District Information Packet2021-2022 REQUIRED BACK TO SCHOOL FORMS
CHECKLIST FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Below you will find a checklist of the forms that must be signed
and returned to your child’s school no later than Friday, September
17, 2021. All policies may be viewed, in their entirety, at
www.pmschools.org/Page/7877. The Districtwide Informational Packet
has been posted to the news section of each school building’s
website and limited copies are available in the main office.
** PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN ALL FORMS TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL NO LATER
THAN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 OR THESE CAN BE COMPLETED
ELECTRONICALLY BY CLICKING THE LINKS BELOW:
1. COMPREHENSIVE ATTENDANCE POLICY SIGN-OFF 2. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL
RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT STUDENT RECORD
RELEASE FORM 3. RESERVATION OF CONSENT FOR THE RELEASE OF
STUDENT
INFORMATION TO MILITARY RECRUITERS 4. REQUEST FOR PESTICIDE
APPLICATION NOTIFICATION 5. CONSENT TO RELEASE FREE OR REDUCED
PRICE ELIGIBILITY
INFORMATION
Comprehensive Attendance Policy Sign-Off (Please see page 1 of the
Districtwide informational packet for more information on the
District’s Comprehensive Attendance Policy #5110.)
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act Student Record Release
Form (Please see page 17-18 of the Districtwide informational
packet for more information on the Family Educational Rights &
Privacy Act Policy #5125.)
Reservation of Consent for the Release of Student Information to
Military Recruiters (only for grade 11 and 12 students) (Please see
page 17-18 of the Districtwide informational packet for more
information on the Family Educational Rights & Privacy
Act.)
Request for Pesticide Application Notification (The Pesticides
& Pest Management Policy (#3527) can be found on the District’s
website.)
Consent to Release Free or Reduced Price Eligibility Information
(Please see page 29 of the Districtwide informational packet for
more information.)
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Diana
Andrade Teresa Baldinucci-Greenberg Thomas P. Donofrio Jennifer A.
Krieger Bernadette M. Smith
Dennis M. Logan, District Cle rk
August 2021
DonnaJones,Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Administrative Center
241 South Ocean Avenue Patchogue, New York 11772 (63 1) 687-6380
(631) 687-6389 FAX
School attendance is a major factor in academic success. In an
effort to encourage good attendance, New York State requires that
all school districts develop a Comprehensive Attendance Policy.
This policy must include certain required elements.
One requirement is that parents/guardians must be provided with a
summary of the policy on a yearly basis. That summary is
enclosed.
The second requirement is that parents/guardians must sign-off on
the form provided and return to child's school by September 17,
2021 .
If you are interested in a complete copy of the policy or have
additional questions, please contact the school principal.
Si~f)ly, I Un~~ Superintendent of Schools
/rl Enclosure
Child's Name ____________________ _ School _______________ _
D I have read and understand the Patchogue-Medford Comprehensive
Attendance Policy.
Name ______________________________________________ _ Date:
______________________ _
Parent's/Guardian's Signature
Print Parent's/Guardian's Name
The Pa.tchogue-M edford School Community's Mission is to provide
diverse pathway s a.nd varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead to meaningful learning experiences fo r all students.
FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT
STUDENT RECORD RELEASE FORM
September 2021
I am in receipt of the notification from the Patchogue-Medford
School District regarding the release of
student “directory” information, as outlined in the letter on the
front of this document under the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). I further understand
that this Reservation of Consent will
need to be renewed annually. Please do not release this information
without prior written
parental/guardian or (eligible) student’s consent.
Name of Student:
Student Home Address:
Student’s name
Major Field of Study
Weight and Height of Members of Athletic Teams
Degrees, Honor, and Awards Received
The Most Recent Educational Agency or Institution Attended
Student ID number, user ID, or Other Unique Personal Identifier
used to Communicate in Electronic Systems which cannot be used to
Access Educational Records without a PIN, Password, etc. (A
student’s SSN cannot be use, in whole or part, for this
purpose)
Signature of Parent/Guardian:
Signature of Student (if over the age of 18 years):
Printed Name of Student:
Date:
*** PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR CHILD’S BUILDING PRINCIPAL NO
LATER THAN
SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 ***
PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD SCHOOLS
NOTICE OF RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION TO MILITARY RECRUITERS
Pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, school districts
must disclose to military recruiters upon request, the names,
addresses and telephone numbers of secondary students in grades
11-12 unless the parent or eligible student has informed the
District that they do not want the student’s information disclosed.
Parent(s) and eligible students wishing to withhold their consent
to the release of the aforementioned information to military
recruiters may do so by completing the form below and returning it
to the Building Principal within thirty (30) calendar days of your
receipt of this notice and form. By not filling out and returning
the form below, it shall be deemed by the District as consent for
the upcoming school year to release the aforementioned information
to military recruiters.
RESERVATION OF CONSENT FOR THE RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION
TO
MILITARY RECRUITERS
I have read and understand the above information regarding the
release of student’s names,
addresses and telephone numbers to military recruiters in
accordance with No Child Left Behind Legislation. Please do not
release such information of the student named below. Student’s full
name Parent’s, [Eligible Student’s] Name Date Parent’s [Eligible
Student’s] Signature
Student’s Grade Level: 11th 12th
(Completed form should be returned to students’ Building
Principal)
Patchogue-Medford School District BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Diana
Andrade Teresa Baldinucci-Greenberg Thomas P. Donofrio Jennifer A.
Krieger Bernadette M. Smith
Dennis M. Logan, District Clerk
August 2021
DonnaJones,Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Administrative Center
241 South Ocean Avenue Patchogue, New York 11772 (631) 687-6380
(631) 687-6389 FAX
New York State Education Law§ 409-h requires all public elementary
and secondary schools to provide written notification to all
persons in parental relation , faculty, and staff regarding the
potential use of pesticides periodically throughout the school year
or summer school session . The Patchogue-Medford School District is
required to maintain a list of persons in parental relation,
faculty, and staff who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notice
of certain pesticide applications. The following pesticide
applications are not subject to prior notification
requirements:
• Where a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72 hours
following application of the pesticide;
• Anti-microbial pesticides and products;
• Aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid
ounces or less when used to protect individuals from an imminent
threat from stinging and biting insects, including venomous
spiders, bees, wasps, and hornets;
• Nonvolatile rodenticides in tamper-resistant bait stations or in
areas inaccessible to children;
• Silica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-use paste, foam, and
gel formulations of insecticide in areas inaccessible to
children;
• Nonvolatile insecticidal baits in tamper resistant bait stations
or in areas inaccessible to children;
• Boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate;
• A product designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) as a biopesticide;
• A product classified by the EPA as an exempt material under 40
CFR 152.2; and
• An emergency application of a pesticide to protect against an
imminent threat to human health.
