THE GEORGE CROMWELL SCHOOL PUBLIC SCHOOL 38 421

THE GEORGE CROMWELL SCHOOL PUBLIC SCHOOL 38 421 LINCOLN AVENUE STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306 Tel: (718) 351 -1225 Fax: (718) 979 -2487 Nancy Murillo, Principal Teuta Ulaj, Assistant Principal Parent Coordinator Mercedes Chow PTA Presidents: Nicole Ryan/Luz Mortman September 2016, Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students, Welcome back to P. S. 38 for the 2016 -2017 school year! This handbook will provide you with information that will help you develop a better understanding of our learning standards, curriculum, guidelines, routines and school policy. This handbook will answer questions most frequently asked, additionally, it addresses the Student Code of Discipline. If a concern and or question arises that is not addressed in the handbook, please feel free to contact the main office at any time. We look forward to a wonderful teaching and learning year. Believing In Children. . . Inspiring Young Minds, Nancy Murillo Principal

THE GEORGE CROMWELL SCHOOL PUBLIC SCHOOL 38 421 LINCOLN AVENUE STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306 Tel: (718) 351 -1225 Fax: (718) 979 -2487 Nancy Murillo, Principal Teuta Ulaj, Assistant Principal Mission / philosophy of Our School Our vision is to be: The smartest the best and the brightest people we can be through our words and our actions. We commit ourselves to being: Responsible kind caring and giving members of the community. Our school community believes that: By working and learning together we will achieve our goal of becoming curious, life-long learners.

P. S. 38 -Small but STRONG Community of Learners P. S. 38, also known as the George Cromwell School, is located at 421 Lincoln Avenue, Staten Island NY, 10306. Our school has strong ties to the community as we promote a transparent partnership. Our district and school community is student centered and we strive to prepare our students for the real world by encouraging them to be life-long learners. We celebrate the diversity and appreciate the uniqueness and background knowledge our students bring to the table. Our classrooms are open and inviting to learning and the environment is print rich with students’ work displayed. Our mutual vision/mission will be realized if we all come together as one big family and pave the pathways our students need to take to achieve their goals. Parents and teachers will have various opportunities to work together to ensure a successful year for our students.

Student and Staff Information Currently there approximately 385 students enrolled in the school inclusive of two classes on a grade and three self-contained classes. We are a home to 50 professional, highly qualified teachers, inclusive of related service personnel and support staff. Together we convey the light in all classrooms each and every day. Dedication and creativity bring to life all there is to learn and ensure that we as a community accomplish the most important goal: Preparing our students to be “college and career ready. ” We are a collaborative, professional, learning community.

Related Service Personnel Ø School Psychologist (3 days a week) - provides counseling to those students in need. Ø Speech & Language Therapist –provides individual and group speech/language therapy. Ø School Social Worker – provides counseling and referral services to families/children. Ø Occupational Therapist – works with children to develop their fine motor coordination needs. Ø Physical Therapist – works with children in need to develop the large muscle systems, i. e. , walking, running, jumping. Ø ENL Teacher- provides instruction in the English language for those students whose primary language is other than English.

Our main objective is student growth and achievement, thus we will continue to strengthen Family/Community Ties by strengthening and encouraging family engagement: “Partners with Families/Partners in Learning” Initiatives • Parent Engagement Tuesdays • Pre-K Family Days • Parents As Learning Partners • Parent Workshops • Family Nights • PTCs

Committees **SLT-School Leadership Team The committee made of teachers and parents meets once a month to discuss the goals in the CEP (Comprehensive Education Plan) of the school. Parents have a great input in developing a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of all stakeholders involved in our school community. **PTA-Parent-Teacher Association This committee works hand-in-hand with the administration and staff to ensure a rich educational experience for our students and to share school information and encourage family engagement. The members of this committee organize events and provide the school with support and resources by raising money through donations. The resources are used to provide students with enrichment programs and special workshops for all involved.

