Post on 01-Jan-2021
Loudonville Elementary
School
Family Handbook 2020-2021
Fall 2020 Dear Families,
Welcome back to school! We are so happy to be back! As you know, we concluded last school year at home with online instruction and apart from our Loudonville School family for over six months. During these unprecedented times, we ask for your patience and understanding as we work through the increasing changes and challenges associated with COVID-19. Please know, our number one priority will always be student health and safety and we want your child to love school and learning.
We share our Handbook with you, in a revised format for the 2020-2021 school year. The District’s reopening plan can be found at; https://www.northcolonie.org/about-us/north-colonie-reopening-plan/ At this time, schools will not be using shared spaces. For example, students will not travel to the Music or the Art room, cafeteria, Learning Commons, Library, or the auditorium. We are working through these limitations. Special area teachers will be visiting classrooms to work with students. We will still be holding school assemblies but they will be recorded and shared electronically with teachers to share with students in their own rooms.
Students and staff will be required to wear masks to cover their nose and face throughout the day. We have increased our sanitization stations throughout the building. Students will have their own supplies to utilize as well as their own electronic devices. We will continue to encourage healthy hygiene habits and social distancing. Our goal is to keep everyone healthy so we can remain in school! As things change, rest assured that we will keep you updated. If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to reach out to us. Sincerely, Mrs. Abbey North, Principal
Important Numbers
Loudonville School Main Office 434-1960
Mrs. Abbey North, Principal Loudonville School Fax 434-0739 Loudonville Health Office Fax 434-0656 Mrs. Denise Towne, 785-9486 District Transportation Department District Central Office 785-8591
Administration
Mr. D. Joseph Corr, Superintendent 785-8591
Ms. Kathy Skeals, Deputy Superintendent 785-8591
Mr. Casey Bardin, Director of Pupil Services 785-5511 x 3144 Mrs. Amber Manke, Assistant Director of Pupil Services 785-8591 x 3121 Mr. Matthew Stein, Director of P.E., Athletics and Health 785-5511 x 3351
Mrs. Anne Manzella, District Art Supervisor 785-5511 x 3365
Mrs. Deb Keough, District Music Supervisor 785-5511 x 3365
Mr. Brian Dineen, District Director of Teaching, 785-5511 x 3196 Learning and Innovation & Principal of Remote School
NCCS and Loudonville School www.northcolonie.org
Loudonville School continues to use web-based communication tools to keep families up to date. Important information is presented on the district website and on our school webpage. We utilize School Messenger for weekly communication as well as Twitter. Follow us on Twitter at: @LoudonvilleES. We share important messages, information about schedules/changes, as well as day to day photos of the fun we have at school! The information you need is accessible and available to you when you need it by putting it all in one easy to access location. That location is: www.northcolonie.org
Inside www.northcolonie.org
Use the District page for:
● NYS Education information ● District News Headlines ● District Wide departments,
policies, calendar, transportation
● Board of Education information
● Infinite Campus: Confidential and secure Web based access to your child’s attendance, schedules, NYS Assessments, grading information and immunizations.
Use the school page for:
● Teacher Web Sites (Check weekly)
● School News Headlines (Check weekly)
● Staff contact information ● Go Math Think Central: Print
math homework sheets, access interactive math practice tools. Go Math Think Central is the online extension of the math publisher that is part of your child’s curriculum.
