KIPP INF - Family Handbook 2009-2010

8/9/2019 KIPP INF - Family Handbook 2009-2010

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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.

School Phone: 212-991-2600 Fax: 212-234-8396 www.kippinfinity.org

Infinity Charter School FAMILY HANDBOOK


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Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the KIPP Infinity team and family! Since its start in 2005, KIPP Infinity has dedicateditself in helping our students develop the necessary character and academic skills and habitsnecessary to succeed in high school, college and the world beyond. We continue to worktogether to provide opportunities so that our children grow up to have happy, healthy and

successful lives.

Whether our KIPPsters are in the classrooms rolling numbers, in Utah hiking up to ObservationPoint, performing at Madison Square Garden, identifying their reading levels, or practicing theirPETSYs, they truly embody what it is to be a KIPPster. We practice working hard and beingnice. We practice SSLANTing, tracking the speaker, answering in complete sentences andsmiling . Due totheir the tremendous grit, love, hope, communication and support, we knowour KIPPsters are certainly doing amazing things. We are always excited about the infinitepossibilities, as we prepare for the opening of the KIPP High School and the first KIPP NYCElementary school this summer. These are truly exciting times, and we are so glad that you arepart of it!

We recognize that these efforts take tremendous discipline and dedication, which can only bedone with the joint efforts of families, staff and, of course, our students themselves.In ourattempts at continued open communication and access to information we have prepared ahandbook regarding the school s structure, attendance, schedule, culture, academics, amongother pieces of helpful information. Hopefully this handbook will serve as a useful resource toanswer many questions you may have. Please keep it handy so that you may refer to it whennecessary.

We look forward to an exciting and positive year! Once again welcome to yet another year

promising to be filled with nothing but greatness, enthusiasm, love and dedication. Please feelfree to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Thank you for your faith and support,

Joseph NegronPrincipal


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TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... 3

WHO WE ARE ..................................................................................................................................... 4

SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONE ............................................................ 6

KIPP INFINITY STAFF PHONE LIST ............................................................................................................ 8

GENERAL INFORMATION (INCLUDES POLICIES ON ATTENDANCE, CELL PHONES, DRESS CODE, ETC.) ..... 9

HEALTH AND SAFETY ............................................................................................................................. 12

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE (INCLUDES SCHOOL SCHEDULE, VACATIONS, SATURDAY SCHOOL, ETC) .... 13

ACADEMICS - WORK HARD (INCLUDES HW POLICY, PROMOTION, AND TESTING) ............................ 17

KIPP PAYCHECK SYSTEM (INCLUDES DISCIPLINE POLICY, SUSPENSIONS AND THE BENCH) ................... 19

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 214


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WHO WE AREKIPP MISSIONKIPP Infinity s mission is to teach our students to develop the academic and character skills necessary tosucceed 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 BEGINNINGIn 2005, KIPP Infinity opened in West Harlem serving 80fifth graders. This year, KIPP Infinity will serveapproximately 285 students in fifth through eighth grade.

KIPP Infinity is part of KIPP NYC which currently serves over 1,750 students and alumni at four middleschools (Harlem, Crown Heights, and the South Bronx). This summer, KIPP NYC will open a new highschool and the first of four elementary schools.

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

KIPPCREDO: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 INFINITY AFFIRMATION:We are KIPP Infinity

And we are a team and a family.We believe that with desire, discipline, and dedication,

We can change our worldAnd our place within it.There are no shortcuts.

There are no limitsAs a team and family,

We will either find a wayOr make one.

We are KIPP Infinity.


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KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCETEACHERS: We fully commit to KIPP Infinity Charter School in the following ways :

y We will arrive at KIPP every day by 7 :15 A.M. (Monday-Friday).y We will remain at KIPP until 5 :15 P.M. (Monday Thursday) and until 3 :15 P.M. on Friday.y We will come to KIPP on appropriate Saturdays at 8 :4 5 A.M. and remain until 1 :05 P.M.y We will teach at KIPP during the three-week Summer Academy Session.y We will always teach in the best way we know how and we will do whatever it takes for our students to learn.y We will always make ourselves available to students, families, and any concerns they might have.y We will always protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals in the classroom.

Failure to adhere to these commitments can lead to our removal from KIPP.

