Otsego Elementary School Faculty Handbook - Half Hollow Hills

Otsego
Elementary School
Faculty Handbook
Sharon Stepankewich, Principal
Stacey Bernstein, Assistant Principal

INTRODUCTION
The Otsego Faculty Handbook is a “work in progress.” Its purpose is to
communicate building and district procedures and offer helpful ways to
enhance your classroom management skills and teaching practice. It is
intended to be an informational resource to use throughout the year.
As our daily routines and responsibilities become more clearly defined, you
will be receiving “inserts” to add to your binder. This handbook will answer
many of your questions and provide you with the necessary materials to
make your work day smoother.
The literature was selected to keep you informed as to the latest trends in
education. The articles present numerous educational philosophies and
current research. In addition, different strategies and techniques that
maximize student learning are offered.
Your feedback and/or suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated.
We hope you find the book to be a valuable resource in your classroom.
Happy reading!
Sharon & Stacey

INTRODUCTION
The Otsego Faculty Handbook is a “work in progress.” Its purpose is to
communicate building and district procedures and offer helpful ways to
enhance your classroom management skills and teaching practice. It is
intended to be an informational resource to use throughout the year.
As our daily routines and responsibilities become more clearly defined, you
will be receiving “inserts” to add to your binder. This handbook will answer
many of your questions and provide you with the necessary materials to
make your work day smoother.
The literature was selected to keep you informed as to the latest trends in
education. The articles present numerous educational philosophies and
current research. In addition, different strategies and techniques that
maximize student learning are offered.
Your feedback and/or suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated.
We hope you find the book to be a valuable resource in your classroom.
Happy reading!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
• District Administration
• Calendar
• Important Dates
Information
• Accidents
• Agenda/Calendar
o Calendar Event Add/Delete Form
• Attendance
• Building Representatives
• Bus Duty
o Bus Duty Assignments
• Characteristics of a Distinguished District
• Classroom Visitations
o Classroom Visitation Information Sheet
o Classroom Visitor List
• Cleanliness
• Copy Room Guidelines
o Copy Request Form
• Crisis Response
• Dismissal Procedures
• Dismissal of Students to Parents
o Student Release Authorization Form
• Emergency Contact Information
• Emergency Early Dismissal
• Evacuation Plan
• Extra Curricular Positions
• Extra Help
o AM Extra Help Form
o PM Extra Help Form
o Extra Help Log (to be kept in plan book)
o AM Extra Help Request Letter to Parents
o PM Extra Help Request Letter to Parents
• Faculty Meetings
• Field Trips
o Field Trip Permission Slip
• Fire Inspections and Fire Drills
• Forgotten Items
• Grade Level Meetings
• Homework
• Instructional Support Team (IST)
o IST Referral Form

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
• Internet Usage
o Internet Use Agreement
• Liaison Positions
• Master Schedule
• Meet the Teacher Night
• Notes, Letters, Flyers to Parents
• Parental Release of Information and Pictures
o Photo Release
• Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Payroll Schedule
• Plan Books
• PTA
• Religious Observation
• Report Card Guidelines
• Safety Issues
• Shelter Plan
• Staff Directory
• Student Discipline
• Sunshine Committee
• Supervision of Children
• Teacher Absences
• Teacher Evaluation Process
• Telephones
• Videos
o Video Request Form
Policies:
• Allergy Policy
o Parent Letter Samples
o Authorization for Medication Form Sample
o Consent to Release Personal Information to Class Sample
o Emergency Health Care Form Sample
o Reminder – No Home Baked Goods Notice
• Attendance Policy
• Harassment Policies
o Hazing
• What Can I Do if I am Being Bullied
• Myth or Fact Worksheet
o Sexual Harassment Policy
• Videotape Policy
New York State Learning Standards
Educational Articles
Teacher Notes

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Board of Education:
Jay Marcucci, Acting President
Jeanine Bottenus
Carole Catapano
Frank Grimaldi
James Ptucha
Ann Marie Sorkin
Central Administration:
Dr. Sheldon Karnilow, Superintendent
Michael DeStio, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education
Kelly Fallon, Assistant Superintendent for Districtwide Administration
Dr. Patrick Harrigan, Assistant Superintendent for Research, Assessment, Special Services
Victor Manuel, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Facilities
Mary Rettaliata, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
Corinne Carriero, Director of Instructional Computing/Business
Linda Esposito, Director of Mathematics
John O’Farrell, Director of Science
Dr. Jeffrey Morris, Director of Social Studies
Joseph Pennacchio, Director of Athletics
Salvatore Randazzo, Director of Music and Fine Arts
Patrick Murphy, Director of Health/Physical Education
Francesco Fratto, Coordinator of Foreign Languages/ESL
Love Karima Foy, Coordinator of Language Arts/Reading 6-12
Rochelle DeMuccio, Coordinator of Language Arts/Reading K-5
Ellen Robertson, Coordinator of Instructional Computing/Family & Consumer Science
Sherri Keller, Coordinator of Pre-School Special Ed./Related Services
Brenda Friedland, Coordinator of Elementary Special Education
Daniel Helmes, Coordinator of Middle School Special Education
Michelle Melfi, Coordinator of High School Special Education
Steve Troy, Supervisor of Transportation

HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
2009/2010 SCHOOL CALENDAR
September 2009 February 2010
M T W TH F M T W TH F September: 3 Superintendent's Conference Day
(1) (2) (3) (4) 1 2 3 4 5 7 Labor Day
(7) 8 9 10 11 8 9 10 11 12 8 School Opens
14 15 16 17 18 (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) 19, 20 Rosh Hashanah
21 22 23 24 25 22 23 24 25 26 28 Yum Kippur
(28) 29 30
October: 12 Columbus Day
October 2009 March 2010
M T W TH F M T W TH F November: 3 Superintendent's Conference Day
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 11 Veterans Day
5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 26, 27 Thanksgiving
(12) 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19
19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 December: 24-31 Christmas
26 27 28 29 30 [29] (30) (31)
January: 1 New Years
November 2009 April 2010
18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
M T W TH F M T W TH F
2 (3) 4 5 6 (1) (2) February: 15-19 Winter Recess
9 10 (11) 12 13 [5] [6] 7 8 9
16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 March: 30, 31
23 24 25 (26) (27) 19 20 21 22 23 April: 1, 2
Spring Recess
30 26 27 28 29 30
May: 31 Memorial Day
December 2009
May 2010
M T W TH F M T W TH F June: 25 Last Day of School
1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 24-26 Half Days for Elementary Schools
7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14
14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21
21 22 23 (24) (25) 24 25 26 27 [28]
(28) (29) (30) (31) (31)
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Please Note:
November 20th is Parent/Teacher Conference Day -
There is no school for Elementary Students
January 2010 June 2010
School will not be in session on the days indicated by parenthesis ( ) on this
M T W TH F M T W TH F calendar. The shaded and bracketed [ ] days indicate school emergency days,
(1) 1 2 3 4
and will be utilized as follows;
4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 1 snow day: 5/28
11 19 20 21 22 14 15 16 17 18 2 snow days: 4/6 & 5/28
(18) 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 3 snow days: 4/5 & 4/6 & 5/28
25 26 27 28 29 (28 (29) (30) 4 snow days: 3/29 & 4/5 & 4/6 & 5/28
Any additional day(s) required will be determined by the Half Hollow Hills Board of Education.
1

IMPORTANT DATES
2009-2010
DATE
EVENT
September 3 rd
Superintendent’s Conference Day
September 8 th
First Day of School
September 21 st
Faculty Meeting
September 24 th Meet the Teacher Night Grades K-2
September 30 th
Picture Day
September 22 nd Meet the Teacher Night Grades 3-5
Band/Orchestra Meet the Teacher – 7:00 PM
September 18 th
Rosh Hashanah – No School
October 1 st - 30 th
PARP
September 29 th
Yom Kippur – No School
October 12 th
Columbus Day – No School
October 19 th
Faculty Meeting
November 3 rd
Superintendent’s Conference Day
November 13 th
First Marking Period Ends
November 11 th
Veteran’s Day – No School
November 16 th - 17 th
NYS Grade 5 Social Studies Test
November 16 th
Faculty Meeting
November 17 th & 19 th Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences (6:30 – 9:00)
November 20 th
Day Parent Teacher Conferences
(No School for Students)
November 26 th – 27 th Thanksgiving Recess – No School
December 1 st
Photo Makeup Day/5 th Grade & Clubs Photos
December 17 th
Winter Chorus Concert
December 21 st
Faculty Meeting
December 24 th – January 1 st Christmas / New Year’s Recess
January 5 th
Winter Concert – Instrumental
April 26 th - 28 th NYS ELA Exam – Grades 3-5
January 11 th
Board of Ed. Meeting at Otsego – 8:00PM
January 18 th
Martin Luther King Day – No School
January 25 th
Faculty Meeting
January 25 th – 29 th Kindergarten Registration
January 29 th
Second Marking Period Ends
January 29 th –31 st 5 th Grade Hills on Stage Performance
February 15 th – 19 th
Winter Recess
May 5 th - 7 th NYS Math Exam – Grades 3-5
March 15 th
Faculty Meeting
March 22 nd - 26 th
Literary Week
March 30 th – April 3 rd Terra Nova/In View Testing – Grades 2 - 5
April 16 th
Third Marking Period Ends

DATE
EVENT
March 30 th -April 2 nd
(4/5,4/6 & 3/29 Emergency Days)
Spring Recess – No School
April 19 th – 23 rd
Kindergarten Screening
April 19 th
Faculty Meeting
May 24 th – 27 th NYS Science Assessment – Grade 4
May 10 th
Spring Instrumental Concert
May 17 th
Faculty Meeting
May 25 th
Kindergarten Orientation
May 26 th
Spring Chorus/Recorder Concert (7:30 PM)
May 31 st (May28 th Emergency Day) Memorial Day – No School
June 7 th
Field Day
June 8 th
Field Day – Rain Date
June 11 th
Staff Breakfast
June 18 th
Kids Day
June 22 nd
Awards Assembly
June 23 rd – 25 th
Half Days
June 23 rd
Moving Up Day (1:00 Candlewood)
June 25 th
Last Day of School

ACCIDENTS
Please report any and all accidents to the School Nurse immediately. This
includes staff as well as children. The nurse will then complete the
necessary paperwork and fill out an accident report form.
In the event that you or a child requires immediate assistance in your
current location (classroom, hallway, gym, etc…), please notify the main
office and state the nature of the emergency. The office will send help to
you.
PLEASE REMEMBER: Do not move a child who has a potential injury to
his/her neck, head, or back, or who may have a broken bone. It is safer for
them to remain where they are until trained medical help arrives.

AGENDA/CALENDAR
The agenda will be emailed at the end of each week. It will list all the
happenings for the following week, including;
• Field trips
• Meetings
• Special events
• Classroom visitations
• Bus duty assignments
• Staff birthdays
All field trips and special class activities should be recorded on the large calendar
in the main office. When doing so, you must also submit a Calendar Event
Add/Delete Form to a secretary. They will enter the information into our computer
calendar. Be sure to fill the form out completely and to specify field trip location
OR location in the building (i.e.: cafeteria, classroom, etc.)
When you receive your agenda, please look it over carefully to see if any
upcoming events will affect you and your class. Also, if you have an event
planned that is not listed on the agenda, please inform the office immediately.
They will determine if a revised agenda needs to be distributed. At the start of the
school year, the agenda will be placed in all staff mailboxes, posted in the office,
and sent out via e-mail. After a few weeks, the “paper copies” will be phased out.
Please be sure to check your e-mail for the weekly agenda.

OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Calendar Event Add/Delete Form
Trip/Event Description_______________________________________________________
ADD DELETE DATE CHANGE Trip/Event Date______ Location_______________
Trip Time: Depart______ Return_______
Submitted by________________________
Grades/Classes Attending____________________________ Date Submitted_____________
OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Calendar Event Add/Delete Form
Trip/Event Description_______________________________________________________
ADD DELETE DATE CHANGE Trip/Event Date______ Location_______________
Trip Time: Depart______ Return_______
Submitted by________________________
Grades/Classes Attending____________________________ Date Submitted_____________
OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Calendar Event Add/Delete Form
Trip/Event Description_______________________________________________________
ADD DELETE DATE CHANGE Trip/Event Date______ Location_______________
Trip Time: Depart________ Return_________
Submitted by_______________________
Grades/Classes Attending____________________________ Date Submitted_____________

ATTENDANCE
It is important to complete your classroom attendance using the Infinite
Campus software by 9:30 AM.
Have your computer on & ready when school begins. When your students
arrive, take your physical attendance right away. Sign onto Infinite
Campus, and enter your class attendance. All students are automatically
marked as ‘P’ for present. Mark any students absent by clicking ‘A’ for
absent, and any students late by clicking ‘T’ for tardy. DON’T FORGET
TO SAVE! Put all notes to be sent to the main/health/attendance offices in
the pocket on your door at the same time.
If any students come in late after you have taken attendance, make sure
they have a late pass, which would mean the attendance office has
marked them tardy in Infinite Campus. If they do not have a late pass, and
it is past 9:16, send them to the Health Office to get one.

2009-2010 Building Representatives
(Liaison, T.A., etc…)
• Science Leigh Salvage
• Testing Jen Kuitwaard & Jessie Lauter
• Staff Development Liz Varvaro
• Technology Tracey Kueck & Nancy Holmes
• Bus Duty Ricky Martorella
• T.A. Reps Liz Varvaro
Carrie McCabe

BUS DUTY
Bus duty assignments are listed on the schedule that follows. Please be sure to report
to your designated area during your assigned week. If you cannot be on bus duty for
any reason, it is your responsibility to find someone to replace you and inform the office
who will be taking your place.
AM Responsibilities:
• Please be on the bus platform by 9:00AM, no matter what meeting or activity is
going on.
• The children should be released from the buses at 9:05AM.
• Remain on the platform until all children have entered the building.
• In the event of a late bus, inform the office so that someone can be assigned to
relieve you, when necessary.
• Assignments:
o Person #1 – Kindergarten entrance
• Supervise students as they walk inside the building
• Check in buses on clipboard
o Person #2 - Main entrance
• Supervise students as they walk inside the building
• Check in buses on clipboard
o Person #3 – Center of platform
• Supervise students as they walk inside the building
PM Responsibilities:
• Please be on the bus platform by 3:10PM. Bring your class outside with you.
• Assignments:
o Person #1 – Kindergarten entrance
• Supervise students as they leave the building
• Distribute and collect the bus signs from the students AFTER
receiving the signal to do so
o Person #2 – Main entrance
• Supervise students as they wait for late buses on the platform
REMINDER: Assigned students will check off the classes as they leave the building.
Please be sure to give your name to these children as you exit the building and again
when you get to the end of the platform.

