kipp star elementary family handbook

7/29/2019 KIPP STAR Elementary Family Handbook

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FAMILY HANDBOOK2012-2013

586 West 177th Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10033Tel: (212) 991-2630www.kippnyc.org


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Dear Families,

Welcome to the KIPP STAR Elementary team and family! We are so excited to begin our 2nd year, andas a team of families, students and staff, we are continuing to build the foundation for early educationand character together. We commit to helping our children develop the character, academic skills andhabits necessary to succeed in middle school, high school, college and the world beyond. We believethat by working together, we can provide opportunities to enable our children to grow up to have

happy, healthy and successful lives.

Whether our KIPPsters are in the classrooms readingA Chair for My Mother, at the zoo discovering theneeds of animals to live and survive, performing at our winter show or practicing their school values,they truly embody what it is to be a KIPPster. We practice the KIPP Philosophy: Be nice and workhard. Due to the tremendous grit, love, hope, communication and support of their teachers and families,we know that our KIPPsters will do amazing things. We are excited about their infinite possibilities, andbeginning the first KIPP elementary school in Washington Heights is one step towards achieving thosepossibilities. These are truly exciting times, and we are happy that you are part of it!

We recognize that these efforts take tremendous discipline and dedication, which can only be done with

the joint efforts of families, staff and our students. Since we value open communication and access toinformation, we have prepared a handbook regarding the schools structure, attendance, schedule,culture and academics along with other pieces of information that we think you will findhelpful. Hopefully, this handbook will serve as a useful resource to answer any questions that you mayhave. Please keep it handy so that you may refer to it when necessary.

We look forward to an exciting and positive year! Once again, welcome to another year at KIPP STARElementary, which is filled with the promise of greatness, enthusiasm, love and dedication. Please feelfree to contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Thank you for your faith and support,

Anokhi SaraiyaPrincipal(917)-450-8853


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................... ............. ............ .............. ............ .............. ............. ............. ............. ......... 3WHO WE ARE .............. ............. ............ .............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. .............. .... 4

KIPP MISSION .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

OUR BEGINNING .................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY CREDO: ............................................................................................................................................... 4

KIPP CREDO: ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE...................................................................................................................................... 5

SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONE ....................................................... 6 KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY STAFF INFO ....................................................................................................... 7GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................. 8

ENROLLMENT ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

WHO SHOULD I ASK? .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

ATTENDANCE ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 9

SCHOOL UNIFORM ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10

DRESS CODE POLICY ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11FOOD SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................................................. 12

TRANSPORTATION............................................................................................................................................................................. 12

FIELD TRIPS ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS ............................................................................................................. 12

CELL PHONE POLICY........................................................................................................................................................................ 13

PERSONAL BELONGINGS ............................................................................................................................................................... 13

HEALTH AND SAFETY ................................................................................................................................... 13IMMUNIZATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 13

REPORTING A CHILDS SICKNESS .............................................................................................................................................. 13

NURSE SERVICE AND MEDICATION ........................................................................................................................................ 14

COUNSELING SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................................. 14

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................ 14START/END DATES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS .................................................................................................................................................................. 14

SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER) ....................................................................................................................................... 15

SUMMER SCHOOL ............................................................................................................................................................................... 15

FAMILY SATURDAYS.......................................................................................................................................................................... 15

ACADEMICS - WORK HARD........................................................................................................................ 18HOMEWORK .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE ........................................................................................................................................ 19

CODE OF CONDUCT ....................................................................................................................................... 21FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ............. .............. ............ ............. ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. .......... 21

WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED? .............................................................................................................. 22


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WHO WE ARE

KIPP MISSIONKIPP STAR Elementarys mission is to teach our students to develop the character and academic skillsnecessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient, successful and happy in thecompetitive world and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.

OUR BEGINNINGWe founded KIPP STAR Elementary last year. This is the first KIPP elementary school in WashingtonHeights, but we are not the only KIPP School.

KIPP STAR Elementary is part of KIPP NYC which currently serves over 2,000 students and alumni atfive middle schools, one high school and three elementary schools.

From the beginning, KIPP has focused on developing academic and character skills. Since day one, thekey to our success has been the amazing teamwork of parents, students and teachers working together.

KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY CREDO

If there is a problem, we look for a solution.If there is a better way, we try to find it.

If we need help, we ask.If a teammate needs help, we give.

KIPP CREDO

At KIPP, we believe.We believe in the creation of inspired lives

produced by desire, discipline, and dedication.

We are not frightenedby the challenges of realitybut believe that we can change our world

and our place within it.We work, plan, create, and dream.Our talent, character, and integrity

will be the tools we needto build a better tomorrow.

We believe that we can takethis place, this time, and the people hereand build a better place, a better time,

and a better people.As a team and a family,

we will either find a way or make one.

- Inspired by Providence St. Mel School Motto


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KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

School Commitment:1. TimelinessWe will arrive every day by 7:00 AM and remain at school until 5:15 PM.2. High Quality EducationWe will do whatever it takes to nurture and strengthen our students creativity, knowledge and

character as we prepare them to excel academically, physically and socially in secondary schools, colleges and life.

