KIPP AES 2011-2012 Family Handbook

8/4/2019 KIPP AES 2011-2012 Family Handbook

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FAMILY HANDBOOK

730 Concourse Village West, Tower D

Bronx, NY 10451

Tel (718) 943-3737

www.kippnyc.org


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Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the KIPP Academy Elementary team and family! As a third year founding team of

families, students, and staff, we are beginning to build this foundation of early education and

character together. We are committing to helping our children develop the necessarycharacter and academic skills and habits necessary to succeed in middle school, high school,

college, and the world beyond. We believe in working together to provide opportunities so

that our children grow up to have happy, healthy, and successful lives.

Whether our KIPPsters are in the classrooms sequencing the events ofA Chair for My Mother,

at the Bronx Zoo applying their knowledge of the needs of animals to live and survive,

performing at our winter show, identifying their reading levels, or practicing their SPROUT

values, they truly embody what it is to be a KIPPster. We practice being nice and working hard.

We practice SLANTing, tracking the speaker, echoing the question, public speaking, and smiling.

Due to the tremendous grit, love, hope, communication, and support, we know our KIPPsters

will certainly do amazing things. We are always excited about the infinite possibilities, andbeginning the first KIPP elementary school in New York City is one step towards achieving those

possibilities. These are truly exciting times, and we are so glad that you are part of it!!!

We recognize that these efforts take tremendous discipline and dedication, which can only be

done with the joint efforts of families, staff, and our students themselves. In our attempts at

continued open communication and access to information, we have prepared a handbook

regarding the schools structure, attendance, schedule, culture, and academics, along with

other pieces of information we think you will find helpful. Hopefully, this handbook will serve

as a useful resource to answer any questions that you may have. Please keep it handy so that

you may refer to it when necessary.

We look forward to an exciting and positive year! Once again, welcome to our third founding

year, which is filled with the promise of greatness, enthusiasm, love, and dedication. Please feel

free to contact us if you have any questions, compliments, comments, or concerns. We look

forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for your faith and support,

Carolyn Petruzziello

Principal


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 3

WHO WE ARE ................................................................................................................................................... 5KIPP MISSION ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

OUR BEGINNING .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

KIPP ACADEMY CREDO: .................................................................................................................................................... 5

KIPP CREDO: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5

At KIPP, we believe. ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE ............................................................................................................................... 6

SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONE........................................................................... 7

KIPP ACADEMY STAFF PHONE LIST ........................................................................................................................ 9

GENERAL INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................................... 11

ENROLLMENT ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

WHO SHOULD I ASK? ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 12

FOOD SERVICES .............................................................................................................................................................. 12

TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 12

FIELD TRIPS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS ........................................................................................................... 13

CELL PHONE USAGE ....................................................................................................................................................... 13

PERSONAL BELONGINGS ................................................................................................................................................ 13

Dress Code .................................................................................................................................................................... 14

HEALTH AND SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................... 15

IMMUNIZATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

REPORTING A CHILDS SICKNESS.................................................................................................................................... 15

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS .................................................................................................................................. 15

COUNSELING SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 15

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................. 16

START/END DATES ......................................................................................................................................................... 16

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS ................................................................................................................................................... 16

SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER) .............................................................................................................................. 16SUMMER SCHOOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

SATURDAY SCHOOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 16

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................................................... 16

VOLUNTARY AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................................................ 17

SCHOOL SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

ACADEMICS - WORK HARD............................................................................................................................... 21


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HOMEWORK................................................................................................................................................................... 21

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM ................................................................................................................................................. 21

PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE ................................................................................................................................ 22

STUDENT ORGANIZATION AND SUPPLIES ...................................................................................................................... 22

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 23

WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED? ........................................................................................................... 23

MEET THE KIPP AES STAFF ................................................................................................................................. 234


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WHO WE ARE

KIPP MISSIONKIPP Academy Elementarys mission is to teach our students to develop the academic and character skills

necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient, successful, and happy in the

competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.

OUR BEGINNINGWe founded KIPP Academy Elementary in 2009-2010. We had a stellar first year with 91% of our students

meeting and exceeding our end of Kindergarten benchmarks in reading, math, science, social studies, music

and physical education. We are off to a great start, but we are not the only KIPP school in NYC.

In 1995, KIPP Academy (Our middle school) opened in the South Bronx serving 45 fifth graders. This year,

KIPP Academy will serve approximately 250 students in fifth through eighth grade.

KIPP Academy Middle School and Elementary are part of KIPP NYC which currently serves over 1,640

students and alumni at four middle schools (Harlem, Crown Heights, and the South Bronx), one high school

and one elementary.