FAMILIES: We fully commit to KIPP Infinity Charter School in the following ways : y We will make sure our child arrives at KIPP every day by 7 :25 a.m. (Mon. - Fri.).y We will make arrangements so our child can remain at KIPP until 5 :00 P.M. (Mon Thurs.) and 3 :00 P.M.

on Friday.y We will make arrangements for our child to come to KIPP on appropriate Saturdays at 9 :00 A.M. and

remain until 1 :00 P.M.y We will ensure that our child attends KIPP Summer Academy (July 13 July 31, 2009).y We will always help our child in the best way we know how and we will do whatever it takes for him/her

to learn. This also means that we will check our child's homework every night, let him/her call the teacherif there is a problem with the homework, and try to read with him/her every night.

y We will always make ourselves available to our children, the school, and any concerns they might have.This also means that if our child is going to miss school, we will notify the teacher as soon as possible, andwe will read carefully all the papers that the school sends home to us.

y We will allow our child to go on KIPP field trips.y We will make sure our child follows the KIPP dress code.y We understand that our child must follow the KIPP rules so as to protect the safety, interests, and rights

of all individuals in the classroom. We, not the school, are responsible for the behavior and actions of ourchild.

Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause my child to lose various KIPP privileges, spend time on the

"bench, and can lead to my child returning to his/her home school.

STUDENTS: I fully commit to KIPP Infinity Charter School in the following ways : y I will arrive at KIPP every day by 7 :25 A.M. (Mon. - Fri.).y I will remain at KIPP until 5 :00 P.M. (Monday Thursday) and until 3 :00PM on Friday.y I will come to KIPP on appropriate Saturdays at 9 :00 A.M. and remain until 1 :00 P.M.y I will attend KIPP Summer Academy (July 13 - July 31, 2009).y I will always work, think, and behave in the best way I know how and I will do whatever it takes for me

and my fellow students to learn. This also means that I will complete all my homework every night, I willcall my teachers if I have a problem with the homework or a problem with coming to school, and I willraise my hand and ask questions in class if I do not understand something.

y I will always make myself available to my family and teachers and any concerns they might have. If I make

a mistake, this means I will tell the truth to my teachers and accept responsibility for my actions.y I will always behave so as to protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals in the classroom.

This also means that I will always listen to all my KIPP teammates and give everyone my respect.y I will follow the KIPP dress code.y I am responsible for my own behavior, and I will follow the teachers directions.

Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause me to lose various KIPP privileges, spend time on the"bench", and can lead to returning to my home school.


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SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEKONE

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 agreat foundation to be carried beyond the four yearsat KIPP Infinity. 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 ATEAM AND A FAMILY!!!

III - This is the room that has the kids who want to learn to read more books to build a bettertomorrow.

IV- There are no shortcuts!!!

V - SSLANT (Smile, Sit Up, Listen, Ask and Answer Questions, Nod your Head, Track the Speaker)

VI - PETSY s (PLEASE,EXCUSE ME,THANK YOU,SORRY,YOU RE WELCOME)

READ, BABY READYou ve gotta read, baby read!You ve gotta read, baby read!

The more you read, the more you know,Knowledge is power and power is freedom

And I want it!

You ve gotta read, baby read!You ve gotta read, baby read!

You can achieve your goals and get that jobif you just are nice and you just work hard.

You ve gotta read, baby read!You ve gotta read, baby read!

1, 2, 3SSLANT for me

Please do,Thank you,

Infinity Rules!


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NON-NEGOTIABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR KIPP INFINITY STUDENTS A ll 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 :

y If there is a problem, we look for a solution.y If there is a better way, we try to find it.y If we need help, we ask.y If a teammate needs help, we give.

3) All KIPP shirts (other than sweatshirts) and professional dress shirts remain tucked in at alltimes.

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 duringclass time (i.e. no heads on their desk, feet on the floor, etc.)

5) Be organized and prepared for all classes. Work should always be completedand presented neatly. The KIPP heading should be used when appropriate.All papers should be kept neatly in binders.

6) KIPPsters must complete HW daily to the best of their abilities. Homeworkshould be written neatly in the agenda provided by the school.

7) Students will be receiving an independent reading book within the first week of school. They will be asked to independently read and fill out a book log forhomework 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 integrity bydoing the right thing without being told. KIPPsters areKIPPsters in and out of school. Our actions once we leave the building matter just as muchas they do inside of the school building.


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GENERAL INFORMATIONENROLLMENTEvery year, beginning in the first week of January, KIPP Infinity will begin accepting applications for ourfifth eighth grades for the following year. Admissions preference will be granted to siblings, thenstudents receiving free or reduced lunch as 1st priority,and students living in District 5 as a 2 nd priority.

The lottery will be held the first week of April.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOLUpon enrolling at KIPP Infinity, the following documents must be submitted for each student to Ms.Ceron, Office 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)/50 4 Accommodations(if applicable) Home Language Survey (if applicable)

WHO SHOULD I ASK?At times, you may have questions about KIPP Infinity. Below is a quick list of common concerns and theperson to whom you can direct any questions.

