School Safety

Visitors

Our procedures, described below, are in no way intended to discourage visitors; rather they represent our efforts to maintain a safe, orderly school for all students and the need to know the location of all visitors when in the building. Parents/guardians are expected to adhere to the District’s Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of order on School Property.

• Visitors and volunteers are required to sign in at the reception desk and wear a visitor’s tag while in school.
• Visitors are welcome as parent volunteers when scheduled, as participants in special activities, and for scheduled appointments.
• Unannounced visits to classrooms prior to the start of the school day or during the school day to speak with staff cannot be accommodated as such visits interfere with instruction and planned meetings/activities.

We encourage parents to not get in the habit of bringing your child items they left home (i.e. instruments, sneakers, etc.). Children should take responsibility for these items and may get used to you bringing them in. If you need to drop something off, please be sure your child’s name and teacher are clearly labeled and leave it at the front desk.

Pets Visiting School

At this time, pets are not allowed to visit the school.

Drills

As part of our “School Safety Plan” we practice drills which will involve a complete LOCKDOWN OR LOCKOUT of the total school facility.

• When a LOCKDOWN drill occurs, students and staff will be required to remain in their rooms with the doors locked until the drill is over. Visitors are also expected to remain quiet and follow directions.
• Visitors will not be allowed into the building until the drill is complete. We appreciate the cooperation of those who find themselves present during any drills.
• Fire drills will periodically occur throughout the year to ensure that students and staff are familiar with proper evacuation procedures in the event of a real emergency.

Parent Involvement

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a volunteer organization promoting the education and welfare of all children and youth. Through the PTA, parents, teachers, administrators and community members build a partnership between home and school, so that we may all cooperate intelligently in the education of children. Our PTA draws upon the vast resources and experience of our state and national organization. Membership dues are $8.00, a portion of which is forwarded to both the state and national PTA’s. We hope you will join us.

Problem Solving

When you think your child is having a problem in school, don’t wait, or the problem may get bigger.

• Listen to your child. Pay close attention to your child’s comments and ask questions to find out what’s going on at school. Keep your mind open as you listen – there are always two sides to every story.
• Never criticize the teacher or the school in front of your child. This may cause more problems – like your child disliking school and being defiant to teachers.
• Decide if you should contact the school. Right after school, at the end of a long day might not be the best time to talk about strong feelings. Allow a cooling off period before you decide how serious a problem really is.
• Check out facts before drawing conclusions. Is the teacher aware of your child’s difficulty? Has your child misunderstood her/his intentions
• Explore solutions. Discuss what you, your child and the teacher can do to solve the problem.
• Contact other school personnel if the problem doesn’t get solved in this way.
• Approach each step with respect for all persons involved. This will help your child learn to cope constructively with problems throughout his/her life.

Student Success

• Encourage and support your child
• Limit and monitor the amount of screen time your child has.
• Read with your children.
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep and exercise.
• Encourage your child to eat healthy foods.
• Ensure your child attends school every day.
• Give your children responsibilities at home.

Cafeteria

Stillwater Food Service
518-373-6100 x30513
The services of the school cafeteria are available to all students.
The lunch menu is available on our website, www.scsd.org.

Board of Education Lunch Policy

• The Board of Education expects all students to be treated with dignity and compassion. Students are expected to pay for meals with cash or by using the prepay system, Nutrikids. Recognizing that individual students may occasionally come to school without breakfast or lunch money, the following guidelines have been established:
• A student may charge up to three lunches at the cash register. The student will be given a notice to take home notifying his or her parent/guardian to send in money for the meals.
• After the third meal is served without payment, the cook will contact the District Food Service Director. The School Principal or Designee will also be informed in order to remedy the situation.

Free and Reduced Lunch Program

School children from families whose income is within the pre-set income scales set by the State are eligible for Free or Reduced Meals and one Free or Reduced half-pint of milk each day. To apply for a Free or Reduced-Price meal for children, parents should complete the Free or Reduced-Price meal application, which is sent home each year with the August District Newsletter. If you do not receive the newsletter, please call the school for an application. During lunch periods, students remain in the cafeteria. Upon finishing their lunches, students are expected to leave their area as found before returning to class.

Food Allergies

The district is aware of the need to accommodate students with severe food allergies. Guidelines are available and plans are developed and implemented to meet the individual needs of each student.

Prepay System (Nutrikids-My School Bucks)

Stillwater School District uses a computerized debit system that allows parents to deposit money into a child’s account at the school to be used as needed in the cafeteria. While cash can also be used, the debit system offers several advantages:

• You do not have to send cash to school with your child.
• You are assured the money is spent on food at school.
• You can put a small amount of money into the account to be sure your child has lunch money if he/she forgets lunch.
• A check gives you a good record of deposits into the account. Students may bring cash or check (made out to school) to the cashier in the cafeteria.
• The system keeps track of what each student purchases on a daily basis.

