Union Springs District Newsletter “Excellence….Together We Achieve It!”

August 2014

A Message from Superintendent, Linda Rice Dear District Residents,

While we are in the midst of a beautiful summer filled with hot and humid weather, it is difficult to re-

member that the opening of school is only a short time away. District employees have been working diligently

to prepare for the opening day of school on Tuesday, September 2nd. This summer kindergarten through

twelfth grade teachers worked on aligning our curriculum in both English Language Arts (ELA) and mathemat-

ics with the National Common Core Learning Standards. A District goal for the 2014-2015 school year includes

focusing on changes in the ELA and math curriculum in order to raise the proficiency and mastery level in all

buildings.

Education Law 3012-c addresses the disclosure of teacher and principal total effectiveness ratings and

scores to parents/legal guardians of a student’s current teacher and building principal. Please refer to the follow-

ing notice for more information.

“In accordance with Section 3012-c of the Education Law, regarding the Annual Professional Performance Reviews (APPR) of teachers

and principals, theDistrict is obligated to release the individual composite effectiveness scores and final ratings (0-100) of teachers and

principals. Parents/legal guardians may request such information for the principal of the school building and teachers to which the stu-

dent is assigned for the current school year. Only final data will be disclosed. Parents/legal guardians wishing to obtain such data must

make a written request to the appointed school official. The identity of parents/guardians will be verified and the school official will

only communicate the data verbally. Please send all written requests for APPR data to the respective building Principal or the Superin-

tendent of Schools.”

Author and sports columnist Mitch Albom once wrote: “The way you get meaning into your life is to de-

vote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating

something that gives you purpose and meaning.” As we get set to begin another school year, I am excited for

the children to return and am confident with the staff we have, the resources that are available to us, and the

support of the community; we can make this a great year for all of our students. You are encouraged and wel-

comed to attend and be involved in our school activities and programs, whether you have children in the

schools or not. By working together, we can make this year a very special one for our children.

Please enjoy the remaining days of summer vacation! I am looking forward to seeing all of our students

when school begins on September 2nd.

Sincerely,

Linda Rice

Superintendent of Schools

MS/HS Orientation

Activities

7th Grade MS Orientation

Wednesday, August 27

5:00 pm @ MS/HS

9th Grade HS Orientation

Thursday, August 27

7:00@ MS/HS

Students will receive their locker

assignments and schedules for the 1st

semester and will have a chance to

locate their classrooms.

School Starts Tuesday September 2, 2014

School will open on Tuesday, September 2.

Grades K-3 are located in Cayuga Elementary School, 4-6 in A. J. Smith

School, 7-8 in the Middle School, and 9-12 in the High School.

If you have any questions, please call:

Cayuga Elementary School Principal

Mrs. Sheila LaDouce @ 889-4170

A. J. Smith School Principal

Mrs. Karen Burcroff @ 889-7102

Middle/High School Principal

Elementary PTO

The first meeting of the Elementary PTO will be held on

Wednesday, September 3 at 5:00 pm at Cayuga Elementary School. All parents

and guardians (both Moms and Dads) of elementary students are members of the

PTO and encouraged to come to meetings whenever they can. Parents of

pre-school age children are also welcome to attend if they would like to begin

getting to know other parents and school personnel. PTO meeting dates are listed

on the District Calendar and usually alternate between our two elementary

buildings. They are held at 5:00 pm.

The PTO has an impressive record of making many significant contributions

to our elementary schools and thereby benefiting all the children in our District.

Volunteers help with school activities and fundraising has provided playground

equipment, assembly programs, special awards and projects, Family Activity

Nights, and mural paintings and new curtains in the cafeterias. This is only a

sampling of the many ways, both big and small, that the PTO supports our

students and staff.

The officers of the PTO for the coming year are:

President – Angela Owens

Secretary – Kelly Yorkey

Treasurer – Meghan Frances Biter

Our thanks go to these individuals for committing their time and leadership

skills to maintaining the PTO as the strong, active organization it is here in our

PTO Wrapping Paper Sale (Innisbrook)

Sale Dates: September 8-18

Welcome Back Picnics

Cayuga Elementary School

Friday, Sept. 5 6:00-7:30 pm

A. J. Smith School

Friday, Sept. 12 6:00-7:30 pm

Please plan to attend!

Parent Information Nights

and Open Houses

Cayuga Elementary

Wednesday, September 24

Grades K, 1, Grades 2,& 3

A. J. Smith School

Tuesday, September 9

Middle School

Grades 7-8

Wednesday, September 17

6:00 - 8:00 pm

High School

Please Come and Support Your Students!

School Security

In our continuing effort to provide as much security as possible for the

occupants of our buildings, we remind all visitors to immediately check in

and get visitor passes at the main offices at Cayuga Elementary and A. J.

Smith School and at the reception office in the main foyer at the Secondary

Community Use of School Facilities

Policy #3260 - Community Relations

~ Community groups are encouraged to use our school facilities.

~ Groups wishing to do so must secure written permission from the

building principal or, for gym space, the Athletic Director. Use of

Building request forms are available in all of our school offices.

~ School functions take precedence over all activities by non-school

groups.

~ The use of school facilities is limited to the hours between 6:30 am and

10:00 pm. This means that there should be no individual or non-school

group activity on school grounds, including the outdoor basketball courts

and playgrounds, between 10:00 pm and 6:30 am.

~ Skateboarding and rollerblading are not allowed on school grounds at any

time.

~ A “carry in, carry out” policy requires that all individuals and non-school

groups accept the responsibility to remove all their trash from school

premises when they leave.

~ Only leashed dogs are permitted on school property, and owners are

Athletic Physicals

Athletic physicals will be offered on Thursday, September 4. Any student in

grades 7-12 who is planning to participate in interscholastic sports during the school

year and has not yet had an athletic physical should see the school nurse to make an

appointment. There is also a health history form that must be filled out before seeing

the doctor.

HOMECOMING WEEK

Monday, Sept. 22 - Saturday, Sept. 27

Fall Sports At Home

Please come!

