Parent Handbook
2025-2026
CHATHAM CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
MARY E. DARDESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
50 Woodbridge Avenue
Chatham, NY 12037
(518) 392-1530
Kristen Reno, Principal
John Roloson, Dean of Students
Board of Education
Dawn Friedman, President
Marianne Pierro, Vice President
Linda Collett
Matthew Fisch
Andrew Gilligan
Nikki Lundy
Steve Michalek
Student Representative: Jaiden Blair
Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Andrew Kourt
Director of Student Services - Stephanie Carbone 392-1542 x 4050
District Business Administrator- Michael Chudy 392-2400 x 4030
Director of Innovation, Curriculum & Assessment - Terry Bordell 392-2400 X 4053
MED Elementary School Principal - Kristen Reno 392-2255 x 3001
MED Elementary Dean of Students - John Roloson 392-2255 x 3036
Guidance Counselor -Renee Morgan 392-2255 x 3014
Health Office -Mary-Noelle Fabiano RN 392-2255 x 3004
The Board of Education, it’s officers and employees, shall not discriminate against any student, employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, economic status, marital status, or disability.
The Mission of the Chatham Central School District is to provide students an education that nurtures intellectual curiosity and focuses on academic and cultural foundations. Our students will graduate with the knowledge, problem-solving abilities and character needed to participate ethically, adapt, succeed and contribute in their future educational, career, and community endeavors.
2025-2026
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to Mary E. Dardess Elementary School, fondly known as M.E.D.
I am very proud of our staff, our building and facilities, and the excellent support traditionally given us by parents and the Chatham community. It is my sincere hope that the students will find our school enjoyable and educationally rewarding.
This handbook has been prepared to provide students and parents with information concerning elementary school. It should serve as a reference tool. Our school and your home are partners together in an effort to provide the best education possible for each student.
If you have any questions or feel I can be of any assistance to you, please call.
Very truly yours,
Kristen Reno
Principal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
School District Calendar - immediately following Table of Contents
Academics 1-2
AIS
Banana Splits
Child Study
Email Addresses
Homework
Physical Education
State Assessments
Attendance 3-5
Absences and Excuses
Right to Be Notified
Tardy Arrivals
Emergency Closings
Extended Student Vacations
Homebound Instruction
Attendance and Extra-Curricular Activities
Class Placement 5-6
Class Placement
Promotion and Retention of Students
Communication Home 6-7
For Your Information
Parent Conferences
Report Cards
Discipline 7
Mary E. Dardess Elementary School “Statement on Discipline”
Food Services 8
School Breakfast
School Lunches
Health Information 8-11
First Aid
Immunizations
Physical Examinations
Medications for Students
Exclusion from Physical Education
Head Lice
School Rules and Procedures 11-16
Cafeteria Rules
Concerts/Special Events Behaviors
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)/Bullying
Electronic Devices
Outdoor Recess
Picking up Students at Dismissal
Playground Rules
Riding Bicycles to School
Safety Drills
Special Education Services 16
Programs for Students with Disabilities
Transportation 17-19
Visitors 20-22
Adults in the Building
Visitation Guidelines
Visiting the School
Volunteers
Appendix I 23-24
ACADEMICS
ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES (AIS)
Our school provides services to students who have been identified as being at risk of falling below the state learning standards in English/language arts and math. Services can include additional instruction that supplements the general curriculum. Eligibility for A.I.S. is determined by performance on state assessments and/or in accordance with district assessment procedures.
BANANA SPLITS
WHAT IS BANANA SPLITS?
Banana Splits is a support group designed to give students the opportunity to share their feelings with others who have experienced similar changes in their families.
WHO ATTENDS THE PROGRAM?
Any student who has experienced the transition of parental separation, divorce, death of a parent, or remarriage of a parent may attend. The students meet in groups formed according to their age or grade level.
WHERE DOES THE GROUP MEET?
Each group meets in a private location within the Mary E. Dardess school building. Students are urged to share what happens in the group at home. However, confidentiality is stressed at all other times.
HOW DOES THE BANANA SPLITS GROUP WORK?
We usually sit around a table and work on art and game-like activities that are designed to stimulate discussion on certain topics (i.e., going to court, moving, changing schools). All discussions are led by professionals.
CHILD STUDY
The child study is an intervention team that assembles for the purpose of ensuring that a child's academic, behavioral, attendance, and/or health needs are being met in school, so she/he has a successful school experience. The team is made up of a core group of teachers and staff. Others who are directly involved with the student may also be invited to attend.
EMAIL ADDRESSES
Each student will be issued an email address for educational purposes. These email addresses are for internal use only. Students will not be able to send or receive emails outside the Chatham School District domain. The district reserves the right to monitor emails sent or received within the district system.
HOMEWORK
Homework provides an excellent opportunity for developing good study habits and for reinforcing and practicing lessons. Parents should share the responsibility for student learning by:
Providing a study area free of distractions.