CONCERN STAFF MEMBER

Lunch Forms, Emergency Forms, Immunization Records, etc Ms. Ceron (Office Manager)

I don t understand the paycheck comment. Teacher whose initials are on the paycheck

Lost bus pass Ms. Ceron (Office Manager)

Ordering KIPP shirt Mr. Croncota (Director of Operations)

I have concerns about my child s social adjustmentMs. Stevenson (5 th), Ms. Rosario (6 th / 7 th)Ms. Razvi (8 th), Mr. Graham (6 th 8th)

My child has an IEP/50 4 Accommodations Mrs. Witter (Director of Instruction)

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

I have concerns about my child s paycheck average and Bench Mr. Brunzell (Dean of Students)

I have overall concerns Mr. Negron (Principal)


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ATTENDANCEAttendance is extremely important at KIPP Infinity. We require students to arrive to school on time. Asthe old saying goes, If you re five minutes early you re late. KIPP Infinity students arrive at 7 :25 a.m.Monday Friday. For 5 th and 6 th graders, students will remain at school until 4: 00 p.m. (3 :00 on Friday).For 7 th and 8 th graders, students will remain at school until 4: 30PM. On appropriate Saturdays, schoolwill begin at 9 :00 a.m. and end at 1 :00 p.m.

If your child is going to miss school because of an illness, please call Ms. Ceron as soon as possible. Allabsences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. KIPPstaff will call to verify all absences.

Ifyour child is running late or will miss a portion of the day due to a doctor s appointment please call Ms.Ceron. (Please try to arrange doctor s appointment outside of the school schedule or during the laterpart of the day. Please speak to Mr. Negron if there are any concerns). Students who arrive late willreceive a late pass and will also be asked to stay after school for that day. This late pass will be attachedto their paycheck and should be signed at the end of the week. If your child is absent or late, you shouldexpect a phone call from someone on KIPP staff.

All absences and latenesses are noted on the paychecks and report cards. Students are responsible forall missed assignments and 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 sgrades. If a student is repeatedly absent, Mr. Negron, Mr. Brunzell, teacher(s), student andparent/guardian will meet to address the issue. In addition, students who have 10 or more unexcusedabsences (3 latenesses equal one absence) run the risk of missing the end-of-year field lesson and/orpromotion to the next grade.

FOOD SERVICESAll families must fill out a federal free/reduced lunch form in September.

Starting in September, breakfast is optional and will take place from 7 :00 7 :25 a.m., Monday Friday.It is suggested that your child not arrive later than 7 : 15 a.m. if they want to receive breakfast in themorning. Families may also choose to send a bag lunch. However, the school is unable to assumeresponsibility for refrigerating or warming lunch brought from home. Please inform the school if yourchild has any food allergies.

On Monday-Thursday, snacks will be provided.

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 schoolwill receive a Full-fare Metro Card for public transportation. It is each student s responsibility to holdonto the Metro Card. Students will receive a transportation pass the Friday prior to Saturdayschool.Parents are expected to pick up or make special arrangements for students remaining afterschool for detention, tutoring, or special activities.

Parents must provide contact information for any person authorized to pick up their child.If the personpicking up child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be a) given explicit written


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permission to pick up the child and b) be 18 years or older. Please speak to Mr. Negron if there are anyconcerns.

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 localmuseums and parks, walks over the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Columbia Universitybasketball games, ice skating, and the Bronx Zoo, among other New York City sites. In addition, manyKIPPsters work hard to earn an out-of-state field trip at the end of the year, to DC (5 th), Utah (6 th),Boston (7 th), and California (8 th). Students earn these trips based on their paycheck average, attendance,and academics. In addition, the school reserves the right to remove a student from a trip or prohibitthem from going for any reason that jeopardizes the physical or emotional well being of themselves orothers. The school will discuss with families in more detail as trip season approaches.

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERSPart of the success of KIPP Infinity is the open communication between parents, students, and teachers.In an effort to help with this, we give all telephone numbers of KIPP Infinity staff.Students and parentsshould 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 amessage explaining the reason for the call, your full name and telephone number and allow timetoreturn your call. In addition, in the event of an emergency, please feel free to call Mr. Negron, or any of the Social Workers and Counselors on staff.

CELL PHONE USAGEWe understand many of you have purchased cell phones for your children to be used in case of emergencies, or just simply as a means to communicate with your child after school. However, it is notpermitted for cell phones to be used during school hours. Cell phones must be turned off beforestudents enter the school and phones must remain off. If this rule is not followed, we will confiscate thephone, and hold it until a parent/guardian comes to the school to pick it up. Pleaseknow, if the phone is

confiscated on more than one occasion, the school reserves the right to not allow your child to bring acell phone to school at all. Please be advised that KIPP is not responsible for lost or damaged cellularphones. If you need a message relayed to your child please call the school or a KIPP Infinity staff member directly.

