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Minetto Elementary School

Oswego City School District

Family Handbook

2025 - 2026

Blueprint for Excellence

Mission:

We empower and engage students to

guarantee their successful future.

Vision:

 Our school community is dedicated to equity and excellence for each student.

The Minetto Way

Minetto is a learning community and is unique in the ways we meet the needs of our diverse learners.  Minetto Elementary’s character education program is built on ideals expressed in the Minetto Pledge.  Our Minetto Pledge reminds us to do our best everyday and follow the Golden Rule.  “The Minetto Way” captures the spirit of what we believe and what we strive for every day.   Minetto is truly a family.  We respect each other, believe in each other, trust each other and challenge each other to do our very best!  

Together we will learn more about what it means to:

• Be Respectful - Follow the Golden Rule.

• Be Responsible - In charge of your success

• Be a Problem Solver - Creative with solutions

• Be Safe - Control your words and actions

Help celebrate Minetto Way Wednesdays by wearing your Minetto Way or BUC blue apparel.

Minetto Way Expectations

Minetto School Office

Main Office Hours: 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM

Phone:  315-341-2600        Fax:  315-341-2960

Ms. Jennifer Sullivan, Principal

Ms. Jennifer Waugh, Senior Typist

Ms. Jackie Simoneau, Typist

School Nurse, Mrs.  Lisk        341-2642

School Psychologist, Ms. Heckert        341-2640

Librarian, Mrs. LeRoy        341-2641

School Counselor, Mrs. Parkhurst        341-2645

School Counselor, Mrs. Cisson        314-2645

STUDENT SCHOOL HOURS

UPK AM         8:45 AM - 11:15 AM

UPK PM         12:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Grades K-6         8:45 AM - 3:30 PM

                                

TRANSPORTATION

Any questions regarding transportation should be directed to the Transportation Department at 315-341-2900.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

The safety of our students is the most important goal during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.  We all have a responsibility to see that every child is safe.  In addition, we need to keep traffic moving to facilitate student arrival and dismissal in a timely way.  With this in mind, please review the following procedures that have been put in place.

Bus Riders
Buses arrive at 8:45 AM and are dismissed at 3:30 PM.   Buses will drop off and pick up students at the front entrance (Co Rt 8). Bus riders are required to follow all bus rules and instructions by the bus driver.  Questions about buses can be answered by the district transportation department at 315-341-2900.

Bus Passes/ Changes in Transportation

Students who do not ride the bus, are only permitted to ride the bus with written permission from their parent(s)/guardian(s). Only in an emergency, parents may obtain permission for their child to be dropped off at a different location on their route, or to ride another bus. In such a case, send a note to the school, with the bus route and address where the child will be dropped off. A bus pass will be written.

Parent Morning Drop-Off or Afternoon Pick-Up
School opens at 8:45 a.m. Students should not be dropped off before 8:45 AM.

Dismissal is at 3:30 PM.
The parent drop-off / pick-up loop is located in the back of the building at the Main Office entrance (Meeker Ave). Students enter and exit through the Main Office doors.  The “loop” is for independent student drop off or pick up only (parent remains in car). Students should exit/enter the vehicle from the right (passenger) side of the car.  This prevents children from walking in front of the traffic. If parents would like to walk their child to the door, they will need to park in the lined parking area.  The areas blocked out in yellow lines are not for parking.  These spaces are used for pedestrian traffic. While waiting for the doors to open, please wait patiently and follow all safety rules.

Early Dismissal

Please send a note in the morning if you plan to pick your child up early from school.  A note can be sent via ParentSquare, email or paper. Please include your child’s first and last name along with the teacher’s name in the note.  When picking up a child, parents should park in the lined parking area and enter through the Main Entrance door.  Please bring a photo ID with birthdate. Once verified, the student will be called to the main office to be dismissed. We discourage a late change in dismissal arrangements but understand emergencies may occur.  In such a case, dismissal changes need to be communicated (parentsquare, email or phone) to the main office by 3:00 PM.

Parent Drop-Off and Pick Up

The safety of our students is the most important goal during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. To maintain safety during parent drop-off and pick-up, please review the following to ensure our students safely enter and exit Minetto Elementary.

We all have a responsibility to see that every child is safe. In addition, we need to keep traffic moving to facilitate student arrival and dismissal in a timely manner. Student safety during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up is of the utmost importance.