Giving assistance but letting the child do the work.
Helping create a homework habit at the same time each night.
Arrangements can be made for a friend to pick up homework assignments or for a parent to pick up if the office receives a call in the morning. Assignments will be available after 12:00 noon.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
State law provides that all students receive physical education instruction. All students are required to wear sneakers for safety and performance reasons.
STATE ASSESSMENTS
Each year students in grades 3-5 are given a standardized assessment in English Language Arts and Math. In grade 5 students are given an additional assessment in Science. These assessments are given in the spring and are used to measure student performance.
ATTENDANCE
ABSENCES AND EXCUSES
Regularity of attendance and punctuality are important for children beginning with their first day in school. The earlier children learn that school is their responsibility, the more satisfactory their progress will tend to be in school.
State law requires every student to attend school on every school day unless she/he has a legal excuse. Therefore, absence, tardiness, or departure from school before the end of a school day will be excused for the following reasons:
Illness of the pupil.
Serious illness or death in the pupil’s family.
Serious, contagious, or epidemic disease in the household where the pupil resides.
Doctor or dental appointment which cannot be arranged at any other time.
Required presence in court.
Days approved for religious observance, upon prior written request of the parent or guardian.
Absences and tardiness for the reasons set forth above will be excused by the Principal upon receipt of a written, signed explanation from the parent/guardian.
As part of the attendance policy, the school will communicate with you in writing when your child has been absent 10 days and again at 15 days.
RIGHT TO BE NOTIFIED
Chapter 617, Laws of New York, 1985, mandates that every school district will inform persons in parental relationship to elementary school pupils (PreK-6) of such person's right to be notified when their child is deemed not in attendance at school. This law was passed in an effort to allow parents to search for a missing child as soon as it is realized. Please call the M.E.D. attendance line at (518) 392-2255 ext. 2 by 8:30 a.m. if you are keeping your child home from school.
TARDY ARRIVALS
Tardy arrivals at school must be recorded on the student attendance card. The school day begins at 8:00 AM. Repeated tardiness will result in intervention.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
The Superintendent may close the district schools or dismiss students and staff early when hazardous weather or other emergencies threaten the health or safety of students and personnel. If conditions affect only a single school, only that school shall be closed; if they affect only a part of a school day, schools shall be closed only that part of the day. In making the decision to close schools, the Superintendent will consider many factors, including the following principle ones that relate to the safety and health of children: weather conditions (both existing and predicted), driving, traffic, and parking conditions affecting public and private transportation facilities, actual occurrence or imminent possibility of an emergency condition that would make the operation of schools difficult or dangerous, inability of teaching personnel to report for duty which might result in inadequate supervision of students.
If our school is to be closed because of an emergency or inclement weather, the Emergency Information Line is the FIRST place emergency closings/delays are recorded, before the TV or radio announcements.
Emergency Information Line: 518-392-2400 option 1
Emergency closing/delay announcements will also be made by:
Automated Telephone Call/Text
Made to students’ primary contacts via the District’s automated notification system
Our Website
Under the “Live Feed” section of the District homepage
Television
Radio
WGY 810 AM
WGNA 107.7 FM
WFLY 92 FM
WRVE The River FM
WYJB- B95.5 FM
Winter Weather Closings
The superintendent and transportation supervisor consult multiple weather forecasts, highway departments and transportation supervisors from other districts. Members of our transportation department drive to various areas of the District to check the roads, as conditions differ greatly from one area of the district to another. The superintendents from neighboring districts confer with each other and compare information. It is after gathering all of this input that a decision is made by the superintendent. The decision to close or delay is generally made by 5:15 a.m.
Our primary consideration is whether our buses can safely transport students to and from school, considering:
Timing of the storm
Actual and forecasted temperatures
The progress of the crews working to clear the roads
Time needed to clear school roads and parking lots
Delayed Openings
The decision to delay is made when there is reason to believe that road conditions will improve over the 2- or 3-hour delay time. If conditions do not improve by 8 or 8:15 a.m. and it is still unsafe for buses to travel, the decision to close will be made and the autodialing system will call or text the student's primary contact.
Early Dismissal
In the event of inclement weather that begins while school is in session, forecasts and radar are closely monitored to determine if conditions will worsen or improve by regular student dismissal time. We try to avoid early dismissals because of the significant inconvenience to parents. However, ensuring our students get home safely is of utmost importance and will be the determining factor in a decision to dismiss early. Our autodialing system will be utilized if conditions force us to close school early
Afterschool and Evening Activities
If weather conditions force us to close schools for the day or close early, all afterschool and evening activities are canceled as well. Any exceptions will be communicated to families at that time. If school dismisses at the regular time, but conditions warrant cancellation of afterschool and/or evening activities, a decision will be made by 2:00 p.m.
Will the District switch to remote learning on snow days rather than cancel school?