PERSONAL BELONGINGSStudents should ensure that any personal belongings they bring with them to school are appropriate forschool and do not pose any type of physical or emotional risk to themselves or others. In addition,students are not permitted to bring gum, candy, toys of any kind to school without prior permission. Alltoys, cards, games and electronics not specifically authorized by the Principal, Mr. Negron, will beconfiscated and returned only to parents and guardians. Finally, please note that the school is notresponsible for any personal belongings brought to school.


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E very KIPP 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 POLICY1. Students are to wear a KIPP shirt and navy blue pants every day, Monday through Thursday. Their KIPP shirts

must be fully visible at all times within the building. There are KIPP long-sleeve shirts and sweatshirts availablefor colder weather.

2. All KIPP shirts and button-down shirts (on professional dress days) are to be tucked in and worn appropriately.

3. On Monday through Thursday, students may not wear overalls, jumpers, or any other article of clothing thatcovers their KIPP shirt.

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

5. Students may not wear jogging pants or sweat pants.

6. Students may not wear sleeveless or cut-off shirts, blouses, or dresses.

7. Students may not wear shorts, capris or skorts (except in the summer months).

8. Students may not wear inappropriately tight or short shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, or capris.

9. Girls may not wear skirts that are inappropriately short (more than 3 inches above the center of their knee) orthat have inappropriately long slits (above their knees). Girls are encouraged to avoid wearing dresses or skirtsthat ride up. They have the option of wearing a slip underneath dresses or skirts.

10. On Fridays (except during summer school), all students must wear professional dress clothing. For boys thisincludes dress pants, a dress shirt with tie, and dress shoes (no sneakers or unprofessional boots). For girls,this includes a dress, a dress shirt with a skirt, or a dress shirt with dress pants (no denim) and dress shoes (nosneakers or unprofessional boots). Dress shirts should not have any type of printed words or pictures. (If weather is extreme, students should bring a change of shoes).

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

12. For safety reasons the following jewelry will not be permitted at KIPP : necklaces, chains, chokers, multiplefinger rings, and dangle earrings. Earrings should not hang from the earlobe (i.e. studs are permitted). Boysare not permitted to wear earrings at anytime. Students are permitted one bracelet and one ring to be wornin school. Necklaces of religious nature may be worn but must remain tucked in at all times.

13. Students may not pierce any body part other than their ears. Males must remove earrings in the building.

14 . Students may not wear make-up or color contacts. (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).

15. Students may not wear artificial nails. No type of nail coloring may be worn (including clear).

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

17. BIRTHDAYS: If your child s birthday lands on a school day, s/he is allowed to wear professional attire ratherthan a KIPP shirt. The birthday child may not wear jeans or t-shirts, professional dress attire only. Studentsare not mandated to dress in professional attire on their birthday, but they have the option to do so.

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

b) Skateboards and scooters may not be brought to school.


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TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USEIn order to maintain appropriate use of our technology equipment, we ask all students to refrain fromthe following :

Using computers without staff supervision or permission. Downloading software, plug-ins, games or other programs without permission. Using chat rooms, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or other personal social networking websites. Changing Windows desktop, taskbar, screensaver, or any other computer settings. Accessing anyone else's data folders, files or documents. Sending email or IM unless specified by a staff member. Eating or drinking near a computer. Leaving a laptop anywhere else but in mobile lab when done with it. Playing non-education games on a KIPP computer.

Students in violation of any of the above may be subject to disciplinary action.

HEALTH AND SAFETYIMMUNIZATIONSNew York State law requires that all children entering elementary school be immunized againstDiphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, 2 Hepatitis A, 3 Hepatitis B, andVaricella.

Before a child can be permitted to enter and attend school (subject to the 1 4 -day initial waiverrequirement), parents or guardians must present documentation that their child has received allrequired doses of vaccines or that their child has received at least one dose of each of the requiredvaccines and is waiting to receive the subsequent doses at the appropriate time intervals. KIPP Infinitymust receive a certificate of immunization no later than September 19, 2009 . These requirements canbe waived only if a properly signed health or religious exemption is filed with the school.

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

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURSIf a child becomes ill or injured during the school day and is not well enough to stay in class, theparent/guardian will be called to pick the child up. It is necessary to have updated emergency contactnumbers on file in the school office in case no one can be contacted at home. If the person picking upchild 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.

