Rochester City School District • 2013-2014 Calendar & Parent Handbook
Shiva Pierre, Grade 5, James P. B. Duffy School No. 12
Responsibilities of the Board
Board of Education Malik Evans, President
Cynthia Elliott
Board Liaison to: Rochester Early College International High School, Wilson Commencement Academy, Wilson Foundation Academy, Preschool-Parent Program , Schools 4, 8, 20, 42, and 43
Board Liaison to: Charlotte High School, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, School Without Walls Commencement & Foundation Academies, Young Mothers & Interim Health Academy, Schools 2, 10, 14, and 58
Term expires December 2015
Term Expires December 2013
Van Henri White, Vice President
Willa Powell
Board Liaison to: Franklin Campus, Youth and Justice Program, Schools 19, 36, 41, 50, 54, and 57
Board Liaison to: Florence Brown Pre-K Center, Jefferson High School, School of the Arts, Schools 6, 16, 29, 33, 44, and 52
Term Expires December 2013
Term expires December 2015
Mary Adams
José Cruz
131 W. Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 262-8525 malik@malikevans.org
131 W. Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14605 (585) 271-6780 van.white@thelegalbrief.com
131 W. Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 262-8525 mary.adams@rcsdk12.org
131 W. Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 262-8525 celliott1225@yahoo.com
395 Canterbury Road, Rochester, NY 14607 (585) 442-8360 wpowell@rochester.rr.com
131 W. Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 262-8525 countyleg@hotmail.com
Board Liaison to: Dr. Freddie Thomas Campus, Native American Resource Center, Northeast College Preparatory High School, Northwest College Preparatory High School, Schools 25, 28, 45, 46, and 53.
Board Liaison to: All City High, Edison Campus, Monroe High School, Schools 7, 15, 23, 34, 35, and 39
Term expires December 2015
Term Expires December 2013
Melisza Campos
Sophie Gallivan
131 W. Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 262-8525 meliszacampos@hotmail.com Board Liaison to: East High School, Family Learning Center, Schools 1, 5, 9, 12, 17, and 22 Term expires December 2015
The Rochester Board of Education is a seven-member board elected by the citizens of Rochester to direct and oversee the operations of the school district. Board Commissioners serve four-year terms. The responsibilities of the Board of Education include: • Setting the strategic direction of the District through policy development and adoption • Appointing the Superintendent of Schools • Promoting an alliance of teachers, administrators, students, parents, citizens, government, and community resources • Working to secure adequate resources for maximizing student learning • Ensuring the wise use of community educational assets and resources • Serving on Board committees that address the areas of Board Governance & Development, Audit, Community and Intergovernmental Relations, Finance & Resource Allocation, Policy Development & Review, and Excellence in Student Achievement • Representing the best interests of the citizens of Rochester through effective leadership Board Commissioners serve as liaisons to specific schools. Board liaisons visit their assigned schools periodically and serve as advocates to the full Board on behalf of those schools.
Board of Education Meetings Meetings of the Board of Education are generally held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the District’s Central Office, 131 West Broad Street, in Conference Room 3A. All business meetings are open to the public and a portion of the agenda is set aside for speakers. To address the Board, call the Board of Education office at 262-8525 by noon on the day of the meeting at which you wish to speak. Business meetings are also televised live on RCTV Channel 15 and streamed live on the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org/RCSDTV. For more information, call the Board Office at 262-8525, send an email to board. of.education@rcsdk12.org, or visit www.rcsdk12.org/boe.
Student Representative
2013-2014 Business Meetings are scheduled for:
Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy Grade 12 President of Student Leadership Congress
September 26, 2013 October 24, 2013 November 21, 2013 December 19, 2013
January 23, 2014 February 27, 2014 March 27, 2014 April 24, 2014
May 22, 2014 June 19, 2014
Board Organizational Meeting: January 2, 2014, 6:00 p.m.
124th Annual Transfer of Flags Ceremony
Sunday, August 18 | 1:30 p.m. | James Monroe High School
Welcome Back to School Orientation Events
Malik Evans
President Board of Education
Dr. Bolgen Vargas Superintendent of Schools
Welcome to an exciting new year for the Rochester City School District! There are new schedules in every school, expanded learning time in many schools, more extra-curricular activities and many other changes. All are designed to improve student achievement by giving our children more instruction, more support, and more reasons to engage in school. Parents and families need to help. Encourage your children to read at home—at least 30 minutes, every day—not just on school days. Starting September 4th, make sure that your children attend school every day. Children who attend school, behave properly, and put forth their best effort will succeed in school, and in life. We are kicking off the year with orientation events across the District to help students and families get ready for school. Your principal will provide more details, but please check the date for your school on this page and make every effort to attend. We look forward to a strong start and a great year for the Rochester City School District!
School No. 1................................................................ Aug. 20 School No. 2................................................................ Aug. 27 School No. 3 Kindergarten...................................................... Aug. 19-21 Grades 1-8............................................................... Aug. 22 School No. 4............................................................... Aug. 27 School No. 5................................................................ Aug. 28 School No. 7................................................................ Aug. 27 School No. 8 PreK-4..................................................................... Aug. 20 Grades 5-8...............................................................Aug. 21 School No. 9............................................................... Aug. 28 School No. 10 (Kindergarten).................................... Aug. 29 School No. 12.............................................................. Aug. 28 School No. 15.............................................................. Aug. 29 School No. 16.............................................................. Aug. 29 School No. 17.............................................................. Aug. 29 School No. 19 PreK-6.....................................................................Aug. 21 Grades 7-8.............................................................. Aug. 22 School No. 20.............................................................. Sept. 3 School No. 22.............................................................. Aug. 29 School No. 23 (Kindergarten and new students)...... Sept. 3 School No. 25.............................................................. Aug. 27 School No. 28 (Located at 595 Upper Falls Blvd.) Kindergarten.......................................................... Aug. 27 Schoolwide............................................................ Aug. 29 School No. 29............................................................. Aug. 29 School No. 33 (Kindergarten and new students)..... Aug. 27 School No. 34............................................................. Aug. 29 School No. 35 Kindergarten.......................................................... Aug. 27 Schoolwide............................................................ Aug. 29 School No. 36............................................................. Aug. 28 School No. 39............................................................. Aug. 28 School No. 41.............................................................. Aug. 20 School No. 42 (K-6).................................................... Aug. 27 School No. 43............................................................. Aug. 27 School No. 44..............................................................Aug. 21 School No. 45 (Grades 7-8)........................................ Aug. 29 School No. 46 (PreK, K, and new students).............. Aug. 27 School No. 50 Kindergarten.......................................................... Aug. 27 School-wide........................................................... Aug. 29
School No. 52 (Kindergarten and new students)..... Aug. 29 School No. 53 Schoolwide............................................................ Aug. 29 PreK 3-year-olds...................................................... Sept. 5 School No. 54............................................................. Aug. 27 School No. 57.............................................................. Aug. 29 School No. 58 Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11................................ Aug. 28 New students, Grades 7 and 9.............................. Aug. 28 Kindergarten.............................................. Aug. 27 and 29 All City High................................................................ Aug. 24 Charlotte High School............................................... Aug. 27 East High School Grades 7-8 (at 175 Martin Street).......................... Aug. 20 Grades 9-12 (at East High School)......................... Aug. 22 James Monroe High School...................................... Aug. 28 Joseph C. Wilson Foundation Academy................... Aug. 27 Joseph C. Wilson Magnet H.S. Commencement Academy Schoolwide............................................................ Aug. 27 Grades 10-12........................................................... Aug. 28 Leadership Academy for Young Men....................... Aug. 29 Northeast College Preparatory High School New students........................................................ Aug. 29 Northwest College Preparatory High School New students and Grade 7.................................... Aug. 27 Robert Brown High School of Construction & Design Grade 9................................................................... Aug. 19 Grade 10................................................................. Aug. 20 Grade 11...................................................................Aug. 21 Grade 12.................................................................. Aug. 22 Rochester Early College International High School Grades 9-10............................................................ Aug. 20 Grades 11-12............................................................ Aug. 22 Rochester International Academy......... Aug. 17 and Sept. 3 Rochester STEM High School.................................... Aug. 22 School of the Arts (New students)........................... Aug. 27 School Without Walls Commencement Academy New parent orientation-meeting 1....................... Aug. 20 New parent orientation-meeting 2....................... Aug. 28 Vanguard Collegiate High School............................. Aug. 29 Work Experience Program at Edison....................... Aug. 29 Young Mothers & Interim Health Academy............. Aug. 22 Youth & Justice Program....................................... Aug. 21-22
Open Houses Sept. 3 Sept. 12 Sept. 16 Sept. 18 Sept. 19
Sept. 20 Sept. 23 Sept. 24 Sept. 25 Sept. 26
School No. 20 Open House/Recruitment Night Integrated Arts & Technology High School, James Monroe High School School No. 43 School No. 9 Schools No. 5, 23, 25, 35, 53, East High School, Northwest College Preparatory High School, Robert Brown School of Construction & Design, Rochester Early College International High School, Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy School No. 44 Schools No. 7, 41 School No. 3 Schools No. 4, 17, 22, 28, 52, 58 Schools No. 12, 15, 16, 33, 34, 36, 39, 42, 45, 50, 54, 57, School Without Walls Commencement Academy, Vanguard Collegiate High School
School Events Sept. 3 Sept. 5 Sept. 10 Sept. 11 Sept. 12 Sept. 13 Sept. 16 Sept. 17 Sept. 18 Sept. 19 Sept. 20 Sept. 23 Sept. 24 Sept. 25 Sept. 26 Sept. 27 Sept. 30 Terra Tross, Grade 2, Nathaniel Hawthorne School No. 25
School No. 42 Kindergarten Orientation School No. 53 Recruitment Night for PreK 3-year-olds School No. 54 PTSO Meeting School No. 41 Ice Cream Social School No. 44 Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting School No. 1 Welcome Back Friday School No. 46 Fall Meet & Greet sponsored by PTA School No. 33 PTA Meeting School No. 8 PTO Meeting Joseph C. Wilson Foundation Academy Curriculum Night School No. 8 Curriculum Night School No. 19 Annual Parent/Student/Staff Cookout School of the Arts Curriculum Night School No. 5 Curriculum Night School No. 10 PTO Meeting/Curriculum Night Robert Brown School of Construction & Design PTA Meeting School No. 29 Neighborhood Cleanup–29 Rocks the Block School No. 36 Scholastic Book Fair Week School No. 8 Parent/Principal Coffee Time School No. 8 Roberto Clemente Day/Curriculum Night School No. 15 Curriculum Night School No. 39 Town Meeting School No. 44 Family Movie Night School No. 1 Book Fair Week (through Oct. 4) School No. 41 Fall Fundraiser (through Oct. 11)
September 2013 SUNDAY 1 NEW SCHEDULES “A,B,C, and D” days label a rotating four-day schedule that gives all students consistent instruction time in each subject area. A snow day will not change the schedule; the calendar label will be correct.
8
2
MONDAY
3
TUESDAY
First Day of School for Teachers LABOR DAY
9 D-DAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
4 A-DAY
5 B-DAY
6 C-DAY
7
SATURDAY
First Day of School for Students
Superintendent’s Conference Day
10 A-DAY
FRIDAY
Registration Deadline for October SAT Test
ROSH HASHANAH
11 B-DAY
12 C-DAY
13 D-DAY
14
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
15
16 A-DAY
17 B-DAY
YOM KIPPUR
18 C-DAY
19 D-DAY
20 A-DAY
21
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m. ACT Test
22
23 B-DAY Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Informational Meeting Central Office 6:00 p.m.
29
30 C-DAY
24 C-DAY
25 D-DAY
26 A-DAY
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 5:00 p.m.
27 B-DAY
28
Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
AUGUST 2013
OCTOBER 2013
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
Safe School Hotline: 585-324-SAFE (7233) Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000 Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m.
One book at a time! www.rocread.com
Open Houses Oct. 2 Oct. 3 Oct. 9 Oct. 17
School No. 46, Leadership Academy for Young Men Schools No. 1, 2, 19 School No. 8 All City High, Charlotte High School, Rochester STEM High School
School Events
Adaysia Jones, Grade 4, John James Audubon School No. 33
Deshawna Vasquez, Grade 4, John James Audubon School No. 33
Oct. 3 Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 10 Oct. 11 Oct. 14 Oct. 15 Oct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 21 Oct. 21-25 Oct. 22 Oct. 23 Oct. 24 Oct. 25 Oct. 29 Oct. 28-29 Oct. 30 Oct. 31
School No. 19 Community Resource Night/Open House School No. 44 Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting School No. 54 PTSO Meeting School Without Walls Commencement Academy Fall Schoolwide Read School No. 58 Curriculum Night School No. 29 Curriculum Night/Parent-Teacher Conferences (gr.7-8) School No. 54 Hispanic Heritage Celebration School No. 44 Moms & Muffins School No. 8 PTO Meeting School No. 2 Curriculum Night School No. 7 Common Core State Standard Parent Night School No. 9 Curriculum Night Robert Brown School of Construction & Design Book Fair/Town Meeting/ Junior and Senior Class Meetings Rochester STEM High School Curriculum Night Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy Curriculum Night School No. 36 Hispanic Heritage Assemblies School No. 39 Hispanic Heritage Celebration School No. 33 PTA Meeting School No. 41 Red Ribbon Week School No. 34 Curriculum Night School No. 53 Parent Institute School No. 9 Hispanic Heritage Celebration School No. 45 Roller Skating School No. 52 ELA Night/Parent Night at the Book Fair School No. 54 Coffee & Conversation with Administration School No. 16 Family Read-In School No. 19 Curriculum Night (ELA/Social Studies) School No. 35 Hispanic Heritage Celebration School No. 50 Curriculum Night/Town Hall Meeting School No. 15 International Dinner School No. 44 Family Movie Night School No. 57 Pajama Day Parade School No. 8 Parent/Principal Coffee Time School No. 39 Literacy & Mathematics Night School No. 17 Hispanic Heritage Celebration School No. 17 Curriculum Night School No. 36 Family Literacy Night School No. 4 Vocabulary Parade
October 2013
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2013 NOVEMBER 2013
TUESDAY
1 D-DAY
WEDNESDAY
2 A-DAY
THURSDAY
3 B-DAY
FRIDAY
4 C-DAY
5
SATURDAY
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
6
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
7 D-DAY
Registration Deadline for November SAT Test
8 A-DAY
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
13
14
COLUMBUS DAY (All facilities closed)
20
21 A-DAY
15 A-DAY
9 B-DAY
10 C-DAY
11 D-DAY
12
17 C-DAY
18 D-DAY
19
REF Partnership Awards Dinner Rochester Plaza Hotel
16 B-DAY
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m.
Elementary School Parent-Teacher Conferences
22 B-DAY
SAT and Subject Tests
Secondary School Parent-Teacher Conferences
23 C-DAY
24 D-DAY
PSAT Test
25 A-DAY
Board of Education Hispanic Heritage Month Observance 5:30 p.m. Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
27
28 B-DAY Secondary (Gr. 7-12) Report Cards mailed home this week Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Informational Meeting Central Office 6:00 p.m.
29 C-DAY
30 D-DAY
31 A-DAY
Winter Coaches’ Meeting Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 5:00 p.m. HALLOWEEN
26
ACT Test
Safe School Hotline: 585-324-SAFE (7233) Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000 Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m.