We do not plan to switch to remote learning in the event of inclement weather unless we have used up all of our built-in emergency closing days for the year. Here in Chatham, we feel that snow days are a treasured childhood tradition and want our kids to be able to enjoy the winter wonderland that fresh snow brings!
EXTENDED STUDENT VACATIONS
Chatham Central School District recognizes good attendance as having a positive impact on student achievement and a positive school experience. Vacation days outside of the official school calendar are technically illegal absences and require a marking of "unexcused" on the student attendance card. If it is necessary to remove your child from school for an extended period of time, please contact your child's teacher.
HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
The Board of Education will provide, as appropriate, instruction outside of school for students who are medically unable to attend. A physician must document the anticipated length of absence, the reason, and that the child is not healthy enough to be able to participate in educational activities. Homebound instruction for elementary level students is usually provided for one hour per day or 5 hours per week, only for days that school is in session. A plan will be established to assist the student transitioning back into school, if needed.
ATTENDANCE AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Mary E. Dardess Elementary School needs your support in ensuring that students arrive at school on time. Students must be in school by 9:30 am and in attendance for at least three hours on the day of an event or school activity in order to participate. If you have any questions about the attendance status of your student, please don’t hesitate to call the main office at (518) 392-1530.
CLASS PLACEMENT
During springtime, the staff of the MED Elementary School begin to consider next year’s class placements.
Many factors go into the construction of each class. As we build the class lists, the Principal, Assistant Principal, classroom teachers, and resource personnel consider the following:
strengths and weaknesses of each child
boy/girl ratio
academic balance of the class
behavior characteristics
ability levels
social and emotional needs
maintenance of heterogeneity of classes
As a result of the need to consider all the factors listed above, parents are not able to pick the teacher of their choice for their child. However, parent input is welcomed and encouraged when a unique situation may exist.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS
Chatham makes every effort to place students in the most appropriate learning level for a successful education experience. The following guidelines govern promotion and retention:
Students who do not make satisfactory progress in one or more of the basic subjects – reading, English/language arts, mathematics, social studies and science – shall have their cases considered on an individual basis and may be retained. A decision to retain a student shall be arrived at after conferencing with the teacher, psychologist, Principal and academic support teachers. Factors to be considered include teacher(s) recommendations, classroom achievement and attitude, standardized test scores if applicable, social, emotional and physical development. Final authority for grade placement rests with the Principal.
COMMUNICATION HOME
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
The following is a summary of various kinds of communication we use:
Open House - an evening in which parents are invited to come to school to meet our teachers, usually held in the early fall.
Parent-Teacher Conferences - scheduled by teachers at mutually agreeable times, generally in December and March. However, if a problem exists, a conference may be held any time during the year.
Parent Portal – an internet based program which allows you to electronically access some of your student’s educational records, including schedules, attendance and personal information your family has on record with the school district to ensure that the district has the most current information available.
While these are our major forms of communication with parents, we urge
parents to call and arrange a conference at any time during the year.
PARENT CONFERENCE
Good communication between home and school is an important factor in establishing a highly effective school program. Planned conferencing between parents and teachers is an important way to bring about understanding and close cooperation between the home and school. Close communication should be maintained through conferences with all parents, not just with those for whom the child's academic or other problems suggest the need for communication.
The school Principal is responsible for encouraging cooperation of teachers and parents in helping to meet the educational needs of pupils. Parent-teacher conferences, parent-student-teacher conferences, and parent-Principal conferences are encouraged methods. These conferences provide opportunities for open communication regarding administrative procedures, instructional programs, goals and objectives, and pertinent information regarding pupil progress.
Every effort should be made by parents and teachers to find mutually agreeable meeting times.
REPORT CARDS
The MED reports student progress on a trimester basis. All parents will be invited to meet with teachers to discuss progress at the parent conference. Report cards are accessible using our Parent Portal program.
DISCIPLINE
Mary E. Dardess Elementary School
Statement on Discipline
The following statement of discipline reflects the beliefs and philosophy of the M.E.D. elementary school:
Every child is an individual and every situation has its own uniqueness. Appropriate behavior in elementary school is essential for learning and living in our school. We strive for student conduct that is self-directed. Our intent is to be flexible to best meet the needs of the child, the staff and the school. There are occasions when disciplinary action should be imposed to correct behavior and protect the rights of others.
FOOD SERVICES
SCHOOL BREAKFAST
The school breakfast and lunch menu is printed and sent home monthly. The menu is available on the district website as well. Children may enter the building at 7:40 for the purpose of picking up breakfast. Breakfast will be served from 7:40 – 8:00 each morning.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
Hot lunches are served daily with alternate lunches of salads and sandwiches. Students have the option of bringing their own lunches from home.
We are pleased to inform you that all Chatham CSD schools will be implementing a meal certification option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2025-2026 school year.
All students enrolled at Mary E Dardess Elementary School, Chatham Middle School and Chatham High School are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each day of the 2025-2026 school year. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit an application.
