KIPP Academy Elementary School - Family Handbook 2012-13 [English]

7/31/2019 KIPP Academy Elementary School - Family Handbook 2012-13 [English]

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FAMILY HANDBOOK

730 Concourse Village West, Tower DBronx, NY 10451

Tel: (718) 943-3737

Fax: (718) 292-7199

Email: [email protected]

www.kippnyc.org


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Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the KIPP Academy Elementary team and family! As a fourth year 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 necessarycharacter 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 ofA 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 infinitepossibilities, 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 schools 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 thatyou may refer to it when necessary.

We look forward to an exciting and positive year! Once again, welcome to our fourth 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, compliments, comments, or concerns. We look

forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for your faith and support,

Carolyn Petruzziello

Principal


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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 ..................................................................................................................................... 11

ENROLLMENT ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOL..11

WHO SHOULD I ASK? ..................................................................................................................................................... 11ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 12

FOOD SERVICES .............................................................................................................................................................. 12

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

DIMISSAL 12

FIELD TRIPS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS ........................................................................................................... 13

CELL PHONE USAGE ....................................................................................................................................................... 13

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

ORDERING T-SHIRTS 13STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY VIOLATION .13

STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY....................................................................................................................................... 14

HEALTH AND SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................... 15

IMMUNIZATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

REPORTING A CHILDS SICKNESS .................................................................................................................................... 15

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS .................................................................................................................................. 15

COUNSELING SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 15

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................. 16

START/END DATES ......................................................................................................................................................... 16

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS ................................................................................................................................................... 16

SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER) .............................................................................................................................. 16

SUMMER SCHOOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

SATURDAY SCHOOL ........................................................................................................................................................ 16

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................................................... 16

SCHOOL SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................................................ 17


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ACADEMICS - WORK HARD............................................................................................................................... 21

HOMEWORK................................................................................................................................................................... 21

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM ................................................................................................................................................. 21

PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE ................................................................................................................................ 22

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 23

WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED? ........................................................................................................... 23

MEET THE KIPP AES STAFF ................................................................................................................................... 24


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WHO WE ARE

KIPP MISSIONKIPP Academy Elementarys 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 BEGINNINGWe founded KIPP Academy Elementary in 2009-2010. We had a stellar first year with 91% of our students

meeting and exceeding our end of Kindergarten benchmarks in reading, math, science, social studies, music

and physical education. We are off to a great start, but we are not the only KIPP school in NYC.

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 2,955

students and alumni at five middle schools (Harlem, Crown Heights, South Bronx, and Washington Heights),

one high school and three elementary schools (Harlem, Washington Heights, and South Bronx).

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


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KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCESchool Commitment

1. TimelinessWe will arrive every day by 7:15 A.M. and remain at school until 5:10 P.M.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

the benefit of your child and all the children attending KIPP Academy Elementary School.

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

5. Civility CodeWe promise to maintain a high level of civility in our communication with you and your child. We believethat we 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 conceptslearned in class.

7. FairnessWe will address the values of KIPP Academy Elementary School consistently and fairly. We promise to keepyou 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. 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.

Signed: ___________________________________________________ Date: ________________

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. We understand that there will be consequences for multiple absences.2. TimelinessWe 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 through Thursday and 3:00 P.M.

on Fridays)3. Support & HomeworkWe will provide a quiet space for our child to study. We will check our childs 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 willreinforce the SPROUT values at home.

4. CommunicationWe will make ourselves available to our child, the school, and any concerns they might have. We willreturn phone calls from the school within 24 hours. If we are asked to attend a meeting regarding ourchilds education or

behavior, we will attend. If we have any concerns we will raise them with someone at the school. We will promptly informthe school if my address 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 areon the same team and we will conduct ourselves in a respectful and professional manner.6. Dress CodeWe will make sure our child follows the KIPP Academy 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 placeAugust 20thAugust 30th from 8:00am to 1:30pm. We will schedule our family vacations outside of this time.

8. Saturday SchoolWe will attend Saturday School with our child once a month starting in September from 9:00 until11:00. If we are unable to attend Saturday School, we will make sure a family member older than 18 years of age attendswith our child. If we do not attend, we know that this will count as a regular absence as well.