One book at a time! www.rocread.com
School Events
Ohl Ma That, Grade 12, All City High
Nov. 7
School No. 29 Parent-Teacher Conferences (K-6)
School No. 36 Veteran’s Night Celebration
Youth & Justice Program Parent-Student Night at Boys & Girls Club
Nov. 8
School No. 44 Dads & Donuts
Nov. 12
School No. 1 Fall Festival
School No. 7 Town Hall Data Meeting
School No. 8 PTO Meeting
School No. 54 PTSO Meeting
Nov. 13
School of the Arts Recruitment Night
Nov. 14
School No. 5 Parent-Teacher Conferences
School No. 23 Heritage Peace Dinner
School No. 42 Curriculum Night
School No. 44 Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting
School No. 54 Common Core State Standards for ELA/Math
Nov. 15
School No. 41 Mother/Son Dance
Nov. 18
School No. 33 PTA Meeting
Nov. 19
School No. 8 Parent/Principal Coffee Time
School No. 45 Bingo for Books
Nov. 20
School No. 52 Math Night
Nov. 21
School No. 16 Math Exploration Evening
School No. 29 Thanksgiving Feast
Robert Brown School of Construction & Design PTA Meeting
Nov. 22
School No. 8 Awards Assembly
School No. 44 Family Movie Night
November 2013
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Safe School Hotline: DECEMBER 2013 OCTOBER 2013 585-324-SAFE (7233) S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
One book at a time! www.rocread.com
3
Daylight Saving Time ends
10
6 7 13 14 20 21 Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m. 27 28
Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000
4 C-DAY
11
18 D-DAY Elementary Report Cards sent home this week Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Informational Meeting Central Office 6:00 p.m.
24
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
5 D-DAY
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
25 A-DAY
1 B-DAY
2
SATURDAY
7 14 21 28
6 A-DAY
SAT and Subject Tests
7 B-DAY
8 C-DAY
9
Registration Deadline for December SAT Test
Winter Sports and Modified Sports 1 Begin
VETERANS DAY (All facilities closed)
17
1 8 15 22 29
FRIDAY
12 D-DAY
13 A-DAY
15 C-DAY
16
22 D-DAY
23
29
30
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m.
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
19 A-DAY
14 B-DAY
20 B-DAY
21 C-DAY
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 5:00 p.m. Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
26 B-DAY
27
28 HANUKKAH (Nov. 28-Dec. 5)
Thanksgiving Recess (No school for students Nov. 27-29)
THANKSGIVING DAY (All facilities closed Nov. 28 & 29)
School Events
Sarai Jones-Langston, Grade 1, John Walton Spencer School No. 16
Dec. 2-6
School No. 41 Book Fair
Dec. 4
School No. 22 Curriculum Night
Dec. 5
School No. 54 Winter Concert
Dec. 7
School No. 46 PTA Holiday Bazaar
Dec. 9-13
School No. 33 Holiday Shop
Dec. 10
School No. 54 PTSO Meeting
Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy Recruitment Night
Dec. 11
School No. 8 Winter Concert/Math Night
School No. 9 Winter Concert
Dec. 12
School No. 1 Winter Concert
School No. 16 Winter Concert
School No. 19 Recruitment Night
School No 25 Winter Concert
School No. 44 Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting
School No. 45 Winter Concert
Robert Brown School of Construction & Design Recruitment Night
School Without Walls Commencement Academy Recruitment Night
Vanguard Collegiate High School Recruitment Night
Dec. 13
School No. 9 Annual Cookie Contest
School No. 17 Royal Ball
Dec. 17
School No. 8 Parent/Principal Coffee Time/PTO Meeting
Dec. 18
School No. 7 Breakfast with the Principal
School No. 28 Math & Literacy Night
School No. 58 K-6 Exhibition Night
Dec. 19
School No. 19 Winter Concert
School No. 29 Holiday Concert
School No. 39 Winter Concert
Dec. 20
School No. 36 Holiday Concerts
School No. 44 Family Movie Night
December 2013
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY 1
MONDAY
2 C-DAY
TUESDAY
3 D-DAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
4 A-DAY
FRIDAY
5 B-DAY
6 C-DAY
7
SATURDAY
SAT and Subject Tests
8
9 D-DAY
10 A-DAY
11 B-DAY
12 C-DAY
16 A-DAY Secondary (Gr. 7-12) Report Cards mailed home this week Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Informational Meeting Central Office 6:00 p.m.
22
23
Winter Recess (No school for students Dec. 23-Jan. 3)
29
30
17 B-DAY
14
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m.
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
15
13 D-DAY
ACT Test
18 C-DAY
19 D-DAY
20 A-DAY
21
27
28
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 5:00 p.m. Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
24
CHRISTMAS EVE (All facilities closed Dec. 24 & 25)
31
25
26
CHRISTMAS DAY
KWANZAA (Dec. 26-Jan. 1)
NOVEMBER 2013
JANUARY 2014
S M T W T F S
NEW YEAR’S EVE
3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
Registration Deadline for January SAT Test
S M T W T F S
2 9 5 6 7 16 12 13 14 23 19 20 21 30 26 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
Safe School Hotline: 585-324-SAFE (7233) Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000 Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m.
One book at a time! www.rocread.com
School Events Jan. 9
School No. 16 Recruitment Night/School Selection Information Night for Grade 8
School No. 44 Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting
Rochester Early College International High School Recruitment Night
School of the Arts Parent Conferences
Jan. 14
School No. 7 ELA/Math Night
School No. 8 PTO Meeting
School No. 42 Recruitment Night
School No. 54 PTSO Meeting
Charlotte High School Recruitment Night
Youth & Justice Program College Planning/Financial Aid Night
Jan. 15
School No. 5 Town Meeting/Healthy Living Night
School No. 9 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
School No. 39 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recognition Assembly
School No. 58 Exhibition Night, Grades 7-8
Integrated Arts & Technology High School Recruitment Night/Expedition Night
Leadership Academy for Young Men Recruitment Night
Rochester STEM High School Black History Month Celebration/Recruitment Night
Jan. 16
School No. 16 Arts Festival
Northwest College Preparatory High School Recruitment Night
Joseph C. Wilson Foundation Academy Recruitment Night
Jan. 18
School No. 58 Recruitment Night
Youth & Justice Program Financial Aid Night
Jan. 21-24 School Without Walls Commencement Academy Summative Portfolio Assessments
Nicholas Griffith, Grade 5, Henry W. Longfellow School No. 36
Jan. 22
School No. 2 Recruitment Night
School No. 8 Recruitment Night
School No. 17 Family Literacy Night
School No. 45 Health & Wellness Night
Jan. 23
School No. 29 Roller skating Party
East High School Recruitment Night
Robert Brown School of Construction & Design PTA Meeting
Jan. 27
Rochester Early College International High School Recruitment Night
Jan. 28
School No. 8 Parent/Principal Coffee Time
Jan. 30
School No. 12 Arts Fest
Jan. 31
School No. 44 Family Movie Night
January 2014
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY Safe School Hotline: DECEMBER 2013 FEBRUARY 2014
585-324-SAFE (7233) S M T W T F S S M T W T F S Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m.
Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000
5
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
6 B-DAY
2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28
1 8 15 22
WEDNESDAY
1
NEW YEAR’S DAY (All facilities closed)
THURSDAY
2
3
FRIDAY
4
SATURDAY
Board of Education Organizational Meeting 6:00 p.m.
7 C-DAY
8 D-DAY
9 A-DAY
10 B-DAY
11
14 D-DAY
15 A-DAY
16 B-DAY
17 C-DAY
18
24 C-DAY
25
Modified Winter Sports II Begin THREE KINGS DAY
12
13 C-DAY
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m.
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
19
20
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY (All facilities closed)
26
27 D-DAY
21 D-DAY
22 A-DAY
23 B-DAY
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 5:00 p.m. Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
28 A-DAY
29 B-DAY
30 C-DAY
SAT and Subject Tests
31 D-DAY
Regents/Local Exams (Jan. 27-30) Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Informational Meeting Central Office 6:00 p.m.
One book at a time! www.rocread.com
School Events Feb. 5
School No. 41 Pizza & Bingo Night
Feb. 6
School No. 44 Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting
Feb. 7
School No. 8 Awards Assembly
Feb. 10
School No. 33 PTA Meeting
Feb. 10-24 School No. 41 Spring Fundraiser Feb. 11
School No. 8 PTO Meeting
School No. 54 PTSO Meeting
Feb. 12
School No. 9 African American Heritage Celebration
School No. 54 Coffee & Conversation with Administration
Feb. 13
School No. 7 Mid-Winter Dance
School No. 16 Black History Celebration
School No. 35 Black History Celebration
School No. 45 Black History Dinner
Feb. 13-14 School No. 17 Black History Celebration
Than Da Oo, Grade 11, Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy
Feb. 14
School No. 4 Sweetheart Ball
School No. 44 Show Our Families Some Love Day
Feb. 25
School No. 8 Parent/Principal Coffee Time
Feb. 27
School No. 1 Black History Celebration
School No. 19 African American Celebration
School No. 54 Black History Extravaganza
School No. 57 Black History Dinner Celebration
Feb. 28
School No. 29 Black History Assembly
School No. 44 Science Fair/Family Movie Night
February 2014
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY JANUARY 2014 MARCH 2014 S M T W T F S
One book at a time! www.rocread.com
2
5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 21 26 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
1 8 15 22 29
4 B-DAY
5 C-DAY
6 D-DAY Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m.
9
16
10 B-DAY
11 C-DAY
Elementary Report Cards sent home this week
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office, 5:00 p.m.
Secondary (Gr. 7-12) Report Cards mailed home this week
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
17
1
SATURDAY
S M T W T F S
4 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31
3 A-DAY
FRIDAY
12 D-DAY
13 A-DAY
7 A-DAY
8
Registration Deadline for March SAT Test
14 B-DAY
15
VALENTINE’S DAY
18
19
20
21
25 D-DAY
26 A-DAY
27 B-DAY
28 C-DAY
22
February Recess (No school for students Feb. 17-21) PRESIDENT’S DAY (All facilities closed)
23
24 C-DAY
Spring Coaches’ Meeting
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Informational Meeting Central Office 6:00 p.m.
Board of Education Black History Month Observance 5:30 p.m. Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Safe School Hotline: 585-324-SAFE (7233) Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000 Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m.
School Events
Namoni Feliciano, Grade 4, Adlai E. Stevenson School No. 29
Mar. 4
School No. 7 NYS Assessment Night for Parents
Mar. 6
School No. 44 Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting
Robert Brown School of Construction & Design Student Exhibition Night/Book Fair/Town Meeting/Jr. & Sr. Class Meetings
Mar. 7
School No. 36 Black History Month Assemblies
School No. 39 African American Heritage Assembly
Mar. 10
School No. 33 Books & Blanket Night
School Without Walls Commencement Academy Spring Schoolwide Read
Mar. 11
School No. 8 PTO Meeting
School No. 54 PTSO Meeting
Mar. 12-13
School No. 17 Music In Our Schools Month Concert
Mar. 14
School No. 41 Family Movie Night
Mar. 17
School No. 29 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Mar. 18
School No. 1 Common Core/Literacy & Numeracy Night
School No. 42 Preparing for the Tests Parent Night
School No. 45 Roller Skating
School No. 53 Parent Institute
Mar. 20
School No. 5 Parent-Teacher Conferences
School No. 16 Project Fair
School No. 23 Snuggle Up and Read
School No. 39 Common Core Parent Night
Robert Brown School of Construction & Design PTA Meeting
Youth & Justice Program Parent-Student Night at Pierpont Recreation Center
Mar. 21
School No. 44 Black History Celebration
Mar. 25
School No. 8 Parent/Principal Coffee Time
Mar. 26
School No. 9 Women’s History Celebration
School No. 17 Family Common Core Standards Night
School No. 58 Exhibition Night, Grades 9-11
Mar. 27
School No. 29 NYS Testing Night, Grades 3-8
Mar. 28
School No. 44 Family Movie Night
March 2014
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Safe School Hotline: FEBRUARY 2014 APRIL 2014
FRIDAY
585-324-SAFE (7233) S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
One book at a time! www.rocread.com
2
Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m.
Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000
3 D-DAY
2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28
1 8 15 22
4 A-DAY
6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
1
SATURDAY
5 12 19 26
5 B-DAY
6 C-DAY
7 D-DAY
8
Elementary School Parent-Teacher Conferences
9
Spring Sports and Modified Sports Begin
Arts Education Open House Central Office 131 W. Broad Street 5:00-7:00 p.m.
10 A-DAY
11 B-DAY
16th Annual School Library System Storytelling Festival
12 C-DAY
17 A-DAY
18 B-DAY
13 D-DAY Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m.
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
16
Secondary School Parent-Teacher Conferences
SAT Test
14
15
Superintendent’s Conference Day (No school for students)
19 C-DAY
20 D-DAY
21 A-DAY
22
26 D-DAY
27 A-DAY
28 B-DAY
29
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 5:00 p.m. ST. PATRICK’S DAY
23
24 B-DAY
25 C-DAY
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Informational Meeting Central Office, 6:00 p.m.
30
Secondary (Gr. 7-12) Report Cards mailed home this week
C-DAY
31
All City String Concert 6:00 p.m.
Board of Education Women’s History Month Observance 5:30 p.m. Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
All City Band and Chorus Concert East High School 1:00 p.m.
School Events
Brittany Lu, Grade 10, School of the Arts
Apr. 3
Robert Brown School of Construction & Design Career Day
Apr. 8
School No. 7 Common Core State Standard Parent Night
School No. 53 Parent/Child Night
School No. 54 PTSO Meeting
Apr. 10
School No. 44 Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting
Apr. 11
School No. 8 Awards Assembly
Apr. 15
School No. 8 PTO Meeting
Apr. 21
School No. 33 PTA Meeting
Apr. 24
School No. 29 NWEA Night, Grades K-2
Apr. 25
School No. 44 Family Movie Night
Apr. 28
School No. 41 Spring Book Fair (through May 2)
Apr. 29
School No. 1 Family Fun, Health & Fitness Night
School No. 8 Parent/Principal Coffee Time
Apr. 30
School No. 9 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry Slam
April 2014
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY MARCH 2014
MONDAY
TUESDAY
1 D-DAY
MAY 2014
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31
6
1 8 15 22 29
4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
7 D-DAY
WEDNESDAY
2 A-DAY
14
Spring Recess (No school for students April 14-18)
20
EASTER SUNDAY
27
21 A-DAY
8 A-DAY
15
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Informational Meeting Central Office 6:00 p.m.
FRIDAY
4 C-DAY
5
SATURDAY
Registration Deadline for May SAT Test
9 B-DAY
10 C-DAY
11 D-DAY
12
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m. ACT Test
16
17
18
19
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 5:00 p.m. GOOD FRIDAY (All facilities closed)
22 B-DAY
23 C-DAY
24 D-DAY
25 A-DAY
26
Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Elementary Report Cards sent home this week
28 B-DAY
3 B-DAY
NYS ELA Testing Grades 3-8 (April 1-3)
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
13
THURSDAY
29 C-DAY
30 D-DAY
NYS Math Testing Grades 3-8 (April 30-May 2)
Safe School Hotline: 585-324-SAFE (7233) Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000 Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m.