OTSEGO ELEMENTARY
BUS DUTY SCHEDULE
WEEK OF ARRIVAL DISMISSAL
Sept. 8
****ALL SPECIAL AREA TEACHERS****
14 E. Reichstein/L. Napolitano 2-KH, 5-PB
21 D. Castiglia/K. Hanover 2-JPi, 5-WS
29 E. Micalizzi/B. DelVecchio 2-JPt, 5-K/M
Oct. 5 C. Brancato/C. Mychailyszyn 1-DP, 5-LS
13 M. Aulet/D. Anderson 1-CM, 5-AM
19 D. Lanzarotta/R. Jacobowski/A. Cohee 1-DT, 4-S/H
26 E. Reichstein/L. Napolitano 1-LA, 4-SB
Nov. 2 D. Castiglia/K. Hanover 1-NB, 4-NN
9 E. Micalizzi/B. DelVecchio 3-EM, 4-DA
16 C. Brancato/C. Mychailyszyn 3-MK, 5-PB
23 M. Aulet/D. Anderson 3-LG, 5-WS
30 D. Lanzarotta/R. Jacobowski/A. Cohee 3-M/S, 5-K/M
Dec. 7 E. Reichstein/L. Napolitano 2-KH, 5-LS
14 D. Castiglia/K. Hanover 2-JPi, 5-AM
21 E. Micalizzi/B. DelVecchio 2-JPt, 4-S/H
Jan. 4 C. Brancato/C. Mychailyszyn 1-DP, 4-SB
11 M. Aulet/D. Anderson 1-CM, 4-NN
19 D. Lanzarotta/R. Jacobowski/A. Cohee 1-DT, 4-DA
25 E. Reichstein/L. Napolitano 1-LA, 3-EM
Feb. 1 D. Castiglia/K. Hanover 1-NB, 3-MK
8 E. Micalizzi/B. DelVecchio 2-KH, 3-LG
22 C. Brancato/C. Mychailyszyn 2-JPi, 3-M/S
Mar. 1 M. Aulet/D. Anderson 2-JPt, 5-PB
8 D. Lanzarotta/R. Jacobowski/A. Cohee 1-DP, 5-WS
15 E. Reichstein/L. Napolitano 1-CM, 5-K/M
22 D. Castiglia/K. Hanover 1-DT, 5-LS
Apr. 5 E. Micalizzi/B. DelVecchio 1-LA, 5-AM
12 C. Brancato/C. Mychailyszyn 1-NB, 4-S/H
19 M. Aulet/D. Anderson 3-EM, 4-SB
26 D. Lanzarotta/R. Jacobowski/A. Cohee 3-MK, 4-NN
May 3 E. Reichstein/L. Napolitano 3-LG, 4-DA
10 D. Castiglia/K. Hanover 3-M/S, 2-KH
17 E. Micalizzi/B. DelVecchio 1-DP, 2-Jpi
24 C. Brancato/C. Mychailyszyn 1-CM, 2-JPt
June 1 M. Aulet/D. Anderson 1-DT, 4-S/H
7 D. Lanzarotta/R. Jacobowski/A. Cohee 1-LA, 4-SB
14 E. Reichstein/L. Napolitano 1-NB, 4-NN
21 D. Castiglia/K. Hanover 3-EM, 4-DA
2009/2010

CHARACTERISTICS OF A DISTINGUISED DISTRICT
• Educators continually engage in their own learning.
• Staff knows students well and cares about them as individuals.
• Intellectually challenging and engaging curriculum and instructional practices
are differentiated to meet individual needs. Curriculum and instruction
includes mastery of the basics, active inquiry, development of high level
intellectual skills, and real world learning experiences.
• Student voice is encouraged and heard.
• Forges close ties with parents, families without children, senior citizens,
colleges and universities, and members of the business community.
• Provides safe, attractive school environments for teaching and learning.
• Teachers have time to work together to improve teaching through
collaboration and inquiry.
• Teachers and students are provided with and gain competency in use of
sophisticated leading-edge technologies and instructions/learning tools that
support active inquiry and maximize the effectiveness of teaching and
learning.
• All members of the school community are respected and supported.
• Each adult member of the school community exhibits good character and
strives to inculcate in students the qualities of dignity, tolerance, and a
sincere respect for the learning environment.
• Student achievement is measured in ways that are directly linked to
instructional programs. Allows students to demonstrate their attainment of
knowledge and skills in multi-faceted ways.
• Effectively prepares all students for success in college, the world of work, and
for active participation as citizens of the community, the nation, and the
world.

CLASSROOM VISITATIONS
There will be times during the school year when parents are invited to
school. Some of these activities may be author shares presentations,
class plays, and seasonal/birthday celebrations. Please follow the
guidelines below when inviting parents to your classroom.
• All visitations MUST end by 2:30PM.
• Siblings attending Otsego are NOT permitted to attend functions in
their brothers’ and or sisters’ classrooms.
• Parents who wish to dismiss their child after visiting are permitted to
do so, as long as they follow proper procedure and sign their child
out. However, we discourage early dismissals because the children
are losing instructional time.
• After planning your event, please submit to the office a “Classroom
Visitation Information Sheet.” This should be submitted AT LEAST
TWO WEEKS in advance. This will allow for planning on days when
numerous activities are scheduled and provide advance notice so
that the event may be placed on the weekly calendar.
• Please reserve common areas (cafeteria, fields, courtyard, etc…)
well in advance of your event to ensure availability.
• TWO DAYS BEFORE YOUR EVENT, please submit to the office a
“Classroom Visitor Listing.” This is a detailed list of all those visitors
that you are expecting. This sheet will be used as the sign-in/sign
out log. It will also assist the hall monitor with the distribution of
visitor badges.
• Copies of the forms needed are enclosed in this book. Additional
forms may be obtained in the Main Office.

OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Classroom Visitation Information Sheet
This sheet must be handed in to the office two weeks prior to the
event. Remember, classroom visitations must end by 2:30PM.
Teacher:
Total # of Visitors
Expected:
Event:
Description of Event:
Date: Start Time: Ending Time:

OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Classroom Visitor List
This sheet must be handed in to the office two days prior to the event.
Remember, classroom visitations must end by 2:30PM.
Teacher: Room #:
Date: Start Time: End Time:
Please list below the names of all visitors that you are expecting.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Name Signature Badge #

CLEANLINESS
It is an extremely large effort to keep Otsego looking “spic and span.” There
are numerous classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, offices, and common areas
and only a few custodians to maintain them. Therefore, we all need to take
part in helping to keep our building clean.
Please help out by doing the following:
• Children should clean up after themselves prior to dismissal. There
should be no items on the floor or scattered about, particularly food.
• Children need to place their chairs on their desks before leaving the
classroom each afternoon.
• Children should be taught the necessary organizational skills to keep
their desks clean and orderly.
• While eating in the cafeteria, children need to pick up items that may
have dropped on the floor during their lunchtime. All trash must be
discarded in garbage cans.
• Children should be encouraged to pick up items that may have been
dropped in hallways, common areas, as well as in their classrooms.
“The Spar-Clean Room Award”
The school is divided into 3 sections for cleaning purposes. Beginning in
September, the custodian in charge of each section will decide which of his
classrooms is the cleanest. Each week, the cleanest room will receive the
“The Spar-Clean Room Award” in their mailbox, along with a ‘trophy’ to
keep for the week. Teachers are encouraged to use this incentive along with
their classroom management system. It is the responsibility of the teachers
to pass the trophy along to the present winner on their grade level once
winners are announced.

COPY ROOM GUIDELINES
The copy room is located in between Rooms 104 and 105 and is staffed by
paraprofessionals who are available for copying, laminating, and binding.
The copy machines in this location are available for teacher use before
and after school on a first come, first serve basis. They are only available
during the day, when not in use by the paraprofessionals.
Please follow the guidelines below when requesting work to be copied.
• Fill out a yellow “Copy Request Form” and attach it to the items
that will be copied. These forms are available in the office. Be
sure to leave specific instructions, including when you need it
completed.
• Teachers in grades K-1 should leave their requests in the copy
room. Teachers in grades 2-5, as well as special area teachers,
should leave their requests in the hanging file system in the main
office.
• Plan ahead so that you have sufficient time to have your copies
made. Try to avoid handing in work on short notice (i.e. “I need
this NOW!).
• There is usually a fast turn around. However, please realize that
sometimes machines break down and other building emergencies
arise.
• The copy room will be closed during the time in which report cards
are being copied. Please keep this in mind when planning lessons
during these weeks.
• All LARGE JOBS (booklets, grade level sets, etc…) MUST BE
SENT TO THE PRINT SHOP FOR COPYING. Please allow extra
time.

COPY ROOM GUIDELINES (continued)
LAMINATING:
• All laminating will be done by designated personnel.
• Please leave items to be laminated with the hall monitor.
• Please use discretion when submitting materials for lamination.
Laminating materials are extremely costly.
BINDING:
• All binding will be done by building paraprofessionals.
• Please leave items to be bound in the copy room between rooms
104 and 105.
• Binding is a time consuming process. Please allow sufficient time
for your requests to be completed.
ELLISON CUTTER:
• The Ellison Cutter is located in the copy room between rooms 104
and 105.
• There are numerous cut-outs available.
• The Ellison Cutter may be used by all staff. Be careful when
handling the cut-outs as they are extremely sharp.

Copy Request
Teacher Name _________________
Room #____________
Date of Request ________________
Quantity Requested ________
Please check all that apply:
_______ Double Sided
_______ Single Sided
_______ Needs Binding
_______ Single Sheets
_______ Stapled Packets
_______ Unstapled Packets
Copied by:_____________
Date:__________
Copy Request
Teacher Name _________________
Room #____________
Date of Request ________________
Quantity Requested ________
Please check all that apply:
_______ Double Sided
_______ Single Sided
_______ Needs Binding
_______ Single Sheets
_______ Stapled Packets
_______ Unstapled Packets
Copied by:_____________
Date:__________

CRISIS RESPONSE
The Crisis Response Team is comprised of the following personnel:
• Principal Sharon Stepankewich
• Asst. Principal Stacey Bernstein
• Head Custodian Ruben Torres
• Psychologist Tony Farinacci
• Nurse Ingrid Steffens
• Secretaries Terri Flynn
Cynthia Toomey
In an emergency, the Crisis Response Team will report immediately to the
principal’s office.
ALL classroom teachers and other support staff should remain in their
classrooms with their students and await further instructions.
Once the situation has been evaluated, it will be followed further instructions.
In all situations, children need be informed that an emergency situation exists
and that it is imperative that they remain quiet and follow all directions.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Please follow the procedures below when preparing to dismiss your
students at the end of the school day.
• All classes should remain in their rooms until an announcement is
made that dismissal may begin
• When the first announcement is made, you may send down any
student who is attending R.E.A.C.H. (must be on the schedule, or
have a parent note for that day) or being picked up (must have a
parent note) that day.
• After the announcement, kindergarten and fifth grade classes will
exit the building via the kindergarten wing. They will be followed by
the classes in the 300 wing, the classes in the 200 wing, and the
remaining classes in the 100 wing, IN THAT ORDER. This will
expedite the dismissal process and enable us to load the buses in a
timely manner.
• All students must exit the building with you. Students who are
staying after school will re-enter the building via the main entrance
and proceed to their designated location.
Please Note: For the first few weeks of school, there will be several
announcements each afternoon indicating when each section of the
building should dismiss. Once the process becomes routine for us and our
students, these announcements will be phased out. To help facilitate a
smooth dismissal, please make sure your class is ready and wait for your
section to be called before entering the hallway.

DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS TO PARENTS
Procedures for student dismissal to parents:
Please note the guidelines for the different scenarios below:
• A parent has sent a note to the teacher stating that his/her child will
be picked up by a parent or designee at the end of the school day
o The office will call for these children via an “all-call announcement”
at 3:10PM.
o These children will go to the side entrance next to the gym.
• A parent comes to pick up a child at dismissal time, but has NOT
sent a note
o Parents will sign out their children at the front desk and receive a
pink dismissal slip.
o After the 3:10 announcement is made, the parent will take this slip
to the office, and the office will call the children’s classrooms to
send the child to the side entrance. The parent will be instructed to
go back to the side entrance to wait for their child.
o If the class has already exited the building, parents will be
instructed go to the bus platform, outside the primary exit, hand the
pink slip to the teacher/bus driver, and the child will be released.
You must not release any student to a parent or other adult without
this pink slip! (see the next page for an example.)
• A parent comes to pick up a child prior to the dismissal period (with
or without a note)
o Parents will sign out their children at the front desk outside the main
office.
o The office will call for children to be sent to the main entrance
hallway.
o DO NOT send students for early dismissal until you have received
a call from the office.
REMINDER: Unless you have received a note from a parent indicating that
he/she will be picking up his/her child, the student MUST go home on their
assigned bus.

DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS TO PARENTS (Continued)
Procedures for 4:15 student dismissal to parents:
• A parent has sent a note to the teacher stating that his/her child will
be picked up by a parent or designee at the end of the activity
o When the announcement is made to dismiss the students, please
walk these children to the desk in the main entrance hallway and
leave them with the monitor. This applies to all school clubs and
activities as well as extra help sessions.
o If students are staying for a PTA Workshop, please walk these
children to the PTA table in the side hallway near the gym. A PTA
representative will be there to supervise dismissal.
• A parent comes to pick up a child prior to the end of the activity (with
or without a note)
o Parents will sign out their children at the desk outside the main
office.
o The office will call for children to be sent to the main entrance
hallway.
o DO NOT send students for early dismissal until you have received
a call from the office.
REMINDER: Unless you have received a note from a parent indicating that
he/she will be picking up his/her child, the student MUST go home on their
assigned activity bus.
OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
RELEASE AUTHORIZATION FORM
Date: ______________
Student: ______________________ Class: ___________
The above mentioned student was signed out for dismissal; please release this student to
the authorized adult upon receipt of this Release Authorization Form.
Thank you!
Authorizer’s Initials: __________
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, PLEASE CONSULT THE “STUDENT
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES” SECTION OF THE PARENT HANDBOOK.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
There are often times throughout the year (weather emergencies,
events, etc.) when the Connect Ed system is utilized. Automated
telephone calls are made to families/staff members periodically,
originated from individual schools (via the principal) and/or from
central office. Please be aware that this is the ONLY form of
communication used in an emergency situation. Keeping this in mind,
please keep the office informed of any phone number/address
changes, so that the Connect Ed system may be kept up-to-date.

EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSAL
There may be times during the school year when students are dismissed
early, or when due to inclement weather the buses are running late. In
these situations, buses often arrive sporadically. To avoid confusion and
crowded hallways, please use the emergency dismissal procedures below:
When an Emergency Dismissal is declared, or buses are arriving
sporadically:
• Students will be taken to a central location for each bus (as indicated
on the chart that follows). Special area teachers and
paraprofessionals will be at these locations to temporarily supervise
the children until a volunteer can take over. Announcements will be
made indicating when each class/grade level should go to the
assigned areas.
• The teachers will escort all other classes to the correct location.
Kindergarten will be dismissed first, followed by grades one, two,
three, four, and five.
• It is imperative that teachers wait for their grade levels to
be announced before dismissing their classes. This will
prevent overcrowded hallways and minimize confusion.
• Once all the children are in their assigned areas, the special area
teachers and paraprofessionals who are supervising the children will
be replaced by staff members who have volunteered to stay late and
help out in the event of a snow emergency.
It is our goal for all of our children and staff members to arrive home safely.

Emergency Dismissal
Bus Number Location Teacher
6 Cafeteria Angela Cohee
17 Cafeteria Darlene Kline
18 Cafeteria Josette Napolitano
22 Cafeteria
Rich Jacobowski or
Daniel Lanzarotta
42 Cafeteria Joan Treubig
43 Gym Eric Micalizzi
44 Gym Kathy Hanover
46 Gym Sharon McCune
64 Gym Carol Mychailyszyn
66 Gym Elissa Reichstein
82 Gym Lynn Shevit
Mini Buses Cafeteria Jessie Lauter

EVACUATON PLAN
In the event that we need to evacuate the building and grounds, please follow the
guidelines below:
• An announcement will be made to evacuate.
• All teachers should immediately proceed to the nearest exit (the one used
for fire drills) with their classes. Be sure to bring your class attendance
roster, keys, and personal belongings (i.e. purse).
• Once your class has safely exited the building, take attendance and walk
your students to the ball field. If you are missing a student, follow the
same procedure as with a fire drill (notify the adult who is checking on your
area).
• If a class is at specials, the special area teacher should exit the building
and supervise the class until the classroom teacher joins them.
• Any student who is not with their class (i.e. reading, math, band, orchestra,
etc…) should exit the building and remain with their supervising teacher
until they can be safely brought to their class.
• If we need to leave the area, buses will arrive for the students and
teachers to board. In all likelihood, we will be taken to another district
school. Please wait for instructions before boarding the bus. Remind
students that this is an emergency situation and they are to load the bus
from the back to the front as quickly as possible. After all children are on
the buses, the remaining staff should board.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR POSITIONS
There are numerous extra-curricular positions available in the building.
Compensation for these positions is per the teachers’ contract. Teachers who are
interested in running an extra-curricular program may apply for an existing position
(or propose a new one) in the Spring.
The following list is a sampling of some of these positions;
• Intramurals (4 th and 5 th grade)
• Student Council (3 rd , 4 th and 5 th grade)
• Technology Club
Teachers who are running these programs after school must follow building
procedures and inform the office of their meeting dates and the names of the
students attending.

EXTRA HELP
Please note the following guidelines:
• Teachers are required to provide ninety (90) minutes of extra help to students
each week.
• Extra help schedules must be posted in the classroom and listed in the plan
book. A copy of this schedule should also be submitted to the office. This
provides a quick reference for the office staff, hall monitor and administration.
• Teachers should maintain a listing of the dates and times at which extra help or
enrichment is provided, as well as the names of those students who have availed
themselves of this assistance. This log, which is included on the following page,
should be submitted, in its entirety, every three weeks with the plan book.
AM EXTRA HELP:
If you choose to offer extra help/enrichment before school, please follow the procedures
below:
• Send home a letter (sample included on the pages that follow) inviting the
student to the extra help/enrichment session.
• Submit an AM Extra Help Form (included in the pages that follow) to the hall
monitor at least one day prior to your scheduled session. This will let the monitor
know which children you are expecting and what to do with them (i.e. hold them
by the office, send them to your classroom) when they arrive.
• Please be prompt so that students who come to school early for extra
help/enrichment are not waiting for you.
PM EXTRA HELP:
If you choose to offer extra help/enrichment after school, please follow the procedures
below.
• Send home a letter (sample included on the pages that follow) inviting the
student to the extra help/enrichment session
• Submit a PM Extra Help Form (included in the pages that follow) to the office at
the end of the school day. This will inform us as to which students are still in the
building.
• Follow the 4:15 dismissal procedures. A copy of these procedures is included in
this book.
REMEMBER: The district does not offer transportation for students to attend programs
before the school day. Therefore, it may be necessary to schedule some sessions after
school. This will allow students whose parents can not provide transportation in the
morning the opportunity to receive extra help/enrichment after school and go home on
an activity bus.

Otsego Elementary School
AM Extra Help Form
Teacher ___________________________
Room# ___________
On M T W Th F, ____________________, I am expecting the
(circle one)
(date)
following student(s) for extra help before school.
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
Please check one.
_____ Send the students to my classroom at _____________.
(time)
_____ I will meet the students at the front desk at _____________.
(time)

Otsego Elementary School
PM Extra Help Form
Teacher: __________________ Room #:________ Date: __________
The following students will be staying after school for extra
help/enrichment:
Student
Dismissal Information
Activity Bus Pick Up

Otsego Elementary School
Extra Help Log
Teacher: ____________________
Student Date Time Enrichment/
Extra Help
Topic(s)
Covered
Comments

Otsego Elementary School
AM Extra Help/Enrichment Request Form
Dear Parent or Guardian,
______________
date
I would like to work with your child on _____________________ at ______AM.
(day & date)
(time)
This will give me the opportunity to give him/her some individual attention. I am
hoping that he/she will be there.
Please indicate below if your child will attend and return the bottom portion
of this form. Thank you.
Sincerely,
______________________________
(teacher)
Student Name __________________________
______
______
______
Yes, my child will attend the extra help/enrichment session
at _______AM on __________________ with _______________________.
(time) (date) (inviting teacher)
No, My child will not be able to attend the session.
Please reschedule the session as I am not able to bring my child in
before school
_______________________________________
Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature
_______________
date

Otsego Elementary School
PM Extra Help/Enrichment Request Form
Dear Parent or Guardian,
I would like to work with your youngster after school on
______________
date
_____________________. This will give me the opportunity to give him/her
(day & date)
some individual attention. I am hoping that he/she will be there.
Please indicate below if your child will attend and return the bottom
portion of this form. Thank you.
Sincerely,
________________________
(teacher)
Student Name __________________________
______
Yes, my child will attend the extra help/enrichment session
after school on ______________ with ________________________
(date)
(inviting teacher)
• _______ My child will take activity bus #_____ home at 4:15PM.
• _______My child will be picked up by _______________________ at 4:15PM.
______
______
No, My child will not be able to attend the session.
Please reschedule the session to another date.
_______________________________________
Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature
_______________
date

FACULTY MEETINGS
Faculty meetings will be held on a monthly basis. They will serve as a time where
we can get together as a staff and focus on teaching and learning.
The schedule for the 2009 – 2010 school year will be as follows:
• Thursday, September 3 rd (Superintendent’s Conference Day)
• Monday, September 21 st
• Monday, October 19 th
• Tuesday, November 3 rd (Superintendent’s Conference Day)
• Monday, November 16 th
• Monday, December 21 st
• Monday, January 25 th
• Monday, March 15 th
• Monday, April 19 th
• Monday, May 17 th
• Friday, June 11 th (Staff Breakfast)

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are an integral part of our instructional program. Please follow the guidelines
below when planning trips:
• All field trips should have an educational basis.
• A “Field Trip Request Form” must be filled out and submitted to Terri at
least one month before the trip. These forms can be obtained in the main
office.
° Reminder – Multiple classes may be listed on one form, but NOT
multiple dates.
• Accurately note the total number of students, staff members, and
chaperones that will be going on the trip. The Transportation Department
will use this information when determining how many buses to send.
• Be sure to call the Transportation Department (592-3855) a day before your
trip to confirm. This will prevent any last minute scheduling conflicts.
• Make sure you record the date, times, and location of the trip on the large
calendar in the main office. Include each teacher that will be participating.
• Be sure to complete the calendar add/delete form and submit to one of the
secretaries when adding a trip/event onto the main calendar.
• If your students will not be purchasing any lunches, BE SURE to inform the
kitchen several days prior to the trip. Let them know the date, grade level,
and number of classes that will not be requiring lunch that day.
PERMISSION SLIPS:
We are required to obtain written parental permission for each child going on a field trip.
Otsego has a standard form (included on the following page) that you may use for all
trips, including in-district ones (i.e. Planetarium). Please make sure the top AND bottom
of the form is filled out for each student. Before leaving for the trip, leave one copy in the
office and take the other one with you in case you need emergency contact information.
CHAPERONES:
Parents often assist with chaperoning trips. Please review the “Rules for Chaperones” in
the parent handbook.

OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Field Trip Permission Slip (Office Copy)
Date_____________________
__________________________________ has my permission to go on a field trip to
(child’s name)
___________________________________________ on ____________________
(destination)
(date of trip)
with___________________________.
(teacher, class)
Name and number of person
who can be reached in case of an
emergency on the day of the trip.
Name ______________________
Phone #:____________________
Cost of Trip (if applicable) $_____________
Parent’s name:
_______________________________
Parent’s signature:
_______________________________
OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Field Trip Permission Slip (Office Copy)
Date_____________________
__________________________________ has my permission to go on a field trip to
(child’s name)
___________________________________________ on ____________________
(destination)
(date of trip)
with___________________________.
(teacher, class)
Name and number of person
who can be reached in case of an
emergency on the day of the trip.
Name ______________________
Phone #:____________________
Cost of Trip (if applicable) $_____________
Parent’s name:
_______________________________
Parent’s signature:
_______________________________

FIRE INSPECTIONS AND FIRE DRILLS
FIRE INSPECTIONS:
• We are not permitted to have any objects hanging from ceilings.
This includes student work that may be displayed on “clotheslines.”
• Nothing can be left in the hallways. This includes desks, chairs,
tables, or other objects.
• Electrical appliances are not allowed. This includes microwaves,
coffee pots, and refrigerators. Instructional items (i.e. televisions
and computers) are permitted.
• Extension cords are not allowed. However, surge protectors are
permitted.
• There can not be any paper items on or around the classroom door.
FIRE DRILLS:
• Please check your classrooms for fire safety information. There
should be a sign listing the closest exit in the event of a fire. If there
is no sign, please notify the office immediately.
• During a fire drill, please exit the building with your class according
to the instructions posted above your door.
• Be sure to review appropriate safety procedures and your behavioral
expectations for your class during a fire drill.
• Take your attendance roster with you so that you can make sure all
your students are present.
• Instruct the children to find the closest adult if they are anywhere
besides their classroom during a fire drill. That adult will make sure
they are safe until they can join their class.

FORGOTTEN ITEMS
Although we help the children by stressing responsibility, teaching
organizational skills, and providing frequent reminders, situations often
arise where students do not have what they need. Students are ultimately
responsible for bringing the necessary items to and from school and there
comes a point where they must bear the consequences of their
carelessness.
Please make sure the following guidelines are clear to students and
parents:
• Students may not call home for items left behind (i.e. homework,
projects, books, sneakers, musical instruments, permission slips,
etc…). Numerous calls home are extremely disruptive to the office staff
and classroom instruction.
o In any instance where you feel a child’s safety is at stake (i.e. if a
child forgot a note changing dismissal information and nobody will
be home), please make sure contact is made with the child’s
parents. If you are unable to make the call yourself, send that
student to the office with a note indicating the problem. The
office staff will contact the parent and relay the information to you.
• Children who have forgotten their lunch may check in the office on the
way to the cafeteria to see if their parents have brought it to school. If
their lunch is not there, the students will be able to borrow money to
purchase lunch from the cafeteria.
• Students and/or parents will not be permitted into the classrooms
before and after school to retrieve forgotten items. Custodians,
secretaries, and other staff members will not allow entry into the
classrooms for this purpose.

GRADE LEVEL MEETINGS
Grade level meetings will be held. These meetings will give you a chance
to collaborate with each other as well as with the principal and/or assistant
principal in an informal setting. Every effort will be made to schedule these
meetings at a mutually agreed upon time.

HOMEWORK
Homework is a necessary part of the learning experience. It enhances and
extends classroom instruction. The purpose of homework is to:
• help develop good study skills.
• review and reinforce concepts.
• teach responsibility.
• foster the development of time management skills.
Please keep in mind the following guidelines when assigning homework:
• Homework should be assigned regularly to all students.
• Teachers should ensure that assignments are:
o necessary and useful.
o appropriate to students’ abilities and maturity levels.
o well explained and clearly understood by students.
• Teachers should monitor homework assignments and provide feedback to
students in order to enhance learning.
• Certain situations may arise (such as religious holidays) that may require
you to not assign homework.
Please see the “Homework” session in the Parent Handbook for additional
information concerning the responsibilities of students, parents, and the school
with regard to homework assignments.
ASSIGNMENTS MISSED DUE TO ABSENCE:
When a child is home ill, for three or more consecutive days, a parent may
request that you provide him/her with the assignments he/she missed. Since
gathering the work is a time-consuming process, it is our policy NOT to send
home work if the child is only out for a day or two. Once the child is well enough
to return to school, please make every effort to help him/her make up missed
work and learn new concepts. Tests may be made up at the teacher’s discretion.
It is considered an ILLEGAL ABSENCE for parents to take their children on
vacation while school is in session. Therefore, DO NOT send work home for
time missed while a child is on vacation. It is suggested that students who are
away keep a journal of the trip in addition to reading each day.