Importance of Parent Involvement Parent involvement as defined by Joyce Epstein, Ph. D. a leading expert in the field, can be demonstrated in many ways. More than 30 years of evidence compiled by researchers such as Ann Henderson and Lynn Berla have affirmed that when parents are involved with children, children are more likely to achieve. Parent involvement encourages and supports: - Higher grades, test scores and graduation rates - Better school attendance - Increased motivation, better self-esteem - Lower rates of suspension - Better social skills - Fewer instances of violent behavior Parents can be involved and participate in schools by: - Encouraging communication - Improving parenting skills - Staying involved in student learning - Volunteering for activities/events - Participating in School Based Decision Making and Advocacy - Collaborating with the community

Daily Program 8: 00 -8: 15 Free Breakfast for Grades K-5 Pre-K Community Breakfast in the Classrooms 0. 8: 15 -8: 30 Travel time, attendance, homework check. 1. 8: 35 -9: 20 2. 9: 25 -10: 10 3. 10: 15 -11: 00 4. 11: 05 -11: 50 Lunch Pre-K/Kinder 5. 11: 55 -12: 45 Lunch 1 -5 6. 12: 50 -1: 35 7. 1: 40 -2: 25 8. 2: 35 Dismissal Extended Time for Professional Development and Parent Meetings. ØMondays-2: 35 p. m. – 3: 55 p. m. ØTuesdays-2: 35 p. m. – 3: 50 p. m.

• Arrival In order to provide the children with the safest and most orderly beginning to each school day, they will walk directly to their classrooms where their teachers will greet them. -Grades 1 -5 will enter through main entrance -Pre-K and Kindergarten will enter through exit 2 All bused children will be met by a bus supervisor. Bused children arriving before 8: 00 a. m. will be escorted to the cafeteria for breakfast. Early Dismissal- In an effort to minimize instructional interruptions, we ask that adhere to our regular dismissal time of 2: 35. However, if a situation arises, please send in a note with your children if they need to be picked up early. Be advised to go to the Main Office to sign your children out. • Dismissal Students must be picked up by parents or family members that are listed on the blue card. Students will not be dismissed to individuals who are not listed on the blue card. They will be sent to the Main Office for further verification. *Pre-K will be dismissed through EXIT 2. *Kindergarten will be dismissed through exit 4 (Lincoln Ave. ) *Grade 1 is dismissed via the main entrance. *Grades 2 -5 will be dismissed through EXIT 5 into the big yard. Parents must be in the yard to receive the children and no children are to be asked to climb the fence. *Bus children will be escorted to the All Purpose Room where they will be supervised until departure.

Busing Policy: For the safety of the children “Please Respect our Drop and Go policy” and pull forward at the curb so our school buses are not blocked. Mrs. Chow, our Parent Coordinator, and I will greet you and your children, open car doors, and monitor and guide the flow of traffic upon arrival. I ask that you do not stop in the middle which poses a safety hazard, but be patient and pull all the way forward. I have teachers posted throughout the hallways to guide every child and ensure that they find their way. Thank you. Bussing is always an issue the first couple of days. Please understand that we have no control over the time, pick up in the morning, or the drive home in the evening. If you have a complaint or concern, please call OPT at 718 -784 -3313 and note that we will work with you to correct any issues. **I also ask that you please refrain from showing up just before busses leave to remove children from the bus. This will NOT be allowed as it compromises the safety of the children and creates chaos and confusion when we are all in dismissal mode. Also please do NOT call the school just as children are boarding buses at the end of the day to request that your child be taken off the bus. This poses a serious situation during dismissal and creates confusion as we have many children that are bussed and must account for all of them. Last year there were many parents who often made last minute requests for their child to not take the bus and I will not allow this as we are accountable for the safety of every child. Again, we must ensure that ALL children arrive home safely. Once again, this poses confusion and chaos during our dismissal routines and my staff will be directed to follow this protocol. Should we see that a parent consistently makes such requests, your child may be removed from the bus. We understand that life happens and occasionally situations arise where you may need to request your child not take the bus. If a situation arises, please send in a note in the morning so both the teachers and main office are aware, and call the school way before dismissal so that we can ensure your child will not be on the bus. ~Thank you for ensuring the safety of all of our children.

Attendance/Lateness We open our doors promptly at 8: 00 am for breakfast. Our school instructional day begins at 8: 15. Pre-Kindergarten students have community breakfast in their classrooms at 8: 15. Students that are not in their classrooms by 8: 20 are considered to be late and they will be recorded as such. Students are mandated to attend school 100% of the school year. Our goal is to drive attendance as this will ensure a successful year for students. Students with a 100% attendance will be rewarded at the end of the year. School Security All visitors to P. S. 38 must enter through the main lobby on Lincoln Avenue. All visitors must show valid ID to the school safety Agent or school aide assigned to the lobby. Visitors will be issued Visitor’s Passes. Visitors must proceed to the main office before visiting any other area of the school building.

