Elementary School Handbook
2021-2022
HarlemP:646-701-7117|BronxP:917-473-7528|F:914-462-3435|www.NCSchools.org
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TableofContents
Table of Contents 2
Mission 5
Academic Program 6 Elementary School Schedules and Programming for In-Person, Hybrid, and Remote 7
100% In-Person 8 Remote Learning Program 8
Academic Expectations 9 Class Attendance 9 Homework 100 Assessments, Exams, and Quizzes Error!Bookmarknotdefined.0
Progress Reports, Report Cards, & Parent Conferences Error!Bookmarknotdefined.0 Report Card Grades 111 Promotion Criteria 200 Promotion In Doubt 200
NCS Commitment to Parent Engagement 211 Communications: Scholar and Staff Boundaries 211
Strong Boundaries 211 Communication to Families 211 Contacting Your Scholar’s Teacher 222
Parent/Guardian Responsibility 222 Neighborhood Charter Schools Communication Guide 233 TADS (Student Information System) 255
Attendance/ Grades 255 Parent Association 255
Technology 277 Technology Contract 277
Elementary School Routines and Procedures- Remote Learning 288 Scholar Expectations 288 Parent Expectations 28 Classroom Behavior and Expectations - In Person 29 Bathroom Procedures 300 Cell Phones 300 Student Dress Code - In Person 311
Elementary School Routines and Procedures- In-Person 322 Essential School/Student Procedures 322
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Arrival 322 Snack 322 Lunch and Recess 322 Dismissal 322 After-School Program In-Person Only 333
Community Activities 344 Open Classroom 344 Visitors to the School 344 Field Trips/End-Of-Year Events 344 Emergencies 355 School Closings 355 Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures 355 Intruder Drills 355 Transportation 366
Criteria for Busing Eligibility 366 Conduct Aboard Busing 366 Busing FAQs 377 Criteria for MetroCard Eligibility 377 Metro Cards FAQs 388
Student Behavior and Culture at NCS 39 Culture at NCS 39
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports 39 Positive Behavior Expectations (Student Code of Conduct) 400 Behavioral Policies & Consequences 433
NCS Behavior Matrix 433 Behavior Matrix Level of Behavior (Intensity Levels) 444 Referral of Students to School Administrators 477 Documenting Behavior Incidents 477 Behavior Incidents and Manifestation of Disability 477 Behavioral Response-to-Intervention 488
Restorative Circle/Logical Consequences 48 In-School Suspension 48 Out of School Suspension 49 Social Probation 49 Crisis Response and Postvention 49
Social Distance Mandate Crisis Response (In-Person with Social Distancing in Place) 50 Mental Health Crisis 500
Remote (Including Online/Social Media) Mental Health Crisis 511 Expulsion 511 Procedures and Due Process for Short Term Suspension 511
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Procedures and Due Process for Long Term Suspension 522 Firearm Violations 533 Provision of Instruction During Removal 533 Freedom of Expression 544 Off-Campus Events 544 Student Records 544 Discipline of Students with Special Needs 555 Provision of Services During Removal 576 CSE Meetings 577 Due Process 587 Appeals Process for Disciplinary Consequence 58 Student Searches 58 Bullying 59
Health and Security 611 Medical Records and Health Services 611 COVID-19 61 School Safety Agent 622
General School Information 622 School Website 622 Nondiscrimination Policy 622 The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) 633 Complaints Policy 644
School/Family Contract - Remote Learning 655
Distance Learning- Acknowledgement and Consent Form 677
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MissionOurmissionatNeighborhoodCharterSchoolsistoprovidethechildrenofNewYorkCitywithneweducationalopportunitiesthrougharigorous,comprehensiveK-8programthatcultivatestheintellectual,social,andemotionaldevelopmentofeachchild.Ourschoolisaninclusivecommunitythatserveshighfunctioningchildrenontheautismspectrum,alongwiththeirneighborhoodpeers.Ourstudentswillbecomeindependentlearnersandcriticalthinkersthatwillacquiretheacademicskillsthattheyneedtosucceedincollegepreparatoryhighschoolsandwillexhibitthesocialandemotionalskillsthatwillallowthemtoreachtheirfullpotential.
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AcademicProgramNeighborhoodCharterSchool’sElementarySchoolsaredesignedtomeetawiderangeofstudentsandprovidethemwithawell-rounded,rigorous,andholisticeducation.Ourkeydesignelementsinclude:
● Arigorousacademicprogram● AspecializedprogramforstudentswithASD● Astrongco-teachingmodel● Dailyscienceinstruction● Alongerschooldayandyear● Afocusonstudentcultureresultinginhighlevelsofstudentfocus● Data-driveninstruction● Strongprofessionaldevelopment● Anemphasisonfamilypartnership
Wehavearigorousacademicprogramforallcontentareasthatcombinesdirectinstructionandafocusondevelopingindependenceandcriticalthinking.Lessonsgenerallyincludeamini-lessonorlaunchwherestudentsgrapplewithnewmaterialandthenmovetoindependentworktime.Studentsworktoapplythenewknowledgeontheirownwithteacherfeedbackandsupport.InstructionisregularlyobservedbythePrincipal,AssistantPrincipal,andourcurriculumteamtoensureourprogramisimplementedwithfidelity.Allacademicclasseshaveaco-teachingmodeltoallowtheschooltorespondtovariousstudentneeds.Thetwoteachersaretrainedtoworktogetherandexecutetheirlessonsusingtheappropriateco-teachingmodelthatbestsupportsstudents.Theschoolputsastrongemphasisonco-teaching,andourspecialeducationteamregularlyobservesandassessesco-teachingpracticestohelpinformthenextsteps.Wehaveanintensefocusonreadingandmath.Therearemultipleblocksandopportunitiesforstudentstolearnhowtoread.Forexample,studentsattendguidedreading,phonics,andreadingworkshop,whichincludesaread-aloudandawritingworkshopdaily.Readingisfocusedonstudentsreadingformeaning,ensuringcomprehensionlevelsarestrongandprovidingkidsarobustphonicsprogram.Formath,studentsattendamathworkshopandaseparate,rigorouswordproblemblockcalledCognitiveGuidedInstruction(CGI).Bothmathblocksarespecificallydesignedforkidstolearnmathconceptually,allowingstudentstothinkcriticallyanddevelopadeepunderstandingofnumbersandnumbersense.Studentsattendsciencedailyinallgrades.Theseclassesaredesignedtobuildkids’contentknowledgeinscienceandensurekidsaredevelopingcriticalthinkingskills.Ourclassesaredesignedtobehands-onandexperiential,allowingkidstoindependentlyhypothesizeaboutourworldandcometotheirconclusions.
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Ourschoolsalsoputaparticularemphasisonajoyousculturethatallowsforhighlevelsofstudentfocusandinvestment.Ourschoolsdothisinseveralways.First,studentsandteachersareclearonexpectationsofhowthecommunitywilllearntogether.Studentsandteachersareclearonhowstudentswalkinthebuilding,sitatdesks,sitatthecarpet,etc.Theschoolsalsoplaceaheavyemphasisonstudentsbeinginvestedintheirlearningandschoolingeneral.Data-driveninstructioniscoretoourschools’success.Theschoolsregularlyassessstudentsformallyandinformally.Forlower-gradereading,werelyontheFountasandPinnellassessmenttotrackhowkidsarephoneticallyreadingwordsandassesscomprehensionlevels.Theseassessmentshappenformallyand/orinformallyeverysixweeks.Formath,werelyoncountingassessments.Thisassessmenthelpsusunderstandandassessourstudents’numbersense.Wealsointegratequizzesandunitassessmentsasnecessarytohelpinformaholisticpictureofstudentprogress.OneofourpointsofprideatNeighborhoodCharterSchoolisourspecializedprogramandsupportsforourscholarswithASD.WecreateenvironmentsthatsupportourscholarswithASDinthefollowingways:
● StudentswithASDareplacedinclassroomswithsmallerclasssizesandcapof3-4otherstudentswithASDintheclassroom.
● StudentswithASDattend“SocialClub”withaSpeech-LanguagePathologist(SLP)tohelpthembuildnecessarysocialskillsforschoolandlife.
● WecreatedevelopmentopportunitiesforalladultsintheschooltolearnbestpracticestoteachstudentswithASD.
ElementarySchoolSchedulesandProgrammingforIn-Person,andRemote
NCSbelievesinprovidinghigh-qualityinstructionacrossallsubjectsaspartofholisticeducation.GiventherealitiesofCOVID-19andthechallengesNewYorkersarefacing,NCShasadaptedourscheduletoensurethatweareprovidinghigh-qualityinstructionwhetherweareinperson,orvirtualforthe2021-2022schoolyear.Aspartofourcommitmenttoourcommunity’shealthandsafety,wehavedevelopedtwomodelsforinstruction.
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100% In-Person Asampleschedulefor100%inpersonisbelow:
Remote Learning Program Asampleschedulefor100%remoteisbelow:
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AcademicExpectations
Inanymodel,wehavehighexpectationsforallstudents.Wewanttoensurethatallstudentshaveastrongyearacademically.
Class Attendance Attendingschool,whetherremoteorphysical,andbeingpresentforclassesisacrucialpartofsucceedingatNeighborhoodCharterSchool.Toensurethatourscholarsarereceivinghighqualityandindividualizedinstruction,ourscholarsmustbepresentforeachandeverylesson.Forourremotepolicy,attendanceistakenineachclass.ForascholartobemarkedPresentinschoolfortheday,theymustattendallclassesthatday.Ifastudentmissesonetotwoclasses,theywillbemarkedTardy.Ifastudentmissesmorethantwoclassesinaday,theywillbemarkedabsent.Ifascholarwillbemissingaclassforanappointment,itisexpectedthatboththeteacherandmainofficeareinformed,andadoctor’snoteisprovidedtotheschool.Inbothvirtualandin-personinstruction,ifascholarhasmissedanunusuallyhighnumberofclassesoverashortperiodoftime,theschoolreservestherighttocallameetingbetweenthefamily,anadministrator,andthechild’steacherstocreateasupportplan.Thisplanwillstipulatethescholar’sacademicresponsibilitiesforeachclassandatimetableforthescholartoreturntoschoolandattendregularly.Thegoalofthisplanistohelpthescholarcontinuetheireducation,giventheabsencesbygettingthembacktoschoolandattendingclassesregularly.Thesuccessofthisapproachreliesheavilyonthecompletecooperationoffamiliesandcoordination/communicationwiththeentiresetofeducatorsassociatedwiththechild.Iftheabsenteeratedoesnotimprove,thefamilywillbeputonthePromotioninDoubtlist(thescholarisinjeopardyofbeingpromotedtothenextgrade).ScholarsmaynotmissmorethantendaysofschoolwithoutautomaticallybeingPromotioninDoubt.Studentswhomissseveraldaysorclassesinashortwindowcanalsoexpectfollowupfromadministrationtocreateasupportplanforthestudent.Theschoolwillreachouttofamiliestocommunicatethisstatusregularly.Whenstudentsareunabletoattendclassforanextendedperiodoftimeduetomedical,emotional,orpsychologicalreasons;aschooladministratorwillmeetwiththestudentand/orfamilytodetermineasupportplan.Pleasenotethatremotelearningisnotoptional;failuretoparticipatecanandwillresultinanegativeimpactonthescholars’gradesandpossibleretention.Formoreinformation,pleasereachouttoyourDeanofStudentsorAssistantPrincipalofCulture.
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HomeworkForthefirstseveralweeks,scholarswillreceivehomework/independentworkthatreinforcesthestructuresandskillstheyarelearning.Additionallayersmaybeaddedonceourstudentsarereacclimatedtotraditionalinpersoninstruction.ForELA,scholarsaretoreaddailyandcompleteareadinglog.K-1scholarswillalsodosightwordpractice.ForMath,thehomeworkwillconsistofFastMath(gradeappropriate)andaMathReflection:“WhatdidIlearninmathtoday?Whatwasconfusinginmathtoday?Aswellasotherinstructionalsupportsasassignedbytheteachers.Assessments,Exams,andQuizzesWeaimtoassessstudentsontheirprogressregularly.Webelievethepurposeofassessmentsistounderstandwhatstudentsknowandthenforteacherstousethatinformationtobestinstructstudentsandensurethattheyprogress.
SubjectArea MeansofAssessment
ELA ● PhonicsAssessments● FountasandPinnellReading
Assessment(4xperyear)● Quizzes● Writing(In-persononly)● InterimAssessments(Grades3-4)
Math ● CountingJar(K-2)● MonthlyMathQuiz(K-4)● InterimAssessments(Grades3-4)
Science/SocialStudies ● InterimAssessments(Grades2-4)● Quizzes
Pleasenotethatteachersarecollectingdatadailythroughclassassignments,workcompletion,andstudentdiscussion.Weusearangeofdatapointstoassesshowtobestsupportandteachourstudents.
ProgressReports,ReportCards,&ParentConferences
Webelieveintransparencyandkeepingourfamiliesverymuchinvolvedintheeducationalprocess.Therefore,progressreports,reportcards,andfamilyconferenceswilltakeplaceseveraltimesduringtheyear.Whenaparentconferenceisscheduled,attendanceismandatory.Ifthefamilyisunabletoattend,theyshouldspeakwiththeclassroomteachertoarrangeatimeconvenientforboththefamilyandtheschool.Thefamilyconferenceschedulewillbecommunicatedtofamiliesatthebeginningofeveryschoolyear.Ifconcernsariseatothertimesthroughouttheyear,ateacherortheAssistantPrincipalmaycalltheparentsorsendanadditionalwrittenreport.Conferenceswillbeconductedeitherinpersonorvirtually.
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EndofQuarter ProgressReports ReportCards
1stQuarterendsOctober29,2021 October8,2021 November12,2021
2ndQuarterendsJanuary21,2022 December10,2021 February4,2022
3rdQuarterendsApril15,2022 March11,2021 April29,2022
4thQuarterendsJune24,2022 May27,2021 MailedJune29th
Report Card Grades Studentswillreceiveamarkingof1,2,3,or4percorecontentclass,includingspecials.TheGradingscaleisasfollows:4-Exceedinggradelevelstandards3-Meetinggradelevelstandards2-Belowgradelevelstandards1-SignificantlybelowgradelevelstandardsForELA,wewilldetermineifascholarreceivesa1,2,3,or4bylookingatthestudent’sprogressinthefollowingareas:
● ReadingLevel● Fluency● Comprehension● Effort● OverallWritingScore● Effort
ForMath,wewilldetermineifascholarreceivesa1,2,3,or4bylookingatthestudent’sprogressinthefollowingareas:
● DailyWork● Assessments● Effort
ForScience,wewilldetermineifascholarreceivesa1,2,3,or4bylookingatthestudent’sprogressinthefollowingareas:
● DailyWork● Assessments● Effort
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ForSpecials,wewilldetermineifascholarreceivesa1,2,3,or4bylookingatthestudent’sprogressinthefollowingareas:
● DailyParticipation● Effort
Pleaseseebelowforthegradingscalesforeachsubject:ElementaryELAGradingGuidelinesK-4
ELA:EnglishLanguageArts
Fluency ReadingLevel
Comprehension Effort
FluencyFluencyscoresarebasedonbothclassobservationsandconferringnotes(asapplicable)duringthe
following:
Classcomponents:Guidedreading,readingworkshop,phonics(K-2)Assessments:FormalF&P
4 Primarilyreadsinlarger,meaningfulphrasesorwordgroups.Expressionisalwayssmoothandexpressionisguidedbytheauthor'smeaningandpunctuationwithappropriatestressandratewithlittletonoslowdowns.
3 Primarilyreadsinlarger,meaningfulphrasesorwordgroups.Expressionisoftensmoothandexpressionisguidedbytheauthor'smeaningandpunctuation,usuallywithappropriatestressandrate,withlittleslowdowns.
2 Somewhatreadsinlarger,meaningfulphrasesorwordgroups.Expressionisrarelysmoothandsomewhatguidedbytheauthor'smeaningandpunctuation,rarelywithappropriatestressandrate,withslowdowns.
1 Rarelyreadsinlarger,meaningfulphrasesorwordgroups.Expressionisrarelysmoothandsomewhatguidedbytheauthor'smeaningandpunctuation,rarelywithappropriatestressandrate,withslowdowns.
ComprehensionComprehensionscoresarebasedononlineclassobservationsandconferringnotes(asapplicable)
duringthefollowing:
Classcomponents:Guidedreading,readingworkshop,readaloud,sharedtext(asapplicable)Assessments:FormalF&Passessment
4 Studentdemonstratesproficiencyinunderstandingthetext.
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3 Studentmostlydemonstratesproficiencyinunderstandingthetext.
2 Studentisapproachingproficiencyinunderstandingthetext.
1 Studentdemonstrateslimitedproficiencyinunderstandingthetext.
ReadingLevelAsoutlinedonthereadinglevelbenchmarkdocument.