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM (IST)
The Instructional Support Team is a team of teachers and administrators
who meet to share ideas and strategies to help students who are
struggling academically or socially to maximize their achievement. It
provides support to teachers, as they strive to meet the needs of each
child.
A referral to the Instructional Support Team is NOT a referral to the
Committee on Special Education (CSE). As per New York State
Regulations, pre-referral strategies must be attempted and documented
BEFORE referring a child to CSE. These strategies may include:
• Participation in Academic Intervention Services (AIS)
o Supportive Reading
o Supportive Math
o Speech Improvement
o Fine Motor Improvement
o Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
• Classroom modifications and accommodations (i.e. preferential
seating, organizational and study skills strategies, modified
assignments) that will address the child’s needs and demonstrate
differentiated instruction.
Our Instructional Support Team is comprised of:
• Principal
• Assistant Principal
• School Psychologist
• Speech Therapist
• Special Education Teacher
• General Education Teacher (Primary and Secondary)
• Reading Specialist
• Math Specialist
• School Nurse

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM (Continued)
The Instructional Support Team meets every Tuesday and Wednesday
from 8:35AM until 9:10Am in the psychologist’s office. (Days of the week
may change and additional days may be added as needed.)
PROCEDURES FOR REFERRING A STUDENT TO THE IST:
• Teachers may refer a child to IST for additional support in meeting
the child’s needs. IST Referral Forms (2-sided form) are located in
the main office. Completed forms should be returned to Cheryl.
• Written notification will be provided about the team meeting date and
will include participant names. Every attempt will be made to
provide at least one week’s notice.
• Please be on time for your meeting. Bring with you the most recent
report card, samples of class work, and a summary of your
communication with parents.
The referral form and its subject matter are to be treated
confidentially.

Half Hollow Hills Central School District
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM REVIEW FORM
Date of Request for Review
Student Information
Name D. O. B.
Class Teacher Prior Year Tchr:
Number of days absent:
Number of days tardy:
Has the student always attended the Half Hollow Hills School District? □ Yes □ No
If no, please list what district(s) and how long attended: _________________ ___________
_________________ ___________
_________________ ___________
Does the student or the family speak a second language? □ Yes □ No
If yes, please complete the following questions:
Is the family new to the country? □ Yes □ No
How long ago did they come to the U.S.? __________________________________
What country did they come from? __________________________________
Do the adults in the home speak English to the child? □ Yes □ No
Does the primary caretaker speak another language to the child? □ Yes □ No
Is yes, what language? ___________________________
Medical Information:
_______ visual acuity
_______ hearing acuity
other pertinent medical data ___________________
__________________________________________
Parental concerns: Please complete any relevant information following parent contacts.
What has the parent observed about the student when he/she is doing homework or a project?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
When and where does the student do his/her homework? _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What does the student do in his/her spare time at home, independently or with friends?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What are the routines in the home? _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What are the sleeping habits of the child? ___________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Forms/IST Review Form

Teacher Information
Areas of Concern
Reading: ____ had difficulty with phonics
____ omits, adds, substitutes, or reverses
letters, words or sounds when
reading
____ weak literal comprehension
Math:
____ weak vocabulary
____ difficulty memorizing facts
____ weak problem solving skills
____ unable to apply math skills
Behavior/
Social: _____ difficulty interacting with peers
_____ isolates self during play
Language:____ difficulty expressing ideas verbally
____ needs questions and directions
repeated
____ difficulty understanding abstract
concepts
Writing: _____ difficulty with sentence structure
_____ difficulty generating ideas
_____ difficulty with writing mechanics
Other:
_____ decline in quality of work
_____ inconsistent performance
_____ difficulty concentrating
_____ cannot work independently
Area of Concern for Student Learning: Complete description of concern: _____________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Strengths and areas of interest:
What does the student know? When do the student’s eyes “light up?” During what instructional material does
the student participate most often? Do they participate during specific activities during the day?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
What does the student do?
What do the student’s work products look like? (e.g., tests, projects, classwork, group work. Are there
things he/she can produce better than others?) _______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
How does the student think?
Does the student think: abstractly, concretely, sequentially, randomly, in details or large concepts?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
How does the student approach something that he/she is unsure of? Does the student: mark up the paper, refuse
to work, daydream, go to the bathroom/nurse’s office/water fountain/pencil sharpener? Does the student bother
someone until the other student becomes upset? _____________________________________
Please list all previous differentiation, accommodations, strategies, and interventions:
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The answers to these questions will provide the basis for the brainstorming process at the IST
meeting. Please attach samples of student work that illustrates your concerns.
Forms/IST Review Form

INTERNET USAGE
In our efforts to prepare our students for life in a global twenty-first century
society, all our classrooms are equipped with computers that have Internet
access. In addition, we have several laptop carts in the building.
Teachers should be instructing students on how to effectively use the
Internet to access information and research topics. Although the Internet
is a useful and powerful tool, it can raise safety concerns if inappropriate
material is accessed. In an attempt to ensure the safety of our students,
please be sure to take the following precautions when using the Internet in
the classroom:
• All students, parents, and staff are required to sign an Internet Use
Agreement BEFORE they will be allowed to use the Internet.
• Any user who violates the rules of the contract may have his/her
Internet use privileges revoked. Violation of the agreement may also
result in disciplinary and/or legal actions.
• Students MUST be supervised AT ALL TIMES when using the
Internet.

LIAISON POSITIONS
There are several liaison positions which are available in each elementary building.
Compensation for these positions is per the teachers’ contract. All positions may be
shared among staff members, and compensation will be adjusted accordingly. Teachers
will have an opportunity to apply for these positions each spring.
The liaison positions and the main responsibilities of each are as follows:
• TECHNOLOGY / AV LIAISON
o Hardware and software management
o Repairs and maintenance
o Teacher training
o Coordination of computer lab
o Management of AV inventory
o Ordering and budgeting
• ASSESSMENT LIAISON
o Terra Nova Testing – Grade 2 (InView 3-5)
o New York State Testing – Grades 3, 4, and 5
o Coordination of testing modifications and accommodations
o Organization, distribution, and collection of test materials
• SCIENCE LIAISON
o Coordination of science curriculum and district-wide programs
o Organization and distribution of science materials
o Planetarium / Space Shuttle Program
o Outdoor / Environmental Education
o Ordering and budgeting

Otsego Elementary School
Master Schedule
2009-2010 K 1 2 3 4 5
9:05-9:30
9:35-10:15
PREP
(specials)
COMPUTERS
DNT
10:20-11:00
PREP
(specials)
COMPUTERS
DNT
11:05-11:45 COMPUTERS DNT
PREP
(specials)
LUNCH
LUNCH
11:50-12:30 DNT
11:15 - 12:00
11:15 - 12:00
12:35-1:15
LUNCH LUNCH
12:05 - 12:50 12:05 - 12:50
LUNCH LUNCH
12:55 - 1:40 12:55 - 1:40
1:20-2:00 COMPUTERS DNT
PREP
(specials)
PREP
(specials)
2:05-2:45 DNT
PREP
(specials)
COMPUTERS
2:50-3:30
Teacher Day 8:35-3:30 Lunch Period Grade
Student Day 9:05-3:25 11:15-12:00 4,5
Special Area Teacher Prep 2:50-3:30 12:05-12:50 2,3
Special Area Teacher Lunch 11:45-12:30 12:55-1:40 K,1

Art MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
9:05-9:30
9:35-10:15 BAGGIO TERRAVECCHIA ARATO MAIORANO PALIC
10:20-11:00 POLESTINO MARTORELLA SCOGNAMILLO SABATINO
11:05-11:45 KUSCHEL GARRAFFO MCDERMOTT MARZOLLA/SMATH
11:45-12:30 L U N C H L U N C H L U N C H
12:35-1:15 SCHWARZ/HOLMES BAPTISTE MCCABE AIOSA NASON
1:20-2:00 BROWN SALVAGE MAUSER SCHUTTE KUECK/MCINTYRE
2:05-2:45 VARVARO PERINI PERROTT HAYDEN
2:50-3:30
Music MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
9:05-9:30
9:35-10:15 ARATO PALIC MAIORANO BAGGIO TERRAVECCHIA
10:20-11:00 SABATINO SCOGNAMILLO POLESTINO MARTORELLA
11:05-11:45 MARZOLLA/SMATH MCDERMOTT KUSCHEL GARRAFFO
11:45-12:30 L U N C H L U N C H L U N C H
12:35-1:15 MCCABE NASON AIOSA SCHWARZ/HOLMES BAPTISTE
1:20-2:00 MAUSER KUECK/MCINTYRE SCHUTTE BROWN SALVAGE
2:05-2:45 HAYDEN PERROTT VARVARO PERINI
2:50-3:30
Library MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
9:05-9:30
9:35-10:15 MAIORANO BAGGIO TERRAVECCHIA PALIC ARATO
10:20-11:00 SCOGNAMILLO POLESTINO MARTORELLA SABATINO
11:05-11:45 MCDERMOTT KUSCHEL GARRAFFO MARZOLLA/SMATH
11:45-12:30 L U N C H L U N C H L U N C H
12:35-1:15 AIOSA SCHWARZ/HOLMES BAPTISTE NASON MCCABE
1:20-2:00 SCHUTTE BROWN SALVAGE KUECK/MCINTYRE MAUSER
2:05-2:45 PERROTT VARVARO PERINI HAYDEN
2:50-3:30

PE Hanover MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
9:05-9:30
9:35-10:15 TERRAVECCHIA ARATO BAGGIO TERRAVECCHIA BAGGIO
10:20-11:00 MARTORELLA POLESTINO MARTORELLA POLESTINO
11:05-11:45 GARRAFFO KUSCHEL GARRAFFO KUSCHEL
11:45-12:30 L U N C H L U N C H L U N C H
12:35-1:15 BAPTISTE MCCABE SCHWARZ/HOLMES BAPTISTE SCHWARZ/HOLMES
1:20-2:00 SALVAGE MAUSER BROWN SALVAGE BROWN
2:05-2:45 PERINI VARVARO PERINI VARVARO
2:50-3:30
PE Micalizzi MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
9:05-9:30
9:35-10:15 PALIC MAIORANO PALIC ARATO MAIORANO
10:20-11:00 SABATINO SCOGNAMILLO SABATINO SCOGNAMILLO
11:05-11:45 MARZOLLA/SMATH MCDERMOTT MARZOLLA/SMATH MCDERMOTT
11:45-12:30 L U N C H L U N C H L U N C H
12:35-1:15 NASON AIOSA NASON MCCABE AIOSA
1:20-2:00 KUECK/MCINTYRE SCHUTTE KUECK/MCINTYRE MAUSER SCHUTTE
2:05-2:45 HAYDEN PERROTT HAYDEN PERROTT
2:50-3:30

Special Schedule - Grades K & 1
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
K-TP Room 102
Theresa Polestino
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(H)
K-JB Room107
Jennifer Bultman
MAINSTREAM
K-LS Room 103
Laurie Scognamillo
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
ART
PHYS. ED
(M)
K-ES Room 106
Erica Sabatino
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(M)
LIBRARY
ART
K-RM Room 104 Ricky
Martorella
PHYS. ED
(H)
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1-TK Room 105
Theresa Kissinger
MAINSTREAM
1-NB Room 114
Nicole Baggio
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(H)
1-DT Room 112
Danielle Terravecchia
PHYS. ED
(H)
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
1-DP Room 110
Donna Palic
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(M)
LIBRARY
ART
1-LA Room 113
Laura Arato
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(H)
ART
PHYS. ED
(M)
LIBRARY
1-CM Room 111
Christina Maiorano
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
ART
PHYS. ED
(M)

Special Schedule - Grades 2 & 3
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
2-AS Room 118 Alexis
Schrieber
MAINSTREAM
2-EV Room 117
Elizabeth Varvaro
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(H)
2-KH Room 116
Kim Hayden
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(M)
LIBRARY
ART
2-JPI Room 119
Jacinta Perini
PHYS. ED
(H)
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
2-JPT Room 120 Janet
Perrott
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
ART
PHYS. ED
(M)
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
3-MK Room 204
Michael Kuschel
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(H)
3-KS Room 206
Jennifer Marzolla/Lauren Smath
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(M)
LIBRARY
ART
3-LG Room 205
Lisa Garraffo
PHYS. ED
(H)
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
3- EM Room 202
Elizabeth McDermott
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
ART
PHYS. ED
(M)

Special Schedule - Grades 4 & 5
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
4-DG Room 308
Deborah Galati
MAINSTREAM
4-S/H Room 302 Jocelyn
Schwarz/Nancy Holmes
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(H)
4-SB Room 303
Sarah Baptiste
PHYS. ED
(H)
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
4-NN Room 304
Noreen Nason
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(M)
LIBRARY
ART
4-CM Room 305
Carrie McCabe
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(H)
ART
PHYS. ED
(M)
LIBRARY
4-DA Room 307 Donna
Aiosa
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
ART
PHYS. ED
(M)
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
5-PB Room 207
Peter Brown
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(H)
5-WS Room 208
Wendy Schutte
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
ART
PHYS. ED
(M)
5-K/M Room 209
Tracey Kueck/Melissa McIntyre
PHYS. ED
(M)
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(M)
LIBRARY
ART
5-LS Room 210
Leigh Salvage
PHYS. ED
(H)
ART
LIBRARY
PHYS. ED
(H)
MUSIC
5-AM Room 211
Allison Mauser
MUSIC
PHYS. ED
(H)
ART
PHYS. ED
(M)
LIBRARY

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT
In many cases, Meet the Teacher Night is parents’ first opportunity to get
to know you and visit their child’s classroom. Please review the following
areas prior to their visit.
• POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
o Homework
extent to which parents should become involved in their
child’s assignments
whether or not homework assignments/agenda
books/contracts need to be signed by parents
specifics regarding the collection/grading of homework
assignments
consequences for late, missing, or incomplete
assignments
o Discipline
expectations and standards for behavior
classroom and school rules and consequences for
disobeying them
Code of Conduct
ways in which parents will be informed of their child’s
conduct
o Testing and Grading
how parents will know about tests, projects, and other
activities/assignments
how test results will be shared with parents
whether or not tests need to be signed/returned
information regarding report cards and parent
conferences

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT (CONTINUED)
o Agenda Book
ways in which it aids with organizational skills / student
accountability
how it will be used
whether or not it should be signed
o Extra Help
when it is offered
support AND enrichment
students are invited to attend a session
parents should contact teacher if they have concerns or
feel their child needs additional attention
o Daily Routines and Procedures
attendance policies
weekly schedule
notes to and from home
forgotten items (students will not be able to call home or
be let back into the classroom before or after school
hours)
• INTEGRITY OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM – Indicate the
importance of children being in school, on time and for the entire day.
Interruptions (i.e. picking children up early for social activities) should
be avoided.
• CURRICULUM – Please make sure you have read the curriculum
brochure that you will be giving to parents and are familiar with its
contents. This will enable you to answer questions posed by parents.
Make sure parents realize that textbooks and workbooks are NOT the
curriculum, so that they do not expect that:
o You do everything in the book from cover to cover.
o The book is an all-inclusive of the curriculum.
Remind them that our curriculum is based on the New York State
Standards for Education.
• SAFETY AND SECURITY – Emphasize that safety and security are
our main priority and that parental cooperation is therefore imperative.
Make sure that parents understand the need to sign in at the office and
wear visitor passes when they are in the building. In addition, review
dismissal procedures and protocol for picking up their child. Make
sure they realize the importance of clearly communicating their
dismissal (i.e. pick up, bus, after school activity) instructions to you.