● Signup Genius: Parent/Teacher Conference and Volunteer Sign Ups
● Calendar ● PTA programs, newsletter,
forms ● School building procedures ● Student/Parent Handbook ● School Lunch Menus ● Infinite Campus
Loudonville Staff Principal Mrs. Abbey North
Building Assistant Mrs. Jean Rinaldi Secretary Mrs. Maryann Pelletier Substitute Receptionist Ms. Terrie Maguire School Nurse Mrs. Deb Dopp Kindergarten Mrs. Trish Vecchione
Mrs. Julie Marion Partner Teacher: Mrs. Heather Rizzo
First Grade Ms. Bianca Stinney Miss Madison Manuel Mrs. Shannon Ostwald
Second Grade Ms. Diana Mattingly Mrs. Jennifer Edmunds Partner Teacher: Miss Erin Murray
Third Grade Mrs. Erin Yerdon Mrs. Donna Chittenden Partner Teacher: Miss Jackie Kavana
Cafeteria: Mr. Art Couser Educational Aides: Mrs. Andrea Burnham, Ms. Shirley Carter,
Mrs. Karin Elder, Mrs. Kim Kelley, Mr. Gary Czuptil
Speech and Language Mrs. Stephanie Fitzgerald Occupational Therapy Ms. Margaret D’Andrea (shared) Physical Therapy Ms. Susan Truitt (shared) Art Miss Madeline Conley (LOA)
Mrs. Kathryn Stankey Physical Education Mr. Ron Beadouin Music Miss Maria Southworth Library Ms. Jamie Holmes Special Education Teachers Miss Courtney Hilliard
Miss Melissa Frank ENL Miss Nicole Woodcock (shared) School Counselor Mrs. Sarah Conway School Social Worker Mr. Marvin Horne (shared) School Psychologist Mrs. Kathy Leavens (shared)
Custodians: Mr. Daniel Wheland, Mr. Joseph Mitola and
Mr. Rob Bowen Instructional Coaches: Ms. Kieran Ryan – E.L.A./Social Studies
and Mrs. Laura Salinetti – Math/Science Library Aide: Mr. Jeffrey Horton Noon Aides: Ms. Erika Carlo, Ms. Elizabeth Fowler, Mrs.
Rhonda Doherty, Mr. Ed Martenis
Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe!
Classroom: Always follow classroom expectations and routines.
Be Safe Be Respectful Be Responsible
● Keep your hands, feet, body and objects to yourself
● Report all unsafe behavior to an adult
● Use materials safely ● Always get adult
permission before leaving a room/area
● Wear your mask unless you are eating.
● Stay 6 feet apart from others.
● Follow directions the first time they are given.
● Speak kindly to others. ● Respect each other’s
personal space and belongings.
● Be prepared ● Do your best ● Be present ● Focus during lessons ● Use the expected voice
level
Hallway: Always follow hallway expectations and routines.
Be Safe Be Respectful Be Responsible
● Walk in line on the right side. Follow the arrows.
● Keep your hands at your sides.
● Keep your body in your own space.
● Stay with your class or buddy. ● Stay socially distanced in the
hallway. ● Wear your mask!
● No voices in the hallway
● Follow directions the first time they are given.
● Be ready before you leave the room.
● Keep your spot in line. ● Go directly to where
you need to go.
School Bus: Always follow school bus expectations and routines.
Be Safe Be Respectful Be Responsible
● Go to your assigned seat ● Wear your mask ● Stay seated in your seat ● Use a low voice level. ● Keep hands, feet, and
body to yourself. ● Keep food and drink in
your backpack. ● Pay attention when
getting on or off the bus.
● Follow directions the first time they are given.
● Speak and treat others with respect.
● Speak and act kindly. ● Respect each other’s
personal space.
● Follow all bus rules. ● Keep track of your
belongings. ● Keep the bus clean. ● Be ready when arriving
at your bus stop. ● See something, say
something to an adult.
Please note, for the 20-21 school year, students will not be allowed to ride home with friends or change transportation preferences daily. If you have opted to transport your child to school, they
will NOT be assigned a bus. If your child rides a bus and you need to pick them up from school
instead, please send in a note including your child’s name, the date, their teacher’s name, and the name and phone number of the person who will be picking them up. Thank you!
Recess: Always follow recess expectations and routines *Each pod will have a recess period daily* Students will remain with their pod*
Be Safe Be Respectful Be Responsible
● Keep your body in control.
● Use equipment as expected.
● Stay in assigned area ● Remain socially
distanced ● Masks must be worn on
the playground
● Take turns ● Show good
sportsmanship ● Include everyone ● Respond to adults
immediately.
● Report unsafe behavior or equipment to an adult.
● Dress appropriately
Allergy Awareness
Food allergies/anaphylaxis can be life threatening. The risk of accidental exposure to foods or other allergens (bee stings) can be reduced in the school setting if schools work with students, parents, and physicians to minimize risks and provide a safe educational environment for allergic students. The District is completely peanut/tree-nut free for the 2020-2021 school year. Students will be washing their hands before and after lunch and eating in their classrooms.
Attendance Students are required to attend school daily between 10 a.m. and 2:45/3:15 p.m. A written note signed by a parent, guardian, or doctor is required upon the student’s return to school. The note should include the date of the absence and the reason. If a note is not sent in, the absence will be considered illegal. (Policy No. 5100). Parents must notify the main office each day their child is absent. Please call us if you know your child will be out. Voicemail is available 24 hours a day. It is very important that we are able to account for students. When a child does not come to school and a parent has not called to report an absence, we become concerned about the safety of the child. Therefore, please call the school at 518-434-1960 or send an email to mpelletier@ncolonie.org, debrawalsh@ncolonie.org, and ddopp@ncolonie.org, to report your child’s absence or tardiness each day they are absent or tardy. If a child is absent and waiting to be seen by a doctor or waiting for results of a COVID test, assignments and school work will be posted in their Google Classroom.