One book at a time! www.rocread.com
School Events
Mola Designs (clockwise from top left) Joshua Martinez, Janerys Ortiz, Yuneirys Martinez, Bryan Vazquez, all Grade 5, Abraham Lincoln School No. 22
May 1 May 2 May 2-9 May 7 May 7-8 May 8 May 9 May 10 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 19-22 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 29 May 30
School No. 19 Curriculum Night (Math/Science) School No. 41 Father/Daughter Dance Charlotte High School Curriculum Night Leadership Academy for Young Men Junior Prom School No. 41 Cookie Dough Fundraiser School No. 45 Health & Wellness Night School No. 17 Spring Concerts School No. 16 Spring Fling School No. 44 Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting Robert Brown School of Construction & Design Information Night for Incoming 9th Graders/PTA Meeting School No. 4 Mother/Son Formal School No. 33 Moms-N-Muffins School No. 1 College and Career Week (through May 16) School No. 8 PTO Meeting School No. 54 PTSO Meeting School No. 54 Coffee & Conversation with Administration School No. 1 Spring Concert School No. 19 Science Discovery Day School No. 29 Family/Child Ball School No. 52 Science Fair and Ice Cream Social School No. 54 Academia Showcase (Science/Social Studies/Math) School of the Arts Parent Conferences School No. 44 Gramps & Goodies Wilson Foundation Academy International Week & Days of Caring School No. 8 Parent/Principal Coffee Time School No. 53 Montesorri Global School No. 9 Spring Concert School No. 58 Exhibition Night, Grades 7-8 School No 25 Spring Concert Youth & Justice Program Parent-Student Night at Baden Street Settlement School No. 36 Primary Field Day School No. 44 Volunteer Luncheon School No. 45 Spring Concert School No. 36 Intermediate Field Day School No. 39 Spring Concert School No. 44 Family Movie Night Northeast College Preparatory High School Prom Night
May 2014
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY Safe School Hotline: APRIL 2014 JUNE 2014
THURSDAY
585-324-SAFE (7233) S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
One book at a time! www.rocread.com
4
6 7 13 14 20 21 Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m. 27 28
Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000
5 C-DAY
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 D-DAY
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
7 A-DAY
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
1 A-DAY
FRIDAY
2 B-DAY
NYS Math Testing Grades 3-8 (April 30-May 2)
8 B-DAY
3
SATURDAY
SAT and Subject Tests
9 C-DAY
10
Registration Deadline for June SAT Test
11
12 D-DAY
19 A-DAY Secondary (Gr. 7-12) Report Cards mailed home this week
125th Annual Transfer of Flags Ceremony Monroe High School 1:30 p.m.
25
14 B-DAY
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Informational Meeting Central Office 6:00 p.m.
26
MEMORIAL DAY (All facilities closed)
20 B-DAY
15 C-DAY
16 D-DAY
40th Annual Parent Event Charlotte Beach Park 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Nick Zona Track Meet (Rain date: May 20)
21 C-DAY
22 D-DAY
17 Rehearsal for 125th Annual Transfer of Flags Ceremony
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m.
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
MOTHER’S DAY
18
13 A-DAY
23
24
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 5:00 p.m. Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
27 A-DAY
28 B-DAY
29 C-DAY
Memorial Day Recess (No school for students)
30 D-DAY
31
School Events
Kiyana Easter, Grade 10, Rochester Early College International High School
Elementary Moving Up/Graduation Ceremonies June 14 June 17 June 18 June 19 June 20 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 28
School No. 12 (K) School No. 19 (8) Schools No. 4 (K), 8 (K & 8), 19 (K), 34 (6), 57 (K) Schools No. 3 (8), 4, 34 (K), 57 (2) School No. 41 (K & 6) School No. 3 (K) Schools No. 7 (K), 9 (K), 36 (PreK), 44 (K & 8), 58 (K) Schools No. 5 (K & 8), 7 (6), 10 (K & 6), 16 (K), 17 (K), 20 (K), 33 (PreK), 35 (K), 36 (6), 39 (K), 42 (K), 45 (K), 50 (K), 53 Schools No. 1 (K & 6), 9, (6), 12 (6), 16 (8), 17 (8), 20 (6), 22 (K), 23 (K & 6), 25 (PreK, K & 6), 28 (K & 6), 29 (K & 8), 33 (6), 35 (6), 36 (K), 39 (6), 42 (6), 45 (8), 46 (K), Wilson Foundation Academy (K & 8) Schools No. 15 (6), 22 (6), 46 (6), 54 (K & 6), 58 (6) School No. 9 (8)
June 3 June 4 June 5 June 5-6 June 6 June 7 June 9 June 10 June 11 June 12 June 13 June 14 June 17 June 19 June 20
School No. 52 Parent Night at the Book Fair School No. 5 Read-In/Ice Cream Social School No. 17 Literacy Carnival School No. 36 Spring Concerts School No. 5 Field Day School No. 19 Spring Concert School No. 54 Talents Unlimited Integrated Arts & Technology High School Expedition Night School No. 25 Musical Performance with Durand Eastman Middle School School No. 36 Carnival Day School No. 39 Carnival Day School No. 41 End of Year Barbeque School No. 52 Volunteer Luncheon School No. 52 Rummage Sale School No. 33 PTA Meeting School No. 9 Primary Awards Ceremony School No. 54 PTSO Meeting School No. 36 Volunteer Tea School No. 58 K-6 Exhibition Night School No. 5 Cultural Fair & Arts Festival School No. 9 Intermediate Awards Ceremony School No. 44 Field Day/Coffee with the Principal/PTA Meeting School No. 54 Field Day School No. 15 End of Year Picnic School No. 16 Field Day School No. 46 End of Year Picnic sponsored by PTA School No. 52 Family Lunch Picnic (Rain date: June 16) School No. 53 Family Picnic School No. 33 Dads-N-Donuts School No. 39 Townson Day Picnics/Flag Day Celebration School No. 3 Academic & Sports Awards Night (Grades 1-7) School No. 8 PTO Meeting School No. 45 Talent Show School No. 29 Family Cookout/Field Day School No. 1 Anderson Field Day School No. 8 Awards Assembly School No. 53 Field Day
High School Graduation Ceremonies
Check with your school to verify date/time/location of ceremonies.
June 26 June 27
All City High James Monroe High School, Robert Brown School of Construction & Design, Northwest College Preparatory High School, Rochester Early College International High School, Rochester STEM High School, School of the Arts
June 28 Charlotte High School, East High School, Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School, Vanguard Collegiate High School June 29 School Without Walls Commencement Academy
June 2014
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY 1
MONDAY
2 A-DAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
3 B-DAY
THURSDAY
4 C-DAY
FRIDAY
5 D-DAY
6 A-DAY
Regents/Local Exams
8
9 B-DAY
SAT and Subject Tests
10 C-DAY
11 D-DAY
12 A-DAY
16 C-DAY
17 D-DAY
18 A-DAY
Regents/Local Exams (June 17-26)
19 B-DAY
ACT Test
20 C-DAY
21
27
28
Board of Education Meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
FATHER’S DAY
23 D-DAY
14
FLAG DAY
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 5:00 p.m.
22
13 B-DAY
Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent Central Office 7:00 a.m.
Bilingual Education Council Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m.
15
7
SATURDAY
24 A-DAY
25 B-DAY
26 C-DAY Last Day of School for Students Last Day of School for Teachers/Rating Day
29
30
All Report Cards mailed home this week
MAY 2014
JULY 2014
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
Safe School Hotline: 585-324-SAFE (7233) Dial-A-Teacher Homework Hotline: 585-262-5000
One book at a time!
Monday–Thursday 3:30-7 p.m.
www.rocread.com
July 2014
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY
One book at a time!
MONDAY
1
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
2
THURSDAY
3
FRIDAY
4
Don’t forget to read over the summer!
5
SATURDAY
INDEPENDENCE DAY
www.rocread.com
6
7
8
9
10
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
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JUNE 2014
AUGUST 2014
S M T W T F S
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
S M T W T F S 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
August 2014
www.rcsdk12.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY JULY 2014 SEPTEMBER 2014
One book at a time!
Don’t forget to read over the summer!
www.rocread.com
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
1
FRIDAY
2
SATURDAY
6 13 20 27
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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Parent Handbook TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION Time Schedules for Schools............................................1 Attendance..................................................................... 2 Emergency Information and Plans................................ 2 Emergency School Closings........................................... 2 Food Service................................................................... 2 Homework...................................................................... 2 Internet Use.................................................................... 3 Make-up Days................................................................. 2 Marking Period and Report Card Dates........................ 3 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act................................... 3 Parent Organizations.....................................................4 Bilingual Education Council....................................4 Parent Advisory Council (PAC)...............................4 Parent Liaisons/Home School Assistants...............4 Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)/ Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).......................4 School Based Planning Teams (SBPT)....................4 Parent Resources........................................................... 3 How to Address Issues Involving Your Child.........4 Office of Parent Engagement (OPE)...................... 3 Operation MAN (Men of Action Network)............4 Parent CONNECTxp................................................ 3 Parent Service Center.............................................4 Parent University....................................................4 Personal Student Information.......................................4 Photo Release Information........................................... 5 Rochester Education Foundation..................................8 Safe School Hotline........................................................ 5 Safety Drills..................................................................... 2 Scholarships for College................................................ 5 Student Leadership Congress (SLC).............................. 5 Student Placement/Registering for School.................. 5 Elementary Schools................................................ 5 Secondary Schools (Grades 7-12)............................ 5 Language Assessment and Placement Services....6 Student Records . ..........................................................6 Students First.................................................................6 Transfer of Flags Ceremony...........................................6
Transportation................................................................6 Visiting Schools.............................................................. 7 Volunteering and Partnerships...................................... 7 Work Permits for Students............................................8 Website...........................................................................8
ACADEMIC GUIDELINES Advanced Placement (AP)........................................... 10 Arts..................................................................................8 Bilingual Education.........................................................9 Career and Technical Education (CTE)........................ 10 Common Core Learning Standards...............................9 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)........9 English Language Learners (ELL)..................................8 Foreign Language Program...........................................9 Health Education.......................................................... 10 Integrated Literacy....................................................... 10 Learning Through English Academic Program (LEAP)....9 Major Achievement Program (MAP)........................... 10 Mathematics................................................................. 10 Physical Education........................................................ 10 Prekindergarten Programs........................................... 11 SAT/PSAT Tests.............................................................. 11 Science.......................................................................... 10 Social Studies................................................................ 10 Testing........................................................................... 11
DISTRICT PROGRAMS & STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Academic Intervention Services for Students............. 11 Adult and Career Education Services...........................12 Assessment and Related Services................................15 Audiology...............................................................15 Assistive Technology for Children.........................15 Bilingual Assessment Team...................................15 MATCH Team (Medical Management and Assistive Technology for Children).......................................15 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Services...........15 Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT).............................................15 School Psychology.................................................15 Speech-Language and Hearing..............................15 Teacher of the Deaf (TOD)/Hard of Hearing.........15
Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)/ Orientation and Mobility.......................................15 Athletics/Extracurricular Eligibility...............................12 Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (BRIA)....12 Child Find...................................................................... 16 Confidentiality and Privacy...........................................12 Crisis Team.....................................................................14 Dial-A-Teacher................................................................12 Due Process Rights.......................................................15 Extended Learning Opportunities................................12 Grief Resource Network...............................................12 Health and Medical Services.........................................12 Homeless Program........................................................14 Individual Education Plan (IEP).....................................15 National Academy Foundation (NAF)..........................14 Native American Resource Center...............................14 School-Based Health Centers.......................................13 School Counseling Services..........................................14 School-Linked Health Clinics.........................................13 School Nursing Services................................................13 School Social Work........................................................14 Section 504 Accommodations..................................... 16 SMILEmobile.................................................................14 Special Education and Related Services.......................15 Student Accident Program...........................................14 Student and Family Support Centers.......................... 16 Student Evaluations......................................................15 Student Support Services Contact Information......... 16 Summer Programs....................................................... 16 Telemedicine (Health-e-Access)...................................14 Transition Planning....................................................... 16 Work-Based Learning Programs.................................. 16 Youth Development and Family Services (YDFS)....... 16
DISTRICTWIDE POLICIES Code of Conduct............................................................17 Code of Discipline......................................................... 18 Dress Code.....................................................................17 Environmental Safety................................................... 18 Prohibited Student Conduct.........................................17 Public Conduct on School Property............................ 18 Searches on School Property.......................................17 Whistleblower Hotline................................................. 18
TIME SCHEDULES FOR SCHOOLS Elementary Schools
Arrival Time
Martin B. Anderson School No. 1.................................7:35 a.m. Clara Barton School No. 2............................................9:00 a.m. *Nathaniel Rochester Community School No. 3.........8:45 a.m. George Mather Forbes School No. 4...........................9:00 a.m. John H. Williams School No. 5.....................................9:00 a.m. Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7.......................................9:00 a.m. *Roberto Clemente School No. 8................................7:35 a.m. *Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School No. 9...................7:45 a.m. *Dr. Walter Cooper Academy School No. 10...............7:30 a.m. James P. B. Duffy School No. 12...................................7:35 a.m. The Children’s School of Rochester No. 15.................7:35 a.m. John Walton Spencer School No. 16...........................9:00 a.m. *Enrico Fermi School No. 17.........................................8:45 a.m. Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No. 19.........................9:00 a.m. Henry Lomb School No. 20..........................................7:35 a.m. *Abraham Lincoln School No. 22.................................7:35 a.m. *Francis Parker School No. 23.....................................7:45 a.m. Nathaniel Hawthorne School No. 25...........................7:35 a.m. Henry Hudson School No. 28.......................................9:00 a.m. Adlai E. Stevenson School No. 29................................7:35 a.m. John James Audubon School No. 33...........................9:00 a.m. *Dr. Louis A. Cerulli School No. 34..............................7:15 a.m. Pinnacle School No. 35.................................................9:00 a.m. Henry W. Longfellow School No. 36...........................7:35 a.m. Andrew J. Townson School No. 39..............................9:00 a.m. *Kodak Park School No. 41..........................................7:35 a.m. Abelard Reynolds School No. 42.................................9:00 a.m. Theodore Roosevelt School No. 43.............................7:35 a.m. *Lincoln Park School No. 44........................................7:35 a.m. *Mary McLeod Bethune School No. 45.......................7:15 a.m. *Charles Carroll School No. 46....................................7:45 a.m. Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50.................7:35 a.m. Frank Fowler Dow School No. 52................................9:00 a.m. Montessori Academy School No. 53...........................7:35 a.m. The Flower City School No. 54.....................................9:00 a.m. Early Childhood School of Rochester No. 57..............7:35 a.m. World of Inquiry School No. 58 (K-6)..........................9:00 a.m. Joseph C. Wilson Foundation Academy......................7:35 a.m.
School Starts
School Dismissal
7:50 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 8:00 a.m. (Wed.) 7:45 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 8:00 a.m. (Wed.) 7:50 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m. (Wed.) 7:50 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:50 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 7:50 a.m.
2:10 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:55 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:07 p.m. 2:50 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:35 p.m. 2:10 p.m.
Secondary Schools
Arrival Time
*Charlotte High School................................................7:15 a.m. East High School...........................................................7:00 a.m. Integrated Arts and Technology High School.............8:00 a.m. *James Monroe High School ......................................7:00 a.m. *Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy.....................................7:00 a.m. *The Leadership Academy for Young Men.................7:15 a.m. *Northeast College Preparatory High School.............7:00 a.m. *Northwest College Preparatory High School...........7:00 a.m. Robert Brown H.S. of Construction & Design.............7:00 a.m. Rochester Early College International High School....7:00 a.m. Rochester STEM High School......................................7:00 a.m. *School of the Arts......................................................7:35 a.m. ...................................................................................... School Without Walls Commencement Academy......7:30 a.m. School Without Walls Foundation Academy .............8:00 a.m. Vanguard Collegiate High School................................8:00 a.m. World of Inquiry School No. 58 (7-11)..........................8:00 a.m.
