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FAMILY HANDBOOK
2013-2014
586 West 177th
Street, 4th
Floor New York, NY 10033
Tel: (212) 991-2630
www.kippnyc.org
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Dear Families,
Welcome to the KIPP STAR Elementary team and family! We are so excited to begin our 3rd
year,
and as a team of families, students and staff, we are continuing to build the foundation for early
education and character together. We commit to helping our children develop the character,
academic skills and habits necessary to succeed in middle school, high school, college and the
world beyond. We believe that by working together, we can provide opportunities to enable our
children to grow up to have happy, healthy and successful lives.
Whether our KIPPsters are in the classrooms reading A Chair for My Mother, at the zoo discovering
the needs of animals to live and survive, performing at our winter show or practicing their school
values, they truly embody what it is to be a KIPPster. We practice the KIPP Philosophy: Be nice and
work hard. Due to the tremendous grit, love, hope, communication and support of their teachers
and families, we know that our KIPPsters will do amazing things. We are excited about their infinite
possibilities, and building the first KIPP elementary school in Washington Heights is one step
towards achieving those possibilities. These are truly exciting times, and we are happy that you are
part of it!
We recognize that these efforts take tremendous discipline and dedication, which can only be donewith the joint efforts of families, staff and our students. Since we value open communication and
access to information, we have prepared a handbook regarding the schools structure, a ttendance,
schedule, culture and academics along with other pieces of information that we think you will find
helpful. Hopefully, this handbook will serve as a useful resource to answer any questions that you
may have. Please keep it handy so that you may refer to it when necessary.
We look forward to an exciting and positive year! Once again, welcome to another year at KIPP
STAR Elementary, which is filled with the promise of greatness, enthusiasm, love and dedication.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Thank you for your faith and support,
Anokhi Saraiya
Principal
(917)-450-8853
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 3WHO WE ARE ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
KIPP MISSION ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
OUR BEGINNING .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
KIPP CREDO ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4At KIPP, we believe. ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY VALUES ........................................................................................................................... 5OUR VALUES..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE ..................................................................................................................... 6SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONE ............................................................................. 7KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY STAFF INFO ..................................................................................................................... 8GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................................... 9
ENROLLMENT ................................................................................................................................................................... 9
WHO SHOULD I ASK? ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
ATTENDANCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
ATTENDANCE CONSEQUENCES FOR ABSENCES & TARDIES ........................................................................................ 11
SCHOOL UNIFORM ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
DRESS CODE POLICY ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
FOOD AND WELLNESS .................................................................................................................................................... 14
TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
FIELD LESSONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS ........................................................................................................... 16
CELL PHONE POLICY ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
PERSONAL BELONGINGS ................................................................................................................................................ 17
HEALTH AND SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................... 17IMMUNIZATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
REPORTING A CHILDS SICKNESS.................................................................................................................................... 17
NURSE SERVICE AND MEDICATION ................................................................................................................................ 18
COUNSELING SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 18
CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................. 18START/END DATES ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS ................................................................................................................................................... 19
SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER) .............................................................................................................................. 19
FAMILY SATURDAYS ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
ACADEMICS - WORK HARD............................................................................................................................... 22HOMEWORK................................................................................................................................................................... 22
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM ................................................................................................................................................. 23
PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE ................................................................................................................................ 24
BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT............................................................................................................................... 25FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 26
WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED?.......................................................................................................... 27
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WHO WE ARE
KIPP MISSIONKIPP STAR Elementarys mission is to teach our students to 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.
OUR BEGINNINGWe founded KIPP STAR Elementary in 2011. This is the first KIPP elementary school in Washington
Heights, but we are not the only KIPP School.
KIPP STAR Elementary is part of KIPP NYC which currently serves over 4,000 students and alumni at
five middle schools, one high school and three elementary schools.
From the beginning, KIPP has focused on developing academic and character skills. Since day one,
the key to our success has been the amazing teamwork of families, students and teachers working
together.
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 realitybut believe that we can change our world
and our place within it.
We work, plan, create, and dream.
Our talent, character, and integrity
will be the tools we 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 STAR ELEMENTARY VALUES
OUR VALUES
The KIPP STAR Elementary School core values, Curiosity, Confidence, Community, Character, and
Choice, guide our entire school community.
Curiosity
We ask and explore questions, and construct knowledge through imagination, discovery, and
exploration.
Confidence
We hold high expectations for ourselves and each other to achieve beyond the standards-driven
curriculum. We take risks, and celebrate our successes as well as our opportunities for growth.
Community
We learn together every day, in every way, from everyone that we meet.
Character
We exhibit character at all times, by being our best selves and doing what is right even when no
one is looking. We show compassion, kindness, honesty, humility, and gratitude to all those around
us.
Choice
We are empowered to make choices and decisions about our learning, ideas, actions, words, and
life. We make thoughtful, informed decisions, and take responsibility for those choices.
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KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
School Commitment:1. Timeliness We will arrive every day by 7:45 AM and remain at school until 5:15 PM.2. High Quality EducationWe will do whatever it takes to nurture and strengthen our students creativity, knowledge and
character as we prepare them to excel academically, physically and socially in secondary schools, colleges and life.
3. Support and Respect We promise to respect, appreciate and support every student. We will work together with you forthe benefit of your child and all the children attending KIPP STAR Elementary School.
4. Communication We promise to communicate regularly with parents about the ir childs progress and make ourselvesavailable in person and by phone. We will return parent phone calls within 24 hours.
5. Civility Code We promise to maintain a high level of civility in our communication with you and your child. We believethat we are on the same team, and we will conduct ourselves respectfully and professionally.
6. Homework We will assign productive, worthwhile homework each night to reinforce and support skills and conceptslearned in class.