The Patchogue-Medford School Community 's Mission is to provide
diverse pa.thways a.nd varied enrichment opport.unit.ies tha.t will
lead to m ean ingfu.lleaming experiences for all students.
If you would like to receive 48-hour prior notification of
pesticide applications that are scheduled to occur in your school,
please complete the form below and return it to the
Patchogue-Medford School District pesticide representative,
Attention: Office of Plants & Facilities, 121 Saxton Street,
Patchogue, NY 11772, or via email at
[email protected].
Please feel free to contact the office of Plants and Facilities for
further information on these requirements.
Sil ly, Jin~~ Superintendent of Schools
/rl
School Building:
Name: Address:
The Pa.tchogue-Medford School Community 's Mission is to provide
diverse pathways and varied enrichment opportunities that will lead
to mea.ningfid lea.rning exp eriences for all students.
CONSENT TO RELEASE FREE OR REDUCED PRICE ELIGIBILITY
INFORMATION
School officials may release information that shows that my
child/children are eligible for
free or reduced price meals or free milk to the following programs.
I understand that the
information will only be provided to the program(s) checked.
(Check the box next to the program area(s) you wish to release
information to)
Federal health programs such as Medicaid or Children’s Health
Insurance
Program (CHIP).
State or federal programs such as the Youth Summer Work program or
the
Educational Talent Search Program.
Local health and education programs and other local programs that
provide
benefits such as free textbooks or school supplies, free band
instruments, or
reduced fees for summer school or driver education.
Community programs such as holiday baskets, summer arts and
playground
programs.
I understand that I will be releasing information that will show
that my child/children are
eligible for free and reduced price meals or free milk for my
child. I give up my right to
confidentiality for the program(s) checked.
Child/Children
I certify that I am the child’s parent/guardian for whom the
application was made.
Signature of Parent/Guardian:
INFORMATIONAL PACKET
Below is a handy table of contents for all of the important
Districtwide back to school
materials. Please be sure to read, sign, and return the documents
indicated on the checklist of
required forms. These forms must returned to your child’s school no
later than Friday,
September 17, 2021.
7-8 Academic Integrity Letter
13-14 Security/COVID Procedures Letter
23-25 Free & Reduced Meals Price Letter
29 Parent/Guardian Consent to Release Eligibility Information for
Free and Reduced Meals or Free Milk Letter
31 Meal Charge Letter
33-35 Meal Charge Policy
COMPREHENSIVE ATTENDANCE POLICY SUMMARY
Philosophy: Regular school attendance is a major component of
academic success.
Purpose of Policy: To minimize unexcused absences, tardiness, and
early departures (ATEDs).
Definitions:
Excused ATEDs are those resulting from personal illness, illness or
death in the
family, impassable roads or weather, religious observance,
quarantine, required
court appearance, scheduled medical/dental appointments, approved
college
visits, approved cooperative work programs, and other reasons that
may be
approved by the Supervisor of Attendance.
Unexcused ATEDs include any absence that is not excused, as
specified in the
above list.
Tardy means arrival at school less than 30 minutes late for
students in Grades K-
5 and less than 15 minutes late for students in Grades 6-12.
Truancy is defined as the willful violation by a student of
compulsory attendance.
Notice of the Policy will be given to students, parents or
guardians, faculty and staff and community
members through a series of written and verbal announcements and
reviews.
General Procedures: Attendance will be taken each day in elementary
schools and in each period
in the secondary schools. This information will be coded, recorded
and monitored.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities include notifying the school
within 24 hours of the ATED.
Notification may be in writing or by phone.
Disciplinary Consequences: Unexcused ATEDs will result in
administrative action consisten with
the District’s Code of Conduct.
Intervention Strategies will be considered for those students who
have a pattern of unexcused
ATEDs.
Attendance/Grade Policy:
Unexcused ATEDs will affect a student’s class participation grade
for a marking period. Excused
ATEDs may affect a student’s grade if course work is not made
up.
In Grades 9-12, any student with more than 14 ATEDs for a half-year
course, or 28 absences for a
full-year course will not receive credit for the course. Students
with properly excused ATEDs may
make up missing work in accordance with established
procedures.
?M Patchogue-Medford School District BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Diana
Andrade Teresa Baldinucci-Greenberg Thomas P. Donofrio Jennifer A.
Krieger Bernadette M. Smith
Dennis M. Logan, District Clerk
August 2021
Dear Families:
DonnaJones,Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Administrative Center
241 South Ocean Avenue Patchogue, New York 11772 (631) 687-6380
(631) 687-6389 FAX
The Patchogue-Medford School District is committed to promoting
safe and healthy learning environments where students are secure in
their pursuit of educational success, free from the distracting
incidence of violent behaviors by others in their school setting.
These acts include bullying, threats of intimidation, disruptive
behavior in class, the carrying of weapons, fighting, physical
assaults and other behaviors that impede learning.
The Patchogue-Medford School Board has developed a Code of Conduct
governing the behavior of students, staff and visitors to the
District. This document is summarized and attached for your
review.
on~ Superintendent of Schools
/rl Enclosure
(A copy of the updated Code of Conduct is available on our website:
www.pmschools.org under "Parent Information").
The Patchogue-M edford School Community's Mission is to provide
diverse pa.thways and varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead to m eaningfu.lleaming experiences for a.ll students.
THE PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD SCHOOLS
CODE OF CONDUCT
The code includes:
equipment; conduct, dress and language deemed unacceptable and
inappropriate on school property; and the range
of penalties associated with violating these provisions.
