Our School Policies
When Can My Child Return To School After An Illness?
- Fever - Children should not be in school until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication.
- Strep Throat – 24 hours after the start of antibiotics, temperature must be normal.
- Pink Eye – Children can return once there is no sign of infection.
- Vomiting – 24 hours after last episode
- Any Rash – All undocumented rashes are sent home. A doctor’s note is needed upon return to school.
- Chicken Pox – 6 days after appearance of rash.
- Common Cold – Although colds are not excusable, please try to be considerate of your child and the others in the class. Children who cannot pick their heads up should not be in school. Children coughing continuously should not be in school.
Cell Phones & Internet Enabled Watch Policy
Dear Families,
To create an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices, ensure the safety and focus of all students during school the school day, and follow Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all New York State schools are required to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. An "internet-enabled electronic device" is defined as an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet. Examples of such devices include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.
No student will be allowed to possess or use a cell phone during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Cell phones will be collected upon arrival.
Please refer to the P.S. 144 Parent Handbook for detailed explanation of the CELL PHONES and INTERNET ENABLED WATCH POLICY
Our goal is to create a safe environment, conducive to learning, and free of all distractions that hinder the learning process.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 718-268-2775.
Jennifer Lucadamo, Principal
Grading Policy
School-Wide Academic Grading Policy
Timeline of When Students Receive Grades
Classroom Assessments—Scores will be shared with students and parents within 1 week after submission.
Report Cards—Report cards will be completed and distributed three times a year December, March & June
Scale of Marks Awarded
Lexile Levels—Students will be given Lexile Levels. Lexile levels help identify the texts a child can read and understand.
Writing Published Pieces—Scores will be based on the HMH Writing Rubrics.
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Email, phone, or Teacher Office hour time from (2:00-2:20) everyday
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Teachers have Parent Engagement time for 55 minutes a week before or after school.
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Please reach out to the teacher to arrange a mutually agreed upon time to speak over the phone, via zoom or in person.
Releasing Children To Adults
Parents must sign their child out in the Main Office when picking up a student early from school. Children will only be released to those individuals listed on the emergency card (Student Information Card) and those individuals will be required to show their driver's license or proper identification. All individuals must be over the age of 18 if picking up a student early.
If special pick up arrangements are made with persons not listed on the card, parents must send a written note to the Main Office. All individuals must be over the age of 18 if picking up a student early.
Any pertinent custody information should be brought to the attention of the principal immediately and court documents that define custody arrangements must be on file in the school office. Please provide current custody documents as soon as possible and keep current to avoid any miscommunications.
Medication
Medical treatment is the responsibility of the parent(s) and family physician. Medication, both prescription and over the counter, should be dispensed at home, rather than at school, whenever possible. The only exceptions involve special or serious problems where it is deemed absolutely necessary by the physician that the medication is given during school hours. In order for any medication (even Tylenol, cough drops, etc.) to be dispensed at school, an Administration of Medicine form signed by both the physician and parent must be on file in the school office. Cough drops of any kind should not be given to a student to bring to school.
A new Administration of Medicine form is required each school year. Please contact the school or nurse for what forms need to be completed.
Taking Medicine at School
We offer three different levels of supervision while your child is taking medicine. Your child’s independence level will determine if (s)he can take medicine unassisted, or will need to be supervised by a trained staff member or a nurse. Consider talking to your child’s health care provider to decide which option is best for your child.
Nurse Dependent
Your child’s prescribed medicine will be given by the school nurse. The school nurse will ensure that your child’s medicine is taken correctly, as prescribed.
- This option is best for students who may not take their medicine correctly on their own. For example:
- they may not understand the medicine’s purpose or what would happen if it isn’t taken.
- they may have trouble consistently identifying their medicine, knowing how to take it (the correct route), the right dose, or when to take the medicine.
Supervised
Your child will be assisted by a trained adult. The staff member will help your child take his medicine according to the health care provider’s directions. For example, if your child asks, the staff member may help open bottles, pour liquid or assemble a nebulizer.
- This option is best for students who know how to take their medicine correctly, but still need some help taking it.
- Staff members help if the student asks, so students must be responsible enough to identify their medicine, know when and how to take it, and the correct dose.
Independent
Your child will give themselves medicine without any help. For rescue medicines, like those needed for asthma, diabetes, and allergies, your child will carry the medicine with them during the school day. This option is best for students who can consistently take their medicine correctly on their own.
If your child’s medicine is not a rescue medicine, they will go to the school health office to take it. Controlled substances must be kept in the school medical room.