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT (CONTINUED)
• COMMUNICATION – Establish a “method” of getting notices and
materials home each day and a specific way to communicate with
parents. Indicate all ways you will be sharing information with them
(i.e. newsletters, e-board). Let parents know how best to contact you.
Inform them of the upcoming parent-teacher conference times.
• CHARACTERIZING THE CLASS – Refrain from characterizing your
class in any way (“slower/brighter than last year’s class,” “full of
behavior problems”). Do not imply that discipline problems, materials,
or other difficulties will affect instruction or the overall rate of progress.
• HANDOUTS – Make absolutely sure that any handouts you distribute
are correct and up to date. Some of the information you have
distributed in past years may no longer be accurate, especially in light
of curriculum and assessment changes. Be sure to read everything
you distribute completely and be sure it says exactly what you want it
to say.
Reminder: All materials MUST be approved by an administrator
prior to distribution.
• CLASSROOM DISPLAYS – It is always a good idea to have student
work displayed or hanging up throughout the room. It is also a good
idea to have student-produced materials available for parents to look
through at each child’s desk. Make sure, however, that these
assignments are satisfactory and presentable. Remember, ALL
students must be represented when hanging work in the classroom.

NOTES, LETTERS, FLYERS TO PARENTS
Letters are sent to parents regarding a wide variety of topics including
upcoming events, activities, policies, and procedures. Please make sure
that you read a copy of any note that is sent to parents. It is important that
you are aware of what parents are being told so that you may answer
questions and adhere to established guidelines.
REMINDER – ALL written communication to parents (including PTA flyers,
notes/newsletters from classroom teachers, and building/office memos)
MUST be approved by the Principal or Assistant Principal BEFORE being
sent home with the children.

PARENTAL RELEASE OF INFORMATION
AND PICTURES
It is school policy to never release students’ names, addresses, and
telephone numbers without obtaining parental permission. At the start of
each school year, representatives from the PTA will contact each family
and obtain permission to put each child’s name on a school social list.
This list will then be distributed to each grade level to assist parents with
the organization of “play dates” and parties. This is the ONLY list that
should be distributed.
There may be occasions where your class of individual students are
involved in an activity or event where photographs are taken. These
photographs should not be distributed, published, or placed on the website
without receiving written parental permission. Once a parent returns a
signed permission slip, it should be kept on file for future reference.

Otsego Elementary School
_____________
date
Dear Parents and/or Guardians,
There may be times throughout the year when your child is involved
in some exciting educational projects involving the use of technology. We
frequently celebrate these successes by sharing the activities on the
District Website.
We would like your permission for your child’s photograph to be
used. Please be assured that your child WILL NOT be identified by name
on the Website.
If you are willing to give your consent, please complete and return
the bottom portion of this form as soon as possible.
Thank you,
__________________
Teacher’s Signature
Otsego Elementary School
I give my consent and permission for the Half Hollow Hills School District
to take photographs/videos for use on the district website.
______________________________
Student’s Name
______________________________
Teacher
______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
______________________________
Date

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher conferences for all children are held at the end of the first marking
period. In addition, occasions may arise during the school year that warrant
additional conferences. The guidelines below may be helpful during these times.
CONFERENCE PREPARATION:
• Make a checklist of the important points that you want to emphasize during
the conference. This will keep the conference moving forward in a timely
manner and ensure that you cover all topics.
• Prepare a folder of the student’s work to share with the parents. This folder
should include samples of work in all subject areas from different points in the
school year. This enables parents to see their child’s current ability level as
well as the progress he/she has made.
CONFERENCE TECHNIQUES:
• Arrange a meeting place that is conducive to conversation, such as several
chairs grouped together. Avoid putting a desk or a table, which may seem
like a barricade, in between you and a parent.
• Start the conference by thanking the parents for meeting with you and
expressing your appreciation of their efforts.
• Establish a rapport with the parent. Begin and end the conference with a
positive comment about the child.
• Be truthful, but sensitive, with your remarks. Remember that you are talking
to a parent about their most precious possession, their child.
• Do your best to avoid any arguments. Remember that cooperation between
home and school will lead to the best possible learning situation for each
child.
• Be professional when talking about former teachers or other staff members.
Your comments should reflect only positive things about others and the school
in general.
• Comments about other students or siblings should not be entertained. Avoid
comparisons between the child and others.
• Try not to overwhelm parents. Do not send them away with countless
suggestions. Concentrate on one or two important things that you can work
on together.
• Summarize the points covered.
• Make it clear that parent input and participation are valued and welcome. Let
them know that you are available to confer with them at any time.

2009-2010 Payroll Schedule
• September 4, 2009 (Teachers)
• September 18, 2009
• October 2, 2009
• October 16, 2009
• October 30 (No deductions)
• November 13, 2009
• November 27, 2009 (Paid on Nov. 25 th )
• December 11, 2009
• December 25, 2009 (Paid on Dec. 23 rd )
• January 8, 2010
• January 22, 2010
• February 5, 2010
• February 19, 2010 (Paid on Feb. 12 th )
• March 5, 2010 (No deductions)
• March 19, 2010
• April 2, 2010 (Paid on March 26 th )
• April 16, 2010
• April 30, 2010
• May 14, 2010
• May 28, 2010 (No deductions)
• June 11, 2010
• June 25, 2010
• June 30, 2010 (No deductions, clean-up pay/not regular payroll)

PLAN BOOKS/LESSON PLANNING
Well developed lesson plans enable teachers to meet instructional goals
and objectives. Carefully planned instruction should include a brief
explanation of the lesson objectives (what students should know,
understand, and be able to do as a result of the instruction), learning plan
(the delivery of instruction, including curriculum material, page numbers,
and assignments), and assessment (method for evaluating whether or not
students learned what was intended).
Teachers are required to keep an accurate, up-to-date plan book. The
purpose of this book is:
• To serve as a useful guide to organize instruction
• To provide administrators with ongoing information about classroom
structure and instructional activities
• To enable substitute teachers to understand classroom
schedules/procedures and proceed with lessons
You will be required to submit plan books once monthly, by 9:00 AM,
according to a schedule provided at the beginning of each year. They
should reflect at least one week of pre-planning (Friday + the entire next
week). Teachers may utilize any format that is meaningful to them and is
understandable to others.
SUBSTITUE PLANS:
Teachers need to maintain a substitute folder that provides meaningful
instructional material. Materials for this substitute folder will be distributed
at the beginning of each year. The folders must be completed in a timely
manner, and handed in to the office, where they will be filed. It should also
include a class list, classroom seating chart, classroom rules and
procedures, schedules, dismissal information (bus/activities) and special
duty responsibilities. Most importantly, students’ medical alerts (including
allergies) and special needs should be clearly indicated.

Otsego Elementary School
2009 - 2010 Plan Book Schedule
DATE
GRADES
Thursday, October 01, 2009
K through 2 and Special Area
Thursday, October 15, 2009 3 through 5
Thursday, October 29, 2009
K through 2 and Special Area
Thursday, November 12, 2009 3 through 5
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
K through 2 and Special Area
Thursday, December 10, 2009 3 through 5
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
K through 2 and Special Area
Thursday, January 14, 2010 3 through 5
Thursday, January 28, 2010
K through 2 and Special Area
Thursday, February 11, 2010 3 through 5
Thursday, March 04, 2010
K through 2 and Special Area
Thursday, March 18, 2010 3 through 5
Thursday, April 08, 2010
K through 2 and Special Area
Thursday, April 22, 2010 3 through 5
Thursday, May 06, 2010
K through 2 and Special Area
Thursday, May 20, 2010 3 through 5

PTA
The Otsego Parent Teacher Association meets monthly, alternating
between daytime and evening sessions. Faculty representatives act as
liaisons between the PTA and teachers. All staff members are
encouraged to join the PTA and are invited to attend the meetings.
Parents truly enjoy the opportunity to meet and chat on an informal basis
about school-related programs, not necessarily about individual children.
There are several committees involving the PTA and those serving on
them are dedicated to our school and our children. You will enjoy their
efforts throughout the year.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVATION
Below is a list of Days of Religious Observance for the 2009/2010 school
year. It is possible that on any of these days we might have abnormally low
attendance; however, any student absent due to the holiday should be
marked excused. Please consider these dates when scheduling tests,
homework, etc.
September 19 th & 20 th 2009 Rosh Hashanah
September 28 th 2009
Yom Kippur
October 3 rd & 4 th 2009
First 2 days of Sukkot
October 10 th 2009
Shemini Atzeret
October 11 th 2009
Simchat Torah
December 8 th 2009
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 12 th – 19 th 2009 Chanukah
December 25 th 2009
Christmas
January 6 th 2010
Epiphany
February 17 th 2010
Ash Wednesday
February 28 th 2010
Purim
March 30 th & 31 st 2010
First Two Days of Passover
April 1 st 2010
Holy Thursday
April 2 nd 2010
Good Friday
April 2 nd 2010
Greek/Eastern Orthodox Good Friday
April 4 th 2010
Easter
April 4 th 2010
Greek/Eastern Orthodox Easter
April 5 th – 6 th 2010
Last 2 days of Passover
May 13 th 2010
Ascension Day
May 29 th – 30 th 2010
Shavuot

REPORT CARD GUIDELINES
A report card is a legal permanent record and should engender respect. It
should have a professional look about it. Please keep the following
guidelines in mind when writing report cards:
• SUBSTANTIATE GRADES – Be sure you can justify grades with
objective data, both from your grade book and from the students’ work
folders. Although New York State sets Learning Standards, schools
determine the indicators of specific performance levels and effort
grades. Please be consistent to maintain the integrity of grades.
• STAY WITHIN REPORT CARD GUIDELINES – Use ONLY the grade
indicators on the report card themselves. DO NOT qualify them in
any way, such as adding a “+” or a “-“ to a grade.
• BE CONSISTENT ACROSS THE GRADE LEVEL – Do your best as a
group to identify specific indicators, which everyone agrees are
representative of a student in each performance level. The basic
guidelines remain. However, if the majority of the indicators describe
the student, the student is performing at that level.
• TAKE GREAT CARE WITH YOUR COMMENTS –
o
o
Please base your comments solely on direct assessment and
observable data. Try to address areas that the rest of the report
card does not. For example, if Emily is performing at level 3 in
math with a G grade for effort, it is essentially redundant to say,
“Emily is doing well in math.” However, you may wish to
comment on Emily’s initiative, organizational skills, contributions
to class discussions, politeness, etc… Please note that it is
observable behavior and facts that would lead you to make
remarks about these qualities, rather than a mere opinion.
Report cards are written to parents, not students. Therefore,
comments like, “Good work, Jared,” and Keep it up, Jill,” do not
really belong.

REPORT CARD GUIDELINES (continued)
o
o
o
o
o
Carefully chosen comments will communicate to parents that
you know their child as an individual. Comments, not grades,
are the way to encourage a child who is trying hard, but still not
achieving to grade level standards. The effort grade can be
used for the same purpose. For example, a performance level
of “1” and an effort grade of “E” are not necessarily incongruous.
The comment section is also a good place to offer concrete
suggestions as to how parents can help their children at home.
For example, the phrase “Use flash cards to review math facts
with Eric” is more helpful than “Eric needs to learn his math
facts.”
Try to avoid making “predictions” in the comments sections. No
one can really anticipate what will happen in the future. Avoid
statements like, “I’m sure Ethan’s reading performance will
improve during the next quarter”, or “With more effort on Sally’s
part, her science grade should improve,” are dangerous to
make. While it is certainly acceptable to point out the need for
greater effort, it is speculative to foresee any specific results.
It is also important that your comments are congruent with the
grades you’ve given. Don’t give parents an opportunity to
criticize you because there are inconsistencies between your
grades and your comments. For example, if the comment reads,
“Nicole excels in mathematics concepts and applications,” she
should not have a grade of “2.”
Most importantly, PROOFREAD YOUR COMMENTS. You will
be judged by what, and how you write.
• BE HONEST – Honesty is ultimately the best policy. If difficulties exist
and the report card does not indicate any sort of a problem, it makes it
hard for the parent to understand that his/her child may need support
services. In addition, if the previous year’s teacher did not indicate a
problem and the current one does, it may look like the problem is with
the teacher, not the child. Therefore, it is always best to tell it like it is
and back up what you say with hard data.
REMEMBER: Poor effort or behavioral issues should not be reflected in
academic grades. These issues can be reported through effort grades or
comments.