HEALTH INFORMATION
FIRST AID
The school is responsible for giving first aid or emergency treatment only in case of sudden illness or injury to a pupil or a member of the staff. Further medical attention in the case of a student is the responsibility of the parent or guardian, or the person designated for emergencies.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Prior to entering school, children must be fully immunized or in the process of completing immunization schedules following the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Guidelines. Documentation of immunization is required within 14 days of starting school. Please visit New York State Immunization Requirements for a complete list of immunization requirements,
Religious exemptions are no longer permitted per NYS Law 2167. Only medical exemptions will be accepted and must be documented by a licensed healthcare provider annually.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
As of July 1, 2018 New York State law requires that public school students must have a health examination when:
They enter school as a new entrant (regardless of grade)
They enter Pre-K, Kindergarten and grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11.
A copy of the health exam must be provided to the school within 30 days from when your child first starts at the school as a new entrant and when your child starts Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11th grades
If a copy is not given to the school within 30 days the school will contact you. If your child has an appointment for an exam during this school year that is after the first 30 days of school, please notify your school’s health office with the date.
The examination must be completed by a New York State licensed physician, physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner OR by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner who is licensed in a boarding state and must be documented on the New York State approved form. Physicals not documented on the NYS approved form will not be accepted.
MEDICATIONS FOR STUDENTS
The following guidelines ensure that all medications are managed safely at school:
New York State has specific requirements that must be met regarding the administration of medication in the school setting. Parents of students needing to take medication during school hours (including both prescription and over the counter medications), should contact the Health Office of your child’s school for physical/parent consent forms or visit the link on our District website.
Parents must provide:
A written physician's order and signed parental consent for administration of medicine. The Authorization of Medication” form is available on the District website, under the “Health Services” tab for your convenience.
All medications must be brought to school in the original labeled prescription or over the counter container.
All medication must be delivered to the health office by an adult. It will be kept in a locked cabinet or if necessary, refrigerated and dispensed as ordered by authorized personnel.
Students are not permitted to self carry medications unless they meet the requirements and their physician signs consent: The Medication Self Carry Permission form is available on the District website, under the “Health Services” tab.
All unused medication must be picked up by the last day of school or will be disposed of per NYS law.
All medication orders must be renewed annually
EXCLUSION FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION
If there is a need for an alteration in physical education activities for your child due to an illness or accident lasting more than 1-2 days, a note from his/her physician is required. If the time limit of the exclusion is not specified on the original note, a new note from the physician clearing your child to resume activity is required for them to be allowed to resume PE or other activities.
For a brief illness or injury (1-2 days) a parent note is acceptable.
HEAD LICE
Head lice are a common health problem and most infestations occur among children ages 3-11. The school nurse will contact parents if a student appears to be infected. We recognize the difficult and time consuming treatment this problem requires and urge parents to contact the school nurse if live lice are found at home and to get advice from their family doctor about proper treatment for all household members. Students must be treated at home and will be reevaluated by the nurse upon return to school. To lessen the likelihood of head lice, children should be taught not to share hats, scarves, combs, brushes or other personal items that could transfer lice from one head to another.
SCHOOL RULES AND PROCEDURES
CONCERTS/SPECIAL EVENTS BEHAVIORS
Fourth and Fifth graders have the opportunity to participate in band, chorus and orchestra. They perform several times a year and are hard workers who enjoy the performing arts.
In order to show appreciation for the work they have done, please enter the performing area in-between selections if you arrive late and respect the performers by remaining silent while they perform.
DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT (DASA)/BULLYING
Bullying of a student by another student is strictly prohibited on school property, school buildings, on school buses, and at school sponsored events/or activities whether occurring on or off campus. The term “bullying” is understood to be a hostile activity which harms or induces fear through the threat of further aggression and/or creates terror. It often involves a differential in real or perceived power between the victim and perpetrator. The term bullying describes a range of harmful behaviors such as harassment, hazing, intimidation or discrimination. Conflict and confrontation often do not rise to the level of bullying or harassment, but their positive transformation or resolution will be sought through the District’s Code of Conduct and/or the character education programs. Bullying can take three forms:
Physical (including, but not limited to, hitting, spitting, pushing, taking personal belongings);
Verbal (including, but not limited to, taunting, teasing, name calling, making threats); and
Psychological (including, but not limited to spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, or engaging in social exclusion, extortion, or intimidation).
Bullying may also occur as various forms of harassment and or hazing of students by other students (including pledging and/or a student’s initiation into or affiliation with a school or student related organization or team).
The harassment behavior may be based on any characteristic, including, but not limited to a person’s actual or perceived:
race
color
weight
national origin
ethnic group
socio-economic background
religion
religious practice
disability
sex
sexual orientation
gender (including gender identity and expression)
The district also prohibits “internet bullying” (also referred to as “cyberbullying”) including the use of instant messaging, emails, web sites, chat rooms, and text messaging when such use interferes with the operation of the school; or infringes upon the general safety and welfare of others.