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 everyday2. I will Work Hard everyday3. 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 ourSPROUT 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.


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SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONEWe 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 - PETSYs (PLEASE, EXCUSE ME, THANK YOU, SORRY, YOURE WELCOME)

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

1) Adherence to the KIPP Commitment to Excellence2) 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. Eachfamily and child has the teachers phone numbers. Please reach out with any

questions.


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7) Students and families should be reading together every night.8) Respond appropriately to all questions. Tone, reactions and non-verbal actions matter.9) Walk quietly and orderly while inside any building.10)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 doinside of the school building.


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KIPP Academy Elementary STAFF PHONE LISTSTAFF MEMBER Telephone Number Email Address

Dan Alvarez

PE Teacher917-749-8280 [email protected]

Mary-Catherine Amadu

Kindergarten Teacher and Grade

Team Leader

917-771-2538 [email protected]

Farrah Bell

Dance Teacher646-872-1937 [email protected]

Elizabeth Buryk

2nd

Grade Teacher646-531-3077 [email protected]

Jessica Butler

Speech and Language Teacher917-858-0004 [email protected]

Desree Cabrall

Dean of Instruction917-568-4977 [email protected]

William Cardenas

Director of Operations917-804-8561 [email protected]

John Carter

2nd


Alicia Citro

Special Education Coordinator508-380-9960 [email protected]

Shontay Coleman

3rd


Emily Collado

Family Support and School

Counselor

[email protected]

Samantha Coulson

Special Education Teacher646-531-2109 [email protected]

Lynette CrayKindergarten Teacher


Raul Garza

2nd


Brandy Green

2nd


Tyritia Groves

1st


Alex Haddock

1st

grade Teacher and Grade

Team Leader


Carmen Isaac1

stGrade Teacher


Xzavier Jackson

Kindergarten Teacher646-531-2166 [email protected]

Sheena Johnson

Upper Elementary Grade Chair917-553-3704 [email protected]

Bill Kellett

2nd

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Christine Kim


Sarah Manning

3rd


Liz Manno

3rd

Grade Team Leader917-263-1520 [email protected]

Sarah Marlenga

1st


Crystal McCreary

Yoga Teacher646-872-9978 [email protected]

Katherine Moran

1st


Thomas Murley

Music Teacher and Arts Team

Leader


Modiegi Notoane-Eugene

Dean of Students917-684-9643 [email protected]

Christian Nuez

School Counselor and FamilySupport Services


Carolyn Petruzziello

Principal917-414-6390 [email protected]

Tom Philipps

3rd


Mauricio Rojas

1st


Josie Rosario

3rd


Meirelys Ruiz


Madeline Scheffler


Megan Sharkey

1st


Alicia Shaw


Ivy Sosa

School Operations Administrator917-263-1528 [email protected]

Sophia Tkac

1st


Danielle Torres

Kindergarten Teacher 917-263-1517 [email protected]

Brandi Vardiman

Dean of Instruction917-858-9543 [email protected]

Ana Vargas

Dean of Students917-501-4425 [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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GENERAL INFORMATIONENROLLMENTEvery year, beginning in the first week of January, KIPP Academy Elementary will begin accepting

applications for our kindergarten, first, second, and third 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 2

nd

priority. The lottery willbe held the first week of April.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOLUpon enrolling at KIPP Academy Elementary, the following documents must be submitted for each

student to Mr. Cardenas, Director of Operations:

KIPP NYC Registration FormEmergency Contact Information (update if you move)NYC DOE Student Lunch FormsCopy of Birth CertificateProof of Address (Copy of a Phone Bill, Electric Bill, Lease, Gas Bill, etc)Immunization Records/Health RecordsIEP (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 Elementary. 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, etcMs. Sosa

Lost bus passMs. Sosa

Ordering KIPP shirtMs. Sosa

I have concerns about my childs social adjustment

Mr. Nuez or Ms. Collado (School Counselors and

Family Support)

My child has an IEP/504 AccommodationsMs. Citro

My child will be absent or late

Ms. Sosa

I have questions about my childs academic progressYour childs teachers

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

I have overall concernsMrs. Petruzziello (Principal)


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ATTENDANCEAttendance is extremely important at KIPP Academy Elementary. We encourage students and families

to arrive to school on time. As the old saying goes, If youre five minutes early youre late. KIPP

Academy Elementary students arrive at 7:45 a.m. Monday Friday, and remain at school until 4:00 p.m.