From the beginning, KIPP has focused on developing academic and character skills. Since day one, the key to

this has been the amazing teamwork of parents, students, and teachers all working together.

KIPP ACADEMY CREDO:If there is a problem, we look for a solution.

If there is a better way, we try to find it.

If we need help, we ask.

If a teammate needs help, we give.

KIPP CREDO:

At KIPP, we believe.We believe in the creation of inspired lives

produced by desire, discipline, and dedication.

We are not frightened

by the challenges of reality

but believe that we can change our world

and our place within in it.

We work, plan, create, and dream.

Our talent, character, and integrity

will be the tools we need

to build a better tomorrow.

We believe that we can take

this place, this time, and the people here

and build a better place, a better time,

and a better people.

As a team and a family,

we will either find a way or make one.- Inspired by Providence St. Mel School Motto


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KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCESchool Commitment

1. TimelinessWe will arrive every day by 7:15 A.M. and remain at school until 5:10 P.M.2. High Quality EducationWe will do whatever it takes to nurture and strengthen our students creativity, knowledge, and

character as we prepare them to excel academically, physically, and socially in secondary schools, colleges, and life.3. Support and RespectWe promise to respect, appreciate, and support every student. We will work together with you for

the benefit of your child and all the children attending KIPP Academy Elementary School.4. CommunicationWe promise to communicate regularly with parents about their childs progress and make ourselves

available in person and by phone. We will return parent phone calls within 24 hours.5. Civility CodeWe promise to maintain a high level of civility in our communication with you and your child. We believe

that we are on the same team and we will conduct ourselves respectfully and professionally.6. HomeworkWe will assign productive, worthwhile homework each night to reinforce and support skills and concepts

learned in class.7. FairnessWe will address the values of KIPP Academy Elementary School consistently and fairly. We promise to keep

you informed of how your child is demonstrating the SPROUT values. When students are disciplined or suspended, orwhen students deserve recognition for their accomplishments, we will inform their parents promptly.

8. SafetyWe will always protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals.Failure to adhere to these commitments can lead to our removal from KIPP.

Signed: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Parent/Guardian Commitment

1. AttendanceWe will make sure our child comes to school every day. We will schedule doctors appointments, vacations,etc. for days when school is not in session. We understand that there will be consequences for multiple absences.

2. TimelinessWe will make sure our child arrives at school every day on time (by 7:45A.M.). We will make sure topromptly pick up our child at the end of the school day (4:00 P.M. Monday, through Thursday and 3:30 P.M.

on Fridays)3. Support & HomeworkWe will provide a quiet space for our child to study. We will check ourchilds homework every

night and ensure that our child reads and/or is read to every night. We will make sure our child gets enough sleep each night(at least 8 hours). We will do whatever it takes for our child to learn and perform to his/her optimal ability. We willreinforce the SPROUT values at home.

4. CommunicationWe will make ourselves available to our child, the school, and any concerns they might have. We willreturn phone calls from the school within 24 hours. If we are asked to attend a meeting regarding ourchilds education or

behavior, we will attend. If we have any concerns we will raise them with someone at the school. We will promptly informthe school if my address and/or phone number changes.

5. Civility CodeWe promise to maintain a high level of civility in our communication with the school. We know that we areon the same team and we will conduct ourselves in a respectful and professional manner.

6. Dress CodeWe will make sure our child follows the KIPP Academy Elementary School dress code every day.7. Summer SchoolWe will make sure our child attends every day of Summer School. We will schedule our family

vacations outside of this time.

8. Saturday SchoolWe will attend Saturday School with our child once a month starting in September from 9:00 until11:00. If we are unable to attend Saturday School, we will make sure a family member older than 18 years of age attendswith our child.

Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause my child to lose various KIPP privileges and

can lead to my child's expulsion from KIPP.

Signed: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Student Commitment

1. I will Be Nice everyday2. I will Work Hard everyday3. I will do my homework every night and call my teacher if I need help.4. I will follow the directions of my parents and all the adults at school

5. I will live by ourSPROUT values (Serenity, Pride, Respect, Optimism, Understand, Take a

risk)Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause me to lose various KIPP privileges and can lead to my expulsion from

KIPP.

Childs name: ______________________________________________ Grade: _________


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SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONEWe are committed to reinforcing common standards of character and academic performance to create a sense of

team and family. We believe that these ideas serve as a great foundation to be carried beyond the five years at KIPP

Academy Elementary. During the first week of summer school every KIPPster learns various songs, sayings and

acronyms to reinforce our mission. We constantly refer to these throughout their time at KIPP. Please review with

your child and help reinforce these standards in and out of school.

