Artwork by Bradley Reardon

The Crosby C’s are a fifth grade Service Club that supports the students and staff at Crosby Elementary School. We decided that a guide, or handbook, written just for students would be a good refresher for existing students and a great way to make new students feel comfortable. We brainstormed all the things we thought were important for kids to know and put them together in this Student Handbook. Please keep your book in a safe place so you can refer to it when you have any questions.

Crosby Elementary School…

where happiness resides on the hill.

Marisa Benjamin Amy Chaves Glenda Davis Noah Depew Nicholas Donati Thomas DiCroce Charessa Fryc Miranda Harford Kaliegh Hayes Kayla Johnson Christina Lothrop Erich Maynard Megan McCauley Angela Pannesco Nyanna Slaughter Bailey Stokes Alex Teichert Dominique Todd Cody Turner Stephen Witkowski Weimon Chi

What’s Inside???

Nitty Gritty…

! The lunch selections ! Who’s Who in the building ! Times to remember ! Homework Hints ! Specialists ! Dress Code

ROAR…

What does ROAR mean?

What does ROAR look like?

" Bus

" Bathrooms

" Cafeteria

" Electronics

" Hallway/Stairs

" Playground

" Walking home/Car Pick-up

Frequently Asked Questions… ?? Here are some questions we thought you might have!

Who’s Who????

Mrs. Buchinski…Principal Mrs. Baker…Community Coordinator

Ms. Baum…grade 4

Mrs. Benson…grade 5

Mrs. Capeless…grade 1

Mrs. Cherry…grade 5

Ms. DiNicola…grade 1

Ms. Holleran…grade 3

Mrs. Jacob…kindergarten

Mrs. Marinaro…grade 2

Mr. Mazzer…grade 4

Mrs. McKeever…grade 2

Mrs. Nailos…grade 4

Mrs. Novak…kindergarten

Mrs. Phelps…kindergarten

Mrs. Sauve…grade 3

Miss Salatino…grade 4

Mrs. Scalise…grade 3

Mrs. Shove…grade 2

Mrs. Webster…grade 1

Mrs. Zervas…grade 5

Mrs. Bruzzi…multi-grade Mrs. Carnevale…multi-grade Mrs. Herland…SAC

Mr. Connors…multi-grade Ms. Vanderstelt…Art Mrs. Garson…Music

Ms. James…multi-grade Mrs. Galock…Library

Ms. Kemp…multi-grade Ms. Racine…Physical Education

Mrs. Larabee…multi-grade Ms. McDonnell…Science

Mrs. Wilmot…multi-grade Mrs. Sinopoli…Secretary

Mrs. Winkle…multi-grade Mrs. Steinman…Office Assistant Mr. Harms…Math Coach

Nadine Fox…nurse

Mrs, Hakeem…Reading/ELA Coach Mr. Muller…Title l Reading Intervention

Times to Remember # If you are dropped off by car you should not arrive at school

before 8:30 (unless you are having breakfast). # Breakfast is served between 8:15 and 8:35. # The bell rings at 8:35. # Instruction begins at 8:45. # On Half Days school ends at 11:35. # On regular days school is dismissed at 3:15. **********************************************************

Homework Hints

" Students in grades K ~2 are provided with homework folders.

Make sure you take your folder home each evening and bring it back to school the next day.

" Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 are provided with a Homework Planner. It is your responsibility to write all assignments in these books. Some teachers may want a grownup to sign the book each evening. Other teachers may stamp your book after you have written down all the assignments correctly.

" A backpack is helpful to carry books and supplies to and from school.

" You should have a special spot at home where you do your homework. It is a good idea to have supplies like pencils, erasers, and papers in this spot so you are all ready to work!

" If you don’t have homework you should review your math facts, spelling and vocabulary words and should always READ at least twenty minutes each evening.

Specialists

Specialists are really fun! There are five Specialists: ART, GYM, LIBRARY, MUSIC, and SCIENCE. You go to each Specialist once a week. In ART students mostly draw, paint, and color. Sometimes we make jewelry or work with clay! Be ready to get messy!