(3:00 p.m. on Fridays). 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. Sosa as soon as possible. All

absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. KIPPstaff will call to verify all absences.

If your child is running late or will miss a portion of the day due to a doctors appointment please call

Ms. Sosa. (Please try to arrange doctors appointment outside of the school schedule. Please speak to

Ms. Petruzziello if there are any concerns). Students who arrive late will be given a late pass. If your

child is absent, Ms. Sosa 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 studentsgrades. If a student is repeatedly absent, Ms. Petruzziello, Mrs. Notoane-Eugene, Mr. Nunez, teacher(s),

student and parent/guardian will meet to address the issue. In addition, students who have 10 or more

absences without doctors notes (3 lates equal one absence) run the risk of missing field trips and

celebrations. PLEASE READ AND SIGN KAES ABSENCE AND DISMISSAL POLICY ADDENDUM

FOOD SERVICESAll families must fill out a federal free/reduced lunch form by Thursday, September 13

that the

latest. 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 7:45 a.m., Monday Friday. Lunch will take place from 11:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. depending on grade level. 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.

TRANSPORTATIONStudents living more than 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. Parents are expected to pick up or make special arrangements for students

remaining after school for detention, tutoring, or special activities.

DISMISSALParents must provide contact information (name and telephone number) 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

a) be given explicit written permission to pick up the child and b) be 18 years or older. For any person

who is NOT authorized to pick up a child, the school MUST receive a legal document (i.e. court order)

stating that the person is NOT allowed to pick up the child. Please speak to Mrs. Petruzziello if there are

any concerns. PLEASE READ AND SIGN KAES ABSENCE AND DISMISSAL POLICY ADDENDUM


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FIELD TRIPSOur 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. A parent/guardian MUST sign a permission slip in orderfor their child to attend a field trip.

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERSPart 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 (see previous staff list in this handbook). 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 dont 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, Mrs. Notoane-Eugene, Mrs. Vargas, Mr. Nuez, or Ms. Collado (our Family Supportand School Counselors).

CELL PHONE POLICYPlease 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 BELONGINGSStudents 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 priorpermission. All toys, cards, games and electronics not specifically authorized by the Principal, 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-SHIRTSPart of the KIPP Academy Elementary uniform is that all students must wear a KIPP shirt. Please see the

student dress code policy, below, for additional information.

Shirts can be purchased in the office during Survey Days (August 16th and 17th), before 7:45 a.m. arrival,

and after dismissal at 4 p.m. If you need to make special arrangements for purchase of uniforms, please

contact Ms. Sosa.

STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY VIOLATIONPlease read below Student Dress Code Policy. Upon 1 st dress code violation, a call will be made home to

report violation. On a 2nd violation, the child will sit in the main office until someone from home brings

them what they need to be in dress code.


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Student Dress Code Policy

1. Students are to wear a KIPP shirt every day. Their KIPP shirts must be fully visible at all times within thebuilding. 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 AT ALL TIMES and worn appropriately.3. Friday Dress Code On Fridays ONLY, students can wear college t-shirts, other KIPP schools t-shirts, or any

other KIPP t-shirt he/she has earned (basketball, field day, etc.)

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

5. Jeans may not be excessively baggy and may not cover the shoes.6. Students may not wear jogging pants, sweat pants, or shorts. Shorts are permitted if the weather is

above 85 degrees and must be of appropriate length and in khaki or jean.

7. Students may not wear sleeveless or cut-offshirts, blouses, or dresses.8. Students may not wear inappropriately tight clothing.9. 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.

10.Students may not wear hats, caps, do-rags, or other head coverings in the school (except in the case ofreligious observance).

11.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.

12.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).