• Standards regarding acceptable, civil, and respectful treatment
of teachers, school administrators, other school
personnel, students, and visitors on school property, including the
range of penalties associated with violating these
provisions.
• Provisions defining the roles of teachers, administrators, other
school personnel, boards of education and parents.
• Standards and procedures to assure security and safety of
students and school personnel.
• Provisions for removals from the classroom and from school
property, including school functions, of students and other
persons who violate provisions of the code.
• Disciplinary measures to be taken in incidents involving the
possession or use of illegal substances or weapons,
physical force, vandalism, violation of the civil rights of others,
and the threats of violence.
• Provisions for detention, suspension, and removal of students,
which are consistent with federal, state, and local laws,
including provisions for school authorities to establish policies
and procedures to ensure the maintenance of educational
programming and activities for students removed from the classroom
or suspended from school.
• Procedures by which violations are to be reported, determined,
and by which discipline measures are imposed and
carried out.
• Provisions ensuring that the codes, and the enforcement thereof,
are in compliance with state and federal laws relating
to students with disabilities.
• Provisions setting forth the procedures by which local law
enforcement agencies will be notified of code violations that
constitute a crime.
• Provisions setting forth the circumstances under, and procedures
by which, parents will be notified if their child violates
the code.
• Provisions setting forth the circumstances under, and procedures
by which, criminal court complaints, juvenile
delinquency petitions or person in need of supervision petitions
will be filed.
• Circumstances under the procedures by which referral to
appropriate human service agencies shall be made.
• Procedures by which minimum suspension periods will be set for
students who are substantially disruptive of the
educational process or substantially interfere with the teacher’s
authority over the classroom, provided that the
suspending authority may reduce such period on a case by case basis
to be consistent with any other state or federal
law or regulation.
• Provisions for minimum suspension periods for acts that would
qualify the pupil to be defined as a violent pupil, provided
that the suspending authority may reduce such period on a case by
case basis to be consistent with any other state or
federal law or regulation.
NOTE: Any person wishing to examine the complete document may do so
by formal application to the school or district office.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The Patchogue-Medford School Community’s Mission is to provide
diverse pathways and varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead
to meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Patchogue-Medford School District BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Donna Jones, Ed.D.
Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Superintendent of Schools
Diana Andrade
Jennifer A. Krieger 241 South Ocean Avenue
Bernadette M. Smith Patchogue, New York 11772
(631) 687-6350
Dennis M. Logan, District Clerk (631) 687-6359 FAX
August 2021 Dear Parents, Guardians and Students: Patchogue-Medford
has a zero tolerance for plagiarism and cheating. The District
takes these offenses seriously and we are committed to making sure
that all students understand and acknowledge the importance of
academic integrity. Cheating is destructive to the school
community. Cheating harms relationships and creates mistrust in
teachers and classmates. Students who do not cheat also suffer by
the inflated grades that result from academic misconduct. Students
who choose to cheat or plagiarize will face the risk that teachers
and counselors may not want to write their letters of
recommendation for college. If students are suspended for cheating
or plagiarism, they are required to admit it in their college
applications for private schools. Students face life changing
consequences when they choose to cheat rather than earning grades
honestly through hard work and good study habits. If students are
ever unclear about the guidelines regarding the correct way to cite
sources, it is their responsibility to consult with their teachers
before submitting an assignment. Cheating and plagiarism are forms
of academic misconduct and are both dishonest choices that students
can avoid. What is Plagiarism? Plagiarism means using ideas,
opinions, factual information, or language from someone without
giving that person appropriate credit. Plagiarism is fraud.
Plagiarism includes but is not limited to the following
guidelines:
• Including the words of another writer without including proper
citation. Copying and pasting from the Internet or other electronic
sources—even one sentence—is considered plagiarism unless there are
quotation marks preceding and following the quoted material.
Student writers must also include a citation of the source (Works
Cited page or Bibliography) at the end of their paper. This applies
to other forms of expression as well—artwork, photography, computer
coding, mathematical calculations, etc.
• Citing the sources used but copying and pasting entire sentences
(or photos/graphics/code) without using quotation marks or proper
citation methods.
• Presenting the ideas of another writer (scientist, computer
programmer or artist) as your own original thoughts. If the paper
includes another author's ideas, the student must indicate with
footnotes or in a Works Cited page where this source can be
found.
• Submitting another student’s work as your own (an example would
be submitting an essay written by a sibling or another
student).
• Submitting a paper or art work, etc. purchased from an Internet
essay site.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The Patchogue-Medford School Community’s Mission is to provide
diverse pathways and varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead
to meaningful learning experiences for all students.
What is cheating? Cheating includes but is not limited to the
following guidelines:
• Copying another student’s work or assignment (including homework)
to submit as your own. • Allowing another student to copy your
assignment (including homework) with the intention of
submitting it to a teacher for credit. • Using an unauthorized set
of notes, cheat sheet, graphic calculator or other storage device
during a test
or quiz. • Helping another student without permission on a test or
quiz. • Stealing or borrowing or removing an exam from the
classroom or taking it from a teacher without
explicit permission. • Modifying or in any way altering a teacher’s
grades or official records. • Using teacher notes, manuals, or
guides without explicit permission. • Submitting an assignment in
two separate classes for different assignments without permission
from
your teachers (in both subjects).
What are the consequences? The district has adopted the Academic
Integrity Policy #5129 outlining specific consequences. As per the
policy, if a student is found guilty of academic misconduct the
consequences are:
First Incident Building principal shall take all of the following
disciplinary actions:
• The student shall receive a “zero” or a letter grade of “F” on
the assignment or test
• Parental notification
• Oral reprimand
Second Incident Building principal shall take all of the actions
listed above and may take any or all of the following disciplinary
actions:
• No public recognition of academic honors
• Ineligibility for or removal from District-sponsored honor
societies
• Withdrawal of District-sponsored scholarship
• Written reprimand placed in permanent record
Third Incident In addition to any of the actions listed above the
building in consultation with the superintendent or his/her
designee may impose the following disciplinary action:
• The student shall receive a letter grade of “F” in the course and
be dismissed from the course for the remainder of the semester/year
with no credit. This disciplinary action may be imposed only if the
third incident occurs within the same course within the same school
year.