I - Be Nice, Work Hard!!!

II- We are a TEAM AND A FAMILY!!!

III SPROUT (Serenity, Pride, Respect, Optimism, Understand and Take a Risk)

IV - SLANT ( Sit Up, Listen, Ask and Answer Questions, Nod your head, Track the Speaker)

V - PETSYs (PLEASE, EXCUSE ME, THANK YOU, SORRY, YOURE WELCOME)

NON-NEGOTIABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR KIPP ACADEMY STUDENTSAll KIPPsters receive general non-negotiable expectations. Please reinforce these with your child.

1) Adherence to the KIPP Commitment to Excellence2) Adherence to the KIPP Credo:

If there is a problem, we look for a solution.

If there is a better way, we try to find it.

If we need help, we ask.

If a teammate needs help, we give.

3) KIPP Shirts remain tucked in at all times.4) Be on-task and present at all times during class. While anyone is speaking, students must track

the speaker. This means that students will always have their eyes and brains on

that person. Students should be sitting properly during class time.

a.5) Be organized and prepared for class. Work should always be completed

and presented neatly. Children should write their names on every

paper. All papers should be kept neatly in folders.

6) KIPPsters must complete HW daily to the best of their abilities. Eachfamily and child has the teachers phone numbers. Please reach out with any

questions.


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7) Students and families should be reading together every night.8) Respond appropriately to all questions. Tone, reactions and non-verbal actions matter.9) Walk quietly and orderly while inside any building.10)We must maintain integritybydoing the right thing without being told. KIPPsters are KIPPsters

in and out of school. Our actions once we leave the building matter just as much as they doinside of the school building.


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KIPP Academy Elementary STAFF PHONE LISTSTAFF MEMBER Telephone Number Email Address

Dan Alvarez

PE Teacher917-749-8280

[email protected]

Mary-Catherine Amadu

Kindergarten Teacher

917-771-2538

[email protected] Beeler

1st

Grade Teacher917-553-1908

[email protected]

Syrena Burnam

2nd

grade Teacher917-266-2634

[email protected]

Jessica Butler

Speech and Language Teacher917-858-0004

[email protected]

Desree Cabrall

1st

grade Teacher and Grade

Team Leader

[email protected]

William Cardenas

Director of Operations917-804-8561

[email protected]

Alicia Citro

Special Education Coordinator508-380-9960

[email protected]

Emily Collado

Family Support and School

Counselor917-263-1524

[email protected]

Lynette Cray

Kindergarten Teacher917-263-1533

[email protected]

Raul Garza


[email protected]

Tom Gonzalez

2nd


[email protected]

Alex Haddock

1st

grade teacher917-263-1502

[email protected]

Sheena Johnson

2st

grade Teacher and Grade Team

Leader

917-553-3704 [email protected]

Christine Kim

1st


[email protected]

Liz Manno

2nd


[email protected]

Karimah Moreland

Dance Teacher917-263-1531

[email protected]

Courtney Morgan1

stgrade teacher

[email protected]

Thomas Murley

Music teacher917-664-6711

[email protected]

Modiegi Notoane

Dean of students917-684-9643

[email protected]

Christian NuezSchool Counselor and Family

[email protected]
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Support Services

Iricel Payano

K teacher and grade team leader914-720-4063

[email protected]

Carolyn Petruzziello

Principal917-414-6390

[email protected]

Mauricio Rojas

1st

Grade Teacher917-263-1535

[email protected]

Josie RosarioKindergarten Teacher

646-784- [email protected]

Madeline Scheffler


[email protected]

Megan Sharkey


[email protected]

Alicia Shaw

1st


[email protected]

Ivy Sosa

Office Manager917-263-1528

[email protected]

Danielle Torres

Kindergarten Teacher

[email protected]

Brandi Vardiman

Dean of Instruction917-858-9543

[email protected]

Ana Vargas

1st


[email protected]
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GENERAL INFORMATIONENROLLMENTEvery year, beginning in the first week of January, KIPP Academy Elementary will begin accepting

applications for our kindergarten, first, and second graders for the following year (although very few

students are admitted after Kindergarten). In accordance with our state law, admissions preference will

be granted to siblings as first priority and students living in District 7 as a 2nd priority. The lottery will be

held the first week of April.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOLUpon enrolling at KIPP Academy Elementary, the following documents must be submitted for each

student to Mr. Cardenas, Director of Operations:

Registration FormEmergency Form (update if you move)Lunch FormsCopy of Birth CertificateProof of Address (Copy of a Phone Bill, Electric Bill, Lease, Gas Bill, etc)Immunization Records/Health RecordsIEP (individualized Educational Plan)/504 Accommodations (if applicable)Home Language Survey (if applicable)

WHO SHOULD I ASK?