3. Support and RespectWe promise to respect, appreciate and support every student. We will work together with you for thebenefit of your child and all the children attending KIPP STAR Elementary School.

4. CommunicationWe promise to communicate regularly with parents about their childs progress and make ourselves availablein person and by phone. We will return parent phone calls within 24 hours.

5. Civility Code We promise to maintain a high level of civility in our communication with you and your child. We believe thatwe are on the same team, and we will conduct ourselves respectfully and professionally.

6. HomeworkWe will assign productive, worthwhile homework each night to reinforce and support skills and concepts learnedin class.

7. FairnessWe will address the values of KIPP STAR Elementary School consistently and fairly. We promise to keep youinformed of how your child is demonstrating the STAR values. When students are disciplined or suspended, or when studentsdeserve recognition for their accomplishments, we will inform their parents promptly.

8. SafetyWe will always protect the safety, interests and rights of all individuals.Failure to adhere to these commitments can lead to our removal from KIPP.

Parent/Guardian Commitment:1. AttendanceWe will make sure our child comes to school every day. We will schedule doctors appointments, vacations, etc.

for days when school is not in session.

2. TimelinessWe will make sure our child arrives at school every day on time (between 7:15 AM and 7:40 AM). We will makesure to promptly pick up our child at the end of the school day (4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 2:45PM on Friday).

3. Support & HomeworkWe will provide a quiet space for our child to study. We will check our childs homeworkevery night and ensure that our child reads and/or is read to every night. We will make sure our child gets enough sleep eachnight (at least 8 hours). We will do whatever it takes for our child to learn and perform to his/her optimal ability. We willreinforce the STAR (Confidence, Curiosity, Character, Community and Choice) values at home.

4.

CommunicationWe will make ourselves available to our child, the school and any concerns they might have. We will returnphone calls from the school within 24 hours. If we are asked to attend a meeting regarding our childs education or behavior, wewill attend. If we have any concerns, we will raise them with someone at the school. We will promptly inform the school if myaddress and/or phone number changes.

5. Civility CodeWe promise to maintain a high level of civility in our communication with the school. We know that we are onthe same team and we will conduct ourselves in a respectful and professional manner.

6. Dress CodeWe will make sure our child follows the KIPP STAR Elementary School dress code every day.7. Summer SchoolWe will make sure our child attends every day of Summer School, which we understand will take place August

20- August 30. We will schedule our family vacations outside of this time.

8. Family Saturdays We will attend Family Saturdays with our child once a month starting in September from 9:00 AM until11:00 AM. If we are unable to attend, we will make sure a family member older than 18 years of age attends with our child.

Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause my child to lose various KIPP privileges and

can lead to my child's expulsion from KIPP.Student Commitment:

1. I will Be Nice every day.2. I willWork Hard every day.3. I will do my homework every night and call my teacher if I need help.4. I will follow the directions of my parents and all the adults at school.5. I will live by our STARvalues (Confidence, Curiosity, Character, Community, Choice).

Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause me to lose various KIPP privileges and canlead to my expulsion from KIPP.


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SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURINGWEEK ONE

We are committed to reinforcing common standards of character and academic performance to create a sense of team and family. We believe that these ideas serve as a great foundation to be carried beyond the five years at KIPPSTAR Elementary. During the first week of summer school, every KIPPster learns various songs, sayings andacronyms to reinforce our mission. We constantly refer to these throughout their time at KIPP. Please review with

your child and help reinforce these standards in and out of school.

IBe Safe, Be Nice, Work Hard

II - We are a TEAM AND A FAMILY

III - STAR Values (Confidence, Curiosity, Character, Community, Choice)

IV - Track the Speaker- This means that students will always have their eyes and focus on that person.

V - PETSYs (PLEASE, EXCUSE ME,THANK YOU, SORRY,YOURE WELCOME)

NON-NEGOTIABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR KIPP STAR STUDENTSAll KIPPsters receive general non-negotiable expectations. Please reinforce these with your child.

1) Adherence to the KIPP Commitment to Excellence.2) Adherence to the KIPP Credo.3) KIPP shirts remain tucked in at all times.4) Be on-task and present at all times during class. While anyone is speaking, students must track the

speaker(see above).

5) KIPPsters must complete homework daily to the best of their abilities. Each family and child has theteachers phone numbers. Please reach out with any questions.

6) Students and families should be reading together every night for 20 minutes.7) Respond appropriately to all questions. Tone, reactions and non-verbal actions matter.8) Walk quietly and orderly while inside any building.9) We must maintain integritybydoing the right thing without being told. KIPPsters are KIPPsters in

and out of school. Our actions once we leave the building matter just as much as they do inside ofthe school building.