7. Fairness We will address the values of KIPP STAR Elementary School consistently and fairly. We promise to keep youinformed of how your child is demonstrating the STAR values. When students are disciplined or suspended, or when
students deserve recognition for their accomplishments, we will inform their parents promptly.
8. Safety We will always protect the safety, interests and rights of all individuals.Failure to adhere to these commitments can lead to our removal from KIPP.
Parent/Guardian Commitment:1. Attendance We will make sure our child comes to school every day. We will schedule doctors appointments, vacations,
etc. for days when school is not in session.
2. Timeliness We will make sure our child arrives at school every day on time (between 7:50 AM and 8:10 AM). We willmake sure to promptly pick up our child at the end of the school day (4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday; 2:45 PM on Friday).
3. Support & HomeworkWe will provide a quiet space for our child to study. We will check our childs homeworkevery night and ensure that our child reads and/or is read to every night. We will make sure our child gets enough sleep
each night (at least 8 hours). We will do whatever it takes for our child to learn and perform to his/her optimal ability. We
will reinforce the STAR (Confidence, Curiosity, Character, Community and Choice) values at home.
4. Communication We 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 our childs education or
behavior, we will attend. If we have any concerns, we will raise them with someone at the school. We will promptly inform
the school if my address and/or phone number changes.
5. Civility Code We promise to maintain a high level of civility in our communication with the school. We know that we areon the same team and we will conduct ourselves in a respectful and professional manner.
6. Dress Code We will make sure our child follows the KIPP STAR Elementary School dress code every day.7. Summer School We will make sure our child attends every day of Summer School, which we understand will take place
August 20- August 30. We will schedule our family vacations outside of this time.
8. Family Saturdays We will attend Family Saturdays with our child once a month starting in September from 9:00 AM until11:00 AM. If we are unable to attend, we will make sure a family member older than 18 years of age attends with our
child.
Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause my child to lose various KIPP privileges and
can lead to my child's expulsion from KIPP.
Student Commitment:1. I will Be Nice every day.2. I will Work Hard every day.3. I will do my homework every night and call my teacher if I need help.
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4. I will follow the directions of my parents and all the adults at school.5. I will live by our STAR values (Confidence, Curiosity, Character, Community, Choice).
Failure to adhere to these commitments can cause me to lose various KIPP privileges and can lead
to my expulsion from KIPP.
SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONE
We are committed to reinforcing common standards of character and academic performance to create a sense ofteam and family. We believe that these ideas serve as a great foundation to be carried beyond the five years at KIPP
STAR 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 Safe, Be Nice, Work Hard
II - We are a TEAM AND A FAMILY
III - STAR Values (Confidence, Curiosity, Character, Community, Choice)
IV - Track the Speaker- This means that students will always have their eyes and focus on that person.
V Polite Words (PLEASE, EXCUSE ME, THANK YOU, SORRY, YOURE WELCOME)
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KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY STAFF INFO
Name Title Email Address Phone
NumberSchool Leadership
Ms. Anokhi Saraiya Principal [email protected] 917-450-8853
Ms. Nikki Khosla Dean of Teaching and Learning [email protected]
917-208-8005Ms. Maya Tucci Dean of Teaching and Learning [email protected] 646-761-9027
Ms. Rebecca McMurdie Dean of Students [email protected] 917-322-1820
Ms. Leslie Billie Director of Operations [email protected] 646-831-0132
Classroom Teachers
Ms. Sara Arcaya Kindergarten Teacher/
Grade Team Leader
[email protected] 914-356-6937
Ms. Cera Felice Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 917-208-9272
Ms. Nicolette Omoile Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 646-265-2602
Ms. Ana Diaz Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 646-730-5011
Ms. Jennifer Suen Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 646-734-8330
Ms. Jessica Taveras Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 646-483-8631
Ms. Rachel Kurtz Kindergarten Teacher [email protected] 917-836-7982
Ms. Mary Turner Kindergarten Teacher [email protected]
Ms. Jacquelyn Torres First Grade Teacher [email protected] 646-581-1019
Ms. Priscilla Taoufik First Grade Teacher [email protected] 646-761-8601
Ms. Meena
Sadjatumwadee
First Grade Teacher/
Grade Team Leader
[email protected] 917-836-4839
Ms. Monica Barrera First Grade Teacher [email protected] 917-509-8006
Ms. Adeola Adegboyega-
Panox
First Grade Teacher [email protected] 646-734-0929
Mr. Ken Hall First Grade Teacher [email protected] 646-581-6329
Ms. Kristyn Abreu First Grade Teacher [email protected] 646-581-7199
Mr. Logan McClellan First Grade Teacher [email protected]
646-581-7442Ms. Nora Graham Second Grade Teacher [email protected] 646-455-8906
Ms. Mary Findley Second Grade Teacher [email protected] 646-753-0796
Ms. Jessica Sandoval Second Grade Teacher [email protected] 917-270-7593
Ms. Michelle Salese Second Grade Teacher [email protected] 646-476-0651
Mr. Adam Bryant Second Grade Content Learning
Specialist
[email protected] 480-980-9633
Explore and Imagine
Ms. Katherine Lebron Theater & Dance [email protected] 646-761-8038
Ms. Leigh Merin Visual Arts Teacher [email protected] 914-649-1432
Mr. Michael Baptiste Fitness Teacher [email protected] 917-623-6887
Student and Family Support
Ms. Kia-Fiara Melendez Director of Family Engagement &
Social Worker
[email protected] 917-263-1657
Ms. Hericka Jordan Social Worker [email protected] 646-612-0243
Ms. Joyce Shu Special Education Coordinator [email protected] 646-265-2147
Ms. Caridad Cruz ELL Coordinator [email protected] 816-719-7314
Ms. Christine Moreno School Operations Administrator [email protected] 646-634-2468
Ms. Jade Sands Empire Teaching Fellow [email protected] 646-647-0568
Ms. Elizabeth Reynaldos Bilingual Speech and Language
Therapist
[email protected] 646-532-9249
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]:[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]7/29/2019 KIPP STAR Elementary - Family Handbook 2013-14
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GENERAL INFORMATION
ENROLLMENTEvery year, beginning in the first week of January, KIPP STAR Elementary will begin accepting
applications for our kindergarten and first graders for the following year (although very few
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 6 as a 2nd
priority. The lottery will be held the first week of April.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOLUpon enrolling at KIPP STAR Elementary, the following documents must be submitted for each
student to Ms. Moreno, Office Manager:
New Student Enrollment FormCommitment to ExcellenceCopy of Birth CertificateProof of Address (Copy of a Phone Bill, Electric Bill, Lease or Gas Bill)Free and Reduced Price Lunch FormImmunization Records/Health RecordsHome Language Survey / PSE FormIEP (Individualized Educational Plan)/504 Accommodations (if applicable)
WHO SHOULD I ASK?At times, you may have questions about KIPP STAR Elementary. Below is a quick list of common
topics and to whom you should direct your questions.