School Starts
School Dismissal
8:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m.
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:45 p.m.
7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 8:05 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 1st 2:55 p.m. 2nd 3:55p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Programs *All City High................................................................7:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
(Individual student schedules vary. There will be additional dismissals through 7 p.m.)
Rochester International Academy..............................7:15 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Young Mothers and Interim Health Academy...............................8:30 a.m. Additional Youth Programs/Long-term Suspension......................7:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
*Expanded Learning Time Schools Many schools provide additional time in the day or on school breaks for instruction, support, and extra-curricular activities. Time schedules in red may be changing. Check with these schools before the beginning of the school year for start and dismissal times.
PLEASE NOTE:
Schools No. 3, 17 and 34 have changed their time schedules since the printing of the calendar. Please refer to this page for the correct times. 1
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General Information Attendance The Rochester City School District is committed to increasing our students’ academic performance through improved student attendance. It is our mission and goal to establish a clear collaboration and communication between RCSD departments, families and the community by implementing strategies to make sure students attend school. The RCSD will focus on maximizing student attendance by clarifying responsibilities of staff, students, parents, and community, identifying appropriate resources, and ensuring that students are successful academically, economically, and socially. The expectation is that all schools will continually strive toward 100% attendance. Parents and guardians have primary responsibility for ensuring that students arrive to school daily and on time. They are obligated to inform the school that their child will be absent from school or classes, and responsible for encouraging students to stay in school. In the event a student is absent, the parent is to provide a written excuse within five days of the absence. Parents should call the school when their child is going to be absent and follow up with written notification to the school. If you have any questions regarding the student attendance policy, call the Office of Student Attendance at 262-8105.
Emergency Information and Plans It’s important for our schools to be able to contact the parents or guardians of every student in case of an emergency. Parents are asked to give the school office the names of people who can be contacted in an emergency, with current home and work phone numbers for each. Parents should notify the school immediately if emergency contact numbers change during the year. Each school has a plan for responding to emergency situations that may occur during the school day. These include medical emergencies, weather-related emergencies, utility failures (electricity, gas, water), and situations involving school safety and security including bomb threats and intruders in schools. The plans enable schools to be prepared in the event of an emergency and to protect the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors. They are reviewed regularly by school staff and are updated in accordance with directives from District safety officials working with state and federal agencies.
Emergency School Closings If schools are closed due to severe weather or another emergency, an announcement will be made on local T.V. and radio stations. The District will notify stations by 6:00 a.m. if schools are closed for the day. Parents and staff will also get an automated telephone call informing them of the closure. When city public schools are closed, no transportation will be provided to any schools or programs served by the City School District. If schools remain open during inclement weather, it is the responsibility of parents to decide if their children can safely travel their usual routes to school. If it becomes necessary to close schools early on a given day, an announcement will also be made on local T.V. and radio stations, with an automated phone call to parents. School personnel will not leave their buildings until all students are provided transportation home and walkers are dismissed.
Make-up Days State law requires schools to provide students at least 180 days of instruction each school year. If instructional days fall below the minimum because of emergency closings, make-up days will be added immediately after the scheduled end of the school year.
Safety Drills All schools are required by law to have at least 12 fire drills a year. Eight of the drills must take place before December 1, and two must be practiced during breakfast or lunch. State and federal guidelines also require schools to test their School Safety Plans. Safety Plan drills include practicing lockdowns, lockouts, on- and off site evacuations, and sheltering-in-place. Drills will be called at the discretion of school principals and may be recorded for review.
Food Service Breakfast and lunch for students is offered in every school daily. Monthly menus can be accessed from the home page of the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org. Click on the “School Food Services and Menus” shortcut. As of the 2012-2013 school year, the District entered into the Community Eligibility Option (CEO) which makes it possible for all children to have a free breakfast and free lunch every school day. This is a great way to ensure that students will begin their school day with fuel for their bodies and minds. While all of our students eat free under the Community Eligibility Option, the District needs to obtain household income eligibility data to support other functions. There are many grants the District applies for that are based on financial need, and this data sheet will capture that information. Some examples of services that are provided are: tutors for students, learning resources, exam-fee exemptions (which can average $90 per exam), and Toys for Tots during the holiday season. Parents or guardians should fill out an income eligibility form as early in the new school year as possible. For more information, call 336-4100.
Homework Homework is an important part of the learning process, supporting the establishment of good study habits, individual responsibility and time management. All of these skills are required for success in school and the workplace. Quality homework reinforces what students learn in school and provides the opportunity for parents, guardians, and family members to be involved in their child’s education. In general, students are expected to do homework each night as follows: Grades K-2 Grade 3 Grades 4-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12
15 minutes 30 minutes 30–60 minutes 1 1/2–2 1/2 hours 2 1/2–3 1/2 hours (including study time)
Parents, guardians and families are in a powerful position to support their child’s academic achievement. Students should have an area of study that is free from distractions and access to basic materials (paper, pencil, pen, ruler, and eraser). In the event that a child is unable to complete an assignment, it is helpful if the parent or guardian contacts the teacher immediately. Students are expected to read 20-30 minutes daily. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher(s) early in the year regarding specific expectations for homework.
Internet Use In accordance with the District’s Code of Conduct, District computer equipment shall be used only for purposes consistent with the District’s educational and business mission and not in violation of law or copyright. The use of District equipment, email, Internet access, and websites is subject to monitoring without prior notice or express consent. Users shall have no expectation of privacy. For a copy of the Code of Conduct, including rules for Internet use, call 262-8525.
Marking Period and Report Card Dates Elementary (Grades K-6) Marking Period 1: 7/1/13 to 11/8/13 Marking Period 2: 11/9/13 to 1/31/14 Marking Period 3: 2/1/14 to 4/11/14 Marking Period 4: 4/12/14 to 6/26/14
Secondary (Grades 7-12) Marking Period 1: 7/1/13 to 10/18/13 Marking Period 2: 10/19/13 to 12/6/13 Marking Period 3: 12/7/13 to 1/31/14 Marking Period 4: 2/1/14 to 3/21/14 Marking Period 5: 3/22/14 to 5/9/14 Marking Period 6: 5/10/14 to 6/26/14
Elementary Report Cards sent home week of: November 18, 2013 February 10, 2014 April 21, 2014 June 30, 2014
Secondary Report Cards mailed week of: October 28, 2013 December 16, 2013 February 10, 2014 March 31, 2014 May 19, 2014 June 30, 2014
No Child Left Behind Act The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, a part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, is a federal law designed to provide resources to improve education for all children and to help close the achievement gap between “traditionally under served groups of students” (such as low-income, disabled, and minority students), and their classmates. It holds schools and school districts responsible for helping students meet challenging academic standards, gives parents a voice as a partner in their child’s education, and supports highly qualified teachers by promoting teaching methods that work. Current highlights include: • Focusing federal Title I funds to strengthen language arts and math instruction, after-school academic programs, and academic support for English language learners • Ensuring greater opportunities for parents to become active partners in their children’s education through parent involvement/engagement • Allowing more choices for parents and students attending low-performing schools • Strengthening federal policies governing state testing, school accountability, and teacher and paraprofessional qualifications In addition, NCLB currently requires school districts to: • Notify parents when the District or their children’s schools have been cited for low performance. Parents must be notified 2 weeks before the beginning of the school year, or as soon as practical after the School Accountability List is released by the New York State Education Department
• Offer eligible students (as defined by NCLB) the opportunity to receive additional academic support based on academic need and extended learning opportunities to students to close achievement gaps • Offer eligible students (as defined by NCLB) in low-performing schools the opportunity to transfer to higher performing schools, when transfer options exist • Notify parents if their children’s teachers are not certified in the area they are teaching • Respond if parents ask for information regarding the certification of their child’s teacher For more information, visit the Rochester City School District website at www.rcsdk12.org. Click on Parents or Departments, click on No Child Left Behind for more information and for links to the New York State and U.S Department of Education’s “No Child Left Behind” websites.
Parent Resources Parent and family engagement increases student achievement and success. Below are some parent organizations at the District level that provide parents and guardians with opportunities to be more involved and engaged in their child’s education.
Office of Parent Engagement (OPE) The Office of Parent (Family) Engagement is responsible for providing educational and technical assistance to the District Community around Family-School Partnerships. Family engagement is a shared responsibility in which schools and other community agencies and organizations are committed to engaging families in meaningful ways and in which families are committed to actively supporting their children’s learning and development, toward educational success from Pre-K to college. Our goal is to REACH Parents: Respond to parents’ needs; Encourage open communication; Advocate for parents and the District; Collaborate with Community Partners; Help parents help their children toward academic success. The Office of Parent Engagement staff can help you become more engaged in your child’s learning. OPE is located at 131 West Broad Street on the 1st floor. For more information, visit our website at www.rcsdk12.org/OPE. Contact our office at 262-8359 or via email at parentcenter@ rcsdk12.org. All services are available in Spanish.
ParentCONNECTxp ParentCONNECTxp is a user-friendly, web-based system designed to improve communication between home and school to support student achievement. Through this secure online system, parents are able to check their child’s academic progress from any computer, anytime. This allows parents to monitor grades, view report cards, check attendance reports and communicate with their child’s teacher and more! The system also allows parents to subscribe to email or phone alerts on grades, attendance and missing assignments. ParentCONNECTxp Tech Sites are not only being established across the district in all schools, but in community centers, churches, and other community partner sites across the city of Rochester as well. Information and registration is available at your child’s school and online at www.rcsdk12. org/ParentCONNECT. Contact ParentCONNECT via email at ParentCONNECT@rcsdk12.org or contact the office of Parent Engagement at (585) 324-9999.
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4 Parent Service Center The Parent Service Center provides assistance to parents and guardians in solving problems, addressing complaints and resolving school-related issues when normal procedures at the school level have not been successful. Parent Services Representatives are available to meet with parents either at Central Office (131 West Broad Street), or at the school locations. Staff members serve as impartial mediators between parties and can help identify the best means of resolving issues successfully. Parent Services Representatives can also answer questions about the District, its policies and administrative procedures. Contact Parent Services Representatives at 262-8359.
Parent University Parent University provides training workshops to help parents strengthen their skills in supporting their children’s education, including help with homework, test preparation, communication, and understanding curriculum. It also offers a Parent Leadership Academy to prepare parents for leadership roles in parent organizations. In addition, Parent University provides professional development to staff in the area of developing partnerships with parents. For more information, contact the Office of Parent Engagement at 324-9999.
Operation MAN (Men of Action Network) Operation MAN is a fatherhood initiative working to establish a father focused program at every school in the District. The four areas of focus will include: visibility in the schools, support school activities, participation in training programs and mentorship.
How To Address Issues Involving Your Child If you have a concern about an issue involving your child, begin by making an appointment to meet with the teacher. Most problems can be successfully resolved at the classroom level when a parent and teacher work together. If the issue goes beyond something the teacher can address, contact the school’s main office to arrange an appointment with the principal. You may also contact the school’s parent liaison/home-school assistant at the elementary level, or the school counselor at the high school level. If a concern remains after you have followed these steps, please contact OPE at 262-8353 or 262-8348, and a representative will assist you with trying to resolve your issue. If the concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the New York State Department of Education using the Written Complaint and Appeal Procedures link on the district’s website at www.rcsdk12.org/NCLB.
Parent Organizations Parent Advisory Council The District-wide Parent Advisory Council (PAC) encourages authentic engagement among a cross section of parents— who are selected to serve on the council by their school communities—and District leadership. The Parent Advisory Council meets regularly with the Board of Education, Superintendent and Cabinet members. As part of this collaboration, the council raises concerns and seeks to work collaboratively to understand and/or resolve issues when possible, makes recommendations on the District’s obligation to meaningful family engagement under legislation and policy, and serves as a conduit to bring information to the Council from their school communities.
Council members communicate information back to their schools through the PTA, School-Based Planning Teams, school newsletters, and the Web. The PAC meets two times per month. The first meeting is the regularly scheduled business meeting, on the first Monday of the month and the second meeting is an Informational meeting held on the 4th Monday of the Month, where guest speakers are invited to give presentations and gather feedback on various subject matters as appropriate. For more information on the Parent Advisory Council, visit www.rcsdk12.org/OPE or call 324-9999.
Bilingual Education Council This body advises the Superintendent on issues regarding bilingual education including curriculum, instructional materials, and cultural issues. Meetings are held monthly. For more information, call 262-8334.
School-Based Planning Teams (SBPT) These teams are responsible for reviewing student performance, setting goals for academic improvement, and designing a program for the school to meet those goals. Parents are welcome to be a part of the team at their child’s school and to work with the principal and teachers in developing the school’s improvement plan. For more information, contact your child’s school or call 324-9999.
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)/Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Parent-Teacher Associations/Organizations support and advocate for children in their schools and in the community. For more information, contact your child’s school or call 324-9999.
Parent Liaisons/Home School Assistants Each elementary school has its own parent liaison and several high schools have their own home-school assistant. These school staff members serve as a connection between families and school. They facilitate communication with parents, help families navigate the school system, and support meaningful parent engagement activities in the schools. To find out how to contact your school’s parent liaison or home-school assistant, contact your school’s main office or call 324-9999.
Personal Student Information Parents of District students have the right to request that the District not release “directory information” about their children to outside organizations. Directory information is defined as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in school activities and sports, height and weight of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and most recent educational institution attended. Occasionally, the District may be asked for such information pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law by parent or student associations, social service or community groups, or providers of educational, training, or employment opportunities, including recruiters for colleges and the armed services. Parents should notify the District if they do not want any or all such information released without prior consent. Parents may do so by completing the non-disclosure form available in schools and also at the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org. The District will keep a record of your response in this matter and act accordingly.
Photo Release Information The District often invites the news media to cover activities in its schools and publicize the achievements of students. District staff and approved partner organizations also may photograph and videotape students for the same purpose. Photos and videos of students may be used in District communications including brochures, broadcast productions and the District’s website. Parents and guardians will be asked to complete a Photo Release Form giving permission for their child’s photo and/or video image to be used for promotional purposes. The form is available at your child’s school and also on the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org. Parents who do not want their child to be photographed or videotaped should indicate this on the Photo Release Form and notify the school’s main office.
Safe School Hotline The Safe School hotline provides a single, confidential number that students, parents or employees can call anonymously to report threats of violence and illegal activities. The toll-free hotline number is (585) 324-SAFE (7233). It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers may remain anonymous. Please call 911 for police assistance if it is an emergency. Students, families and employees are encouraged to use the hotline to report threats, violence, bullying, harassment, illegal, or potentially dangerous activities. Students and families can also call CrimeStoppers at 423-9300 with information about criminal activity. If you have questions about the Safe Schools Hotline, call the Department of Security at 262-8600.
Scholarships for College There are hundreds of scholarships available to RCSD students each year. If your child is in high school, please take a moment to review all of the scholarships available to help them attend college. Contact your School Counselor for more information.
Student Leadership Congress (SLC) Student Leadership Congress is an organization of students, grades 7-12, that represents the voice of Rochester students. The Student Leadership Congress meets monthly to develop leadership skills and engage in community service. The president of Student Leadership Congress serves as the official spokesperson for the students of the District and as the student representative to the Rochester Board of Education. For more information, contact your child’s school or call 262-8133.