ReadingNote:Ifascholar’sreadinglevelisbelowgradelevel(1or2asoutlinedontheabovechart),thentheirfluencyandcomprehensionwouldbebelowgradelevel(1or2),astheyhavenotdemonstratedproficiencyinfluencyorcomprehensionwithinagrade-leveltext.Ifascholarisbelowgradelevel,butdemonstratessolidcomprehensionand/orfluencyontheirF&Passessmentthehighesttheycanscoreincomprehensionand/orfluencyisa2.Ifascholarfailedthecomprehensionand/orfluencycomponentthatwouldbereflectedasa1ontheircomprehensionand/orfluencyscore.
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EffortAstudent’seffortisreflectiveoftheirattendance,engagementandenthusiasm,duringlessons.Effort
canbeaffectedifastudentneedsseveralremindersorredirectionsfromtheirteacher.
ThiseffortscoreappliesacrossallELA:EnglishLanguageArtscomponentsthathappenduringtheELA&Centersblock,pleasenotethatcomponentswillvarybygrade.
4 Studentalwaysactivelyparticipatesandshowsthattheyareactivelyengagedduringlessons.Studentdemonstratesthattheyaregivingtheirbesteffortwhencompletingcomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments,needinglittletonoremindersorredirectionfromtheirteacher.
3 Studentoftenparticipatesandismostlyengagedduringlessons.Studentdoeswhatisneededtocompletecomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments.Studentsometimesneedsareminderorredirectionfromtheirteacher.
2 Studentsometimesparticipatesandengagesduringlessons.Studentcompletescomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments,usuallywithseveralteacherreminders,orredirection.
1 Studentrarelyparticipatesordemonstratesactiveengagementduringlessons.Studentonlycompletescomponentswithinthelessonorassignmentwithseveralremindersorredirectionsfromtheteacher.
ELA:Writing/WritingWorkshop
OverallWritingScore WritingEffort
OverallWritingScoreOverallwritingscoreisbasedonteacherobservationduringthewritingcomponents,aswellasfinalpublishedpiecesduringwritingunits,andin3rd/4thgrade,mainideageneration.Itisimportantto
notethatduringthevirtualyear(20-21),studentsdidnotreceivetraditionalwritinginstruction,soforour1st-4thgradersexpectabitofalearningcurve,andthat’sok!
Classcomponents:WritingWorkshop,SharedWriting,MainIdeageneration(3rd/4thonly)Assessments:Observationsduringwritingcomponents,aswellasfinalpublishedpiecesandgradedmainideas(3rd/4thonly)ForReference-SamplesofGradeLevelRubrics:Kindergarten;1stGrade;2ndGrade;3rdGrade;4thGrade
4 Studentconsistentlydemonstratesanabilitytoproduceabovegrade-levelwritingpieces.Duringawritingworkshop,thiswouldincludestrongideageneration,soliddevelopmentoftheirpiece(i.e.strongbeginning/middle/endthatrelatestothemainideaofthepiece),andgradeappropriatemechanics.Ifthestudentisin3rd/4thgrade,thiswouldalsoincludeconsistentlyachievinglevel2mainideasasoutlinedbythesharedtextmainidearubric.
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3 Studentconsistentlydemonstratesanabilitytoproducegrade-levelwritingpieces.Duringawritingworkshop,thiswouldincludegrade-levelideageneration,grade-leveldevelopmentoftheirpiece(i.e.strongbeginning/middle/endthatrelatestothemainideaofthepiece),andgradeappropriatemechanics.Ifthestudentisin3rd/4thgrade,thestudentwouldalsobealmostalwaysachievinglevel2mainideasasoutlinedbythesharedtextmainidearubric.
2 Studentdemonstratesthattheyareapproachinggrade-levelwritingpieces.Duringawritingworkshop,whenlookingholisticallyatideageneration,developmentandmechanics,thestudentisonthecuspofgrade-level.Ifthestudentisin3rd/4thgrade,thestudentiscontinuingtoworktowardsscoringlevel2mainideas.Oftentimesscoringalevel1asoutlinedbythesharedtextmainidearubric.
1 Studentneedsmoresupportwithgrade-levelwritingpieces.Duringawritingworkshop,whenlookingholisticallyatideageneration,developmentandmechanics,thestudentstrugglestoapproachgrade-levelwriting.Ifthestudentisin3rd/4thgrade,thestudentiscontinuingtoworktowardsscoringlevel2mainideas.Oftentimesscoring0’sor1’sasoutlinedbythesharedtextmainidearubric.
EffortAstudent’seffortisreflectiveoftheirattendance,engagementandenthusiasm,duringlessons.Effort
canbeaffectedifastudentneedsseveralremindersorredirectionsfromtheirteacher.
Thiseffortscoreappliesacrossallwritingblocks(i.e.writingworkshop,mainideagenerationduringsharedtext,andshared/modeledwriting).
4 Studentalwaysactivelyparticipatesandshowsthattheyareactivelyengagedduringlessons.Studentdemonstratesthattheyaregivingtheirbesteffortwhencompletingcomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments,needinglittletonoremindersorredirectionfromtheirteacher.
3 Studentoftenparticipatesandismostlyengagedduringlessons.Studentdoeswhatisneededtocompletecomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments.Studentsometimesneedsareminderorredirectionfromtheirteacher.
2 Studentsometimesparticipatesandengagesduringlessons.Studentcompletescomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments,usuallywithseveralteacherreminders,orredirection.
1 Studentrarelyparticipatesordemonstratesactiveengagementduringlessons.Studentonlycompletescomponentswithinthelessonorassignmentwithseveralremindersorredirectionsfromtheteacher.
ElementaryMathGradingGuidelinesK-4
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Math MathEffort
MathMathscoresarebasedonbothclassobservations(independentwork,classdiscussions,andhomework)duringthefollowing:Classcomponents:MorningMeetingMathRoutine,MathWorkshop,NumberStories,andInterventionAssessments:MathVirtualAssessments4:Established3:Developing2:Beginning1:SupportNeeded
4 ProblemSolving:- Isabletoprovideevidenceofadjustmentand/orconsidersalternativestrategies- Isabletochecktheirsolutionbycomparingmultiplestrategies- Mostlytoalwaysgetscorrectanswers
ReasoningandAnalysis:- Defendsacorrectsolutionusingmultipleapproaches- Generalizesandextendssolutiontoothercases- Identifieserrorsinothers’reasoning(erroranalysis)andusesevidencetosupporttheir
claimUseofTools(ifapplicable):
- Consistentlyidentifiesandcorrectlyusesthemostappropriatetool- Consistentlyusesallonlineresourcestoenhanceandreinforcelearning
AttendstoPrecision:- Consistentlyusesprecisemathvocabulary- Operationalsymbolsandequalsignareconsistentlyandaccuratelyused- Steps,processes,andanswersareallclearlylabeledandorganized(*K&1stgrade-
specific-canbeexplainedcorrectly)- Unitsofmeasureand/oraxesareclearlylabeled(*K&1stgrade-specific-canbecorrectly
stated)- Calculatesaccuratelyusingthemostefficientmethod
3 ProblemSolving:- Plansand/ormonitorscorrectstrategies- Checkstheirsolutionthroughonestrategy- Mostlygetscorrectanswers
ReasoningandAnalysis:- Defendsacorrectsolutionusingoneapproach- Generalizessolutiontoothercases- Identifieserrorbutunabletosupporttheirclaimorreasoningisunclear
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UseofTools(ifapplicable):- Identifiesandusestoolscorrectly- Usessomeonlineresourcestoenhanceandreinforcelearning
AttendstoPrecision:- Mathvocabularyusedthroughout- Operationalsymbolsandequalsignareusedmostofthetime- Steps,processes,andanswersarealllabeledandorganized(*K&1stgrade-specific-can
bepartiallyexplainedcorrectly)- Unitsofmeasureand/oraxesarelabeled(*K&1stgrade-specific-canbecorrectlystated)- Calculatesaccuratelyorwithminorerrors
2 ProblemSolving:- Utilizesapartiallycorrectstrategyorusesthecorrectstrategyforonlypartofthe
problem- Checkstheirsolutionthroughcomputation(i.e.inverseoperation,reasonableestimation)- Answersareincorrect
ReasoningandAnalysis:Attemptstodefendasolutionusinganincorrectapproach
- Attemptstogeneralizebutisincorrect- Attemptstoidentifyerrorbutisincorrect
UseofTools(ifapplicable):- Correctlyidentifiesbutusestoolsincorrectlyorviceversa- Attemptstouseonlineresourcestoenhanceandreinforcelearning
AttendstoPrecision:- Somemathvocabularyused- Operationalsymbolsandequalssignsareusedinconsistently- Steps,processes,andanswersarelabeledorjustorganized(*K&1stgrade-specific-is
incorrectlystated)- Attemptstolabelunitsofmeasureand/oraxesordoessoincorrectly(*K&1stgrade-
specific-isincorrectlystated)- Calculateswithmajorerrors
1 ProblemSolving:- Employsanincorrectstrategy- Doesnotchecktheirsolution- Answersareincorrect
ReasoningandAnalysis:- Doesnotdefendthesolution- Unabletogeneralizeandextendsolution- Unabletoidentifytheerrorinothers’reasoning
UseofTools(ifapplicable):- Cannotidentifyorusethetoolcorrectly- Doesnotuseonlineresourcestoenhanceandreinforcelearning
AttendstoPrecision:- Nomathvocabularyusedorusedincorrectly- Operationalsymbolsandequalsignarenotusedorusedincorrectly
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- Steps,processes,andanswersarenotlabeledandorganized(*K&1stgrade-specific-isincorrectlystated)
- Unitsofmeasureand/oraxesarenotlabeled(*K&1stgrade-specific-isincorrectlystated)- Calculatesincorrectly
EffortAstudent’seffortisreflectiveoftheirattendance,engagement,andenthusiasm,duringvirtuallessons.Effortcanbeaffectedifastudentneedsseveralremindersorredirectionsfromtheirteacher.Thiseffortscoreappliesacrossallmathcontentareas.
4 Studentalwaysactivelyparticipatesandshowsthattheyareactivelyengagedduringmathclass.Studentdemonstratesthattheyaregivingtheirbesteffortwhencompletingcomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments,needinglittletonoremindersorredirectionfromtheirteacher.
3 Studentoftenparticipatesandismostlyengagedduringmathclass.Studentdoeswhatisneededtocompletecomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments.Studentsometimesneedsareminderorredirectionfromtheirteacher.
2 Studentsometimesparticipatesandengagesduringmathclass.Studentcompletescomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments,usuallywithseveralteacherreminders,orredirection.
1 Studentrarelyparticipatesordemonstratesactiveengagementduringmathclass.Studentonlycompletescomponentswithinthelessonorassignmentwithseveralremindersorredirectionsfromtheteacher.
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ScienceGradingGuidelinesK-4
ComponentsforScience:
Participation
Classwork
Labs/Projects
Participation
4 Scholaractivelyengagedandparticipatedtoshowthattheywereengagedduringscienceclass.Scholardemonstratedthattheyaregivingtheirbesteffortwhencompletingcomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments,needinglittletonoremindersorredirectionfromtheirteacher.
3 Scholaroftenparticipatesandaremostlyengagedduringclass.Scholardoeswhatisneededtocompletecomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments.Scholarneedsinfrequentremindersorredirectionfromtheirteacher.
2 Scholarparticipatesandengagesinfrequentlyduringclass.Scholarcompletescomponentswithinthelessonoralliedassignments,usuallywithseveralteacherreminders,orredirection.
1 Scholarrarelyparticipatesordemonstratesactiveengagementduringclass.Scholaronlycompletescomponentswithinthelessonorassignmentwithseveralremindersorredirectionsfromtheteacher.
Classwork
4 Scholarcompletesclassworkthatdemonstratesproficiencyandincludesminimalerrorsandallworkissubmittedinatimelymanner.
3 Scholarcompletesclassworkthatdemonstratesproficiencyandincludesfewerrorsandallworkissubmittedinatimelymanner.
2 Scholarsubmitsclassworkthatdemonstratesminimalproficiencyinconceptsandincludesseveralerrorsand/orworkmaynothavebeensubmittedontime.
1 Scholars'workmayincludemanyerrorsordemonstratethescholarisstillinthebeginningstagesofunderstandingscientificconceptsand/orworkisincompleteornotontime.
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Labs/ProjectsLabsoccuronceaweekormoreandprojectsareattheendofeachunit
4 Scholardemonstratesadvancedproficiencyinunderstandingthescientificmethodandconceptsbeingaddressedinthelaborproject.Scholarhasusedthisproficiencytodemonstratetheirknowledgebyapplyingittothetaskathandortootherscientificconceptslearned.
3 Scholardemonstratesproficiencyinunderstandingthescientificmethodandconceptsbeingaddressedinthelaborproject.Scholarhasusedthisproficiencytodemonstratetheirknowledgebyapplyingittothetaskathand.
2 Scholardemonstratesminimalproficiencyinunderstandingthescientificmethodandconceptsbeingaddressedinthelaborproject.Scholarisstilllearninghowtoapplyknowledgeandconceptstoworkinguseusingthescientificmethod.
1 Scholarhasnotdemonstratedanunderstandingofthescientificmethodandconceptsbeingaddressedinthelaborproject.Scholarisstillacquiringknowledgeandconceptsandhasnotyetbeguntheapplicationphaseoflearning.
Promotion Criteria NCStakespromotionseriouslyandtakesinavarietyofdatapointstodetermineifastudentcanbepromotedtothenextgradelevelornot.Wegenerallylookforstudentsreceiving3sand4sinallsubjectareasasanindicatorofreadinessforthenextgradelevel.Promotiondecisionsarealwaysmadewiththemindsetofwhatwillsetupthestudentacademicallyforthelong-term.NCScommitstopartneringwithfamiliesofstudentswhoaresignificantlybelowgradelevel.NCSmakesthefinaldeterminationforreadinessforthenextgradeandwillcommunicatewithfamiliesthedecisionbyJune1,2022.
Promotion In Doubt PromotioninDoubtisaNeighborhoodCharterSchools’formalprocessfornotifyingfamiliesthattheirchildisatriskofnotmeetingpromotionstandardsandbeingretainedinthesamegradeforthenextschoolyear.IfyourchildisconsideredPromotioninDoubt,youwillbenotifiedinaformalmeetingduringParentConferencesduringQuarter’s1,2,and3.ByQuarter4,ifyourchildisconsideredPromotioninDoubt,youwillbenotifiedbythePrincipalortheAssistantPrincipaltodiscussthenextstepsforthefollowingschoolyear.
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NCSCommitmenttoParentEngagement
Communications:ScholarandStaffBoundaries
NeighborhoodCharterSchoolsiscommittedtopartneringwithourfamiliesandthesurroundingcommunitytoensurescholarswhoattendNCSreceiveawellroundededucationthatpromotesstrongacademics,social-emotionallearning,diversity,equity,andinclusionofallscholarsandfamilies.Toserveourcommunitywemustworktogetherandcollaboratetocontinuetofostereducationalexcellence.WeneedtoplaceimportantguidelinesandpoliciestofosterandmaintainasafeenvironmentforbothScholarsandEducators.Theseboundariescanseemexcessive,withsomeoftheseboundariesrequiringadditionaleffortsandperhapsbeinginconvenienttostaffandfamilies.Whiletheseboundariesarenotneededin99%ofcases,asanetwork,wewanttoensureweproactivelysetupclearnormsandexpectations.Therefore,wemustplacethesestandardsforthesafetyofourscholarsandeducators.Thefollowingexpectationsaredesignedtoensureasafeenvironmentforstudentsandstaffandtomaintainappropriateandproductiveboundariesthroughouttheremotelearningperiod:
Strong Boundaries Contentof1:1CommunicationbetweenScholarsandStaff:Nowmorethanever,weneedtosupportourscholars.Wewillaccomplishthisbyfosteringatrusting,consistent,andprofessionalstudentandstaffrelationships.Theserelationshipswillbedefinedbycareofwell-beingandfocusonacademics.Communicationsshouldalwaysinclude:
● Scholarfriendlyandappropriatelanguage● ProfessionalpresentationIn-PersonZoom/Hangouts(Appropriatedress,visualspacefreeofanyinappropriateimagery,andnon-distractingbackground.
● Afocusonstudentlearning. Communicationsshouldneverinclude:
● Gratuitousdiscussionofpersonallife(Dating,Gossip,etc.)● Anythingthatcanbeconstruedassexualinnuendoorcontent.● ProfanityoroverlycasuallanguagethatblurstheScholar-Educator,non-peerrelationship.
CommunicationtoFamilies
TheSchoolwillcommunicatewithparentsinthefollowingways:
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● FamilyPortal:PleasevisitthenewParentPortalonourwebsite,https://ncschools.org/for-families/.Wewillkeepthispageupdatedwithschoolhappeningsandtoshareacademicresources,familytrainingopportunities,andeverythingelse!