TOPIC STAFF MEMBER
Lunch Forms, Emergency Forms, Medical Forms Ms. Moreno
Lost Metro Card Ms. Moreno
Ordering KIPP Uniform T-shirt Ms. Moreno
I have concerns about my childs social adjustment Mrs. Melendez or Ms. Jordan (Social Workers)
My child has an IEP Accommodation Ms. Shu or your childs teacher
My child will be absent or late Ms. Moreno
I have questions about my childs academic progress Your childs teachers
I have questions about school activities (permissions slips, etc.) Your childs teachers
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I have overall concerns
Ms. Saraiya (Principal)
Ms. Billie (Director of Operations) or
Ms. McMurdie
ATTENDANCE
Arriving to school on time, every day, is the first step to ensure that your child will be successful
in school. Research and our experience shows that students who consistently come to school
do better academically. Furthermore, punctuality is an important life skill that requires
discipline and organization, two skills that are essential in college. In fact, excessive absences
and tardies are two top contributing factors nation-wide to why people are fired or demoted
from their job. It is much easier to develop good habits around punctuality when you are
young, than to reverse bad habits when you are already in college or the workforce. For these
reasons, we have designed the following attendance policy to help support you and your child
to develop good attendance habits.
On the Commitment to Excellence it states:1. Attendance We will make sure our child comes to school every day. We will schedule
doctors appointments, vacations, etc. for days when school is not in session.
2. Timeliness We will make sure our child arrives at school every day on time (7:50am).We will make sure to promptly pick up our child at the end of the school day (4:00pm
Monday through Thursday and 2:45pm on Fridays). We know that three tardies is
equivalent to one absence and will be recorded as such.
Families are expected to ensure that their child is in school. Please do not allow your child to
miss a day of school except for serious illnesses. If your child is going to miss school because of
an illness, please call Ms. Moreno as soon as possible. All absences should be followed up thenext day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. If your child is absent, Ms. Moreno
will follow up with a phone call.
All Absences Excused and Unexcused are Considered Absences: Any day your childdoes not attend school is considered an absence. Student illness (with doctors note), a
death in the family, religious holiday (with parent/guardian/guardians notes) are all
considered absences at KIPP STAR. While we do request a call or note from a parent,
guardian or doctor explaining the absence, the student is still considered (and marked)
absent from school.
Never Miss School for Appointments: Parents/guardians/families are responsible forscheduling medical appointments outside of school time. The best times are Friday afternoons
(after 2:45 PM) or days when school is not in session. In the rare case when a student has a
medical appointment during school, they should not be absent for the entire school day.
Please notify your childs teacher/s or Ms. Moreno if your child has a doctors appointment
during school hours.
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Tardies: Getting to school on time is key to your childs success at school and in life. Ourdoors open at 7:50 AM each morning. Students must arrive between 7:50 AM and 8:10 AM.
Students arriving after 8:10 AM are marked tardy. Every three tardies will be recorded as an
absence.
Early Dismissal: Students are expected to stay in school until the very end of the day (4:00pmfor regular Monday-Thursday dismissal; 2:45pm on Fridays). Early pickups are disruptive to
the learning environment.
ATTENDANCE SUPPORT POLICY FOR ABSENCES & TARDIESAll absences and tardies are noted on report cards. Students are responsible for all missed
assignments, and families must arrange a way to complete all missed assignments and
homework. Since missing class affects academic achievement, repeated absences may be
reflected in the students grades.
At KIPP STAR Elementary School, we pride ourselves on having a partnership between parents,
teachers, and staff to provide the best possible education for our children. We are committed
to provide families with open and clear communication on our policies. Please see the chart
below for the action steps to make sure we are communicating and working together on your
childs attendance.
Absences accrued because of student illness (with a doctors note), a death in the family or a
religious holiday (with a parent/guardian note) will not be considered toward a students
withholding from a field lesson, field day, performance or other event ifyou call the school the
day the student is absent ANDsubmit a doctors note within 24 hoursof your childs return to
school.
Number Of Absences Action Step School Contact
3 Absences Letter sent home Ms. Moreno
5 absences Phone call, letter sent home Ms. McMurdie
8 Absences Meeting with Dean of Students or
Director of Operations
Ms. McMurdie or Ms. Billie
10 Absences Meeting with Principal Saraiya,
Promotion in Doubt letter signed by
parent
Ms. Saraiya
12 Absences Meeting with Dean of Students orDirector of Operations, student is at
risk of hold-over and cannot
participate in any extra-curricular
activities, including field lessons.