Birthday Celebrations Students may not bring birthday treats to share with classmates. Birthdays are announced on the morning announcements each day and students will receive a special birthday certificate & prize presented by Mrs. North.
Breakfast and Lunch Programs You may have previously used www.K12PaymentCenter.com to access your child’s meal account, but now the website is new and improved, with more features that make it easier to manage your child’s account. If you already have an online payment account, just login with your current login credentials. All of your information will be transferred over. If you haven’t used the website before, go to www.K12PaymentCenter.com and click “Register Now” to create an account. Select North Colonie CSD from the drop-down lists of school districts, fill in your information, input your credit or debit card information and you’re ready to go! Note that you will need your child’s student ID number; simply contact us for their ID number and with any other questions you may have.
For more information, go to www.K12PaymentCenter.com or call the North Colonie CSD at 518-785-8591 ext.3141. https://www.k12paymentcenter.com/HowDoesTheProgramWork.aspx The cost of lunch is $2.95 Milk is $ .60. Students who qualify for reduced meals may have lunch free of charge. If there are questions contact the Food Service Office at 518-786-8856.
Change of Address and/or Phone # Please notify the main office as soon as possible when a change of phone number occurs. In addition, the Central Registrar needs to be notified in the event of an address change. The main office cannot make address changes. All changes to mailings are generated through the Central Registrar. That number is 785-8591 ext. 3135. The Campus Portal now allows parents to update their phone numbers and email addresses. The “Household Information” area accepts updates to household phones while the Family Members area accepts email addresses and phone numbers such as cell and work numbers for parents and guardians. Please log in to the Campus Portal today and insure your contact information is correct. Please also notify the school if there is a change in custody arrangements. We do request a copy of legally binding custody arrangements.
Emergency School Closings School closings are announced via School Messenger, the district Facebook and Twitter pages, the District website, and local TV and radio stations. Follow us on Twitter @LoudonvilleES.
Fire and Safety Drills Throughout the year we hold fire/emergency drills. The fire drills are signaled by a hall siren, while other drills are announced over the loudspeaker. We have 12 safety drills each year. Safety drills will look a bit different this year. The new procedures will be reviewed with your children.
Guidelines for Student Attire Students are encouraged to wear school spirit wear/ school shirts anytime they wish. We hope everyone will wear school shirts on Fridays throughout the year. Students are required to attend school in appropriate dress that meets health and safety standards and does not negatively impact the educational environment. This policy is intended to balance a student’s constitutional free speech with the District’s obligation to provide for a safe and healthy learning environment free of substantial disruption. It is written as Loudonville School’s application of Board of Education policy #5311.5. Provided here is clarification on what is appropriate school attire: ★ Students should be covered from shoulders to mid-thigh, except for arms. ★ Shorts and skirts must be mid-thigh length or longer. ★ No undergarments, such as boxer shorts, camisoles, or bra straps/spaghetti
straps should be visible; clothes that reveal undergarments should not be worn.
★ Head wear (except for those of a religious or cultural nature) and sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.
★ Sneakers are most appropriate footwear for school; flip flops and sandals without heel straps should not be worn to school.
★ Certain categories of clothing have been held to be impermissible by the Commissioner of Education. Impermissible clothing includes attire that: presents a risk to the health and safety of the student and/or others, creates the possibility of damage to school property, is indecent or obscene, or creates distraction that interferes with the learning and teaching process.
★ Wearing clothes that include an expression (phrase, word or words) or insignia (picture, symbol, patch or pin) that is in any of the following categories is forbidden: obscene or libelous, contains an objectionable message, offensive or harassing language, advocates prejudice towards any race, religion, culture, national origin, disability or any protected group under the Dignity for All Students Act, displays or advocates the use of alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances, advocates violence or threatening behavior.
Classroom teachers have an educational obligation to encourage appropriate dress. If necessary, the school principal/nurse may direct students to change their attire to meet these building-wide expectations. We ask for your help in promoting and communicating what constitutes appropriate clothing for a school environment.