SAFETY ISSUES
• Wear your ID badge at all times. If you don’t have one or need a new
one, contact the MIS Department at x3085.
• Please notify the office immediately if you see someone in the building
you do not recognize. All staff members (including custodial and
maintenance workers) should have an ID badge, and all visitors should
have a visitor’s badge.
• If you notice anything missing from your classroom (either personal or
building items), please notify Ruben AND an Administrator immediately.
• You MUST lock your classroom door whenever it is vacant. This
includes your lunch, prep, or any other time during the day that your
class leaves the room (i.e. book fair, buddy activity, etc…). Please lock
your door at the end of the day as well.
• NEVER leave your keys in the classroom door lock. At the end of the
day, lock your door and windows, close the shades, and please be sure
your classroom keys are left at the back of your mailbox in the main
office. (Also, do not leave them in your classroom mailbox on the door.)
• Please log out and turn off all classroom computers at the end of the
day.
• After late dismissal, the office file cabinets and doors will be locked.
There will be limited access to the main office after that time. If you are
going to be in the building working late, please let us know.
• DO NOT send a student or students back to a room to retrieve forgotten
items. Students should NEVER be inside a vacant classroom. Since
the doors will be locked when you leave, students won’t be able to get
inside.

• Know the dismissal procedures and make sure that the children and
parents know them as well.
• Be extra vigilant whenever you go outdoors with the children. Please
be sure to be back inside the building by 2:45 PM.
• Call down to the office whenever you leave the classroom for anything
that does not appear on the master schedule or weekly calendar (i.e.
buddy class, outdoor activity), so that we always know where you are.
• Never compromise building security. All doors, except the main door in
the front lobby, MUST be closed and locked at all times. When
entering/exiting the building, please be sure the doors close securely
behind you. DO NOT use anything to prop open a door. If you see
a door that is open, please close it and notify the office.
• When using electrical equipment, you must use caution and follow safe
procedures;
o All activities which involve cooking must be approved by the
building principal
o Cooking activities should be related to curriculum and
instruction
o Whenever possible, teachers should be encouraged to bring
in precooked, warm food, especially if the food activity is not
related to actual curriculum work in the classroom
o Teachers should not have or use the following appliances in
their classroom;
• Refrigerators
• Ovens
• Toaster ovens
• Deep fryers
• Open coil hot plates
o Actual cooking (baking, frying) of food should take place in
the faculty room or in the cafeteria. Appropriate locations
should be discussed with the principal
o Portable heater may not be brought in and used anywhere in
the school building
o Glue guns can be used by teachers only. Children may not
use them in or out of class
o Listening centers, pencil sharpeners, CD players, etc., may
be used
• Make sure a first aid kit and a cell phone accompany you on all field
trips. Please be sure to leave a phone number with the office, in case
the need to contact you arises.

OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
EMERGENCY SHELTERING PLAN
Shelter Plan:
There will be a shelter drill signal that will alert all occupants that we must
take shelter inside Otsego. The attached plan illustrates the procedures
and the designated areas that each class will travel to in the event of an
emergency.
Please note:
• Once the alarm signals that a drill has begun, classroom teachers
should exit with their classes.
• Specials (Art, Music, Physical Education, and Library) should exit
immediately and proceed to designated locations. Classroom teachers
report directly to special teacher locations.
Crisis Response Team:
Principal
Assistant Principal
Head Custodian
Psychologist
Nurse
Secretaries
Sharon Stepankewich
Stacey Bernstein
Ruben Torres
Tony Farinacci
Ingrid Steffens
Terri Flynn / Cynthia Toomey
The following procedures will be utilized:
• Crisis Response Team Members will obtain walkie-talkies to
communicate throughout the drill.
• The Head Custodian and his staff will shut down all ventilation systems
and check to see that all windows and doors are closed, including the
main entrance door. They will then take shelter at the nearest area.
• The Principal and Assistant Principal will pick up Emergency
Response Kits.
• Members will check assigned areas and indicate when their area is
secure. The alarm will then be silenced and the “return to class” signal
will sound.
• Cheryl Greguski will supervise the 200 wing and take
shelter with Room 205.
• Joan Truebig will supervise the 300 Wing and take shelter
with Room 305.
• Sharon McCune will Supervise the 100 Wing and take
Shelter with Room 109.

EMERGENCY SHELTERING PLAN (CONTINUED)
• Sharon Stepankewich / Stacey Bernstein will supervise
all areas to ensure a safe and orderly drill and then take
shelter at the nearest location.
Procedures for Sheltering Students and Staff:
• Teachers should supervise students and bring Sheltering Packet,
attendance rosters, and keys/personal belongings (i.e. purse).
• All classroom doors and windows should be closed before leaving
the rooms.
• Students should quickly and quietly exit the area they are in and
report SINGLE FILE to the designated area.
• Students should stand shoulder to shoulder against the wall and
then sit down. If the line of students extends beyond your
designated area, please line those students up directly behind your
class, sitting and facing the student in front of them.
Paraprofessional and Monitor Assignments:
• Special Education Paraprofessionals will remain with their class.
• Kindergarten Paraprofessionals and other Paras/Monitors that are
in a classroom at the time of the shelter alarm should remain with that
class.
• In the event that the shelter alarm should sound during a lunch period,
all Lunchroom Monitors will remain with their class and bring them
directly to their designated areas. Classroom teachers will join their
classes at designated areas.
• Instructional /Clerical Paraprofessionals will proceed to the special
area teachers indicated below to assist with returning students back to
their classroom teacher. Personnel should then take shelter with the
class of the last child brought back to the classroom teacher.
• Debbie Rossi
Reading / Resource / Math
• Josette Napolitano Nurse
• Martha Finnochiaro ESL/Speech
• Ronnie D’Amato will escort all visitors at the front desk/office to shelter
opposite the gym.

EMERGENCY SHELTERING PLAN (CONTINUED)
Special Area Teachers:
The following special area teachers will bring the students in their care
directly back to their classroom teachers at their designated shelter areas.
These teachers should then shelter with that class.
Speech Reading Adaptive PE AHAP
ESL OT/PT Math Lab
Band/Orchestra Physical Education Music
Library Resource Room Art
Additional Personnel:
• Cafeteria Staff should take shelter against the wall that borders the
cafeteria and kitchen (where the students line up to buy lunch).
• Permanent Substitutes should take shelter with the special area or
classroom they are responsible for that day. Review this sheltering
plan carefully
This Sheltering/Evacuation Plan should be stored near the hallway
entrance to your room. The plan and your attendance roster should
be in your hands as you exit your classrooms.

OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SHELTERING PLAN: DESIGNATED AREAS TO TAKE SHELTER
(See map on Emergency Clipboard)
Designated Area Classroom #
Outside Room 106 101
Outside Room 105 102
Outside Room 106 103
Outside Room 105 104
Outside Room 107 105
Outside Room 108 106
Outside Storage Room 107
Outside Room 108 108
Next to Psychologist’s Office 109
Outside Room 109 110
Outside Students’ Bathrooms 111
Outside Room 110 112
Outside Room 111 113
Across from Psychologist’s Office 114
Outside Room 118 116
Outside Room 117 117
Outside Room 118 118
Outside Room 117 119
Outside Room 118 120
Outside Room 201 202
Outside Art Room 204
Outside Room 202 205
Across Band/Orchestra Room 206
Outside Room 204 207
Outside Room 206 208
Outside Room 205 209
Outside Room 208 210
Outside Room 207 211
Outside Room 301 302
By Library Circulation Desk 303
Library Wall next to Exit Hallway 304
Outside Room 305 305
Outside Room 307 307
Outside Room 308 308
Outside Room 309 309

STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Students need to be aware of the classroom and school rules. Our motto is,
“Everybody Deserves Respect,” and this idea should permeate throughout to
building. Good discipline is a result of a working relationship built upon
respect. The respect extends to fellow classmates, other adults, the building,
equipment, and material.
Please keep the following guidelines in mind when disciplining students:
• Avoid acting in haste or in an emotional state. Many times, these actions
are difficult to defend at a later date.
• Students are expected to take part in all special classes. Disciplinary
action should not involve keeping a student out of a class. For example,
please do not tell a student he/she can’t go to Art because he/she did not
complete the math work.
• Please contact an administrator if you feel a child must be excluded from a
class activity (i.e. celebration, buddy activity, trip) due to his/her behavior.
• DO NOT place a student in the hallway as a disciplinary action. This child
is unsupervised and most likely will not make any educational progress in
this setting. If you feel a child must be removed from your classroom,
contact an administrator.
Remember, discipline problems may be minimized by:
• Letting the children know ahead of time what is expected of them
• Being consistent and fair in dealing with the students
• Setting schedules for work and adhering to them
• Being well organized so that all materials and equipment are ready
• Being well-planned and anticipating the unexpected

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE
The Otsego Sunshine Committee is made up of staff
members. Responsibilities are assigned on a rotating basis
to grade level and special area teachers. Membership
information will be available in September.
The Sunshine Committee sponsors holiday breakfasts and
special occasions such as bridal showers, baby showers,
and other celebrations. The Committee also acknowledges
difficult times (i.e. illness or death) for staff members and/or
their families.

SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN
• NEVER leave a class unsupervised.
• NEVER leave a student unsupervised in any area of the building.
• DO NOT allow a student to go back to the classroom to retrieve
forgotten items.
• ALWAYS lock your classroom doors when the class is out of the
room for activities such as specials and lunch, and especially before
leaving for the day. At no time should a classroom door be open
and unlocked when the classroom is vacant.
• Be on time when dropping off and picking up your class for lunch
and specials. It is unfair and unsafe for a colleague to have to
supervise two classes while waiting for you.
• If a situation arises and you need to leave the classroom for any
length of time, please call the office. They will arrange for someone
to come to your class to relieve you.

TEACHER ABSENCES
YOU MUST NOTIFY THE SUB CALLER for the district anytime you are going to
be absent. This includes personal and family illnesses, personal days, testing
days, workshops, etc… The number to call is 631-667-9578. You may call this
number any time, 24 hours a day. Please give as much notice as possible. It is
okay to call days, or even weeks in advance.
PERSONAL DAYS:
If you need to be absent for a personal reason, please obtain a “Request to be
Absent” form from the office. This form must be filled out and returned to the
principal for approval at least 5 days prior to your intended absence.
• REMINDER: Even if you have had a personal day approved, you
MUST still call the Sub Caller to report your absence.
SUBSTITUTE FOLDER/PLANS:
Please make sure you have filled out the substitute folder with all pertinent
information. This folder, along with your plans will ensure that your students are
safe and that instruction can continue in your absence. Since unforeseen
circumstances often arise (i.e. sudden illness, personal emergency, etc…), it is
important for you to leave “emergency plans” in the folder that can be accessed in
the event of an unscheduled absence.

TEACHER EVALUATION PROCESS
NON-TENURED TEACHERS: All components of the evaluation process will
become part of the teacher portfolio supporting a tenure recommendation.
Fall:
1. Observation 1 (with pre and post conference)
2. Observation 2 (with pre and post conference)
3. Domain 4 Conference (Professional Responsibilities)
4. Formative Conference and Evaluation
Spring:
1. Observation 3 (with pre and post conference)
2. Observation 4 (with pre and post conference)
3. Domain 4 Conference (Professional Responsibilities)
4. Teacher reflection on all of the domains:
a. Domain 1 – Planning and Preparation
b. Domain 2 – The Classroom Environment
c. Domain 3 – Instruction
d. Domain 4 – Professional Responsibilities
5. Summative Conference and Evaluation
TENURED TEACHERS:
Year 1: Comprehensive Evaluation:
1. Observation of practice (with pre and post conference)
2. Domain 4 Conference (Professional Responsibilities)
3. Teacher reflection on all of the domains:
a. Domain 1 – Planning and Preparation
b. Domain 2 – The Classroom Environment
c. Domain 3 – Instruction
d. Domain 4 – Professional Responsibilities
4. Summative Conference, yielding a goal setting for the following year
5. Summative evaluation
Year 2: Self-Directed Professional Inquiry
1. Domain 4 Conference (Professional Responsibilities)
2. Reflection on Personal Goal

TELEPHONES
There are several phones in the building which are available for staff use.
• Faculty Room (2 phones)
• Library Phone Room
• Primary Wing Phone Room
• Gym Office
Please refrain from using the phones in the main office. These phones are
designated for office personnel only.
CELLULAR PHONES:
At the beginning of the school year, please give/update your cell phone #
to Cheryl. A list of staff cell phone numbers is kept in the office in case of
emergency. Please take your cell phone, powered on, on all field trips.
At no time should you be using your cell phone during class times.
Emergency calls should be directed to the main office. Alert the
secretaries that you are waiting for an important call and they will contact
you when the call comes in. Please keep them informed of your
whereabouts, should you leave the classroom.

VIDEOS
The use of videos during classroom time must be consistent with
educational goals and values. Videos shown during the school day should
substantially support or enrich the curriculum.
Videos MUST be approved by building administration prior to being shown.
Teachers can fill out the Video Request Form (included on the following
page), attach it to the actual videotape, and submit it to the office at least 2
days before the scheduled viewing.