Student Placement/Registering for School Parents can register their children for school at the Parent Information Center located at: 131 West Broad Street Rochester, New York 14614 Phone (585) 262-8241 Placement Center staff will assist parents with every step of the registration process. They can also provide parents with information about the schools available to their children to help them make an informed choice.
Parents of children who speak a language other than English will also be helped at the Placement Center. A language assessment for their child will be provided by the Center. The assessment will help determine the best placement for the student in an academic program.
Elementary School Selection and Registration Children who will be five years old on or before December 1st, should start the registration process in January to begin kindergarten in September. Rochester’s elementary school choice system divides the District into three attendance zones: Northeast, Northwest, and South. Parents can choose from among all the schools in the zone in which they live (including their neighborhood school), as well as from several “citywide” schools open to all students, if space is available. School selection catalogs and applications are mailed to parents in the fall. They are also available at that time on the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org. Profiles of each elementary school are also available on the website. Detailed information regarding every public school in the state can be obtained at www.nysed.gov. To register your child for elementary school, including prekindergarten and kindergarten, or any new student to the District, visit the Parent Information Center. Be sure to bring the following papers: • A copy of the child’s birth certificate, Alien Registration Card, or other satisfactory documentation as proof of age. An Alien Registration Card is not a requirement for the registration of any student • Proof of immunization from your health-care provider • Proof of address (e.g., utilities bill, Frontier or Time Warner phone bill, rent agreement, lease or mortgage) • Proof of guardianship (if the child does not reside with parents) • Photo identification for the registering parent/guardian • If a child is new to the District and in grades 1-6, you will need a report card or relevant document indicating their grade level from their previous school
Secondary School (Grades 7-12) Selection and Registration School selection catalogs and applications are mailed to parents of students entering high school in the fall. They are also available on the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org. Profiles of each high school are also available on the website. When registering your child, be sure to bring the following papers: • Copy of the child’s birth certificate or Alien Registration Card, or other satisfactory documentation as proof of age. An Alien Registration Card is not a requirement for the registration of any student • Proof of immunization from your health-care provider. (Contact the Placement Center for specific requirements.) You may also bring the fax number of your child’s health care provider • Proof of address (e.g., utilities bill, Frontier or Time Warner phone bill, rent agreement, lease or mortgage) • Proof of guardianship (if child does not reside with parents) • Photo identification for the registering parent/guardian For additional information, please call 262-8241 or visit us at www.rcsdk12.org and click on “Student Placement” under Quicklinks.
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6 Language Assessment & Placement Services Language Assessment & Placement services are provided for parents and students from PreK through grade 12 whose native language is not English at the time of registration. Language assessors test students to determine English language proficiency levels for informing placement options in schools and programs. English Language Learners are entitled to services and programs that address their language development needs, as well as their interests and academic needs. Interpretation is provided to parents when needed.
Student Records The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents of students 17 years of age and younger, and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”), certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are: (1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days from the date that the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to see to the school principal, who will make arrangements and notify the parent or eligible student when and where the records may be inspected. (2) The right to request the amendment of any of the student’s education records believed to be inaccurate. Parents or eligible students should write to the school principal, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specifying why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify them of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will also be provided. If, after a hearing, the school decides not to amend the record, the student may insert a statement in the record setting forth his or her views. (3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests (i.e., the need to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility). A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official performing his or her tasks; or an official of another school district in which a student seeks to enroll. (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Such complaints should be filed with the following office: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605 (5a) “Directory Information” is defined in FERPA as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in school activities and sports, height and weight of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and
awards received, and most recent educational institution attended. Occasionally, the District may be asked for such information pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law by parent or student associations, social service or community groups, or providers of educational, training, or employment opportunities, including recruiters for colleges and the armed services. Federal law requires that the armed services be treated equally with other employers. Sometimes the news media seek such information about students, including athletes, who have won awards or attained notable achievements. (5b) Parents should notify the District if they do not want any or all such information released without prior consent. Parents may do so by completing the non-disclosure form available in schools and also on the Parents and Students tab, Forms section of the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org. The District will keep a record of parents’ response in this matter and act accordingly.
Students First “Students First” is the official television program of the Rochester City School District, produced by the Communications Department with the involvement of city high school students. Each week, “Students First” provides our community with a fresh, lively look at the exciting activities taking place in Rochester’s schools and the latest in District news and information. A student-anchored newscast, with students also handling technical duties behind the camera, is a regular part of this one-hour program. A new episode of “Students First” begins airing each Friday and can be seen as follows: Friday Saturday Monday Tuesday
4:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
RCTV 15 City 12 WBGT My18 (non-cable 40 and 26) City 12 RCTV 15 RCTV 15
Additional District programming is available 24/7 on the internet at: www.rcsdk12.org/ rcsdtv. Board of Education meetings are broadcast live each month on RCTV 15, and streamed live and archived online at www.rcsdk12.org/rcsdtv. For more information, call 262-8755.
Transfer of Flags Ceremony Every year, the District, with the support of Bausch & Lomb, recognizes each school’s top students in academics and citizenship. The students, known as Standard Bearers, are honored at the Transfer of Flags ceremony which will be held at Monroe High School. This year will mark the 125th observance of the ceremony, the oldest surviving tradition in the District. The ceremony will be held Sunday, May 18th at 1:30 p.m. Rehearsal will be Friday, May 16th. For more information, contact your child’s school.
Transportation Students who live more than a mile and a half from the school they attend and children who have certain disabilities receive free transportation to and from school. Parents are informed of arrangements for their children’s transportation before school opens in September. It is important to remember that information sent out in August may change as a result of student addresses changing. During the first few months of school, please expect changes that may possibly alter route times up to 30 minutes.
The District utilizes a combination of contracted yellow school buses and Regional Transit Service (RTS) for student transportation. All student transportation information is sent to parents prior to the first day of school. Secondary school students who ride RTS buses will receive a temporary bus pass in the mail before the first day of school. Permanent passes will be issued to students by each school. If your address changes during the school year, you must notify your child’s school office or the District’s Parent Information Center so that appropriate transportation arrangements can be made. The Transportation Department cannot take this information directly from parents. It is important for parents to understand that they are responsible for their child’s safety and supervision prior to boarding the bus each morning and after the child gets off the bus each afternoon. For more information, call the Transportation Department at 336-4000.
Additional Bus Transportation information:
Important Information for Students Who Ride School Buses:
• Cross at corners, not mid-block or between parked cars • Stop and look in all directions before crossing. Watch for turning cars • Be extra alert in bad weather, when visibility is reduced and cars cannot stop as fast • Obey the directions of police officers, crossing guards, and safety patrols. Pay attention to traffic signs and signals • Use the “buddy system.” Walk with a friend whenever possible • Never talk to strangers or get into a stranger’s car. Tell a parent or teacher if you’ve been approached by a stranger • Get a Safe Walking Route Map from your school. The map outlines the safest possible walking route to school
The Rochester City School District is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation for each child. Each child contributes to the success of a safe ride to and from school each day. Any student who disrupts the normal operation of the bus or endangers the safety of others while entering, leaving, or riding on the bus or any district vehicles may be immediately suspended from transportation and face disciplinary action, including loss of transportation privileges. Please take a moment to review the School Bus Safety Rules below and take this opportunity to discuss them with your child. • When boarding the bus, find a seat immediately • No smoking • No eating or drinking • Respect and obey your driver and/or attendant • Do not swing or play with seat belts as the buckles can cause serious injury • Respect other students and their property • No use of profanity or offensive language • Do not call fellow students inappropriate names • Stay in your seat while the bus is moving • Keep the bus clean. Do not leave papers or garbage on the floors or seats • Keep head, hands, and arms inside the bus • Keep aisles clear of arms, legs and bags which can create safety hazards for other students boarding the bus and can block the way in the event of an emergency • Do not throw items at each other or the driver • Be courteous, talk quietly • Gather your items prior to arriving at your stop. Wait for the bus to stop before getting up to leave. Move quickly through the bus as you exit • Students are not permitted to bring items such as live animals, glass objects, or any school project that cannot be safely held on the student’s lap • Use of electronic toys or cell phones is not permitted on buses • Students should not remove items from book bags until they get home. Reading is encouraged • If a secondary school student loses his/her buss pass, a replacement must be obtained through the school. The child will not be able to board the bus without a pass If a student witnesses or experiences improper behavior on the bus they should tell the driver or attendant before getting off the bus. Behavior that will not be tolerated and will result in immediate removal from the bus includes: bullying, fighting, injury to another student, display or threat of weapon, and any inappropriate sexual discussion or behavior.
• Be outside at your assigned stop at least 10-15 minutes ahead of time. If a child misses the bus, it will be the parent’s responsibility to get the child to school • Be on time. Buses will leave school 10 minutes after dismissal • Ride only the bus assigned to you • Before you cross the street, wait at your stop for the universal crossing signal from the driver (a hand signal taught at the beginning of the year), or wait for an attendant to come across to get you. If the driver honks the horn while you are crossing, it means it is not safe to cross and you should return to the curb
Safety Tips for Students Who Walk To School:
Visiting Schools Parents and other citizens are encouraged to visit schools to observe the work of students and teachers. However, schools must maintain certain limits regarding visitors so that their primary mission of teaching and learning can take place effectively. The following are among the rules for visitors stated in the Code of Conduct: • Upon arriving at school, all visitors must report to the main office. They must sign in and obtain a visitor’s badge to wear while in the school • Visitors, including parents, who wish to observe a classroom in session must arrange for such a visit in advance by contacting the teacher • Teachers are expected not to take class time to discuss individual matters with visitors. Meetings with teachers should be pre-arranged by phone or through written correspondence • For the safety of students, unauthorized persons on school property will be considered trespassers and will be asked to leave. If necessary, the police will be called
Volunteering and Partnerships The District welcomes community involvement in support of its students. Meaningful opportunities are available for partners in a number of areas including curriculum support, tutoring and mentoring, school-to-career experiences, and technology. In addition, partnership activities can be linked to New York State academic standards through projects involving literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and physical education. Schools can also utilize other resources such as scholarships, donations of books, assistance with student exhibitions, guest readers and speakers, classroom presentations, rewards for improved academic performance/attendance, before/after-school and lunch-time activities, paid/unpaid internships for students, and job shadowing for students and staff. In addition, the Rochester PENCIL Program (Public Education Needs Civic Engagement In
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8 Learning) Program welcomes businesses to become partners and build school-based partnerships with the business community in order to strengthen Rochester City Schools by bringing together the best ideas, resources, and talent across sectors. For more information on how to volunteer or become a partner with a school, visit www. rcsdk12.org or call 262-8133.
Rochester Education Foundation Rochester Education Foundation (REF) is an independent organization whose mission is to provide programs and resources to improve learning and success for all Rochester city public school students through partnerships with community, business and educational organizations and groups. Founded in 2005, REF offers a variety of programs serving student needs. Through Give Back, Give Books, REF has provided more than 30,000 new books to enable book clubs and special parent-child events to occur at city schools and to support student home libraries. Educators can apply for up to 200 new books apiece through REF’s Teachers’ Choice program. The REF also has donated more than 800 musical instruments for city student use since the launch of its Spring for Music program in 2005. Other programs provide paid internships over the summer for high school students (the NAF Summer Work Internship program), and last-dollar grants to high school graduates attending college. Additionally, REF supports funds providing outdoor activities, musical mentoring and other activities at various schools, as well as the annual Partnership Awards Dinner, which honors valuable partners of city students. For more information, visit rochestereducation.org or givebackgivebooks.org. Contact REF via email at info@rochestereducation.org or call 271-5790.
Work Permits for Students New York State requires individuals under age 18 to have a work permit before they begin work. Rochester City School District’s Work Permit Office is located at 175 Martin Street, Room 116 in the Student Records Department. The office is open Monday-Friday 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. To apply for a work permit, students are required to complete the following: • An application for Employment Certificate signed by their parent or guardian. Be sure to enter age and address on the form • A Pre-Employment Physical Certificate signed and dated by their doctor indicating proof of physical exam within one year of applying for a work permit. Students can check with their school nurse to see if a Pre-Employment Physical Certificate is on file These forms and directions for completing them are available on the District’s website at: www.rcsdk12.org. Click on “Student Records” under Quicklinks, then click “Work Permits.” In addition to the completed forms, students must bring one of the following with them when requesting a work permit to validate date of birth: birth certificate (copy or original), baptismal certificate, unexpired passport, permanent resident card, or current unexpired driver’s license. Student must be in attendance to receive a work permit.
Website The District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org, is a primary source of information on District events, news, school profiles, special programs, policies, and more. Families that do not have a computer with Internet access at home can visit any Rochester library branch or community center to access the District website or use ParentConnect software.
Academic Guidelines The Rochester City School District’s academic program is aligned with rigorous national and state common core standards that support high student achievement. (For more about learning standards, visit www.engageny.org.) The District uses a coherent, aligned district core instructional program (Grades K to 9, ELA and Math), an essential attribute of high-achieving schools and districts. Specific academic goals, standards and learning experiences are in place for all grades and subjects, and those goals are consistent from school to school. K-6 and K-8 elementary school students receive report cards four times during the school year: early, mid-point, third quarter, and fourth quarter. Grades 7-12 secondary school students receive report cards six times during the academic year (October, December, February, March, May and June). Report cards are designed to capture the degree to which students learned what was taught. Instruction and intervention are targeted to student needs, ensuring accountability for the academic success of all students. (See also Marking Period and Report Card Dates.)
Arts The Arts program in elementary and high schools includes instruction in music and art to help students reach New York State learning standards in these areas. Instrumental music and/ or string instruction are offered in some elementary schools; for specific offerings, call your child’s school or see the school profiles on the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org. Through the Eastman Community Music School’s Pathways Program, students have opportunities to earn scholarships to take weekly music lessons at the Eastman Community Music School. District music teachers recommend outstanding students in grades 5-12 who would benefit from the program. Interested students compete in an audition, and students who are accepted attend an orientation. For more information, contact your child’s school music teacher, call the RCSD Arts Department at 262-8473 or call the Eastman Community Music School at 274-1400. Through the Creative Workshop at the Memorial Art Gallery, students have opportunities to earn scholarships to take weekly art classes at the Memorial Art Gallery. District art teachers recommend outstanding students in grades K-12 who would benefit from the program. For more information, contact your child’s school art teacher or call the RCSD Arts Department at 262-8473.
English Language Learners (ELL) The Department of English Language Learners (ELL) administers and supports the education of all students from language backgrounds other than English, including bilingual students, immigrants, and refugees. The department is responsible for improving academic outcomes for all English Language Learners, including bilingual students, and supporting involvement by their families. Programs include: • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) • Bilingual programs which provide both English and Spanish language arts as well as content coursework in both languages • Sheltered content classes to promote academic English (LEAP) • Special classes for newly-arrived ELLs For more information, call 262-8234.
Bilingual Education Bilingual Education uses both the student’s native language and English to help the student acquire academic knowledge and language proficiency in two languages. In the Rochester City School District, current bilingual programs use English and Spanish. The goal is to promote bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic achievement in two languages, as well as to develop positive cultural understanding. Bilingual programs in the Rochester City School District use transitional and dual language models to accomplish these goals. Elementary bilingual programs are presently offered at Schools No. 9, 12, 17, 22, 28, 33, and 35. Secondary bilingual instruction is offered at Monroe High School, East High School, and School No. 17 (7th and 8th grade). Two Bilingual Home School Assistants facilitate communication between school, home and community for Spanish-speaking students and their families.