At times, you may have questions about KIPP Academy. Below is a quick list of common concerns and towhom you can ask for more information.

CONCERN STAFF MEMBER

Lunch Forms, Emergency Forms, Immunization Records, etc Mr. Cardenas

Lost bus pass Mr. Cardenas

Ordering KIPP shirt Mr. Cardenas

I have concerns about my childs social adjustment Mr. Nuez (School counselor and Family Support)

My child has an IEP/504 Accommodations Ms. Citro

My child will be absent or late Ms. Sosa

I have questions about my childs academic progress Your childs teachers

I have questions about school activities (permissions slips etc) Your childs teachers

I have overall concerns Mrs. Petruzziello (Principal)
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ATTENDANCEAttendance is extremely important at KIPP Academy Elementary. We encourage students and families

to arrive to school on time. As the old saying goes, If youre five minutes early youre late. KIPP

Academy Elementary students arrive at 7:45 a.m. Monday Friday, and remain at school until 4:00

p.m.(3:30 on Fridays). On appropriate Saturdays, school will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m.

If your child is going to miss school because of an illness, please call Ms. Sosa as soon as possible. All

absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. KIPP

staff will call to verify all absences.

If your child is running late or will miss a portion of the day due to a doctors appointment please call

Ms. Sosa. (Please try to arrange doctors appointment outside of the school schedule. Please speak to

Ms. Petruzziello if there are any concerns). Students who arrive late will be given a late pass. If your

child is absent, Ms. Sosa will follow up with a phone call.

All absences and latenesses are noted on report cards. Students are responsible for all missed

assignments and parents must arrange a way to complete all missed assignments and homework.Since missing class affects academic achievement, repeated absences may be reflected in the students

grades. If a student is repeatedly absent, Ms. Petruzziello, Mrs. Notoane-Eugene, Mr. Nunez, teacher(s),

student and parent/guardian will meet to address the issue. In addition, students who have 10 or more

absences without doctors notes (3 lates equal one absence) run the risk of missing field trips and

celebrations.

FOOD SERVICESAll families must fill out a federal free/reduced lunch form in September. Families that qualify will

receive a free/reduced pricing for lunch. The full price for lunch is $1.50 and is subject to change as New

York City Department of Education policies change.

Breakfast will take place from 7:15 8:00 a.m., Monday Friday. Families may also choose to send a

bag lunch. However, the school is unable to assume responsibility for refrigerating or warming lunch

brought from home. Please inform the school if your child has any food allergies.

TRANSPORTATIONStudents living more than mile in distance from the school, but less than 1 mile, will receive a

Reduced-fare Metro Card for public transportation. Students living greater than 1 mile from the school

will receive a Full-fare Metro Card for public transportation. It is each families responsibility to hold

onto the Metro Card. Parents are expected to pick up or make special arrangements for students

remaining after school for detention, tutoring, or special activities.

Parents must provide contact information for any person authorized to pick up their child. If the person

picking up child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be a) given explicit written

permission to pick up the child and b) be 18 years or older. Please speak to Mrs. Petruzziello if there are

any concerns.
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FIELD TRIPSOur students and families look forward to various opportunities, especially our field trips. Each year,

KIPP teachers plan several field trips that complement the curriculum, including travels to the local

museums and parks, walks over the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Colombia University

basketball games, ice skating, the Bronx Zoo amongst other New York City sites. Students earn these

trips based on their behavior, attendance, and academics. In addition, the school reserves the right to

remove a student from a trip or prohibit them from going for any reason that jeopardizes the physical or

emotional well being of themselves or others.

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERSPart of the success of KIPP Academy Elementary is the open communication between parents, students,

and teachers. In an effort to help with this, we give all telephone numbers of KIPP Academy Elementary

staff. Students and parents should feel free to call staff members for any reason. This is also a good

chance to get help, if necessary, with homework. If you or your child is trying to call a teacher but they

dont answer, please leave a message explaining the reason for the call, your full name and telephone

number and allow time to return your call. All teachers will return your call within twenty-four hours. In

addition, in the event of an emergency, please feel free to call Mrs. Petruzziello or Mr. Nuez (our family

support and school counselor).

CELL PHONE POLICYPlease be advised that cell phones are not permitted at school for any reason. If a child brings a cell

phone to school, it will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. If you need a message

relayed to your child please call the school directly or a KIPP Academy Elementary staff member.