Health Office

The Elementary School health office is responsible for the physical well-being of your child while at school. At times it is difficult to locate parents in case of illness or accident. Please be sure that the school has an alternate local telephone number of a friend, relative, or neighbor who will be available in case you are not at home during an emergency. In this situation some students become easily upset when a parent or guardian cannot be reached. It is very important to keep the school informed of all phone number changes, i.e. home, work, and people available in an emergency. Students with illnesses and injuries who may not participate in Gym classes may not attend outside recess. This is strictly adhered to for the safety of all children. Any student with illness or injury, requiring a cast, brace, or appliance, must submit a note to the nurse from the doctor excusing them from activity. This note must be dated with start and stop dates. If no stop date is indicated initially, a note must be obtained when the student is released from the Doctor saying he/she can resume all activity. A child returning to school with any restrictions should bring a doctor note on the first day back to school. A child should always report to the nurse when these situations occur.

Disease Notification

• We appreciate your assistance in controlling the spread of communicable disease in school. We recommend keeping your child home during the time they are experiencing acute symptoms of a cold or other illness (such as, sneezing, coughing, fever). This protects other children and staff from exposure, aids in faster recovery, and protects against complications. Please remember the ALL IMPORTANT 24 hour rule! Keep your child home if they have vomited/had diarrhea within the last 24 hours, and they should be fever free (below 100 WITHOUT fever reducers) for 24 hours before returning to school. Your child needs to be on antibiotics for 24 hours prior to returning to school if they have been diagnosed with strep throat or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• We ask that you notify the school if your child has been diagnosed with a strep infection, chicken pox, conjunctivitis (pink eye), fifth’s disease, or head lice. Other diseases, which are uncommon, should also be reported to the school. These include but are not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, hepatitis, pinworms, and scabies.
• Head Lice (Pediculosis): Students who are found to have head lice and/or nits (eggs) are sent home and not permitted to return to school until the lice and nits have been treated. The school nurse will check the child upon returning. When a case is discovered in a classroom, other children in the classroom may be checked and notification is sent to all parents.

IF YOUR CHILD DOES HAVE HEAD LICE, PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME UNTIL FREE OF LICE! CONSULT YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN FOR TREATMENT.

When notified, the school nurse will send home a confidential notice informing parents of the health issue in your child’s classroom.

School Physicals

The school physician gives physical examinations to entering 1st, 3rd and 5th grade students who have not had one completed by their family physician. Please notify the school nurse if you wish to have your child examined by your family physician. A statement of physical exam must be submitted from your own medical doctor for school records. After Grade 5, a scoliosis check must be noted on the exam record. Anyone who does not have a physical form completed at the time the school physician does physicals, a physical will be done by the school physician. The school physician also serves in an advisory capacity on general problems of health and periodically visits the school to consult with personnel on health matters.

Routine Screenings

The following school-wide screenings are done by the school nurse:

• Vision and hearing screenings are administered each year. These tests are not fine tests, but are used for gross screening. You will be notified if any areas of concern are found. A follow-up examination can be performed by your physician for diagnosis and treatment as necessary.
• A scoliosis screening is completed annually from Grades 5 through 9. You will be notified if any further examination is requested.

Medication Policy

If a child is to take any medication during the school day, an adult must bring the medication to the school nurse. Medications include, but are not limited to, prescription drugs, over the counter medications, cough drops, pain relievers and vitamins. If a student needs to take medicine, either during school hours, or in case of an emergency for a known physical problem, the medication may be left with the school nurse. No medication will be accepted at school or administered unless accompanied by a letter from the physician, which must include the following:

• Name of medication, dosage, and route of administration.
• Necessity for students to receive medication at a designated time.
• Permission for the school nurse to dispense the medication.
• Additional measures, if any, to be taken after the student has taken medication.
• Name, address, and phone number of the physician.
• Physician’s signature and date. There must be a signed parent permission letter accompanying the physician’s letter.

Any medication kept in school must be in a pharmacy labeled container with the following information on the label:

• Name of student.
• Name of medication, dosage, and route of administration.
• When medication is to be given.
• Name of physician prescribing medication.
• Date prescription was filled.
• The responsibility of getting medications to and from school lies with the parent or guardian of the student. All medications will be kept locked in the Health Office. Elementary students are never to keep medications of any kind on their person, in purses, lunch boxes, desks, etc., and are not allowed to transport them on the bus.