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KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY STAFF INFO

STAFF CONTACT LISTName Title Email Address Phone Number

School Leadership

Ms. Anokhi Saraiya Principal [email protected] 917-450-8853

Ms. Nikki Khosla Dean of Teaching and Learning [email protected] 917-208-8005

Ms. Emily Carroll Dean of Students [email protected] 917-749-4708

Ms. Leslie Billie Director of Operations [email protected] 646-831-0132

Classroom Teachers

Ms. Sara Arcaya Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 917-322-1833

Ms. Monica Barrera First Grade Teacher [email protected] 917-312-1762

Ms. Amy Bliss Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 917-322-1834

Mr. Adam Bryant Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 480-980-9633

Ms. Ana Diaz First Grade Teacher [email protected] 646-730-5011

Ms. Cera Felice Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 917-208-9272

Ms. Rachel Kurtz Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 845-642-8458

Ms. Katherine Lebron Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 617-639-7866

Ms. Becca McMurdie Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 917-322-1820

Mr. Philip Menchaca First Grade Teacher [email protected] 562-537-6807

Ms. Ariana Orvell First Grade Teacher [email protected] 215-313-9227

Ms. Jocelyn Rosenwald First Grade Teacher [email protected] 917-324-1189

Ms. Meena Sadjatumwadee First Grade Teacher [email protected] 562-301-5397

Ms. Priscilla Taoufik First Grade Teacher [email protected] 510-224-8348Ms. Maya Tucci Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 518-727-4751

Ms. Kathryn Westerheim First Grade Teacher [email protected] 917-322-1828

Out of Classroom Faculty Members

Ms. Emily Dixon ELL Teacher [email protected] 734-417-0948

Ms. Liz Jimenez Office Manager [email protected] 917-263-1541

Ms. Leigh Merin Visual Arts Teacher [email protected] 914-649-1432

Ms. Gina Pizzolorusso Theater & Movement Teacher [email protected] 917-322-1807

Ms. Elizabeth Reynaldos Speech Teacher [email protected] 646-532-9249

Ms. Kia-Fiara Williams Social Worker [email protected] 917-263-1657
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GENERAL INFORMATION

ENROLLMENTEvery year, beginning in the first week of January, KIPP STAR Elementary will begin accepting

applications for our kindergarten and first graders for the following year (although very few studentsare admitted after Kindergarten). In accordance with our state law, admissions preference will begranted to siblings as first priority and students living in District 6 as a 2nd priority. The lottery willbe held the first week of April.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOLUpon enrolling at KIPP STAR Elementary, the following documents must be submitted for eachstudent to Ms. Jimenez, Office Manager:

New Student Enrollment Form

Commitment to ExcellenceCopy of Birth CertificateProof of Address (Copy of a Phone Bill, Electric Bill, Lease or Gas Bill)Free and Reduced Price Lunch FormImmunization Records/Health RecordsHome Language Survey / PSE FormIEP (Individualized Educational Plan)/504 Accommodations (if applicable)

WHO SHOULD I ASK?

At times, you may have questions about KIPP STAR Elementary. Below is a quick list of commontopics and to whom you should direct your questions.

TOPIC STAFF MEMBER

Lunch Forms, Emergency Forms, Medical Forms Ms. Jimenez (Office Manager)

Lost Metro Card Ms. Jimenez (Office Manager)

Ordering KIPP Uniform T-shirt Ms. Jimenez (Office Manager)

I have concerns about my childs social adjustment Ms. Williams (Social Worker)My child has an IEP Accommodation

Ms. Khosla (Dean of Teaching and Learning) or

your childs teachers

My child will be absent or late Ms. Jimenez (Office Manager)

I have questions about my childs academic progress Your childs teachers

I have questions about school activities (permissions slips, etc.) Your childs teachers

I have overall concernsMs. Saraiya (Principal) orMs. Billie (Director of Operations)


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ATTENDANCEAttendance is the first step in promoting academic achievement. Families are expected toensure that their child is in school. Please do not allow your child to miss a day of school exceptfor serious illnesses. If your child is going to miss school because of an illness, please call Ms.Jimenez (Office Manager) as soon as possible. All absences should be followed up the next day witha note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. If your child is absent, Ms. Jimenez will follow upwith a phone call.

All AbsencesExcused and Unexcused are Considered Absences:Any day yourchild does not attend school is considered an absence. Student illness (with doctors note), adeath in the family, religious holiday (with parent/guardian/guardians notes) are all consideredabsences at KIPP STAR. While we do request a call or note from a parent, guardian or doctorexplaining the absence, the student is still considered (and marked) absent from school.

Never Miss School for Appointments: Parents/guardians/families are responsible forscheduling medical appointments outside of school time. The best times are Friday afternoons(after 2:45 PM) or days when school is not in session. In the rare case when a student has a medical

appointment during school, they should not be absent for the entire school day.

Suspensions are Considered Absences: If students are absent from school due to suspension,these days will be treated the same as absences.

Early Dismissal: Students are expected to stay in school until the very end of the day (4:00 PMfor regular Monday-Thursday dismissal; 2:45 PM on Fridays). Early pickups are disruptive to thelearning environment.

How the School Will Keep Track of and Follow Up on Student Absences: The School willkeep records of all student absences. If a student misses school, KIPP STAR staff will make

reasonable efforts to contact the students parent/guardian by telephone, writing or in person.Staff will explain the schools strict attendance policy and request the parent/guardians strongsupport in enforcing this policy.

ATTENDANCECONSEQUENCES FOR ABSENCESAll absences and tardies are noted on report cards. Students are responsible for all missedassignments, and parents must arrange a way to complete all missed assignments and homework.Since missing class affects academic achievement, repeated absences may be reflected in thestudents grades. If a student is repeatedly absent, Ms. Saraiya (Principal), teacher(s), student andparent/guardian will meet to address the issue. In addition, students who have 10 or moreunexcused absences run the risk of missing field trips and celebrations, as well as not being

promoted to the next grade.