HS Homecoming Dance

MS & HS Student Schedules

Schedules were mailed to all students in grades 8-12 on August 13. 7th

grade students will get their schedules at their orientation on August 27, which

begins at 5:00 pm. The bell schedule is shown below for your convenience. On

the first day of school students in grades 8-12 should report to their homerooms.

Students in seventh grade should report to the cafeteria where their

homeroom teachers will pick them up and escort them via a little refresher tour

to homeroom. The seventh grade students will have time to get into their lockers

and head to first period.

Students are asked to make schedule changes on Wednesday, August 28 and

Thursday, August 29 between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. Please note

that the Guidance Office will be closed for lunch from 12:00-12:30 on those

days. Please call the

Guidance Office to schedule an appointment (or consultation over the phone

as needed) prior to August 27 to make any schedule changes. All schedule

Bell Schedule

7:32 - Bell

7:38-7:50 - Homeroom/Advisory

Period 1: 7:53 - 8:33

Period 2: 8:36 - 9:16

Period 3: 9:19 - 9:59

Period 4: 10:02 - 10:42

Period 5/HS Lunch: 10:45 - 11:24

Period 6/MS Lunch: 11:27 - 12:06

Period 7/HS Lunch: 12:09 - 12:48

Period 8: 12:51 - 1:31

Period 9: 1:34 –2:15

Period 10/Intervention Time: 2:20 -

MS/HS Lockers

Locker assignments will be issued

with student schedules. Each locker has

a built-in combination lock. Deposits

are not required for locker use. All

students have their own lockers and are

asked to not share with other students.

Valuables should not be brought

to school or stored in lockers. If

special circumstances occur, students

should ask for help with securing any

A Word About Solicitations

Sometimes in the fall, local businesses are approached by salesmen

asking for donations to provide free book covers for our students.

Please note that we have NOT sanctioned any such programs. If you

are approached by anyone in this regard, please contact Debbie

Robinson in the District Office at 889-4101.

New Students

If you have moved into the school district this summer and have not yet registered your

children for school, please do so as soon as possible so that homerooms and schedules can be

assigned.

All students K-12 should be registered at A.J. Smith Elementary. The District Registrar

is Mrs. Penny Ross and she can be reached at 889-7102.

SEPTEMBER 2014

Union Springs Central School District Lunch Menu

Photographs For Publication

Throughout the school year, photographs

or videos may be taken of students for use in

District-produced publications, productions, or

by the news media. If you do not wish your

child photographed, please indicate this, in

writing, to the principal at your child’s school.

Letters must be submitted every year.

Notification of Student Picture Use on

USCS Website

We routinely post pictures of students on the District

website. If you do not wish your child’s picture used on our

website, please write a letter to this effect to your child’s building

principal. Letters must be submitted every year.

Emergency Contacts

It is extremely important that our school offices have the names

and telephone numbers of the individuals we should contact in the

event of an emergency. Please notify the appropriate school office

when there is a change and be certain that your child knows of this

change.

Next Year’s Kindergartener

If you have a child who will be eligible to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2014, please

let us know. We would like to send you packets of materials which can be used at home

this year to help your child succeed in school next year. Please send your child’s full

name, address, birth date, parent’s name, address, and telephone number to:

Cayuga Elementary School, c/o Jennifer Henry, 255 Wheat Street, Cayuga, NY 13034.

For school information, please visit our website at

www.uscsd.info

September

Sept. 1 Labor Day

Sept. 2 School Opens K-12

Sept .3 PTO @ 5pm/CES

Sept. 4 HS Sports Physicals

Sept. 5 CES Welcome Back

Picnic @ 6pm/CES

Sept. 9 AJ Open House @ 6pm

Sept. 9 After Prom Meeting @

7pm/HS

Sept. 11 AJ Grandfriends Day

Sept. 12 MS/HS Picture Day

Sept. 12 AJ Welcome Back

Picnic @ 6pm/AJ

Sept. 17 HS Sports Physicals

Sept. 17 MS/HS Open House 6-8pm

Sept. 22-27 Homecoming Week

Sept. 23 CES Parent Night 6pm

Sept. 24 AJ Beginning Band

Info Night 7pm

Sept. 26 Emergency Go Home K-12

Drill 1/2 Day Students

Sept. 27 Homecoming Dance

Sept. 29 Picture Day @CES/AJ

October

Oct. 1 PTO Mtg. @ AJ 5pm

Oct. 2 K-6 National Read for

Record Day

Oct. 3 AJ Visitation Day 11-1 pm

Oct. 9 SAT Registration Deadline

Oct. 11 SAT & Subject Tests

Oct. 13 NO SCHOOL—Columbus Day

Oct. 14 After Prom Meeting @

7pm/HS

Oct. 14 BOE Meeting 7pm

Oct. 15 PSAT Test

Oct. 17 MS/HS Picture Make-Up

Day

Oct. 20 Booster Club Meeting 7pm/HS

Oct. 21 NIHS Inductions

Oct. 23 NJHS Inductions

Oct. 24 NO School K-12—

Superintendent’s Conference

Day

Oct. 25 ACT Exam

Oct. 27 BOE Meeting 7pm

Oct. 31 CES Visitation Day 11-2

Parades 2pm @ CES

2:40 pm @ AJ

Welcome Back to Cayuga Elementary (Grades K-3)

Welcome Back to A.J. Smith (Grades 4-6)

The AJ staff is looking forward to a year of exciting learning opportunities! Our schedule has been changed to a Monday through Friday

plan (students will have specials once a week instead of the A-D schedule). We have also created an “AM Learning Zone” (7:45-8:45 am) which

will be the time where all of our music ensembles (concert and beginning bands, chorus, and choralairs) will rehearse. Mr. Darnell will continue to

offer Early-Birds for students to participate in athletics and Ms. Drossos will still be conducting reading intervention groups. Our daily schedule

(8:50 am - 3:25 pm) will have fifth and sixth grade students moving between their three academic blocks every 80 minutes (1hour 20 minutes) to

allow teachers to meet the increased learning expectations.

