriate music, photographs, or video if you have permission from your teacher

See something that is inappropriate, threatening, or unkind? Here is what you can do:

• Reach out to a trusted adult
• Email RespectForAll@schools.nyc.gov
• Call Respect for All at 212-374-2350

**Students who do not act responsibly may face the consequences explained in the Discipline Code and Chancellor’s Regulations.