Dear Parents and Guardians, This handbook is intended as an introduction to programs, policies and procedures that will facilitate a better understanding between home and school. You will find a listing of teachers and pertinent phone numbers. Please take time to familiarize yourself with this information. It is suggested that you use this folder as a resource and a place to keep important information sent to you throughout the school year, such as progress reports, report cards and letters from teachers. We encourage you to continue to be involved in our school as it benefits not only our children, but also our entire school community. If we are to fulfill our commitment to our students, we must work together. Please join us in making this an exciting year for all by being active members of our school family through participation in school events and activities. Come share our pride, as we continue to build on our tradition of excellence. Let’s work together to assure that the coming year is a successful and productive one for our children. Sincerely yours, Matthew P. Malone Donna T. Denon Principal Assistant Principal Mission Statement The Sag Harbor School District, in partnership with all members of the community, is committed to provide equity in education; its mission is to provide students with a safe, child-centered environment that fosters personal, academic and creative excellence. This will empower students to become responsible and respectful members of a global society. As lifelong learners, students will be prepared to move successfully to the next stage of their lives. School Hours School hours are from 8:45 a.m. until 3:20 p.m. each day. Children should not arrive earlier than 8:35 a.m. unless they are participating in a supervised activity. Children line up in the courtyard where there is adult supervision, and will be directed to enter the building at the appropriate time. Students who arrive at Morning Program after the Pledge of Allegiance (8:45 a.m.) are late to school and will be marked as tardy on their attendance record. Students who arrive at school any time after the completion of Morning Program must check in at Main Office. Attendance Regular and punctual attendance is essential to a student’s success in school. All children are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are ill or a family emergency arises. Please remember to call the school the morning of your child’s absence. Absences can be reported by calling 725-5301. In addition, please provide a written note explaining the absence on the day the child returns to school. We realize that there will be instances when your child may be late, but please avoid this whenever possible. Tardiness interrupts your child’s instructional time. A note should accompany your child to explain the reason for his/her lateness. Family vacations taken while school is in session are considered illegal absences. For continuity of instruction, the district strongly encourages family vacations to coincide with the school calendar vacations. Early Release of Students Students who leave school early miss important instructional time. In the event a student must leave they must be signed out with the security monitor before 2:45 p.m. Students will be called from their classrooms after a parent or guardian has arrived. Dental and medical appointments should be made for non-school days or after the regular school day ends. Morning Program We start each day at 8:45 a.m. with Morning Program. All students, faculty and staff gather in the gymnasium as a school family to begin our day with curriculum related presentations, announcements, celebrations and music. Parents and community members are welcome to attend Morning Program. Snack/Lunch All students must bring their snack and lunch to school every day as the Sag Harbor Elementary School does not provide snack or lunch services for the students. Healthy snacks are encouraged, such as fruit and vegetables. Reusable water bottles may be filled at our filtered water stations. Beverages in glass bottles and soda are not

permitted. Organic and low-fat milk are available for purchase. Applications for free milk are available in the Main Office of the school for families who meet the state financial requirements. Snacks and lunches that are brought in by parents after the start of the day are to be dropped off with the security monitor at the front door. Recess Our students play outdoors all year-round. The amount of time spent outdoors for students in first through fifth grade is approximately 25 minutes. Kindergarten children play outside for forty minutes. During the colder months, parents should provide their children with appropriate outside clothing, including hats and gloves. Appropriate footwear is needed to allow the children to play safely. Flip-flops, high heels and sandals are not recommended. Recess activities during very cold or inclement weather are held in the classroom or gymnasium. Standards of Behavior The Sag Harbor Elementary School has developed standards of behavior that are designed to foster responsible and respectful behaviors, which contribute to a safe learning environment. The school wide behavior management program is guided by the following: Standards of Behavior: Disposition: 1. Respect others by being kind in action and words 1. Warning 2. Respect property 2. Time Out 3. Demonstrate cooperative behavior 3. Loss of recess- 1 day 4. Demonstrate good manners 4. Loss of recess- 2 days and parental contact 5. Principal’s office Positive reinforcement: Behavior recognition slips, weekly and monthly awards, positive calls, certificates, and special programs. Dress Code The “Dress Code” has been established by the school district as a result of the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Legislation. The expectation is that members of the school family will dress appropriately for all school functions. Students and parents have the right to determine school dress providing the attire complies with requirements for health and safety, and does not interfere with the educational process.