It would be very helpful if parents would advise the school nurse of any medications being taken at home which could possibly affect the child’s performance or behavior at school.

First Aid at School

The school nurse is not allowed, by law, to give any treatment beyond emergency first aid care, as prescribed by the school physician. Further care and diagnosis must be obtained from your family physician.

Excuses from Physical Education Class

The only excuse for not attending and/or participation in physical education (P.E.) is a medical excuse signed by a physician. A student may not be excused from more than one P.E. class without a medical excuse signed by a physician. When your child is excused from physical education class, he/she is excused from playing during recess and is required to sit at a bench when they are outside for recess. Any questions or concerns, please contact the principal.

Busing

Director of Transportation – Tom Murphy
The Bus Garage can be reached at 518-664-5661.

The primary concern of our transportation department is to transport all our children safely to and from school and school sponsored events. Drivers have been instructed when to issue “Bus Conduct Reports”, which will be submitted to the Director of Transportation. These may be used to remove a student from the bus. Bus Conduct Reports are forwarded to the school for informational purposes. It is important that students on the bus:

• Observe the same conduct as in the classroom. Loud and distracting noise interferes with the driver’s concentration.
• Be courteous and refrain from inappropriate language.
• Food and drink will not be consumed on the bus unless specific permission is given.
• Help keep the bus clean.
• Board or leave a bus only after it has come to a complete stop.
• The use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol is forbidden.
• Students will be held responsible for any damage they do to the bus or its equipment.
• Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
• No part of the body will be extended outside the bus window.
• The driver is authorized to assign seats; cooperation with the driver is required at all times.
• Articles that are determined by school officials to be potentially dangerous will not be allowed on the bus.
• Fighting or rough play will not be tolerated.

Any serious infraction of rules must be reported by the driver to the Director of Transportation, Tom Murphy, at 518-664-5661.

Consequences for Misbehavior on the Bus

• Verbal warning/conference with driver on bus after other students exit.
• Written referral to the Transportation Director. Bus drivers may assign seats at this point. Referral sent home to parents.
• Upon a third warning, suspension from riding the bus, by the Principal.
• IN SEVERE CASES, Immediate Suspension of bus privileges-i.e. throwing objects on the bus, endangering safety of others.

Transportation Procedure for Elementary Students

Stillwater Central School will provide transportation for all children who attend the Elementary School, in a manner that is safest for the children, keeping in mind consistency and efficiency. Transportation will only be provided to, or from, home, a babysitter or daycare, and only within the school district. In order for the school to schedule transportation from childcare providers, the information needs to be given to the Transportation Department by July 15; this will allow us the time to make the necessary adjustments to the bus runs. Any changes during the school year should be done using a bus pass. If the bus passes are not used we may not be able to provide the transportation as requested. Passes are available at the elementary school. All permanent changes, or any questions, should be directed to the transportation department at 518-664-5661.

Kindergarten Students

Transportation will be provided from home, babysitter or daycare, as long as the arrangements are consistent. The pickup and drop off points have to be the same morning and afternoon, as well as everyday of the week. Parents or a responsible adult will be expected at the bus stop, in the morning and the afternoon. If at all possible do not bring younger siblings to the bus stop. However, if the need arises please make sure the younger siblings stay well away from the bus and hang on tight to your child. For safety reasons, in the afternoon, the drivers have been instructed not to drop off a kindergarten child unless the parent is at the stop. Please reinforce with your child the need to follow the drivers’ instructions at all times.

First and Second Grade Students

Transportation will be provided from home, babysitter or daycare, as long as the arrangements are consistent. We will pick up and drop off at a different location, under the following conditions. The pickup needs to be the same place every day of the week. The drop off can be a different place, but that also needs to be the same everyday of the week. Even though the children are a little older, we still prefer to have a parent or responsible adult at the stop.

Third through Fifth Grade Students

Transportation will be provided from home, babysitter or daycare. The pickup and drop off points may be different; however, consistency is still very important. The bus passes should be utilized; if not, we may not be able to honor your request. Your cooperation in this matter is very important for the safe transportation of your child.

Student Code of Conduct

Unless otherwise indicated, the District Code of Conduct applies to all students, school personnel, parents and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function.

While going to and from school, you are expected to:

• Keep a safe distance from the bus, cars, or trucks.
• Walk on sidewalks. Stay out of the way of traffic.
• Walk to and from the bus.

While in school you are expected to be safe, respectful and responsible.

