2009-10 KIPP Academy Elementary Family Handbook

Every KIPP student will develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient, successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.

Updated: 9/8/08

FAMILY HANDBOOK

928 Simpson Street 3rd Floor ∙ Bronx, NY 10459 Tel (917)414‐6390 and (917)887‐8666

www.kippnyc.org


Updated: 9/8/08

Dear Parents/Guardians, Welcome to the KIPP Academy Elementary team and family! As a founding team of families, students, and staff, we are beginning to build this foundation of early education and character together. We are committing to helping our children develop the necessary character and academic skills and habits necessary to succeed in middle school, high school, college, and the world beyond. We believe in working together to provide opportunities so that our children grow up to have happy, healthy, and successful lives. Whether our KIPPsters are in the classrooms sequencing the events of A Chair for My Mother, at the Bronx Zoo applying their knowledge of the needs of animals to live and survive, performing at our winter show, identifying their reading levels, or practicing their SPROUT values, they truly embody what it is to be a KIPPster. We practice being nice and working hard. We practice SLANTing, tracking the speaker, echoing the question, public speaking, and smiling. Due to the tremendous grit, love, hope, communication, and support, we know our KIPPsters will certainly do amazing things. We are always excited about the infinite possibilities, and beginning the first KIPP elementary school in New York City is one step towards achieving those possibilities. These are truly exciting times, and we are so glad 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 themselves. In our attempts at continued open communication and access to information, we have prepared a handbook regarding the school’s structure, attendance, schedule, culture, and academics, along with other pieces of information we think you will find helpful. Hopefully, this handbook will serve as a useful resource to answer any questions that you may have. 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 our founding year, which is filled with the promise of greatness, enthusiasm, love, and dedication. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your faith and support, Steve Buckner Carolyn Petruzziello Co‐Principal Co‐Principal


Updated: 9/8/08

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................................... 3 WHO WE ARE…… ................................................................................................................................................ 5

KIPP MISSION ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

OUR BEGINNING .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

KIPP ACADEMY CREDO: .................................................................................................................................................... 5

KIPP CREDO: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5

At KIPP, we believe. ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE ............................................................................................................................... 6

SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONE… ......................................................................... 7 KIPP ACADEMY STAFF PHONE LIST ...................................................................................................................... 9 GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................. 10

ENROLLMENT ................................................................................................................................................................. 10

WHO SHOULD I ASK? ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

FOOD SERVICES .............................................................................................................................................................. 11

TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 11

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

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

CELL PHONE USAGE ....................................................................................................................................................... 12

PERSONAL BELONGINGS ................................................................................................................................................ 12 Dress Code .................................................................................................................................................................... 13

HEALTH AND SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................ 14 IMMUNIZATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................... 14

REPORTING A CHILD’S SICKNESS .................................................................................................................................... 14

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS .................................................................................................................................. 14

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

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................................... 15 START/END DATES ......................................................................................................................................................... 15

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS ................................................................................................................................................... 15

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

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

SATURDAY SCHOOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 15

EXTRA‐CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................................................... 15

VOLUNTARY AFTER‐SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.


Updated: 9/8/08

SCHOOL SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................................................ 16

ACADEMICS ‐ “WORK HARD” ............................................................................................................................ 19 HOMEWORK................................................................................................................................................................... 19

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM ................................................................................................................................................. 19

PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE ................................................................................................................................ 20

STUDENT ORGANIZATION AND SUPPLIES ...................................................................................................................... 20

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ..................................................................................................................................... 21 WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED? ........................................................................................................... 21

MEET THE KIPP AES STAFF ................................................................................................................................. 21


Updated: 9/8/08

WHO WE ARE…

KIPP MISSION KIPP Academy Elementary’s mission is to teach our students to develop the academic and character skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self‐sufficient, successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.

OUR BEGINNING We are founding the KIPP Academy Elementary this year. This is the first KIPP elementary school in NYC, but we are not the only KIPP School.

In 1995, KIPP Academy (Our middle school) opened in the South Bronx serving 45 fifth graders. This year, KIPP Academy will serve approximately 250 students in fifth through eighth grade.