Examples of unacceptable school attire, although not limited to the following, include:

1. clothing or jewelry with markings of tobacco, alcohol or drugs 2. clothing or jewelry that conveys messages of nudity, lewdness, profanity, bias, violence and/or poses a physical danger 3. short-shorts/short skirts and/or clothing that exposes bare midriffs or bare shoulders 4. torn, transparent (see through), and fishnet clothing that inappropriately exposes undergarments or skin in a sexually suggestive manner

5. pants that are worn beneath the waist or which expose undergarments 6. gang-related clothing or paraphernalia 7. head coverings worn in the classroom 8. clothing that bears expressions or insignia that are obscene, libelous or disruptive 9. items that denigrate others on account of race, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability

Students may be required to wear appropriate protective gear in certain classes, (e.g., physical education, science). In addition to the above guidelines, the school administration reserves the right to make determinations regarding appropriateness of attire on an individual basis. The Board authorizes the administration to take action in instances where individual dress does not meet the stated requirements. Technology Agreement The Sag Harbor Board of Education affirms the District’s commitment to preparing students for the future. The Board also recognizes that technology advances have led to new and emerging ways to obtain information and to communicate. The Board supports access to the information resources available from the global networks, but it believes that such access to information is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, the Technology Acceptable Use Policy

has been formally adopted by the Sag Harbor Board of Education. This policy covers use of technology in the District, including use of computers, digital equipment, videoconferencing technology and use of any other technology equipment in the District. The parents of all students in the Elementary School are required to sign a form stating that he/she has read the Acceptable Use Policy and agrees to follow its provisions. Students will be issued a password only after a signed Acceptable Use Policy form is handed in. If a parent or guardian objects to his/her child using the Internet, he/she must state the objection in writing and send it to the building principal. Parents, including legal guardians, are responsible for their children’s access to the Internet and to e-mail when the children are off school grounds and the District assumes no responsibility for such access. The District will prescribe what it believes to be ethical behavior as well as inappropriate behavior, but the establishment of standards of morality and conduct is a fundamental responsibility of the child’s parents. The following are actions that are not permitted while using the technology services of the District:

• Sharing or selling a password or account number • Using impersonation, anonymity or pseudonyms • Leaving your account open and unattended • Damaging, abusing or breaking software, hardware or the network • Plagiarizing or using copyrighted material without permission • Using the computers for illegal activities or commercial gain • Sending, using or displaying inappropriate language, pictures or any other type of communication,

including profanity, inflammatory speech or accessing inappropriate websites • Disrespecting the rights and property of others • Improperly accessing, destroying or misusing files or data of others • Opening another person’s file • Attempting to work in or modify the Network Operating System • Exploring or changing any system files • Intentionally wasting limited resources • Installing/downloading or attempting to install software and/or music from the Internet or any other

software program, which only designated employees are allowed to do

Health Office Our school nurse is on duty during regular school hours. If a student becomes sick or injured, he/she will be sent to the health office. If after observation the illness or injury appears to warrant contact of a parent, reasonable effort will be made to do so. Emergency information forms are to be filled out each year. During the school year if changes are made in employment, telephone numbers, or alternate contacts, please call the elementary office at 725-5301 so that our records can be updated. It is important that emergency information forms are completed accurately and are updated immediately when changes are made. Medication: Students may not administer their own medication. Medications that require administration during school hours, as per a doctor’s prescription, must be stored in the Health Office and administered by the school nurse only. Specific dosage directions must be provided by the doctor or the parent/guardian. Health Requirements: All students are required to have a complete immunization record in order to enroll in the Sag Harbor Union Free School District, unless a waiver has been granted by the Board of Education for religious or medical reasons. The school nurse works with parents to ensure that student immunizations are in compliance with state law. The required immunizations are: 3 Diphtheria 3 OPV or 4IPV or 3eIPV 1 Varicella 2 Measles 1 Mumps

1 Rubella 1 Hepatitis B Health Screenings: New York State law requires screenings of students at different points in their development. These screenings include:

1. Physical exams in grades K, 1 and 3. Families may opt to have their own physician perform the physical. Parents should first contact the school nurse to obtain the proper form and return it upon completion of the

physical. A physical performed by a private physician would exclude the student from the physical in school.