However, it is important to note that a single negative as enumerated above may also constitute “bullying” (if not more misconduct) based upon the particular circumstances such as seriousness of the act and/or the intent of the actor.
Any student who believes that he/she is being subjected to bullying behavior, as well as any other person who has knowledge of or witnesses any possible occurrence of bullying, shall report the bullying to any staff member or the building principal. The staff member/building principal to whom the report is made (or the staff member/building principal who witnesses bullying behavior) shall investigate the complaint and take appropriate action to include, as necessary, referral to the next level of supervisory authority and/or other official designated by the District to investigate allegations of bullying. Investigation of allegations of bullying shall follow the procedures utilized for complaints of harassment within the district. Allegations of bullying shall be promptly investigated and will be treated as confidential and private to the extent possible within legal constraints.
Retaliatory behavior directed against complaints, victims, witnesses, and/or any other individuals who participate in the investigation of allegations of bullying is prohibited. Follow-up inquiries and/or appropriate monitoring of the alleged bully and victim shall be made to ensure that bullying behavior has not resumed and that all those involved in the investigation of allegations of bullying have not suffered retaliation.
DASA information and reporting procedures including a “Bullying Reporting Form” can be found on the District Website under the Bully Prevention link.
Concerns about bullying at M.E.D. can be addressed to our building Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Coordinator:
Renee Morgan
(518)392-2255 x 3014
morganr@chatham.k12.ny.us
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students may bring personal electronic devices subject to the following rules:
Students are forbidden to use their personal electronic devices to harass, intimidate, discriminate, tease or threaten others. Cyberbullying is in violation of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). DASA legally requires schools to investigate and respond to bullying incidents that occur in or out of school, which negatively affect the learning environment.
Students who access the internet through a personal data plan or other means while in school or at a school event must follow the guidelines for Internet use as outlined in the Internet Use policy.
Under no circumstances may students use personal electronic devices to record, take photos, videos or audio-recordings of others with the intent to embarrass, harass, intimidate, discriminate, tease or threaten others. During the school day, students may not record others without their explicit permission.
Students who violate the electronic use policy will be subject to disciplinary procedures and consequences.
Students are responsible for their own devices. M.E.D. is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged electronics.
Children are permitted to use the telephone for emergencies. After school play dates are not considered emergencies and should be made before arriving at school. During the school day, students are required to put their devices away. Communication to/from students during the day via cell phones is distracting and prohibited.
OUTDOOR RECESS
Recess will be held outside everyday unless it is raining or the temperature, with the wind chill, dips below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important that children dress appropriately for the weather. There is no provision for a teacher to keep a child inside. Should your child be too sick to go outside for fresh air, please keep him/her at home.
DISMISSAL
In order to ensure student safety, parents/guardians are to submit a list of individuals who are authorized to obtain the release of their children from school. No student may be released to the custody of any individual who is not the parent/guardian of the student unless the individual’s name appears on the list. In the event of an emergency, and the discretion of the Principal, other arrangements may be made. All adults are expected to provide identification when asked.
A parent/guardian may amend the list submitted pursuant to this regulation at any time. Certified copies of any court orders or divorce decrees provided by the custodial parent, which restrict the ability of any person(s) to seek the release of his/her child, shall be maintained in the M.E.D. main office.
Dismissal Times:
2:05 - Parents can start signing out children at the PE doors
2:15 - Our school day ends
2:15 - Pick-ups
2:25 - Walkers, Chatham Kids Club and Bussers
Additional information:
Please be advised that, unless a note or email is provided ahead of time, only those adults with proper ID whom you’ve added to your child’s authorized pick-up list will be allowed to pick up your child/children.
*You may view your child’s authorized pick up list via the parent portal.
Dismissal Changes:
Please notify the office as soon as possible if you wish to make changes to your child’s dismissal plan. All last minute changes need to be emailed before 1:00 pm. If the office, teacher and other MED staff who assist with dismissal are kept informed of these changes, we can reassure your child that they are following the dismissal plan that you chose. Please remind your child to give all notes from home to their teachers.
All dismissal changes must be emailed to Elaine Van Alstyne at vanalstynee@chatham.k12.ny.us or a note sent in with your child.
PLAYGROUND RULES
Here are some basic playground use rules. (Developed by M.E.D. students)
Treat others as you want to be treated.
No snowballs, tackling or throwing sand or stones.
Line up quickly when you hear the whistle blow.
Take turns.
Stay in assigned areas.
Avoid stray animals.
Obey adults on duty.
Keep your hands to yourself.
Tell the adult on duty you need to go to the bathroom and tell when you return to the playground.
Report any injury to the adult on duty.
Stay away from the fence.
Enter the classroom only when the teacher is there.