There will be many changes brought on by the new Common Core Learning Standards. In ELA, students will be reading several new book

titles and exploring different topics that have been suggested in the NYS sponsored curriculum materials (written by Expeditionary Learning).

Teachers will continue to foster the love of reading and writing in “workshop” situations and will find ways to maintain our “Balanced Literacy”

approach. Science and Social Studies will be integrated in with ELA as much as possible in order for students to practice their reading skills when

using informational text. In addition, students will be completing “Inquiry Research” at least four times throughout the year. In Math, students will

continue to build their fact fluency and master the skill of representing their thinking process in visual forms (i.e. tape diagrams). The AJ staff is

committed to making our students as college and career ready as possible.

I look forward to seeing students as they return on Wednesday, September 4th and excited to see everyone on Friday, September 6th for the

PTO Welcome Back Picnic! It is time for our students to finish reading the chapter book and to break out the math fact cards!

Karen Burcroff

A.J. Smith Elementary Principal

Children With Disabilities

The Union Springs Central School District advises residents

that parents who suspect they may have a child with a disability

should contact Sheila LaDouce at Cayuga Elementary School,

255 Wheat Street, Cayuga, NY 13034 or call her at 889-4117

for more information.

Schools Must Provide Addresses

Unless Parents Decline

The No Child Left Behind Act requires that school districts

send address information for all high school seniors and juniors to

the armed services for recruitment purposes. However, parents

have the right to request that this information not be sent for their

children. To make this request, please contact the High School

Guidance Office at 889-4124 by September 30 and your address

information will be removed from the list.

The Cayuga staff is looking forward to an exciting year of learning! We will kick-off the new school year with a character education

assembly focused around “doing good deeds for others”. The program is based on a children’s book “Have You Filled A Bucket

Today?” The book talks about how we can incorporate doing good things for others on a daily basis. These good deeds are said to

help students talk about being filling someone’s bucket, hence being “bucket fillers” not “bucket dippers”. This theme is some-

thing we will use throughout the year to encourage students of good character.

Curriculum and instruction will remain the same this school year. Now that we have a year of Common Core Learning Standards

under our belt; teachers, students, and parents are much better prepared as to what lies ahead in ELA and Math. In ELA, students

will be provided a balanced literacy approach using the Daily 5, Guided Reading, and Writer’s Workshop to continue to foster the

love of reading and writing. In Math, we will continue to adapt the math modules, providing students daily fact fluency, visual

representations of various math problems, and reinforcement of previously taught math concepts. We look forward to your daily

support at home in assisting us with strengthening the skills mentioned above.

Sheila LaDouce

Cayuga Elementary Principal

Welcome Back to the Middle/High School (Grades 7-12)

In just a few short weeks the doors of the Middle/High School will once again be open, the halls filled with well

rested adolescents ready for their next set of challenges. The maintenance staff has been busy preparing the buildings

and grounds for opening day. Mr. Crowley has been busy helping improve some of our new technologies that the staff

and students will be using this year. Teachers too have attended a number of trainings this summer as they prepare for

the upcoming year.

This year the Middle School will have a “Career Day” where each student will have the opportunity to explore

multiple careers they may be interested in pursuing. Several community members have volunteered to come in and

share what they do. If you are interested in being a presenter, please contact Nina Darnell at (315) 889-4124 or Mike

Wurster at (315) 889-4110.

The High School guidance staff is once again planning two college visits in (one in the Fall and one in the

Spring). More information will be coming as we get further into the school year.

Academically, this year’s focus is to continually improve our test results by analyzing data, enhancing

curriculum, and monitoring student progress throughout the year. The Middle School is going into their third year with

the Common Core ELA and Math testing while the High School will see the addition of the Common Core Geometry

Exam continue the phase in process with the addition of the Common Core Algebra II/Trigonometry and English exams.

The 2014/15 school year has the promise to be very exciting and interesting for our students, as always if you

have any questions please contact me at (315) 889-4110. Enjoy the remainder of your summer and we’ll see you on

opening day, September 2, 2014.

Chuck Walker,

Middle/High Principal

Mike Wurster

Middle/High School Assistant Principal

Breakfast

Breakfast is available in all three

instructional buildings. It is offered

after students arrive on their reg-

ular bus runs and costs $1.50. All

students may participate as they

wish on a daily basis.

Lunch Prices

Grades K-6 ...... ..............

Grades 7-12 .....................

Reduced Price Lunch .......

Milk …….........................

Adult Lunches ..................

$2.00

2.25

.25

.50

3.75

Bob Lockwood is our Food Service

Director and may be reached at the

MS/HS at 889-4120.

Cafeteria Information

Union Springs Central Schools implemented the

NutriKids computerized Point of Sale payment

system for all school meals purchased in the

district’s cafeterias during December 2012. Every

student has their own personal student account

number and can access their accounts on the PIN

pads located at every register. If they forget their

account number, we can access it through every

register.

We encourage parents to deposit money into the

student’s account, although you may still pay cash at

the register. Monies paid into a student account can

be used for the purchase of regular meals and ala

carte items. A prepayment credit system is offered

by MySchoolBucks.com which will allow

payments into student/staff accounts by credit/debit

card using the internet.

This form of payment will assess a $1.75

service fee for each deposit made using a

credit/debit card.

If your student has qualified for free or reduced

price lunches or breakfasts, this information is

securely contained within the system and the

meal will be processed just as it is for all other

students. There is no need to be concerned for

a potentially uncomfortable situation for the

student.

If you are concerned about a food allergy that

your student has, please notify the cafeteria

with this information. A warning will appear

on the cashier’s screen for a quick review of

the items on the student’s meal tray.

USCS Lunch Program

Our self-operated food service program will continue to provide breakfast and lunch at all three of our instructional buildings.