2. Vision and hearing screenings are performed in grades K-5 annually. 3. Scoliosis screening (curvature of the spine) is conducted on students ages 8 to 16 annually.

Report Cards and Progress Reports Report cards are issued three times during the academic year. Information regarding academic progress, personal development, lifelong habits for learning and attendance are reported. Progress reports are mailed midway between report cards. Parent-Teacher Conferences take place in the fall and in the spring. Additional conferences may be scheduled if needed. When parents have concerns or issues to discuss, they are encouraged to discuss the issue with the classroom teacher first. If the situation is not resolved, parents may address the issue with the elementary principal. Teachers, administrators and parents share common goals for creating the best learning experiences for students and to this end should maintain productive communication and a harmonious relationship. Homework Homework is a teacher-planned activity, which takes place largely outside the student’s regular school hours. Homework should reinforce classroom learning and expand on a student’s school experience. Homework is considered an important part of the instructional program. Parents are encouraged to set aside a regular time each evening to discuss any papers their child may have brought home from school and to talk with their child about the day’s events. Homework will be assigned Monday-Thursday and will include daily reading. Whenever students are absent, parents may request that homework be left at the Front Desk for pick-up after dismissal by a sibling, relative, or neighbor. Parents are asked to make requests in the morning to allow for sufficient time to organize materials to be sent home. Testing New York State requires testing in the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS):

Third Grade English/Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Fourth Grade English/Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science Fifth Grade English/Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics The students are prepared for these tests through the instruction they receive at their current placement and at each of the preceding grade levels. Parents will receive information about the scores their child receives on the NYS exams in September. Communication Communication between the school and families is important for the success of children. The school communicates with parents through our district website, teacher webpages, notes home, telephone calls, progress reports, report cards, Curriculum Night, and Open House. Parents may contact their child’s teacher, nurse or school counselor by calling the Main Office at 725-5301 and leaving a message. Cell Phones If a family feels a child must bring a cell phone to school, the phone must remain in the child’s backpack in the off position during the school day. Students are not to utilize their phones during the day; a child needing to call home during school hours can do so using the office phones. Electronic Devices Electronic devices (re: iPads, Kindles, iPods etc.) can serve to support and enhance classroom studies, however, such devices may only be used under the direction of classroom teachers. If electronic devices are used improperly or become a distraction in the classroom, students will lose the privilege of using these devices. Transportation The Sag Harbor Union Free School District furnishes transportation to those students whose health or distance from the school makes the service essential. Riding school buses is a privilege that may be withdrawn if the student does not comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the District.

Students riding school buses are expected to conform to the rules of conduct in order to permit the bus driver to transport his/her passengers safely. Students must use only the bus and bus stop assigned and are expected to practice orderly and safe behaviors while waiting for the bus. The following rules have been established to insure the safety of students who ride buses:

1. Listen to the bus driver’s directions and respect their rules. 2. Wear seatbelts at all times. 3. Remain in the seat facing the front of the bus at all times. 4. Keep hands, arms, and personal belongings inside the bus. 5. Talk quietly and do not make unnecessary noise. 6. Keep the aisles clear of backpacks and coats. 7. Eating and drinking on the bus are not permitted. 8. Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street. 9. Cross at least ten feet in front of the bus. 10. Follow the rules. Be smart! Be safe!