SAFETY DRILLS
We practice various kinds of drills during the school year including lockdown drills, evacuation drills and school bus safety drills. Students are expected to cooperate according to the directions given by staff members.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities are entitled to receive, at public expense, special education related services and/or supplementary aid and services as necessary to ensure a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, appropriate to meet their individual needs.
Each student identified as having a disability will have access to the full range of programs and services of the District, including extracurricular programs and activities, which are available to all other students enrolled in the public schools of the District.
Parents/guardians and students who desire further information on these programs and services should contact the Committee on Special Education Office at (518) 392-1542.
TRANSPORTATION
Parents Play Important Role In School Bus Safety1
To have an effective safety program, safety awareness must begin at home.
Each year from September to June, hundreds of thousands of school vehicles travel the nation's highways and byways. They cover millions of miles daily, transporting students to and from school. (Chatham Central School District transports approximately 1,300 students almost half a million miles last year.) The areas may differ but the goal in every case is the same: to accomplish this task safely.
Much has been written concerning the manufacture of vehicles, training of drivers, planning of routes etc., but an often untapped resource - and a critical one in terms of the success in the ever-improving implementation of safety - is the parents and guardians of the passengers.
School bus drivers have their hands full. They must operate the bus safely in traffic with as many as 60 or more students behind them. There is only a minimum amount of time for drivers to participate in bus safety instruction.
Safety-awareness must begin and be consistently reinforced at home.The following points are suggested to parents:
Stress the importance of remaining seated and reasonably quiet while the bus is in motion. This may sound elementary; but any parent who has traveled in a car with several rambunctious youngsters knows how distracting and unsafe it can be to have them yelling and jumping around.
Provide young children with a school bag and remind them to use it to carry all their papers. Loose papers are a serious hazard. It is easy for a child to drop one. The paper may then blow in front of or under the bus. A distracted driver may not see a little child run to retrieve his or her treasure, resulting in a horrible tragedy.
Train your children not to automatically expect traffic to stop for the red overhead flashers of the bus. Deaths and injuries result all too often when motorists either don't see or deliberately ignore these warning lights and fail to stop. Children should always look before crossing.
Try to find an established time - not too early and not too late - to have your children leave home for AM pick-up. Remember, children should be at the bus stop before the established pickup time. If there is a question about the scheduled pickup time, ask the driver.
There is no requirement in law that entitles children to door-to-door transportation. (18 EDR 412, 19 EDR 583) It is also not possible for all children to travel equal distances to and from the designated bus stops. A natural consequence of safe, efficient, and economical routing of school buses is that some children will travel greater distances than others in traveling to and from bus stops (18 EDR 412). The safety of children in traveling to and from bus stops is the responsibility of the parents, just as it is for those children who do not qualify for transportation from home to school (19 EDR 59, 22 EDR 405).2
1Public Safety Article extracted from School Bus Fleet Magazine
2New York State Education Department rulings extracted from The Pupil Transportation Safety Institute guide “Safe Routes – Safe Stops”
Escort kindergartners and other young children riding the school bus to ensure that they arrive and depart the bus stop safely. (Chatham Central School District bus drivers will not discharge a kindergartner unless a parent or guardian is visibly present at the bus stop.)
Have your children properly dressed for bad-weather days. Vehicles are often delayed on such days. Boots, raincoats, warm clothes, etc., will help prevent illness. On the other hand, properly dressed children survive quite nicely in the rain and snow. They do NOT need to be personally driven to school or kept inside until the bus arrives. Over-protectiveness in this area increases traffic hazards, especially on the school grounds and at the bus stop, causing further delays and accidents.
Warn children that all motorists, including buses, have reduced visibility in certain kinds of weather making extra caution as a pedestrian necessary.
Students of all ages at a bus stop should always wait at the established bus stop in an orderly manner, in an area away from traffic and clearly visible to the approaching bus driver. Children should wait until the school bus is fully stopped and the driver directs the student to board. Pushing and shoving toward a moving bus can have tragic results. Another means of contending with this problem is for the school district to have an assigned seating procedure. (Many of Chatham Central School District bus drivers have an assigned seat policy. Bus drivers are authorized to assign seats as they see fit to ensure order and safety on the bus.) Knowing a specific seat is waiting can reduce a child's urge to board too quickly.
Discuss the safety hazards involved in throwing anything inside the bus or out of the bus window.
Make sure your children know their name, address and phone number. Write it down on a 3″ x 5″ card and pin it to young children’s clothing for the first few days of school. Later place the card inside their school bag. If children become confused, it will be much easier for the driver or teacher to determine where he or she should be dropped off if the information is readily available.
Explain to your children that a bus route covers quite a bit of territory in many cases. Young children often are under the impression that the bus goes only from their stop to the school and back again. They can become very upset to find themselves traveling through unfamiliar areas.
Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures and discuss them with your children. Knowing what to do in an emergency or breakdown is crucial to everyone.