KIPP Academy Middle School and Elementary are part of KIPP NYC which currently serves over 1,640 students and alumni at four middle schools (Harlem, Crown Heights, and the South Bronx), one high school and one elementary.

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

KIPP ACADEMY 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 frightened by the challenges of reality

but believe that we can change our world and our place within in it.

We work, plan, create, and dream. Our talent, character, and integrity

will be the tools we need to build a better tomorrow. We believe that we can take

this place, this time, and the people here and 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


Updated: 9/8/08

KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE School Commitment

1. Timeliness – We will arrive every day by 7:15 A.M. and remain at school until 5:10 P.M. 2. High Quality Education – We 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 Respect – We promise to respect, appreciate, and support every student. We will work together with you for

the benefit of your child and all the children attending KIPP Academy Elementary School. 4. Communication – We promise to communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress and make ourselves

available in 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

that we are on the same team and we will conduct ourselves respectfully and professionally. 6. Homework – We will assign productive, worthwhile homework each night to reinforce and support skills and concepts

learned in class. 7. Fairness – We will address the values of KIPP Academy Elementary School consistently and fairly. We promise to keep

you informed of how your child is demonstrating the SPROUT values. When students are disciplined or suspended, or when students deserve recognition for their accomplishments, we will inform their parents promptly.

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

Signed: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Parent/Guardian Commitment

1. Attendance – We will make sure our child comes to school every day. We will schedule doctor’s appointments, vacations, etc. for days when school is not in session.

2. Timeliness – We will make sure our child arrives at school every day on time (by 7:45A.M.). We will make sure to promptly pick up our child at the end of the school day (4:00 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 5:00 P.M on Wednesday)

3. Support & Homework –We will provide a quiet space for our child to study. We will check our child’s homework every night and ensure that our child reads and/or is read to every night. We will make sure our child gets enough sleep each night (at least 8 hours). We will do whatever it takes for our child to learn and perform to his/her optimal ability. We will reinforce the SPROUT values at home.

4. Communication – We will make ourselves available to our child, the school, and any concerns they might have. We will return phone calls from the school within 24 hours. If we are asked to attend a meeting regarding our child’s education or behavior, we will attend. If we have any concerns we will raise them with someone at the school. We will promptly inform the school if my address and/or phone number changes.

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

6. Dress Code – We will make sure our child follows the KIPP Academy Elementary School dress code every day. 7. Summer School – We will make sure our child attends every day of Summer School, which we understand will take place

August 19- September 3. We will schedule our family vacations outside of this time. 8. Saturday School – We will attend Saturday School with our child once a month starting in September from 9:00 until

11:00. If we are unable to attend Saturday School, 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.

Signed: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Student Commitment

1. I will Be Nice everyday 2. I will Work Hard everyday 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 SPROUT values (Serenity, Pride, Respect, Optimism, Understand, Take a risk)

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

Child’s name: ______________________________________________ Grade: _________


Updated: 9/8/08

SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK 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 KIPP Academy Elementary. During the first week of summer school every KIPPster learns various songs, sayings and

acronyms 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.

I ‐ Be Nice, Work Hard!!!

II‐ We are a TEAM AND A FAMILY!!!

III – SPROUT (Serenity, Pride, Respect, Optimism, Understand and Take a Risk) IV ‐ SLANT ( Sit Up, Listen, Ask and Answer Questions, Nod your head, Track the Speaker)

V ‐ PETSY’s (PLEASE, EXCUSE ME, THANK YOU, SORRY, YOU’RE WELCOME)

NON‐NEGOTIABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR KIPP ACADEMY STUDENTS

All 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: • 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.

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. This means that students will always have their eyes and brains on that person. Students should be sitting properly during class time.

a.

5) Be organized and prepared for class. Work should always be completed

and presented neatly. Children should write their names on every paper. All papers should be kept neatly in folders.

6) KIPPsters must complete HW daily to the best of their abilities. Each

family and child has the teachers’ phone numbers. Please reach out with any questions.


Updated: 9/8/08

7) Students and families should be reading together every night.

8) espond appropriately to all questions. Tone, reactions and non‐verbal actions matter.

) Walk quietly and orderly while inside any building.