The Board of Education and/or Administration have the authority to suspend the transportation privileges of children who are disorderly and insubordinate on buses. In these cases, the parents/legal guardians of the children involved become responsible for seeing that their children get to and from school safely. Temporary Bus Change If family circumstances require a temporary change of bus route for a student, the parent/legal guardian must send a letter to the District Transportation Coordinator who will consider the request and notify the parent of the decision. Forms for bus changes can be found on the school district website under the Transportation link. Visitors For the safety and security of guests, students and faculty, visitors are required to sign in at the desk of the security monitor or Main Office upon arrival at Sag Harbor Elementary School. Visitors will sign in and receive a visitor badge. Upon departure, visitors are asked to sign out. Parents are not only welcome, but are encouraged to visit Sag Harbor Elementary. Sag Harbor Elementary students are not permitted to bring student guests to school because it distracts from the normal flow of educational activities in the classrooms. Extenuating circumstances involving student guests should be discussed with the principal and the classroom teacher. Safety Drills Throughout the school year the children practice several different types of safety drills to increase their awareness about procedures in the event of an emergency. These include bus evacuation drills, fire drills and lock-down drills. Bus Safety Drill – The children are instructed about bus rules and procedures and practice evacuation of the bus through the emergency exits. Information about location and use of the portable fire extinguisher and two-way radio are included in the discussion. Fire Drill – Students are required to be silent during a fire drill. This assures that any emergency instructions from school officials or fire fighters can be heard accurately. Students exit the building via the designated route and remain with the class and teacher until an all-clear signal is given. Students in the halls or bathrooms at the time the alarm is sounded join the class line in the vicinity of their location. Students do not return to their classroom. Teachers take attendance when the class is in a safe area and report attendance to the principal. Lock-down drill – This is not an evacuation drill but rather a procedure that would be employed when it is deemed necessary and safest to have students and staff locked in the school and to account for their specific location. The teachers lock their classroom doors and move the students to an area away from the windows and doorway. Students and staff will remain quiet. Closing of School During the school year, the superintendent may have to cancel classes before the scheduled dismissal time (3:20 p.m.) because of weather conditions or other unforeseen reasons. If weather conditions or other factors force the closing of school, the following modes of communication will carry the announcement: Radio: WLNG – 92.1 FM Television: Channel 12 – News Automated alert service: phone calls, text messages, emails Website: www.sagharborschools.org

Emergency contact information should be updated to assure communication when early dismissal from school occurs. In case of early dismissal, S.H.A.E.P. and clubs are cancelled. Textbooks, Library Books and Musical Instruments Students are responsible for returning all textbooks, library books and musical instruments in the same condition in which they were received. All lost or damaged items must be paid for by the student’s family. Library books are to be returned by their due date. Textbooks and instruments are expected to be returned in June, unless otherwise requested. Field Trips Sag Harbor Elementary teachers plan trips away from school, which support curricular objectives. Typically, each grade level plans one trip per school year. Permission slips must be signed by a parent or guardian before a student is allowed to attend a school trip. A limited number of chaperones may be asked to accompany the class on the trip. Chaperones should follow school rules and accept the responsibility of following the procedures set by the teachers. Students are expected to exhibit excellent behavior as they represent Sag Harbor Elementary away from school. Lost and Found All found items will be placed in the Lost and Found lockers located near the lobby. The school does not assume responsibility for lost items. Proper labeling of personal property with student name or initials can reduce these losses. Please mark all items such as coats, jackets, sweaters, lunchboxes, backpacks, etc. Unclaimed items are given to charity. Sag Harbor After-School Elementary Program (S.H.A.E.P.) Sag Harbor Elementary School offers a morning and after-school child-care program called S.H.A.E.P. This program is for K-5 students who attend the Elementary School. S.H.A.E.P. meets every day before school at 7:30 a.m. and after school until 5:00 p.m. Parents are responsible for registering their child for participation in S.H.A.E.P. one week prior to attendance. Registration forms are available in the Elementary School Lobby and questions may be directed to the S.H.A.E.P. director, Ms. Anne Haring, at 725-5301. After-School Enrichment Program The Sag Harbor Elementary School offers many after-school enrichment clubs and activities. There are three sessions of clubs offered during the school year. Each session meets for eight weeks, with the exception of Band, Chorus and Guitar Ensemble, which students attend for the full school year. Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 register for all three sessions in October when the club brochures and forms are sent home. Clubs dismiss at 4:10 p.m., at which time students are either picked up by a parent or attend S.H.A.E.P. if they are registered. Previously sponsored clubs have been Art, Dance, Sign Language, Computer, Indoor Soccer, Basketball, Chorus, Band, Science, Spanish, Robotics, Japanese Culture, and Fitness. Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO) The PTA is an organization that includes parents and teachers working together to benefit the students at our school. The PTA sponsors numerous events throughout the school year and provides funding for programs and events. The PTA meets in the Elementary School Library once a month. SEPTO is an East End based organization for parents and community members, which addresses the needs and concerns related to special education. The SEPTO goals are to share information, provide resources and support, and improve communication between schools, families and the community. SEPTO meetings are hosted once a month at various East End schools. School Spirit Sag Harbor Elementary prides itself on being a school family and celebrates school spirit. Our school colors are red and black and our mascot is the whale. Students and faculty are encouraged to wear our school colors on Fridays. District Administration and Elementary Support Staff Directory Superintendent of Schools – Mrs. Katy Graves 725-5300 Ext. 411 Director of Pupil Personnel Services – Ms. Barbara Bekermus 725-5302 Ext. 461 Elementary School Principal – Mr. Matthew Malone 725-5301 Elementary School Assistant Principal – Mrs. Donna Denon 725-5301