The policy (#5129) can be found under the Board of Education link
on the homepage of the District website.
Sincerely,
Lori Cannetti Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Patchogue-Medford School District BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Diana
Andrade Teresa Baldinucci-Gre enberg Thomas P. Donofrio Jennifer A.
Krieger Bernadette M. Smith
Dennis M. Logan, District Clerk
August 2021
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Donna Jones, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Administrative Center
241 South Ocean Avenue Patchogue, New York 11772 (631 ) 687-6380
(631 ) 687-6389 FAX
In order to provide parents/guardians and residents with
information concerning convicted sex offenders who are living or
working in this district, our school district is utilizing a
no-cost sex offender alert notification program. The New York State
Division of Criminal Justice Sex Offender Relocation and E-mail
Alert System will email district residents, who have registered,
informing them of any new sex offender's presence and direct them
to their website where they can access a full copy of the
notification.
This policy allows all subscribers to be informed of any sex
offender notification implemented within selected areas. The policy
prevents educational resources from being used on costly mailings
while giving residents an opportunity to be informed of all
offenders within New York State, at no cost to them. The district
has stopped sending mailings when notifications are received but
will continue to maintain these files for duplication or viewing,
upon request, at the Office of the District Clerk located at 241
South Ocean Avenue in Patchogue. Residents who would like to
register for notifications should visit the registry on the
internet at http://criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor/. For those without
Internet access, please contact The New York State Division of
Criminal Justice Sex Offender Relocation and E-mail Alert System at
1-800-262-3257 for further instructions.
Also be aware that our dedication to the safety of our students
will remain consistent. All of our schools have strict safety
procedures for students, staff, and visitors. In the event that law
enforcement informs our district of a resident sex offender, a
detailed description of the offender is automatically given to each
staff member, bus driver, and organization utilizing school
facilities. It is unfortunate, but necessary, that we all take the
opportunity to review safety rules with our children and remind
them to avoid circumstances, which increase their vulnerability.
Please keep this type of information in the proper perspective for
your children by reassuring them that we do have a safe community,
but that they need to be alert and careful.
Additionally, be aware that according to New York State Law, "it is
illegal to use sex offender registration information to commit a
crime against any of these individuals or to engage in illegal
discrimination or harassment against these people."
If you have questions or concerns, you may contact our District
Clerk, Dennis Logan , at (631) 687-6370 or the Division of Criminal
Justice Services at the telephone number previously provided.
&~ Superintendent of Schools
The Patchogue-Medford School Com munity 's Mission is to p rovide
diverse pathways and va.ried enrichment opportunities that will
lead to meaningful learning exp eriences f or a.ll
stu.dent.s.
Patchogue-Medford School District BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Diana
Andrade Teresa Baldinucci-Greenberg Thomas P. Donofrio Jennifer A.
Krieger Bernadette M. Smith
Dennis M. Logan, District Clerk
August 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians:
DonnaJones,Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Administrative Center
241 South Ocean Avenue Patchogue, New York 11772 (631) 687-6380
(631) 687-6389 FAX
The Patchogue-Medford School District believes that the health and
security of our students and staff is a top priority. We are
seeking proactive measures to strengthen our health and security
presence throughout the District. As we navigate through this
pandemic, there will be new protocols in place when visiting any of
the District's schools. Before entering any buildings all staff and
visitors will be required to fill out a health questionnaire. There
will be a QR code posted on the outside entrances of each building.
Each staff member or visitor must scan this code with their
smartphone and fill out the questionnaire to be cleared to enter
the building. All vendors will be required to fill this out as well
if they need to do work inside of the building. If a vendor or
visitor is only dropping an item off within the vestibule, the
District will not require that they fill out the health
questionnaire.
Listed below are reminders of building entry procedures:
• The primary responsibility of our Greeters is to be focused on
observing the entryway, hallways in their vicinity, and signing
in/out visitors;
• Security personnel will be available at or near the main
entrances;
• Prior to being granted "buzzer" entry access, visitors should be
prepared to address the following:
o State the purpose of your visit;
o State who you wish to see and advise if you have an
appointment;
o Present a valid government issued photo ID upon entry;
o Acceptable forms of Government IDs are as follows:
• State issued ID cards; • U.S. passport;
• State issued Driver's License; • Foreign passport.
o Examples of non-acceptable IDs are as follows:
• Photocopy of government issued IDs;
• Library card;
The Patchogue-llfedford School Community's Mission is to provide
diverse pa.thways and varied en richment opportunities that will
lead to meaningful learning experiences for all students.
• All visitors are expected to show photo I D. No parent or other
visitor will be allowed to enter the building without a valid photo
ID.
• All visitors must sign-in. There will be no exceptions.
• Once signed in, the building Greeter will issue the visitor a
computer generated ID badge.
• Visitors will not be permitted to proceed to their desired
location within the building without confirmation of their
appointment. Staff members are required to meet any visitor in the
lobby, and escort them to and from the desired location.
• Visitors must check out by returning their ID tag when they are
leaving the building. They should only use the Main Entrance to
exit the building .
The Patchogue-Medford School District considers the safety and
security of our students and s~aff to be our number one priority
and we will continue our diligent efforts toward safeguarding our
District premises.
S?Jy, ~n~ Superintendent of Schools
The Patchogu.e-Medford School Comm uni ty 's Mission is to provide
diverse pa.thways an d varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead to m eaningful learning experiences for all students.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The Patchogue-Medford School Community’s Mission is to provide
diverse pathways and varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead
to meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Patchogue-Medford School District BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Donna Jones, Ed.D.
Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Superintendent of Schools
Diana Andrade Administrative Center
Thomas P. Donofrio Patchogue, New York 11772
Jennifer A. Krieger (631) 687-6380
Bernadette M. Smith (631) 687-6389 FAX
Dennis M. Logan, District Clerk
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords
parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible
students") certain rights with respect to the student's education
records. These rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records
within 45 days after the day the Patchogue-Medford School District
receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal,
or appropriate school official, a written request that identifies
the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make
arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student
of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education
records that the parent or eligible student believes are
inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s
privacy rights under FERPA.
Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the district to amend
a record should write the school principal, or appropriate school
official, clearly identify the part of the record they want
changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school
decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or
eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible
student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding
the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the
hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible
student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses
personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's
education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes
disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is
disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational
interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as
an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member
(including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit
personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school
official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the
school who performs an institutional service of function for which
the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under
the direct control of the school with respect to the use and
maintenance of education records, such as an attorney, auditor,
medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering
to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or
grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer
assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A
school official has a legitimate educational interest if the
official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill
his or her professional responsibility.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply
with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office
that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The Patchogue-Medford School Community’s Mission is to provide
diverse pathways and varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead
to meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Under the law, the Patchogue-Medford School Union-Free District may
disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without
written consent, unless you have advised the District to the
contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary
purpose of directory information is to allow the Patchogue-Medford
School District to include this type of information from your
child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples
include, but are not limited to:
A playbill, with your student’s role in a drama production; The
annual yearbook; Honor roll or other recognition/awards lists;
Graduation programs and/or ceremonies; and Athletic activity
sheets, such as for football, showing weight and height of team
members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not
considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also
be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior
written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited
to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish
yearbooks.
The Patchogue-Medford School District has designated the following
information as directory information:
• Student’s name
• Major Field of Study
• Weight and Height of Members of Sports Teams
• Degrees, Honor, and Awards Received
• The Most Recent Educational Agency or Institution Attended
• Student ID number, user Id, or Other Unique Personal Identifier
used to communicate in Electronic Systems which cannot be used to
Access Educational Records without a PIN, Password, etc. (A
student’s SSN cannot be used, in whole or part, for this
purpose)
In addition, two federal laws, Section 9528 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) (20 U.S.C. §7908) amended by
the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and 10 U.S.C. §503 as amended
by §544 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2002, require local educational agencies (“LEAs”) that receive ESEA
assistance to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the
following information: students’ names, addresses and telephone
listings. The LEA must provide this information unless
parents/guardians or students have advised the LEA that they do not
want the student’s information disclosed without their prior
written consent.
If you do not want the Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District
to disclose directory information from your student’s education
records without your prior written consent, you must notify the
District in writing using the attached form.
The Reservation of Consent Form is included as the next page of
this document.
Please contact the Office of the District Clerk, at (631) 687-6370,
with any questions you may have.
Please see copy of the District’s FERPA policy (available on
District’s website) for more information.
You may also refer to the Federal Government’s Family Policy
Compliance Office website at
?M Patchogue-Medford School District BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Diana
Andrade Teresa Baldinucci-Greenberg Thomas P. Donofrio Jennifer A.
Krieger Bernadette M. Smith
Dennis M. Logan, District Clerk
August 2021
Dear ParenUGuardian:
DonnaJones,Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Administrative Center
241 South Ocean Avenue Patchogue, New York 11772 (631) 687-6380
(631) 687-6389 FAX
The District's Computer Network and Internet Acceptable Use Policy
is posted on the District's website at www.pmschools.org, and is
also available for review by parents or guardians on request.
Parents, guardians, and students should review and are expected to
be familiar with the Policy. All users of the District's computer
network and the internet must understand that access is a
privilege, not a right, and that access entails responsibility. All
users are required to demonstrate appropriate conduct on school
computers and networks, just as they are required to adhere to the
District's Code of Conduct when on school grounds or while involved
in any school-related functions. Failure to comply with the
District's Policy and Regulation may result in disciplinary action
as well as suspension and/or revocation of computer access
privileges. The Code of Conduct applies to all aspects of network
use and communications.
By using the District's computer systems, students agree to follow
the District's Computer Network and Internet Acceptable Use Policy,
the District's Code of Conduct, and applicable District policy,
regulations, and guidelines. Any misuse of the District's computer
systems or Internet should be reported to a teacher, supervisor, or
other appropriate District personnel.
S/dy, ~n~ Superintendent of Schools
/rl
The Patchogue-Medford School Community's Mission is to provide
d1:verse pathways and varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead to m ean ingful/earning experien ces for all students.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The Patchogue-Medford School Community’s Mission is to provide
diverse pathways and varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead
to meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Patchogue-Medford School District BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Donna Jones, Ed.D.
Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Superintendent of Schools
Diana Andrade
Teresa Baldinucci-Greenberg Daniel Erwin, Supervisor Food
Services
Thomas P. Donofrio 181 Buffalo Avenue Jennifer A. Krieger Medford,
New York 11763
Bernadette M. Smith (631) 687-6525
(631) 687-6595 FAX
Dennis M. Logan, District Clerk
August 2021 Dear Parent/Guardian: Children need healthy meals to
learn. The Patchogue-Medford School District offers healthy meals
every school day. Children from households that meet federal income
guidelines (outlined below) are eligible for free meals or reduced
price meals. To apply for free or reduced price meals, complete an
online application at www.pmschools.schoollunchapp.com or submit a
Direct Certification letter from the NYS Office of Temporary and
Disability Assistance to the Food Service Department at, 181
Buffalo Avenue, Medford, NY 11763.
1. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR EACH CHILD? No.
Complete the application to apply for free or reduced price meals.
Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all
students in your household. We cannot approve an application that
is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information.
Return the completed application to: Food Services Department at
181 Buffalo Avenue, Medford, NY 11763.
2. WHO CAN GET FREE MEALS? All children in households receiving
benefits from SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations or TANF, can get free meals regardless of your income.
Also, your children can get free meals if your household’s gross
income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Eligibility
Guidelines.
3. CAN FOSTER CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Yes, foster children that
are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or
court, are eligible for free meals. Any foster child in the
household is eligible for free meals regardless of income.
4. CAN HOMELESS, RUNAWAY, AND MIGRANT CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Yes,
children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant
qualify for free meals. If you haven’t been told your children will
get free meals, please call or e- mail Cindy Alevas, 631-687-6467,
[email protected], to see if they qualify.
5. WHO CAN GET REDUCED PRICE MEALS? Your children can get low cost
meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits
on the Federal Eligibility Income Chart, shown on this
application.