Lunch Time Well-balanced, attractive, hot lunches are served every day. Each of these meals includes a pint of milk and sometimes juice. The menu is published monthly and sent home with each student. Children of course, may bring a bag lunch from home. Students who prefer juice may bring it to school in a non-glass container. Cans/bottles of soda or other beverages are not permitted. **If a child forgets to bring a bag lunch to school, he/she will be served an “emergency hot lunch. ” Emergency lunches may be paid for on the following day. No child will go without lunch.

Lunc hroo m Ru les ØBe courteous and respectful ØLeave your seat only when permitted ØKeep voices low ØKeep lunchroom and area around you clean ØWait in an orderly manner in the serving and dismissal lines ØFood throwing of any kind will result in disciplinary action taking place ØPlease do not touch anyone else’s lunch ØMc. Donalds lunches are not allowed ØBe respectful to our SSC members as they are there to help students during recces.

Important Information School Notices: Please return all forms (school lunch forms, medical, dental, home contact cards, CCD, school notices, etc. ) promptly. Check your child’s folder for notices daily. Place your responses and any additional correspondence for your child’s teacher in the folder. It will be checked daily. Permission slips for all class trips must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned before any child may participate on any class trip. *Children will NOT be allowed to call home on the day of a trip to request permission. Money Collections: Any money that is collected for trips, book orders, lunch, etc. must be in a sealed envelope. Please label the envelope with your child’s name, class, and contents of the envelope.

Emergency Cards Every parent/guardian must complete and sign a BLUE EMERGENCY CARD before the end of the first week of school. All information should be complete, accurate and current. It is important that correct telephone numbers of persons to be contacted in case of emergency are noted on the emergency card. Please specify the names and relationships of all persons whom you authorize to pick up your child. For their safety, we will only release children to those persons listed on the blue emergency cards. This information can be critically important so please give careful thought to whom you list on these cards. *Please update the emergency card whenever addresses, telephone numbers, etc. are changed during the school year. NOTE: If a family member is not permitted to pick up your child, please bring in the court order stating this to our pupil accounting secretary. In addition, make sure that your child’s teacher is aware of any custodial issues. Reinforce this information with your child

Change of Address Any changes of address or telephone numbers must be reported to the school immediately. Changes to your address must be made with the appropriate documentation, gas or electric bill. All changes must be made through the pupil accounting secretary. Please inform her, as well as your child’s teacher. School Attendance: It is a NYC mandate that all students attend school regularly. In keeping with our efforts to do the utmost for all of our children, I must ask for your cooperation and assistance in the matter of pupil attendance. We stress the importance of regular attendance in order to ensure that each child receives the maximum benefits from regular daily sequential instruction. A written excuse is required whenever a child is absent or late. Our school attendance monitor will make follow up contacts when a note is not brought in upon a child’s return to school. We will also call families of children frequently absent an late, additionally we will have our attendance monitor make home visits when we feel that the absences and or lateness’s are interfering with a child’s ability to move forward academically. We open our doors promptly at 8: 00 am for breakfast. Our school instructional day begins at 8: 15. Students that are not in their classrooms by 8: 20 are considered to be late and they will be recorded as such. NOTE: Attendance is one measure observed for promotional decisions. Students with a 100% attendance will be rewarded at the end of the year.

d n a al ic d e M h t l a He s ue s s I Linda Mooney, our School Nurse is on staff each day to provide service. Illness or Accidents: if a student becomes ill and/or is involved in an accident during the school day, the school nurse or Principal will determine if the child should be sent home and will contact the parent/guardian. Failure to reach the parent/guardian will result in a call to an alternate person listed on the BLUE EMERGENCY CARD. No child will be released from school without first being signed out in the office. Administration of Medication in School: Students requiring medications at school must have the appropriate forms (504 forms) completed by a physician. Parents/guardians should contact the school nurse for further information.