In GYM students play games and learn different sports. Make sure to wear or bring sneakers on gym days!

In LIBRARY students read and learn about all different types of literature and authors. Be sure to return or renew your books each week so you can take out new ones!

In MUSIC students sing songs (of course!). We also learn about different composers. Once, each year, we watch a musical movie. When the movie is over we sing all the songs from the movie.

In SCIENCE different grades do different things. Some of the things you might do are: study bugs, rocks and minerals, magnets, and electricity. Whatever grade you are in you will learn a lot and have fun!

Dress Code

The most important thing to remember is to dress for the weather. We go outside on both very warm and cold days.

! It is best not to wear flip flops to school because they can be dangerous on the playground.

! Also remember to wear boots when there is snow and ice

on the ground. Snow pants will keep you dry! ! No halter-tops, tops with spaghetti straps. Sleeveless

tops are fine. ! No clothing that exposes the midriff during the school

day as well as during school functions. Tops must meet the bottoms.

! Undergarments should not be visible. ! Spandex and Lycra are worn under other garments. That

means they shouldn’t show! ! Hemlines of skirts or shorts are below fingertips when

arms are relaxed at the sides.

! Graphic t-shirts must be appropriate for a place of learning.

What Does ROAR Mean?

ROAR stands for…

Respectful

On time

Accountable

Resolved to do your best!

These are the behavior expectations at Crosby. Your teachers will tell you how each of these look in your classroom. When you “get caught” following ROAR sometimes you will receive a dragon. It looks like the picture below. You keep the picture of the dragon and make sure to put your name on the other half. Then, you put the part with your name on it in the special container in your classroom. Teachers hold special classroom drawings and all names are submitted for a monthly drawing.

ROAR ticket goes here

We have ROAR assemblies! Each month a different grade level performs at an assembly in front of the entire school. Their song or words usually give hints about following ROAR. Lots of other things happen at the assembly: homework winners are announced, there are attendance awards, and birthdays are shared. Guess what? Each month your class has a chance to win the “Germ Fighters” trophy for the best attendance.

SHARE YOUR VOICE…WRITE ON

R.O.A.R. (PBS Writing expectations)

To Respect my writing ability by showing progress in all six traits.

To be On-time with every writing assignment.

To be Accountable for editing and revising my

work.

To be Resolved to be a strong writer.

Guess what? Each month your class has a chance to win the “Germ Fighters” trophy for the best attendance.

Here are some ways to stay healthy…

for PERFECT ROAR ATTENDANCE!!

Wash your hands lots of times, but especially before you eat! Get a good night’s sleep…8 hours is great! Eat a good breakfast…juice, milk, cereal, fruit help start off your day. Your brain needs lots of food to work at school. Make sure you have a healthy snack. Drink lots of water. Eat a balanced lunch and dinner. Get plenty of exercise! Dress for the weather. Shower and brush your teeth each day.

ROAR in the BATHROOMS

! Be respectful of others by giving other students their privacy.

! Be accountable by cleaning up after yourself. ! Flush the toilet ! Wash hands ! Throw paper towels in the trash ! Use an indoor voice in the bathroom

*******************************************************************

ROAR on the BUS

Always stay in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop.

Keep hands and feet to yourself while riding the bus.

Be sure to use an inside voice on the bus.

After the bus driver opens the doors, you should check your seat to

make sure you have all of your belongings, and then walk off the bus in an orderly way and into the school, where you will go to the line for your grade.

You should never walk behind the bus, because the bus drive can’t see

you.

Always make sure to stay where an adult can keep you in sight, it is the best way for them to help you if you have a problem.