6. SHOULD I FILL OUT AN APPLICATION IF I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS
SCHOOL YEAR SAYING MY CHILDREN ARE APPROVED FOR FREE MEALS? Please
read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. Call
the school at 631-687- 6880 if you have questions.
7. MY CHILD’S APPLICATION WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR. DO I NEED TO FILL
OUT ANOTHER ONE? Yes. Your child’s application is only good for
that school year and for the first 30 days of this school year. You
must send in a new application unless the school told you that your
child is eligible for the new school year.
8. I GET WIC. CAN MY CHILD(REN) GET FREE MEALS? Children in
households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced
price meals. Please fill out a FREE/REDUCED PRICE MEAL
application.
9. WILL THE INFORMATION I GIVE BE CHECKED? Yes and we may also ask
you to send written proof. 10. IF I DON’T QUALIFY NOW, MAY I APPLY
LATER? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For
example, children
with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become
eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income
drops below the income limit.
11. WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE SCHOOL’S DECISION ABOUT MY
APPLICATION? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask
for a hearing by calling or writing to: Mr. Frank Mazzie, School
Business Administrator, 241 South Ocean Ave. Patchogue NY, 11772
631-687-6330.
12. MAY I APPLY IF SOMEONE IN MY HOUSEHOLD IS NOT A U.S. CITIZEN?
Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be U.S. citizens to
qualify for free or reduced price meals.
13. WHO SHOULD I INCLUDE AS MEMBERS OF MY HOUSEHOLD? You must
include all people living in your household, related or not (such
as grandparents, other relatives, or friends) who share income and
expenses. You must include yourself and
to meaningful learning experiences for all students.
all children living with you. If you live with other people who are
economically independent (for example, people who you do not
support, who do not share income with you or your children, and who
pay a pro-rated share of expenses), do not include them.
14. WHAT IF MY INCOME IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME? List the amount that
you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each
month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put
down that you made $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime,
include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime
sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages
reduced, use your current income.
15. WE ARE IN THE MILITARY. DO WE INCLUDE OUR HOUSING ALLOWANCE AS
INCOME? If you get an off-base housing allowance, it must be
included as income. However, if your housing is part of the
Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your
housing allowance as income.
16. MY SPOUSE IS DEPLOYED TO A COMBAT ZONE. IS HER COMBAT PAY
COUNTED AS INCOME? No, if the combat pay is received in addition to
her basic pay because of her deployment and it wasn’t received
before she was deployed, combat pay is not counted as income.
Contact your school for more information.
17. MY FAMILY NEEDS MORE HELP. ARE THERE OTHER PROGRAMS WE MIGHT
APPLY FOR? To find out how to apply for SNAP or other assistance
benefits, contact your local assistance office or call
1-800-342-3009.
2021-2022 INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE
MEALS OR FREE MILK
REDUCED PRICE ELIGIBILITY INCOME CHART
Total Family Size
1 $23,828 $1,986 $993 $917 $459
2 $32,227 $2,686 $1,343 $1,240 $620
3 $40,626 $3,386 $1,693 $1,563 $782
4 $49,025 $4,086 $2,043 $1,886 $943
5 $57,424 $4,786 $2,393 $2,209 $1,105
6 $65,823 $5,486 $2,743 $2,532 $1,266
7 $74,222 $6,186 $3,093 $2,855 $1,428
8 $82,621 $6,886 $3,443 $3,178 $1,589
*Each additional household member add: $8,399 $700 $350 $324
$162
How to Apply: To get free or reduced price meals for your children
you may submit an Eligibility Letter for Free Meals received from
the NYS Education Department, OR carefully complete one application
for your household and return it to the designated office. If you
now receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) for
any children, or participate in the Food Distribution Program on
Indian Reservations (FDPIR), the application must include the
children's names, the household SNAP, TANF or FDPIR case number and
the signature of an adult household member. All children should be
listed on the same application. If you do not list a SNAP, TANF or
FDPIR case number for all the children for whom you are applying,
the application must include the names of everyone in the
household, the amount of income each household member, and how
often it is received and where it comes from. It must include the
signature of an adult household member and the last four digits of
that adult's social security number, or check the box if the adult
does not have a social security number. An application that is not
complete cannot be approved. Contact your local Department of
Social Services for your SNAP or TANF case number or complete the
income portion of the application. Reporting Changes: The benefits
that you are approved for at the time of application are effective
for the entire school year. You no longer need to report changes
for an increase in income or decrease in household size, or if you
no longer receive SNAP. Income Exclusions: The value of any child
care provided or arranged, or any amount received as payment for
such child care or reimbursement for costs incurred for such care
under the Child Care Development (Block Grant) Fund should not be
considered as income for this program. Nondiscrimination Statement:
This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated
unfairly. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and
policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and
institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national
origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or
funded by USDA.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The Patchogue-Medford School Community’s Mission is to provide
diverse pathways and varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead
to meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency
(State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who
are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact
USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in
languages other than English. To file a program complaint of
discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint
Form, (AD-3027) found online at:
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any
USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the
letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a
copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your
completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of
Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400
Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202)
690-7442; or (3) email:
[email protected]. This institution
is an equal opportunity provider. Meal Service to Children With
Disabilities: Federal regulations require schools and institutions
to serve meals at no extra charge to children with a disability
which may restrict their diet. A student with a disability is
defined in 7CFR Part 15b.3 of Federal regulations, as one who has a
physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or
more major life activities. Major life activities are defined to
include functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual
tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and
working. You must request the special meals from the school and
provide the school with medical certification from a medical
doctor. If you believe your child needs substitutions because of a
disability, please get in touch with us for further information, as
there is specific information that the medical certification must
contain. Confidentiality: The United States Department of
Agriculture has approved the release of students names and
eligibility status, without parent/guardian consent, to persons
directly connected with the administration or enforcement of
federal education programs such as Title I and the National
Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which are United States
Department of Education programs used to determine areas such as
the allocation of funds to schools, to evaluate socioeconomic
status of the school's attendance area, and to assess educational
progress. Information may also be released to State health or State
education programs administered by the State agency or local
education agency, provided the State or local education agency
administers the program, and federal State or local nutrition
programs similar to the National School Lunch Program.