Ms. McMurdie or Ms. Billie
15 Absences Meeting with Principal, and student
withheld from school-wide
Ms. Saraiya
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performance.
20 Absences Student is at risk of hold-over, and
student is withheld from events
including field day, field lessons,
performances, etc. An individualized
attendance plan will be created foryou and your child.
Ms. Saraiya
*Note: If we cannot contact you to schedule a meeting, after 3 attempts, you and your child will
move to the next action step.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL POLICY
Arrival: Students and families must remain outside the building until 7:50 AM. Studentsmust arrive between 7:50 AM to 8:10 AM. All students will enter the school through the
designated KIPP STAR Elementary entrance on West 177th
Street. Students arriving after
8:10 AM are considered tardy and must use the Main Entrance to enter the building. Upon
entering the building, parents must get a pass from the security desk and bring their child
upstairs to the 4th
floor and sign him/her in at the main office.
Dismissal: On Monday through Thursday, families are responsible for picking upstudents promptly at 4:00 PM. On Fridays, the school day ends at 2:45 PM. All students
will be dismissed through the designated KIPP STAR Elementary entrance on West 177th
Street. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure a timely pick up of his/her
child from school. Late pick-ups are not acceptable. Ms. Billie (Director of Operations) will
contact the families of those students who are picked up late. No student will be allowed
to leave the school without an adult escort authorized to regularly pick them up (based on
authorized pick-up names listed on registration form). If the person picking up the child isnot 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. Please speak to Ms. Billie
(Director of Operations) if there are any concerns.
SCHOOL UNIFORMAll students must come to school wearing their KIPP STAR Elementary uniform t-shirt, khaki
pants, skirts (with shorts/tights underneath), capris, or shorts that fall at the knees, and
sneakers. KIPP uniform t-shirts will be available for purchase during family events, such as
Report Card Conferences, as well as from Ms. Moreno in the main office. Uniform t-shirts are
$8.00 for short-sleeved shirts and $9.00 for long-sleeved shirts. We only accept cash.
If a student arrives to school out of uniform, parents/guardians will be called and asked to bring
in a uniform before the student is sent to class.
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DRESS CODE POLICY
Monday-Thursday: KIPP STAR Elementary uniform t-shirt, khaki pants/skirt and sneakers.
Fridays: COLLEGE shirts maybe worn in place of uniform t-shirts.
1. Students are to wear a KIPP uniform t-shirt every day, except Friday. Their KIPP t-shirtsmust be fully visible at all times within the building. Long sleeve shirts may be wornunderneath KIPP t-shirts. There will be KIPP long-sleeve shirts available for colder
weather.
2. All KIPP shirts are to be tucked in and worn appropriately.3. All pants must fit around the waist. Belts are optional and if worn, should be of
appropriate size and nature (i.e. no large-faced images or symbols which may pose as a
distraction).
4. Students may not wear jeans to school, except on special occasions (determined byschool staff).
5. Students may not wear jogging pants, sweat pants or athletic shorts.6. Students may not wear sleeveless or cut -off shirts, blouses or dresses.7. Students may not wear inappropriately tight clothing.8. Girls may not wear skirts that are inappropriately short (more than 3 inches above the
center of their knee) or that have inappropriately long slits (above their knees). Girls areencouraged to wear shorts or tights under their skirts as the students sit on the carpet a
lot.
9. Students may not wear hats, caps, do-rags or other head coverings in the school (exceptin the case of religious observance).
10.For safety reasons, the following jewelry will not be permitted at KIPP STAR Elementary:necklaces outside of shirt, chains, chokers, multiple finger rings and dangle earrings.
Earrings should not hang from the earlobe (studs are permitted). One necklace may be
worn but must remain tucked in at all times. Students are NOT permitted to wear
bracelets and rings.
11.Students may not wear makeup. (Students may use lip balm, such as Vaseline,Chapstick, etc. to moisturize lips. As with any item, these may be taken away for
inappropriate and excessive use).
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12.Students must wear sneakers to school each day. Sneakers should not have wheels orlights as they are distracting and unsafe. Students cannot wear shoes that show their
toes or heels. We recommend Velcro shoes for students who have not yet learned to tie
shoelaces.
In addition to the above uniform regulations, the following rules apply:
a) Expensive jewelry or large sums of money should not be brought to school. If it isnecessary for students to carry more than $20, the money should be given to a
teacher for safekeeping.
b) The following items may not be brought to school: cell phones, iPods/iPads, orradios of any kind and electronic toys (PSPs, Gameboys, etc.).
FOOD AND WELLNESSAt KSES we are committed to inspiring students to make healthy choices about food and
wellness, setting the foundation for them to have long, healthy lives. The food we eat is what
fuels our mind and body. The choices we make about food affect our health, our ability to learn,focus and even our emotions. At KIPP STAR Elementary, we are committed to providing a sugar-
free and junk food-free environment, ensuring that the food students eat at school are
nutritious and conducive to learning. As such, the following foods are not permitted at KIPP
STAR Elementary School:
1) Candy, cookies, cake, chocolate, gummy treats, fruit roll-ups or other sweets2) Soda or other sugary drinks3) Chips, Cheetos or other packaged snacks high in sodium (pretzels are OK)
Breakfast
Research shows that students who regularly eat a nutritious breakfast are more successful
academically. You may choose to provide your child with a healthy breakfast at home, or you
may send your student to school early to eat breakfast at school. If you would like your child to
eat breakfast at school, please make sure they are at the door right at 7:50am when our doors
open. This will ensure they have time to walk upstairs, unpack and eat breakfast before our
instructional day begins at 8:10am.