Turkey sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and hot dogs are available at our elementary buildings every day and apples,

oranges, and bananas are often fruit options. Menus are planned based on nutritional guidelines, what kids like, and expense. There is

some regularity in the menus to make planning easier for students and families. On Wednesdays we usually serve tacos and on

Fridays we serve pizza or fish, with more variation on the other days. Special attention is paid to limiting fat and salt content, and

menus are audited for their nutritional value. At A.J. Smith and the MS/HS, deli made-to-order sandwiches, salad bar, and soup

(usually homemade) are also available.

The September menu is available on the school’s website at: www.myschoolpages.com/schools/unionsprings. If you have any

questions or suggestions regarding our food services, please call Director Bob Lockwood at 889-4120.

Free & Reduced School Breakfast and Lunch Information

Does your child qualify for free or reduced lunch/breakfast? Proper nutrition is important to a child’s development both

physically and mentally. We would like to encourage you to take advantage of the free and reduced meal programs if you qualify.

This is a federally funded program to assist families and by reviewing the Eligibility Income Chart below you can determine if your

family qualifies. For families who have elementary, middle, and high school children, only one application needs to be done.

Applications are being mailed to all District families and are available in the school offices. They must be completely filled out and

returned to school. After the application is reviewed, you will be informed of your children’s eligibility. If you have any questions

about the free or reduced meal program, please call 889-4137.

Income Eligibility Guidelines For Reduced Price Meals

Effective from July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014

Total Family Size Annual Monthly Twice Per Month Every Two Weeks Weekly

1 $21,590 $1,800 $900 $831 $416

2 $29,101 $2,426 $1,213 $1,120 $560

3 $36,612 $3,051 $1,526 $1,409 $705

4 $44,123 $3,677 $1,839 $1,698 $849

5 $51,634 $4,303 $2,152 $1,986 $993

6 $59,145 $4,929 $2,465 $2,275 $1,138

7 $66,656 $5,555 $2,778 $2,564 $1,282

8 $74,167 $6,181 $3,091 $2,853 $1,427

* each additional person add: $7,511 $626 $313 $289 $145

Dildine Rd.

Hardy Rd.

Wheeler Rd.

Great Gully Rd.

Kings Corners Rd.

Cooney Corners Rd.

Sands Rd.

Route 90 South

Farley’s Pt. & Rte. 90

Carrs Cove & Rte. 90

Cayuga Rd.(75 & lower)

Arnold St.

Middle/High School

6:43am

6:45

6:48

6:50

7:00

7:02

7:05

7:10

7:15

7:17

7:20

7:22

7:25

Bus 1

Van Liew Rd.

White Rd.

Delaney Rd.

Van Liew Rd.

Dublin Rd.

Skillet Rd.

Kijowski Rd.

Dougall Rd.

Large Rd.

Sevior Rd.

Pinckney Rd.

Overbrook Dr.

Bluefield Rd.

Skillet Rd.

Ridge Rd.

Spring St.

Middle/High School

6:30am

6:33

6:35

6:40

6:43

6:45

6:48

6:50

6:53

6:54

6:59

7:03

7:05

7:10

7:13

7:17

7:25

Bus 4

Bus 3

State Rt. 34

Sloan Rd.

St.Rt.34 (4969& up)

Glanville Rd.

Silver St.Rd.

Stone School Rd.

Silver St. Rd.

Mill St.

Rte. 34

Rte.34B(4961& lower)

Center St./Anthony St.

Middle/High School

6:40am

6:43

6:47

6:52

6:55

7:00

7:03

7:05

7:07

7:10

7:20

7:25

6:35am

6:40

6:45

6:48

6:55

6:57

7:02

7:05

7:13

7:18

7:21

7:23

7:25

Bus 2

4516 Rte. 34B

Rte. 34 (4813 & lower)

F/S Townline Rd.(2505 & up)

Sloan Rd.

Cork St.

Rte. 34B (4606)

F/S Townline Rd.

Number One Rd.

Creager Rd.

Oak Dr.

Grove (N & S Dr.)

Homer St.

Middle/High School

Bus 5

Davis Rd.

Fitzpatrick Rd.

Ridge Rd.

Oakwood Rd.

A/S Townline Rd.

Highbridge Rd.

Cross Rd.

Bacon Rd.

Connors Rd.

Lockwood Rd.

Middle/High School

6:45am

6:50

6:53

6:55

7:00

7:05

7:07

7:10

7:12

7:20

7:25

Bus 6

6:40am

6:50

6:57

7:00

7:05

7:08

7:10

7:17

7:25

Rt. 326

Genesee St. (incl. 1756)

Elmhurst Circle

Genesee St.

Bluefield Rd.(6125& up)

Deerview Dr.

Experimental Rd.

Rte. 326

Middle/High School

Bus 7

Clark St. Rd. (East)

Basswood Rd.

Clark St. Rd. (West)

Cayuga Rd..

Genesee St.(Mid Block)

Willard & Genesee St.

Center & Genesee St.

Annin & Center St.

Wheat & Center St.

Wheat St. (Lake Side)

Middle/High School

6:35am

6:42

6:50

6:58

7:05

7:07

7:10

7:12

7:14

7:16

7:25

Bus 9

5067 Rte. 90

Turnpike Rd.

Fosterville Rd.

Blanchard Rd.

Laraway Rd. (south)

Laraway Rd. (north)

Baldwin Rd.

River Rd.

Rt. 90 (6000’s)

River Rd.

Rt. 90 (6000’s)

Water St.

Lake St.

Middle/High School

6:20am

6:40

6:48

6:53

7:00

7:05

7:07

7:05

7:10

7:13

7:16

7:18

7:20

7:28

Bus 10

6:30am

6:40

6:43

6:47

6:50

7:05

7:10

7:15

7:18

7:25

Rt. 90 (5000’s)

Wheat St. (B/W Rte. 90 &

Chappell)

Chappell Rd.

Chamberlain Rd.

W. Genesee St.

(1772 & smaller)

Court St.

Rte. 90 (5000’s)

Connors Rd. (B/W Rte. 90 & Cross Rd.

Cross Rd.