ATTENDANCE - TARDINESSGetting to school on time is key to your childs successat school and in life. Our doors open at 7:15AM each morning. Students must arrive between 7:15 AM and 7:40 AM. Students arriving after7:40 AM are marked tardy. Every three tardies will be recorded as an absence.


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ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL POLICY

Arrival: Students and families must remain outside the building until 7:15 AM. Students mustarrive between 7:15 AM to 7:40 AM. All students will enter the school through the designatedKIPP STAR Elementary entrance on West 177th Street. Students arriving after 7:40 AM areconsidered tardy and must use the Main Entrance to enter the building and then be escorted by

their family to the Main Office on the 4th

Floor.

Dismissal: On Monday through Thursday, families are responsible for picking upstudents promptly at 4:00 PM. On Fridays, the school day ends at 2:45 PM. All studentswill be dismissed through the designated KIPP STAR Elementary entrance on West 177thStreet. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure a timely pick up of his/herchild from school. Late pick-ups are not acceptable. Ms. Billie (Director of Operations) willcontact the families of those students who are picked up late. No student will be allowed toleave the school without an adult escort authorized to regularly pick them up (based onauthorized pick-up names listed on registration form).

SCHOOL UNIFORMAll students must come to school wearing their KIPP STAR Elementary uniform t-shirt, khakipants or khaki skirt and sneakers. KIPP uniform t-shirts will be available for purchase at ReportCard Conferences. If you need additional uniform t-shirts, you may also purchase them directlyfrom the uniform vendor Ideal Uniforms at their store location (1450 Metropolitan Avenue,Bronx, NY 10462) or call the store at (718)-430-6751 to have them shipped directly to you. Pleasesee Ms. Jimenez (Office Manager) if you have any questions.

If a student arrives to school out of uniform, parents/guardians will be called and asked to bring in auniform before the student is sent to class. We have a required school uniform for several veryimportant reasons:

Uniforms unite us as a community. When you look at a group of students in the KIPP STARuniform t-shirt, it is a powerful visual statement of our community. Students make a commitmentthat when they put on the KIPP STAR uniform t-shirt, they are agreeing to live up to the schoolshigh expectations.

Uniforms reduce distractions and clothing competition. Often students spend more timediscussing and evaluating what others are wearing or not wearing than they spend focusing onlearning. Wearing uniforms eliminates this distraction.

Uniforms make us all equal. We all have the same mission. We are all going to college. We allcome to school looking the same way.

Uniforms look professional. School is our students job and so it is important that they aredressed for work.


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DRESS CODE POLICY

Monday-Thursday: KIPP STAR Elementary uniform t-shirt, khaki pants/skirt and sneakers. Fridays: COLLEGE shirts may be worn in place of uniform t-shirts.1. Students are to wear a KIPP uniform t-shirt every day. Their KIPP t-shirts must be fully visible at all

times within the building. Long sleeve shirts may be worn underneath KIPP t-shirts. There will beKIPP long-sleeve shirts available for colder weather.

2. All KIPP shirts are to be tucked in and worn appropriately.3. All pants must fit around the waist. Belts are optional in kindergarten, 1st grade, and if worn, should

be of appropriate size and nature (i.e. no large-faced images or symbols which may pose as adistraction).

4. Students may not wear jeans to school, except on special occasions (determined by school staff).5. Students may not wear jogging pants, sweat pants or shorts.6. Students may not wear sleeveless or cut -off shirts, blouses or dresses.7. Students may not wear inappropriately tight clothing.8. Girls may not wear skirts that are inappropriately short (more than 3 inches above the center of their

knee) or that have inappropriately long slits (above their knees). Girls are encouraged to wear shortsor tights under their skirts as the students sit on the carpet a lot.

9. Students may not wear hats, caps, do-rags or other head coverings in the school (except in the caseof religious observance).

10.For safety reasons, the following jewelry will not be permitted at KIPP STAR Elementary: necklacesoutside of shirt, chains, chokers, multiple finger rings and dangle earrings. Earrings should not hangfrom the earlobe (studs are permitted). One necklace may be worn but must remain tucked in at alltimes. Students are NOT permitted to wear bracelets and rings.

11. Students may not wear makeup, contacts and hair with color or multiple colors. (Students may use lipbalm, such as Vaseline, Chapstick, etc. to moisturize lips. As with any items, these may be taken awayfor inappropriate and excessive use).

12. Students must wear sneakers to school each day. Sneakers should not have wheels or lights as theyare distracting and unsafe. Students cannot wear shoes that show their toes or heels. We recommend

velcro shoes for students who have not yet learned to tie shoelaces.

In addition to the above uniform regulations, the following rules apply:a) Expensive jewelry or large sums of money should not be brought to school. If it is necessary for

students to carry more than $20, the money should be given to a teacher for safekeeping.

b) The following items may not be brought to school: beepers, cellular phones, iPods, Discmans, orradios of any kind and electronic toys (PSPs, Gameboys, etc).

c) Candy and soda are not allowed at school.