If you are driving your child to and from school, please use Community Drive to enter the “loop” and exit the parking lot using Meeker Avenue.  This will allow a 1-way system and ease problems caused by 2 cars trying to enter our small parking lot area.  

Two options for Arrivals and Dismissals

Stop and Drop (Green Zone)

Park and walk

  • Adult stays in the car and uses the green zone of the “loop”
  • Children exit or enter the car, from the passenger side, on their own
  • Traffic continues to move
  • Park in a parking space
  • Use the yellow lined area to walk with your child to or from the main entrance
  • Wait patiently on the sidewalk area

This map shows the traffic flow that we use in the morning and afternoon.

Once you arrive in the parking lot, there are 2 options for dropping off or picking up your child.

BUILDING SECURITY

Minetto is a” single point of entry” building.  All exterior doors are locked at 9:00 a.m.  The main entrance is at the back of the building, off Meeker Ave. During the day, all visitors must enter through the main entrance using the buzzer, then proceed into our lobby and directly into the main office.  All visitors are asked to present a photo ID with birthdate, such as a Driver’s License, which will be entered into the Raptor system.  The Raptor system checks the visitor's name and date of birth for comparison with a national database of registered sex offenders. The registered sex offender database is the only official database checked by the Raptor system. No other data from the ID is gathered, recorded, or stored and the information is not shared with any outside agency.  The system keeps an accurate record of what visitors are in each building.  Once entry is approved, a visitor’s badge will be printed that identifies the visitor, the date, and the purpose of the visit.  Visitors are asked to wear the badge on their outermost clothing during their visit.

School Resource Officers

OCSD in partnership with the Oswego City Police Department shares several School Resource Officers (SRO).  The SRO program is designed to meet 2 objectives:

The SROs will work with individual students, in classrooms, and will be a visible and friendly presence in our schools.  The SRO can be reached by calling the main office (315-341-2600).

School Messages and Communication

ParentSquare is used by OCSD  to deliver messages regarding District and School information, events, delays, and early/emergency closings.  You can participate in this service by logging in: https://www.parentsquare.com

Monitoring the ParentSquare system will ensure you receive the most up to date OCSD information.

It is also important to keep the school up to date with any changing phone numbers.   If you need to, please send a note to your child with any new or updated information or call the Minetto Elementary main office to share the new information. 315-341-2600.

Student Internet-Enabled Devices: OCSD New Policy

As per NYS Law and OCSD BOE policy, Internet-Enabled Devices are not allowed during school hours (Bell to Bell ban). These include any device capable of connecting to the Internet, such as:

*Devices provided by the District for educational purposes are allowed and are not restricted by this policy.

If a student brings such a device to school, it must be stored in a designated location during the school day:

What happens if a student violates the policy?

First Offense: Device is confiscated and turned into the main office. Device picked up by student at dismissal. Formal warning issued.

Second Offense: Device is confiscated and turned into the main office. Device picked up by parent/guardian. After School Detention/Lunch Detention/ or loss of privilege.

Third Offense: Device is confiscated and turned into the main office. Device picked up by parent/guardian. After School Detention/Lunch Detention/or loss of privilege. Student devices stored in the main office upon arrival for the remainder of the school year.

Additional offenses: Device is confiscated and turned into the main office. Device picked up by parent/guardian. Progressive discipline as outlined by the Oswego City School District Code of Conduct. Student devices stored in the main office for the remainder of the school year.

Refusal to turn over phone to staff: Students who refuse to surrender their device when asked may be subject to additional disciplinary action, including in-school or out-of-school suspension.

Contacting Your Child During the School Day

We understand the importance of communication. There are several ways parents/guardians can reach their child during school hours:

CALENDAR & INFORMATION

District Calendar and Minetto Newsletter and School Calendar

Please visit the Oswego.org website and use the “School” tab to find Minetto Elementary. These documents are updated regularly.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Breakfast and lunch are free for all students and served daily.  Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 8:45-9:00 AM. Lunchtimes are scheduled by grade level between 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Students have 30 minutes to eat.  Each month a new menu listing daily selections can be found on the District’s Food Services website.  Students may choose to bring their own lunch. Questions about breakfast, lunch, nutrition or meals can be answered via the District webpage or by calling Food Services at 315-341-2022.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS & DELAYS

The decision to close school in emergency situations is made by the Superintendent of Schools. In the event that it is necessary to close school for the day, delay the starting time or dismiss early, due to inclement weather or other emergency reasons, an announcement shall be made over local media, ParentSquare, and the District website.  When school is closed, all related activities, including athletic events and student  activities, will also be canceled.