VIDEO REQUEST FORM
Teacher: ___________________________
Today’s Date: ________________
Name of video: _____________________________________________________
Scheduled date and time for viewing the video: ___________________________
Curriculum area(s) the video supports: __________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Reason(s) why the video will enhance instruction:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Approval: ______ Yes ______ No
_____________________
Administrator’s Signature
_____________
Date
VIDEO REQUEST FORM
Teacher: ___________________________
Today’s Date: ________________
Name of video: _____________________________________________________
Scheduled date and time for viewing the video: ___________________________
Curriculum area(s) the video supports: __________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Reason(s) why the video will enhance instruction:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Approval: ______ Yes ______ No
_____________________
Administrator’s Signature
_____________
Date

September 6, 2005
Dear Parent/Guardian:
As you may be aware, environmental and food allergies are on the rise.
We have students in our school with severe peanut and nut allergies, and
exposure to these products can cause a life threatening reaction,
anaphylaxis. Safety for all children is important to us at all times.
Therefore, I would like to reinforce on of our health concerns.
Some of our youngsters have a severe allergy to peanuts and/or tree nuts
(such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, etc.). This is a very important issue
for us, since this can be life threatening for these children. Therefore, we
are asking for your cooperation regarding this matter.
We are encouraging our parents to send peanut-free and nut-free lunches,
snacks, and party foods for all the students in our school.
Thank you for your cooperation in our combined efforts at keeping our
students healthy and safe at school.
Anyone wishing further information about peanut/nut allergies may contact
the school nurse at 592-3501. There is also an informational packet
available at the school.
Sincerely,

September 2005
Dear Parent/Guardian:
As you may be aware, environmental and food allergies affecting children are on the
rise. There is a student in your child’s classroom that has a severe, life threatening
allergy to nuts, in particular peanuts. In addition, this child cannot tolerate tree nuts
(such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, etc). To ensure a safe classroom environment,
we will implement a few very important considerations for this child.
If this child were to accidentally eat, touch, or inhale the “peanut/nut dust” from
peanuts/nuts, he/she could have a life-threatening reaction, anaphylaxis. Because of
this risk, we are requesting peanut and nut-free snacks for the entire class, including
those provided for parties and celebrations. Please choose other healthy snacks, such
as fruit, pretzels, crackers, and juices that are peanut/nut-free and do not contain
peanut/nut byproducts. We have enclosed a list of healthy snacks, from our district
office, which may help you in selecting your child’s snack each day. Please check the
food ingredients of the snacks you may pack for school.
It is difficult at the best of times to get children to eat healthy snacks; however, I hope
you will appreciate the seriousness of this condition and that you will assist us in our
efforts to create a safe an environment as possible. With your cooperation, we can
minimize the risk of an allergic reaction.
Anyone wishing further information about peanut/nut allergies may contact the school
nurse. There is also an informational packet available at the school.
Sincerely,

CONSENT FOR ADMINSTRATION OF MEDICINE
Half Hollow Hills
Central School District
Otsego Hill Elementary
Parent and Prescriber’s Authorization for Administration of Medication in School
A
To be completed by the Parent or Guardian:
I request that my child ___________________, receive the medication as prescribed
below by our physician. The medication is to be furnished by me in a properly labeled
original container from the pharmacy, and a second labeled container is to be provided (if
necessary) for field trips. I understand that the school nurse will administer the medication
at school as directed.
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
____________
Date
_____________________________________________________________________________
Address Street City Zip
_____________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Home Work Cell
To be completed by the Physician:
B I request that my patient, as listed above, receive the following medication at school:
Diagnosis:
Medication:
Prescribed Dosage/Frequency/Time & Route Administration:
Possible Side Effect/Adverse Reactions (if any):
Other Recommendations:
Physician’s Name (please print):
_______________________________
Physician’s Signature
____________
Date
_____________________________________________________________________________
Address Street City Zip
_________________________________________
Phone

CONSENT TO RELEASE PERSONAL INFORMATION
Half Hollow Hills
Central School District
September 2005
Dear Parent or Guardian:
You have notified the school district that your child has a food allergy. We would
like to notify the parents in your child’s class of this allergy, so that they can make
responsible choices when sending in food and/or snacks.
Please complete the form below and return to your child’s teacher as soon as
possible.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Child’s Name:
_______________________________________________________________
____I hereby grant permission to the Half Hollow Hills School District to use my
child’s name when notifying the families of my child’s classmates of my child’s
food allergy.
______________________________
_________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
____I do not grant permission to the Half Hollow Hills School District to use my
child’s name when notifying the families of my child’s classmates of my child’s
food allergy.
______________________________
_________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Please return this form to your child’s teacher.

EMERGENCY HEALTH PLAN CARE FORM
Half Hollow Hills
Central School District
Emergency Health Care Plan
(To be completed annually by Parent and Child’s Physician)
Attach
Child’s
Photo
Student Name:
Date of Birth:
Teacher:
School Year:
Allergy:
Reacts to: Ingestion ________ Airborne ________ Tactile________
SIGNS OF AN ALLERGIC REACTION INCLUDE:
Systems:
Symptoms:
Mouth Itching and swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth
Throat Itching and/or a sense of tightness in the throat, hoarseness, hacking cough
Skin Hives, itchy rash, and/or swelling about the face or extremities
Gut Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Lung Shortness of breath, repetitive coughing
Heart “thready” pulse, “passing out”
ACTION: MILD ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS
1. Administer: ___________________________________________________
medication/dosage/route/frequency
2.
Call Parents: ______________________________________________________
Mother’s work # home # cell#
______________________________________________________
Father’s work # home # cell#
ACTION: SEVERE ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS (ANAPHYLAXIS)
1. Administer: ___________________________________________________
medication/dosage/route/frequency
2. Call Rescue: Melville Fire Department 631-547-4121
Call Parents: ______________________________________________________
3.
Mother’s work # home # cell#
______________________________________________________
Father’s work # home # cell#
Do not hesitate to administer medication or call rescue squad, even if parents or doctor
cannot be reached!
_____________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
_____________________________________________
Physician’s Signature
_________________
Date
_________________
Date
Please note that medication must be transported to and from the health office by a parent
or guardian. Medication must be labeled and in the original container.

REMINDER
In order to ensure the safety of all our
children with peanut/tree nut allergies,
please do not send home-baked goods
and other foods into the classroom.
Food brought in for birthdays and
special events should be purchased in
stores, commercially prepared, and
contain complete ingredient lists with
no nuts or nut products.

POLICY – SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Educational achievements demand consistent school attendance. The Board of
Education’s goal is to reduce unexcused absences, tardiness, and early departures, to
encourage regular attendance, to maintain an attendance record keeping system, to
identify patterns of unexcused absences, tardiness and early departures, and to
develop strategies to improve school attendance.
Notice:
In an effort to ensure that students, parents, teachers, and administrators are made
aware of and understand this policy, its purpose, procedures, and the consequences of
non-compliance, the following shall be implemented:
1. Parents shall receive a plain language summary of this policy by mail at the
beginning of the school year. Parents must sign and return a form indicating that
they have read and understand the policy.
2. A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified by phone or by mail if a student
is absent, tardy, or leaves early from school. The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s)
shall be reminded of the components of the policy and intervention procedures.
3. A copy of this policy and any future modifications shall be provided to all faculty
and staff. New staff members will receive a copy upon their employment.
4. Upon request, a copy of this policy shall be made available to any member of the
community.
Excused and Unexcused Absences:
Excused absences, tardiness, and early departures are defined as absences, tardiness,
and early departures from class or school due to: illness of student, family medical
emergency, death in family, medical appointments, required court appearance, prior
approved college visitations, school sanctioned functions, religious observance, and
other administrative approved absences or such other reasons as may be approved by
administrators.
All other absences, tardiness, and early departures will be considered unexcused
absences.
Every absence, tardiness, and early departure must be accounted for. Parents are
responsible for notifying the school attendance office within 24 hours of the absence,
tardiness, or early departure and providing a written excuse upon the student’s return to
school.

POLICY – SCHOOL ATTENDANCE (Continued)
General Procedures/Data Collection:
Effective beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, every building principal, along with
the designated individuals in charge of reviewing pupil attendance pursuant to §104.1
(1)(2)(ix) of the of the Commissioner’s Regulations, shall review pupil attendance
records for the purpose of initiating appropriate action to address unexcused pupil
absence, tardiness and early departure.
1. Attendance will be taken during each class period.
• Commencing no later than July 1, 2003, attendance must be recorded at
least once daily for students in grades K-5. If students are dismissed from
school grounds during lunch period, then attendance must be recorded a
second time upon the student’s scheduled return.
• For students in grades 6-12 attendance must be recorded during each
period of instruction except that it is not necessary to record attendance
during each class if the student does not change classrooms. When a
secondary student does not change classrooms, attendance must be
recorded as indicated for students in K-8, once or twice per day.
• For students at any instructional level from K-12 who will arrive late for or
depart early from scheduled instruction, tardiness or early departure shall
be recorded as excused or unexcused in accordance with the district’s
comprehensive attendance policy.
2. The designated staff member(s) responsible for attendance shall be provided
with all attendance information compiled at the conclusion of each class period or
school day.
3. The nature of the absences, tardiness, and early departures shall be coded on a
student’s record using the attached coding designations.
4. The Dean of Students, along with other administrators shall review student
absence, tardiness, and/or early departure data in an expeditious manner.
5. Upon review of additional information, if correction needs to be made to a
student’s attendance record, such correction shall be made immediately. Notice
of such a change will be sent to appropriate school personnel subject to
applicable confidentiality rules.
6. Attendance data will be analyzed periodically to identify patterns/trends.
7. Where consistent with other school practices, students in the hallways who are
absent from a class period without excuse shall be referred to the building
Principal’s office.
8. Continuous monitoring will be conducted to identify students who are absent,
tardy, or leave class/school early.

POLICY – SCHOOL ATTENDANCE (Continued)
Register of Attendance:
“Register of Attendance” is defined as any written or electronic record maintained for the
purpose of recording the attendance, absence, tardiness or early departure of a student.
In addition to the child’s name, date of birth, full names of parent(s) or person(s) in
parental relation, and address where the pupil resides, the register of attendance must
now include the following:
1. Phone number(s) where the parent)s) or person(s) in parental relation may be
contacted.
2. Date of the student’s enrollment.
3. A record of the student’s attendance on each day of scheduled instruction.
4. A record of each scheduled day of instruction during which the school is closed
for all or part of the day because of extraordinary circumstances including
adverse weather conditions, impairment of heating facilities, insufficiency of
water supply, shortage of fuel, destruction of or damage to a school building, or
such other cause as may be found satisfactory to the commissioner.
5. The date when the pupil withdraws from enrollment or is dropped from enrollment
in the school.
Attendance Incentives:
Incentives for excellent and/or improved attendance will be reviewed and developed by
the Board of Education and Administration.
Disciplinary Consequences:
Students who have an unexcused absence from class will be subject to zero on any
exam that was given during that time and will lose credit towards any participation grade
that the teacher factors in the quarterly grade.

POLICY – SCHOOL ATTENDANCE (Continued)
Unexcused absence 1:
Unexcused absence 2:
Unexcused absence 3:
Unexcused absence 4:
Disciplinary actions for unexcused absences:
Teacher notifies parent, detention is assigned.
Teacher notifies parent, detention is assigned.
Teacher notifies parent and detention is assigned. Teacher
gives written notice to the Dean of Students who meets with
the student and/or grade level administrator.
Teacher notifies the grade level administrator. The grade
level administrator will meet with the student and assign ISS
(In School Suspension). A conference with the parent will be
held.
Unexcused absence 5: Teacher will notify the grade level administrator. A
conference with the parent will be held. The student will be
subject to OSS (Out-of-School Suspension).
Please note, suspension of specific grade level privileges will be designed by the Board
of Education and Administration.
Attendance/Grade Policy:
The Board recognizes that class attendance is essential to good students performance.
Consequently, a student’s final grade may be based on classroom participation as well
as student’s performance on homework, tests, papers, projects, etc.
Students are expected to attend all schedule classes. Unexcused absences, tardiness
and/or early departures may affect a student’s class participation grade for the marking
period.
Annual Review:
The Board shall annually review building level student attendance records, and, if such
records show a decline in student attendance, the Board shall revise this policy to make
any revisions to the plan it deems necessary to improve student attendance.
Ref: Education Law §§21709; 3024;3025;3202;3205-3213;3225
8 NYCRR §§104.1;175.6
Approved: July 2, 2002

POLICY-HAZING
Hazing, initiation activities, harassment and bullying are abusive and often illegal
behaviors that harm victims and negatively impact the school environment by creating
an atmosphere of fear, distrust, mean-spiritedness, intimidation and intolerance. Hazing
is especially troubling at the middle and high school levels because of issues of
adolescence, in which many students are more vulnerable to peer pressure due to
tremendous need to belong, make friends and find approval from one’s peer group.
Accordingly, hazing, initiation activities, harassment and bullying will not be tolerated at
any level in Half Hollow Hills and will be considered dangerous, immoral, and volatile of
the law and district policy.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe learning environment for students and
staff that is free from hazing, initiation, activities, harassment and bullying and that
promotes respect, civility, dignity and equality. Hazing, initiation activities, harassment
and bullying activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the
District, and are condemned and strictly prohibited at all times. Moreover, it is the policy
of the District that no student or adult will participate in or be members of any secret
fraternity or sorority, athletic team, club or organization that is in any degree related to
the school or to a school district activity which engages in any form of hazing, initiation
activities, harassment or bullying, whether on school grounds, school buses or at all
school-sponsored activities, programs and events, including those that take place at
locations outside the district.

POLICY-HAZING (Continued)
GENERAL POLICY STATEMENTS:
• No student, teacher, coach or administrator, paraprofessional, volunteer,
contractor or other employee of the District shall plan, direct, encourage, aid, or
engage in hazing, initiation activities, harassment or bullying.
• No student, teacher, coach, administrator, paraprofessional, volunteer,
contractor, or other employee of the District shall permit, condone, or tolerate
hazing, initiation activities, harassment or bullying.
• The District strictly prohibits students, teachers, coaches, administrators,
paraprofessionals, volunteers, contractors, or other employees of the District
from engaging individually or collectively in any form of hazing, initiation
activities, harassment or bullying on school property, off school property or on a
school bus, in connection with any school activity or involving any person
associated with the school, regardless of where it occurs.
• Consistent with this policy, the District’s Code of Conduct and the Athletic Code
of Conduct, any student who participates in hazing, initiation activities,
harassment or bullying will face immediate and strong disciplinary action, up to
and including suspension, expulsion, exclusion and loss of the privilege of
attendance and participation in extracurricular activities and sports and school
events (i.e., graduation, prom, dances, field trips, etc.).