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FOOD SERVICESBreakfast, lunch and snack will be available at KIPP STAR. All families will need to complete aform that enables the school to participate in the free or reduced-price meal program. Please informthe school if your child has any food allergies.

Families may send only lunch to school; however, students will not have access to a refrigerator or

microwave. If you are sending lunch to school with your child, we ask that you send in nutritiousfoods. Please do not let your child bring unhealthy drinks (e.g., colas or juices heavy insugar) or unhealthy foods (chips, brownies, cookies) to school. Any unhealthy foods ordrinks will be taken from students, as they will not be allowed to eat/drink them in school.Candy, gum, and soda are not allowed to be eaten at school. If you choose to send lunch,the entire lunch must be in one bag or container that has the students name on it.

TRANSPORTATIONStudents living more than mile in distance from the school but less than 1 mile may receive aReduced-Fare Metro Card for public transportation. Students living greater than 1 mile from theschool may receive a Full-Fare Metro Card for public transportation. It is each familys

responsibility to hold onto the Metro Card. Parents are expected to pick up or make specialarrangements for students remaining after school for detention, tutoring or special activities.

Parents must provide contact information for any person authorized to pick up their child. If theperson picking up the child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must (a) be givenexplicit written permission to pick up the child and (b) be 18 years or older. Please speak to Ms.Billie (Director of Operations) if there are any concerns.

FIELD LESSONSOur students and families look forward to various opportunities, especially our field lessons. Eachyear, KIPP teachers plan field trip(s) that complement the curriculum, including travels to the local

museums and parks, the Statue of Liberty, Columbia University basketball games, ice skating, theBronx Zoo amongst other New York City sites. Students earn these lessons based on theirbehavior, attendance and academic performance. In addition, the school reserves the right toremove a student from a lesson or prohibit them from going for any reason that jeopardizes thephysical or emotional well-being of themselves or others. Attendance and tardiness may also impactfield lesson participation.

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERSPart of the success of KIPP STAR Elementary is the open communication between parents,students and teachers. In an effort to facilitate this, we give parents telephone numbers of KIPPSTAR Elementary staff. Students and parents should feel free to call staff members for any reason.Staff members are available by phone until 9pm each night. This is also a good chance to get help, ifnecessary, with homework. If you or your child is trying to call a teacher but they dont answer,please leave a message explaining the reason for the call, your full name and telephone numberand allow time to return your call. All teachers will return your call within twenty-four hours. Inaddition, in the event of an emergency, please call Ms. Saraiya (Principal).


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CELL PHONE POLICYPlease be advised that cell phones are not permitted at school for any reason. If a child brings a cellphone to school, it will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. If you need amessage relayed to your child, please call the school directly or a staff member.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Students should ensure that any personal belongings they bring with them to school are appropriateand do not pose any type of physical or emotional risk to themselves or others. In addition,students are not permitted to bring soda, gum, candy or toys of any kind to school without priorpermission. All toys, cards, games and electronics not specifically authorized by the school will beconfiscated and returned only to parents and guardians. Finally, please note that the school is notresponsible for any personal belongings brought to school.

HEALTH AND SAFETYIMMUNIZATIONSNew York State law requires that all children entering elementary school be immunized. In

accordance with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, students entering kindergartenmust have the following vaccinations:

- 4 DTaP or DTP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) - 3 Hepatitis B- 3 OPV or IPV(Polio) - 1 Varicella (Chicken Pox)- 2 MMR(Measles, Mumps, & Rubella)

Before a child can be permitted to enter and attend school (subject to the 14-day initial waiverrequirement), parents or guardians must present documentation that their child has received allrequired doses of vaccines or that their child has received at least one dose of each of the requiredvaccines and is waiting to receive the subsequent doses at the appropriate time intervals. KIPP

STAR must receive a certificate of immunization no later than September 16, 2011. Theserequirements can be waived only if a properly signed health or religious exemption is filed with theschool.

REPORTING A CHILDS SICKNESSIf your child is going to miss school because of illness, please call the school as soon as possible. Allstudent absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian ordoctor. KIPP staff will call to verify all student absences. Please let Ms. Billie (Director ofOperations) or Ms. Saraiya (Principal) know if there are any medical concerns or specialcircumstances about which we should be aware.

If a child becomes ill or injured during the school day and is not well enough to stay in class, theparent/guardian will be called to pick the child up. It is necessary to have updated emergencycontact numbers on file in the school office in case no one can be contacted at home. If the personpicking up child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be (a) given explicit writtenpermission to pick up the child and (b) be 18 years or older.


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NURSE SERVICE AND MEDICATIONIf your child requires medication during school hours, the school nurse will assist by administeringmedication. However, medication may not be given without the completion of the Administration ofMedication form, which must be completed by a healthcare provider. Families can get a copy of thisform by calling or stopping by the school. This policy and the requirement to have a form on fileapplies to all medicine, including aspirin, Tylenol and other over-the-counter medicines. Medicineneeds to be in its original packaging/case. Staff at the school are NOT authorized to administermedication.

Students with asthma should bring an inhaler prescribed by their doctor to school each day.Asthmatic students should notify a KIPP staff member as soon as breathing becomes difficult. Ifthere are any concerns about medicine, allergies and overall health, please let Ms. Billie (Director ofOperations) or Ms. Saraiya (Principal) know.