PERSONAL BELONGINGSStudents should ensure that any personal belongings they bring with them to school are appropriate for

school and do not pose any type of physical or emotional risk to themselves or others. In addition,

students are not permitted to bring soda, gum, candy, toys of any kind to school without prior

permission. All toys, cards, games and electronics not specifically authorized by the Principal, Mrs.

Petruzziello, will be confiscated and returned only to parents and guardians. Finally, please note thatthe school is not responsible for any personal belongings brought to school.

ORDERING T-SHIRTSPart of the KIPP Academy uniform is that all students must wear a KIPP shirt. Please use the Shirt Order

Form to purchase any KIPP shirts that you would like. Once shirts have been ordered and money has

been submitted, your child will receive the order within 24 hours. Please see Ms. Sosa for order forms.

Please see the student dress code policy, below, for additional information.
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Student Dress Code Information

1. Students are to wear a KIPP shirt every day. Their KIPP shirts must be fully visible at all times within thebuilding. Long sleeve shirts may be worn underneath KIPP shirts. There will be KIPP long-sleeve shirts and

sweatshirts available for colder weather.

2. All KIPP shirts are to be tucked in and worn appropriately.3. All pants must fit around the waist. Boys must wear a belt every day. (Belts should be of appropriate size and

nature ie: no large-faced images or symbols which may pose as a distraction).

4. Jeans may not be excessively baggy and may not cover the shoes.5. Students may not wear jogging pants, sweat pants, or shorts. Shorts are permitted if the weather is above 85

degrees and must be of appropriate length and in khaki or jean.

6. Students may not wear sleeveless or cut-offshirts, blouses, or dresses.7. Students may not wear inappropriately tight clothing.8. Girls may not wear skirts that are inappropriately short (more than 3 inches above the center of their knee) or

that have inappropriately long slits (above their knees). Girls are encouraged to wear shorts under their skirts

as we sit on the carpet a lot.

9. Students may not wear hats, caps, do-rags, or other head coverings in the school (except in the case ofreligious observance).

10. For safety reasons the following jewelry will not be permitted at KIPP Academy: necklaces outside of shirt,chains, chokers, multiple finger rings, and dangle earrings. Earrings should not hang from the earlobe (studs

are permitted). Students are permitted one bracelet and one ring to be worn in school. One necklace may be

worn but must remain tucked in at all times.

11. Students may not wear makeup, contacts and hair with color or multiple colors. (Students may use lip balm,such as Vaseline, Chapstick, etc. to moisturize lips. As with any items, these may be taken away for

inappropriate and excessive use).

12. Students cannot wear shoes that show their toes or heels.13. Students may not use nail polish or fake fingernail tips.

************************************************

In addition to the above uniform regulations, the following rules apply:

a) Expensive jewelry or large sums of money should not be brought to school. If it is necessary forstudents to carry more than $20, the money should be given to a teacher for safekeeping.

b) The following items may not be brought to school: beepers, cellular phones, iPods, Discmans, orradios of any kind, and electronic toys (PSPs, Gameboys, etc).

c) Candy and soda are not allowed at school
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HEALTH AND SAFETY

IMMUNIZATIONSNew York State law requires that all children entering elementary school be immunized against

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, 2 Hepatitis A, 3 Hepatitis B, and

Varicella.

Before a child can be permitted to enter and attend school (subject to the 14-day initial waiverrequirement), parents or guardians must present documentation that their child has received all

required doses of vaccines or that their child has received at least one dose of each of the required

vaccines and is waiting to receive the subsequent doses at the appropriate time intervals. KIPP

Academy must receive a certificate of immunization no later than September 15, 2011. These

requirements can be waived only if a properly signed health or religious exemption is filed with the

school.

REPORTING A CHILDS SICKNESSIf your child is going to miss school because of illness, please call the school as soon as possible. All

student absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor.

KIPP staff will call to verify all student absences. Please let Mrs. Petruzziello know if there are any

medical concerns or special circumstances of which we should be aware.

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURSIf a child becomes ill or injured during the school day and is not well enough to stay in class, the

parent/guardian will be called to pick the child up. It is necessary to have updated emergency contact

numbers on file in the school office in case no one can be contacted at home. If the person picking up child is

not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be a) given explicit written permission to pick up the

child and b) be 18 years or older.

If a child needs to take medicine at school, he/she must give Mr. Cardenas a Medication Authorization form

signed by a doctor and parent with exact dosage and times for student to take medicine him/herself in the

presence of school staff. Medicine needs to be in its original packaging/case. Please contact Mr. Cardenas

for the correct forms for the doctor to fill out. If there are any concerns about medicine, allergies and overallhealth please let Ms. Petruzziello know.