If a designated parent or guardian is not present to receive a kindergarten student, the bus driver will return the child to the district for a parent to pick up. Elementary school children will not be dropped off at unauthorized stops and will not be released to a person at a bus stop unless that person is designated in writing by the parent or guardian.
Bus Rules for Student Behavior
Students shall arrive at the bus stop before the scheduled bus pickup time. The District’s intent is that children are waiting at the bus stop when the bus arrives, so that the bus is not delayed.
Students shall wait in a safe place, clear of traffic and, where possible, at least fifteen feet from the edge of the road.
Students shall wait in an orderly manner and avoid horseplay or disruptive behavior.
Students shall cross the road or street in front of the school bus only after the bus has come to a complete stop and upon direction of the driver.
Students shall go directly to an available or assigned seat as applicable when entering the bus.
Students will not change seats while the bus is in motion.
Students shall not occupy a position in the school bus that interferes with the driver's operation of the bus or the vision of the driver to the front, sides, or through the mirror to the rear.
Students shall remain seated, facing forward and keep aisles and exits clear.
Students shall observe classroom conduct, be courteous and obey all directions from the driver promptly and respectfully.
Students shall refrain from throwing or passing objects on, from or into buses.
Students are permitted to carry only objects that can be held on his or her lap.
Students shall refrain from the use of profane, inappropriate or disrespectful language.
Students shall refrain from eating and drinking on the bus.
Students shall not carry hazardous materials, nuisance items, or animals onto the bus.
Students shall respect the rights and safety of others.
Students desiring to board or leave a bus at other than their assigned bus stop must have a signed note, approved by their school administration.
Students shall not extend their head, arms, or other objects out of the bus windows.
Students will not drop trash on the bus and will keep the bus clean.
Students shall not use tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any other controlled substance on the bus.
The bus driver is authorized to assign seats, whenever he/she deems necessary for the safety and well being of the students on the bus.
Students riding on large buses are encouraged to use seatbelts. Students riding on buses with a capacity of nineteen or less, are required, by law, to wear seat belts.
Students shall avoid shouting and other excessive noise that may distract the driver.
Students shall not use cell phones or electronic ear pieces while loading and disembarking school buses.
VISITORS
ADULTS IN THE BUILDING
Adults are in the building by invitation (attending a meeting or event) or by design (volunteering in a classroom.).
Should a parent wish to visit a room, the teacher needs to have prior knowledge of the visit to determine how to disrupt classroom routine in the least possible way.
VISITATION GUIDELINES
Our school has many opportunities for families, friends and neighbors to come and visit. However some activities are for students only and have limitations placed upon them due to space/occupancy concerns and other considerations. We are unable to accommodate visiting children or friends unless they will be staying long enough to be enrolled in the school. Birthday celebrations, for example, are generally held for the classroom children only.
VISITING THE SCHOOL
In order for us to safeguard your children, it is necessary for you to sign your child out with our front door attendant inside the vestibule when picking him/her up early. If you are picking up your child(ren) early for an appointment, we will not call your child down to be dismissed until he/she has been signed out. Please factor this additional time into your appointment plan.
All parents and/or visitors to the building must provide a photo i.d. and receive a visitor badge at the front door and indicate their destination. This practice enables us to keep track of visitors and helps eliminate unnecessary or unplanned interruptions of your child's class and the teacher's lessons as well as ensure the safety of all students.
If there are to be changes in your child's regular routine, such as: being picked up early, someone else picking up, doctor or dental appointments, etc. please send a written note with your child or send an email to vanalstynee@chatham.k12.ny.us
As a visitor to our school, your behavior must conform to our district’s adopted Code of Conduct.
Our staff wants to discourage older siblings leaving their own classrooms and school for MED events so they can remain involved in their own learning. They have had the opportunities to experience these events when they were students at MED.
As always, the faculty, staff, administration and parents are committed to ensuring that all MED students are safe and engaged in a multitude of activities, events and programs that foster diverse educational and social experiences. Certain events, programs and activities as outlined above are only open to MED students or their immediate family members, while other events, programs and activities are open to the community as a whole. Your cooperation, support and understanding are greatly appreciated by all stakeholders at MED. We value your participation in your child’s education and look forward to your continued support to ensure MED continues to be the outstanding school it is because of that commitment and support. Thank you for your efforts.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please feel free to contact the class teacher or the Principal at 392-1530.
PLEASE NOTE: Tobacco usage is not permitted at any time in the building or on school grounds. This applies to all school activities as well as after school events.
VOLUNTEERS
We welcome parents and other individuals to serve as volunteers in our program. Volunteers can aid the school, working under the direction of the teacher, by:
Assisting children while the teacher instructs a small group or an individual.
Listening to a child read.
Helping a child complete a teacher-prepared assignment.
Reading to children.
Sharing an expertise.
Qualifications for volunteering include:
Being dependable and prompt.
Having an interest in children and an ability to relate to them in a positive way.
Being respectful of the confidential nature of the job.