MEDICATIONStaff at the school are NOT authorized to administer medication. If a child needs to take medicine atschool, he/she must give Ms. Ceron a written note from a doctor or parent with exact dosage and timesfor student to take medicine him/herself in the presence of school staff. Medicine needs to be in itsoriginal packaging/case. If there are any concerns about medicine, allergies and overall health please letMr. Negron know.


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Students with asthma should bring an inhaler prescribed by their doctor to school each day. Asthmaticstudents should notify a KIPP staff member as soon as breathing becomes difficult.

COUNSELING SERVICESThe Social Workers and Counselors at KIPP Infinity are available to help any student or parent addressany social, emotional, or academic issue they may be facing. In addition, our social workers/counselorshelp students work through and cope with personal and school-related stress. At KIPP every student isentitled 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 :

y If a parent is interested in having their child seen by one of our Social Workers please contactthe (social worker on staff and/or the principal)

y S tudents are able to ask directly to speak with one of the social workers on staff y 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 familiesand as a result all information and counseling services are confidential and cannot be shared (except in instances required by law).

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULESTART/END DATESSummer School will begin for 5 th graders on July 13 th and for 6 th through 8 th graders on July 1 4 th . The lastday of summer school for all students is July 31 st. This year, school will resume for students on Tuesday,September 1, 2009. The last day for students will be Tuesday, June 22 nd , 2010.

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYSWith a few exceptions, KIPP Infinity will follow the same holiday schedule as the New York CityDepartment of Education (see calendar for full details).

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

Once the school day has started, school will not be cancelled early due to weather conditions. Parentsshould 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 studentsat KIPP Infinity must attend school during the summer. Summer school is three weeks long and takesplace between 8 :00AM and 2 :00PM. Please note that unexcused absences in the summer may result in

a child being unable to attend one of the school s annual field trips.

SATURDAY SCHOOLOn appropriate Saturdays, KIPP Infinity students are expected to attend Saturday school from 9 : 00 AM -1:00PM. Unless otherwise specified, students must continue to follow the standard KIPP Infinity dresscode on Saturdays. During this time, students will participate in band, among other enrichment andacademic activities. Lunch will be provided.


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KIPP INFINITY 2009-2010 CALENDARJULY

Weds., July 8 First Day of PD for KIPP Infinity TeachersFri., July 10 KIPP NYC Professional Development DayMon., July 13 First Day for Class of 2017Tues., July 1 4 First Day for all other grades

Fri., July 17 5th

8th

Grade Family OrientationThurs., July 30 T-Shirt Ceremony

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

Tues., September 1 First Day Back from Summer BreakFri., September 4 No School Labor DayMon., September 7 No School Labor DaySat., September 19 Saturday School (is Rosh Hashanah)Fri., September 25 KIPP NYC Professional Development Day School ClosedMon., September 28 Yom Kippur (School Closed)

OCTOBER

Fri, October 2 1 st Quarter Progress Reports DistributedSat., October 3 Saturday SchoolTues, October 6 KIPP NYC Day (Students Dismissed at approx 12 :00PM)Mon., October 12 Columbus Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)Sat., October 17 Saturday SchoolSat., October 31 Saturday School Halloween Party

NOVEMBER

Tues., November 3 Election Day (School Open)

Thurs., November 5 End of First QuarterFri., November 6 KIPP NYC Professional Development Day School Closed Sat., November 7 Saturday SchoolTues., November 10 Report Card NightWeds., November 11 Veterans Day (School Open) Report Card NightTues, November 17 KIPP NYC Day and QWA #1 (Students Dismissed at approx 12 :00PM)Nov., 18-19 5 th Grade NY State Social Studies ExamNovember 23-27 Thanksgiving Break (SCHOOL CLOSED)

DECEMBER

Sat., December 5 Saturday SchoolTues, December 8 KIPP NYC Day(Students Dismissed at approx 12 : 00PM)Sat., December 12 Saturday SchoolFri., December 18 2 nd Quarter Progress Reports DistributedSat., December 19 Saturday SchoolMon., December 21 KIPP Infinity Holiday ShowDecember 24-Jan. 1 Winter Recess (SCHOOL CLOSED)

JANUARY 2010


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Mon., January 4 All Students Return to SchoolMon., January 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)Fri., January 29 End of Second QuarterSat., January 30 Saturday School Nonfiction Winter Exhibition Preparation

FEBRUARY

Tues., February 2 Report Card NightSat., February 6 Saturday School Nonfiction Winter Exhibition PreparationTues., February 9 KIPP NYC Day and QWA 2 (Students Dismissed at approx 12 :00PM)Thurs., February 11 Nonfiction Winter ExhibitionFri., February 12 Students Dismissed Early at 1 :00PMFebruary 15-19 Mid-Winter Recess (SCHOOL CLOSED)