PHOTOGRAPHS- A form will be sent home in the beginning of the school year requesting permission for your child to be photographed during various school activities and functions. This form must be signed by parents/guardians and returned to the school as soon as possible. LOST UAU AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Lost and found articles are kept in the cafeteria. Valuable items are kept in the school office. It is advisable that clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes and books are labeled with the child’s name. P. S. 38 will host a Self-Sustaining After-School Program for the 10162017 school year. This program, known as UAU (United Activities Unlimited) operates from 2: 35 p. m. to 6: 00 p. m. every day school is in session except half days. For application, fee, payment schedule or other questions regarding the program please contact: Mrs. Kearns @ 718 351 1225 Mrs. Chow @ 347 563 4635 UAU @ 718 987 8111 AND FOUND

STUDENT DRESS CODE The P. S. 38 School Leadership Team recognizes the right of students and parents/guardians to exercise personal judgment in matters of dress within certain guidelines. The team believes that neatly attired students who take pride in their appearance generally display good self-discipline, attitude and demeanor. Children should be dressed appropriately for school. No short skirts or shorts shorter than 4 -5 inches above the knee in warm weather. There is a 3 -finger width requirement on tank top straps as well. No flipflops or high heeled shoes. Clothing with inappropriate sayings or symbols is not acceptable. Sneakers are required on gym days. If your child comes in with clothing that is unacceptable, they will be sent to the office and you will be called to bring in something else for them to wear. Also, if your child wears glasses, please make sure that they wear them daily.

Lavatory Use: Your child should use the bathroom at home before school and again at lunchtime. If your child needs to use it more often due to a medical condition, please send in a doctor’s note. (Students attending after school programs will use the bathroom again at 3: 00 pm. ) • Trips: • Birthdays: Please let the teachers know a couple of days in advance if you plan on sending in a birthday snack and no candy or goody bags. Munchkins, cupcakes, or individual snacks are preferred. Drinks are not to be sent in for a birthday celebration. Napkins are appreciated. Due to peanut allergies, all snacks must be peanut free. We will be going on many trips this year. Parent chaperones are needed and will be requested by class teachers. If there are too many volunteers, chaperones will be selected on “first come, first serve” basis. If we feel that a child needs extra supervision for a trip, a family member will be required to accompany that child or they will not be permitted to go. Also, if a child is not doing their homework, they will not be allowed to join the class. The child will be given a warning and you will receive a letter prior to the trip. Trips are a privilege; they must be earned through hard work. • NO SLIP-NO TRIP

Curriculum Information Literacy P. S. 38 will continue to use the Columbia University; Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) program. This program provides students with important reading comprehension strategies to become proficient readers. Throughout their student careers in the school, they will acquire skills on becoming high order and critical thinkers of the future. • Acquired comprehensive reading skills: Ø Close reading Ø Vocabulary development Ø DOK (Depth of Knowledge) Ø Activating background knowledge (schema) Ø Questioning the text Ø Drawing inferences Ø Determining importance Ø Creating mental images (envisioning) Ø Repairing understanding when meaning breaks down (revising ideas about the text) Ø Synthesizing information Ø Our literacy block consists of Mini Lesson, Independent Reading, Read Aloud, Shared Reading, and Guided Reading. Ø The state curriculum requires that the students read at least 25 books during the school year. They should be reading a book that is age appropriate and on their level. Students will keep track of their books on their READING LOGS. This log must be filled out each night and must be initialed by parents. Students should have their books with them in school each day and take them home to read for 30 minutes each night.

Curriculum Information MATHEMATICS As our students prepare for the rigorous challenges of the NYS Math test, the “Go Math!” Program has been aligned to the CCSS and concentrates on Major clusters. A greater emphasis is placed on multiplication/division, geometry, fractions, place value, and problem solving by using real life examples and experiences. Children are encouraged to not only solve mathematical problems but to also give reasoning for their choices and justify their answers. Math talk is highly recommended. The focus areas of modules (modified by grade level) address: Ø Operations and Algebraic Thinking • Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division. • Understand the properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division. • Multiply and divide within 100. • Solve problems involving the four operations, and identify and explain patterns in arithmetic. Ø Number and Operations in Base Ten • Develop understanding of fractions as numbers. Ø Measurement and Data • Solve problems involving measurement and estimation of intervals of time, liquid volumes, and masses of objects. • Geometric measurement: understand concepts of area and relate area to multiplication and to addition. GO Math!” combines fresh teaching approaches with everything needed to address the rigor of the Common Core State Standards. Using a unique write-in, interactive student edition at a grade level, students represent, solve, and explain—all in one place.