● Newsletter:Eachweekwewillsendanewslettertokeepyouinformedabouteventsandthelatestnewsinourschool.
● TextsandCalls:Fromtimetotime,youmayreceivetextorphonecallupdatesfromtheschoolkeepingyouinformedofimportantinformation.
ContactingYourScholar’sTeacher
NCSiscommittedtoastrongpartnershipbetweenourfamiliesandourteachers.Webelievethattheaccountabilitynecessaryforacademicexcellencecanonlybeachievedthroughopenlinesofcommunicationbetweenthehomeandschool.Parentscanexpectfrequentcontactfromtheirscholars’teachersviamultiplecommunicationtypesincludingbutnotlimitedtophone,email,text,TADS(NCS’sstudentinformationsystem(SIS)).Toensurethatwearerespectingourteachers’personaltime,weaskthatparentsandscholarslimitallcallsandtextmessagestoteachersbetweenthehoursof8amand6pm.Intheeventthatateacheriscontactedoutsideofthehours,theywillrespondduringthenextbusinessday.Wemakethefollowingcommitmentstoourscholars,parents,andschools:
● Allemail,voicemail,andtextmessagecommunicationwillberespondedtowithin24hoursduringtheworkweek.
● Teacherswillbeexpectedtokeepincontactwithfamiliesandscholarsthroughoutthe
week.
● Teacherswillprovidetargetedandtimelyfeedbacktoscholarsonsubmittedassignmentsandcompletedassessments.
Parent/Guardian Responsibility Asaparent/guardianofaNCSscholar,itisimperativetounderstandtheresponsibilitiesassociatedwithyourrole.Itistheresponsibilityoftheparent/guardiantoensuretheirchildarrivesatschoolpromptlyeachdayat7:30AM.Ifyou'reawareyourscholarwillbetardy/absent,itistheresponsibilityoftheparenttocommunicatethistoyourchild’steachers.Youmaycontactyourscholar’steacherdirectlyviaemailand/ortextmessagetoanswerquestionsthatyoumayhave.Whenaparent/guardianisconcernedaboutthechild'sperformanceorbehavior,theparent/guardianshouldsetupaconferencewiththechild'steacher.Parents/guardiansshouldalsobeawareoftheirscholar’sprogress;together,theteachersandfamilieswillcreateaplanforthechild’sacademicandeducationalfuture.
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Pleasenotethatweexpectfamiliestorespondtoanyschoolcommunicationwithin24hoursandmaintainrespectfulcommunicationwithanystaffmembers.Weexpectourentirecommunitytorefrainfromyelling,swearing,orthreateninginanymannerviavirtual,phone,orin-personcommunication.NCSreservestherighttodirectanyfamilymembertotheadministrationforclearfollow-upandgiveclearparametersforcommunicationifanymemberofthecommunitydoesnotcomplywithrespectfulstandards.Pleaseseethenextsectionforwheretodirectanyconcernsafteryouhaveaddressedthemwithyourstudent’steacher.
NeighborhoodCharterSchoolsCommunicationGuide
AtNCS,thereisanentireteamofleaders,educators,andstaffmembersdedicatedtothesupport,growth,andachievementofyourchild.Pleaseusethebelowinformationasaguideforcommunicationatourschool.Ifyouhaveaconcern,weaskthatyoutalktothescholar’steacherfirst,thenaDeanoranAssistantPrincipal,andthenthePrincipal.Ourgoalistoensurethatfamiliesandstaffarecommunicatingeffectivelyandoperatingasateamtosupportyourchild.Yourscholar’steachersareyourfirstpointofcontactshouldyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns.Moreoftenthannot,yourchild’steacherswillbeabletoanswermostquestionsoraddressanyconcernsfromtheschoolday.Atthebeginningoftheschoolyear,youshouldhavereceivedthecontactinformationofyourscholar’steachers.Ifyoudonothavethisinformation,youmaycontactamemberofouroperationsteaminthemainoffice.Ifyouneedmoreinformationafterspeakingtoyourscholar’steacherormorespecificinformation,hereisaguideonwhotocontact.
Ineedassistancewith… Icancontact… ContactInformation
● Bussing● Schoolrecords● Enrollment
verification● FieldTrips● NCSHafter
schoolpayment
● NCSOperationsTeam ● (646)701-7117● [email protected]
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● BusBehavior● SchoolBehavior● OutsideSchool
Behavior● Uniform● Attendance● Participation
duringHybrid/VirtualLearning
● NCSH:K-1Dean:Ms.AlexciaDaniels
● NCSH:2-4Dean:Mrs.JasmineKeitt
● NCSB:K-3AssistantPrincipalofCulture:Ms.RominaCepeda
● NCSB:K-3Dean:Mr.Edouard
● ScholarSchedules
● Reportcardinfo● Questions
regardingclassroomteachers
● NCSB:K-3AssistantPrincipal:Ms.AmyYoung
● NCSH:K-4AssistantPrincipal:Mr.ToddSoper
● ELACurriculum ● NCSHK-2ELACoordinator:Ms.RachelleCaiazzo
● NCSH3-5ELACoordinator:[email protected]
● NCSH5-8ELACoordinator:Ms.LaurenCarey
● NCSBK-3AssistantPrincipal:Ms.AmyYoung
● MathCurriculum ● NCSHK-4MathCoordinator:Ms.CelinesPinto
● NCSBK-3MathCoordinator:Ms.EmilyHorkan
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● SpecialEducation
● IEP’s● RelatedServices
(OT/PT/Counseling)
● NCSHK-4SpecialEducationCoordinator:Ms.AshanteWebson
● NCSH5-8SpecialEducationCoordinator:Mr.TravisFavis
● NCSBK-3SpecialEducationCoordinator:Ms.ElizabethLarkin
TADS(StudentInformationSystem)
Forustobetruepartnersinyourchild’sacademicsuccess,wehavetobetransparentaboutyourchild’sacademicprogress.Asaresult,eachfamilywillhaveaccesstotheTADSFamilyPortalwhereyouwillseeassignmentsandscores(applicabletomiddleschoolonly),currentGPA(applicabletomiddleschoolonly),attendance,andfinalgrades/reportcards.Eachfamilywillreceivemoreinformationwithdirectionsexplaininghowtoaccessthefamilyportal.
Attendance/ Grades YoucanviewattendancerecordsandgradesinTADS.Eachdayyourscholarwillreceiveoneofthefollowingattendancecodes:
● P-Present● T-Tardy● A-Absent● ISS-In-SchoolSuspension● OoSP-OutofSchoolSuspension● ED-EarlyDeparture● AE-AbsentExcused
ParentAssociation
TheNCSParentAssociationisanopportunitytoworkwithotherparentstosupportyourschoolandyourchild’seducation.TheParentAssociationwillholdmeetingsandworkonspecialprojects.ParentAssociationmeetingsarealsoagreatopportunitytovoiceyoursuggestionsorconcernsandtohelpotherfamiliessolveproblems.AllparentsandguardiansareautomaticallymembersoftheParentAssociationandarewelcometoattendmeetings.HerearewaystogetinvolvedwiththeParentAssociation.
● Runforanelectedposition:Theschoolwillannouncewhenelectionswilltakeplaceafewweeksinadvance.ElectedpositionsincludeaPresident,VicePresident,TreasurerandSecretary.
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● AttendaParentAssociationmeeting:Meetingsareusuallyheldafterschool.Aschedulewillbedistributedatthebeginningoftheschoolyear.
● Volunteertohelpwithaneventorproject:Askoneofyourelectedofficersorattendameetingtofindouthowyoucanhelp.
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TechnologyTechnologyContractToreceiveadevicefromtheschool,werequireallfamiliestocompleteaScholarTechnologyContract.Thiscontractcontainsinformationregardingthetreatmentofthedeviceaswellasinformationregardingreplacementintheeventthatthedeviceislostordamaged.Asthesedevicesarevitaltoourscholar’ssuccessinouracademicprogram,westresstheimportanceofpropermaintenanceandcare.Ifascholarisfoundmistreatingtheschool-issueddeviceorviolatingthetermsofthecontract,theschoolreservestherighttoreclaimthetechnologyand/orchargearepairfee.NCSiscommittedtomaintainingtheprivacyofscholars.Tothatend,wehaveinstalledGoGuardianonallNCSchromebookdevices.GoGuardianallowsNCStomonitorwebbrowsertrafficinsideandoutsideofschooltime.Teacherswillbeabletousethisduringandafterclass.GoGuardianalsoproducesreportsonwherespecificusersaregoingandwhetherusersareoff-task.Itcanalsobeusedforassessmentstolockdownscholarsfromusingothersources.Finally,notonlyarewemaintainingtheprivacyandsafetyofscholars,butGoGuardianisalsomonitoringmentalhealthtoincludesuicidepreventionforscholarsgrades3-8.Forexample,ifascholarisshowingapatternofvisitingviolentorself-harmsites,NCSwouldbenotifiedtoworkwithfamiliesandourmentalhealthteamtosupport.
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ElementarySchoolRoutinesandProcedures-RemoteLearningThefollowinglaysoutclearexpectationsforstudentswhilelearningonline.Pleasenotethattheimplementationofthepolicybyschoolleaderswillbeimplementedwithanunderstandingofscholarswhohaveexperiencedemotionalloss,death,andmentalhealthissues.Weknowthatjustasyouareourpartnersinlearning,weareyoursintheemotionalsupportyourchildrenmayneedduringthistime.Belowyouwillfindaclearoutlineofwhatisexpectedofourfamiliestobesuccessfulwithourremotelearningprogram.
ScholarExpectations
1. Studentsshouldbedressedappropriatelyforvirtualclassa. Therearenouniformsrequiredforvirtualclass.b. Pleaseensurestudentsarenotinpajamasandare“readyfortheday”meaningteeth
brushed,hairbrushed,anddressed.c. Pleaseensureanyshirtsstudentsarewearingdoesn'thaveanyoffensivegraphics
ortextonit.2. WorkHard
a. Pleasesupportyourstudentbyhavingthemsittingatadeskortablewheretheycanfocusanddothefollowing:i. Sittingupstraight,handsfoldedii. Thinkingaboutthespeakeriii. Activelylisteningiv. Respectingeveryone
b. Studentsshouldfollowthegroupplanandthedirectionsbytheirteacherc. Pleaseensuretherearenovideogamesortoysd. Pleaseensureyourstudenteatsduringabreakorlunchtime.
3. ZoomEtiquettea. Thelightshouldbeinfrontofthestudentandnotbehindtheircamerab. Camerasshouldbeangledsothatteacherscanseestudents(i.e.donotturnthe
cameraoff)c. Studentsmustusekindlanguagewhenspeakingtomyclassmates.d. Studentsmustuseasilentthumbinthecameraiftheywanttospeak.e. Studentsmustleavetheirbodyandcamera(computer,tablet,phone)inoneplace
andnotmovebetweenroomsorspacesduringclass.
ParentExpectations
1. DuringOne-on-OneZoomSessions:a. MakesuretheIpadandChromebookchargeseachdayproperly.
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b. Makesurethescholarisontime.c. Communicatewithyourscholar’steacherintherareeventthatyouarerunninglate
orcannotmakeit.
2. Establishroutinesandexpectations:Itisessentialtodevelopgoodhabitsfromthestart.Createaflexibleroutineandtalkabouthowit’sworkingovertime.Chunkyourdaysintopredictablesegments.Helpscholarsgetup,getdressed,andreadytolearnatareasonabletime.Everybodymakestheirbeds!Keepregularbedtimeroutines,includingstandardrulesfordigitaldevices.Adjustschedulestomeeteveryone’sneeds,butdon’tdefaulttostayinguplateandsleepingin.
3. Stayintouch:Teacherswillbecommunicatingregularly.Makesurethattheschoolhasyourupdatedandpreferredcontactinformation.Ifyouhaveconcerns,orifsomethingcomesup,letsomeoneknowimmediately.
4. Helpscholars‘own’theirlearning:Nooneexpectsparentstobefull-timeteachersortobeeducationalandcontentmatterexperts.Providesupportandencouragement,andplanforyourchildrentodotheirpart.Strugglingisallowedandencouraged!Don’thelptoomuch.Becomingindependenttakeslotsofpractice.
ClassroomBehaviorandExpectations-InPerson
NeighborhoodCharterSchoolsseekstoinstillinourstudentsaloveofLEARNING,INTEGRITY(honesty,keepingyourpromise,doingthingsthatpromotehealth,notharmtoourbodyandmind),GOODCITIZENSHIP(beingaresponsiblememberofacommunity,concernforothers,respectfortheworld,seeingwhatneedstobedoneanddoingit,peace-making,fairness,sharing,compassion,understanding,forgiveness,andloyalty),HARDWORK(perseverance,initiative,optimism,willingnesstotrysomethingnew)andTEAMWORK(workingtogether,cooperation,flexibility).WeusetheacronymLIGHTasashorthandforthesevalues,andweexpectourstudentstoexhibitthematalltimes.LearningIntegrityGoodCitizenshipHardWorkTeamworkAllstudentshavearighttolearnandsocializeinasafeenvironment.Bullying,name-calling,andotherintimidatingbehaviorswill,undernocircumstances,betolerated.Duringclass,certainnecessarybehaviorsmustbeinplaceforeffectivelearningtotakeplace.Theseinclude:
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1. WholeBodyListening:Studentsareexpectedtolistentotheirteacherandotherclassmatesatalltimes.Learningcannottakeplacewhenstudentsarenotactivelyparticipating.Therefore,everyoneisencouragedtocontribute;wevaluetheinputofallofourstudents.Studentsshouldalwayslookatthepersonspeaking.
2. RaisingHands:Studentsshouldknowthatiftheywanttoparticipateinclassdiscussions,theyshouldraisetheirhandstoofferaquestion.Studentsarenotpermittedtocalloutofturn.
3. Eating:Eatingisonlypermittedduringsnacktimeand/orlunch.Topromotenutritional
awareness,sodaandcandyarenotallowedinschool.
4. GumChewing:Gumchewingisnotallowedinschool.
BathroomProcedures
Therearetimeswhenstudentsarepermittedtousetherestroom,suchasbreakfast,lunch,andbreaks.Ifstudentshaveanemergency,theywillalwaysbeallowedtoleavetheclassroomtousetherestroom.
CellPhones
AtNCS,ournumberonepriorityisscholarlearningandscholarachievement.Cellphonesinschoolcanbecomeabigdistractionforourscholars,andwemustcontinuetoputtheireducationfirst.Studentswhousetheircommunicationdevicesduringinstructionaltimewillbesubjectedtoitemconfiscation.Ifascholar’sdeviceisconfiscated,itwillbelabeled,placedinalockedbox,andonlyturnedovertoaparent.Theusebyscholarsofpersonalcommunicationdevicessuchascellphones,iPads,orothersimilarelectroniccommunicationdevicesisprohibitedduringtheinstructionalday.Duringtheinstructionalday,scholarsmayonlyusethesedeviceswiththeapprovaloftheteacherorprincipal.Ifanuisanceitemisconfiscatedandturnedintothedeans’office,aparentorguardianmustpickitup;itwillnotbegivenbacktothestudent.Thesedevicesmustremainoff,notmerelysilenced,duringinstructionaltimeincludingpassingperiodsandstoredinthesecurelockboxintheirhomeroomclassuntildismissal.
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StudentDressCode-InPerson
Toimprovetheschool’seducationalenvironment,promoteamoreeffectiveclimateforlearning,fosterschoolunity,andpride,andallowstudentstofocussolelyonlearningandnotonattire,theschoolhasadresspolicyforstudentsthatappliestoin-personschooldaysandschool-sponsoredevents.AllshirtsmusthavetheSchool’simprintedlogo.TheschooluniformcanbepurchaseddirectlythroughFlynn&O’Harabycalling1-800-441-4122.DailyDress
BOYS GIRLS
Navybluepants Navybluepants
Babyblueoxfordshirtwithschoollogo:longorshortsleeve
Navybluejumper
Nopoloshirtsforboys.Eithershortorlongsleeveoxfordshirts.
Navyblueskirt
Navybluetie(clip-onortraditional)orbowtie
Babybluepoloshirtand/oroxfordshirtwithschoollogo:longorshortsleeve
Navybluev-necksweaterorcardiganwithschoollogo
Navybluev-necksweaterorcardiganwithschoollogo
Brown,black,orbluebelt(required) Brown,black,orbluebelt(required)
Blackshoeswithvelcro(rubbersolespreferred,sneakerspermitted)
Blackshoeswithvelcro(rubbersolespreferred,sneakerspermitted)
Blackorbluesocks Blackorbluesocks
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ElementarySchoolRoutinesandProcedures-In-PersonIfNCSmovestoin-person,full-timeschoolbelowarecertainexpectationsthatwehavecreatedtoensuresuccess.
EssentialSchool/StudentProcedures
Arrival
● Studentsaretoentertheschoolbuildingthroughthemainentranceandwillbegreetedbyastaffmember.