MARCH

Sat., March 6 Saturday SchoolFri., March 12 3 rd Quarter Progress Reports Sent HomeFri., March 19 KIPP NYC Professional Development Day (SCHOOL CLOSED) Sat., March 20 Saturday SchoolMarch 29 April 6 Spring Break

APRIL

Weds., April 7 Students Return to SchoolSat., April 10 Saturday SchoolFri., April 16 End of Third QuarterTues., April 20 Report Card NightTues., April 27 KIPP NYC Day and QWA 3 (Students Dismissed at approx 12 :00PM)

MAY

May 3 7 8 th Grade End of Year Trip (tentative)May 17 21 7 th Grade End of Year Trip (tentative)May 2 4 28 6 th Grade Utah Trip (tentative)Mon., May 31 Memorial Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

JUNE

June 3- 4 8th Grade Social Studies ExamJune 7-10 5 th grade Washington D.C. trip (tentative)Sat., June 19 8 th Grade Advancement Ceremony! (tentative) Tues., June 22 Last Day of School; 4 th Quarter Report Cards Sent Home

Next year s summer school dates are already set and will take place from July 12 th to July 30 th .

Board of TrusteesKIPP Infinity board meetings are open to the public and will be held on October 26, January 11, March15, and June 1 4 in 2009-10. For times and location, please call the school.


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ACADEMICS - WORK HARDHOMEWORKA key part of the academic program of KIPP Infinity is the homework that every KIPPster will receiveevery 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 isexcused from any assignment without the permission of his or her teacher prior to the due date. If astudent discovers that s/he will be unable to complete an assignment, s/he must contact the teacher byphone no later than the night before it is due. If the student is unable to contact their teacher for somereason, they must bring a written note from their parents/guardians.

KEY HW POINTST here are many points we review with students. Below are constant messages we send to our KIPPstersas we reinforce the importance of homework. Please review with your child and continue to reinforceaccurate, thorough and timely completion of homework. As always students can call teachers withhomework questions.

D Because we are committed to our mission of preparing our students for high school, college andthe 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 areimportant tools for success.

D HW is logged on the weekly paychecks. Paychecks, a weekly log of student behavioral andacademic performance, will be further explained in the next section.

D Students can earn points on paychecks based on excellent completion of homework.D Students can lose points on paychecks and will be placed on lunch Bench or afterschool Bench if

homework is incomplete, poorly done or undone. (see paycheck section for the amountdeducted from paychecks).

D Incomplete homework assignments or assignments the student cannot find at the moment theassignment is asked for by the teacher will all be considered incomplete, and students will not

receive credit for them. A loss of paycheck dollars will result.

A. MAKE-UP WORK ON DAYS STUDENT IS ABSENTStudents who are absent are expected to call individual teachers to find out their assignments andmake up the homework when they return to school. All missed, incomplete or incorrect work mustbe completed. It is the student s responsibility to check with each of his/her teachers to make sures/he is aware of all assignments. The time generally allowed to complete this work will be thenumber of days the student was absent. For example, if a student was absent for one day, then s/hewill have one day to make up any missed work.

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

B. PARENT SIGNATURE ON TESTS/PAYCHECKParents must sign all tests and graded assignments, which includes weekly paychecks. Every Friday,students receive paychecks and it must be signed and returned by Monday. Students must alsoreturn tests signed by the next day. Unsigned tests and paychecks will be noted on the paycheck.


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CHEATING/PLAGIARISMCheating is a serious offense. If a student copies another student s work or if a student givesanother student his/her work, it is considered cheating (Academic Dishonesty), and the student willnot receive higher than an S on their conduct grade on that quarter s report card. Students willreceive a zero on their paycheck and will be placed on the Bench.

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 offas theirown original work. If a student plagiarized and forges a signature, this is also considered AcademicDishonesty. Students will receive a zero on their paycheck and will be placed on the Bench.

REPORT CARDS AND GRADINGReport cards will be issued four times per year. Progress reports will be provided to parents at the mid-point of each quarter to update them on their child s academic progress. Progress reports provide adetailed picture of a student s academic performance based on assignments and assessmentsadministered in a given period.

The grading system for report cards is as follows : 97 - 100 = A+94 - 96 = A90 - 93 = A-87 - 89 = B+83 - 86 = B80 - 82 = B-77 - 79 = C+73 - 76 = C70 - 72 = C-Below 70 = Failing

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

y Failure to meet academic standards of readiness for the next grade : Students who fail (earnbelow 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 beretained as well.

y Failure to meet adequate standards of attendance and lateness : Students who are absentmorethan 10 days of school may be retained. Please note that 3 latenesses counts as one absence)

y Failure to meet behavioral standards of readiness for the next grade level : Students whosebehavior has not shown adequate growth or improvement, or is not at a sufficient level, may beretained.