0) We must maintain integrity by doing the right thing without being told. KIPPsters are KIPPsters

R

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


Updated: 9/8/08

KIPP ACADEMY STAFF PHONE LISTSTAFF MEMBER Telephone

Number OFF Duty nights Please Do NOT

Call☺

Email Address

Nelsa Boyer‐Madisson Kindergarten Teacher

917-684-8366

Tuesday, Thursday

nboyer‐[email protected]

Steve Buckner Co‐Principal

917-887-8666

Monday, Wednesday

[email protected]

Desree Cabrall Kindergarten Teacher

917-5684977

Monday, Wednesday

[email protected]

Rowena Castillo Kindergarten Teacher

858-722-9962 Monday, Wednesday

[email protected]

Maria Chupp Kindergarten Teacher

646-702-8437

Tuesday, Thursday [email protected]

Shea Kluender Kindergarten Teacher

646-641-4300

Monday, Wednesday

[email protected]

Modiegi Notoane Kindergarten Teacher


[email protected]

Christian Nunez Social Worker

917-547-9528

[email protected]

Iricel Payano Kindergarten Teacher

914-720-4063 Tuesday, Thursday [email protected]

Natalie Pergament Music/Physical Education Teacher


[email protected]

Carolyn Petruzziello Co‐Principal

917-414-6390


Laurie Price Operations Manager

917-292-5450 [email protected]

Brandi Vardamin Kindergarten Teacher

917-858-9543


• To provide our staff with a balance of work

and life, so that they can be the best teachers they can be, we have all taken OFF duty phone call nights. Please try to follow this schedule☺ and call Mrs. Petruzziello or Mr. Buckner if you have any questions.

mailto:[email protected]















Updated: 9/8/08

GENERAL INFORMATION ENROLLMENT Every year, beginning in the first week of January, KIPP Academy Elementary will begin accepting applications for our kindergarten and first graders for the following year (although very few students are admitted after Kindergarten). In accordance with our state law, admissions preference will be granted to siblings as first priority and students living in District 7 as a 2nd priority. The lottery will be held the first week of April.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOL Upon enrolling at KIPP Academy Elementary, the following documents must be submitted for each student to Ms. Price, Operations Manager:

Registration Form

Emergency Form (given two times a year – update if you move)

Lunch Forms

Copy of Birth Certificate Proof of Address (Copy of a Phone Bill, Electric Bill, Lease, Gas Bill, etc) Immunization Records/Health Records

IEP (individualized Educational Plan)/504 Accommodations (if applicable)

Home Language Survey (if applicable) WHO SHOULD I ASK? At times, you may have questions about KIPP Academy. Below is a quick list of common concerns and to whom you can ask for more information.

CONCERN STAFF MEMBER Lunch Forms, Emergency Forms, Immunization Records, etc Ms. Price (Operations Manager) Lost bus pass Ms. Price (Operations Manager) Ordering KIPP shirt Ms. Price (Operations Manager) I have concerns about my child’s social adjustment Mr. Nunez (Social Worker) My child has an IEP/504 Accommodations Ms. Notoane/Mr. Nunez/Ms. Petruzziello My child will be absent or late Ms. Price (Operations Manager) I have questions about my child’s academic progress Your child’s teachers I have questions about school activities (permissions slips etc) Your child’s teachers I have overall concerns Mr. Buckner and Ms. Petruzziello (Co‐Principals)


Updated: 9/8/08

ATTENDANCE Attendance is extremely important at KIPP Academy Elementary. We encourage students and families to arrive to school on time. As the old saying goes, “If you’re five minutes early you’re late.” ☺ KIPP Academy Elementary students arrive at 7:45 a.m. Monday – Friday, and remain at school until 4:00 p.m. (5:00 optional on Wednesdays starting in October). On appropriate Saturdays, school will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m. If your child is going to miss school because of an illness, please call Ms. Price as soon as possible. All absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. KIPP staff will call to verify all absences. If your child is running late or will miss a portion of the day due to a doctor’s appointment please call Ms. Price. (Please try to arrange doctor’s appointment outside of the school schedule. Please speak to Ms. Petruzziello or Mr. Buckner if there are any concerns). Students who arrive late will be given a late pass. If your child is absent, Ms. Price will follow up with a phone call. All absences and latenesses are noted on report cards. Students are responsible for all missed assignments 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 the student’s grades. If a student is repeatedly absent, Ms. Petruzziello and Mr. Buckner, teacher(s), student and parent/guardian will meet to address the issue. In addition, students who have 10 or more unexcused absences (3 lates equal one absence) run the risk of missing the end year field trips and celebrations.