Health Services
First aid is rendered according to procedures recommended for dealing with sudden illness or accident. The school may not diagnose or give treatment since this lies within the province of the family physician. If there is a need for the administration of medication in school, please contact the school nurse so that appropriate arrangements may be discussed with your family physician. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO CARRY MEDICATION IN THEIR POSSESSION FOR SELF-ADMINISTRATION. (Unless under specific circumstances with physician orders)
If your child requires special attention or privileges in school due to some temporary or permanent physical disability or illness, please advise the classroom teacher and the school nurse. The following is the Procedure of the North Colonie Central School District’s Health Services Department in an effort to decrease or control illness/communicable illnesses: **** Please see guidance from Our COVID coordinator regarding protocols for COVID as well as the documents below
Please take universal precautions with your children. Remind them never to share combs, hats, hair ribbons etc. Caution should be taken with sleepovers, intramurals and PE classes. If you think you may have a head lice problem, please have your child seen by their physician or health care provider and inform the Health Office at once.
Immunization Requirements: The following is a brief overview of the immunizations required prior to school entrance. These requirements and the accompanying guidelines are extracted from the New York State Education Department Regulations and Public Health Law 2164-d. ***** Please note, for remote learning, the following guidelines are in place for remote learners as well as in person learners : Per the NYSDOH School Assessment and Compliance Unit: At this time, the NYSDOH is not issuing exceptions for immunizations because of COVID-19. The Department's stance continues to be that students missing vaccine doses for any reason must comply with Public Health Law Section 2164 requirements. Children entering or attending school in New York State, including summer school and distance learning, must comply with said requirements. All children attending schools in New York State must be properly immunized as follows below (See specifics for unvaccinated children at the following website: http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2370.pdf)
•3-5 doses Diphtheria Toxoid vaccine –4 doses (if the 4th dose of DTaP was administered at age 4 years or older, then the fifth (booster) is not necessary. 3 doses if the series is started at 7 years of age or older •3-4 doses Polio vaccine (OPV and/or IPV) If 3 doses were administered before age 4 years,an additional dose should be received at age 4-6 years. For children 7 years or older who have previously received less than 3 doses, a total of 3 doses are required •2 doses MMR given no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday •2 doses First Varicella given no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday •2 doses Varicella vaccine (Chickenpox) for students in grades K-4, and 6-10, all others need one dose •3 doses Hepatitis B vaccine (with third dose given at or after 6months of age)
***The 2 dose adult Recombivax Hepatitis B series for students 11-15 years of age meets the requirements for Hepatitis B
•1 dose Tetanus toxoid containing vaccine and Pertussis vaccine (Only required for students enrolling in grades 6-12 who have not previously received a Tdap at 7 years of age or older).
•1 dose Meningococcal vaccine for students in grades 7, 8, 9 ,10 •1 dose Meningococcal (booster) vaccine for students entering 12th grade and no more than 4 days prior to
their 16th birthday ( or older ) Prior to beginning classes, an immunization record documented (or certification of having the disease) by a physician or other authorized person who administered the vaccine must be presented. Your child may be excluded from school if this documentation is not provided. The record must specify the immunizations and the exact dates of their administration. Students may be exempt from these requirements if their physician states such immunizations would be detrimental to their health. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION You are strongly urged to see that your child has a complete physical and dental examination by your family physician and dentist before entrance into school. A school health form is available for this purpose from the school nurse for your family physician. Additionally, when entering school for the first time and again in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, all students will require a physical examination. Although the form must be returned by the end of September, an examination administered not more than twelve months prior to commencement of the school year in which the examination is required, will be accepted. All students requiring a physical will also be requested to present a dental health certificate within the first 30 days of school; such dental health certificate must be signed by a duly licensed dentist who is authorized by law to practice in this state. You are encouraged to see your family pediatrician. If this is not possible, an appraisal may be completed by our school physician. Please contact the school nurse in your elementary building if you have any questions. Each year the school nurse conducts a school health appraisal consisting of the following: vision screening and hearing screening in required grade levels
based on NYSED mandates. Scoliosis screening is done on all girls in 5th and 7th grades and for boys in 9th grade. Parents will be notified ONLY when any condition meriting concern is found. If parents wish to inquire about the findings they may contact their school nurse. ***for the 2020-21 school year the school nurse screenings have been put on hold, however if you have concerns contact the nurse for individual screening.
Infinite Campus
Infinite Campus is our student/data management system. You can view your child’s progress reports and report cards as well as update family information. To access your Infinite Campus account: https://nccsic.ncolonie.org/campus/portal/northcolonie.jsp.