If you arrive at school after 8:00am, please make sure to provide your child a nutritious
breakfast at home. Healthy whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, eggs and
breakfast meats are the best options. Research and our experience at KSES shows that students
who eat breakfast foods high in sugar and salt, such as sugary cereals and pre-packaged sweets
(donuts, cinnamon buns, etc.) are more hyperactive and impulsive at school, and have moretrouble succeeding academically. For this reason, please avoid serving your child these foods
before they come to school.
Lunch
We provide a healthy lunch option for students daily. All families will need to complete a form
that enables the school to participate in the free or reduced-price meal program. You may
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choose to send your child to school with a lunch. If you do this, please make sure that the entire
lunch is healthy and nutritious. Here are some ideas for healthy lunch options:
1) Sandwiches2) Sliced fruits and vegetables3) Yogurt4)
100% Juices5) Pasta or rice/beans
6) Other healthy homemade mealsIf you choose to send your student to school with a lunch, please send them with all the
appropriate utensils necessary (spoon, fork, etc.) Also, if you choose to send your child to
school with pre-packaged lunches (such as Lunchables) please make sure that they do not
include any candy, sweets or other foods that are not allowed in school. Lastly, if you choose to
send your child to school with a lunch, please have all items in one, clearly labeled bag.
Snack
We provide a healthy snack for all students every day. Students may not bring their own snack.If necessary, we will provide an alternative snack for students with food allergies.
Water
Staying hydrated helps you learn. We encourage you to send your child to school with a water
bottle each day. He/she will be welcome to drink from it throughout the day. Please make sure
your childs water bottle is labeled with their name.
Birthday Parties and Celebrations
We love celebrating our students! If you would like to celebrate your childs birthday at school,
please contact your childs teacher at least one week in advance of the date you would like tocome in. In order to honor our healthy food and wellness policies, please make sure to avoid
cakes, cupcakes and any other foods from our Foods Not Permitted at KSES list above (this
includes goodie bags). In the past, parents have brought in the following healthy foods to
celebrate their childs birthday: yogurt parfaits, cheese and crackers, assorted fruits, veggies
and hummus, pretzels.
Continued Support to Lead a Healthy Life
We are committed to ensuring all of our students have the skills and habits they need to lead
successful, happy lives. This commitment includes empowering students and families with the
knowledge and habits necessary to make healthy choices about food and exercise. We live in a
society that makes it easy to eat high amounts of salty and sugary foods, and we know that
making healthy choices are challenging. To support you in this mission, we host Family Saturday
workshops and Coffee and Conversations focusing on the topic of food and wellness. If you
would like additional support and resources in making healthy lifestyle changes for you and
your family, please feel free to reach out to Ms. McMurdie, Dean of Students or Mr. Baptiste,
our Fitness teacher. We would be more than happy to support you!
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TRANSPORTATIONStudents living more than mile in distance from the school but less than 1 mile may receive a
Reduced-Fare Metro Card for public transportation. Students living greater than 1 mile from
the school may receive a Full-Fare Metro Card for public transportation. It is each familys
responsibility to hold onto the Metro Card. Parents are expected to pick up or make special
arrangements for students remaining after school for detention, tutoring or special activities.
Parents must provide contact information for any person authorized to pick up their child. If
the person picking up the 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. Please speak
to Ms. Billie (Director of Operations) if there are any concerns.
FIELD LESSONSOur students and families look forward to various opportunities, especially our field lessons.
Each year, KIPP teachers plan field trip(s) that complement the curriculum, including travels to
the local museums and parks, the Statue of Liberty, Columbia University basketball games, ice
skating, the Bronx Zoo amongst other New York City sites. We encourage parents and family
members (18 years or older) to attend field lessons as chaperones. Students earn these lessons
based on their behavior, academic performance, and attendance (see attendance policy). In
addition, the school reserves the right to remove a student from a lesson or prohibit them
from going for any reason that jeopardizes the physical or emotional well-being of
themselves or others.
COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERSPart of the success of KIPP STAR Elementary is the open communication between parents,
students and teachers. In an effort to facilitate this, we give parents telephone numbers of
KIPP STAR Elementary staff. Students and parents should feel free to call staff members forany reason. Staff members are available by phone until 9pm each night. 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 call Ms. Saraiya
(Principal).
Website and Facebook
KIPP STAR Elementary is now on Facebook! Like us on Facebook for real-time information on
school events, pictures and videos of our KIPPsters, and more! Visit our page and make sure toclick Like to receive updates from KIPP STAR Elementary School:
www.facebook.com/KIPPSTARElementarySchool. Also, our school website contains a lot of
information about our school. The website URL is:
http://www.kippnyc.org/schools/elementary-schools/kipp-star-elementary.
http://www.facebook.com/KIPPSTARElementarySchoolhttp://www.facebook.com/KIPPSTARElementarySchoolhttp://www.kippnyc.org/schools/elementary-schools/kipp-star-elementaryhttp://www.kippnyc.org/schools/elementary-schools/kipp-star-elementaryhttp://www.kippnyc.org/schools/elementary-schools/kipp-star-elementaryhttp://www.facebook.com/KIPPSTARElementarySchool7/29/2019 KIPP STAR Elementary - Family Handbook 2013-14
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CELL PHONE POLICYPlease be advised that cell phones are not permitted at school for any reason. If a child brings a
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 your childs teacher/s.
PERSONAL BELONGINGSStudents should ensure that any personal belongings they bring with them to school are
appropriate 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 or toys of any kind to school
without prior permission. All toys, cards, games and electronics not specifically authorized by
the school 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.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
IMMUNIZATIONSNew York State law requires that all children entering elementary school be immunized. In
accordance with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, students entering kindergarten
must have the following vaccinations:
- 4 DTaP or DTP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) - 3 Hepatitis B- 3 OPV or IPV (Polio) - 1 Varicella (Chicken Pox)- 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella)
Before a child can be permitted to enter and attend school (subject to the 14-day initial waiver
requirement), parents or guardians must present documentation that their child has receivedall required doses of vaccines or that their child has received at least one dose of each of the
required vaccines and is waiting to receive the subsequent doses at the appropriate time
intervals. KIPP STAR must receive a certificate of immunization no later than September 13,
2013. These requirements can be waived only if a properly signed health or religious exemption
is filed with the school.