13.Students cannot wear shoes that show their toes or heels. Wedge shoes are also not allowed.14.Students may not use nail polish or fake fingernail tips. If a child is wearing nail polish, our school will take

off the nail polish before the child can enter the classroom.

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

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.b) The following items may not be brought to school: beepers, cellular phones, iPods, Discmans, or

radios of any kind, and electronic toys (PSPs, Gameboys, etc).

c) Candy, soda, and other unhealthy snacks are not allowed at school


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CALENDAR AND SCHEDULESTART/END DATESSummer School will be from August 20th through August 30th for all grades. School will resume for ALL students

on Tuesday, September 4, 2012. The last day for students will be Wednesday, June 26TH, 2013.

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYSWith a few exceptions, KIPP Academy Elementary will follow the same holiday schedule as the New York City

Department of Education (see below 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). Additionally, KIPP Academy Elementary will send a

One Call message to all families confirming school closure.

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 SCHOOLSummer 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 s chools

field trips throughout the year.

SATURDAY SCHOOLOn 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. During this time, families and students will

participate in a workshop and then classes of their choosing.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESAll KIPP Academy Elementary students participate in various extra-curricular activities. Students will have music,

dance, yoga, and PE on alternating days throughout the school year. Beginning in October, there will be several

classes offered for students to sign up for and stay after school for.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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

4pm, Monday through Thursday, 3:00pm on Fridays, and some Saturdays from 9am to 11am.

Below is a sample of your childs daily schedule.

SAMPLE OF A KIPPSTERS 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

10:40-11:45 Math (Centers/DI)

11:45-12:45 Lunch/Recess

12:45-1:15 Nap/DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time

1:15-2:10 Gym/Music/Dance/Yoga

2:10-3:05 Science/SS

3:05-4:00 Centers

4:00 Dismissal


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KIPP ACADEMY Elementary CALENDAR 20122013

August 16th

August 17th

Family Survey Days

August 20th

August 30th

Summer School for all grades

SEPTEMBER

September 3rd

Labor Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

September 4th First Day of School for StudentsSeptember 14

thProfessional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

September 17th

& 18th

Rosh Hashannah (SCHOOL CLOSED)

September 19th

MAP testing begins all grades

September 26th

Yom Kippur (SCHOOL CLOSED)

September 27th

Back to School Night 4pm-6pm

OCTOBER

October 5th

Q1 Progress Reports Distributed

October 8th

Columbus Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

October 12th

Coffee and Conversations with the Principal and Deans (7:45am)

October 13th

Saturday School

October 18

th

Half Day for Students 12pm Dismissal

NOVEMBER

November 2nd

1st

Quarter Ends

November 6th

Election Day (THERE IS SCHOOL TODAY!!!)

November 8th

Q1 Report Card Day (NO SCHOOL)

November 9th

Coffee and Conversations at 7:45am

November 10th

Saturday School - Family Feast 12pm -2pm***

November 12th

Veterans Day (SCHOOL IS IN SESSION)

November 12th

Q1 Awards Ceremony 7:45am to 8:35am

November 16th

Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

November 19th

23rd

THANKSGIVING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)

November 26th

School begins again

DECEMBER

December 5th


December 8th

Saturday School

December 13th


December 13th

Coffee and Conversations 7:45am

December 13th

Winter Show, 5pm to 6pm

December 14th

Professional Development Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

December 20th

1pm dismissal

December 21st

- Jan. 1st

WINTER RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)

JANUARY

January 2nd

School Begins AgainJanuary 2

ndLottery registration starts for new students

January 5th

Saturday School

January 14th

MAP testing begins

January 18th

2nd

Quarter Ends

January 18th


January 21st

MLK Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

January 24th


January 28th


FEBRUARY

February 2nd

Saturday School


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February 8th


February 15th

Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)

February 18th

22nd

MID-WINTER BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)

February 25th

Students return to school

MARCH

March 1st


March 8

th

Coffee and Conversations 7:45amMarch 9

thSaturday School

March 15th


March 25th

Apr. 2nd

SPRING BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)