● Studentswhoareeatingbreakfastmayarrivebetweenthefollowingtimes:o ElementarySchool(Kindergarten-4thgrade):7:30-7:45AM.o MiddleSchool(Grades5-8):8:00-8:15AM.
● Studentswhoarenoteatingbreakfastmayarriveatthefollowingtimes:o ElementarySchool(Kindergarten-4thgrade):7:45AM.o MiddleSchool(Grades5-8):8:15AM.o Anystudentarrivingatthetimeslistedabovewillbemarkedlate.
Snack Studentswillhaveasnackeachday.Healthysnackswillbeprovidedforstudents.NCSbelievesinteachingourstudentstoliveahealthylife,includingmakinghealthyeatingdecisions.Familiesmaychoosetosendasnackwiththeirchild,butitisnotnecessary.Pleasedonotsendunhealthysnackssuchascandy,soda,orothersugaryitems.
Lunch and Recess Studentswillbeprovidedwithahealthy,cateredluncheachday.Theleadershipteamwilloverseerecess.NCSwillprovidefreebreakfastandlunchtoallstudents,regardlessofafamily’seligibilitytoparticipateintheNationalSchoolLunchProgram.However,forNCStoseekatleastpartialreimbursement,eachfamilywillbeaskedtocompleteaneligibilityapplication.Weurgefamilies—regardlessofwhethertheythinkwillofficiallyqualify—toreturntheform,ascrucialschoolfundingdecisionsaremadebythestatedependingonthetotalityofresponses.
Dismissal
● Studentswillbedismissedfromtheclassroom,gym,orcafeteriaeachday.● OurSchoolSafetyAgentwillopentheschooldoorsattheappropriatetimeandparentsmay
walktotheirchild’sclassroom.● Theparent/guardianoranadultonthepick-uplistmustsignoutallstudents.● Undernocircumstancesarestudentspermittedtowalkhomeontheirownorbereleased
tosomeonewhoisnotlistedinthechild’srecords.
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● Allstudentsaretobepickeduppromptly.
After-School Program In-Person Only In-PersonOnly-NCSisnotofferingaremoteoptionforAfter-SchoolIntheeventNCSrunsanin-personmodel,wemayhavealimitednumberofseatsforourafter-schoolprogram.Admissionisbylottery.Studentswhogainadmissiontotheafter-schoolprogrammayremainatschooluntil5:30p.m.Studentsmustbesignedoutby5:30p.m.byaparentorguardian.Theafter-schoolprogramwillfollowthefollowingschedule.Formoredetailsaboutourafter-schoolprogram,pleasevisitwww.NCSchools.org/our-schools.
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CommunityActivities
OpenClassroom
In-PersonWhenNCShasanin-personprogram,parents/guardiansareinvitedtoattendOpenClassroomsthroughouttheschoolyear.
VisitorstotheSchool
Iftheschoolopensphysically,NCSencouragesparent(s)/guardian(s)andothermembersoftheschoolcommunitytovisitNCS’classroomstoobservetheworkofstudents,teachers,andotherstaff.ThePrincipalsareresponsibleforallpersonsinthebuildingandonthegrounds.Forthesereasons,thefollowingrulesapplytovisitorstotheschool.
1. AnyonewhoisnotaregularstaffmemberorstudentoftheSchoolwillbeconsidereda“visitor.’
2. AllvisitorstotheSchoolmustsigninandreporttotheMainOffice.Visitorswillbegivenapassthatmustbekeptwiththematalltimes.
3. Teachersarenotpermittedtotakeclasstimetodiscussindividualmatterswithvisitors.4. AnyunauthorizedpersononschoolpropertywillbereportedtothePrincipal.
Unauthorizedpersonswillbeaskedtoleavethebuilding.NYPDwillbecalledifthesituationwarrants.
5. Allvisitorsarerequiredtoabidebytherulesforpublicconductonschoolproperty.NCSiscommittedtoprovidinganorderly,respectfulenvironment;therefore,itisnecessarytoregulatepublicconductonschoolpropertyandschoolfunctions.
FieldTrips/End-Of-YearEvents
In-PersonIntheeventwearebackforin-personlearning,theschool’scurriculumincludesoutsidelearningexperiencesandspecialschoolevents.Duringtheseactivities-aprivilegeandnotaright-itisessentialforallstudentstoberesponsiblefortheirbehaviorsincethesiteoftheactivityoreventisatemporaryextensionoftheSchool.Apermissionslipthatallowsstudentstoleavethebuildingonfieldtripswillbesentatthebeginningofeachschoolyear.Thisslipmustbesignedandreturned,orstudentswillnotbepermittedtoleavethebuilding.Familieswillalwaysbenotifiedbeforeafieldtrip.Ifparentsorothervolunteersassistwithsuchtripsorevents,studentsmustaffordthesechaperonesthesamerespecttheywouldprovidetotheteachers.Appropriatebehaviormustbe
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maintainedwhenattendingschool-sponsoredeventsandridingonschool-providedtransportation.Theuseofportableelectronicdevicesisprohibitedonfieldtripsunlessthestaffchaperonesindicateotherwise.
Emergencies
Incaseofanemergency,parentsorguardiansshouldcontacttheMainOfficeeitherbyphoneorinperson.
SchoolClosings
Intheeventofaschoolclosingduetoemergencyorpoorweatherconditionssuchasheavysnow,pleaselistentoyourlocaltelevisionorradiostations,orcall311forrelevantinformationregardingschoolcancellation.NCSfollowsthesamecancellationpoliciesastheNewYorkCityDepartmentofEducation.IfNewYorkCitypublicschoolsareclosedforemergencyorweather,soistheSchool.
FireSafetyandEvacuationProcedures
Pleasenotethatsomeproceduresmaychangeoncetheschoolyearhasofficiallybegun.Studentswillbenotifiedofandtrainedifthereareanysignificantchanges.Incaseofanemergency,ifastudentorstaffmemberseesafireorsmellssmoke,theyshouldclosethedoor.Uponhearinganalarm,theschoolstaffwillassemblestudentsintheirroomsandproceedoutofthebuildingaccordingtothefireevacuationplanpostedineachroom.Studentsshouldfollowthedirectionofstaffmemberswhowillverifythestairwells’safetyandleadstudentsoutsidethebuildingtothedesignatedlocationswhereschoolstaffwilllineupstudentsbyclassandtakeattendance.Frequentlythroughouttheschoolyear,studentsandstaffwillparticipateinfiredrillstoensurethattheentireschoolcommunityisfamiliarwiththeappropriateresponseinanemergency.Incaseofamoreseriousemergency,shoulditbenecessarytoevacuatetheschool,before,during,oraftertheschoolday—anditappearsthatwewillbeunabletoreturntotheschoolforanextendedperiodoftimeorfortherestoftheday--schoolstaffandstudentswillevacuateaccordingtotheschool’sevacuationplan.Staffwilllineupstudentsinasafeandorderlyfashiononthesidewalksoutsideoftheevacuationsite.Afterstafftakesattendance,shouldconditionspermit,allstudentswillreturnpromptlytotheschool.
IntruderDrills
Anintruderdrillisanopportunityfortheschoolstopracticehowitwouldrespondifanintruderweretounsafelyenterthebuilding.NCSwillconductthemandatedtwointruderalertdrillsas
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follows,oneinDecemberandoneinFebruary.Thesedrillswillbeconductedincoordinationwithlocalemergencyresponseandpreparednessofficials.Intheeventofanintruderdrill,amessagewillbesharedovertheschool’sintercomsystemtoalertstaffandscholars.Atthispoint,theschoolswillgointolockdownmodeandschoolleaderswillsweepthebuilding.Onceschoolleadersgiveanallclear,afollowupmessagewillbemadeovertheintercomtoendthedrill.
Transportation
StudenttransportationwillbeprovidedbytheOfficeofPupilTransportation(OPT).ThetablebelowshowshowtheOfficeofPupilTransportation(OPT)determinesstudenteligibilityforbusingandMetroCards.Itisbasedongradelevelandthedistancebetweenthestudent’sresidenceandtheschool.PleasenoteNCSdoesnotdetermineeligibility.
Grade DistanceCodeALessthan0.5mile
DistanceCodeB0.5mileormore,butlessthan1mile
DistanceCodeC1mileormore,butlessthan1.5miles
DistanceCodeD1.5milesormore
Kindergarten-2ndGrade
Half-fareMetroCard
SchoolBusorFull-FareMetroCard
SchoolBusorFull-FareMetroCard
SchoolBusorFull-FareMetroCard
Grades3-6 NotEligible Half-fareMetroCard
SchoolBusorFull-FareMetroCard
SchoolBusorFull-FareMetroCard
Grades7-8 NotEligible Half-fareMetroCard
Half-fareMetroCard
SchoolBusorFull-FareMetroCard
Criteria for Busing Eligibility ● Thestudentmustbeeligibleforfullfaretransportation,asshowninthechartabove.● Thestudent’sresidencemustbeinthesameboroughastheschool.Forexample,ifachild
attendsNeighborhoodCharterSchool:Harlem,theymustresideinManhattan.● StudentsMUSTusethesamestopinthemorningandintheafternoon.
Conduct Aboard Busing Forthesafetyofallchildrenonthebus,parentsmustadvisetheirscholarstoobeythefollowingrules.Misconductonthebuscanandwillleadtodisciplinaryaction.
● Allchildrenmustbeseatedonthebusatalltimes,withaseatbeltfastened.
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● Childrenarenotpermittedtoleanoutbuswindows;handsandheadsmustbekeptinsidethebusatalltimes.
● Childrenshouldspeakquietlyonthebusandshouldnotspeaktothedriverwhenthebusisinmotion.
● Childrenshouldnotthrowobjectsinsidethebusoroutofthebuswindows.● Nohitting,spitting,orfightingisallowedonthebus;noshovingisallowedwhenboarding
orleavingthebus.● Childrenshallboardandleavethebusoneatatime.
Thereareconsequencesforbreakingtherulesaboardthebusdependingontheseverityofthescholar’sactions.Consequencesmayinclude:
● Parentone-on-onemeeting● Suspensionfromtheschoolbusforasetnumberofdays● Terminationofbusingrights● Expulsionfromschool
Busing FAQs 1. Whichbusroutehasmychildbeenassignedto?
Youmaygetthisinformationfromtheschool,bycallingOPToronline.Toaccessyourchild’sbusstopassignmentonline(clickhere).
2. Theschoolbusislate.WhomdoIcall?PleasecontactOPTdirectlyat718-392-8855.Statusreportsonbusesbehindschedulecanalsobeaccessedonline(clickhere).
3. HowcanIchangemychild’smethodoftransportation(e.g.,switchfrombusingtoa
MetroCard)?Pleasecontactthemainofficeat646-701-7117ifyouwouldliketochangeyourchild’stypeoftransportationservice.Itwilltakeapproximatelytwoweeksforthechangetobehonored.Pleaseplanaccordinglyforthattransition.
Criteria for MetroCard Eligibility ● Full-fareMetroCard
o Anystudenteligibleforfullfaretransportationmaybeissuedafull-farestudentMetroCardifthatstudentrequestsacardorifyellowbustransportationisnotavailableforthatstudent.
o FullfareMetroCardsarevalidonMTAsubwaysandbuses;studentsdonotpayanyfare.
o FullfareMetroCardsareonlyactiveonschooldaysfrom5:30am-8:30pm.● Half-fareMetroCard
o Studentsnoteligibleforfullfaretransportationmaybeissuedahalf-farestudentMetroCard.
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o AhalffarestudentMetroCardallowsaneligiblestudenttotraveltoandfromschoolandschool-relatedactivitiesonbusesonlyandisonlyvalidforthreetripsperday.Afterdippingthecardinthefarebox,studentspayhalfthecurrentfare.
Metro Cards FAQs 1. WhatifmyscholarlosesormisplacestheirMetroCard?
Anewcardwillbeissuedoncethelostorstolencardisdeactivated.Pleasecontactthemainofficeat646-701-7117ifyouneedareplacementcardorstopbyduringofficehours.ReplacementcardsareorderedfromOPTandwillbeavailableafterthreeweeks.
2. CanparentsusethestudentMetroCard?ThecardisOnlyforusebythestudenttowhomitwasissued
Ifyouhaveadditionalquestionsabouttransportationservices,pleasecontacttheDirectorofOperationsatyourschool.
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StudentBehaviorandCultureatNCSHighStandardsforAcademics,HighStandardsforBehaviorCultureatNCS
NCSbelievesinallscholars-theirpotentialforsuccess-andoperatesonthepremisethatallscholarswillsucceed.NCScelebratesourscholars’achievementsbothinandoutoftheclassroom.Webelieveinbuildinglong-lasting,caringrelationshipswithkids,whilealwaysthinkingthebestofchildren.Weuse a strengths-based approach, coupled with a growth mindset, as a model for scholarsuccess/achievement.NCSunderstandstherolesofleadingchildrenasaseriousresponsibilityandprivilege.Wepledgetoholdtoourmissionofprovidingarigorous, inclusive,andstructurededucationalprogramtoourcommunityofchildren,includingchildrenofcolorand/ordisabilities.Webelievethateverythingwedowillimpactthefutureofourscholars.Ourcommitmentistoeducatethewholechildtodevelopcitizenswhobecomecontributingmembersofsocietyandthesurroundingcommunities.Perourschool’s2020-2021DEI action plan,weatNCScommittocreatingaschoolinwhichstudentsfeelsafetogrowsociallyandemotionally,whereindividuallearningneedsareembraced,andwherebehavior management practices are fair and equitable regardless of gender, race, disability,orientation,andage.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports NCSimplementsPositiveBehaviorInterventionsandSupports(PBIS)todefineandteachtowardspositive school behaviors. PositiveBehavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based three-tiered framework to improve and integrate all data, systems, andpractices affectingstudentoutcomeseveryday.PBIScreatesschoolswhereallstudentssucceed.Tier1(oruniversal)practices and systems establish a foundation of regular, proactive support while preventingunwantedbehaviors.AtNCS,weprovidesuchuniversalsupportstoallstudents,school-wide.Tier2practices and systems support students who are at risk for developing more serious problembehaviorsbeforethosebehaviorsstart.Thesesupportshelpstudentsdeveloptheskillstheyneedtobenefitfromcoreprogramsattheschool.AtTier3,studentsreceivemoreintensive,individualizedsupport to improvetheirbehavioralandacademicoutcomes.At this level,schoolsrelyon formalassessments to determine a student’s need. See the Behavioral RtI section of this document forfurtherexplanationoftieredlevelsofsupport.
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PositiveBehaviorExpectations(StudentCodeofConduct)Neighborhood Charter Schools seek to instill in our children a love of LEARNING, INTEGRITY(honesty,keepingyourpromise,doingthingsthatpromotehealth,notharmtoourbodyandmind),GOODCITIZENSHIP(beingaresponsiblememberofacommunity,concernforothers,respectfortheworld, seeingwhat needs to be done and doing it, peace-making, fairness, sharing, compassion,understanding, forgiveness, and loyalty), HARD WORK (perseverance, initiative, optimism,willingnesstotrysomethingnew)andTEAMWORK(workingtogether,cooperation,flexibility).WeusetheacronymLIGHTasashort-handforthesevaluesandexpectourstudentstoexhibitthematalltimes.Aspositivebehaviorissubjectiveitwouldbeimpossibletodefineeachexactpositivebehaviorwewantourstudentstoexhibit.Becauseofthis,thebelowchartattemptstooutlinethetypesofpositivebehaviorsthatareencouragedatNCS.
PositiveBehaviorExpectations
Context PhysicallyInSchool Remote
Classroom Scholarswillthinkabouttheneedsofthegroupandensureone’spersonalbehaviorallowsthegroupplanandlearningtooccurwithoutinterruptionthroughself-management(e.g.,quietbody,demonstratingemotionalself-
Scholarswillthinkabouttheneedsofthegroupandensureone’spersonalbehaviorallowsthegroupplanandlearningtooccurwithoutinterruptionthroughself-management(e.g.,
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regulation,self-directingtheirattention).Scholarswillbeattentivetotheinstructionanddirectionsdeliveredbyteachersandwillstrivetomeetthebehaviorexpectationssetbyteachersatthebeginningofeachclassand/oractivityatthepaceandinthemanneroftheirclassmatestoallowhigh-qualityinstructiontoremain.
quietbody/micoff,demonstratingemotionalself-regulation,self-directingtheirattention).Scholarswillbeattentivetotheinstructionanddirectionsdeliveredbyteachersandwillstrivetomeetthebehaviorexpectationssetbyteachersatthebeginningofeachclassand/oractivityatthepaceandinthemanneroftheirclassmatestoallowhigh-qualityinstructiontoremain.Weexpectscholarsinmiddleschooltobegintounderstandtheirownlearningneeds,andtotakepersonalaccountabilityforensuringtheyaremeetingclassroomexpectations.