All volunteers are required to sign a confidentiality guideline before going into a classroom. If a volunteer does not work well in the building, we reserve the right to discontinue the relationship.
Appendix I
HIV/AIDS Policy 7516
The Board of Education recognizes the public concern over the health issues surrounding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The Board recognizes, based upon the current state of medical knowledge, that the virus associated with AIDS is not easily transmitted by casual social contact.
The Board further recognizes the privacy rights of students diagnosed with HIV infection or AIDS and their right to a free appropriate public education; the rights of HIV infected employees to privacy and reasonable accommodations; the rights of all non-infected individuals to a safe environment free of any significant risks to their health; and the rights of all students to instruction regarding the nature, transmission, prevention, and treatment of HIV infection, pursuant to the Commissioner’s Regulation, Part 135.3.
No individual shall be denied access to any program or activity sponsored by or conducted on the grounds of the district, solely on the basis of his/her status as an HIV-infected individual.
Students
It is the policy of the Board that:
1. A student’s education shall not be interrupted or curtailed solely on the basis of his/her HIV status. HIV-infected students shall be afforded the same rights, privileges, and services available to every other student.
2. No student shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education solely on the basis of his/her HIV status. A student who is infected with HIV shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) only when the student’s disability interferes with his/her ability to benefit from instruction. Such referral shall be made in accordance with Part 200 of Commissioner’s Regulations.
3. If a student who is HIV-infected requires special accommodations to enable him/her to continue to attend school, the student shall be referred to the appropriate multi-disciplinary team as required by §504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
4. No disclosure of HIV related information involving a student shall be made without first obtaining the informed consent of the parent, guardian or student on the Department of Health (DOH) approved form. (See the generic Department of Health Authorization of Release of Confidential HIV Related Information.)
Employees
It is the policy of the Board that:
1. No employees shall be prevented from continuing in his/her employment solely on the basis of his/her HIV status; such employees are entitled to all rights, privileges, and services accorded to other employees and shall be entitled to reasonable accommodations to the extent that such accommodations enable such individuals to perform their duties.
2. No disciplinary action or other adverse action shall be taken against any employee solely on the basis of his/her status as an HIV infected or a person with AIDS. Such action will only be taken where, even with the provision of reasonable accommodations, the individual is unable to perform his/her duties.
3. All employees shall have access to the district’s exposure control plan as required by the federal Office of Safety and Health Association (OSHA).
4. In accordance with OSHA regulations, training in universal precautions and infection control shall be offered to all employees and shall be provided to every employee with potential occupational exposure.
Confidentiality
• Any information obtained regarding the HIV status of an individual connected to the school shall not be released to third parties, except to those persons who are:
1. named on an Authorization for Release of Confidential HIV Related Information form;
2. named in a special HIV court order; or
3. as indicated in Public Health Law §2782, when necessary to provide health care to the individual (i.e., to the school physician and the school nurse).
• Any employee who breaches the confidentiality of a person who is HIV infected shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable law and/or collective bargaining agreement.
• To protect the confidentiality of an HIV infected individual, any documents identifying the HIV status of such individuals shall be maintained by the school nurse (or another authorized individual) in a secure file, separate from the individual’s regular file. Access to such a file shall be granted only to those persons named on the Department of Health approved Authorization for Release of Confidential HIV Related Information form, or through a special HIV court order. When information is disclosed, a statement prohibiting further redisclosure, except when in compliance with the law, must accompany the disclosure.
HIV/AIDS Testing
No school official shall require a student or employee to undergo an HIV antibody test or other HIV-related test. In accordance with OSHA regulations in the event of an incident involving the exposure of one individual to a potentially infectious body fluids of another individual, particularly blood or any other fluid which contains visible blood, an HIV test may be requested but NOT required. The request and refusal must be documented.
However, school officials shall not be precluded from requiring a student or employee to undergo a physical examination pursuant to Education Law §§903 and 913, when other illness is suspected (e.g., tuberculosis), as long as no HIV antibody test or other HIV-related test is administered without the individual’s informed consent as required by Public Health Law §27-F.
To implement this policy, the Superintendent of Schools is directed to arrange for staff training, to distribute copies of this policy to all employees of the district, and to include it in the district’s student handbook, and to establish an advisory council to make recommendations on the development, implementation, and evaluation of HIV/AIDS instruction as a part of comprehensive health education.
Cross-ref: 4315.1, AIDS Instruction
5420, Student Health Services
Ref: 29 USC §§794 et seq. (Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
20 USC §§1400 et seq. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
42 U.S.C. §12132, et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act)
34 CFR Part 104
29 CFR Part 1910.1030
Executive Law §296 (Human Rights Law)
Education Law §§903; 913
Public Health Law, Article 27-F
8 NYCRR §§29.1(g); l35.3; 136.3
An Implementation Package for HIV/AIDS Policy in New York State School Districts, NYS HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Program, June 17, 1998
Adoption date: February 29, 2000