FOOD SERVICES All families must fill out a federal free/reduced lunch form in September. Families that qualify will receive a free/reduced pricing for lunch. The full price for lunch is $1.50 and is subject to change as New York City Department of Education policies change. Breakfast will take place from 7:15 – 8:00 a.m., Monday – Friday. Families may also choose to send a bag lunch. However, the school is unable to assume responsibility for refrigerating or warming lunch brought from home. Please inform the school if your child has any food allergies.

TRANSPORTATION Students living more than ½ mile in distance from the school, but less than 1 mile, will receive a Reduced‐fare Metro Card for public transportation. Students living greater than 1 mile from the school will receive a Full‐fare Metro Card for public transportation. It is each families’ responsibility to hold onto the Metro Card. Students will receive a transportation pass the Friday prior to Saturday school. Parents are expected to pick up or make special arrangements 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 the person picking up child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be a) given explicit written permission to pick up the child and b) be 18 years or older. Please speak to Mr. Buckner or Mrs. Petruzziello if there are any concerns.


Updated: 9/8/08

FIELD TRIPS Our students and families look forward to various opportunities, especially our field trips. Each year, KIPP teachers plan several field trips that complement the curriculum, including travels to the local museums and parks, walks over the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Colombia University basketball games, ice skating, the Bronx Zoo amongst other New York City sites. Students earn these trips based on their behavior, attendance, and academics. In addition, the school reserves the right to remove a student from a trip or prohibit them from going for any reason that jeopardizes the physical or emotional well being of themselves or others.

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS Part of the success of KIPP Academy Elementary is the open communication between parents, students, and teachers. In an effort to help with this, we give all telephone numbers of KIPP Academy Elementary staff. Students and parents should feel free to call staff members for any reason. This is also a good chance to get help, if necessary, with homework. If you or your child is trying to call a teacher but they don’t answer, please leave a message explaining the reason for the call, your full name and telephone number and allow time to return your call. All teachers will return your call within twenty‐four hours. In addition, in the event of an emergency, please feel free to call Mrs. Petruzziello, Mr. Buckner, or Mr. Nunez (our social worker).

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

PERSONAL BELONGINGS Students should ensure that any personal belongings they bring with them to school are appropriate for school and 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, toys of any kind to school without prior permission. All toys, cards, games and electronics not specifically authorized by the Principals, Mr. Buckner or Mrs. Petruzziello, will be confiscated and returned only to parents and guardians. Finally, please note that the school is not responsible for any personal belongings brought to school.

ORDERING T‐SHIRTS Part of the KIPP Academy uniform is that all students must wear a KIPP shirt. Please use the Shirt Order Form to purchase any KIPP shirts that you would like. Once shirts have been ordered and money has been submitted, your child will receive the order within 24 hours. Please see Ms. Price for order forms. Please see the student dress code policy, below, for additional information.

Every KIPP Academy student will develop the academic and character skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self‐sufficient, successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.

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Student Dress Code Information 1. Students are to wear a KIPP shirt every day. Their KIPP shirts must be fully visible at all times within the

building. Long sleeve shirts may be worn underneath KIPP shirts. There will be KIPP long‐sleeve shirts and sweatshirts available for colder weather.

2. All KIPP shirts are to be tucked in and worn appropriately.

3. All pants must fit around the waist. Boys must wear a belt every day. (Belts should be of appropriate size and nature ie: no large‐faced images or symbols which may pose as a distraction).

4. Jeans may not be excessively baggy and may not cover the shoes.

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 shorts under their skirts as we 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 case of religious observance).