Cafeteria/LunchRoom
Weexpectalevelofsocializationandactivityduringlunchtime.Thatsaid,whenattentioniscalledforbyschoolbuildingleaders,itisexpectedthatstudentspausetheirconversationsandthinkaboutthemessagesbeingdeliveredquietlyandwithoutinterruption.Scholarswillformlinestoreceivetheirfoodandwillmaintaincalmwalkingorseatedbodiesatalltimes.Thevoicelevelexpectationisalevel3.
N/AinRemoteLearning
HallwayTransitions
Whentransitioningbetweenclasses,scholarswilltransitiondirectlyfromoneclasstoanotherwiththeirteacher.Mosthallwaytransitionsaresilentinelementaryschool.
N/AinRemoteLearning
Bathrooms Scholarsareallowedtousethebathroomduringclasstimewiththepermissionoftheteacher.
N/AinRemoteLearning
OtherSchoolLocations
Attimes,scholarswillneedtoaccessotherareasoftheschoolbuilding,suchastheschoolnurse’soffice,relatedservicetherapyrooms,etc.Whentransitioningthroughouttheschool,scholarsareexpectedtomaintaina
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safe,walkingbody.Scholarsareexpectedtohaveahallpasstotransitiontoschoollocationswithoutanadultescortandareexpectedtogodirectlytotheirintendedlocationwithoutdelay.
SchoolEvents/Trips
WebelievethatscholarsrepresentNCSatalltimesandexpectthemtomodelLIGHTbehaviorduringschooleventsandschooltrips.Weexpectscholarstoshowrespectfortheirclassmatesandmembersofthecommunity,aswellastowardsthephysicalpropertyofNCS’scampusaswellastheplacestheyvisitaspartofourschoolendeavors.
N/A
Off-Campus Off-campusbehaviorhasthestrongpotentialtoimpactinschoolinteractionandinvolvement.Assuch,westronglyencourageourscholarstothinkofthemselvesasanextensionofourschoolcommunitywhenconductingthemselvesinthecommunity.Weasaschoolcommunitybelieveinnon-violence,respectfortheemotionalandphysicalwell-beingofoneselfandothers,aswellasrespectforthephysicalenvironment,andprivateproperty.
Off-campusbehaviorhasthestrongpotentialtoimpactinschoolinteractionandinvolvement.Assuch,westronglyencourageourscholarstothinkofthemselvesasanextensionofourschoolcommunitywhenconductingthemselvesinthecommunity.Weasaschoolcommunitybelieveinnon-violence,respectfortheemotionalandphysicalwell-beingofoneselfandothers,aswellasrespectforthephysicalenvironment,andprivateproperty.Wewillholdstudentsaccountableforoff-campusbehaviorwhenwarranted.
Online/SocialMedia
Socialmedia/internetaccessfrompersonaldevicesisnotpermittedduringschoolhours.Itisexpectedthatstudentseitherdonotbringaphonetoschoolorelseplantostoretheirphonesintheirlockersorthesupervisionofschoolbuildingleaders.Whencomputersorothertechnologiesareincorporatedintoclassroominstruction,scholarsshouldnavigateonlytowebsitesrelatedtothetaskathand.Itisexpectedthatwhenscholars
Giventhedigitalnatureofclassroominstructionduringremotelearning,scholarsareexpectedtotreatdigitalplatformsasextensionsofschool.Chatfeatureswithintechplatformsusedforinstruction(e.g.,GoogleHangouts,ZoomChat,GoogleClassroomwalls)shouldbeconsideredpubliceducationrecord,andanycommentsshouldbedirectlyrelatedtoacademic
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engageonlinewithstudentsintheNCScommunityespecially,theyrecognizethattheircommentsandonlinebehaviorhavereal-liferamifications.ExhibitingLIGHTvaluesonlineandthroughsocialmediaincludesusingrespectfullanguageandusingtheinternetasatoolforpositiveknowledgeacquisitionandconnection.
instruction.Respectfullanguageanddialogueareexpected.Outsideofclasswork,itisexpectedthatwhenscholarsengageonlinewithstudentsintheNCScommunityespecially,theyrecognizethattheircommentsandonlinebehaviorhavereal-liferamifications.ExhibitingLIGHTvaluesonlineandthroughsocialmediaincludesusingrespectfullanguageandusingtheinternetasatoolforpositiveknowledgeacquisitionandconnection.
BehavioralPolicies&ConsequencesBehavior dramatically reduces when students feel empowered, engaged, and respected in theclassroom. Preventing problem behavior therefore begins with incorporating strong Tier I (i,e.,preventative,universal)supportsandbuildingstrongrelationshipswithchildren.Whenincidentsdooccur,wetakearestorativeapproach,believingthatwhenusedeffectivelyalternativedisciplinethatincorporates restoration, reflection, and instruction will be more effective than a traditionaldisciplinemodel.
NCSBehaviorMatrix
TheNCSBehaviorMatrixisatoolweuseatNCStodefineourbehaviorpracticesandresponses.ThefirstsectionoftheMatrixlistsexplicitexamplesofpositivebehaviorsweexpecttoseefromscholarsanddefinestheteachingmethodsweuseaseducatorstoencourageandreinforcesuchacceptableconduct.ThesecondsectionoftheBehaviorMatrixclassifiesstudentbehaviorsintofourintensitycategoriesandliststherangeofschoolresponsesthataccompanyeachbehaviorcategory.Categoriesof behavior are classified by intensity levels based on whether or not a behavior/incident isclassroommanaged (i.e., no violation,minor violation) or referred to administration (i.e., majorviolation).Foreachbehaviorcategory,therangeofpossibleschoolresponsesisdefined.Ofnote,theexamplebehaviorslistedontheMatrixforeachbehaviorcategoryaremeanttobeillustrativeofthetypeofbehaviorthatshouldbeclassifiedatthislevelandarethusnon-exhaustive.SchoolbuildingleadersandNCSteachersaremeanttousetheMatrixasaguideforclassifyingbehaviorinordertoimplementanappropriate,matchedresponse,nomatterwhatbehaviortheyencounter.We at NCS DO NOT believe in a one-size fits all approach to discipline. Just as we differentiateinstruction for each child, we believe it necessary to differentiate preventative and responsiveinterventions.Assuch,theNCSBehaviorMatrixdoesnotlistone-for-oneor“blanket”consequences,butrather,aRANGEofpossibleschoolresponses listedbelow.Each incidentwillbe lookedat in
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detail,takingindividualandcontextualfactorsintoaccount,toapplywhattheschooldeemstobeafair consequencebasedon individual factors. Fairdoesnot alwaysmeanequal. The schools arebound by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) not to disclose the privateeducationalinformationofstudents.Thismeansthattheschoolisundernoobligationto,norareweallowed to, inform families of the consequences provided to other scholarswho have displayedsimilarbehaviorincidents.
BehaviorMatrixLevelofBehavior(IntensityLevels)
NCSBehaviorMatrix
IntensityI ExampleBehaviors(In-person) ExampleBehaviors(Remote)
IntensityIbehaviorsincludeannoyingorunexpectedbehaviors.Theseareconsidered“lowlevel”offensesthatarenottrueviolationsofourstudentcodeofconduct.Low-levelbehaviorsmaydetractfromclassroomlearning,however,oftenfallintherangeofdevelopmentallyexpectedbehaviors.
ExamplesofIntensityIbehaviorsincludebutarenotlimitedto:
● Blurting/interrupting● Leavingone’sseat
withoutpermission● Day-dreaming● Talkingoutofturn● Failingtoimmediately
complywithteacherdirections
● Orsimilar
ExamplesofIntensityIbehaviorsincludebutarenotlimitedto:
● Joinscalllate● Turnsoffcamera● Endingcallearly● Fidgetyorwalkingaway
fromthecomputer● Playingwithtoys,phone,
gamingsystem,orsimilar● Changinganameon
Zoom● Chatnotrelatedto
academics● Annotatingonscreen● Techoff-task● Blurting/interrupting● Orsimilar
ExampleResponses(In-person)
ExampleResponses(Remote)
Teachersareexpectedtopartnerwithstudentstopromoteself-managementtoseelessenedratesofsuchlow-leveloffensesthroughtheuseofcorrectiveresponses,suchas:
● Givingpromptsandcues
● Emotionalcheck-ins● Teaching/explanations● Individualreflections.
Teachersareexpectedtopartnerwithstudentstopromoteself-managementtoseelessenedratesofsuchlow-leveloffensesthroughtheuseofcorrectiveresponses,suchas:
● Givingpromptsandcues● Positivenarrations● Emotionalcheck-ins● Teaching/explanations● Privatechatinabreakout
room
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IntensityII ExampleBehaviors(In-person) ExampleBehaviors(Remote)
IntensityIIbehaviorsincludedisruptiveordefiantbehaviorsthatareconsideredminorviolationsofourstudentcodeofconductandarerecordedassuchwithinourschool’sbehaviorincidentreportingsystem-EducatorsHandbook.TeachersareexpectedtomanageIntensityIIbehaviorsintheclassroomunlessthebehaviorissignificantlypersistentanddisruptivefollowingmultipleteacherattempts,atwhichpointthebehaviorisescalatedtoanIntensityIII.
ExamplesofintensityIIbehaviorsincludebutarenotlimitedto:
● Defyinginstructions● Cheating● Cursing/useof
profanity● Makinginappropriate
orsexualjokes,gestures,orinnuendos
● Horseplay/roughhousing
● Orsimilar
ExamplesofintensityIIbehaviorsincludebutarenotlimitedto:
● PersistentLevelIBehaviors(i.e.,behaviorscontinueafter2-3IntensityIcorrectiveresponses)
● Inappropriateannotations
● Inappropriateuseofpublicchatorcomments(e.g.,name-calling,teasing,cursing)
● Inappropriateprivatechats(e.g.,name-calling,teasing,cursing)
● ChanginganameonZoomtoinappropriate
● Lying● Cursing/profanity● Inappropriategesturesor
emojis
ExampleResponses(In-person)
ExampleResponses(Remote)
IntensityIIresponsesshouldinclude,atminimum,arestorativecomponent(e.g.,deskchat,real-timecoaching,restorativeconversation,orsimilar)andaconsequence(e.g.,removedfromcurrentactivity,teachernote/callhome,lossofprivilege,orsimilar).
IntensityIIresponsesshouldinclude,atminimum,arestorativecomponent(e.g.,breakoutchat,real-timecoaching,restorativeconversationorsimilar)andaconsequence(e.g.,removedfromcurrentactivity,teachernote/callhome,additionalsessiontomakeuplostinstructiontime,lossofchat/commentprivileges,orsimilar).
IntensityIII ExampleBehaviors(In-person) ExampleBehaviors(Remote)
IntensityIIIbehaviorsarethosesignificantly
ExamplesofintensityIIIbehaviors(non-exhaustive)
ExamplesofintensityIIIbehaviors(non-exhaustive)
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persistentorseverethattheythreatenthesafetyandsecurityofthethelearningenvironmentandthephysicalandemotionalwellbeingofthestudent,otherscholars,andstaff.IntensityIIIbehaviorsareconsideredmajorviolationsofourstudentcodeofconductandarereferredtoschooladministrationforanout-of-groupconsequence.
includepersistentIntensityIIbehaviors,crisisbehaviors,insubordination,physicalthreatsorintimidationand/orphysicalaggression,harassingorderogatorylanguage,bullying,theft,orsimilar.
includepersistentIntensityIIbehaviors,crisisbehaviorsobservedinthehome,insubordination,physicalthreatsorintimidationand/orphysicalaggression,harassingorderogatorylanguage,bullying,theft,orsimilar,includingbullying,harassing,andderogatorylanguageusedonlineandonsocialmedia.
ExampleResponses(In-person)
ExampleResponses(Remote)
SchoolactionincasesofIntensityIIIincidentsmustincludearestorativecomponent(e.g.,at-riskcounseling,restorativeconversation,amendsmaking,studentactionplan,etc.),andaconsequence(e.g.,notifyinghome,lossofsocialprivileges,Restorative/ReflectionWorkshop,in-schoolsuspension[ISS],out-of-schoolsuspension[OSS]),etc.,).Teachersshouldbeinvolvedinrestorativeexerciseswiththestudenttothemaximumextentpossible.
SchoolactionincasesofIntensityIIIincidentsmustincludearestorativecomponent(e.g.,at-riskcounseling,restorativeconversation,amendsmaking,studentactionplan,etc.),andaconsequence(e.g.,School/homeconference,lossoffeatures(e.g.,chat,comments)orprivileges(e.g.,optionalevents),removedfromclasssessionsandinsteadaskedtoattendanalternativeinstructionblock1:1withateachertoreceivecontentoutofthegroup,etc.).Teachersshouldbeinvolvedinrestorativeexerciseswiththestudenttothemaximumextentpossible.
IntensityIV ExampleBehaviors(In-person) ExampleBehaviors(Remote)
IntensityIVbehaviorsareconsidereddangerousand/orillegaloffenses.
IntensityIVbehaviorscanincludefighting,possessingorthreateningtheuseofweaponsordangerousobjects,engaginginsexualactivityorinappropriatetouching,possessingordistributingdrugsoralcohol,arson,orthreateningphysicalinjury,amongothers.
IntensityIVbehaviorscanincludefighting,possessingorthreateningtheuseofweaponsordangerousobjects,engaginginsexualactivityorinappropriatetouching,possessingordistributingdrugsoralcohol,arson,orthreateningphysicalinjury,amongothers.Thisincludesactivityknowntohavehappenedduetostudentpostingonsocialmedia,onlineactivity,etc.
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ExampleResponses(In-person)
ExampleResponses(Remote)
IntensityIVbehaviorsshouldbereferredtoadministrationforrestorativepracticeandconsequencesparallellingIntensityIIIresponses,withtheaddedcomponentofpossiblereferraltooutsideagenciesforpotentialevaluation,treatment,orfurtherconsequence.Teachersshouldbeinvolvedinrestorativepracticestothemaximumextentpossible.
IntensityIVbehaviorsshouldbereferredtoadministrationforrestorativepracticeandconsequencesparallellingIntensityIIIresponses,withtheaddedcomponentofpossiblereferraltooutsideagenciesforpotentialevaluation,treatment,orfurtherconsequence.Teachersshouldbeinvolvedinrestorativepracticestothemaximumextentpossible.
ReferralofStudentstoSchoolAdministratorsIf given implementation of Tier I strategies for preventing behavior, a student’s Intensity III/IVbehavior (including crisisbehavior) significantly impacts classroom learningand safety, teachersshouldreferthestudenttoschooladministratorsthroughtheuseoftheschool’s201sendoutsystem.Bycalling201(theschool’ssecuritydeskline),requestcallsareroutedtoschoolbuildingleadersviawalkietalkieandarerespondedtoimmediately.IncaseswhenIntensityIIIandIVincidentsoccurbutadministratorsupportisnotimmediatelyrequired,staffmembersshouldreferthestudenttoadministrationviaEducatorsHandbook(seebelow)tonotifypertinentschoolbuildingleadersoftheneedforfollowup.ThisincludesIntensityIII/IVbehaviorsoccurringinaremotecapacity.
DocumentingBehaviorIncidentsBehavior incidents at Intensity Levels II-IV must be documented by NCS staff within EducatorsHandbook.EducatorsHandbookistheschool’sinternalreportingsystem.IncidentsloggedintoEHdoNOTautomaticallyenter intoastudent’spermanenteducational file,except in instanceswhennecessaryforobtaininganddocumentingspecialeducationalsupportsrelatingtobehavior.Loggingincidents intoEducatorsHandbookallows theschool to trackbehaviorpatternsat the individualstudentandbroaderstudentcommunitylevels,whichsupportstheschoolininterveningproactivelyandpreventivelyintothefuture.
BehaviorIncidentsandManifestationofDisabilityLookingatbehavior incidentsonacase-by-casebasis inherentlyprotects theneedsandrightsofstudentswithdisabilities.WeatNCSunderstandthewaysinwhichstudentlaggingskills(includingthoserelatedtoastudent’sdisability)maycontributetobehaviorincidents.Theselaggingskillsaretaken into account within restorative consequence discussions. Importantly, the presence of adisability doesNOTpreclude a child frompotentially receiving a consequence, includingbut notlimitedtoin-schoolorout-of-schoolsuspensionsincasesdeemednecessarybyschoolofficials.