• Respect the rights and feelings of the school community by being kind, listening, and not hurting others.
• Use appropriate language in all places including in school, on the playground, and on the bus.
• Follow the rules and directions of your teacher and other adults who are in charge.
• Stay in the classroom until excused or dismissed.
• Take care not to damage school property such as desks, chairs, walls, books, chromebooks or any other items.
• Refrain from using electronic devices without the permission of the principal or teacher. The school will not be responsible for any electronic device that is lost, stolen or damaged at school.
• Respect the guidelines of the Acceptable Use Policy related to computer/internet access.

When outside of your classroom, you are expected to:

• Play only in areas chosen by an adult and be sure an adult is with you at all times.
• Never leave the playground area without permission.
• Use playground equipment safely.
• Report injuries to the adult in charge.
• Keep your hands to yourself.
• Use appropriate language.
• Show good sportsmanship.
• Never throw food or objects.
• No sharing food.
• Talk quietly during lunch.
• Clean up after lunch and dispose of your trash properly.
• Respect the rights of others by walking and being quiet and polite in the hallways.

Consequences – Students who break the code of conduct rules may face disciplinary action depending on the facts of the case. This could mean a warning, reprimand, exclusion from activities, detention or suspension. Staff may also use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to encourage students to make appropriate choices. Suspension proceedings are conducted according to Section 3214 of the Education Law.

Student Appearance/Dress Guidelines

Parental guidance and responsibility are necessary to help children make appropriate choices about their school attire. Students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for our school environment and all school activities while not detracting from a positive learning environment. Shirts need to cover the midriff and should not be violent or vulgar. Hats and hoods are allowed outside only. Students should wear footwear with backs, while avoiding flip flops, open toes sandals. Failure to abide by footwear guidelines may result in missed PE and recess opportunities.

Dignity for all Students Act

Stillwater Elementary School has high expectations for all students and staff with regard to how we treat each other. We have an expectation that we will treat each other in a respectful manner at all times. By doing this, we will avoid situations of bullying and/or harassment in our school. There may be times, however, that individuals make poor decisions and harassment becomes a concern. These cases will be addressed by staff members and taken seriously.

Mrs. Toleman, Elementary Principal will serve as the DASA coordinator for Stillwater Elementary School and any concerns can be brought to her by students, staff, and parents. Mrs. Toleman, Elementary Principal will also utilize the counseling department to provide support for students to ensure that they are comfortable sharing their concerns.

When learning from home, you are expected to:

• Use school devices safely and responsibly.
• Be safe, respectful and responsible during virtual meetings.
• Respect the guidelines of the Acceptable Use Policy related to computer and internet access.
• Complete assignments in a timely manner as well as communicate with teachers.

Other Information

School Closings/Early Dismissal

In the event that we have to close school, you will receive a message via ParentSquare, our school-wide messaging system. It will also be posted to the local TV station as well as our school Facebook page. We expect parents/guardians to monitor the news to keep up to date about possible early dismissals or school closings.

Volunteers

We encourage parents/guardians to become involved in the classroom and other school activities. Such involvement makes a significant difference in our children’s success. Please explore the many opportunities available through your child(ren)’s classroom teachers, the principal’s office and PTA. Please also note our visitor procedures under “Visitors”. All visitors are expected to adhere to the district’s Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property.

Toys/Electronic Devices

The use of a personal electronic device during the school day is prohibited and the item will be confiscated and brought to the main office (unless it is an approved activity by the teacher/principal). This includes cell phones, iPods, Fitbits, SmartWatches, and other devices.

• The School District will not be held responsible for the loss and/or theft of any portable electronic device.

All other toys should only be brought to school with the permission of the teacher.

Custodial/Legal Issues

Our school is often informed about parenting arrangements, custody issues and related information.

The district’s guidelines are described below.

Student Pickup by a Parent/Guardian

Unless a court order or custody agreement has been issued stating that a parent or guardian is not allowed any contact with a student or specifically states a parent is not allowed to pick up the student from school, the district will release a student at the end of or during the school day to either parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian who is unknown to school staff requests release of a student, every effort will be made to contact the other parent/guardian before releasing the student. If a parent or former guardian is legally barred from contact, the school must have a current copy of such order to be kept on file by the school principal.

School Events

Unless there is a specific court order or custody agreement that prohibits one parent from attending school events, both parents can attend events such as concerts, plays, sports events and awards ceremonies. If parents are unable to attend without conflict, or their interactions at the events are disruptive, both parents may be asked to leave. We appreciate being informed about information that affects our students and will keep the documents you have provided us on file. The education and safety of all children enrolled in district schools is our primary responsibility, and therefore, we cannot adapt our programs and procedures to conform to every private parenting arrangement about which we are informed.