Middle/High School

Bus 11

6:45am

6:50

6:53

6:56

7:00

7:03

7:05

7:07

7:13

7:15

7:18

7:25

Half Acre Rd.

Canoga Rd.

Webster Rd.

(Turnaround)

Canoga Rd. also

crossover Beech Tree

Beech Tree Rd.

Clark St.

Clark St. / Mullen Dr.

Emily Dr.

Johnson Dr.

Cranebrook Dr.

East/West Dr.

Middle/High School

School starts on Tuesday September, 2. Please have your children ready at the bus stop well in advance of pick-up time. Time schedules are critical and your

cooperation throughout the year in helping maintain them is most important. The times listed here are approximate and may vary due to the numerous changes that

normally take place as school gets under way. Your patience and understanding during the first few weeks of school is always appreciated.

Please review proper bus behavior with your children (see your Student Handbooks). Keep in mind that the bus driver’s main responsibility is that of delivering

your children to and from school safely each day. Proper bus behavior of all students at all times is a safety must. Please call the Head Bus Driver at 889-5036 if you

have any questions.

Transportation - A Message To Parents

Middle /High School Bus Schedule 2014-2015

Please Call the Head Bus

Driver at 889-5036 with

any questions.

All times are approximate and subject to change.

Van Liew Rd.

White Rd.

Van Liew Rd.

Bluefield Rd.

Skillet Rd.

Kijowski Rd.

Large Rd.

Sevior Rd.

Pinckney Rd.

Overbrook Dr.

Bluefield Rd.

Ridge Rd.

Spring St.

Center St.

Ridgeway & Center

St.

A.J. Smith School

7:55am

7:57

8:00

8:03

8:06

8:09

8:12

8:15

8:18

8:22

8:25

8:30

8:35

8:40

8:43

8:50

Bus 4-Frog Hardy Rd.

Carrs Cove & Rte. 90

Farley’s Pt. & Rte. 90

4121 Rte. 90

Kings Corners Rd.

Cooney Corners Rd.

Sands Rd.

Great Gully Rd.

Wheeler Rd.

37 Center St.

Park St.

Factory St. & Cayuga

Basin & Cayuga St.

Homer St. (19 and smaller)

A.J. Smith School

8:00am

8:07

8:08

8:10

8:13

8:15

8:18

8:25

8:28

8:35

8:38

8:42

8:43

8:45

8:50

Bus 1—Bear

Bus 3-Cat

Rte. 34 (Fleming)

Mill St.

Rte. 34

Silver St.

Stone School Rd.

Sloan Rd.

Rte. 34B

Center St.

Anthony St.

Seminary St.

A.J. Smith School

8:00am

8:04

8:06

8:12

8:17

8:22

8:27

8:40

8:42

8:45

8:50

8:05am

8:10

8:12

8:15

8:18

8:24

8:30

8:32

8:35

8:42

8:43

8:46

8:48

8:50

Bus 2 Alligator

Creager Rd.

Truesdale Rd.

Number One Rd.

Waldron Rd. (south)

4298 Rt. 34B

Rt. 34 (south of Sloan Rd.)

F-S Townline Rd.

Cork St.

F-S Townline Rd.

Oak Dr. Ext.

Oak Dr.

South Dr.

Homer St.(20 & up)

A.J. Smith School

Bus 5—Dinosaur

Davis Rd.

Powers Rd.

Waldron Rd.

Fitzpatrick Rd.

Ridge Rd.

Oakwood Rd.

A/S Townline Rd.

Cross Rd.

Bacon Rd.

Connors Rd.

Lockwood Rd.

Cayuga St. (north)

Hillview & Rte. 90

Schobey & Rte. 90

Cayuga St.

Arnold St.

Evergreen St

A.J. Smith School

7:50am

7:55

8:00

8:05

8:10

8:15

8:17

8:19

8:21

8:23

8:26

8:35

8:37

8:39

8:40

8:45

8:46

Bus 6-Horse

8:00am

8:15

8:20

8:25

8:27

8:30

8:35

8:40

8:50

State Rt. 326

W. Genesee St. (incl. 1756)

Elmhurst Circle

Genesee St.

Bluefield Rd. (B/W Pinckney

& Genesee)

Deerview Dr.

Experimental Rd.

Rte. 326

A.J. Smith School

Bus 7-Rabbit

5064 Rte. 90

Short Rd.

Clark St. (East)

Basswood Rd.

Clark St. (West)

Cayuga St.

Genesee St.(Village

of Cayuga)

Center St. (Cayuga)

Wheat St. (B/W Cen-

ter & Court)

Manitau Rd.

Lake St.

Cayuga Elementary

A.J. Smith School

7:55am

8:05

8:08

8:15

8:20

8:30

8:35

8:40

8:43

8:45

8:47

8:50

9:00

Bus 9 –Wolf

Baldwin Rd.

Turnpike Rd.

Gable Lane

Turnpike Rd.

Fosterville Rd.

Blanchard Rd.

Laraway Rd.

Turnpike Rd.

309 Clark St. Rd.

River Rd.

Rte. 90 (6000’s)

Willard St.

Water St.

W. Genesee St. (206)

Court St.

Cayuga Elementary

Route 90 (5923)

A.J. Smith School

7:55am

8:00

8:03

8:05

8:08

8:13

8:18

8:23

8:25

8:28

8:35

8:40

8:42

8:43

8:45

8:50

8:55

9:00

Bus 11-Giraffe

8:05a

m

8:10

8:15

8:16

8:17

8:20

8:22

8:35

8:38

8:45

8:50

Half Acre Rd.

Johnson Dr.

(mailboxes)

Clark St.

Birch Dr. &

Clark St.

Emily Dr. &

Clark St.

Mullen Dr. &

Clark St.

Beechtree Rd.

Canoga Rd.

Webster Rd.

Bus 10-Squirrel

7:55a

m

8:02

8:10

8:15

8:18

8:30

8:33

8:43

8:45

8:48

8:50

8:55

Backus Rd.

Rt. 90 (5000’s East)

Wheat St.