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BehavioralResponse-to-InterventionPartoftheschool’stieredmodelofbehaviorinterventionisarobustBehavioralResponse-to-Intervention(RtI)programthatrunsparalleltoouracademicRtIprogram.TherearethreepathwaysforreferralintoBehavioralRtI.Firstly,studentsrecordinginthetop10%ofbehavioralincidentsperEducatorsHandbookdatawillbeautomaticallyflaggedintoTierIIprogramming.Alternatively,studentsmaybereferredbyteachernominationviatheschool’sBehaviorRtINominationForm.Teacherreferralsarevettedbytheschool’sBehavioralSpecialistandneedisconfirmedthroughbehaviordataanalysis.Lastly,studentsmaybereferredforBehaviorRtIbasedontheseverityofindividualincidentstheyareinvolvedinandthepotentialimpactofsuchincidentsontheirphysicaloremotionalwell-being.TierIIprogrammingincludesshorttermbehavioralplansandinterventionsaimedatbuildingstudentskillstoreduceoverallratesofbehaviorincidents.StudentswhoareunresponsivetoTierII(i.e.,short-term,at-riskinterventions)orwhosebehaviorisconsideredsignificantlydangerousordisruptivetoclassroomlearningmaybereferredforTierIIIInterventions.TierIIIinterventionsaredata-informedandrequirethecompletionofaFunctionalBehaviorAssessment(FBA)todevelopaformalBehaviorInterventionPlan.FamilyconsentisrequiredtoconductFBAsexceptforstudentswithpre-existingIEPs.Astudent’saccesstoTierIIIbehaviorsupportisNOTinofitselfconsideredspecialeducationsupport,thoughFBAsandBIPsmaybeattachedtoachild’spre-existingcondition.
RestorativeCircle/LogicalConsequences
NCSisinvestingintrainingstaffonlogicalconsequences.Yourchildmaybeaskedtojoinateacherorgroupofstudentstodiscussanincident,itsimpactonindividualsandtheircommunity,andcreateaplantoensurethatitdoesnothappenagain.Weseektoteachstudentsabouttheirbehaviorratherthantakeapurelypunitiveapproach.
In-SchoolSuspension
In-schoolsuspension(ISS)isadisciplinaryactionNCScanimplementincasesofsevereorpersistentIntensityIIIorIVbehaviors.ThepurposeofISSistoprovideastructuredopportunityforscholarstoreflecton the incident, restorerelationshipswith fellowscholars/teachers,andcontemplatehowsuchincidentscanbepreventedinthefuture.Italsoprovidestimeandspaceforthestudentandothers affected to heal from the harm done through short-term physical separation. ISS at NCSinvolves an automatic restorative component, full-day supervision by NCS staff, andwork/instructional load comparable to their in-class counterparts. ISS is administered at thediscretionofschool-basedleaderswithadvisementfromDeansandAPCultureand/orprincipalsasneeded.IninstanceswhereascholarwithanIEPisbeingconsideredforISS,advisementfromtheBehavior Specialist and/orDirectorof SpecialEducationmustbeobtainedbefore the ISS canbeadministered (See NCS Suspension Approval Process - Appendix <Insert>). Families of studentsreceivingISSconsequencewillbeprovidedwithdocumentationoftheincidentresultinginISS,as
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wellasanIn-School-SuspensionandRe-EntryPlanoutliningthespecificuseofscholartimeandplanforrestorativeactionsneedingtooccur.
OutofSchoolSuspension
Out-of-SchoolSuspension(OSS)isadisciplinaryactioninwhichascholarisnotallowedtoreceivephysicalinstructionatschoolbasedontheseverityoftheIntensityIIIorIVincidentthattookplace.OSSdecisionsarenottakenlightlybyschool-basedofficialsbutmaybenecessaryforspecificextremecircumstanceswhere thephysicalandemotionalwell-beingofother studentsandstaffwouldbeimpactedbythepresenceoftheoffendingscholarwithintheschoolbuilding.OSSdecisionsaremadein accordancewith the NCS Suspension Approval Process. Students receiving OSS consequencesrequire an in-person family conference before a student’s return to school. Families of studentsreceivingOSSshouldexpectdocumentationoftheincidentfromtheschoolandaStudentRe-EntryPlanoutliningtherestorativeactionsthatwilloccurwhenthestudentreturnstotheschoolbuilding.Restorativeactionscouldinclude,butarenotlimitedto,restorativecircleswithimpactedstaffandstudents,referraltoNCSoroutsidementalhealthorbehavioralservices,andorrepairinganyharmdone.
SocialProbation
NCSscholarsarenotautomaticallyentitledtoparticipateinallschoolevents,includingschooltrips,sportinggames,dances,orafterschoolactivities.NCSreserves theright tosetminimumstudentbehavioralexpectations(e.g.,nomorethanaspecificnumberofrecordedminorormajorinfractionsand/ornorecentISS/OSS)forscholarstoparticipateinsuchactivities.Theschoolreservestherighttoplacescholarsonsocialprobation,meaningtheyeitherarenotpermittedtoattendormayonlyconditionallyattendcertainschooleventsforaspecifiedperiodoftime,basedontheirin-orout-of-schoolbehavior.
CrisisResponseandPostvention
AtNCS,wetakeseriouslythephysicalandemotionalwell-beingofallscholarsandarecommittedtousingverbalde-escalationtechniqueswhereverpossible.Thatsaid,incaseswherestudentsexhibitphysicalbehaviorsthatputthemselvesandothersatrisk,physicalmanagementmayberequiredtomaximizethesafetyandsecurityofmembersofourschoolcommunity.Membersofourschool’sCultureTeamaswellasmanyschoolbuildingleadersandteachers(10%ofourtotalstaff)arecertifiedinNon-ViolentCrisisInterventionthroughtheCrisisPreventionInstitute.CrisisResponseTeammembershaveundergonerigoroussafetytrainingemphasizingdecision-makingskillstomatchtheleveloftheresponsetotheriskofthecrisis,focusingontheleast-restrictiveresponsetoensuretheCare,Welfare,Safety,andSecurity℠ofthoseintheircare.Thisincludesrecognizingthestagesofanescalatingcrisisandlearningevidence-basedtechniquesto
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appropriatelyde-escalate.Allinstancesofcrisisinterventioninvolvearigorouspostventionprocessinwhichallmembersinvolvedinthecrisissituationmeettoreviewincidentleadupandsafetyprotocols,culminatinginthedocumentationoftheincidentinourschool’sinternaldataserver(EducatorsHandbook)andcompletionofaCrisisPost-VentionReport.Familiesofstudentsinvolvedincrisissituationswillbecontactedassoonaspossiblefollowingthecrisisincidentandwillbeprovidedwithacopyofthecrisispostventionreportonthesameday.Ininstanceswhereachildcansuccessfullyreintegrateintotheclassroomandsafelyremainatschoolfollowingacrisisincident,theymaydosowithspecialistsupportandfollowingcompletionofarestorativeconversationorotheractivity.Ininstanceswherethechildcontinuestoremainescalatedandexhibitbehaviorsthatthreatenthesafetyandsecurityoffamiliesfollowinganinitialcrisisbehavior,theschoolreservestherighttoseparatethechildfromthelearningcommunitytemporarilyandmayaskthefamily/caregiverofthechildtocometoretrievethemfromthebuildingsameday.IfachildissenthomeinthismanneritisNOTcodedasasuspensioninthemajorityofincidents.
SocialDistanceMandateCrisisResponse(In-PersonwithSocialDistancinginPlace)PleasenotethatphysicalmanagementisalwaysconsideredalastresortandthevastmajorityofpotentiallyharmfulbehaviorsexhibitedbyNCSstudentsaresuccessfullymanagedentirelythroughverbalde-escalation.Wewillassumethiswillalsobethecaseinascenarioinwhichtheschoolmovestoahybridlearningmodelwithsocialdistancingguidelinesinplace.Thatsaid,NCShasamandatetocomplywithstatesocialdistancingmandates,whichimpactsourschool’scrisisresponseandpostventionprocess.Specifically,ifastudentrequiresphysicalmanagementbyourCrisisResponseTeamwhenthereisasocialdistancingmandateineffect,therespondingmembersmayelecttophysicallymanagethebehaviorregardless,favoringmaneuversinwhichtherespondingadultsfaceawayfromthechild(e.g.,Standing/SeatedHighorChild’sHighhold)wherepossible.Inthisinstance,filteredmasks(i.e.,N95orsimilar)arerequiredtobewornbyCrisisTeammembersatalltimes.Ofnote,asfacecoveringscouldpotentiallyobstructtheairflowofstudentsincrisissituations,masksmayberemovedoffofstudentspresentinginbehavioraldistress.Foranystudentsexhibitingoneormorecrisisincidentswhilephysicallyinthebuilding,theschoolreservestherighttotransitionthechildtoafullyremoteschoolingoptionforatimeperiodtobedeterminedbytheschoolprincipalincombinationwiththeDirectorofSpecialEducation.Inthiscase,thestudentcanbeexpectedtoreceivecomparableeducationalopportunitiestotheirpeersbutreducingrisktostaffhealth.Suchdeterminationsarenotcodedassuspensionsasthestudentwillstillbeexpectedtoparticipateintheschool’sacademicprogramtotheextentoftheirclassmates.
MentalHealthCrisis
NeighborhoodCharterSchoolsworkswitharangeofmentalhealthprofessionalstoensurethewellbeingofscholarsinourcare,includingtwoNCS-staffedmentalhealthcounselors.Studentscan
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accessmentalhealth(i.e.,counseling)servicesasmandatedbytheirIndividualEducationPlan(IEP),ormaybeapprovedtoreceiveat-riskcounselingservicesorotherbehaviorsupportservicesbytheDirectorofSpecialEducationbasedonthenatureandseverityofpresentingconcerns.InstanceswhereNCSstudentspresentinmentalhealthcrisis-includinginstancesofobservedorreportedsuicideideation-aretreatingwiththeutmostcareandurgency.Ourmentalhealthcounselorsaretrainedandcompetentintherecognitionofandprovisionofsuicidecare.Mentalhealthcrisisreferralscanbemadeatanytimebythestudentdirectly,NCSstaffmembers,familymembers,orstudentmembersoftheschoolcommunity.ReferralscanbemadebycontactingNCSmentalhealthcounselorsdirectly,orbynotifyingtheDirectorofSpecialEducation,Principals,orschoolBehaviorSpecialist.Oncereceivingareferral,counselorswillconductabasictriageorscreeningtoknowwhetherornotafullassessmentisneededusingTheColumbia-SuicideSeverityRatingScale(C-SSRS)orsimilarlystructuredassessment.Thisscreeningmayincludedirectlyspeakingtothechildand/orfamilymembersofthestudent.Familieswillbenotifiedinallinstancesofastudent’sreferralforamentalhealthcrisis.Thementalhealthcounselorwilldecidethestudent’soverallriskandmayreferforfurtherassessmentasneeded.ReferralsmaybemadetoNewYorkCity’s24-hourmentalhealthreferralnetwork(NYCWell),tooutsidementalhealthserviceagencies,orforpsychiatrichospitalcare.Incaseswherethechild’shealthorwellbeingappearstobeinimminentdangeroriftheschoolandfamilyaremisalignedonthelevelofriskbeingexhibitedbyachild,theschoolreservestherighttorequestwelfarechecksbeconductedbyeitherACSorcommunitylawenforcementtoensurethewellbeingofthechild.
Remote(IncludingOnline/SocialMedia)MentalHealthCrisisNCScaresdeeplyaboutthewellbeingofstudentsevenwhentheyarenotphysicallyinthebuilding.Ifachild’swellbeingisinquestionduringanextendedperiodofremotelearning,orifthepresentingincidentoccurredinadigitalcontext(e.g.,viapostingonsocialmedia),ourschool’sMentalHealthreferralpolicyandprocessremainineffect.Inthiscase,screeningbyourmentalhealthcounselor(s)willtakeplaceremotelyviaphoneorsecurevideolinetodetermineifafullassessmentiswarranted.
Expulsion
Expulsionisreservedforextraordinarycircumstances,includingbutnotlimitedtocircumstanceswhereastudent’sconductposedorcontinuestoposeadangertothesafetyandwell-beingofotherstudents,schoolpersonnel,oranyotherpersonlawfullyonschoolproperty,attendingaschoolfunction,oronschool-providedtransportation.
ProceduresandDueProcessforShortTermSuspension
ThePrincipalmayimposeashort-termsuspensionandshallfollowdueprocessproceduresconsistentwithfederalcaselawpursuanttoGossv.Lopez(419U.S.565).Beforeimposingashort-termsuspension,orother,lessseriousdiscipline,thePrincipalshallprovidenoticetoinformthestudentofthechargesagainsthimorher,andifthestudentdeniesthecharges,anexplanationof
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theevidenceagainstthestudent.Achancetopresentthestudent’sversionofeventsshallalsobeprovided.Beforeimposingashort-termsuspension,thePrincipalshallimmediatelynotifytheparentsorguardianinwritingthatthestudentmaybesuspendedfromschool.Writtennoticeofthedecisiontosuspendshallbeprovidedbypersonaldeliveryorexpressmaildeliverywithin24hoursatthelastknownaddress(es)oftheparentsorguardian.Wherepossible,notificationalsoshallbeprovidedbytelephone.Suchnoticeshallprovideadescriptionoftheincident(s)forwhichsuspensionisproposedandshallinformtheparentsorguardianoftheirrighttorequestanimmediateinformalconferencewiththePrincipal.Suchnoticeandinformalconferenceshallbeinthedominantlanguageormodeofcommunicationusedbytheparentsorguardians.Theparentsorguardianofthestudentandthestudentshallhavetheopportunitytopresentthestudent’sversionoftheincidentandtoaskquestionsofthecomplainingwitnesses.Suchnoticeandopportunityforaninformalconferenceshalltakeplacebeforethesuspensionofthestudentunlessthestudent’spresenceintheschoolposesacontinuingdangertopersonsorpropertyoranongoingthreatofdisruptiontotheacademicprocess,inwhichcasethenoticeandopportunityforaninformalconferenceshalltakeplaceassoonaspossibleafterthesuspensionasisreasonablypracticable.ThePrincipal’sdecisiontoimposeashort-termsuspensionmaybechallengedbytheparent(s)orguardianinaccordancewiththeSchool’sgrievancepolicy.
ProceduresandDueProcessforLongTermSuspension
ThePrincipalmayimposealong-termsuspension.Suchasuspensionmaybeimposedonlyafterthestudenthasbeenfoundguiltyataformalsuspensionhearing.Inextremecircumstances,thePrincipalmayexpelthestudentfromschool.Upondeterminingthatastudent’sactionwarrantsapossiblelong-termsuspension,thePrincipalshallverballyinformthestudentthattheyarebeingsuspendedandisbeingconsideredforalong-termsuspension(orexpulsion)andstatethereasonsforsuchactions.ThePrincipalalsoshallimmediatelynotifythestudent’sparent(s)orguardian(s)inwriting.Writtennoticeshallbeprovidedbypersonaldelivery,expressmaildelivery,orequivalentmeansreasonablycalculatedtoassurereceiptofsuchnoticewithin24hoursofsuspensionatthelastknownaddress.Wherepossible,notificationalsoshallbeprovidedbytelephoneiftheschoolhasbeenprovidedwithacontacttelephonenumberfortheparent(s)orguardian(s).Suchnoticeshalldescribetheincidentorincidentsthatresultedinthesuspensionandshallindicatethataformalhearingwillbeheldonthematterthatmayresultinalong-termsuspension(orexpulsion).Thenotificationprovidedshallbeinthedominantlanguageusedbytheparent(s)orguardian(s).Attheformalhearing,thestudentshallhavetherighttoberepresentedbycounsel,questionwitnesses,andpresentevidence.IfthePrincipalinitiatesthesuspensionproceeding,theyshallpersonallyhearanddeterminetheproceedingormay,inhisorherdiscretion,designateahearingofficertoconductthehearing.Thehearingofficer’sreportshallbeadvisoryonlyandthePrincipalmayacceptorrejectallorpartofit.
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ThePrincipal’sdecisiontoimposealong-termsuspensionorexpulsionmaybechallengedbytheparentorguardianthroughanappealprocesstotheExecutiveDirector,thedetailsofwhichshallbedetermined.NOTE:InanyinstancewherethePrincipalisdirectlyinvolvedintheinstance(s)atissueforasuspensionorexpulsion,theExecutiveDirectorshallhandleanyinvestigation,hearing,anddetermination.