Common Core Learning Standards The District’s instructional program is based on the New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS), which are internationally benchmarked and based on evidencebased standards. These standards serve as a consistent set of expectations for what students should learn and be able to do, so that we can ensure that every student is on track for college and career readiness. The standards were developed by key stakeholders in the field, including teachers, school administrators, and content experts. They have been adopted by forty-five states across the United States, and three territories. In January 2011, the NYS Board of Regents adopted the NYS P-12 CCLS. Shifts in ELA/Literacy and Math Implementing the Common Core requires 12 “shifts” from previous standards. Six Shifts in ELA/Literacy • Balancing Informational and Literary Text • Building Knowledge in the Disciplines • Staircase of Complexity • Text-Based Answers • Writing From Sources • Academic Vocabulary
Six Shifts in Math • Focus • Coherence • Fluency • Deep Understanding • Applications • Dual Intensity
For parents and families, these shifts provide guidelines for what should be happening within your child’s classroom. ELA/Literary Shift 1: Ensures that students read a balance of informational and literary text Shift 2: Encourages knowledge building about the world through text rather than teachers or activities Shift 3: Makes sure that students read the central, grade-appropriate text that supports the instruction they are receiving; and teachers create time and provide support for students to engage in “close-reading” of the text Shift 4: Engages students in rich and rigorous evidence-based conversation about text Shift 5: Emphasizes writing and the use of evidence from sources to inform or make an argument Shift 6: Consistently builds vocabulary found within grade level text that is transferable to other subjects and contexts
Math Shift 1: Focuses deeply only on the concepts that are prioritized by the Common Core standards Shift 2: Builds new understanding about what has been taught in previous years and connects current learning to those foundational concepts Shift 3: Encourages memorization through repetition and core functions resulting in increased speed and accuracy of simple calculations Shift 4: Encourages deep understanding of math concepts and not just “tricks” to get the right answer Shift 5: Expects students to use math and choose the appropriate concepts for application even when they are not prompted to do so Shift 6: Emphasizes the intense occurrence of practice and understanding within the classroom Through the use of the CCLS the Rochester City School District is working to ensure that all students are college and career ready. The CCLS provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be relevant to the real world and reflect what students should know at each grade level, as well as the skills necessary for them to be successful in college and careers.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) ESOL services help students from other language backgrounds develop their English language skills for success in school and beyond. Certified ESOL teachers offer support in English through academic subjects. Cross-cultural understanding is another important goal of all ESOL instruction. Students develop English skills through specialized instruction by ESOL teachers in collaboration with the rest of their educational program, either as a separate class or within a core content-area classroom. ESOL serves students in every school in the District and is an integral component of all programs that serve English Language Learners at all grade levels, K-12.
Learning through English Academic Program (LEAP) LEAP offers support for the simultaneous development of English language proficiency and content-area concepts in English to students who are relatively new to English. The program helps students improve their English language skills, build academic knowledge, and make a positive adjustment to school. It is offered at Schools No. 5, 15, 44, 50, and the Rochester International Academy. Students in LEAP also receive ESOL services. Some additional schools such as Schools 3, 7, 23, 53, and 54 offer integrated forms of LEAP for newly arrived students.
Foreign Language Program
The foreign language program is designed so that students learn to use languages other than English for meaningful communication. The program emphasizes language as it is used in real-life situations that students encounter. Through foreign language study, students develop sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic heritage of other groups, and understand their influence on American culture. The ability to communicate across cultures and in other languages will allow them to be successful as citizens and leaders in the 21st century global community. Foreign language instruction includes American Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. All high schools and several elementary schools offer foreign language instruction. Students should begin receiving instruction in languages other than English by
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10 grade 8. Successful completion of the Second Language Proficiency Exam or Level I course is required for a New York State diploma. Multiple years of study are expected by many colleges. For more information, contact your child’s school, call the Office of Foreign Language or visit www.rcsdk12.org.
Health Education
Health education is required for all students grades K-12. Students in grades K to 6 are taught by the elementary classroom teacher; students in grades 7 to 12 are taught by a certified health education teacher. Two semesters of health are required at the secondary level; a .5 credit at the middle level and a .5 credit in high school (required for graduation). Learners increase their health knowledge and learn the skills to develop and maintain lifelong health. Students learn and practice self-management, relationship management, communication, decision-making, planning and goal setting, stress management and advocacy skills. Health education is a holistic approach that requires the collaboration of home, school, and community, enabling students to make responsible and informed decisions and adopt and maintain healthy behaviors.
Integrated Literacy The Department of Integrated Literacy leads, guides, and supports all educators and students of English Language Arts in grades K-12. The department offers support for implementation of the Common Core curriculum , instructional resources, classroom materials, teacher training, and professional development. The department also brings a variety of classroom and extended learning opportunities to students to increase their engagement in reading and writing. Having each student meet the standards for career and college readiness through literacy proficiency is the department’s mission.
Mathematics Mathematics instruction for students in grades K-12 is designed for students to be fluent in mathematics operations; to have a deep understanding in mathematical content; and to be able to apply mathematics in interesting and relevant ways. Students must have mastery of basic skills and understand how key mathematical concepts fit together. The mission of the Mathematics Department is for students to be able to use mathematics as a tool to solve rigorous, real world, non-routine problems. Mathematics instruction at all levels utilizes current technology and improves students’ skills to use technology effectively. High school students must earn three credits in mathematics and pass a NYS Regents Examination in mathematics to earn a diploma.
Physical Education Physical education is a required part of the curriculum for all students at all levels and is taught by certified physical education teachers. The mission of the Physical Education Department is to enable all students to sustain regular, lifelong physical activity as a foundation for a healthy, productive and fulfilling life. Physical education is fundamental to the development and education of each individual and provides a unique opportunity to develop concepts, skills and attitudes that reinforce personal wellness and the ability to manage one’s life. The Physical Education Department complies with all Federal and NY State regulations. For more information, call 262-8281.
Science Science instruction for students in grades K-12 is designed to utilize the natural curiosity of children. Students at all levels should be able to make observations, test predictions, and summarize the results of experiments regarding the world around them. The mission of the Science Department is to provide the highest quality science program that will educate students to become scientifically literate citizens for the 21st century. While using a standards-based curriculum, instruction is focused on developing conceptual depth as well as scientific processing skills. High school students must earn three credits in science, meet a 1200-minute laboratory requirement and pass a New York State Regents Science Examination to earn a diploma. Students in grades four and eight will also take a state science assessment based on the curriculum.
Social Studies Social studies education is required for all students every year of their school careers, from kindergarten through grade twelve. In the earliest of grades, students explore their own families and communities, then the communities of others as they begin to expand their historical thinking skills. As the years progress, students conduct more in-depth investigations of peoples in the United States and the rest of the world in order to develop a better understanding of the core areas of social studies: government, economics, geography, and history. Integrated tightly with the fundamental skills of literacy, it is the goal of the social studies program to help students develop the critical skills needed to be active citizens in our community, our country, and the world. To graduate from high school, students must earn four units of credit in social studies and successfully complete two New York State Regents Examinations: US History and Government, and Global History and Geography.
Advanced Placement (AP) The Advanced Placement (AP) program gives high school students an opportunity to take college-level courses and to obtain college credit based on their performance on rigorous AP examinations. The Rochester City School District offers AP courses in more than 20 subject areas, including Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, U.S. and World History, Art History, English, and Spanish. Virtual AP classes are now available for students to take as well. Students should contact their school counselors for more information.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career & Technical Education (CTE) is a kindergarten through adult area of study that includes rigorous academic content closely aligned with career and technical subjects. The purpose of CTE is to provide learning experiences through which students become aware of a broad spectrum of careers and develop skills that are necessary for employment in specific career areas or post-secondary fields of study. In grades 9 through 12, CTE includes the specific disciplines of agriculture education, business and marketing education, family and consumer sciences education, health occupations education, technical education, technology education, and trade/industrial education. For more information on CTE programs within the Rochester City School District, call 2628327 or visit the district’s website, www.rcsdk12.org.
Major Achievement Program (MAP) The Major Achievement Program (MAP) provides students in grades 4-6 with opportunities
for enrichment and acceleration beyond the conventional curriculum. Students become eligible for MAP through the recommendation of classroom teachers based on academic potential, aptitude, and performance. Students are selected for MAP through an evaluation process that combines input from the MAP office, classroom teachers, and parents. For more information, call 262-8121.
Prekindergarten Programs Rochester’s prekindergarten programs build the foundation for high academic performance and lay the groundwork for what children will be expected to learn and do as they progress through elementary and high school. Prekindergarten programs are free of charge, and offered at 28 elementary schools and 21 community-based organizations located throughout the city. Bilingual Pre-K programs are offered at Schools No. 6, 9 and 33 for native Spanish speakers. Children who will be four years old by December 1st can be registered to begin prekindergarten in September. Programs for three year olds are now also available. For more information, call 262-8140, or visit www.rcsdk12.org/prek.
Testing (Assessments) State and local exams (assessments) are intended to ensure that students have the skills they need to meet challenging graduation requirements and are prepared for success in life after graduation. New York State exams are designed to measure student achievement in English language arts and math in grades 3-8; and science in grades 4 and 8. Exams for these grade levels are required by federal law. High school students are required to pass rigorous Regents exams that reflect high standards in the core academic subjects. Wherever possible, test dates have been listed on the monthly pages of the District’s calendar. For more information, contact your child’s school.
Grades K-5 In grades K-5, student progress is reported in language arts (reading, writing, listening/ speaking), math, science, social studies, music, physical education, art, and personal growth. In some schools a check list of entry skills for Kindergarten students may accompany the first report card. Report cards for grades K-5 are being re-designed for the 2013-14 school year. The new card will have a single grade and effort score for every subject. The elements that drive that grade will be available for parents through the ParentConnect portal. Details of the final report card will be available in the fall. Students spend a minimum of seven years in elementary school depending on academic progress. The goal of instruction is to enable students to leave grade 3 reading on grade level and to leave grade 6 reading at a level that will allow them to be successful in secondary school. Students who are not meeting grade-level standards are eligible for Response to Intervention (RTI) services (see Response to Intervention for Students). Teachers of elementary students who are not meeting standards will notify parents during the year and provide appropriate academic intervention. Students who are still not meeting standards in grade 6 may be required to spend additional time in elementary school. Parents will be notified by the school in January of the sixth-grade school year.
Grades 6-12 For grades 6-12, student progress is reported using the following grading system: A+ (95100%), A (90-94%), B+ (85-89%), B (80-84%), C+ (75-79%), C (70-74%), D (65-69%), and F (below 65%). The State Education Department requires that districts offer courses and programs of study that lead to a New York State Regents Diploma. Specific courses are required, and students must earn 22 credits to be eligible for a Regents Diploma. Rochester’s high schools offer state-required courses that allow students to earn the following: 4 credits of English 3 credits of Mathematics 1/2 credit of Health 1 credit of a language other than English 3.5 credits of elective courses
4 credits of Social Studies 3 credits of Science 1 credit of Fine Arts 2 credits of Physical Education
In addition to state-required courses, each school offers its own unique programs that prepare students for graduation. For more information on school programs, grade placement, and promotional criteria, contact your child’s school counselor or visit the District’s website at www.rcsdk12.org.
SAT/PSAT Tests Administered by the College Board, the SAT is a college admission test taken by high school students in their junior or senior year. The results are used by most colleges and universities as part of their criteria for admission. The test includes sections on reading, writing, and math. It is one measure of academic readiness for college. The SAT is administered on Saturdays throughout the year; dates of the tests are included on the monthly pages of the District calendar. The PSAT, also administered by the College Board, prepares students for the SAT and helps them develop the academic skills they need for college. All District students in grades 10 and 11 should take the PSAT. The PSAT measures reading, writing and math skills. Data from the test will be used to gauge student performance in these areas and to strengthen instruction to support students’ skill development. NOTE: This year the PSAT will be administered on Saturday, October 19, 2013. For more information, contact your child’s school counselor.
District Programs & Student Support Services Academic Intervention Services for Students Students who have not met, or who are at risk of not meeting, the New York State academic standards in core subjects (English Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, science) are eligible to receive Academic Intervention Services (AIS). Parents will be notified in writing by the school as soon as the student is determined to be eligible. Parents may also contact their child’s teacher, counselor, or principal if they would like to have Academic Intervention Services provided for their child.
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Working together, school staff and parents develop an intervention plan that will provide the student with additional instruction and, if necessary, other support services such as counseling, study skills training, attendance improvement, wellness center services, and expanded-day opportunities. Contact your child’s school for more information or call 262-8217.
Adult and Career Education Services The Office of Adult & Career Education Services (OACES) is a workforce preparation organization that helps youth (17+) and adult students make the transition to employment, post-secondary education, or advanced training. Students learn the skills they need for success in the workplace and outside the classroom. The department offers: • Adult basic and secondary education classes with a New York State GED® testing site • English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction and The Refugee Assistance Program which provides case management and other transitional services • Career and Technical Education courses and programs that lead to certification such as Assembly, Building Maintenance, Carpentry, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program, Culinary Careers, Customer Service, EKG Training, Electrical, and Metal Trades • Distance Learning, which allows for instructor-supported study at home • The Employment Services Group, which offers job placement services for adult education students • Family Literacy, which provides on-site adult instruction in select District schools, as well as the Hart Street Family Learning Center, so that adults can learn with their families • Adult Continuing Education, which offers evening classes and online learning • Employment Preparation including Career and Technical Education (CTE), the C.A.R.E.E.R.S. Program (Community and Adults in Rochester - Employment and Education Resource System) and the Community Work Experience Program (CWEP) For more information, call 467-7683 (IMPROVE) or visit www.oaces.net.
Athletics/Extracurricular Eligibility The District’s Interscholastic Sports Program offers opportunities for students to participate in competitive sports at the modified, freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels. Student athletes are provided opportunities for physical exams and must be re-qualified by a nurse or doctor prior to each season. The sports program supports academic achievement by emphasizing the following eligibility requirements: • Maintain at least a C average in all subjects • Maintain 90 percent daily attendance in each class • Demonstrate good citizenship Student eligibility is assessed at each of the high schools by the Athletic Department. The same requirements apply to student eligibility for extracurricular activities such as music groups, drama clubs, step teams, Master Minds, science, math leagues, and more. College scholarships are available for students who excel in both academics and athletics. For more information, call 262-8281.
Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (BRIA) The Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance supports important work with refugee students and families. BRIA activities include: • Academic Coaches (presently native speakers of Somali/Maay, Arabic, and Burmese/Karen) who support students and families at schools with high populations of newly-arrived refugees • Interpreting and translation services for academic purposes in collaboration with Catholic Family Center • February Mini-Academy and summer JumpStart programs to help new arrivals make a productive adjustment to school in the United States For more information, call 324-5250.
Dial-A-Teacher Students and parents who need assistance with homework are invited to call Dial-A-Teacher at 262-5000 from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. There is no charge for this call. Dial-A-Teacher online assistance is also available. You can email your questions to teachers at help@rtadat.com. Homework help is available from Dial-A-Teacher staff members at the Arnett Library, 310 Arnett Blvd., from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Homework questions can also be answered through the Homework Hotline program on WXXI-TV (channel 21, cable channel 11) from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For information, call the Rochester Teachers Association at 546-2681 or Mark Powers, Director of Dial-A-Teacher at 262-5000.