OCSD website www.oswego.org.

2 Hour Delayed Opening

A two-hour delay means that Minetto Elementary School will open at 10:45 a.m. This includes the arrival of buses and parent drop off.

Early Dismissal

If schools are dismissed early all after-school and evening activities are canceled. Students will go home using their normal mode of transportation.  

STUDENT INFORMATION

Please notify the office if your address or phone number changes during the school year so that records remain current.  Communication about special circumstances in families is appreciated. In the case of an emergency, this information will be used to correctly locate parents.  Accurate and updated  information is important for our records and helps to avoid any miscommunication. Thank you for your cooperation.

STUDENT RECORDS

Parental access to their child’s record is guaranteed under the law. Requests to examine records should be made at least 24 hours in advance to allow proper and complete gathering of all materials. Appointments may be made by contacting the school office.

TRANSFERRING STUDENTS

Should you move during the school year to another school district, please notify the school office. If you move to a new address in the district, please complete a “Change of address form. This form can be found on the District website.  

STUDENT PRIVACY

In accordance with NYS law § 2-d(5)(f) and OCSD policy on data security and privacy, we continue to uphold the regulations of the law.

Currently, the following practices are in place:

PERMISSION FOR PUBLISHING STUDENT WORK AND PHOTOGRAPHS

At the beginning of each school year parents may opt not to have their child’s work or image used on district social media sites.  When events, projects or activities are happening in your classroom or grade level, please let the principal know so that CiTiBOCES can be invited to capture and share the event.

HEALTH

Illness or Injury at School

If a child becomes ill or injured at school, it should be reported to the teacher as soon as possible. If it is necessary for a student to be sent home for emergency treatment, the school nurse will notify the parent.        

If your child is not feeling well and needs to stay home please send an Email or ParentSquare message to your child’s teacher.  

Medication

If a physician prescribes medication to be taken during the school day, please know:

        1.        The nurse must have, on file, a written prescription which  indicates the medicine, frequency, and dosage signed by the physician..

        2.        The nurse must have a written request from the parent to administer the medication, as specified by the family physician.

        3.        The medication must be delivered directly to the school nurse by the parent, in a container labeled by the pharmacist with the drug name, dosage and frequency as ordered by the physician.

        4.        No medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, should be given to the child to take him/herself.

Physicals

Education Law (Section 903) of New York State requires that students entering pre-k or kindergarten, second, fourth, seventh, and tenth grades have a physical exam prior to or during the school year. Ideally, your family doctor should perform the exam. Physical forms are available in the health office for the family physician to fill out.   However, the school physician visits the school on a regular basis and will do exams if the health form has not been returned by October 1st of the school year. If you would like additional information, please contact the school nurse at 315-341-2642.

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER

Materials borrowed from the library media center are the responsibility of the student who signs them out. The materials are due on the due date. Students who have overdue items may not borrow other materials until everything is returned.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

For physical education classes all students are required to wear sneakers.  Students should wear clothing that they can move well in during physical activity.  Dresses and skirts are not recommended for our female students.  In addition, please instruct your child how to best care for their eyewear during physical education classes.

Absences From Physical Education

Students who cannot participate in PE for more than one week due to illness or injury must have a written statement from their physician.  The statement must say why and how long the student will be out and the date they may return PE.

OUTDOOR PLAY

During the school day students have opportunities to go outside to walk, exercise and play on the playground.  The Minetto playground area is covered with wood chips, so it is important for students to wear sneakers when playing on the playground.  If sneakers are not worn, students will be asked to stay on the grassy areas of our outdoor space.

LOST AND FOUND

Any items that are found in school will be turned in to the main office. Items that are lost on the school bus may be held by the bus driver and can be claimed by contacting the transportation department.

FACILITIES USE

Any individuals or organizations that would like the use of the school building can submit a “Facilities Use Request.” This form can be found on the District website. All facilities use requests are completed online. This can be done by visiting the Facilities website. School functions take precedence over non-school approved functions. Sufficient time should be allowed for processing and approval of the form. All building use is canceled when after-school activities are canceled and when school is closed.

SNACKS & PARTIES

Parents wishing to bring treats are asked to make arrangements with the classroom teacher. As per the OCSD Wellness policy (5661) We recommend sharing healthy treats and snacks.  No homemade baked goods are allowed. Please remember to send any needed utensils (plates, forks and cups).  For class parties and other school events, teachers may send information seeking parent help if needed. Please be sure to respond to any information sent home regarding your attendance to class events.