STANDARDIZED TESTINGKIPP Infiinity administers the New York State 5 th Grade Social Studies Exam (Nov.),English/Language Arts


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Exam, Math Exam, Intermediate Science and Social Studies Exam (June), 8 th Grade Earth Science Regents(June) and 8 th Grade Math Regents Exams (June). These exams give teachers information about studentsso that they can effectively design instruction to meet particular student needs, and clearly demonstratethe academic achievement of students. Once a year, the school will publish the school-wide results of these tests.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION AND SUPPLIESOrganizational skills are taught to students in each of their academic classes. Students are given anagenda at the beginning of the school year to track their homework. When a student is absent, he orshe will be able to get back on track as quickly as possible and begin making up missed work.Please check your child s agenda to ensure that s/he has successfully completed all assignments.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONFor students who have Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 50 4 Accommodations, staff will provide thenecessary support to meet every student s needs. Such services may include the following :

y Testing modifications such as extended time, separate location, and/or questions read aloudy Counselingy Speech therapyy Occupational therapyy Physical therapy and/or accommodationsy Any other related special education services mandated by an IEP or 50 4 Accommodationsy In the event that KIPP Infinitycannot provide the necessary support for a student, external agencies and

resources will be referred for a student either on-site or at another facility. Staff will follow up andmonitor any off-site services that are provided for any students.


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

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KIPP PAYCHECK SYSTEMGood things happen when you do the right things.

Bad things happen when you do the wrong things.

Each week your child will receive a KIPP paycheck. This paycheck is used to give you a weekly idea of your child s socialand academic performance. The front of the paycheck includes a space for teacher comments. The back of the paycheckincludes an explanation of the comments each teacher may make. All paychecks should be signed on the back.

y Every Friday, the week s paycheck will be sent home with your child.y Please review the paycheck with your child over the weekend and return the signed paycheck to school with

your child on Monday.y Your child should try to maintain a paycheck average that is higher than 35 KIPP Dollars.

PAYCHECK DOLLAR AMOUNT WHAT THE SCORE REFLECTS 30-38 KIPP dollars an average week of school 39-44 KIPP dollars a good week of school 4 5-4 9 KIPP dollars a great week of school 50+ KIPP dollars an excellent week of school

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT PAYCHECKSTeachers will write comments good and bad on each student s paycheck. Teachers will calculate the weeklypaycheck amounts at the end of the day on Thursday. Students will receive paychecks on Friday and take them home,to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school on Monday. Students will receive positive and negativecomments from their teachers each day. Positive comments add points to the paycheck and negative points take pointsaway. Below you will see a chart with the comments that you will find on your child s paycheck. These comments willbe followed by the initials of the teachers who wrote them. If you have specific questions about the comments on thepaycheck please feel free to contact the teachers directly.

PAYCHECK DEFINITIONS AND VALUES

The following are some paycheck definitions and values that are common amongst all four grades. Certain grades haveadditional comments, but they all are explained on the back of the paycheck.

Category Comment Meaning Value

AttendanceLate Lateness to school -3Abs. (unexcused) Unexcused absence -6*A Perfect attendance and punctuality for the week +3

Homework No HW No Homework -6NO HW checked off Made up missing homework -3INC HW Incomplete Homework -5NFD HW Not Following Directions on HW -3

PositiveBehavior

*Z Zest (enthusiastic throughout lesson) +3*Grit Grit (not giving up) +3

*LofL Love of Learning +3*SC Self-Control (attentive throughout lesson) +3*K Kindness +3

NegativeBehavior

OT Off task -3NFD Not following directions -3Rude Rude behavior to a student or teacher -6Sleeping Sleeping in class -6DO Disorganized (leaving work in desk, losing work) -3Gum Chewing gum in class -20


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

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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PAYCHECKSWhen will I receive my child s paychecks? Students receive paychecks on Fridays. You must sign paychecks and students should return signed paychecks to theirteacher on Monday morning. Unsigned paychecks are counted as a missing HW and will receive a 6 point deduction.

When are paychecks calculated? By whom?Paychecks are calculated by grade level teachers every Thursday to be distributed on Friday.

For what are paychecks used?Paychecks are used to inform parents of student s weekly performance in both academic and character. Inaddition,paychecks are used to reward our students. At the end of the year, students who have maintained an averagefor the entire year of 35 or more may earn the end-of-the-year trip. As discussed in the field trip section above,paychecks are only one of the criteria necessary to earn KIPP field trips.