Elementary School Counselor – Mrs. Michelle Grant 725-5301 Elementary School Nurse – Ms. Margaret Pulkingham 725-5301 or 259-3209 Elementary School Psychologist – Mrs. Lauri Lavinio 725-5301 District Social Worker – Mrs. Lindsay Reilly 725-5301 Director of S.H.A.E.P. – Ms. Anne Haring 725-5301

Board of Education

Ms. Susan Kinsella – President Ms. Sandra Kruel Ms. Chris Tice – Vice President Ms. Theresa Samot

Ms. Stephanie Bitis Mr. Thomas Schiavoni Ms. Diana Kolhoff

Sag Harbor Elementary Directory Lower Level Ms. L. Price 2nd Grade Rm. 001 Ms. Rascelles Special Education Rm. 001 Ms. Evans Occupational Therapy Rm. 003 Ms. Grant Counselor Rm. 005

Mr. Lahann Music Rm. 011 Ms. Denon Assistant Principal Rm. 113 Ms. Berkoski Reading Rm. 022 Mr. Fox Music Rm. 024

Ms. Gaites 2nd Grade Rm. 007 Ms. LeClerc 2nd Grade Rm. 009

Mr. Crowley Physical Education Rm. 026 Mr. Katz Physical Education Rm. 026

First Floor Ms. Raebeck Kindergarten Rm. 101 Ms. Landi Kindergarten Rm. 102 Ms. Macaluso Multi-Age Class Rm. 103 Ms. DiSunno 1st Grade Rm. 105 Ms. Burokas Special Education Rm. 105 Ms. Milazzo ESL Rm. 106 Ms. Warner ESL Rm. 106

Ms. Masters Math Specialist Rm. 104 Ms. D. Price 1st Grade Rm. 109 Ms. Pulkingham Nurse Rm. 110 Ms. Montaldo Kindergarten Rm. 111 Ms. Driver 1st Grade Rm. 112 Ms. King Special Education Kindergarten

Second Floor Ms. Kelly 5th Grade Rm. 201 Ms. Regan 2nd Grade Rm. 203 Ms. Midlam Speech/Language Rm. 204 Ms. Johnston 3rd Grade Rm. 205 Ms. Semkus 3rd Grade Rm. 206 Ms. Cafiso Special Education Rm. 212 Ms. Spolarich 5th Grade Rm. 207 Ms. Sloane 5th Grade Rm. 209 Mr. Kneeland 5th Grade Rm. 211 Ms. Luzim Special Education Rm. 211 Mr. Kahofer 3rd Grade Rm. 212

Mr. Reed 4th Grade Rm. 213 Ms. Cosgrove 4th Grade Rm. 214 Ms. Surozenski 4th Grade Rm. 215 Ms. Lattanzio 4th Grade Rm. 216 Ms. Rijos Special Education Rm. 214 Ms. Kushner 3rd Grade Rm. 217 Ms. Grille Speech/Language Rm. 219 Ms. Dwyer Speech/Language Rm. 210 Ms. Donnaruma Speech/Language Rm. 210 Ms. Rice Instrumental Music Rm. 220

Third Floor Mr. Schwartz Computer Rm. 302 Ms. Viola Librarian Rm. 303 Ms. Gorman Spanish Rm. 307 Ms. Marr Spanish Rm. 307 Ms. Armusewicz Art Rm. 113 Ms. Mandell Art Rm. 309 Ms. Olson Science Rm. 311 Ms. Reilly Social Worker Rm. 312 Ms. Rasor Special Education Rm. 312

NOTES