REPORTING A CHILDS SICKNESSIf your child is going to miss school because of illness, please call the school as soon as possible.
All student absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent,
guardian or doctor. KIPP staff will call to verify all student absences. Please let Ms. Billie(Director of Operations) or Ms. Saraiya (Principal) know if there are any medical concerns or
special circumstances about which we should be aware.
If a child becomes ill or injured during the school day and is not well enough to stay in class, the
parent/guardian will be called to pick the child up. It is necessary to have updated emergency
contact numbers on file in the school office in case no one can be contacted at home. If the
person picking up a child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be (a) given
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explicit written permission to pick up the child and (b) be 18 years or older.
NURSE SERVICE AND MEDICATIONIf your child requires medication during school hours, the school nurse will assist by administering
medication. However, medication may not be given without the completion of the
Administration of Medication form, which must be completed by a healthcare provider.Families can get a copy of this form by calling or stopping by the school. This policy and the
requirement to have a form on file applies to all medicine, including aspirin, Tylenol and other
over-the-counter medicines. Medicine needs to be in its original packaging/case. Staff at the
school are NOT authorized to administer medication.
Please notify Ms. Moreno or Ms. Billie if your child has any food allergies, so that we provide your
child with the necessary accommodations.
Students with asthma should bring an inhaler prescribed by their doctor to school each day.
Asthmatic students should notify a KIPP staff member as soon as breathing becomes difficult. If
there are any concerns about medicine, allergies and overall health, please let Ms. Billie or Ms.Saraiya know.
COUNSELING SERVICESThe counseling services at KIPP STAR Elementary are available to help any student or parent
address any social, emotional or academic issue they may be facing. In addition, our Social
Workers, Mrs. Melendez and Ms. Jordan, help students work through and cope with personal
and school related stress. At KIPP, every student is entitled to counseling support and referral
services. Counseling support is also extended to KIPP families in need.
There are several ways in which students may be referred for counseling services:
If a parentis interested in having their child seen by Social Worker, please contact Ms.Saraiya (Principal).
Students are able to ask directly to speak with a Social Worker. A student may also be referred at the recommendation of a Teacher, Social Workeror
Principal.
Please understand that we are required to respect the rights and privacy of our students and
families and as a result all information and counseling services are confidential and cannot be
shared (except in instances required by law).
CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE
START/END DATESSummer School
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Summer school is mandatory and is the start of the school year. Summer school is a critical time
to get a head start on the coming school year and as a result, all students at KIPP STAR
Elementary must attend school during the summer. and begins for Kindergarten on Monday,
August 19th
. Summer school continues for Kindergarten, and begins for First and Second grades
on Wednesday, August 21st
.
During Summer School, students must arrive between 8:00AM and 8:20AM and students must
be picked up promptly at 12:00 PM. All students will arrive and be dismissed from the school
through the designated KIPP STAR Elementary entrance on West 177th
Street.
Regular School Year
Regular school hours begin for ALL grades on Tuesday, September 3rd
. Arrival is from 7:50am
8:10am and dismissal is at 4:00pm on Monday-Thursday and 2:45pm on Friday.
VACATIONS/HOLIDAYSWith a few exceptions, KIPP STAR Elementary will follow the same holiday schedule as the New
York City Department of Education (see calendar for full details).
SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER)If the NYC public schools close due to bad weather, KIPP STAR Elementary is closed. Listen to
the radio (e.g. 1010 WINS news) or television for the announcement of closings/delays for NYC
Public Schools, check the Department of Education website (http://schools.nyc.gov), or go to
our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/KIPPSTARElementarySchool).
Once the school day has started, school will not be cancelled early due to weather conditions.
Parents may pick their children up early in the case of serious weather conditions.
FAMILY SATURDAYSOn appropriate Saturdays, all KIPP STAR Elementary students are expected to attend Family
Saturdays from 9:00am to 11:00am with a parent/guardian or a sibling over the age of 18 (see
full calendar for appropriate dates). Students do not need to wear school uniforms on
Saturdays. During this time, families and students will participate in a workshop and then
classes of their choosing. Family Saturdays are an opportunity for families and students to come
together for school-related activities, events, and workshops. It fosters a sense of community
among the families in a grade. Families who cannot attend a Family Saturday must notify Ms.
Saraiya or Ms. McMurdie in advance.
SCHOOL SCHEDULEStarting Tuesday, September 3
rd, all students will start school at 8:10am and will remain until
classes are dismissed at 4:00pm on Monday through Thursday, 2:45pm on Fridays and
Saturdays from 9:00am to 11:00am. If you want your child to eat breakfast, you must arrive by
8:00am.