Additionally, all information contained in the free and reduced
price application may be released to persons directly connected
with the administration or enforcement of programs authorized under
the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) or Child Nutrition Act (CNA);
including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs,
the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program,
Summer Food Service Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC); the Comptroller
General of the United States for audit purposes, and federal, State
or local law enforcement officials investigating alleged violation
of the programs under the NSLA or CNA. Reapplication: You may apply
for benefits any time during the school year. Also, if you are not
eligible now, but during the school year become unemployed, have a
decrease in household income, or an increase in family size you may
request and complete an application at that time. The disclosure of
eligibility information not specifically authorized by the NSLA
requires a written consent statement from the parent/guardian. We
will let you know when your application is approved or
denied.
Please Note!!!!!
PAPER APPLICATIONS ARE NOT BEING SENT HOME: WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO
SUBMIT AN ONLINE APPLICATION FOR FASTER APPROVAL WHICH CAN BE FOUND
ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE IN THE FOOD SERVICES DROPDOWN MENU, HOWEVER
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY, YOU MAY
PICK UP A PAPER APPLICATION AT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL.
Sincerely,
PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT TO RELEASE ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION FOR FREE
AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS OR FREE MILK
August 2021 Dear Parent/Guardian: If your child is eligible for
free and reduced price meals or free milk, he/she also may be
eligible for other benefits. In order to receive these benefits,
you must provide written consent to permit school officials to give
your name, address, and an indication that your household is
eligible for free and reduced price meals or free milk, to
representatives of certain programs. Failure to sign a consent
statement that will allow disclosure of this information will not
affect your child’s eligibility or participation in the school
meals or milk programs. Some of the programs that may request names
and eligibility information to be used to provide benefits, and for
which parent/guardian consent is required, include: federal health
insurance programs such as Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance
program (CHIP), other federal programs, State programs, local
health and education programs and other local activities. For
example, the disclosure of children’s eligibility for free and
reduced price meals or free milk to determine eligibility for free
text books, free band instruments, holiday baskets, school
supplies, etc., or reduced fees for summer school or driver
education programs, would require written consent by the child’s
parent/guardian. If you wish to provide consent to release
information contained in your child’s free and reduced price meal
application, to receive other benefits, please complete the
attached consent statement. Please call Food Services at (631)
687-6525 if you have questions. Sincerely,
Daniel Erwin Nondiscrimination Statement: In accordance with
Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies,
offices and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating
based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or
reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any
program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means of communication for
program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American
Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local)
where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of
hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program
information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at:
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any
USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the
letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a
copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your
completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington,
D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email:
[email protected].
to meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Patchogue-Medford School District BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Donna Jones, Ed.D.
Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Superintendent of Schools
Diana Andrade
Teresa Baldinucci-Greenberg Daniel Erwin, Supervisor Food
Services
Thomas P. Donofrio 181 Buffalo Avenue Jennifer A. Krieger Medford,
New York 11763
Bernadette M. Smith (631) 687-6525
(631) 687-6595 FAX
August 2021
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Occasionally, a student purchasing full price meals may forget to
bring lunch money to school. The District is committed to ensuring
that no child goes hungry, but to also promote responsible student
behavior. In order to meet the needs of families, while minimizing
the fiscal burdens on the District, the Board adopted a Meal Charge
Policy which governs the manner in which the District manages
charged meals.
If your child purchases full price meals, every effort should be
made to pre-pay or purchase meals daily during the scheduled lunch
period. Your child will have until the end of the month to pay for
the meal(s) that were charged. Parents will be notified via email,
for those that supply an email address, or in writing monthly of
any balance due and payments should be submitted immediately to the
cashier in the cafeteria for appropriate credit. Checks should be
made payable to the PM School Lunch Fund, as this is the most
secure way to transport payment between home and school.
You may also wish to take part in the www.mySchoolBucks.com
prepayment, which affords you the convenience of paying from home
and provides you the opportunity to monitor what your child is
eating at school. All necessary information can be found on the
Patchogue-Medford web site. Student I.D. numbers can be obtained by
calling (631) 687-6525.
A copy of the policy is attached for your information. Should you
have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the School
Lunch Office at (631) 687-6525. Sincerely,
Daniel Erwin Food Service Director
I. PURPOSE:
The goal of the Patchogue-Medford UFSD is to provide student access
to nutritious no- or low- cost meals each school day and to ensure
that a pupil whose parent/guardian has unpaid school meal fees is
not shamed or treated differently than a pupil whose
parent/guardian does not have unpaid meal fees.
Unpaid charges place a large financial burden on our school. The
purpose of this policy is to insure compliance with federal
requirements for the USDA Child Nutrition Program and to provide
oversight and accountability for the collection of outstanding
student meal balances to ensure that the student is not
stigmatized, distressed or embarrassed.
The intent of this policy is to establish procedures to address
unpaid meal charges throughout the Patchogue-Medford UFSD in a way
that does not stigmatize, distress, or embarrass students. The
provisions of this policy pertain to regular priced reimbursable
school breakfast, lunch and snack meals only. The Patchogue-Medford
UFSD provides this policy as a courtesy to those students in the
event that they forget or lose their money. Charging of items
outside of the reimbursable meals (a la carte items, adult meals,
etc.) is expressly prohibited.
II. POLICY:
Free Meal Benefit -Free eligible students will be allowed to
receive a free breakfast and lunch meal of their choice each day. A
la carte items or other similar items must be paid/prepaid.
Reduced Meal Benefit - Reduced eligible students will be allowed to
receive a breakfast and/or lunch of their choice at a reduced
charge at all schools.
Full Pay Students - Students will pay for meals at the school's
published paid meal rate each day. The charge meals offered to
students will be reimbursable meals available to all students,
unless the student's parent or guardian has specifically provided
written permission to the school to withhold a meal. A la carte
items or other similar items must be paid/prepaid.
III. ONGOING STAFF TRAINING:
Staff will be trained annually and throughout the year as needed on
the procedures for managing meal charges using the NYSED Webinar or
the school's training program. Staff training includes ongoing
eligibility certification for free or reduced-price meals.