Decision Making

When parents provide conflicting instruction or directions to the school concerning educational matters about which we need parental input, we will (when possible) make reasonable efforts to let parents know there is a conflict so the two parents/guardians can resolve it. However, when that does not result in agreement, the school staff will generally rely on the input of the parent who most regularly communicates decisions about the student’s education.

Either parent may provide consent for a child to participate in activities that require consent, unless there is a court order that specifically says one parent is not allowed any contact or to make school decisions.

In an emergency, we will first try to contact the parent who is identified in the parenting arrangement as the primary contact, but if that parent/guardian cannot be reached we will also try to contact the other parent/guardian.

Teachers and other staff are not expected to meet with parents/guardians separately to discuss a student’s progress on a particular issue. This allows our teachers and other staff to use limited time wisely, and also helps ensure that both parents/guardians are provided with the same information.

Committee on Special Education

The district is not required to hold more than the required number of Committee on Special Education meetings to which both parents/guardians are invited to attend.

Records and Information

Unless there is a court order or custody agreement that specifically says one parent is not allowed to have information about the child, both parents may request and review the child’s record and have copies of records, including report cards.

Administrative

Enrollment of New Students

Parents of any child entering the Stillwater Central School District for the first time must present an original, or a certified copy, of a birth certificate, a physical record, an immunization record, and 2 proofs of residency. New York State requires that the immunization record include the dates that the following immunizations were administered:

DPT (series of three), Polio (series of three), HepB (series of three), measles, mumps and rubella after one year of age, a second measles and the varicella/varivax (chicken pox) before entering Kindergarten. Kindergarten students must be five (5) years of age on or before December 1 to be eligible to attend Kindergarten.

Student Information Sheets

Information sheets are sent home at the beginning of the school year for each student. These cards contain vital information needed in the event of an emergency or early dismissal. Please review the preprinted portions of the sheet, make any changes necessary, and add new information if necessary. Please be sure that emergency contact information is accurate, up-to-date, and that people know you have included them on your sheet. Most important: Please be sure to sign your child(ren)’s sheet. A phone call or a note is required from a parent/guardian if anyone other than the parent or guardian is picking up a student, even if the person is listed on the emergency sheet. Please be prepared to show photo identification. If any changes occur during the school year, please inform the office so the card can be kept up to date.

Reporting to Parents

• Report Cards/Progress Reports – Students in Grades Pre-K through Grade 5 receive 3 report cards during the school year. Elementary report cards dates are listed on the district calendar, occurring during the months of December, March and June. The first report card/progress report is usually handed out during the parent/teacher conference.
• Conferences – Parent/Teacher conference days are scheduled during the month of December. These conference days are set up so that teachers have the chance to speak with parents one on one. Parents are strongly encouraged to have alternative childcare arrangements as young children can be disruptive to conferences being held throughout the building.
• Parents may request additional meetings at any time during the school year by sending a note to the teacher, or calling the reception desk to leave a message. Parent/teacher conferences which are planned will be of the most benefit to all concerned.

Back to School Night (Open House)

Open House is held early in the fall during which many aspects of the school year are presented to parents.

Field Trips

Field trips may be an enhancement to education and the curriculum. They are usually organized and scheduled by grade level teachers. Parents are encouraged to volunteer to chaperone trips when needed, to ensure the safety and success of the program. A permission slip is signed by a parent or guardian for each field trip. When a trip is scheduled, parents will be informed in writing of the date and destination of the trip as well as any additional information needed. Students with chronic medical concerns will usually need to be accompanied by a parent on field trips.

SECTION 504 (Handicapped Discrimination)

TITLE IX (Sex Discrimination)

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: Any student or employee of this district who believes he or she has been discriminated against, denied a benefit, or excluded from participation in any district education program or activity on the basis of handicap, race, color, national origin in violation of this policy may file a written complaint with the compliance administrator:

Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator
Joseph Mariano, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
Stillwater Central School
1068 Hudson Avenue
Stillwater, New York 12170
Ph. (518) 373-6100 ext. 30022

The compliance administrator shall cause a review of the written complaint to be conducted and a written response mailed to the complainant within ten working days after receipt of the written complaint. A copy of the written complaint and the compliance administrator’s response shall be provided to each member of the Board of Education indicating with particularity the nature of disagreement with the response and his or her reasons underlying such disagreement.

The Board of Education shall consider the appeal at its’ next regularly scheduled Board meeting following receipt of the response.

The Board of Education shall permit the complainant to address the Board in public or closed session, as appropriate and lawful, concerning his or her complaint and shall provide the complainant with its’ written decision in the matter as expeditiously as possible following completion of the hearing.

STILLWATER ELEMENTARY 2024-25 HANDBOOK PARENTAL SIGNATURE FORM