Extended Learning Opportunities Extended learning opportunities for students are offered on a school by school basis. These may include before, during, and after-school academic programs, as well as Saturday, School Break, and/or Summer Programs. Contact your child’s school for specific information.
Grief Resource Network The District’s Grief Resource Network is comprised of staff from each school who have been trained as Grief Resource Specialists. They act as a resource to students, their families, and school staff members in dealing with a range of experiences including death, the loss of a home, parental separation, and other life-changing events. The goal is to help students express their grief and loss in healthy ways which in turn allows them to maintain their focus on learning. For more information, call 262-8535 or 262-8346.
Health and Medical Services The Student Health Services department forms partnerships with the larger health care community to provide services to students and to fulfill State mandates. Service partnerships include: American Lung Association of the Northeast; School-Based Asthma Team; Lenscrafters’ Vision Van; ABVI’s Vision Care for Kids; Health-e-Access; and the University of Rochester School of Medicine free physical examination program. Additionally, the District works with local health plans to identify children without health insurance coverage and to help families enroll in an appropriate health insurance product. Our collaboration with the Monroe County Department of Public Health provides substantial support for department activities.
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Confidentiality and Privacy The RCSD follows all laws pertaining to student confidentiality and privacy. Specifically, the school is governed by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). The school will seek your permission to release any educational or medical information outside of school. The school will share any educational or medical information within the school on a need-to-know basis with those adults who supervise your child. Your own physician will require that you sign a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) release for them to share important health records with the District, such as immunization records or health appraisals. We suggest at the time you register your child for school that you sign a HIPAA release for these basic records before you leave the registration center. If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse or call Student Health Services at 262-8497.
School Nursing Services Through a contract with Monroe #I BOCES, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and/or health aides are assigned to all city schools during school hours and during summer school. A School Nurse (R.N.) oversees each school and supervises the other staff. The School Nursing Services’ responsibilities include: • Managing medical emergencies • Caring for students with minor injuries and illnesses at school • Administering medications • Planning interventions for children with special health needs The District complies with New York State laws and regulations. State requirements for school health services include: • A complete immunization record for all students • Scoliosis screening in grades 5 through 9* • Vision screening for new students and those in grades PreK to 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10* • Hearing screening for new students and those in grades PreK to 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10* • Receipt of a physical examination form for new students and those in grades PreK, K, 2, 4, 7, 10. Physical examination forms are available at each school’s health office, at the Parent Information Center, and on the District website shortcut “Health Services Forms.” Physical examinations should be conducted by your private health-care provider. If an examination is done in school, written parent permission is required. An examination is valid for one year through the last day of the month in which the examination was conducted • Verification of a dental examination by a dental office is requested to be submitted with the physical examination form in grades PreK, K, 2, 4, 7, and 10 • Documenting blood pressure, height, weight, and calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI) for students’ physical examinations. (BMI results are reported to the State in group form— individual student information is not provided. If you do not want your child’s information included, please notify your school nurse in writing.) • A physical examination each year for secondary school sports * If you do not want your child to be screened, please notify your school nurse in writing. If your child must receive medications or treatments at school, please provide the school with your written permission and a doctor’s signed order. Forms are available at the school health office and on the District website under “Quick Links.” All medications must be in an
original labeled container and delivered to school by an adult. If a student needs an ambulance or if he or she needs to be sent home, the nurse or aide will attempt to call the parent. Parents and legal guardians must provide the school with the following emergency information, updated as necessary to keep the school informed of changes: • Home, work, and cell telephone numbers • Names and phone numbers of others who can be called in an emergency • Name and phone number of the child’s health-care provider Parents are expected to notify the school when a child is ill at home, and to have the child bring a written excuse when he/she returns to school. The excuse must note the type of illness or injury that caused the absence. If there is no excuse, a violation of state education law will be noted on the student’s record. Parents are encouraged to contact the school nurse with questions.
School-Based Health Clinics School-Based Health Clinics offer primary health-care services at no cost to enrolled students. A family’s health insurance will be billed only if the student has coverage. The clinics work with parents, guardians, and primary-care providers in the community. Each clinic provides comprehensive and accessible services such as: • Physical examinations for work or sports • Treatment of injuries and illnesses • Prescriptions for medications • Immunizations • Laboratory tests • Health education • Counseling In order to receive these free services, a student must have an enrollment form signed by his or her parent or legal guardian. Forms are available at the School-Based Health Clinic in each school identified below. School Based Health Clinics are sponsored by the Rochester General Hospital Behavioral Health Network, University of Rochester School of Nursing, and Threshold Health Center, and are located at the following schools: • School No. 9 (325-7828 ext. 1140) • School No. 33 (482-9290 ext. 1141) • East High School (288-1390) • The Edison Educational Campus (647-2200 ext. 2306) • The Franklin Educational Campus (324-3726)
School-Linked Health Clinics Full-service health care is offered to students and families in clinics adjacent to Schools No. 28 (School No. 6 campus) and School No. 17. These services include pediatric and adult primary care, dental care, psychiatric assessment, counseling, and others. Services at School No. 28 are provided by the Anthony Jordan Health Center (423-5800); services at School No. 17 are provided by Unity Health (368-4500) and Eastman Dental (436-8123). Enrollment information is available by calling the clinic.
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14 SMILEmobile Free dental screenings for students are offered by dental hygienists and dentists through periodic visits to schools by Eastman Dental’s SMILEmobiles. Further dental work, if necessary, is available at no cost other than what is covered by a family’s existing insurance coverage. Principals will notify parents when enrollment forms are available. You must complete the enrollment form in order for your child to receive this service.
volunteering in classrooms, acting as mentors, and serving on local advisory boards. NAF programs are available in four RCSD schools: Charlotte High School, East High School, Edison High School, and the Rochester Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) High School. There are five NAF programs currently in place: the Academy of Engineering (AOE), the Academy of Finance (AOF), the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT), the Academy of Health Sciences (AOHS), and the Academy of Information Technology (AOIT). For more information call 262-8327 or visit the district’s website, www.rcsdk12.org.
Telemedicine (Health-e-Access)
Native American Resource Center
All RCSD students in district sites have access to the Telemedicine program, Health-e-Access. This program provides access to the student’s own doctor or nurse practitioner without the need to leave school. Offered in partnership with the University of Rochester Medical Center, the program uses video and Internet connections to enable health-care professionals located off-site to examine children while they remain at school. At the time of this printing, available health care practices include: Anthony Jordan Health Center; Clinton Family Medicine; Ed Lewis Pediatrics; Golisano Children’s Hospital; Genesee Pediatrics; Lifetime Health; and Rochester General Hospital Pediatrics. If these are not available, the call is placed to a Nurse Practitioner at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Often a diagnosis can be made and prescriptions written without a visit to the doctor’s office. In order to take advantage of this program an enrollment form must be completed. Please contact the school nurse at your child’s school to obtain an enrollment form.
Student Accident Program The District has contracted with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to provide coverage up to $15,000, after the student’s own insurance coverage is used, for accidental injury suffered by each student during school, on the way to and from school, and during school-sponsored and supervised activities, including athletics. For more information or forms, please contact your school nurse or Student Health Services at 262-8497. The completed form must be received by Excellus within 10 days of the injury.
Homeless Program The Homeless Program serves students who do not have a fixed, regular and adequate residence. Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, homeless students have the right to stay in the last school district they attended (school of origin) or the school district in which they are being temporarily housed. Under the Act, students will be provided transportation up to 50 miles one way, food service until the end of the school year, and depending on availability clothing, and school supplies. Homeless students must be given the same access to public education, including preschool education, provided to other children. For more information call 262-8524 or 262-8552.
National Academy Foundation (NAF) The National Academy Foundation (NAF) is an acclaimed national network of high school career academies, or schools within schools, that offer rigorous, career-themed curricula created using current industry and education expertise. The mission of NAF is to provide students with experiential education using both traditional classroom learning and internships in career-oriented areas. Through the career academies, local businesses partner with schools to ready students for the world beyond high school. These business professionals help by securing internships,
The Native American Resource Center is a cultural enrichment program designed to meet the specific educational needs of Native American students in grades K-12. Students can learn about their cultural heritage through a variety of programs that support the District’s Social Studies curriculum. The Resource Center also offers programs available to all District schools that teach about the history and culture of Native Americans. These programs are aligned with NYS Common Core standards. The Resource Center is located at School No. 10, 353 Congress Avenue. For more information, call 324-9305.
School Counseling Services Counseling services are available in all district schools and programs that serve students in grades 7-12 and are provided by certified school counselors. Counseling services include assistance with: academic areas including high school course options; college and career counseling; and support with personal/social issues. For more information, contact your child’s counselor.
School Social Work The Department of School Social Work offers support from clinically trained specialists including consultation from a child and adolescent psychiatrist. School social work services include consultation for students, families, and school staff during crisis, and prevention and early intervention services such as peer mediation and conflict resolution. School social workers are also involved in students’ developmental skills and character development. Primary Project is a school-based early detection and prevention program currently in several elementary schools. The program seeks to enhance learning and adjustment skills and other school-related competencies and to reduce social, emotional and school adjustment difficulties among children in PreK through grade 3. Using carefully developed screening and detection methods, young children with early school adjustment difficulties (e.g., mild aggression, withdrawal and learning difficulties) that interfere with learning are identified. They are then given effective support from carefully selected, trained child associates who work under close professional supervision.
Crisis Team The District offers support to students, staff and families in times of crisis. The Crisis Team is deployed to provide a caring, supportive presence in the event of severe illness, violent or unexpected death, acts of war or terrorism, natural or man-made disasters. Support may include individual, group or classroom grief counseling, and community outreach services.
Special Education and Related Services The Special Education and Related Services department is responsible for the development, coordination and supervision of programming for students with disabilities. The district offers a variety of services and programs to meet the individual needs of all students. The district is committed to providing a full continuum of services to support the unique needs of each student. The office also provides authorization of Section 504 Plans in accordance with the American Disabilities Act. The office of Special Education and Related Services is available to assist parents and staff. If you want further information or have questions, please call 262-8220.
Assessment and Related Services The Department of Assessment and Related Services provides support for both general education and special education students. The departments administers evaluations for students that support the Committee on Special Education (CSE) in the identification of a disability and the development and implementation Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The department includes:
sensory motor integration, and perceptual function. When appropriate, play skills, self-care, and prevocational skills may be addressed. Physical therapists focus on improving equilibrium, quality and control of movement, gross motor maturation, and safe, functional mobility within the school environment. • Bilingual Assessment Team–Offers support for the evaluation of our Spanish speaking population. The Bilingual Assessment Team is a multidisciplinary team, consisting of a psychologist, academic evaluator, speech and language therapist, and social worker, that provide educational assessments by certified diagnosticians in Spanish. • MATCH Team (Medical Management and Assistive Technology for Children)–The MATCH Team provides medical transitions and medical management for students with specialized needs as they prepare for a return to school. A multidisciplinary team will assess and provide a comprehensive and effective plan ensuring a successful and safe return to school. The MATCH Team also provides assistive technology to support students due to significant medical and learning needs.
• School Psychology–School psychological services consist of psychological assessment, consultation, crisis intervention, and support to general education through Response to Intervention. Service is provided by a New York State certified school psychologist. The focus is to improve positive academic and behavior outcomes for students through consultation and direct intervention with students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Services–ASD services are available to support students and families of students identified with ASD. The ASD service team provides information and training on topics such as social skills, behavior supports, parent education, and community resources.
• Speech-Language and Hearing–Speech-language and hearing services provide diagnostic, direct and consultant speech language therapy services to pre-school and school-age children as indicated in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Response to Intervention (RtI). Speech and language therapists provide diagnostic assessments and direct therapy services. Therapists also consult with families and staff regarding speech and language development, disorders, and strategies to improve outcomes for all students.
A referral is a request to evaluate a child for a possible educational disability and determine the child’s eligibility for special education programs and services. You may submit a written referral for your school-age child or preschool child who you suspect may have a disability. The written referral must be sent to your child’s principal or to the Committee on Special Education (CSE), 175 Martin Street, Rochester, NY 14605, or the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), 131 West Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614.
• Audiology–Audiology provides school-based services from New York State licensed and certified audiologists. Educational audiology services include comprehensive diagnostic and treatment/rehabilitative services for students with auditory impairments; management of the state-mandated hearing screening program in conjunction with school nursing services; and consultation services for students, families and school staff. • Teacher of the Deaf (TOD)/Hard of Hearing–The role of the TOD is to provide instruction to students who are deaf and hard of hearing with language deficits, sign language skills, auditory training, and self-advocacy skills. The TOD also provides ongoing evaluation of students’ needs and consultation with the families, teachers and staff. • Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)/Orientation and Mobility–The role of the TVI includes assessing a student’s functional vision, providing direct service, adapting learning materials, and consultation with the families, teachers, and staff. • Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT)–School based occupational therapists and physical therapists are health-related service providers who perform diagnostic assessments, direct therapy and/or consult in the educational setting. OT and PT are distinct services that impact students in different ways. Provision of one service does not dictate the need for the other. Occupational therapists focus on improving fine motor skills,
Referral
Student Evaluations Before an individual evaluation can be done, the district must have a parent’s written consent. The evaluations conducted may include a social history, achievement tests, a health assessment, psychological tests, speech/language/hearing tests, and other tests. If you do not wish to consent to an individual evaluation, you will be invited to your child’s school to discuss your objections. If you disagree with an evaluation that the district has conducted, you have the right to get an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE). If you want an IEE done at the District’s expense, you must notify the CSE/CPSE in writing.
Individual Education Program (IEP) If your child is determined eligible for classification by the CSE/CPSE an IEP is developed. Your child’s IEP will be reviewed once a year by the CSE/CPSE. At any time, you may ask for a review of your child’s IEP by making that request in writing to the CSE/CPSE.
Due Process Rights The first time your child is identified by the CSE/CPSE you will be asked to give written consent before the IEP can be implemented. The IEP will not be implemented without your
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16 written consent. If you disagree with the decision made by the CSE/CPSE, you may make a written request for mediation, which will be conducted by the Center for Dispute Settlement, or an impartial hearing. If you have questions about your due process rights, please contact the office of Special Education and Related Services at 262-8220.
Transition Planning For every student with an IEP who is 15 years of age or older, the annual review process must include transition planning. Transition planning is a collaborative effort and should include the student, family members, school staff, and invited agency representatives. The transition planning must be based on the student’s strengths, preferences and interests. When the student graduates or ages out of school at age 21, the school district provides a Student Exit Summary.
Section 504 Accommodations Rochester City School District policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in accessing its programs. If you suspect your child has an impairment which substantially impacts an area that is important for school participation and/or learning, you may contact the school principal to begin the process. For more information, please contact the office of Special Education and Related Services at 262-8220.
Child Find School districts are required to identify all children who are suspected of having an educational disability. If you have a child whom you suspect may have a disability, please submit the following to your child’s school: the child’s name and date of birth; the disability you believe the child may have; the parent or guardian’s name, address and phone number; the language spoken in the home; and the parent or guardian’s signature.