Students with asthma should bring an inhaler prescribed by their doctor to school each day, along with the

Medication Authorization Form described above. Asthmatic students should notify a KIPP staff member as

soon as breathing becomes difficult.

COUNSELING SERVICESThe Family Support and School Counselor at KIPP Academy is available to help any student or parent address

any social, emotional, or academic issue they may be facing. In addition, our Family Support and School

Counselor helps students work through and cope with personal and school related stress. At KIPP every

student is entitled to counseling support and referral services. Counseling support is also extended to KIPP

families in need.

There are several ways in which students may be referred for counseling services:

If aparentis interested in having their child seen by our Social Worker please contact the (socialworker on staff and/or the principal)

Students are able to ask directly to speak with the social worker on staff A student may also be referred at the recommendation of a teacher, social worker or principal

Please understand that we are required to respect the rights and privacy of our students and families and

as a result all information and counseling services are confidential and cannot be shared (except in

instances required by law).
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CALENDAR AND SCHEDULESTART/END DATESSummer School will be from July 18th through July 29th for 1st and 2nd graders and August 29th through

September 1st for K students. This year, school will resume for students on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. The

last day for students will be Wednesday, June 22nd, 2012.

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYSWith a few exceptions, KIPP Academy Elementary will follow the same holiday schedule as the New York City

Department of Education (see calendar for full details).

SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER)If the NYC public schools close due to bad weather, KIPP Academy Elementary is closed. Listen to the radio

(e.g. 1010 WINS news) or television for the announcement closings/delays of NYC Public Schools. Or, check

the Department of Education website (http://schools.nyc.gov).

Once the school day has started, school will not be cancelled early due to weather conditions. Parents shouldfeel free to pick their children up early in the case of serious weather conditions.

SUMMER SCHOOLSummer school is a critical time to get a head start on the coming school year and as a result all students at

KIPP Academy Elementary must attend school during the summer. Summer school is usually two weeks long.

Please note that unexcused absences in the summer may result in a child being unable to attend one of the

schools annual fall field trips.

SATURDAY SCHOOLOn appropriate Saturdays, all KIPP Academy Elementary students are expected to attend Saturday school

from 9:00-11:00AM with a parent/guardian or a sibling over the age of 18. Unless otherwise specified,students must continue to follow the standard KIPP Academy dress code on Saturdays. During this time,

families and students will participate in a workshop and then classes of their choosing.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESAll KIPP Academy Elementary students participate in various extra-curricular activities. Students will have

music and gym on alternating days throughout the school year. Beginning in October, there will be several

classes offered for students to sign up for and stay after school for.
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SCHOOL SCHEDULEStarting September 6th, all students will start school at 7:45am and will remain until classes are dismissed at

4pm, Monday through Thursday, 3:30pm on Fridays, and Saturdays from 9am to 11am.

Below is a sample of your childs daily schedule.

SAMPLE OF A KIPPSTERS DAILY SCHEDULE

7:30-8:00 Breakfast

8:00-8:15 Journals/Shared Reading

8:20-8:50 Calendar/Morning Message/SR

8:50-10:20 Guided Reading (Group 1)

Phonics (Group 2)

Literacy Center (Group 3)

10:20-10:40 Snack/bathroom B 10:20-10:27

10:40-11:45 Math (Centers/DI)

11:45-12:45 Lunch/Recess

12:45-1:15 Nap/DEAR time

1:15-2:10 Gym/Music/Dance

2:10-3:05 Science/SS

3:05-4:00 Centers

4:00 Dismissal


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KIPP ACADEMY Elementary CALENDAR 20112012

JULY/AUGUST

July 18th

-July 29th

1st

and 2nd

grade Summer School

August 29th

-Sept. 1st Kindergarten Summer School

SEPTEMBER

September 2nd -5th Labor Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

September 6th

First Day of School for Students

September 15th

MAP testing begins all grades

September 22nd

Back to School Night 4pm-6pm

September 23rd

Staff development day (NO SCHOOL)

September 29th

&30th

Rosh Hashannah (SCHOOL CLOSED)

OCTOBER

October 7th

Progress Reports Distributed

October 10th

Columbus Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

October 14th

Coffee and Conversations with the Principal and Deans (745am)

October 15th

Saturday School

October 19th Half Day for Students

NOVEMBER

November 8th

Election Day (THERE IS SCHOOL TODAY!!!)