FirearmViolations
FederalandNewYorklawrequirestheexpulsionfromschoolforaperiodofnotlessthanoneyearofastudentwhoisdeterminedtohavebroughtafirearmtotheschool,ortohavepossessedafirearmatschool,exceptthatthePrincipalmaymodifysuchexpulsionrequirementforastudentonacase-by-casebasis,ifsuchmodificationisinwriting,inaccordancewiththeFederalGun-FreeSchoolsActof1994(asamended).“Weapon,”asusedinthislawmeansa“firearm,”asdefinedby18USC§921,andincludesfirearmsandexplosives.(NewYorkEducationLaw§3214effectuatesthisfederallaw.)Thefollowingareincludedwithinthisdefinition:(a)Anydevice,instrument,material,orsubstancethatisusedfororisreadilycapableofcausingdeathorseriousbodilyinjury.Kniveswithabladeoftwoandhalfinchesormoreinlengthfallwithinthisdefinition;(b)Anyweapon(includingastartergun)whichwillorisdesignedtoormayreadilybeconvertedtoexpelaprojectilebytheactionofanexplosive;(c)theframeorreceiverofanyweapondescribedabove;(d)Anyfirearmmufflerorfirearmsilencer;(e)Anydestructibledevice,whichisdefinedasanyexplosive,incendiary,orpoisongas,suchasabomb,grenade,rockethavingapropellantchargeofmorethanfourounces,amissilehavinganexplosiveorincendiarychargeofmorethanone-quarterounce,amine,orothersimilardevice.ThePrincipalshallreferastudentundertheageofsixteenwhohasbeendeterminedtohavebroughtaweaponorfirearmtoschooltoapresentmentagencyforajuveniledelinquencyproceedingconsistentwithArticle3oftheFamilyCourtActexceptastudentfourteenorfifteenyearsofagewhoqualifiesforjuvenileoffenderstatusunderCriminalProcedureLaw§1.20(42).ThePrincipalshallreferanypupilsixteenyearsofageorolderorastudentfourteenorfifteenyearsofagewhoqualifiesforjuvenileoffenderstatusunderCriminalProcedureLaw§1.20(42),whohasbeendeterminedtohavebroughtaweaponorfirearmtoschooltotheappropriatelawenforcementofficials.
ProvisionofInstructionDuringRemoval
HLAwillensurethatalternativeeducationalservicesareprovidedtoachildwhohasbeensuspendedorremovedtohelpthatchildprogressintheschool’sgeneralcurriculum.Forastudentwhohasbeensuspended,alternativeinstructionwillbeprovidedtotheextentrequiredbyapplicablelaw.Forastudentwhohasbeenexpelled,alternativeinstructionwillbeprovidedinlikemannerasasuspendedstudentuntilthestudentenrollsinanotherschoolforareasonableperiodthereafteroruntiltheendoftheschoolyear.Alternativeinstructionwillbeprovidedtostudentssuspendedorexpelledinawaythatbestsuitstheneedsofthestudent.Instructionforsuchstudentsshallbesufficienttoenablethestudentto
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makeadequateacademicprogressandshallprovidethemtheopportunitytocompletetheassignments,learnthecurriculum,andparticipateinassessments.Instructionwilltakeplaceinoneofthefollowinglocations:thechild’shome,acontractedfacility(e.g.,intheschooldistrictoflocation),orasuspensionroomorotherroomattheschool.Duringanyremovalfordrugorweaponoffenses,additionalservicesshallincludestrategiesdesignedtopreventsuchbehaviorfromrecurring.Instructionwillbeprovidedbyoneormoreofthefollowingindividualswhoshallbecertifiedorqualifiedinaccordancewith§2854(3)(a-1)oftheEducationLawandthefederalNoChildLeftBehind.
FreedomofExpression
Studentsareentitledtoexpresstheirpersonalopinionsverbally,inwriting,orbysymbolicspeech.Theexpressionofsuchopinions,however,shallnotinterferewiththefreedomofotherstoexpressthemselves,andwrittenexpressionofopinionmustbesignedbytheauthor.Anyformofexpressionthatinvolveslibel,slander,theuseofobscenity,orpersonalattacks,orthatotherwisedisruptstheeducationalprocess,isprohibited.Allformsofexpressionalsomustcomplywiththestudentdisciplinarypolicyandtheschooldresscode,violationsofwhicharepunishableasstatedinthedisciplinarypolicy.Studentparticipationinthepublicationofschool-sponsoredstudentnewsletters,yearbooks,literarymagazines,andsimilarpublicationsisencouragedasalearningandeducationalexperience.Thesepublications,ifany,shallbesupervisedbyqualifiedfacultyadvisorsandshallstrivetomeethighstandardsofjournalism.Tomaintainconsistencywiththeschool'sbasiceducationalmission,thecontentofsuchpublicationsiscontrolledbyschoolauthorities.NopersonshalldistributeanyprintedorwrittenmaterialsonschoolpropertywithoutthepriorpermissionofthePrincipal.ThePrincipalmayregulatethecontentofmaterialstobedistributedonschoolpropertytotheextentnecessarytoavoidmaterialandsubstantialinterferencewiththerequirementsofappropriatedisciplineintheoperationoftheschool.ThePrincipalmayalsoregulatethetime,place,manner,anddurationofsuchdistribution.
Off-CampusEvents
Studentsatschool-sponsoredoff-campuseventsshallbegovernedbyalltheguidelinesoftheschoolandaresubjecttotheauthorityofschoolofficials.Failuretoobeythelawfulinstructionsofschoolofficialsshallresultinalossofeligibilitytoattendschool-sponsoredoff-campuseventsandmayresultinadditionaldisciplinarymeasuresinaccordancewiththestudentdisciplinarypolicy.
StudentRecords
TheSchoolwillmaintainwrittenrecordsofallsuspensionsandexpulsionsincludingthenameofthestudent,adescriptionofthebehaviorengagedin,thedisciplinaryactiontaken,andarecordofthenumberofdaysastudenthasbeensuspendedorremovedfordisciplinaryreasons.HLAwill
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complywithNYSED’sVADIRdatacollectionrequirementsanddisciplinarydataandsubmitthatinformationtoNYSEDbyrequireddeadlines.CharterschoolsaresubjecttothefederalFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyActof1974(FERPA)thatrequiresaschooltoprotectastudent’sprivacy.HLAwillnotdiscloseanyinformationfromthestudent’spermanentrecordsexceptasauthorizedpursuanttoFERPA,orinresponsetoasubpoena,asrequiredbylaw.Theparent(s)orguardian(s)ofastudentunder18yearsofage,orastudent18yearsofageorolder,isentitledtoaccesstothestudent'sschoolrecordsbysubmittingawrittenrequesttothePrincipal.FurtherinformationconcerningthedisclosureofstudentinformationandlimitationsonsuchdisclosuremaybefoundinFERPAandtheschool’sFERPApolicy.
DisciplineofStudentswithSpecialNeeds
Inadditiontothedisciplineproceduresapplicabletoallstudents,NCSshallimplementthefollowingdisciplinarypolicyprocedureswithrespecttostudentswithdisabilities.Astudentnotspecificallyidentifiedashavingadisabilitybutwhoseschooldistrictofresidenceorcharterschool,priortothebehaviorwhichisthesubjectofthedisciplinaryaction,hasabasisofknowledge—inaccordancewith34CFR300.527(b)—thatadisabilityexistsmayrequesttobedisciplinedinaccordancewiththeseprovisions.HLAshallcomplywithsections300.519-300.529oftheCodeofFederalRegulations(CFR)andthefollowingprocedures,exceptthatintheeventthatthefollowingproceduresareinconsistentwithfederallawandregulations,suchfederallawandregulationsshallgovern.IfastudentviolatestheSchool’sdisciplinecodeandisbeingconsideredforasuspensionorremoval,NCSmustensurethefollowingdueprocessprotectionsareprovidedtothestudentandtothestudent’sparent(s)inadditiontothosesetforthintheregulareducationdisciplinecode.Forsuspensionsoffiveschooldaysorless,thestudent’sparent(s)orguardianmustbeprovidedwithawrittennotice,andafollow-uptelephonecallifpossible,within24hoursoftheincidentleadinguptothesuspensionwhichdescribesthebasisforthesuspensionandexplainsthattheparentorguardianhastherighttorequestaninformalconferencewiththePrincipalandappropriatestafftodiscusstheincidentandquestionanycomplainingwitnessagainstthestudent.Forsuspensionsinexcessoffiveconsecutiveschooldays,thestudent’sparent(s)orguardianmustbeprovidedwithawrittennoticewhichindicatesthatthedistrictproposestosuspendthestudentfromschoolinexcessoffiveconsecutiveschooldays,describesthebasisfortheproposedsuspension,explainsthatthestudenthasanopportunityforafairhearingconductedbythePrincipalorhisorherdesigneeatwhichthestudentwillhavearighttoquestionanywitnessesaccusinghim/herofcommittingthemisconductchargeandtopresentwitnessesonhis/herbehalf.Wherepossible,notificationmustalsobeprovidedbytelephone.Inaddition,NCSmustprovidealternativeeducationtothestudentduringthesuspensionassetforthbelow,includinganyspecialservicesrequiredbytheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)preparedbytheCommitteeonSpecialEducation(CSE)wheretheschoolislocated.Finaldeterminationonasuspensionorremovalofastudent,followingdueprocess,shallbemadebythePrincipal.
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TheSchoolshallmaintainwrittenrecordsofallsuspensionsandexpulsionsofstudentswithadisabilityincludingthenameofthestudent,adescriptionofthebehaviorengagedin,thedisciplinaryactiontaken,andarecordofthenumberofdaysastudenthasbeensuspendedorremovedfordisciplinaryreasons.StudentsforwhomtheIEPincludesaBehaviorInterventionPlan(BIP)willbedisciplinedinaccordancewiththeBIP.IftheBIPappearsnottobeeffectiveorifthereisaconcernforthehealthandsafetyofthestudentorothersiftheBIPisfollowedwithrespecttotheinfraction,thematterwillbeimmediatelyreferredtotheCSEwheretheschoolislocatedforconsiderationofachangeintheguidelines.Ifastudentidentifiedashavingadisabilityissuspendedduringtheschoolyearforatotalofeightdays,suchstudentwillimmediatelybereferredtotheCSEwheretheschoolislocatedforreconsiderationofthestudent’seducationalplacement.SuchastudentshallnotbesuspendedforatotalofmorethantendaysduringtheschoolyearwithoutthespecificinvolvementoftheCSEwheretheschoolislocatedpriortotheeleventhdayofsuspension,becausesuchsuspensionsmaybeconsideredtobeachangeinplacement.Inconsideringtheplacementofstudentsreferredbecauseofdisciplinaryproblems,theCSEwheretheschoolislocatedisexpectedtofollowitsordinarypolicieswithrespecttoparentalnotificationandinvolvement.NCSshallworkwiththedistricttoensurethattheCSEwheretheschoolislocatedmeetswithin7daysofnotificationofanyofthefollowing:(1)Thecommissionofaninfractionbyastudentwithadisabilitywhohaspreviouslybeensuspendedforthemaximumallowablenumberofdays;(2)Thecommissionofanyinfractionresultingfromthestudent’sdisability;(3)Thecommissionofanyinfractionbyadisabledstudent,regardlessofwhetherthestudenthaspreviouslybeensuspendedduringtheschoolyearif,hadsuchinfractionbeencommittedbyanon-disabledstudent,thePrincipalwouldseektoimposeasuspensioninexcessof5days.Also,NCSwillensurethatwhenthesuspensionorremovalofastudentwithadisabilitywillconstituteadisciplinarychangeofplacement,theCSEwillbeimmediatelynotifiedsothattheCSEcanmeetitsrequiredobligationsto:
1. ConveneaCSEmeetingwithin10schooldaystomakeamanifestationdetermination2. ConveneaCSEmeetingwithin10businessdaystodevelopaplantoconductafunctional
behavioralassessmentorreviewanexistingfunctionalbehavioralassessmentorbehavioralinterventionplan.
3. Providethestudent’sparentwithacopyoftheirproceduraldueprocessrights4. WorkcloselywiththeCSEwheretheschoolislocatedindeterminingeducationservicesor
theinterimalternativeeducationalsettingconsistentwiththeFAPErequirements.
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ProvisionofServicesDuringRemoval
Thosestudentsremovedforaperiodfewerthantendayswillreceiveallclassroomassignmentsandascheduletocompletesuchassignmentsduringthetimeofhisorhersuspension.Provisionswillbemadetopermitasuspendedstudenttomakeupassignmentsortestsmissedasaresultofsuchsuspension.TheSchoolalsoshallprovideadditionalalternativeinstructionwithreasonablepromptnessandbyappropriatemeanstoassistthestudent,sothatthestudentisgivenfullopportunitytocompleteassignmentsandmastercurriculum,includingadditionalinstructions,phoneassistance,computerinstructionand/orhomevisitsandone-on-onetutoring.Duringanysubsequentremovalthat,combinedwithpreviousremovalsequalstenormoreschooldaysduringtheschoolyear,butdoesnotconstituteachangeinplacement,servicesmustbeprovidedtotheextentdeterminednecessarytoenablethechildtoappropriatelyprogressinthegeneralcurriculumandinachievingthegoalsofhisorherIEP.Inthesecases,schoolpersonnel,inconsultationwiththechild'sspecialeducationteacher,shallmaketheservicedetermination.Duringanyremovalforaweapon,drugorinflictionofseriousbodilyinjury-relatedoffensespursuantto34CFR§300.530(g)(1),(2)and(3),respectively,serviceswillbeprovidedtotheextentnecessarytoenablethechildtoappropriatelyprogressinthegeneralcurriculumandinachievingthegoalsofhisorherIEP.TheseservicedeterminationswillbemadebytheCSEwheretheschoolislocated.TheschoolwillplacestudentsininterimalternativeeducationalsettingsasappropriateandmandatedbytheIDEA.Duringanysubsequentremovalthatdoesconstituteachangeinplacement,butwherethebehaviorisnotamanifestationofthedisability,theservicesmustbeprovidedtotheextentnecessarytoenablethestudenttoappropriatelyprogressinthegeneralcurriculumandinachievingthegoalsofhisorherIEP.TheCSEwheretheschoolislocatedwillmaketheservicedetermination.
CSEMeetings
MeetingsoftheCSEwheretheschoolislocatedtoeitherdevelopabehavioralassessmentplanor,ifthechildhasone,toreviewsuchplanarerequiredwhen:(1)thechildisfirstremovedfromhisorhercurrentplacementformorethantenschooldaysinaschoolyear;and(2)whencommencingaremovalwhichconstitutesachangeinplacement.Thestudent’sspecialeducationteacher(orcoordinator)andthegeneralclassroomteacherwillattendallmeetingsregardingthestudent-initiatedbytheCSEwheretheschoolislocated.Subsequently,ifotherremovalsoccurwhichdonotconstituteachangeinplacement,theSchoolwillworkwiththeCSEwheretheschoolislocatedtoreviewthechild'sassessmentplananditsimplementationtodetermineifmodificationsarenecessary.IfoneormoremembersoftheCSEwheretheschoolislocatedbelievethatmodificationsareneeded,thentheCSEisexpectedtomeettomodifytheplanand/oritsimplementation.
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DueProcess
Ifdisciplinewhichwouldconstituteachangeinplacementiscontemplatedforanystudent,thefollowingstepsshallbetaken:(1)notlaterthanthedateonwhichthedecisiontotakesuchactionismade,theparentsofthestudentwithadisabilityshallbenotifiedofthatdecisionandprovidedtheproceduralsafeguardsnoticedescribedin34CFR§300.504;and(2)immediately,ifpossible,butinnocaselaterthantenschooldaysafterthedateonwhichsuchdecisionismade,theCSEwheretheschoolislocatedandotherqualifiedpersonnelshallmeetandreviewtherelationshipbetweenthechild’sdisabilityandthebehaviorsubjecttothedisciplinaryaction.Ifuponreview,itisdeterminedthatthechild'sbehaviorwasnotamanifestationofhisorherdisability,thenthechildmaybedisciplinedinthesamemannerasachildwithoutadisability,exceptasprovidedin34CFR§300.121(d),whichrelatestotheprovisionofservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesduringperiodsofremoval.Parentsmayrequestahearingtochallengethemanifestationdetermination.Exceptasprovidedbelow,thechildwillremaininhisorhercurrenteducationalplacementpendingthedeterminationofthehearing.Ifaparentrequestsahearingoranappealtochallengetheinterimalternativeeducationalsettingorthemanifestationdeterminationresultingfromadisciplinaryactionrelatingtoweaponsordrugs,thechildshallremaininanyinterimalternativeeducationalsettingpendingthedecisionofthehearingofficeroruntiltheexpirationofthetimeperiodprovidedforinthedisciplinaryaction,whicheveroccursfirst,unlesstheparentandNCSagreeotherwise.
AppealsProcessforDisciplinaryConsequence
Thefollowingprotocolhasbeenestablishedshouldaparent/guardianwishtoappealadisciplinaryconsequence:
● Level1:Appealthedecisionwiththestaffmemberthatassignedthedisciplinaryaction● Level2:AppealthedecisionwiththePrincipal● Level3:AppealthedecisionwiththeChiefofSchools● Level4:AppealthedecisionwiththeExecutiveDirector● Level5:AppealthedecisionwiththeBoardofTrusteesinaccordancewiththeComplaints
Policybelow.● Level6:AppealthedecisiontotheSchool’sAuthorizer,theNewYorkStateEducation
DepartmentinaccordancewiththeComplaintsPolicybelow.Additionally,beforeachildisreturnedtoclass,afamilymemberwillberequiredtoattendapost-suspensionconferencewiththePrincipalorhisdesignee.