FIELD TRIPS AND BLANKET PERMISSION SLIP

Throughout the school year, students may have opportunities to visit other places of interest and historical value.  These trips are part of the school curriculum and offer an important part of our students’ learning.  The completion of a “blanket permission slip” indicates approval for your child to participate in local field trips in and around Oswego. Additionally, it would include attending concerts and play rehearsals at the OHS Theater during the school day. For special field trips away from Oswego, you will receive information from your child’s teacher for additional approval.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND DRILLS

According to NYS Education Law (Section 807), schools are required to include a minimum of 12 drills each year.  The drills provide the students and staff with the appropriate instruction and training needed so that they may, in a sudden emergency, be able to respond appropriately in the shortest possible time and without confusion or panic.  Classroom conversations and lessons that build awareness happen throughout the school year so that all students understand the safety procedures Minetto Elementary has in place.  

ELEMENTARY ATTENDANCE POLICY and NOTES

Regular attendance positively impacts school performance.  Students who come to school consistently will succeed academically and, as statistics show, will graduate from high school.  By being present in class, students benefit not only from their own participation, but also from the general dialogue and interaction among students and teachers in the class.  OCSD actively partners with parents and students in ensuring that all students attend school regularly and meet or exceed the New York State Learning Standards.

8:45 a.m. - Students arrive for school

8:55 a.m. - Morning announcements

9:00 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.  - Students arriving during this time are marked tardy

After 11:25 a.m. - Students are marked 1/2 day absent

Excuses

Children absent from school should bring an excuse with them on the day he/she returns to school. The excuse should contain the student’s full name, date(s) absent, reason for absence and parent/guardian signature.

Tardiness

Students not present in the homeroom by 9:00 a.m. are tardy and need to report to the main office for a tardy slip.  

Leaving School Early/Dismissal Notes

In the event you need to pick up your child early from school, please send a note to school with your child.  The note should include the child's first and last name, parent first and last name, teacher’s name, reason for leaving and the pick up time. It is important to write a reason for tardy, absences or early pickups. This is needed for documentation.

1 or 2 days a week doesn’t seem like much but…  

If your child misses….

That equals…

Which is…

Over 13 years of  schooling that’s...

1 day every 2 weeks

20 days per year

4 weeks per year

Nearly 1 1/2 years

1 day per week

40 days per year

8 weeks per year

Over 2 1/2 years of school

2 days per week

80 days per year

16 weeks per year

Over 5 years

3 days per week

120 days per year

24 weeks per year

Nearly 8 years

How about 10 minutes late a day? Surely that won’t affect my child?  

They only miss…  

That equals…

Which is…

Over 13 years …

10 minutes per day

50 minutes per week

Nearly 1 1/2 weeks per  year

Nearly 1/2 year

20 minutes per day

1 hr. 40 min per week

Over 2 1/2 weeks per year

Nearly 1 year

30 minutes per day

Half a day per week

4 weeks per year

Nearly 1 1/2 years

1 hour per day

1 day per week

8 weeks per year

Over 2 1/2 years

EVERY DAY COUNTS  

Your child’s success at school depends on regular attendance.

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The purpose of the Home and School Association is to encourage parental and staff involvement in educational, cultural and creative programs for Minetto students. The Home and School Association meets in the library on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM.  All meetings are listed on the school district calendar and all are invited to attend. Link to the meetings can be found on the Minetto HSA facebook page or upon request. Some of the programs Home and School sponsors are: book fairs, school pictures, holiday giving projects, literacy night, and school-wide assemblies/projects.  More specific information about these events and other HSA events is communicated throughout the year.  Everyone is invited to help!  Be sure to check out the Minetto Home & School facebook page.  

The Home and School officers for the 2025-2026 school year are:

SUPPORTING YOUR LEARNER

A positive home - school connection has a lot to do with supporting your child’s success as a learner.  Fostering a positive connection with our students, families, and caregivers is a priority.  OCSD parent/teacher official conferences will take place in November and April.  If you would like to speak to or meet with your child’s teacher please contact them by phone, email or write a note in the agenda.  The teacher will find a time to meet with you or discuss your concern.  We strive to keep all communication positive and ask that our families do the same.  

There are lots of ways families can support their students and help them to feel competent and positive about their learning.