SAMPLE OF A KIPPSTERS DAILY SCHEDULE
mailto:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/KIPPSTARElementarySchoolhttp://www.facebook.com/KIPPSTARElementarySchoolhttp://www.facebook.com/KIPPSTARElementarySchoolhttp://www.facebook.com/KIPPSTARElementarySchoolmailto:[email protected]7/29/2019 KIPP STAR Elementary - Family Handbook 2013-14
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7:50am 8:10am Arrival & Breakfast
8:15am 8:35am STAR Morning Program (once a week)/Classroom Morning Meeting
8:35am 9:35am Guided Reading
9:35am 10:20am Fitness/Theatre & Movement/Art
10:20am 12:20pm Literacy Blocks
12:20pm 12:30pm Math Fluency
12:30pm 1:30pm Lunch/Recess
1:30pm 2:30pm Nap (Kindergarten)/Math
2:30pm 3:00pm Expeditions
3:00pm 3:45pm Choice Time
3:45pm 4:00pm Pack up/Dismissal
KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY CALENDAR 2012-2013
AUGUST
Thursday, August 15 Family Preview Day (3:00pm 6:00pm)
Friday, August 16 Family Preview Day (9:00am 12:00pm)
KindergartenMonday, August 19 Friday, August 30 Summer School (8:00am-12:00pm)
ALL GRADES
Wednesday, August 21 Friday, August 30 Summer School (8:00am-12:00pm)
SEPTEMBER
Monday, September 2 Labor Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
Tuesday, September 3 1st Day of School
Thursday, September 5 Friday September 6 SCHOOL CLOSED (Rosh Hashannah)
Saturday, September 14 ALL Grades Family Saturday Open House
Friday, September 27 SCHOOL CLOSED (Staff Development)
OCTOBER
Friday, October 4 Progress Reports Distributed
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Monday, October 14 Columbus Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
Tuesday, October 15 SCHOOL CLOSED (KIPP Staff Development)
Saturday, October 19 KINDERGARTEN Family Saturday
NOVEMBERFriday, November 1 1st Quarter Ends
Wednesday, November 6 SCHOOL CLOSED (KIPP Staff Development)
Saturday, November 9 1st GRADEFamily Saturday
Thursday, November 14 Report Card Conferences (HALF DAY)
Monday, November 25 Friday, November 29 THANKSGIVING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)
DECEMBER
Monday, December 2 School Resumes
Saturday, December 7 2
nd
GRADE Saturday SchoolWednesday, December 11 Winter Performance (K & 1st)
Thursday, December 12 Winter Performance (2nd Grade)
Friday, December 13 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
Wednesday, December 18 Progress Reports Distributed
Monday, December 23 Friday, January 3 WINTER RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED)
JANUARY
Monday, January 6 School Resumes
Monday, January 20 Martin Luther King Day (NO SCHOOL)
Friday, January 24 Quarter 2 Ends
Saturday, January 25 Kindergarten Family Saturday
Friday, January 31 Staff Development (NO SCHOOL)
FEBRUARY
Wednesday, February 5 Report Card Conferences (HALF DAY)
Saturday, February 8 1st Grade Family Saturday
Monday, February 17 Friday February 21 MID-WINTER BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED)
Monday, February 24 School Resumes
MARCH
Friday, March 7 Progress Reports Distributed
Saturday, March 8 2nd Grade Family Saturday
Friday, March 14 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
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Monday, March 24 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
APRIL
Friday, April 11 Quarter 3 Ends
Monday, April 14 Tuesday April 22 Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
Monday, April 21 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
Saturday, April 26 New Students Kindergarten Registration
MAY
Thursday, May 1 Report Card Conferences (HALF DAY)
Wednesday, May 21 KSES Spring Performance
Thursday, May 22 KSES Spring Performance
Friday, May 23 Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
Monday, May 26 Memorial Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
JUNE
Saturday, June 14 ALL Grades: Family Saturday, KSES Year
End Celebration
Wednesday, June25
Last Day of School (12:00pm dismissal)
***If there are any changes to the calendar, the school will send a notice prior to the change.***
ACADEMICS - WORK HARD
HOMEWORKA key part of the academic program of KIPP STAR Elementary is the homework that every
KIPPster will receive every night. Homework must be completed the night before it is due.Students will not be allowed to complete homework during breakfast unless given explicit
permission by their teacher. No student is excused from any assignment without the
permission of his or her teacher prior to the due date. If a student discovers that s/he will be
unable to complete an assignment, s/he must contact the teacher by phone no later than the
night before it is due. If the student is unable to contact their teacher for some reason, they
must bring a written note from their parents/guardians.
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KEY HOMEWORK 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. Homework 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 sectionthat says Stays at Home. This is graded work for you to see or important notices that
the school is sending home. You will see another section of the folder, which says
Return to School. This is the homework that needs to be completed that night and
sent back to the school in this folder.
Our children are still developing their homework and work skills; they will need yoursupport at home. At times, many of the assignments will require you to complete themwith your child. Please reach out to the teacher if you need more clarification.
Homework completion and effort is logged into PowerSchool, which is used todetermine grades in each class.
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 student and parents 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 absentfor 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 with a failing grade 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.
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
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passing them offas the students 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 GRADEThe philosophy of KIPP STAR Elementary School on grading, promotion and retention is based
on the recognition that each child is an individual. Therefore, when considering promotion orretention, attention must be given to all aspects of the students development in order to
accommodate individual needs and to promote the full development of the learners potential.
Grading Policy
Purpose of grading:
To communicate the achievements of students to parents and others; Give information that students can use for self-evaluation; Communicate and celebrate achievements with families and establish a focus on areas
of growth
Provide incentives for students to learn and grow; And evaluate program effectiveness.
The following are components used to assign a grade:
Teacher-made assessments in all subject areas Homework, projects, book reports Reading logs MAP assessment STEP Portfolios Classwork Informal and formal observations KIPP: NYC Quarterly Assessments for Math Behaviors observed in class
Promotion/Retention Policy
Purpose of promotion/retention
To make sure that the student needs are met at the appropriate level and in the bestway possible
To ensure that students are fully prepared to succeed in the next grade.The following are components that are considered for promotion and retention:
Attendance Academic level/mastery of standards Progress made to date Social factors
***We reserve the right to retain students at all grades, including Kindergarten.***
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BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT
Building Character: Behavior Management
At KIPP STAR Elementary School, we believe that for our students to be successful in school and
beyond we must work as a community to support their growth in both academics and
character. In order for teachers and parents to support our students as they grow and learn,
we have created 5 core beliefs that guide our work as a school. As parents we hope that you
will become familiar with these 5 core beliefs and help us to support and reinforce them inside
the school and at home. These 5 Core Beliefs are the foundation of how we work to support
our students at school as they grow into the well rounded young people that we hope they will
become:
Core Beliefs:
Core Belief #1: We believe that each of us is a work in progress and that our studentsare also works in progress. Every day is a chance for all of us to grow!