November 4th

1st

Quarter Ends

November 10th

Report Card Night 4:15pm-7:30pm

November 11th

Veterans Day (SCHOOL IS IN SESSION)

November 12th

Saturday School- Family Feast 12pm -2pm***

November 14th

Awards Ceremony

November 16th

Half Day for Students

November 18th

Coffee and Conversations 3pm

November 21st

-25th

THANKSGIVING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)

November 28

th

School begins again

DECEMBER

December 3rd

Saturday School

December 9th

Professional Development Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

December 15th

Winter Show, 5pm to 6pm

December 16th

Coffee and Conversations 7:45am

December 16th


December 22nd

1pm dismissal

December 23rd

-Jan. 2nd

WINTER RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)

JANUARY

January 3rd

School Begins Again

January 3rd Lottery registration starts for new studentsJanuary 6

thCoffee and Conversations 3pm

January 13th

Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

January 16th

MLK Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

January 17th

MAP testing begins

January 20th

2nd

Quarter Ends

January 21st

Saturday School

January 27th

DATA DAY (NO SCHOOL)


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FEBRUARY

February 2nd

Report Card Night

February 3rd

Awards Ceremony

February 8th


February 10th


February 11th Saturday School

February 20th

-24th

MID-WINTER BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)

February 27th

Students return to school

MARCH

March 9th


March 10th

Saturday School

March 16th

KIPP NYC Professional Development Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

March 21th


March 23rd

Coffee and Conversations 3pm

March 30th

3rd

Quarter Ends

APRIL

April 4th

KIPP NYC lottery for new students

April 5th

-13th

SPRING BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)

April 16th

Students return to school

April 18th

Report Card Night

April 19th

Awards Assembly

April 20th


April 28th

Saturday School

MAY

May 7th

MAP testing begins

May 12th

Saturday School

May 18

th

Progress Reports DistributedMay 18

thCoffee and Conversations 3pm

May 28th

Memorial Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

JUNE

June 9th

Saturday School (KAES Carnival)

June 14th

End of Year Show, 5pm to 6pm

June 15th

DATA DAY (NO SCHOOL)

June 8th


June 22nd

Last Day of School (1pm dismissal after ceremony)

June 22nd

End of the Year Awards Ceremony 9am- 2nd

, 10:30am- 1st

, 12:00pm- K

NOTE: Summer School 2012 WILL take place in mid to late August, please plan your family vacations for July and

beginning of August. It is mandatory that ALL students are at summer school each year.

If there are any changes in the calendar, the school will send an updated notice prior to the change.

****************************************************************

A) Student and Staff HolidaysLabor Day September 2&5

Rosh Hashannah September 29&30

Columbus Day October 10


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Thanksgiving Recess November 21-25

Winter Recess December 23 January 2

MLK Day January 16

Mid-Winter Break February 20-24

Spring Recess April 5-13

Memorial Day May 28

B) 12pm Half Days for StudentsOctober 19thNovember 16

th

February 8th

March 21th

C) 1pm Half Days for StudentsNovember 10th (for report cards)

December 22nd

February 2nd (for report cards)

April 18th (for report cards)

June 22nd

D) Professional Development Days (NO Students)September 23

rd

November 4th

December 9th

January 13th

January 27th

March 16th

June 15th


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ACADEMICS - WORK HARD

HOMEWORK

A key part of the academic program of KIPP Academy is the homework that every KIPPster will receive everynight. Homework must be completed at night before it is due. Students will not be allowed to complete

homework during breakfast unless given explicit permission by their teacher. No student is excused from any

assignment without the permission of his or her teacher prior to the due date. If a student discovers that s/he

will be unable to complete an assignment, s/he must contact the teacher by phone no later than the night

before it is due. If the student is unable to contact their teacher for some reason, they must bring a written

note from their parents/guardians.

KEY HW POINTS

There are many points we review with students. Below are constant messages we send to our KIPPsters as we

reinforce the importance of homework. Please review with your child and continue to reinforce accurate,

thorough and timely completion of homework. As always students and parents can call teachers with

homework questions.

Because we are committed to our mission of preparing our students for middle school, high school,college and the world beyond, we strongly emphasize the accurate and thorough completion of

homework. HW helps students develop grit, self-control, desire, discipline and dedication all of

which are important tools for success.

Each night, students will come home with their homework folder. There is a section that says Staysat Home. This is graded work for you to see or important notices that the school is sending home.

You will see another section of the folder, which says return to school. This is the homework that

needs to be completed that night and sent back to the school in this folder.

Our children are still developing their homework and work skills; they will need your support athome. At times, many of the assignments will require you to complete them with your child. Please

reach out to the teacher if you need more clarification. HW completion and effort is logged into Powerschool, which is used to determine grades in each

class as well.