How do I calculate paychecks?KEY POINT S:

y Teachers write comments based on attendance, homework, classwork and teamwork.y Each comment is worth a specific number of points (see paycheck definitions on previous page).y All students start with a 4 3 if there are no comments written on a paycheck.y Teachers add all positive comments up to 60 KIPP dollars, which is the highest a student can earn.y Then teachers calculate the negative comments in each category and subtract it from the total.y The final amount is written on the front of the paycheck.


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SuspensionKIPP has created a code of conduct which identifies certain behaviors that are punishable by suspension fromclass or school. The following conduct are some of the behaviors that are punishable by suspension, whether itoccurs on campus, in the vicinity of the campus, on field trips, on any school sponsored activity, or on schoolbuses. Suspension may be short-term or long-term, in school or out-of-school depending on the severity of theoffense and whether or not the student has previously been suspended for the same offense. This list includes,

but is not limited to :

y Assault of fellow studenty Endangering the physical safety of another

by the use of force or threats of force thatplace the victim in fear of bodily injury

y Conduct which disrupts school or classroomactivity

y Conduct which endangers or threatens toendanger the health, safety, welfare, ormorals of others

y Insubordination and other forms of disrespectful behavior

y Failure to comply with school andclassroom rules

y Failure to comply with disciplinaryconsequences

y Cheating on quizzes, exams, or plagiarismy Use of forged notes or excuses

y Theft, or attempted theft, or possession of property known by the student to be stolen

y Extortiony Gamblingy Abuse of school property or equipmenty Obscene or abusive language or gesturesy Verbal or physical harassment based on

gender, race, ethnicity, religion or disabilityy False bomb threat or false emergency alarmy Possession of tobacco or alcoholy Possession of pagers, beepers, or

portable/cellular telephones not being usedfor instructional purposes

y Making a material false statement i.e.,lying about an important matter -- to ateacher, principal, or other schoolpersonnel.

A student who has previously been suspended for the same or a similar offense may be subject to a suspension

of six or more days or may be subject to expulsion. In addition, the following list of infractions may result in asuspension of six or more days or may result in expulsion.

y Possession within school, on school grounds, on school buses or during any school activity, of anyfirearm, knife, razor blade, explosive, mace, tear gas, or other dangerous object

y Arson on school property, whether accomplished or attemptedy Possession or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances within school, on school grounds, on

school buses, or during a school activityy Selling, distributing or purchasing illegal drugs or controlled substances within school, on school

grounds, on school buses or during any school activityy Assault of another student resulting in physical injury or any assault on a staff membery

Intentionally causing physical injury to another persony Causing major damage to school property

All suspensions of six or more days require the approval of the Executive Director or Superintendent.

In all cases, families will be provided with a written explanation for the suspension prior to the beginning of thesuspension and students and/or parents will have the opportunity to respond. When appropriate,arrangements for alternate instruction will be offered.


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COMPLAINTS OR DISAGREEMENTSIf you have a concern about a school policy, academic grade, discipline decision, or anything else, weencourageyou to contact the appropriate staff member at KIPP Infinity by telephone. All staff members are committed toresponding promptly to parent/guardian concerns. If an issue is not resolved promptly or satisfactorily, pleasecontact the Principal to discuss the matter further.

Parents may also file a complaint in writing to the Executive Director or Superintendent, who have beenappointed by the Board of Trustees to review complaints. After reviewing the complaint, the Executive Directoror Superintendent will respond either in writing, telephone, or in person depending on the circumstance. If after presenting your complaint to the Executive Director and Superintendent, you determine that yourcomplaint has not been adequately addressed, you may also contact the Chair of KIPP Infinity s Board of Trustees. Should you still have additional concerns you may appeal to the school s authorizer and then up tothe Board of Regents of the state of New York, which shall investigate and respond.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

As already mentioned, one of the keys to the success of KIPP Infinity is the strong working relationship betweenparents, teachers, and children. The key to this is constant communication. It is for this reason that all KIPPInfinity teachers give out their phone numbers and it is also the reason that we have a completely open doorpolicy. All KIPP families are welcome to visit the school at anytime. In addition to phone conversations, schoolvisits, home visits by staff, KIPP Infinity 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 anyother ideas you might have.

WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED? O ur 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 Attend student in-class performances (poetry caf, in class speeches and presentations, cultural

celebrations, and other s depending on specific classes) 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 Inform us of community events or activities we should be participating in Carpool with other families Attend parent-teacher conferences Cheer and support our sports teams (basketball, cross country, track, soccer) And of course we are always available to sample delicious home-cooked meals that your child

rants and raves about

And if there are additional volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact Mr. Negron directly.

Documents

KIPP INF - Family Handbook 2009-2010