POLICY- HAZING (Continued)
• Students, teachers, coaches, administrators, paraprofessionals, volunteers,
contractors or employees who participate in hazing, initiation activities,
harassment or bullying will also be referred to appropriate law enforcement
authorities and may face subsequent prosecution for hazing, harassment or
assault.
• Consent is no defense to a charge of hazing, initiation activities, harassment or
bullying. Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed, initiated
harassed or bullied does not lessen the prohibitions or penalties contained
herein.
• This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off school property or on any
school bus ride and during, before and after school hours.
REPORTING:
In order for the District to effectively enforce this policy, it is essential that all victims of
hazing, initiation activities, harassment or bullying and persons with knowledge of
hazing, initiation activities, harassment or bullying report them immediately.
SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION:
The District will promptly investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or
written of hazing, initiation activities, harassment or bullying. The policy clearly defines
the actions. For more detailed information, please refer to the Student Handbook
and/or District Code of Conduct.

What I Can Do
If I Am Being Bullied
HA HA, SO
Help Humor Self-Talk
Assert Avoid Own It
Yourself

Myth or Fact?
Directions: Determine whether each of the following statements is a “myth” or a “fact”.
1. Bullies are boys. ______
2. Bullies are insecure and have low self-esteem. ______
3. Bullies don’t have friends. ______
4. Bullies are usually failing in school. ______
5. Bullies are physically larger than their victims. ______
6. Bullies don’t really mean to hurt their victims. ______
7. Bullies usually feel badly about their actions, but they just can’t help themselves. ______
8. Looking different is the main reason children get bullied. ______
9. If the victim fights back, the bully will back down. ______
10. Telling on a bully will only make the situation worse for the victim. ______
11. Other children should stay away from the bully-victim situations or they’ll get
bullied as well.
______
12. All teachers can learn to handle a bully. ______
13. Unless you change the bully’s home life, nothing will help. ______
14. Bullies need therapy to stop bullying. ______
15. Bringing the parents of the victim and of the bully together for discussion
is a good idea.
______
16. Once a victim, always a victim. ______
17. Victims have usually brought the trouble upon themselves. ______
18. Learning disabled students are at higher risk of being victimized. ______

Myth or Fact?
Answer Key
Directions: Determine whether each of the following statements is a “myth” or a “fact”.
1. Bullies are boys. Myth
2. Bullies are insecure and have low self-esteem. Myth
3. Bullies don’t have friends. Myth
4. Bullies are usually failing in school. Myth
5. Bullies are physically larger than their victims. Myth
6. Bullies don’t really mean to hurt their victims. Myth
7. Bullies usually feel badly about their actions, but they just can’t help themselves. Myth
8. Looking different is the main reason children get bullied. Myth
9. If the victim fights back, the bully will back down. Myth
10. Telling on a bully will only make the situation worse for the victim. Myth
11. Other children should stay away from the bully-victim situations or they’ll get
bullied as well.
Myth
12. All teachers can learn to handle a bully. Fact
13. Unless you change the bully’s home life, nothing will help. Myth
14. Bullies need therapy to stop bullying. Myth
15. Bringing the parents of the victim and of the bully together for discussion
is a good idea.
Myth
16. Once a victim, always a victim. Myth
17. Victims have usually brought the trouble upon themselves. Myth
18. Learning disabled students are at higher risk of being victimized. Fact

HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
525 HALF HOLLOW ROAD
DIX HILLS, NY 11746
EXPECTATIONS OF BEHAVIOR/CONDUCT FORM
March 2004
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
It is essential that all parents and students have a full understanding
of the philosophy that governs the Half Hollow Hills Central School
District. The Board of Education has passed a policy on Hazing,
Initiation Activities, Harassment and Bullying which goes into effect
on March 15, 2004.
The attached Regulations have been reviewed with your child, and both
you and your child understand what is meant by “hazing, initiation
activities, harassment and bullying.”
__________________________
Student
________________
Date
__________________________
Parent or Guardian
________________
Date
Please sign and return this form to your building principal. Thank you.

WHAT BULLYING IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT
Normal Peer Conflict
Bullying
Equal power of friends
Happens occasionally
Accidental
Not serious
Equal emotional reaction
Not seeking power or attention
Not trying to get something
Remorse – will take responsibility
Effort to solve the problem
Imbalance of power, not friends
Repeated negative actions
Purposeful
Serious with threat of
physical or emotional harm
Strong emotional reaction from
victim and little or no emotional
reaction from bully
Seeking power, control, or material
things
Attempt to gain material things or
power
No remorse – blames the victim
No effort to solve the problem

HARASSMENT – BULLYING REFERRAL FLOW CHART
R
E
P
O
R
T
I
N
G
If ineffective action is
taken complainant
may report directly to
Guidance
Counselor/Psychologist
Parent
Student
Non-Professional
Teacher
Reports incident to
I
N
V
E
S
T
I
G
A
T
I
N
G
Principal
Investigation
takes place by
Principal or Designee
or 3 rd Party which may
include Assistant
Superintendents,
Superintendent or
Legal Counsel
Building
Administrator
Reports incident to
A
C
T
I
O
N
Appropriate
action is taken

HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
525 HALF HOLLOW ROAD
DIX HILLS, NY 11746
Hazing, Initiation Activities, Harassment and Bullying Complaint Form
Hazing, initiation activities, harassment and bullying are abusive and often illegal
behaviors that harm victims and negatively impact school environment by creating an
atmosphere of fear, distrust, mean-spiritedness, intimidation and intolerance.
Individual Filing Complaint:
Name____________________________________
Position/Title______________________________
Date of Complaint__________________________
Complaint Filed Against:
Name____________________________________
Position/Title______________________________
Date and Place of Incident_________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Description of event(s) which caused you to file this complaint. Please give dates and all relevant
information in sequential order. Attach any evidence._________________________________________
Name of Witness(es) [if any]: ___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Has the incident been reported before? Yes No
If yes, when? To whom? _______________________________________________________________
What was the resolution? _______________________________________________________________
Has the complainant been the victim of similar incidents in the past? Yes No
What were the details? _________________________________________________________________
Was the other incident or incidents reported? Yes No
If yes, to whom? ______________________________________________________________________
What was the resolution? _______________________________________________________________
Signature of Complainant _______________________________________ Date ___________________
Signature of Building Administrator_______________________________ Date ___________________
If you need additional space, feel free to attach additional pages to this form.
Actions which may be taken may include, but are not limited to, warning, loss of privileges, exclusion
from school activities and events, denial of access to school property, suspension, expulsion, reporting to
local police authorities, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge.
NOTE: Any act of retaliation is prohibited. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, verbal or physical
threats, ridicule, spreading of rumors, bribes, destruction of property, stalking, harassing phone calls,
harassing internet use, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment.

POLICY/REGULATION-SEXUAL HARASSMENT
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
Section 5020.1R
The following administrative regulation is intended to implement the Board of
Education’s policy against sexual harassment of students.
The Board recognizes that sexual harassment can originate from a student, employee,
a Board member or any non-employee volunteer who works subject to the control of
school authorities.
PROCEDURES
Section 5020.2R
The Board of Education shall designate a compliance officer to carry out the district’s
responsibilities under Titles VII and IX and pursuant to Board of Education policy
number 2451 NONDISCRIMINATION IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.
The Superintendent of Schools shall notify all employees, students and their parents of
the name, office address, and telephone number of the district’s compliance officer. In
addition, the Board, through this regulation, has established grievance procedures that
provide for prompt investigation and equitable resolution of student sexual harassment
complaints.
Consistent with federal and state law, and all applicable provisions contained in the
district’s policy manual and collective bargaining agreements, the following procedures
shall be employed in handling any report, investigation and remedial action concerning
allegations of sexual harassment.
Students who believe they have been subjected to sexual harassment are to
report the incident to the building principal. Although this is recommended, students
may bring their complaints to a teacher, guidance counselor, etc. who will then be
responsible to report it in accordance with this procedure. The building principal shall
notify the compliance officer and Superintendent of Schools of all complaints. Should
the building principal be the alleged harasser, the report shall be made to the next level
in the compliant procedure. The student can pursue the complaint informally or file a
formal complaint.

POLICY/REGULATION-SEXUAL HARASSMENT (Continued)
All reports of sexual harassment will be held in confidence where possible, subject to all
applicable laws and any relevant provisions found in the district’s Board of Education
Policy Manual and collective bargining agreements, provided they do not interfere with
the district’s ability to investigate or take corrective action on the complaint.
INVESTIGATION OF A COMPLAINT
Section 5020.3R
Upon receipt of a formal or informal complaint, a group, through an impartial
investigation of the allegations shall follow. This investigation is to be conducted
diligently. All witnesses shall be interviewed. Complainants are to be notified of the
outcome of the investigation.
INFORMAL COMPLAINTS
Section 5020.4R
Students who believe they have been subjected to sexual harassment may request that
an informal meeting be held between themselves and the building principal. The
purpose of such a meeting will be to discuss the allegations and remedial steps
available. Parents or guardians of the student shall be notified of their right to attend
the interview with their child.
The building principal will then promptly discuss the complaint with the alleged harasser.
Should the alleged harasser admit the allegations, the building principal is to obtain a
written assurance if age appropriate that the unwelcome behavior will stop. Depending
on the severity of the charges, further disciplinary action may be taken by the
Superintendent of Schools.
Thereafter, the building principal is to prepare a written report of the incident and inform
the complainant of the resolution. The complainant is to indicate on the report whether
or not the resolution is satisfactory.

POLICY/REGULATION-SEXUAL HARASSMENT (Continued)
If the complainant is satisfied with the resolution, the incident will be deemed closed.
However the complaint may be reopened for investigation if a recurrence of sexual
harassment is reported. The building principal is to inform the complainant to report any
recurrence of the harassment or any retaliatory action that might occur.
Should the complainant be dissatisfied with the resolution, a formal written complain
should be filed.
If during the building principal’s informal attempt to resolve the complaint, the alleged
harasser admits the allegations but refuses to give assurance that the unwelcome
behavior will stop, the building principal is to file a report with the next level in the
complaint procedure. The report is to indicate the nature of the complaint, a description
of what occurred when the building principal informed the alleged harasser of the
allegations, the alleged harasser’s response to the allegations, and a recommendation
that stronger corrective measures be taken. This report should be accompanied by the
student’s formal complaint.
Should the alleged harasser deny the allegations, the building principal is to inform the
complainant of the denial and state that a formal written complaint will be required for
further formal investigation. The building principal will then file a report with the next
level in the complaint procedure setting forth the events that have occurred to that point.
If the complainant submits a formal complaint, a copy of the complaint should
accompany the building principal’s report with a recommendation for further action.

POLICY/REGULATION-SEXUAL HARASSMENT (Continued)
FORMAL COMPLAINTS
Section 5020.5R
Formal complaints may be submitted to initially report any incidence of sexual
harassment, or as a follow up to an unsatisfactory resolution of an informal attempt to
resolve a complaint. In the latter case, the formal written complaint is to be submitted to
the building principal originally consulted, who will then forward it to the next level in the
complaint procedure for appropriate action.
The formal written complaint will consist of a form and a copy of any applicable building
principal reports. The form shall solicit the specifics of the complaint: e.g., date and
place of incident, description of sexual misconduct, names of any witnesses, and any
previous action taken to resolve this matter.
The complainant will file reports of sexual harassment to the following persons in this
order:
Level I -- Building Principal
Level II -- Title IX Officer
Level III -- Superintendent of Schools
Level IV --- Board of Education
Although this is recommended, students may bring their complaints to a teacher,
guidance counselor, etc. who will then be responsible to report it in accordance with this
procedure.
Each level will be followed in succession in the event of the appeal of a formal complaint
or the unsuccessful resolution of an informal complaint. Should the individual to whom
a report should be filed be the alleged harasser, the matter will be referred to the next
level, and the alleged harasser bypassed.
The Superintendent of Schools or the board shall take immediate, appropriate
corrective action upon a determination of sexual harassment. The Superintendent or
the Board shall notify the complainant of any findings and action taken.

POLICY/REGULATION-SEXUAL HARASSMENT (Continued)
REMEDIAL ACTION
Section 5020.6R
If the investigation reveals that sexual harassment has occurred, appropriate sanctions
will be imposed in a manner consistent with any applicable law, district policies and
regulations and collective bargaining agreements. Depending on the gravity of the
misconduct, sanctions may range from a warning, up to and including dismissal of an
employee or suspension of a student.
Anyone subjecting complainants or witnesses to any form of retaliation will also be
subject to disciplinary action in the manner prescribed by law and consistent with any
applicable provisions in the district’s policy manual or collective bargaining agreements.
If the investigation reveals that no sexual harassment has occurred, or if the
complainant is not satisfied with the remedial action taken after a finding of sexual
harassment, the complainant may appeal to the next level in the complaint procedure.
The appeal must include a copy of the original complaint, all relevant reports, the
specific action being appealed, and an explanation of why the complainant is
appealing.
POST REMEDIAL ACTION
Section 5020.7R
Following a finding of sexual harassment, complainants will be periodically interviewed
by the appropriate building principal to ensure that the harassment has not resumed,
and that no retaliatory action has occurred. In the discretion of the district, these follow
up interviews may continue over a period of time. A report will be made of the
complainant’s response.

POLICY/REGULATION-SEXUAL HARASSMENT (Continued)
COMPLAINT RECORDS
Section 5020.8R
Upon written request, complainants may receive a copy of the resolution reports filed by
the building principal or other district official concerning their complaint. Upon
substantiation copies should also be filed with the student or employment records of
both the complainant and the alleged harasser. All reports will be maintained in the
Office of the Superintendent of Schools in a central depository.
FALSE ACCUSATIONS
Section 5020.9R
False accusations of sexual harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action in the
manner prescribed by law and consistent with any applicable provisions in the district
policy manual or collective bargaining agreements.
INVESTIGATION IN THE ABSENCE OF A COMPLAINT
Section 5021.R
The Board will, in the absence of a complainant’s complaint, ensure that an
investigation is commenced by the appropriate individuals, upon learning of, or having
reason to suspect the occurrence of sexual harassment.
Approved 11/20/95

POLICY-VIDEOTAPE
The Board of Education believes that the use of videos during classroom
time must be consistent with educational goals and values.
Therefore, it will be the policy that any videos shown during the classroom
time should substantially support or enrich the educational curriculum of
that grade or subject.
Videos must also be age appropriate. Videos which are not designed
specifically for teaching purposes must be approved by building
administration prior to being shown.
Approved: 12/16/96