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StudentSearches
TheSchoolauthorizesthePrincipal,AssistantPrincipals,DirectorofOperations,andDean,ortheirdesigneetoconductsearchesofstudentsandtheirbelongingsiftheauthorizedschoolofficialhasreasonablesuspiciontobelievethatthesearchwillresultinevidencethatthestudentviolatedthelawortheSchool’sCodeofConductorotherwiseconstitutedathreattothehealth,safety,welfareormoralsoftheSchool,otherstudents,schoolpersonnel,oranyotherpersonlawfullyonschoolpropertyorattendingaschoolfunction.Anauthorizedschoolofficialmaysearchastudentorthestudent’sbelongingsbaseduponinformationreceivedfromareliableinformant.Individuals,otherthantheSchool’semployees,willbeconsideredreliableinformantsiftheyhavepreviouslysuppliedinformationthatwasaccurateandverified,theymakeanadmissionagainsttheirowninterest,theyprovidethesameinformationthatisreceivedindependentlyfromothersources,ortheyappeartobecredibleandtheinformationtheyarecommunicatingrelatestoanimmediatethreattosafety.Schoolemployeeswillbeconsideredreliableinformantsunlesstheyareknowntohavepreviouslysuppliedinformationthattheyknewwasnotaccurate.Beforesearchingastudentorthestudent’sbelongings,theauthorizedschoolofficialshouldattempttogetthestudenttoadmitthattheypossessphysicalevidencethattheyviolatedthelawortheschoolcode,orgetthestudenttovoluntarilyconsenttothesearch.Searcheswillbelimitedtotheextentnecessarytolocatetheevidencesought.Wheneverpractical,searcheswillbeconductedintheprivacyofadministrativeofficesandstudentswillbepresentwhentheirpossessionsarebeingsearched.Studentshavenoreasonableexpectationofprivacyrightsinschoollockers,cubbies,desks,orotherschoolstorageplaces.TheSchoolexercisesoverridingcontroloversuchschoolproperty,whichmaybeopenedandsubjectedtoinspectionatanytimebyschoolofficials.
Bullying
NSCpromotesanurturingschoolculturethathasrespectfordiversityamongstudentsandbetweenstudentsandstaff.Weprovideallstudentswithasupportiveandsafeenvironmentinwhichtogrowandthriveacademicallyandsocially.Theabilityofstudentstolearnandmeetourhighacademicstandardsandourabilitytoeducateourstudentsarecompromisedwhenstudentsengageindiscriminationorharassment,bullying,orintimidatingbehaviortowardotherstudents.Bullyingandharassmentcantakemanyformsandincludesbehaviorthattargetsstudentsbecauseoftheiractualorperceivedrace,color,nationalorigin,ethnicity,citizenship/immigrationstatus,religion,creed,disability,sexualorientation,gender,genderidentity,genderexpression,orweight.Schoolemployeeswhowitnessharassment/bullyingordiscrimination,orreceiveoralorwritten
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reportsofsuchacts,mustpromptlyorallynotifythePrincipalnolaterthanoneschooldayaftertheemployeewitnessorreceivessuchacts.ThePrincipalortheirdesigneewillleadorsuperviseathoroughinvestigationofallreportsofharassment/bullyinganddiscrimination,andensuretheinvestigationiscompletedinatimelymanner.Whenaninvestigationverifiesamaterialincidentofharassment/bullyingordiscrimination,thePrincipalordesigneewilltakepromptaction,reasonablycalculatedtoendtheharassment/bullyingordiscrimination,eliminateanyofthehostileenvironment,createamorepositiveschoolcultureandclimate,preventrecurrenceofthebehavior,andensurethesafetyofthestudentorstudentsagainstwhomsuchbehaviorwasdirected.ThePrincipalordesigneewillpromptlynotifytheappropriatelocallawenforcementagencywhenitisbelievedthatanyharassment/bullyingordiscriminationconstitutescriminalconduct.Retaliationbyanyschoolemployeeorstudentisprohibitedagainstanyindividualwho,ingoodfaith,reportsorassistsintheinvestigationofharassment/bullyingordiscrimination.
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HealthandSecurityThereareanumberofbasicrequirementsthatNCShasinordertoensurethesafetyandsecurityofitsstudentsandstaff.Cooperationoneveryone’spartwillgoalongwayinguaranteeingthatpurposeofelementaryschools—teachingandlearning—cantakeplace.
MedicalRecordsandHealthServices
NCSprovidesthehealthservicesrequiredbylaw.Studentswithseriousinjuriesaretakentothehospitalforemergencymedicalcareandtheparent(s)orguardian(s)arenotifiedimmediately.Ifastudentrequiresmedicationofanykind(includingTylenol,orasthmainhalers),thestudent’sparent/guardianmustsubmitanAuthorizationtoDispenseMedicationformandmustgivethemedicationintheoriginalcontainertothenurseorMainOffice.Theparent/guardianofanystudentwhoisrequiredtocarryanasthmainhalermustprovideanAuthorizationtoDispenseMedicationformspecifyingthatthestudentneedstocarrytheinhalerwithhim/herandasecondinhalerthatiskeptinthenurse’soffice.NCSabidesbyallNewYorkStateimmunizationrequirements.Eachnewstudentmusthaveacertificateofimmunizationatthetimeofregistrationornotlaterthanthe14thdayofschool.Parent(s)orguardian(s)mustpresentdocumentationshowingthattheirchildrenhavereceivedallrequireddosesofvaccinesorarewaitingtoreceivethesubsequentdosesattheappropriatetimeintervals.ParentsseekingtowaivetheimmunizationrequirementsshouldsubmittheirrequestinwritingtotheschoolnurseorMainOffice.
COVID-19
Thehealthandsafetyofourstudentsandstaffareourtoppriority.NeighborhoodCharterSchoolwillberandomlyselectingscholarstotakeasalivabasedspittesttotestforCOVID-19.Theschoolwillbetestingat20%whichmeansthattherewillbeaselectgroupofscholarsandstaffmembersfromeachgradethatwilladministeraspittestonsiteonaweeklybasis.WeareusingMirimustoobtainthetestkitsfortesting.Ifascholar/staffmemberdoestestpositiveinourcommunity,theparentwillbenotifiedimmediatelyandtheproperstepswillbefollowed.Weencourageallstaffandscholarstocontinue:
● Completingthedailyhealthscreeningquestionnairepriortoarrivingattheschoolbuilding● Theuseoffacecoverings● Enforcinghand-washingandusinghandsanitizerwheneversoapandwaterarenot
available● Thoroughlydisinfectingtheschoolmultipletimesadaywithmajorfocusonhightrafficand
hightouchareas● Followingsocialdistancingrecommendations● COVIDtestingourcommunityat20%onaweeklybasis● Stayinghomeifthey’refeelingsickand/orexperiencingCOVIDsymptoms
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IfyouoryourscholararesickorhavebeenincontactwithsomeonewhohastestedpositiveforCOVID,pleasereportthistousimmediately.
SchoolSafetyAgent
NeighborhoodCharterSchool:HarlemTherewillbeaschoolsafetyagentstationedonthefirstfloorofthebuilding.Theywillserveasthefirstpointofcontactforscholars,families,andvisitors.Furthermore,fortheprotectionofourstudentsandstaff,wehaveinstalledacomprehensivesecuritysystemthatincludesavideodoorentrysystem.NeighborhoodCharterSchool:BronxFortheprotectionofourstudentsandstaff,wehaveinstalledacomprehensivesecuritysystemthatincludesavideodoorentrysystem.
GeneralSchoolInformation
SchoolWebsite
Familiesshouldregularlychecktheschool’swebsiteatwww.NCSchools.orgforrecentnews,updates,andupcomingevents.Weencourageyoutoregularlyviewtheschoolcalendaronthewebsiteforanuptodatelistofeventsandschoolclosings.Inaddition,weurgefamiliestoregularlycheckwiththeirchildren(andintheirbookbags)toseeifanynoticeshaverecentlybeendistributedtobringhome(includingschoolnewsletters).Atthestartoftheschoolyear,everystudentisgivenaspecificfoldertousetobringhomelettersandupdatesfromtheschool.
NondiscriminationPolicy
NeighborhoodCharterSchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateinadmissionto,accessto,treatmentin,oremploymentinitsservices,programs,andactivities,onthebasisofrace,color,ornationalorigin,inaccordancewiththeCivilRightsActof1964(TitleVI);onthebasisofsex,inaccordancewiththeTitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972;onthebasisofdisability,inaccordancewithSection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973(Section504)andTitleIIoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA);oronthebasisofage,inaccordancewiththeAgeDiscriminationinEmploymentActof1974(ADEA).Inaddition,nopersonshallbediscriminatedagainstinadmissiontoNCSonthebasisofrace,sex,color,creed,sex,ethnicity,sexualorientation,mentalorphysicaldisability,age,ancestry,athleticperformance,specialneed,proficiencyintheEnglishlanguageoraforeignlanguage,orprioracademicachievement.
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TheFamilyEducationalRights&PrivacyAct(FERPA)
TheFamilyEducationalRights&PrivacyAct(FERPA)isaFederallawdesignedtoprotecttheprivacyofastudents’educationrecords.FERPAgivesparentsrightswithrespecttotheirchildren’seducationrecords.Thoserightsinclude:
● Parentsoreligiblestudentshavetherighttoinspectandreviewallofthestudent’seducationrecordsmaintainedbyNCS.Forrecordsincludinginformationonmorethanonestudent,parentswillbelimitedonlytoinformationabouthis/herchild.Schoolsarenotrequiredtoprovidecopiesofmaterialsineducationrecordsunless,forreasonssuchasgreatdistance,itisimpossibleforparentsoreligiblestudentstoinspecttherecords.Schoolsmaychargeafeeforcopies.
● Studentrecordsorotheridentifiableinformationaremaintainedinasecurelocationtoensureconfidentiality.Recordsthatarenolongerrequiredorneedtobedisposedwillbedonesoinamannerthatensuresconfidentialityandsecurity.
● Parentsandeligiblestudentshavetherighttorequestthataschoolcorrectrecordsbelievedtobeinaccurateormisleading.Iftheschooldecidesnottoamendtherecord,theparentoreligiblestudentthenhastherighttoaformalhearing.Afterthehearing,iftheschoolstilldecidesnottoamendtherecord,theparentoreligiblestudenthastherighttoplaceastatementwiththerecordcommentingonthecontestedinformationintherecord.
● Generally,schoolsmusthavewrittenpermissionfromtheparentoreligiblestudentbeforereleasinganyinformationfromastudent’srecord.However,thelawallowsschoolstodiscloserecords,withoutconsent,tothefollowingparties:
o Schoolofficialswithlegitimateeducationalinterest;o Otherschoolstowhichastudentistransferring;o Specifiedofficialsforauditorevaluationpurposes;o Appropriatepartiesinconnectionwithfinancialaidtoastudent;o Organizationsconductingcertainstudiesfororonbehalfoftheschool;o Accreditingorganizations;o Tocomplywithajudicialorderorlawfullyissuedsubpoena;o Appropriateofficialsincasesofhealthandsafetyemergencies;ando Stateandlocalauthorities,withinajuvenilejusticesystem,pursuanttoaspecific
Statelaw.Schoolsmayalsodisclose,withoutconsent,“directory”typeinformationsuchasastudent’sname,address,telephonenumber,dateandplaceofbirth,honorsandawards,anddatesofattendance.However,schoolsmusttellparentsandeligiblestudentsaboutdirectoryinformationandallowparentsandeligiblestudentsareasonableamountoftimetorequestthattheschoolnotdisclosedirectoryinformationaboutthem.SchoolsmustnotifyparentsandeligiblestudentsannuallyoftheirrightsunderFERPA.Theactualmeansofnotification(specialletter,inclusioninaPTAbulletin,studenthandbook,ornewspaperarticle)islefttothediscretionofeachschool.
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ComplaintsPolicy
ComplaintsshouldbeaddressedinitiallytothePrincipal.IfthecomplaintinvolvesthePrincipalorifthePrincipaldoesnotprovideasatisfactoryresponse,acomplaintmaybeescalatedtotheExecutiveDirector.IftheExecutiveDirectordoesnotprovideasatisfactoryresponse,acomplaintmaybeaddressedbytheBoardofTrustees.Anysuchcomplaintmustbeinwriting,addressedtotheChairoftheBoardofTrustees.Onreceiptofanycomplaint,theChairwilltakesuchactionastheythinkfittoresolvethecomplaint,includingappointingacommitteeoftheBoardtoinvestigatethecomplaint.TheChairwillpromptlycommunicatehisorherfindingsandtheresultsofanyinvestigationtothepersonmakingthecomplaint.Ifthepersonmakingthecomplaintisnotsatisfiedwiththeresolutionofthecomplaint,theymayaddressacomplainttotheSchool’sAuthorizer,theNewYorkStateEducationDepartment.ThecomplaintshouldbeaddressedtotheCharterSchoolOffice.
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School/FamilyContract-RemoteLearningCOMMITMENTTOOURSTUDENTSANDFAMILIESWelcometoNeighborhoodCharterSchools!Wearecommittedtoprovidingourstudentswithasafe,orderly,andnurturingenvironmentinwhichtheyenjoystudying,learning,andmakingfriendsandwheretheywillgrowintoresponsibleandcaringyoungpeoplewhoarepreparedtosucceedincollegeandbeyond.Weviewfamiliesascriticalpartnersinourstudents’educationalsuccessandaskthatyousupportoureffortsbyagreeingtothefollowing:ATTENDANCE
▪ Iwillensurethatmychildcomestoschooleverydayatthedesignatedstartedtime.▪ IunderstandmychildneedstoattendallclassestobemarkedPresent.▪ Iunderstandthatattendancewillimpactacademicsandpromotiondecisions.▪ Iwillmakesurethatmychildpromptlymakesupmissedworkfollowingabsences.▪ IunderstandthatanabsenceisexcusedonlyifIhavecontactedtheschoolandwrittena
detailednoteregardingstudentillnesses,familyemergency,orreligiousobservance.HOMEWORK
▪ IunderstandthatmychildwillhavehomeworkeverynightandIwillensurethatitiscomplete.
CODEOFCONDUCT▪ IagreetopromoteandsupporttherulesofbehaviorasoutlinedintheFamilyHandbook
andacceptresponsibilityasapartnerinmychild’slearning.▪ Iagreetopartnerwithmystudent’sschoolwhenaninfractionoccursandworkwiththe
schooltoimprovebehavior▪ IacknowledgethattheconsequencesforotherstudentscannotbesharedduetoFERPA▪ Iacknowledgethatifseriousinfractionoccur,mychildmaybesuspendedfromschool
PROMOTIONPOLICIES
▪ Iunderstandthattheschoolmakespromotionaldecisionsbasedonavarietyofdatapointsthroughouttheyear.
▪ Iunderstandthatitismandatorytoattendallfamilyconferencestodiscusstheacademicprogressofmychild.
SCHOOLDRESSCODE
▪ Iwillensurethatmychildisdressedappropriatelyforvirtualclassasdescribedinthishandbook.
FAMILYSUPPORT
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▪ Iagreetosupportmychild’sacademicworkbycommunicatingregularlywithmychild’steacher.
▪ Iagreetoattendfamilymeetingsandotherschool-sponsoredeventsonaregularbasis.▪ Iagreetorespondtophonecallsfromschoolstaffmemberspromptly.
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DistanceLearning-AcknowledgementandConsentFormIunderstandandacknowledge:
● Mychildhastherighttoconfidentialityasitpertainstodistancelearning.● Iunderstand,bylaw,thereareexceptionstoconfidentiality,includingmandatedreportingof
child,elder,anddependentadultabuseaswellassafetyconcernsrelatedtodangertoselfanddanger to others. I understandmyprovidermayhave tobreak confidentialityunderthesecircumstances.
● Myteacherand/orserviceproviderwillconducteducationally-relatedinstructionbywayofdistancelearninginaconfidentialsetting.
● MychildwillremaininaconfidentialsettingduringreceiptofdistancelearningtotheextentpossibleandwithintheDistrict’scontrol.
● Ifurtherunderstanditisillegaltorecordanyinstructionoreducationalsessionwithoutthepriorwrittenconsentoftheprincipalandteacher/serviceprovider.
● I understand that it ismy responsibility to communicate in a timelymanner in the rareoccasionthatmychildisunabletomakeittoclass
● Ihavetherighttodiscussanyofthisinformationwiththeteacher/serviceproviderand/orprincipalandtoaskquestionsImayhave.
● I acknowledge and reaffirm my agreement to monitor, regulate bullying, and setsexpectationsforgoodbehaviorwhileusingthisplatform.
Ihavereadandunderstoodtheinformationprovidedinthiscorrespondence.Mysignaturebelowindicates I have read this consent form,understand, andagree to theDistrict’sdistance learningguidelines,useof technology, includingonline, virtual, andcommunicationsplatforms toprovidehigh-qualityeducationalopportunitiestomychild.