10. For safety reasons the following jewelry will not be permitted at KIPP Academy: necklaces outside of shirt, chains, chokers, multiple finger rings, and dangle earrings. Earrings should not hang from the earlobe (studs are permitted). Students are permitted one bracelet and one ring to be worn in school. One necklace may be worn but must remain tucked in at all times.

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

12. Students cannot wear shoes that show their toes or heels.

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

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, or

radios of any kind, and electronic toys (PSP’s, Gameboys, etc). c) Candy and soda are not allowed at school

Every KIPP Academy student will develop the academic and character skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self‐sufficient, successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

IMMUNIZATIONS New York State law requires that all children entering elementary school be immunized against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, 2 Hepatitis A, 3 Hepatitis B, and Varicella.

Before a child can be permitted to enter and attend school (subject to the 14‐day initial waiver requirement), parents or guardians must present documentation that their child has received all required doses of vaccines or that their child has received at least one dose of each of the required vaccines and is waiting to receive the subsequent doses at the appropriate time intervals. KIPP Academy must receive a certificate of immunization no later than September 15, 2009. These requirements can be waived only if a properly signed health or religious exemption is filed with the school.

REPORTING A CHILD’S SICKNESS If your child is going to miss school because of illness, please call the school as soon as possible. All student absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. KIPP staff will call to verify all student absences. Please let Mr. Buckner or Mrs. Petruzziello know if there are any medical concerns or special circumstances of which we should be aware.

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS If a child becomes ill or injured during the school day and is not well enough to stay in class, the parent/guardian will be called to pick the child up. It is necessary to have updated emergency contact numbers on file in the school office in case no one can be contacted at home. If the person picking up child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be a) given explicit written permission to pick up the child and b) be 18 years or older.

If a child needs to take medicine at school, he/she must give Ms. Price a written note from a doctor or parent with exact dosage and times for student to take medicine him/herself in the presence of school staff. Medicine needs to be in its original packaging/case. Staff at the school is NOT authorized to administer medication. If there are any concerns about medicine, allergies and overall health please let Ms. Petruzziello or Mr. Buckner know.

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.

COUNSELING SERVICES The Social Worker at KIPP Academy is available to help any student or parent address any social, emotional, or academic issue they may be facing. In addition, our social worker helps students work through and cope with personal and school related stress. At KIPP every student is entitled to counseling support and referral services. Counseling support is also extended to KIPP families in need.

There are several ways in which students may be referred for counseling services: • If a parent is interested in having their child seen by our Social Worker please contact the

(social worker on staff and/or the principal) • Students are 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 all information and counseling services are confidential and cannot be shared (except in instances required by law).

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE START/END DATES Summer School will begin for all students on August 24th and end on September 3rd. This year, school will resume for students on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. The last day for students will be Wednesday, June 22nd, 2009.

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS With a few exceptions, KIPP Academy Elementary will follow the same holiday schedule as the New York City Department of Education (see calendar for full details).

SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER) If the NYC public schools close due to bad weather, KIPP Academy Elementary is closed. Listen to the radio (e.g. 1010 WINS news) or television for the announcement closings/delays of NYC Public 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 should feel free to pick their children up early in the case of serious weather conditions.

SUMMER SCHOOL Summer school is a critical time to get a head start on the coming school year and as a result all students at KIPP Academy Elementary must attend school during the summer. Summer school is usually two weeks long. Please note that unexcused absences in the summer may result in a child being unable to attend one of the school’s annual fall field trips. Summer school 2009 will be held August 24‐September 3rd, 2009.

SATURDAY SCHOOL On appropriate Saturdays, all KIPP Academy Elementary students are expected to attend Saturday school from 9:00‐11:00AM with a parent/guardian or a sibling over the age of 18. Unless otherwise specified, students must continue to follow the standard KIPP Academy dress code on Saturdays. During this time, families and students will participate in a workshop and then classes of their choosing.

EXTRA‐CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES All KIPP Academy Elementary students participate in various extra‐curricular activities. Students will have music and gym on alternating days throughout the school year. Beginning in October, there will be several classes offered from 4‐5pm on Wednesday for students to partake in, such as drama, sports, or art.