989 Chamberlain Rd.

W. Genesee St. (Even)

BOCES Day Care

W. Genesee St. (Odd)

570 Chamberlain Rd.

Chappell Rd.

280 Wheat St.

Cayuga Elementary

Rte. 90 (A.J. Students)

A.J. Smith School

Elementary Bus Schedule 2014-2015

Please Call the Head Bus Driver at 889-5036 with any questions.

*Please Note - In the am buses 7, 9, 10, and 11 go to Cayuga Elementary

first then to A.J .Smith*

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Union Springs Central School District, in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972,

Title VI of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans With

Disabilities Act, or the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion,

national origin, political affiliation, sex, age, marital or veteran status, or disability in its programs and activities and

provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Board of Education recognizes its

responsibility to provide an environment free from harassment and intimidation in the career, technical or educational

programs and activities it operates.

We do not permit discrimination by employees, school volunteers, students and non-employees such as

contractors and vendors, as well as any third parties participating in, observing or otherwise engaged in activities

subject to the supervision of the district. This includes recruitment and employment practices, pay and benefits,

counseling services for students, access by students to career, technical or other educational programs, courses and

activities. The board also prohibits harassment based upon an individual’s opposition to the discrimination or

participation in a related investigation or complaint proceeding under the anti-discrimination statutes.

This policy of non-discrimination and anti-harassment will be enforced on school district premises, in school

buildings and at all school sponsored events, programs and activities including those that take place off school

premises. Inquires or complaint should be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools.

Grievance Procedure for Non-Discrimination Policy

The compliance officer for Section 504 and other grievances related to student activities is the Program

Coordinator, Sheila LaDouce, telephone 315-889-4117. The compliance officer for all employee related

activities is the Business Administrator, Marge Robbins, telephone 315-889-4157. Both can be contacted in

writing at the School District Offices, 239 Cayuga Street, Union Springs, New York 13160.

The compliance officer, upon request, will provide a copy of the district’s grievance procedure to any

employee, student or other covered person.

A copy of each of the Acts and Regulations upon which this notice is based will be made available, upon

written request to the district compliance officer.

~ ~ Wanted ~ ~

Parent & Community Members for our Site & District Based Teams

Would you like to be more involved with what is going

on at your son or daughter’s school? We have openings for

parent and community members on all of our Site Based Teams

and the District Based Team.

Terms are for two years and will begin in the fall. Site

Based Teams usually meet once a month and the District Based

Team meets every other month. Meetings are usually held in

the afternoon.

Site Based Teams deal with issues specific to their sites –

Cayuga Elementary, A. J. Smith, Middle School, and High

School. The District Based Team oversees the shared decision

making process in the District.

To be a parent member on a site based team, a parent

must have a student at that site in the fall. All parents

with children in school are eligible to serve on the District Based

Team and all community members are eligible to serve on any of

our teams.

New members are selected randomly from those who

express interest in the various positions. If you have been serving

on one of our teams and your term is up, we’d be happy to have

you volunteer for another term.

If you are interested in serving on one of our teams, please

fill out the form located on the back of this newsletter and return

it to Mike Wurster by September 5, 2014 at:

Union Springs Middle/High School

239 Cayuga St.

Union Springs, NY 13160

If you would like further information or have questions,

please call Mike at 889-4110.

UNION SPRINGS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Summary of the Code of Conduct

Public Notification This is a summary of the Code of Conduct adopted by the Board of Education of the Union Springs Central School District. This code contains the rules for conduct on District property and at District functions as well as the penalties for unacceptable conduct. The code applies to ALL individuals who come on school property and is not restricted to classroom instruction. Students, parents, visitors, and District employees all have certain responsibilities regarding the education of the District students and are all subject to the code while on District property or at District functions. Generally, the District expects:

Students to come to school prepared to learn and to conduct themselves in a safe and respectful manner while at school.

Parents to cooperate with the District in the education of their children and to communicate with appropriate school

personnel regarding any questions or concerns.

Teachers to be prepared to teach and to strive for an atmosphere of mutual respect in the classroom.

Administrators to promote a safe, healthy, and stimulating academic environment that is conducive to learning and student

success.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

All district students have the right to pursue an education in an atmosphere

that is safe and conducive to learning, and to achieve all that they are capable

of achieving and to be respected on the merits of their attributes as

individuals. As citizens of the United States of America and residents of New

York State, the students have the right to procedural due process guaranteed

by The United States Constitution and New York State Education Law prior

to disciplinary action taken against them. Students have the right to freedom

of speech and expression which do not interfere with the educational process

or infringe upon the right of others. Each and every student has the right to

attend school and be free from discrimination in any form. Along with the

rights comes responsibility. It is expected that all students of The Union

Springs Central School District will conduct themselves with respect

toward self, fellow students, teachers, and others. Furthermore, it is expected

that all students will strive to achieve to their potential in all areas. Students

should show respect for the District property and the property of others by

following reasonable directions of the faculty and administration by fulfilling

their classroom learning obligations. Display positive behavior and

performance and always demonstrate a high degree of good sportsmanship.

Dress Code

All students, teachers, and visitors are expected to give proper attention to

personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school

functions. Students and their parents have the primary responsibility for

acceptable student dress and appearance. A student’s dress; grooming and

appearance shall be safe, appropriate, and not disrupt or interfere with the

educational process. Recognize that extremely brief garments such as muscle

shirts, tank tops, or similar cut-off shirts, tube tops, net tops, halter tops,

spaghetti straps, plunging necklines (front and/or back), and see-through

garments are not appropriate. Straps on shirts or tank tops shall be at least

the width of two fingers. Shorts and skirts shall be at least the length of four

fingers above the student’s knees. Shorts may be worn only at the discretion

of District staff. Cut-off shorts are not permitted and shorts shall not be torn

or have frayed edges. Ensure that underwear is completely covered with

outer clothing and ensure that all private body parts, including buttocks, are

covered with outer clothing.

All persons on school property and at school functions shall not

include items that are vulgar, obscene, and libelous or denigrate

others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin,

gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Clothing should not

promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs

and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.