COUNSELING SERVICESThe counseling services at KIPP STAR Elementary are available to help any student or parent

address any social, emotional or academic issue they may be facing. In addition, Ms. Williams (oursocial worker) helps students work through and cope with personal and school related stress. AtKIPP, every student is entitled to counseling support and referral services. Counseling support isalso extended to KIPP families in need.

There are several ways in which students may be referred for counseling services:

If a parentis interested in having their child seen by our social worker, please contact Ms.Saraiya (Principal).

Studentsare able to ask directly to speak with the social worker on staff. A student may also be referred at the recommendation of a teacher, social worker or

principal.

Please understand that we are required to respect the rights and privacy of our students and families and as a result allinformation and counseling services are confidential and cannot be shared (except in instances required by law).

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE

START/END DATESSummer School will begin for Kindergarten students on August 20th at 8:00 AM and end onAugust 31st at 1:30 PM. Summer School will being for 1st Graders on August 23rd at 8:00 AMandend on August 30th at 1:30PM. This year, school will resume for ALL students on Tuesday,

September 4Th

, 2012 at 7:15 AM. The last day for students will be Friday, June 26th

, 2012 at 2:45PM.

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYSWith a few exceptions, KIPP STAR Elementary will follow the same holiday schedule as the NewYork City Department of Education (see calendar for full details).


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SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER)If the NYC public schools close due to bad weather, KIPP STAR Elementary is closed. Listen tothe radio (e.g. 1010 WINS news) or television for the announcement of closings/delays for NYCPublic Schools. Or, check the Department of Education website (http://schools.nyc.gov).

Once the school day has started, school will not be cancelled early due to weather conditions.

Parents may pick their children up early in the case of serious weather conditions.

SUMMER SCHOOLSummer school is the start of the school year. Summer school is a critical time to get a head start onthe coming school year and as a result, all students at KIPP STAR Elementary must attend schoolduring the summer. Summer school will be held from August 20 - August 30, 2012 from 8:00 AMto 1:30 PM for Kindergarten, and August 23 August 20, 2012 from 8:00Am to 1:30PM for 1stGrade. During Summer School, students must arrive between 7:45 AM to 8:00 AM, and studentsmust be picked up promptly at 1:30 PM. All students will arrive and be dismissed from the schoolthrough the designated KIPP STAR Elementary entrance on West 177 th Street. Please note thatunexcused absences in the summer may result in a child being unable to attend one of the schools

annual fall field lessons.

FAMILY SATURDAYSOn appropriate Saturdays, all KIPP STAR Elementary students are expected to attend FamilySaturdays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. with a parent/guardian or a sibling over the age of 18.Students do not need to wear school uniforms on Saturdays. During this time, families and studentswill participate in a workshop and then classes of their choosing. Families who cannot attend aFamily Saturday must notify Ms. Saraiya (Principal) in advance.

SCHOOL SCHEDULEStarting September 4th, all students will start school at 7:45 AM and will remain until classes are

dismissed at 4:00 PM on Monday through Thursday, 2:45 PM on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00AM to 11:00 AM. If you want your child to eat breakfast, you must arrive by 7:30AM.

SAMPLE OF A KIPPSTERS DAILYSCHEDULE

7:15-7:40 AM Arrival

7:15-7:45 AM Breakfast

7:50-8:00 AM STAR Morning Program (every other day)

8:00-8:45 AM Classroom Morning Meeting

8:45-10:15 AM Literacy Instruction (Reading, Writing, Phonics, Literacy Workstations)

10:15-11:00 AM Theater and Movement/Fit4Life

11:00-12:00 PM Math and Math Workstations

12:00-12:30 PM Recess

12:30-1:00 PM Lunch

1:00-2:00 PM Nap (K)/Curiosity Block (1st)
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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2:00-3:00 PM Expeditions (Social Studies and Science)

3:00-3:40 PM Free Choice Centers/Art

3:40-4:00 PM Closing Circle and Dismissal

KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY CALENDAR 2012-2013

AUGUST

Kindergarten

Monday, August 20 Thursday, August 30 Summer School (8:00am-1:30pm)

1st

Grade

Thursday, August 23 Thursday August 30 Summer School (8:00am-1:30pm)

Friday, August 31 SCHOOL CLOSED

SEPTEMBER

Monday, September 3 Labor Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

Tuesday, September 4 1st

Day of School

Saturday, September 8 ALL Grades Family Saturday Open House

Monday, September 17 Tuesday, September 18 Rosh Hashannah (SCHOOL CLOSED)

Wednesday, September 26 Yom Kippur (SCHOOL CLOSED)

OCTOBER

Monday, October 8 Columbus Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

Friday, October 12 Progress Reports Distributed

Saturday, October 13 Kindergarten Family Saturday

Friday, October 19 SCHOOL CLOSED (KIPP Staff Development)

NOVEMBER

Friday, November 2 1st Quarter Ends

Tuesday, November 6 Election Day (SCHOOL IS IN SESSION)

Friday, November 12 Veterans Day (SCHOOL IS IN SESSION))