ROAR in the CAFETERIA

! When your table is called walk over to wall and get into line ! Wait quietly and move when it is time to ! Keep hands and feet to yourself ! Everyone chooses their own food ! When speaking with staff use “Please and Thank you” ! Enter ID number and pay cashier…get a wipe and continue on to supply table ! While at table speak using an indoor voice with friends sitting at your table

only ! When finished place all trash on tray, raise hand, and wait until a grown-up

gives permission to get up ! Place silverware in wash bin and trash in trash can ! Stack lunch tray on cart ! Return to your table and wait quietly until it is time to line up ! Remain in your seat

ROAR and ELECTRONICS

• Crosby does not allow any electronics, personal DVD players,

IPods, video games, etc. in school. That means in the hallway, during recess and lunch!

• Cell phones should be kept in the office if you must bring

one to school. You can pick it up at dismissal.

• No toys and no toy weapons are allowed in the Pittsfield Public Schools or on any of the busses.

ROAR in the HALLWAY

$ Stay with your line $ Walk single file and follow the person in front of you

$ Use an indoor or quiet voice

$ Keep hands and feet to self

$ Hands are at sides

$ Close lockers quietly

$ High jumps are for the playground

*******************************************************************

ROAR on the Stairs

! Walk single file and follow the person in front of you ! Use quiet feet

! Hold on to the railing when using the stairs

! One step at a time

! Stay to the right unless directed otherwise by a teacher

ROAR on the PLAYGROUND

Always remember to … • Wait for your turn

• Use the section of the playground it is “your day” for

THE TIRE SWING 1. Only three people sitting on the swing at a time

2. Only swing as high as the red mark on the post

3. Stand back when waiting for your turn

SWINGS 1. Be aware of your surroundings

2. Swing only as high as the blue line on the post

3. When waiting for a swing, stand FAR back

4. NO jumping off the swings

STRUCTURE 1. Walk in the structure (tag is for the field)

2. Go down the slide feet first on your bottom

3. NO climbing up the slide 4. Only jump from equipment made for jumping

OFF THE WALL 1. Aim for the wall

2. Everyone can join in

3. Catch the ball

4. NO PEGGING with the ball

5. Aim for the feet

6. There must be an adult present in order to play

FIELD 1. Touch football is okay to play as long as an adult is present

2. Tag is a great game as long as there is supervision

3. Stay within the boundaries

BLACK TOP 1. You may dunk the ball, swinging from the hoop will break

it

2. You may use balls, chalk, and jump ropes

3. You should stay on the black top and not up the hill by

the school or beyond into the bushes

ROAR WALKING TO and FROM SCHOOL

Students need to stay on the sidewalk or side of the road.

DO NOT take shortcuts through woods or backyards.

Always stop before crossing a street. (Even if you cross lots of streets!)

Go straight home…do not stop at the store unless you have permission.

**********************************************************

ROAR at CAR PICK-UP

" Make sure you have a note that says you are a car pick-up. ~If you are “car” everyday then only one note is needed the first day of school.

" Get into the “Car” Line when it is announced.

" Walk to cafeteria single file, keeping hands to yourself, and using an inside voice.

" When waiting in cafeteria remember to be respectful of the other students.

" Leave the cafeteria through the doors by the gym, only, when a grown-up arrives.

" The grown-up must come in the building to get you.

Answers to Questions

Will I have a locker? Yes, all students receive a locker to store your book bags, coats, and some supplies. The lockers do not have locks on them and students should remember to respect others’ belongings.

How much does lunch cost? Breakfast costs $.75, lunch costs $1.75, bottled water costs $.65, and milk costs $.35. Double lunches are available when ordered in the morning.

Are there any after school activities? Yes, there is an after school program called Brain Boosters, that has all types of activities from knitting and indoor gym, to science programs and cooking. Information on these programs comes home every two months.

Are there any clubs to join? Crosby does not have any clubs, but there are lots of opportunities for fifth grade students to get involved in the school. They can become Kindergarten Helpers, work at the school store, or maybe even become a Crosby C.

Is there an instrumental program? Students in grades three ~ five can participate in an instrumental program. There is normally at least one performance per year.

What is the School Store? The fifth grade students run a store each morning. The store sells school supplies such as fun pens and pencils, erasers, notepads, and even key chains. Each grade has a certain day they can come to the store. Your teacher will let you know your grade’s day. There is also a BOOK STORE run by the Crosby C’s. You can shop at the Book Store on the same day as the School Store. All books at the Book Store are $1.50. Your families can buy you gift certificates or you can treat your teacher to one!