Harassment and Discrimination

The District prohibits discrimination or harassment against any

student, by employees or students on school property or at a school

function, that creates a hostile environment by conduct, with or

without discrimination and harassment of students based on actual or

perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion,

religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex by

school employees or students on school property and at

school-sponsored activities and events that take place at locations off

school property. In addition, any act of discrimination or harassment,

outside of school-sponsored events, which can reasonably be expected

to materially and substantially disrupt the education process may be

subject to discipline.

Appropriate Language

It is expected that all members of the learning community will use

appropriate language and refrain from gestures that are profane,

lewd, vulgar, or abusive while on school property or attending

school sponsored events.

Continued on next page

Summary of the Code of Conduct (Continued)

Prohibited Student Conduct

The code contains a list of defined prohibited conduct, which

is not meant to be exhaustive. Any conduct that violates the

code, any federal or New York State statute, or any

established practice of the District may be the basis for

discipline. Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up

to and including suspension from school when they engage

in conduct that is disorderly, insubordinate, disruptive,

violent or that endangers the safety, morals and the health

and welfare of others. It is also a violation of the code of

conduct if a student engages in any form of academic

misconduct.

Conduct on School Buses

The code also governs the conduct of students on school

buses. Generally, standards of conduct that apply in the

classroom shall also apply to conduct on school buses. All

passengers are to obey the instructions of the bus driver. The

District may suspend a student’s right to ride the bus for any

conduct that distracts the driver.

Discipline

Students and any others who violate the code will be subject

to disciplinary action. District officials may use a range of

responses to student misconduct. Before disciplining a

student, District officials may issue a warning, conduct a

parent conference, or provide counseling or mediation.

Disciplinary actions may include a consequence from a

sequential discipline schedule, a school or activity

suspension, in-School Planning, a Superintendent’s Hearing,

personal liability, and police notification. Any person found

in violation of the code shall be subject to appropriate crim-

inal and/or civil penalties.

Violations

The code contains a list of defined prohibited conduct, which

is not meant to be exhaustive. Any conduct that violates the

code, any federal or New York State statute, or any

established practice of the District may be the basis for

discipline.

Due Process

Students are entitled to due process before the District imposes

any discipline. In every case, the District must inform the student

of the misconduct and investigate the facts surrounding the

misconduct. The District must allow all students to present their

version of the facts. Beyond this, the level of due process ranges

from parent notification and informal conferences to a formal

hearing pursuant to the Education Law #3214. Detailed

procedures for dealing with misconduct by special education and

disabled students are also in place.

Teacher Removal of Disruptive Students

The code authorizes classroom teachers to remove disruptive

students from classrooms when classroom management

techniques are ineffective. The code spells out the procedures

that must be followed when a teacher removes a student from

the classroom, including notice to the student and the

opportunity for parents to meet with the principal. No teacher

may remove a student with a disability from a class until the

teacher has verified with the principal or the chairperson of the

Committee on Special Education that the removal will not

violate the student’s rights under state or federal law.

Visitors

The code also applies to visitors, who are subject to the

authority of the building principal while on District premises

or at District functions. All visitors must use the main

entrance to the building and report upon arrival to the

principal’s offices at Cayuga Elementary and A. J. Smith and

the Attendance Office at the Middle/High School to sign the

visitor’s log and receive a visitor pass. The visitor’s pass

must be worn at all times while on District premises.

Review of Code

Any person wishing to review the code may do so. It is

included in the Middle School and High School Handbooks.

The code is also available on our website at www.uscsd.info.

After Prom Party Meeting

ANNOUNCEMENT

When: Tuesday, September 14, 2014

Where: High School

Time: 7:00 pm

You can also find the After Prom Party meeting dates included

in the District calendar months.

For School Closings And Other Messages From

The Superintendent

please check our website

at www.uscsd.info

Sign up for email and/or text notification by going to our

website and the QuickLink “Notification SignUp”

School closings will also be announced on local radio and TV stations.

Asbestos Management Plan

Public Notification

Notice is hereby given that the Asbestos Management Plan for the

Union Springs Central School District is available for review at the

District Office during regular working hours – Monday through Friday,

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Safety Plans

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Safe Schools Against Vi-

olence in Education Act (“Project SAVE”) requires all New York

School districts to adopt district-wide and building-level safety

plans.

The Union Springs Central School District (the “District”)

has adopted a district-wide plan and a building-level plan for each

of the district schools, as required by Project SAVE.

The following is a summary of the district-wide plan:

The district-wide plan contains policies and procedures for

responding to threats of violence or acts of violence by students,

staff and visitors; prevention and intervention strategies; policies

and procedures for contacting law enforcement officials, parent/

guardians, and emergency responders in the event of an incident;

policies and procedures regarding school building security;

protocols for responding to incidents; and strategies for

improving communication and the reporting of potential

incidents.

The following is a summary of the building-level plans:

Each building-level plan contains policies and procedures

for the safe evacuation of students, staff, and visitors in the event

of an incident; designation of an emergency response team;

designation of a post-incident response team; establishment of

internal and external emergency communications; definitions of a

chain-of-command; protocol for access to federal, state, and local

mental health resources; procedures for review of the plan and for

conducting drills; and policies and procedures for securing and

restricting access to a crime scene.

Copies of the district-wide plan are available upon request at

the office of the District Clerk.

Notice of Parental Right To Request Infor-

mation Regarding Teacher

Qualifications

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001,

you have the right to request specific information

regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s

classroom teachers. The information that may be

requested includes the following:

if the teacher has met New York State

qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels

and subject areas he or she teaches

whether the teacher is teaching under emergency

or other provisional status through which the State

qualification or licensing criteria have been waived

the teacher’s college major; whether the teacher

has any advanced degrees or certifications and, if so, the

subject area of such degrees or certifications

if your child is provided services by any

instructional paraprofessionals and, if so, their

qualifications.

