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 Phone Policy

Dear Families,

Cell phones/Electronic Devices have become a way of life, a technological convenience that has impacted all of our lives in one way or another. However, in the school environment, cell phones have become a distraction, interruption, and a method of illegal exchange of information. The ringing of the cell phone during class or the text-messaging takes away from the valuable time needed for instruction and most importantly, student learning. We do recognize that cell phones/Electronic Devices can be a safety/security tool; however, they can be a detriment in the event of a building emergency and our protocol to manage such emergencies in a safe and effective manner.

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 must be off and secured in the students’ bookbag. Of course, the best security for the cell phone/electronic device is to leave it home.

If a student is found to be in possession or use of a cell phone, the phone will be confiscated, placed in a labeled envelope, and delivered to the office.

The consequences will be as follows:
1st Time

  • Cell phone held in office until the end of the day.
  • Student will sign for the cell phone at the end of the day in the office.

2nd Time

  • Cell phone held in office until a parent or guardian signs for the cell phone in the office.

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 

  1. 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

  1. Scale of Marks Awarded

Reading Running Records—Scale of 1-4 based on Teachers College Reading and Writing Program reading benchmark levels (see attached).

Writing Published Pieces—Scale of 1-4 based on Teachers College Reading and Writing Project writing rubrics

Envisions Chapter Tests and other formal tests:

                  95% or Above = Level 4 or an ME

                  75% - 94% = Level 3 or an MT

                  65% - 74% = Level 2 or an MP

                  64% or Below = Level 1 is either a N (replaces failing grades/Needs Improvement) or NL (insufficient work). 

**According to Citywide Academic Policy only scores of MT and ME are considered passing.

Percentage Breakdown—Students will receive grades based on the following breakdown:

                  50% Assignments

                  20% Test Scores/Formal Assessments

                  30% Participation

  •                  Implementation

The Grading Policy applies to all teachers in Grades K-5.

Opportunities for Teachers to discuss student progress with families:

  • Comments on rubrics and tests
  • Email, phone, or Teacher Office hour time from (2:00-2:20) everyday
  • November and March parent-teacher conferences
  1. Other Considerations

Promotion Decisions:  Will be made following Chancellor’s Regulation A-501

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.

DOE Medical Forms 

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.