Are there field trips and assemblies? There certainly are! All grades go on at least one field trip a year. These trips are fun and educational at the same time. There are also several assemblies a year, in addition to the monthly ROAR assembly. The PTO has a cultural enrichment program that allows students to have all kinds of special guests presenting at the school. Note: ROAR at assemblies means you sit down quietly in your seat and face the front of the room. You should not be calling out to friends and, of course, never put your feet on the furniture. It is also polite to sit up straight and not slouch in your seat.

Are there computers at Crosby? There is a mobile computer lab. That means the computers (Crosby has laptops) come to your classroom. Your lunch identification number is your log on number when using the laptop. The laptops are used for research, mathematics, and special projects. Most classrooms use the computers once a week.

Will I have homework? Most students have homework. Usually students receive about ten minutes for each grade they are in. For example, a grade 4 student might receive 40 minutes each evening. There are also projects that span over several days or even weeks. On evenings that you don’t have assigned homework, you should practice your math facts and read, read, read.

Is there a snack time? All classes have a snack time. In the upper grades it is a working snack, which means you work on an assignment while you are munching. Snacks should be healthy! Your brain is using lots of energy working and it likes snacks that keep it working. Fruits and vegetables, yogurt, granola bars are examples of healthy snacks. NO SODA or CANDY allowed at school.

Can I bring in treats for my birthday? We celebrate Birthdays once a month in the cafeteria during lunch, so there is no need to bring any treats in to school. The café provides birthday cupcakes or cake and everyone songs along while the birthday children stand.

Are there fire drills? Yes, there are drills approximately once a month. When you hear the alarm it is very important that you immediately and silently line up at the door to your classroom. You should follow your teacher down the hallway…single file. That is important because lots of classes must leave the building at once. It is

also extremely important that you remain silent, especially once your class is outside so you and your teacher can hear any additional instructions.

What should my parent/guardian do if I am sick? They should call the school to let them know. The phone number is 448-9670. If you will be out for several days, they should ask the teacher for missed work so you won’t be too behind when you return to school.

What if I am leaving school early or I am going home a different way? Any time the way you go home changes (maybe you usually ride the bus, but are a car pick-up one day) you MUST have a note from home letting your teacher know. It is really important that you do this!

How do I access my teacher’s web page? Some of the teachers at Crosby have web pages. They can include daily homework assignments and spelling and vocabulary words. The Coach Teachers also have web pages with all kinds of hints on how to be successful and plenty of online academic games to try. You can access the Crosby web page by keying in the following… http://mail.pittsfield.net/districthome/ It is a good idea to bookmark the pages you will be using. REMEMBER…never go on to the Internet without a grown-up’s approval.

What happens when I get to school in the morning? If you are driven to school by car or are a walker you will line up by grade outside the gym. A teacher from your grade will pick you up and take you upstairs. You should go to your locker and then immediately to your classroom. If you arrive to school by bus you will line up in the front hallway. A teacher from your grade will pick you up. You should go to your locker and then immediately to your classroom. Artwork by Noah Depew

The Crosby School Song Chorus:

This school is your school; this school is my school From the auditorium to the cafeteria From the library out to the playground Crosby was made for you and me!

Verse 1:

As I was walking down the hallway I saw a teacher; I held the door for her I showed respect for her I got a dragon Crosby was made for you and me! [Repeat Chorus] Verse 2:

While we were playing out on the playground We heard the bell ring and we lined up on time A teacher saw us We all got dragons Crosby was made for you and me! [Repeat Chorus]

Verse 3:

I was in gym class playing a fun game I ran into my friend and he fell down I said I was sorry I was accountable Crosby was made for you and me! [Repeat Chorus] Verse 4:

I went to eat lunch in the cafeteria I found a dollar and wanted to keep it I thought about it And brought it to the office I was resolved to do the right thing! [Repeat Chorus]