3546.3
IV. PARENT NOTIFICATION:
Parents/guardians will be notified when their child’s charging
limit on his/her account incurs a negative balance. (A copy of this
notification is annexed to this policy as “Schedule A”.)
V. PARENT OUTREACH:
Staff will communicate with parents/guardians with five or more
meal charges to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price
meals. School staff will make two documented attempts to reach out
to parents/guardians to complete a meal application in addition to
the application and instructions provided in the school enrollment
packet. School staff will contact the parent/guardian to offer
assistance with completion of meal application to determine if
there are other issues within the household causing the child to
have insufficient funds, offering any other assistance that is
appropriate.
VI. MINIMIZING STUDENT DISTRESS:
Schools will not publicly identify or stigmatize any student on the
line or discuss any outstanding meal debt in the presence of any
other students. Students who incur meal charges will not be
required to wear a wristband or handstamp, or to do chores or work
to pay for meals. Schools will not throw away a meal after it has
been served because of the student's inability to pay for the meal
or because of previous meal charges. Schools will not take any
action directed at a pupil to collect unpaid school meal fees.
Schools will deal directly with parents/guardians regarding unpaid
school meal fees. Schools will not serve alternate meals (i.e.,
cheese sandwich). The District will not use a debt collector to
collect unpaid meal debt.
VII. ONGOING ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION:
School staff will conduct direct certification with NYSSIS or using
NYSED Roster Upload at least monthly to maximize free eligibility.
School staff will provide parents/guardians with free and
reduced-price application and instructions at the beginning of each
school year in school enrollment packet. Schools using electronic
meal application will provide an explanation of the process in the
school enrollment packet and instructions on how to request a paper
application at no cost. Schools will provide at least two
additional free and reduced-price applications throughout the
school year to families identified as owing meal charges. Schools
will use administrative prerogative judiciously, only after using
exhaustive efforts to obtain a completed application from the
parent/guardian only with available information on family size and
income that falls within approvable guidelines. Schools will
coordinate with the foster, homeless, migrant, runaway coordinators
at least monthly to certify eligible students. The District will
provide 30-day carryover of eligibility for free and reduced-price
students from the previous school year during the first 30
operating days of a new school year, or until a new eligibility
determination is made, whichever is first. The District will accept
the free and reduced-price eligibility from transfer
students.
3546.3
VIII. PAYMENTS:
Students/Parents/Guardians may pay for meals in advance via
MySchoolbucks at www.myschoolbucks.com or with a check payable to
Patchogue-Medford School Lunch Fund. Further details are available
on our webpage at www.pmschools.org. Funds should be maintained in
accounts to minimize the possibility that a child may be without
meal money on any given day. Any remaining funds for a particular
student may/will be carried over to the next school year. Refunds
for withdrawn, and graduating students; a written or e-mailed
request for a refund of any money remaining in their account must
be submitted. Students who are graduating at the end of the year
will be given the option to transfer to a sibling's account with a
written request. Unclaimed Funds must be requested within one
school year. Unclaimed funds will then become the property of the
Patchogue-Medford UFSD Food Service Program.
Adopted: June 25, 2018 Revised: August 26, 2019 Revised: August 24,
2020
Kelli Anne Jennings, President Marc A. Negrin, Vice President Diana
Andrade Teresa Bald.inucci-Greenberg Thomas P. Donofrio Jennifer A.
Krieger Bernadette M. Smith
Dennis M. Logan, District Clerk
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Carol Sicignano, Transportation Supervisor Transportation
Department 121 Saxton Street Patchogue, New York 11712 (631)
687-6460 (631) 687-6469 FAX
August 2021
The Patchogue-Medford School District will provide transportation
for eligible riders during the 2021-2022 academic school
year.
In order to be eligible for transportation , your home must
be:
•!• Kindergarten through Grade 5 - more than one (1/2) half mile
from the school of attendance to be eligible for
transportation;
•!• Grades 6, 7, and 8- more than one (1) mile from the school of
attendance to be eligible for transportation;
•!• Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12- more than one and one half (1 -1/2)
miles from school of attendance;
•!• Private school students - shall observe the transportation
limits cited for the three (3) grade level groupings. In addition ,
the school of attendance shall not be more than a 15 mile distance
from the student's residence.
If your child/children are eligible for transportation, bus passes
will be mailed out to you in a separate mailing.
If your child/children are transported on a mini bus, you will be
contacted by the bus driver from Towne Bus with an approximate pick
up time and bus stop.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the
transportation department at 631-687-6460.
;tincerely,
l:!:a:ff;cJa~~ Transportation Supervisor
The Patchogu.e-Medford S chool Communi ty's Miss io1~ is to provide
diverse pathway s and varied enrichment opportunities that will
lead to meaningfttlleaming experiences for all students.
Checklist for HS Parents - Bilingual
Attendance Policy Letter - English
Attendance Policy Letter - Spanish
Notice of Release of Student Info to Military Recruiters -
English
Notice of Release of Student Info to Military Recruiters -
Spanish
Pesticides Letter - English
Pesticides Letter - Spanish
CONSENT TO RELEASE FREE OR REDUCED PRICE ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Bilingual fillable
8871053f-bcb7-4350-a382-8d9713d959c6.pdf
Attendance Policy Summary - English - August 2019
Attendance Policy Summary - Spanish - August 2019
Code of Conduct Letter - English
Code of Conduct Letter - Spanish
Code of Conduct Summary - English - updated August 2020
Code of Conduct Summary - Spanish - updated August 2020
Academic Integrity Letter 2021-2022 English
Academic Integrity Letter 2021-2022 Spanish
Sex Offender Notification Letter - English
Sex Offender Notification Letter - Spanish
Security COVID Procedures Letter - English
Security COVID Procedures Letter - Spanish
FERPA Letter - English
FERPA Letter - Spanish
Free & Reduced Price Meals Letter - English
Free & Reduced Price Meals Letter - Spanish
Consent to Release Information Letter Free Reduced Meals -
English
Consent to Release Information Free Reduced Meals - Spanish
Meal Charge Letter - English
Meal Charge Letter - Spanish
Meal Charge Policy - Spanish 2021-2022
Transportation Letter - English
Transportation Letter - Spanish