Saturday, November 10 1st

Grade Family Saturday

Thursday, November 15 Report Card Conferences (HALF DAY)


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Monday, November 16 Friday, November 23 THANKSGIVING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)

Tuesday, November 26 School Resumes

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 8 ALL GRADES Family Saturday: Winter PerformanceFriday, December 14 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

Wednesday, December 19 Progress Reports Distributed

Friday, December 21 Wednesday, January 2

WINTER RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)

JANUARY

Thursday, January 3 School Resumes

Saturday, January 5 Kindergarten Family Saturday

Friday, January 18 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

Friday, January 18 Quarter Ends

Monday, January 21 MLK Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

Thursday, January 31 Report Card Conferences (HALF DAY)

FEBRUARY

Friday, February 15 Friday, February 22 MID-WINTER BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)

Monday, February 25 School Resumes

MARCH

Friday, March 8 Progress Reports Distributed

Saturday, March 9 1st

Grade Family Saturday

Friday,March 15 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, March 25 Tuesday, April 2 Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)

APRIL

Wednesday, April 3 School Resumes

Friday, April 5 Quarter Ends

Friday, April 12 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)Wednesday, April 17 Report Card Conferences (HALF DAY)

Saturday, April 20 New Students Kindergarten Registration

MAY

Saturday, May 11 ALL Grades Family Saturday KSES Spring Performance


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Friday, May 24 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, May 27 Memorial Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

JUNE

Thursday, June 6 DOE Schools Closed (SCHOOL IS IN SESSION)

Saturday, June 15 ALL Grades: Family Saturday, KSES Year End Celebration

Friday, June 22

Last Day of School

***If there are any changes to the calendar, the school will send a notice prior to the change.***

ACADEMICS - WORK HARD

HOMEWORKA key part of the academic program of KIPP STAR Elementary is the homework that everyKIPPster will receive every night. Homework must be completed the night before it is due.Students will not be allowed to complete homework during breakfast unless given explicitpermission by their teacher. No student is excused from any assignment without the permission ofhis or her teacher prior to the due date. If a student discovers that s/he will be unable to completean assignment, s/he must contact the teacher by phone no later than the night before it is due. If thestudent is unable to contact their teacher for some reason, they must bring a written note from theirparents/guardians.

KEY HOMEWORK POINTSThere are many points we review with students. Below are constant messages we send to our KIPPsters as we reinforcethe importance of homework. Please review with your child and continue to reinforce accurate, thorough and timelycompletion of homework. As always, students and parents can call teachers with homework questions. Because we are committed to our mission of preparing our students for middle school, high

school, college and the world beyond, we strongly emphasize the accurate and thoroughcompletion of homework. Homework helps students develop grit, self-control, desire,discipline and dedicationall of which are important tools for success.

Each night, students will come home with their homework folder. There is a section thatsays Stays at Home. This is graded work for you to see or important notices that theschool is sending home. You will see another section of the folder, which says Return toSchool. This is the homework that needs to be completed that night and sent back to the

school in this folder. Our children are still developing their homework and work skills; they will need your

support at home. At times, many of the assignments will require you to complete them withyour child. Please reach out to the teacher if you need more clarification.

Homework completion and effort is logged into PowerSchool, which is used to determinegrades in each class.

A. MAKE-UP WORK ON DAYS STUDENT IS ABSENT


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Students who are absent are expected to make up the class work and homework when theyreturn to school. All missed, incomplete or incorrect work must be completed. It is the studentand parents responsibility to check with each of his/her teachers to make sure s/he is aware ofall assignments. The time generally allowed to complete this work will be the number of days thestudent was absent. For example, if a student was absent for one day, then s/he will have oneday to make up any missed work.

Late, incomplete or missing assignments (for unexcused reasons other than absences) must bemade up by the next day.

B. PARENT SIGNATURE ON TESTSParents must sign all tests and graded assignments, which includes daily reflections. Dailyreflections come home with the student every day and should be signed and sent back to theschool. This will help us to communicate how your child is doing in working hard and beingnice.

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM

Cheating is a serious offense. If a student copies another students work or if a student givesanother student his/her work, it is considered cheating (Academic Dishonesty), and the studentwill receive a serious consequence for this behavior.

Plagiarisminvolves the stealing of someone elses ideas or words as ones own or the i mitationof the language, ideas and thoughts of another author (or person) and then passing them off asthe students own original work. If a student plagiarized and forges a signature, this is alsoconsidered Academic Dishonesty. Students will receive a serious consequence.

PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADEThe philosophy of KIPP STAR Elementary School on grading, promotion and retention is based onthe recognition that each child is an individual. Therefore, when considering promotion or

retention, attention must be given to all aspects of the students development in order toaccommodate individual needs and to promote the full development of the learners potential.

Grading PolicyPurpose of grading

To communicate the achievements of students to parents and others; Give information that students can use for self-evaluation; Celebrate the areas of strength and identify the areas of focus for each student Provide incentives for students to learn and grow; And evaluate program effectiveness.