Requests for information about the qualifications of

your child’s teacher(s) should be directed, in writing, to:

Superintendent’s Office

Union Springs Central School

239 Cayuga Street

Union Springs, New York

and should identify the teachers whose qualifications

you seek and the information requested from the

bulleted items above.

Access to Student Records

Under the Family Educational Rights

and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents and

students over 18 years of age have the right

to inspect and review their child’s records

or to request the amendment of records

believed to be inaccurate or misleading.

Student records are private unless the par-

ent

or student older than 18 consents to disclosure

of personally identifiable information. (FERPA

authorizes disclosure of personal information

without consent in limited circumstances, such

as criminal investigations.)

The U.S. Education Department in recently

released FERPA guidance,

states that school districts may, in their

discretion, release education records,

including disciplinary records, to

another educational institution,

including a college, where the student

seeks to enroll without obtaining

parental consent.

Public Notification

STATE MANDATED INFORMATION REGARDING INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

(Section 409-H of the State Education Law)

Dear Parent, Guardian, and School Staff:

New York State Education Law Section 409-H, effective July 1, 2001, requires all public and nonpublic

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.

The Union Springs Central School District is required to maintain a list of persons in parental relation, faculty, and

staff who wish to receive 48-hour written notification of certain pesticide applications.

The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements:

• a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72-hours following an application;

• anti-microbial products;

• nonvolatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;

• nonvolatile insecticidal baits in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;

• silica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-use pastes, foams, or gels in areas inaccessible to children;

• boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate;

• the application of EPA designated biopesticides;

• the applications of EPA designated exempt materials under 40CFR152.25;

• the use of 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.

Union Springs Central School District

Request for Pesticide Application Notification

(Please Print)

Name: Address:

Day Phone: Evening Phone: E-Mail:

In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good

faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list.

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 our pesticide representative, Mr. Larry Eaton,

Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, at 239 Cayuga St., Union Springs, NY 13160. For further information

on these requirements, you may contact Larry at 889-4122 or fax 889-4108 or email leaton@unionspringscsd.org.

Information About Possible Inclusion in a

NYS Department of Health Survey

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These

numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the

student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low. Recent changes to the New York State Education Law

require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s health examination. A sample of school

districts will be selected to take part in a survey by the New York State department of Health. If our school is selected to

be part of the survey, we will be reporting to New York State Department of Health information about our students’

weight status groups. Only summary information is sent. No names and no information about individual students are

sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report.

The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that

make it easier for children to be healthier.

If you do not wish your child’s weight status group information included as part of the Health Department’s survey

this year, please print and sign your name below and return this form to the nurse in your child’s school.

Jane Bacon, Cayuga Elementary School, 255 Wheat St., Cayuga, NY 13034

Colleen Romano, A. J. Smith School, 26 Homer St., Union Springs, NY 13160

Kathryn Blowers, USCS Middle/High school, 239 Cayuga St., Union Springs, NY 13160

*Please do not include my child’s weight status information in the 2014 –2015 School Survey.*

Print Child’s Name

Print Parent’s Name

Date

Parent’s Signature

Lions Club—Booster Club Chicken Barbecue

Saturday, September 27th, at the Trinity Church in Union Springs.

Pre-Sale Tickets are available through any Modified/Varsity athlete or can be

purchased the day of the BBQ.

Chicken will be sold from 10:00am—1pm until it is gone.

Seeking volunteers to help with this fundraiser! 5.50 Half

8.00 Whole

District and Site Based Teams

Interest Form

For more information, please see the article on

page 10 of this newsletter.

Site Based Teams

Cayuga Elem. (K-3)

A.J. Smith (4-6)

Middle School (7-8)

High School (9-12)

District Based Team

Parent

Member

Community

Member

Your Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Home Phone Work Phone or Cell

Please return to Mike Wurster @ Union Springs Middle/High School,

239 Cayuga Street, Cayuga, NY 13160.

Deadline - Friday, September 5, 2014

Jill’s Dance Co. Returns

We are happy to again be able to offer dance classes to students in grades K-12 on

Tuesdays under our Continuing Education Program. Classes will be held between 4:00 and

8:00 pm.

Jill O’Hearn, of Jill’s Dance Co., offers classes in tap and ballet to

students in grades K-12 and jazz/hiphop to students in grades 2-12. Each

class lasts a half-hour and the registration fee is $65.00 for the year. There

is an additional charge of $5.00 per class for participants who live outside

the District. All fees are nonrefundable. Classes are held at A. J. Smith

and participants are responsible for their own transportation. Classes meet

only when school is in session.

Classes will be suspended in December when so many other things

are going on.

Students need to have dance leotards, tights, and the proper shoes for

their specific classes. These items may be purchased from Jill or at any

store of your choice.

A dance demonstration will be held on Friday, April 24, in the

MS/HS auditorium.

Registration will be held on Tuesday, September 16, at A. J.

Smith between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. Exact class groupings and times will

be available at that time.

Jill is really looking forward to working with our students again this

year. If you have any questions, please call Jill at 255-4622.

All fees are due in full at the time of registration

YELLOW FLASHING LIGHTS on a school bus mean the bus is

preparing to stop and load or unload passengers. RED LIGHTS mean

that loading or unloading is taking place.

NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (1174) requires all motorists to

ALWAYS STOP FOR A SCHOOL BUS WITH RED LIGHTS

FLASHING on ALL roads, including multi-lane or divided highways,

on school grounds, in driveways or parking lots. EVERYWHERE!

Each year in the United States children are killed by motorists who pass

school buses that have stopped to load or unload passengers. Please be

careful! Obey the law and protect our children.

The cost to you:

1st Offense

$250 - $400 and/or 30 days in jail

2nd Offense

$600 - $750 and/or 180 days in jail

3rd Offense

$750 - $850 and/or 180 days in jail

Worst Case

You may check more than one box, but please indicate your

preference if you have one.

Union Springs Central

School

239 Cayuga Street

Union Springs, NY 13160

US Postage Paid

Union Springs, NY

Permit #3

Non-Profit Organization

Rural Route or Boxholder