SCHOOL SCHEDULE Starting September 8th, all students will start school at 7:45am and will remain until classes are dismissed at 4pm, Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9am to 11am. Below is a sample of your child’s daily schedule.

SAMPLE OF A KIPPSTER’S DAILY SCHEDULE

7:30‐8:00 Breakfast

8:00‐8:15 Journals/Shared Reading

8:20‐8:50 Calendar/Morning Message/SR

8:50‐10:20 Guided Reading (Group 1)

Phonics (Group 2) Literacy Center (Group 3) 10:20‐10:40 Snack/bathroom B 10:20‐10:27 10:40‐11:45 Math (Centers/DI) 11:45‐12:45 Lunch/Recess 12:45‐1:15 Nap 1:15‐2:10 Gym/Music 2:10‐3:05 Science/SS 3:05‐4:00 Centers 4:00 Dismissal

KIPP ACADEMY Elementary CALENDAR 2009 – 2010 AUGUST

August 19‐21 Family Survey Days August 24th Summer School (8am‐12pm) September 3rd Last Day of Summer School

SEPTEMBER

September 4‐7th Labor Day (SCHOOL CLOSED) September 8th First Day of School for Students September 17th Back to School Night September 25th Staff development day (NO SCHOOL) September 28th Yom Kippur (SCHOOL CLOSED)

OCTOBER

October 2nd Progress Reports Distributed October 3rd Saturday School October 6th Half Day for Students October 12th Columbus Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

NOVEMBER

November 5th 1st Quarter Ends November 6th Staff development day (NO SCHOOL) November 11th Veteran’s Day (SCHOOL IS IN SESSION) November 12th Report Card Night November 13th Awards Ceremony November 14th Saturday School November 17th Half Day for Students November 20th KIPP AES Family Feast 1pm‐4pm November 23rd‐27th THANKSGIVING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)

DECEMBER

December 8th Half Day for Students December 12th Saturday School December 18th Progress Reports Distributed December 21st Winter Concert December 24th‐Jan 1st WINTER RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)

JANUARY

January 4th Lottery registration starts January 9th Saturday School January 18th MLK Day (SCHOOL CLOSED) January 29th 2nd Quarter Ends

FEBRUARY

February 4th Report Card Night February 4th Awards Ceremony February 6th Saturday School February 9th Half Day for Students February 15th – 19th MID‐WINTER BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)

MARCH

March 6th Saturday School

Distributed March 12th Progress Reports March 22nd ‐ KIPP NYC Family Week 25th March 29 –April SPRING RECESS (SCHOOth 6th L CLOSED)

APRIL

April 7th Students return to school April 10 Saturday School th

April 16th End of 3rd Quarter April 22nd Report Card Night April 23rd Awards Assembly April 27th Half Day for Students

MAY

May 1st Saturday School May 31 Memorial Day (SCHOOLst CLOSED)

JUNE th Saturday School June 5

June 8 Half Day for Studenth ts (tentative) June 1 th End of Year Show6 June 22nd Last Day of School

NOTE: Sum chool 10 will take place inmer S 20 mid to late August, please plan your family vacations for July and

nges in the calendar, the school will send an updated notice prior to the change.

A) Student

beginning of August.

If there are any cha

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and Staff Holidays Labor Day Yom Kippur

September 7

B)

September 28 Columbus Day October 12 Thanksgiving ess November 23‐27 Rec Winter Recess December 24 – January 1 MLK Day January 18 Mid‐Winter Break February 15‐19 Spring Rec March 29—April 6 ess Memorial Day May 31 Half Days for Students

C) i nal Development Days (NO Students)

October 6 Novembe th

th

r 17December 8th February 9th April 27th June 8th Profes os

th

September 25 March 19th

ACADEMICS ‐ “WORK HARD”

HOMEWORK A key part of the academic program of KIPP Academy is the homework that every KIPPster will receive every night. Homework must be completed at night before it is due. Students will not be allowed to complete homework during breakfast unless given explicit permission by their teacher. No student is excused from any assignment without the permission of his or her teacher prior to the due date. If a student discovers that s/he will be unable to complete an assignment, s/he must contact the teacher by phone no later than the night before it is due. If the student is unable to contact their teacher for some reason, they must bring a written note from their parents/guardians.