APRIL

April 3rd

Students return to school

April 4th

KIPP NYC lottery for new students

April 5th

3rd

Quarter Ends

April 11th


April 12th


April 16th

-18th

NY State ELA Exams for 3rd

Grade ONLY

April 19th


April 20th Saturday School

April 22nd


April 24th

- 26th

NY State Math Exams for 3rd

Grade ONLY

April 29th

MAP testing begins

MAY

May 11th

Saturday School

May 15th


May 17th


May 17th


May 27th

Memorial Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

JUNE

June 14th


June 15th

Saturday School (KAES Carnival)

June 20th

End of Year Show, 5pm to 6pm

June 21st

1pm Dismissal

June 26th

Last Day of School (1pm dismissal after ceremony)

June 26th

End of the Year Awards Ceremony All Grades

NOTE: Summer School 2012 WILL take place in mid to late August, please plan your family vacations for July and beginning

of August. It is mandatory that ALL students are at summer school each year.

If there are any changes in the calendar, the school will send an updated notice prior to the change.

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

A) Student and Staff HolidaysLabor Day August 31

st& September 3rd

Rosh Hashannah September 17th

& 18th

Yom Kippur September 26th

Columbus Day October 8th

Thanksgiving Recess November 19th

23rd

Winter Recess December 21st

January 1st

MLK Day January 21st

Mid-Winter Break February 18th

22nd

Spring Recess March 25th

April 2nd

Memorial Day May 27th


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B) Professional Development Days (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)September 14

th

November 16th

December 14th

February 15th

March 15th

April 12th

C) Report Card Days (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)November 8th

January 24th

April 11th

D) 12pm Half Days for StudentsOctober 18

th

December 5th

May 15th

E) 1pm Half Days for StudentsDecember 20th

June 21st


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ACADEMICS - WORK HARD

HOMEWORKA key part of the academic program of KIPP Academy Elementary 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 excusedfrom 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 9pm

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 Left atHome. 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 Right to School. This is the homework thatneeds 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 aswell.

A. MAKE-UP WORK ON DAYS STUDENT IS ABSENTStudents 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 students 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 TESTSParents must sign all tests and graded assignments, which includes daily reflections. Daily reflections come

home with the student every day 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 students 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.


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Plagiarism involves the stealing of someone elses ideas or words as ones 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 followingfactors:

Failure to meet academic standards of readiness for the next grade: Students who fail (earn below a 3or a 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 than10 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 hasnot shown adequate growth or improvement, or is not at a sufficient level, may be retained.


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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 Elementary 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 any time. 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. If you would like to get involved,

please contact Mrs. Notoane-Eugene or Mrs. Vargas. Also, 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 caf, in class speeches and presentations, cultural

celebrations, and others 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 wishAnd if there are additional volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact Ms. Petruzziello

directly.


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Meet the KIPP AES Staff

Carolyn Petruzziello Desree Cabrall and Brandi VardimanPrincipal Deans of Teaching and Learning

Modiegi Notoane-Eugene Ana Vargas

Dean of Students Dean of Students

Sheena Johnson Mary-Catherine Amadu and Lynette Cray

Upper Elementary Grade Chair SUNY Plattsburgh - Cardinals

Meirelys Ruiz and Christine Kim Madeline Scheffler and

Georgetown University - Bulldogs Xzavier Jackson

Northwestern University - Wildcats


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Danielle Torres and Alicia Shaw Sarah Marlenga and Alex Haddock

Yale UniversityBulls University of Virgina - Cavaliers

Carmen Isaac and Megan Sharkey Mauricio Rojas and Katie Moran

University of Maryland - Terrapins Notre Dame University - Four Leaf Clovers

Sophia Tkac and Tyritia Groves Raul Garza

University of Temple - Owls Berklee College - Jazzcats

Liz Buryk Brandy Green

New York University - Bobcats Johns Hopkins UniversityBlue Jays


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Bill Kellett John Carter

Mt. Saint Mary UniversityBlue Knights New York University - Bobcats

Joseida Rosario Shontay Coleman

Columbia University - Lions Howard University - Bison

Tom Philipps Sarah Manning

University of Kansas - Jayhawks Syracuse University - Tigers

Dan Alvarez Farah Bell

Physical Education Teacher Dance Teacher


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Documents

KIPP Academy Elementary School - Family Handbook 2012-13 [English]