Core Belief #2: We will always treat our students with love and respect. Core Belief #3: We believe that all of our students are capable of achieving in academics
and character.
Core Belief #4: We will hold high expectations at all times, in all situations, with all ofour students.
Core Belief #5: We believe that when our students misbehave, it is because they are inneed of additional support or development and it is our job as teachers and parents to
support them in developing strategies to make better choices.
We expect that every member of our school community will Be Safe, Be Nice, and Work Hardwherever they are in our school. These expectations, along with our school values and core
beliefs, guide how we will deal with situations when students make poor choices. As
mentioned in the KIPP STAR Commitment to Excellence form we expect every member of our
school community (parents, teachers, and students) to adhere to this expectation and make the
best possible choices every day. It is our job as a school community to support students to
grow and develop strong character skills. If a student is struggling to make good choices in a
way that aligns with the three school expectations, the following are some examples of logical
consequences that might be assigned by teachers and school staff. The school team will assign
these consequences based upon student actions and needs of the situation.
Possible Logical Consequences:
Thinking chair (short time out) Silent Lunch Table time Sitting out of recess and/or choice time Separate desk from classmates Writing an apology/reflection Loss of Field Lessons
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Loss of other classroom privilegesOur goal is not to punish our students for their behavior, but to reinforce the idea that poor
choices have consequences that we should work to avoid. As a school community we will work
just as hard to reinforce the idea that good choice have positive outcomes, through praise,
incentives, and individual or group recognition. If your child receives a consequence for makinga poor choice in school we ask that you speak with your child and help him/her to think through
better choices the next time they are in a similar situation. Through our shared effort we can
help our students to independently make the choice that will lead to greater future success.
In the event your child demonstrates more extreme behaviors (for example: hitting, bad
language, inappropriate touching) or for students who repeatedly make poor choices that
conflict with the school expectations we will contact you to schedule a meeting to discuss next
steps to support your child in school. Even in the most extreme situations our goal as a school
is to provide the appropriate consequence for the demonstrated behavior and help your child
to make a better choice in the future. If behavior becomes violent and unsafe for the student,
their classmates, and/or staff, suspension and expulsion from KIPP STAR Elementary School are
possible.
At every step of the way, we are committed to working with students and families to ensure
that all students grow and develop both their academics and character.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
One of the keys to the success of KIPP STAR Elementary is the strong working relationship
between parents, teachers, and children. For the past two years, KIPP STAR has worked tobuild collaborative family-school connections. The main component to this relationship is the
constant communication. All KIPP STAR teachers and staff provide parents with their phone
numbers in order to maintain the helping relationship. Parents and children should feel free to
call when you have questions or concerns. In addition to phone conversations, staff members
conduct home visits to establish relationships with families and the children at the beginning of
the school year or when necessary. KIPP STAR Elementary also promotes family involvement
during Parent Teacher Conferences which are held four times a year. We are committed to
being a family-oriented school.
We have an open door policy and all KIPP families are welcome to visit the school. We welcomeparents/guardians/families as partners in the education of our students. Parents/guardians
who would like to visit should simply call in advance to schedule a class-visit appointment.
Upon arriving, all visitors must sign in with the security officer at the buildings main
entrance, as well as the Office Manager located in the main office. When leaving, please exit
through the main entrance of the building. Student safety is a priority at KIPP STAR and for that
reason we cannot have anyone unannounced in the building. If a visitor is coming to school to
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drop something off for a student or to leave a message, we ask that the visitor leave the item or
message with the Office Manager.
WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED?
Join the KIPP Family Association (KFA) KFAS MISSION IS TO ASSIST KIPP STAR ELEMENTARYSCHOOL IN BECOMING A STRONGER FOUNDATION BOTH ACADEMICALLY AND
CHARACTERISTICALLYFOROURCHILDRENANDTHECOMMUNITYWESERVE. KFA meets the first
Thursday of each month at 4:30pm (see full calendar for details). KFA was established during
the 2012-2013 school year and they have hosted two successful school wide events throughout
the year which include Family Game Night and an end of the year Carnival.
Attend Coffee and Conversations - This is a workshop lead by the School Social Worker Mrs.
Melendez and the School Principal Ms. Saraiya on the first Thursday of each month at 8:00am.
This is a time in which families can come learn and discuss different topics related to their
students. Some topics include: Homework Benefits & Support, KIPP Language and Behavior and
many more.
Volunteer At KIPP STAR ELEMENTARY we appreciate families coming into our school
community to help teachers, students, and support staff. If you have free time and would like
to volunteer your time please contact your childs teacher or Mrs. Melendez directly.
Below are a few additional ways to get involved in our work:
Chaperone and participate in our school activities and field trips Get involved in parent-literacy activities with your child Join our potluck dinners, events and other events Attend student in-class performances (poetry caf, in class speeches and presentations,
cultural celebrations)
Attend awards ceremony Attend parent-meetings Stop by the school to sit in on classes no amount of time is too short Sit in on panels Inform us of community events or activities we should be participating in Help with Picture Day Carpool with other families Attend parent-teacher conferences Volunteer with enrichment classes and Family Saturday classes Help teachers make copies and laminate class materials Help translate documents