KEY HW POINTS There are many points we review with students. Below are constant messages we send to our KIPPsters as we reinforce the importance of homework. Please review with your child and continue to reinforce accurate, thorough and timely completion 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 thorough completion of homework. HW helps students develop grit, self‐control, desire, discipline and dedication – all of which are important tools for success.

Each night, students will come home with their homework folder. There is a section that says “Stays at Home”. This is graded work for you to see or important notices that the school is sending home. You will see another section of the folder, which says “return to school”. 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 with your child. Please reach out to the teacher if you need more clarification.

HW completion and effort is logged into Powerschool, which is used to determine grades in each class as well.

A. MAKE‐UP WORK ON DAYS STUDENT IS ABSENT Students who are absent are expected to make up the class work and homework when they return to school. All missed, incomplete or incorrect work must be completed. It is the student’s responsibility to check with each of his/her teachers to make sure s/he is aware of all assignments. The time generally allowed to complete this work will be the number of days the student was absent. For example, if a student was absent for one day, then s/he will have one day to make up any missed work.

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

B. PARENT SIGNATURE ON TESTS Parents must sign all tests and graded assignments, which includes daily reflections. Daily reflections come home with the student everyday and should be signed and sent back to the school. This will help us to communicate how your child is doing in working hard and being nice.

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM

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

Plagiarism involves the stealing of someone else’s ideas or words as one’s own or the imitation of the language, ideas, and thoughts of another author (or person) and then passing them off as their own original work. If a student plagiarized and forges a signature, this is also considered Academic Dishonesty. Students will receive a serious consequence.

PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE Students may be retained in their grade at the end of the year for any one of, or combination of, the following factors:

• Failure to meet academic standards of readiness for the next grade: Students who fail (earn below 70%) a core subject (Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science) may be retained. Students who fail either the reading or math standardized test at the end of the year may be retained as well (when applicable).

• Failure to meet adequate standards of attendance and lateness: Students who miss more than

10 days of school times may be retained. Please note that every 3 days late counts as one day absent)

• Failure to meet behavioral standards of readiness for the next grade level: Students whose

behavior has not shown adequate growth or improvement, or is not at a sufficient level, may be retained.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT As already mentioned, one of the keys to the success of KIPP Academy Elementary is the strong working relationship between parents, teachers, and children. The key to this is constant communication. It is for this reason that all KIPP Academy teachers give out their phone numbers and it is also the reason that we have a completely open door policy. All KIPP families are welcome to visit the school at anytime. In addition to phone conversations, school visits, home visits by staff, KIPP Academy Elementary also has quarterly conferences between parents, teachers and children. Below are some additional ways that parents have gotten involved in the past. Please feel free to suggest any other ideas you might have.

WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED? Our families are always asking for ways to get involved. Below are a few ways in which you can do so.

☺ Chaperone and participate in our community service activities ☺ Get involved in parent‐literacy activities with your child ☺ Join our pot‐luck dinners, concerts and other events ☺ Attend student in‐class performances (poetry café, in class speeches and presentations, cultural

celebrations, and other’s depending on specific classes) ☺ Attend quarterly awards ceremony ☺ Chaperone school trips ☺ Patrol after‐school to ensure safety of all of our children ☺ 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 Saturday school classes ☺ And of course we are always available to sample delicious home‐cooked meals that your

child rants and raves about ☺ ☺ Take a leaf from The Giving Tree and fulfill the wish And if there are additional volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact Ms. Petruzziello or Mr. Buckner directly.

Meet the KIPP AES Staff☺

Iricel Payano and Desree Cabrall Nelsa Boyer-Madisson and Shea Kluender Columbia Lions UConn Huskies

Modiegi Notoane and Maria Chupp Rowena Castillo and Brandi Vardiman Michigan Wolverines UC Berkeley Golden Bears

Christian Nunez Natalie Pergament Family support and school counselor Music and Physical Education teacher

Steve Buckner and Carolyn Petruzziello Laurie Price and La’tasha Bryan Co-principals Operations Manager and KIPP Alumni Intern

Documents

2009-10 KIPP Academy Elementary Family Handbook