Curriculum Information • Written Work: We have high standards and expectations when it comes to the quality of the student’s written work. All work must be done neatly. We stress the importance of taking pride in the work that the students hand in to teachers. ØContent Areas-Social Studies and Science Content areas will be interdisciplinary and project based. • In science, teachers will continue to use the FOSS curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to study and research life around them in hands-on centers. • In social studies, students will work cooperatively on projects selected around their studies of the community and the world we live in as this will be a continuous part of their learning process. To further encourage parent involvement in the instructional climate, once a month parents are invited to our Parents as Learning Partners. Here both the parent and child will work together on an activity and share. The community and trips will be an integral part of our core curriculum.

• Homework in grades 2 -5 is to be copied in the student planner. The homework must be done neatly and completely. Please sign your child’s planner after reviewing the homework assignments. A signed planner is a signal to teachers that you have reviewed all the homework assignments. If your child has a problem with a homework assignment, please have them complete it as best as they can. Send a note to teachers, so that they can review the specific skill that the students are having trouble with. • Every child should have the phone number of at least two homework buddies. If a student is absent it is that student’s responsibility to contact their homework buddy and get the missed assignments. Missed assignments must be made up as soon as possible. • Homework will be a reinforcement of the skills taught in the class. • Time allotment for homework by grade: Grade Total time Kindergarten 30 minutes + Time for IR 1 st Grade 50 minutes + Time for IR 2 nd Grade 50 minutes + Time for IR 3 rd Grade 60 minutes + Time for IR 4 th Grade 60 minutes + Time for IR 5 th Grade 60 -70 minutes + Time for IR

There will be word study, math, and reading comprehension informal assessments. Students will be notified a few days prior to the assessment day. Multiplication quizzes can be given at any time. When the assessments are given back, they must be signed and returned to teachers the next day. Report card grades are not based on tests alone. Class work, homework, performance tasks (projects), attendance and class participation are taken into consideration as well.

Sept. Evening November Evening Afternoon March Evening Elementar Thur. , Sept. 22 Wed. , Nov. 2 Thur. , Nov. Wed. , y 3 March 8 School Middle Thur. , Sept. 15 Wed. , Oct. Thur. , Oct. Wed. , School 26 27 March 15 High Wed. , Sept. 28 Thur. , Nov. Fri. , Nov. Thur. , School 17 18 March 23 D 75 School Wed. , Nov. Tues. , Nov. Mon. , Programs 16 15 March 6 May Afternoon Evening Thur. , March 9 Wed. , May 17 Thur. , March 16 Thur. , May 18 Fri. , March 24 Wed. , May 3 Tues. , March 7 Parents, please follow the afternoon dates for the PTC Meetings at P. S. 38. Our school follows the afternoon schedule due to the fact that we conduct our afternoon and evening conferences on the same day. The students will have a half school day and the afternoon meetings will start promptly at 1: 00 pm to 3: 00 pm. The evening meetings will start at 4: 30 pm to 7: 30 pm.

State Test dates: The students will be taking the following Assessments in 2016 -2017 School Year: Students Grades 3 -5 Dates March 28, 29, 30 Assessment NYS ELA Grades 3 -5 May 2, 3, 4 ELL Students April 10 - May 19 Grade 4 May 24 – June 2 NYS MATH NYSESLAT Speaking NYSESLAT Listening, Reading, Writing Science Performance Test Grade 4 June 5 May 8 - 19 Science Written

Report Cards In collaboration with DOE and the Staff of P. S. 38, report cards were designed by our teachers. the report cards are aligned to the CCSS and our teaching and learning curriculum. The report card indicates how your child is progressing toward achieving the standards at the end of the school year. Your child’s work and learning behaviors will be evaluated using the following numerical indicators: Ø 4 ~ Exceeds Proficiency in Standard Ø 3 ~ Meets Proficiency Standard Ø 2 ~ Partially Proficient in Standard Ø 1 ~ Below Proficiency Standard The specific comments sections of the report card include specific suggestions for you to support your child’s education. Please also consider the following strategies: v. Read to your child v. Ensure regular attendance and punctuality v. Review and discus homework v. Help to organize books and notebooks v. Attend to health issues v. Review the parent brochure, “What Did You Learn in School Today? ” Report Cards are NOT given to students. Parents/guardians must come in to meet with the teacher during PTC to obtain the report card and discuss the program of the children.

NYS regulations of major importance regarding students discipline code