Parent Drop-Off and Pick-up Arrival:
● Parent drop off is from 9:45-10:00 each day. Please enter the building through the assigned entrance (1, 2, or 3). The door supervisors are at the entrances until 10 a.m. After 10 a.m. students must come to the front entrance with a parent/guardian to sign them in. Busses will begin arriving at 9:30 a.m.
All NCCS elementary schools operate on a 6-day rotation for the scheduling of special area classes. The days in the rotation are fixed (they do not change in the case of a snow day/school closing). The days in the rotation can be found on the district website/ calendar. Dismissal:
● Announcements: 2:40 p.m. ● Parent pick up: 2:45-3:05 (at assigned door 1, 2, or 3). Please remember
to socially distance yourself from others. Please wear a mask! Thank you for your patience, as we safely navigate new dismissal procedures.
Last names beginning with... Drop off & pick up door
A-H 1
I-O 2
P-Z 3
● CYC dismissal: 3:05-3:10 ● Bus dismissal: 3:15
PTA The Loudonville School PTA meets monthly. All general meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held over zoom. For information about PTA activities, visit https://loudonvillepta.membershiptoolkit.com. Although we are limited in our activities this school year, the PTA plans to offer several programs throughout the year in a safe manner. Stay tuned!
Report Cards (Gr. K-6)
Trimester 1 Trimester 2 Trimester 3
9/14-12/14
12/15-3/26
3/29- 6/25
Interims
10/27
Report cards 12/15
Interims
2/4
Report cards 3/26
Interims
5/14
Report cards
6/25
Students Rights and Responsibilities
A “Rights and Responsibilities” pamphlet is distributed to all students at the beginning of each school year. Please refer to the district website for additional and current information regarding the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). Our district is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students in every school, every year! Loudonville School Expectations: Each student in the Loudonville School community is responsible for:
1. Show respect for all people and their property. 2. Follow social distancing protocols. 3. Follow traffic arrows in the hallway. 4. Wear your mask at all times except when eating breakfast, snack, or lunch.
Students do not need to wear a mask on the playground. Students will also be provided mask breaks throughout the day as directed by their teacher.
5. Show respect for school property by maintaining classroom materials and personal learning spaces.
6. Do your best work without disturbing others. 7. Use appropriate and polite language at all times, especially when opinions
differ. Behavior: Each adult and student is expected to be responsible for his/her own behavior. These responsibilities focusing on personal safety and respect for the rights and property of others, apply in all areas of the school, the building, throughout the school grounds and on the school bus. Masks are required by everyone in the building. Social distancing protocols are in place.
Safety: Being conscious of good safety practices is especially important when entering or leaving school. Students are to walk slowly and watch where they are going. Running in the hallways is not permitted at any time. Parents and visitors will not be allowed in the building. If you are picking up your child, please come to the front main entrance and someone will greet you. Smoking, Drugs, and Weapons: Smoking is prohibited in school and on school grounds at all times. Possession and/or use of alcohol and illegal drugs is strictly forbidden. Firearms, knives, and weapons of any kind (including toys or props) are never allowed on school property. Violation of these rules will be considered a serious offense and will result in suspension from school. Personal Possessions: Personal items such as: all toys, iPods, iPads, Kindles, phones, hand-held electronic games, Pokemon cards, Bakugan cards, baseball cards, special collections, skateboards, scooters etc. should not be brought to school. These items present a significant distraction. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Possessing or using cell phones or electronic communication devices in school or on the school buses is prohibited. (See Handbook of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities P. 16) Students who violate school expectations (rules) will be subject to disciplinary action. Consequences will be appropriate to the seriousness of the offense.
Visitors
Parents/guardians/visitors are not permitted in the building at this time. If you need to pick up your child or drop something off, please come to the front main door (flag pole) and someone will greet you.
Handbook 2020-2021 Signature of Understanding
Please RETURN to your child’s teacher by September 21, 2020
My child and I understand and have read the rules and guidelines in the Loudonville Elementary School Handbook. Adhering to the rules and guidelines will help ensure that our school is a safe place to learn and play.
Please sign and return this page to your child’s teacher
I, _______________________________ have read the handbook
(parent’s name)
with my child. I, _______________________________ have read the handbook
(child’s name) with my parent.
Child’s Name: ______________________/ Teacher: __________
Date:__________Parent Signature: _____________________