The following are components used to assign a grade: Teacher-made assessments in all subject areas Homework, projects, book reports Reading logs Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessments and MAP assessment STEP Portfolios


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Classwork Informal and formal observations Participation Effort

Promotion/Retention PolicyPurpose of promotion/retention

To make sure that the student needs are met at the appropriate level and in the best waypossible

To ensure that students are fully prepared to succeed in the next grade.The following are components that are considered for promotion and retention:

Attendance Academic level/mastery of standards Progress made to date Social factors

***We reserve the right to retain students at all grades, including Kindergarten.***

*** If a child is under consideration for retention we will use Lights Retention Scale created by Dr. H Wayne Lightto weigh the benefits or consequences of retaining that individual child.***

BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT

Building Character: Behavior ManagementAt KIPP STAR Elementary School, we believe that for our students to be successful in school andbeyond we must work as a community to support their growth in both academics and character. In

order for teachers and parents to support our students as they grow and learn, we have created 5core beliefs that guide our work as a school. As parents we hope that you will become familiar withthese 5 core beliefs and help us to support and reinforce them inside the school and at home. These5 Core Beliefs are the foundation of how we work to support our students at school as they growinto the well rounded young people that we hope they will become:

Core Beliefs:

Core Belief #1:We believe that each of us is a work in progress and that our students arealso works in progress. Every day is a chance for all of us to grow!

Core Belief #2:We will always treat our students with love and respect. Core Belief #3:We believe that all of our students are capable of achieving in academics

and character. Core Belief #4:We will hold high expectations at all times, in all situations, with all of our

students.

Core Belief #5:We believe that when our students misbehave, it is because they are in needof additional support or development and it is our job as teachers and parents to supportthem in developing strategies to make better choices.


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We expect that every member of our school community will Be Safe, Be Nice, and Work Hardwherever they are in our school. These expectations, along with our school values and core beliefs,guide how we will deal with situations when students make poor choices. As mentioned in theKIPP STAR Commitment to Excellence form we expect every member of our school community(parents, teachers, and students) to adhere to this expectation and make the best possible choicesevery day. It is our job as a school community to support students to grow and develop strong

character skills. If a student is struggling to make good choices in a way that aligns with the threeschool expectations, the following are some examples of logical consequences that might beassigned by teachers and school staff. The school team will assign these consequences based uponstudent actions and needs of the situation.

Possible Logical Consequences:

Thinking chair (short time out) Silent Table time Sitting out of recess and/or choice time Separate desk from classmates

Loss of Field Lessons Loss of other classroom privileges

Our goal is not to punish our students for their behavior, but to reinforce the idea that poor choiceshave consequences that we should work to avoid. As a school community we will work just as hardto reinforce the idea that good choice have positive outcomes, through praise, incentives, andindividual or group recognition. If your child receives a consequence for making a poor choice inschool we ask that you speak with your child and help him/her to think through better choices thenext time they are in a similar situation. Through our shared effort we can help our students toindependently make the choice that will lead to greater future success.

In the event your child demonstrates more extreme behaviors (for example: hitting, bad language,inappropriate touching) or for students who repeatedly make poor choices that conflict with theschool expectations we will contact you to schedule a meeting to discuss next steps to support yourchild in school. Even in the most extreme situations our goal as a school is to provide theappropriate consequence for the demonstrated behavior and help your child to make a better choicein the future. If behavior becomes violent and unsafe for the student, their classmates, and/or staff,suspension and expulsion from KIPP STAR Elementary School are possible.

At every step of the way, we are committed to working with students and families to ensure that allstudents grow and develop both their academics and character.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENTAs already mentioned, one of the keys to the success of KIPP STAR Elementary is the strongworking relationship between parents, teachers, and children. The key to this relationship isconstant communication. It is for this reason that all KIPP STAR teachers give out their phonenumbers and it is also the reason that we have an open door policy. In addition to phone


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conversations, school visits and home visits by staff, KIPP STAR Elementary also has quarterlyconferences between parents, teachers and children.

All KIPP families are welcome to visit the school. We welcome parents/guardians/families aspartners in the education of our students. Parents/guardians who would like to visit shouldsimply call in advance to schedule a class-visit appointment. Upon arriving, all visitors

must sign in with the Office Manager. For the sake of student safety, we cannot have anyoneunannounced in the building. If a visitor is coming to school to drop something off for a student orto leave a message, we ask that the visitor leave the item or message with Ms. Jimenez (OfficeManager).

WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED?

Join the KIPP Family Association (KFA)COMING SOON! Attend coffee and conversations

and attend advocacy events. Stay tuned for more information!

Below are a few additional ways to get involved in our work:

Chaperone and participate in our community service activities Get involved in parent-literacy activities with your child Join our potluck dinners, concerts and other events Attend student in-class performances (poetry caf, in class speeches and presentations,

cultural celebrations and others depending on specific classes) Attend quarterly awards ceremony Chaperone school trips Attend parent-meetings Stop by the school to sit in on classes (no amount of time is too short ) Invite us to your homes for home visits Sit in on panels Inform us of community events or activities we should be participating in Help with Picture Day Carpool with other families Attend parent-teacher conferences Volunteer with enrichment classes and Family Saturday classes Help teachers make copies and laminate class materials Help translate documents

If there are additional volunteer opportunities that you are interested in, please feel free to contactMs. Billie (Director of Operations) or Ms. Saraiya (Principal) directly.

kipp star elementary family handbook

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