A. MAKE-UP WORK ON DAYS STUDENT IS ABSENTStudents who are absent are expected to make up the class work and homework when they return to

school. All missed, incomplete or incorrect work must be completed. It is the students responsibility to

check with each of his/her teachers to make sure s/he is aware of all assignments. The time generally

allowed to complete this work will be the number of days the student was absent. For example, if a

student was absent for one day, then s/he will have one day to make up any missed work.

Late, incomplete, or missing assignments (for unexcused reasons other than absences) must be made up

by the next day.

B. PARENT SIGNATURE ON TESTSParents must sign all tests and graded assignments, which includes daily reflections. Daily reflections

come home with the student everyday and should be signed and sent back to the school. This will help

us to communicate how your child is doing in working hard and being nice.


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CHEATING/PLAGIARISM

Cheating is a serious offense. If a student copies another students work or if a student gives another

student his/her work, it is considered cheating (Academic Dishonesty), and the student will receive a

serious consequence for this behavior.

Plagiarism involves the stealing of someone elses ideas or words as ones own or the imitation of thelanguage, ideas, and thoughts of another author (or person) and then passing them off as their own

original work. If a student plagiarized and forges a signature, this is also considered Academic

Dishonesty. Students will receive a serious consequence.

PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADEStudents may be retained in their grade at the end of the year for any one of, or combination of, the

following factors:

Failure to meet academic standards of readiness for the next grade: Students who fail (earn below a3 or a 70%) a core subject (Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science) may be retained. Studentswho fail either the reading or math standardized test at the end of the year may be retained as well

(when applicable).

Failure to meet adequate standards of attendance and lateness: Students who miss more than 10days of school times may be retained. Please note that every 3 days late counts as one day absent.

Failure to meet behavioral standards of readiness for the next grade level: Students whose behaviorhas not shown adequate growth or improvement, or is not at a sufficient level, may be retained.


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FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

As already mentioned, one of the keys to the success of KIPP Academy Elementary is the strong working

relationship between parents, teachers, and children. The key to this is constant communication. It is for this

reason that all KIPP Academy teachers give out their phone numbers and it is also the reason that we have acompletely open door policy. All KIPP families are welcome to visit the school at anytime. In addition to

phone conversations, school visits, home visits by staff, KIPP Academy Elementary also has quarterly

conferences between parents, teachers and children.

Below are some additional ways that parents have gotten involved in the past. Please feel free to suggest

any other ideas you might have.

WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED?Our families are always asking for ways to get involved. Below are a few ways in which you can do so.

Chaperone and participate in our community service activities Get involved in parent-literacy activities with your child Join our pot-luck dinners, concerts and other events Attend student in-class performances (poetry caf, in class speeches and presentations, cultural

celebrations, and others depending on specific classes)

Attend quarterly awards ceremony Chaperone school trips Patrol after-school to ensure safety of all of our children Attend parent-meetings Stop by the school to sit in on classes (no amount of time is too short) Invite us to your homes for home visits Sit in on panels Inform us of community events or activities we should be participating in Help with Picture Day Carpool with other families Attend parent-teacher conferences Volunteer with enrichment classes and Saturday school classes And of course we are always available to sample delicious home-cooked meals that your

child rants and raves about

Take a leaf from The Giving Tree and fulfill the wishAnd if there are additional volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact Ms. Petruzziello

directly.


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Meet the KIPP AES Staff

Jessica Butler Dan Alvarez

Speech and Language Therapist Physical Education Teacher

Thomas Murley and Karimah Mooreland Brandi Vardiman

Music Teacher Dance Teacher Dean of Teaching and Learning

Emily Collado and Christian Nunez Modiegi Notoane-Eugene

Social Workers Dean of Students

Alicia Citro Carolyn Petruzziello

Special Education Coordinator Principal


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Ivy Sosa and William Cardenas Raul Garza and Mary-Catherine Amadu

Office Manager and Director of Operations Berklee Jazz Cats

Courtney Morgan and Christine Kim Desree Cabrall and Alex Haddock

Georgetown Bulldogs UVA Cavaliers

Tom Gonzalez Ana Vargas and Mauricio Rojas

Seton Hall Pirates Florida Gators

Madeline Scheffler and Megan Sharkey Alicia Shaw and Jonathan Beeler

Northwestern Wildcats University of Wisconsin Phoenix


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Liz Manno Syrena Burnam

Tufts Jumbos UC Berkeley Golden Bears

Iricel Payano and Danielle Torres Sheena Johnson

Columbia Lions Howard University Bison

Josie Rosario and Lynette Cray

SUNY Plattsburg Cardinals

Documents

KIPP AES 2011-2012 Family Handbook