Student Support Services Contact Information The District provides a range of support services for students at all schools. For more information, contact your child’s school or, for specific services, refer to the following phone numbers. Assessment and Related Services.................................................................262-8474 Audiology........................................................................................................262-8709 Drug and Alcohol Prevention........................................................................ 262-8228 Grief Resource Network........................................................... 262-8535 or 262-8346 Home/Hospital Instruction............................................................................ 454-1095 Medical Management and Assistive Technology for Children (MATCH).... 262-8466 Occupational/Physical Therapy..................................................................... 262-8466 Student Health Services.................................................................................262-8497 School Nursing Services..................................................................................324-5915 Social Work/Homeless Program....................................................................262-8458 Special Education and Related Services........................................................ 262-8481
Student and Family Support Centers Student and Family Support Centers are collaborations among schools, agency partners, and families. They build on and complement the resources of the school (Educational Support Services, School Counselors, School Social Workers, and in-school programs and opportunities) by bringing community agencies into schools to deliver additional services either directly or through referrals and linkages to other community resources and opportunities. Support Center Services typically include crisis intervention, peer mediation, leadership-skills building, anger management, counseling to prevent risk behaviors, mental health, behavioral health care, and employment related support. The goal of the centers is to equip students with the social and emotional skills and resources to succeed in school and become productive members of the community. Student and Family Support Centers operate at Schools No. 2, 8, 30, 39, 50, Charlotte High School, Northeast and Northwest College Preparatory High Schools, East High School, Edison Educational Campus, Franklin Educational Campus, Jefferson High School, Monroe High School, and Wilson Foundation Academy. For more information, contact your child’s school.
Summer Programs The District’s summer programs provide academic support as well as opportunities for enrichment, acceleration, credit recovery, review, and real-world application of academic skills. Students are engaged in active, exciting learning to give them the support and skill development they need for the coming school year. Programs are available for children from preschool age through high school, with special attention to the transition years between elementary and secondary school. Students are specifically recruited for summer programs and seats are limited. Students will be notified before the end of the school year. For information, contact your child’s school or call the Summer School Hotline at 262-8323 beginning in April. You may also check out our website, www.rcsdk12.org.
Work-Based Learning Programs Work-based learning opportunities, providing students both paid and unpaid work experience, may be available through the Career and Technical Education program at each high school. Work-based learning is designed to lead students directly into entry-level jobs, further career-related training and education, or certified apprenticeships. Students must have at least a 2.0 grade point average and 93% school attendance to enter the program, and are required to raise their average to 2.5 and maintain at least 93% attendance to continue participating. For more information, contact your child’s school.
Youth Development and Family Services (YDFS) The Youth Development and Family Services Division (YDFS) is responsible for the integration and management of student and family support services to enhance students’ socialemotional and academic performance to produce productive citizens in society and future leaders. The Division offers a wide range of comprehensive services, initiatives and strategies with opportunities for removing the complex factors which interfere with learning. YDFS encompasses Human Services Systems, Office of Parent Engagement, School Food Services, School Social Work/Homeless Program, Student Health Services and Transportation Services. For more information, call 262-8677.
Districtwide Policies Code of Conduct The District’s Code of Conduct promotes a positive learning environment for all students. It spells out expectations for the responsible behavior of all partners in the school community: students, teachers, administrators and other staff, parents, and visitors to schools. The Code of Conduct in its entirety is available in the main office of each school and on the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org. A copy can also be obtained by calling 262-8363. Among the expectations for students and parents are the following:
Students • Work to the best of their own ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward the highest personal level of achievement • Attend school every day, unless they are legally excused, and be in class on time and prepared to learn • Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and shows respect toward other persons and property • Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct • React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner • Seek help in solving problems that might lead to disciplinary actions • Report to school officials any information which may help to prevent danger or injury to others in the school community
Parents and Guardians • Send their children to school ready to participate and learn. The expectation is that each student should be well nourished, well-rested, and given the safest and most supportive living environment that the parent or guardian can provide • Insist their children be dressed and groomed in a clean and neat manner consistent with the student dress code • Communicate regularly with their children’s teachers about student growth and achievement • Build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their children’s friends • Conduct themselves with civility when dealing with faculty, administrators, staff, other parents and guardians, and especially when dealing with children, whether their own or others’. No District employee is required to continue any meeting or discussion with a parent who is verbally or physically abusive toward them, or who attempts to intimidate or to threaten the safety or well-being of the employee • Make sure that the District and the child’s school has the parent/guardian’s current address and other information (e.g., phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and names and numbers of relatives to contact in emergencies) to ensure the District’s ability to make contact in emergencies and for educational purposes. Emergency information should be current and contain the names of all adults (over 18) allowed to pick up the student
Dress Code An important aspect of the Code of Conduct pertains to appropriate dress on school property. The following is a summary of the District’s dress code: • All aspects of a student’s appearance should be safe, appropriate, and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process. Students who violate the dress code will be required to cover or remove the offending item and, if practical, to replace it with an acceptable item. Students who refuse to do so will be subject to discipline, up to and including suspension • The following are not appropriate on school property: - Stocking caps, “doo rags,” and bandanas. - Hats (except for medical or religious purposes) - Revealing clothing - Clothing that includes items that are vulgar, obscene, or disrespectful of others - Clothing that promotes the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs or that encourages illegal or violent activities - Visible undergarments. Underwear should be completely covered with outer clothing, and pants should be held up with a belt of appropriate size for the student’s waist In addition, individual schools may implement their own dress codes. Visitors to schools, including parents, are also expected to dress appropriately while on school property or attending school functions. Teachers and other school personnel are expected to model and reinforce appropriate dress at school and to help students understand its importance.
Prohibited Student Conduct The Code of Conduct prohibits student behavior that is: • Violent—including assault, possession of weapons, bullying, use of threatening actions or words in person or by computer, and destruction of property • Disorderly—actions which disrupt the normal operation of the school or endanger the health, safety, welfare, or morals of others • Disruptive—actions which interfere with the education of other students or the ability of the teacher to teach • Insubordinate—failure to comply with school or District rules or the reasonable directions of school personnel • Dishonest—cheating, plagiarism, etc. For academic and other reasons, students cannot bring devices with camera capacity to school.
Searches on School Property All visitors entering District property are subject to search of their person and parcels. No person refusing such search shall be permitted to remain on District property. Student lockers, desks, and other storage areas at school, as well as computers and software, may be searched at any time by school officials. Students are responsible for what is kept in their lockers. The District reserves the right to monitor email, websites, and Internet access of students on school computers and property.
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18 Public Conduct on School Property All persons on school property are expected to conduct themselves in a civil, peaceful, and lawful manner. “School property” includes all buildings, property, and grounds used for school and school-related activities, including school buses, and the Board of Education and Central Administrative Offices. Examples of impermissible conduct would include behavior which is violent or abusive; which injures or threatens injury to others or to property; which disrupts classes, meetings or activities; is uncivil or abusive towards teachers or administrators; or which is harassing or discriminating against others on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Possessing or using weapons, possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, or being under the influence of either is prohibited. Any person who violates the rules of conduct or who, in refusing to comply with the reasonable directions of school officials, fails to abide by these requirements may be barred from District property.
Code of Discipline The Superintendent’s Regulations of Intervention & Discipline (Code of Discipline) links the behaviors prohibited by the Code of Conduct with interventions and disciplinary consequences. The goal is to help students understand why their actions are unacceptable and to provide support for improved behavior. The code identifies five levels of inappropriate behavior: insubordinate, disorderly, disruptive, violent, and serious violent behavior. For infractions at each level, it outlines a range of disciplinary procedures and possible interventions. Examples of intervention include parent outreach, counseling, conflict resolution, behavioral progress reports, individual behavior contracts, and services to support students transitioning from suspension. The code is available in all schools and on the District’s website, www.rcsdk12.org.
Environmental Safety The District is committed to maintaining school and work environments that are safe and healthy for students, staff, and visitors. We closely follow state and federal regulations, as well as our own stringent procedures for preventing and eliminating environmental risks in our buildings, including those related to lead paint, pesticides, water and air quality, and asbestos. In accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the District maintains a program of inspecting each school building for asbestos-containing building materials and developing written management plans to maintain safe environments in our schools. Information on each school’s asbestos activities is available for review in the main office of each school. A master copy is available in the Facilities Department at the District’s Service Center, 835 Hudson Ave. For more information, call 336-4005.
Whistleblower Hotline The Board of Education operates a Whistleblower Hotline that allows employees and others to anonymously report illegal or unethical activities. These may include harassment, fraud, theft, discrimination, misuse of funds, conflicts of interest, and other ethics violations. The toll-free number is 1-866-284-7040 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers may remain anonymous.
Parent CONNECTxp
Montrice Cole, Grade 4, Kodak Park School No. 41
ParentCONNECTxp is a secure, online system where you can check your child’s academic progress from any computer, any time! ParentCONNECTxp allows you to: • Check homework assignments • Monitor grades • View report cards and class scores • Receive alerts if your child is failing, missing an assignment or absent from class • Communicate with your child’s teacher Sign up for a ParentCONNECT account at: www.rcsdk12.org/parentconnect For more information or with questions, please call your school or the Office of Parent Engagement at 324-9999.
Student
Leadership Congress
Betty Ralph, Grade 10, School of the Arts
Join with other students once a month after school for fun and rewarding activities focused on community service and leadership development.
Interested? Call 262-8133.
Hailey Crespo, Grade 2, Henry Lomb School No. 20
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Elementary Schools Martin B. Anderson School No. 1 (PreK-6) 85 Hillside Avenue, 14610...................................... 473-1533
Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No. 19 (PreK-8) 465 Seward Street, 14608.................................... 328-7454
Abelard Reynolds School No. 42 (PreK-6) 3330 Lake Avenue, 14612......................................663-4330
Clara Barton School No. 2 (PreK-8) 190 Reynolds Street, 14608................................. 235-2820
Henry Lomb School No. 20 (PreK-6) 54 Oakman Street, 14605..................................... 325-2920
Theodore Roosevelt School No. 43 (K-6) 1305 Lyell Avenue, 14606.....................................458-4200
Nathaniel Rochester Community School No. 3 (K-8) 85 Adams Street, 14608 ...................................... 454-3525
Abraham Lincoln School No. 22 (PreK-6) 27 Zimbrich Street, 14621......................................467-7160
Lincoln Park School No. 44 (PreK-8) 820 Chili Avenue, 14611..........................................328-5272
George Mather Forbes School No. 4 (K-8) 198 Dr. Samuel McCree Way, 14611...................... 235-7848
Francis Parker School No. 23 (PreK-6) 170 Barrington Street, 14607...............................473-5099
Mary McLeod Bethune School No. 45 (PreK-8) 1445 Clifford Avenue, 14621.................................. 325-6945
John H. Williams School No. 5 (PreK-8) 1 Edgerton Park, 14608.........................................325-2255
Nathaniel Hawthorne School No. 25 (PreK-6) 965 N. Goodman Street, 14609...........................288-3654
Charles Carroll School No. 46 (K-6) 250 Newcastle Road, 14610................................ 288-8008
Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7 (PreK-6) 31 Bryan Street, 14613............................................ 254-3110
Henry Hudson School No. 28 (K-6) 595 Upper Falls Blvd., 14611.................................482-4836
Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50 (K-7) 301 Seneca Avenue, 14621.....................................266-0331
Roberto Clemente School No. 8 (PreK-8) 1180 St. Paul Street, 14621....................................262-8888
Adlai E. Stevenson School No. 29 (PreK-8) 88 Kirkland Road, 14611........................................ 328-8228
Frank Fowler Dow School No. 52 (PreK-6) 100 Farmington Road, 14609............................... 482-9614
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School No. 9 (PreK-7) 485 N. Clinton Avenue, 14605.............................. 325-7828
John James Audubon School No. 33 (PreK-6) 500 Webster Avenue, 14609................................482-9290
Montessori Academy School No. 53 (PreK-6) 625 Scio Street, 14605.......................................... 325-0935
Dr. Walter Cooper Academy School No. 10 (K-6) 353 Congress Avenue, 14619.................................324-2010
Dr. Louis A. Cerulli School No. 34 (PreK-6) 530 Lexington Avenue, 14613...............................458-3210
The Flower City School No. 54 (K-6) 36 Otis Street, 14606............................................254-2080
James P. B. Duffy School No. 12 (K-6) 999 South Avenue, 14620.................................... 461-3280
Pinnacle School No. 35 (K-6) 194 Field Street, 14620..........................................271-4583
Early Childhood School of Rochester No. 57 (PreK-2) 15 Costar Street, 14608.........................................277-0190
The Children’s School of Rochester No. 15 (K-6) 494 Averill Avenue, 14607....................................262-8830
Henry W. Longfellow School No. 36 (PreK-6) 85 St. Jacob Street, 14621.................................... 342-7270
World of Inquiry School No. 58 (K-6) 950 Norton Street, 14621......................................325-6170
John Walton Spencer School No. 16 (PreK-8) 625 Scio Street, 14605........................................... 235-1272
Andrew J. Townson School No. 39 (PreK-6) 145 Midland Avenue, 14621.................................. 467-8816
Joseph C. Wilson Foundation Academy (K, 1, 6-8) 200 Genesee Street, 14611.................................... 463-4100
Enrico Fermi School No. 17 (PreK-8) 158 Orchard Street, 14611.....................................436-2560
Kodak Park School No. 41 (PreK-6) 279 W. Ridge Road, 14615.................................... 254-4472
Secondary Schools Charlotte High School (9-12) 4115 Lake Avenue, 14612....................................... 663-7070
Northeast College Preparatory High School (7-12) 940 Fernwood Park, 14609.................................. 324-9273
School Without Walls Commencement Academy (9-12) 480 Broadway, 14607........................................... 546-6732
East High School (7-12) 1801 E. Main Street, 14609....................................288-3130
Northwest College Preparatory High School (7-8) 940 Fernwood Park, 14609..................................324-9289
School Without Walls Foundation Academy (7-8) 950 Norton Street, 14621....................................... 324-3111
Integrated Arts and Technology High School (Gr. 7-10) 950 Norton Street, 14621..................................... 324-3750
Robert Brown H.S. of Construction & Design (9-12) 655 Colfax Street, 14606...................................... 324-9770
Vanguard Collegiate High School (9-12) 950 Norton Street, 14621..................................... 324-3760
James Monroe High School (7-12) 164 Alexander Street, 14607................................. 232-1530
Rochester Early College International High School (9-12) 200 Genesee Street, 14611.................................... 324-9010
World of Inquiry School No. 58 (7-11) 950 Norton Street, 14621......................................325-6170
Joseph C. Wilson Magnet H.S. Commencement Academy (9-12) 501 Genesee Street, 14611....................................328-3440
Rochester STEM High School (9-12) 655 Colfax Street, 14606......................................324-9760
The Leadership Academy for Young Men (9-11) 4115 Lake Avenue, 14612....................................... 324-7760
School of the Arts (7-12) 45 Prince Street, 14607........................................ 242-7682
Programs & Services
Administrative Offices
All City High
Adult Education.......................................................... 262-8000 Athletics....................................................................... 262-8281 Attendance.................................................................. 262-8105 Bilingual Education......................................................262-8234 Board of Education..................................................... 262-8525 Career and Technical Education................................. 262-8532 Communications.........................................................262-8363 Customer Service Hotline.......................................... 324-9999 Department of Law..................................................... 262-8412 Food Service................................................................336-4100 GED Programs............................................................ 262-8000 Hispanic Student Services...........................................262-8234 Human Capital Initiatives ...........................................262-8597 Interpreters for the Hearing Impaired.......................262-8474 Linea de Información Se Habla Español.....................262-8234 Office of School Chiefs............................................... 262-8607 Parent Engagement....................................................262-8359 Prekindergarten.......................................................... 262-8140 Safety and Security.................................................... 262-8600 School Counseling.......................................................262-8535 Specialized Services....................................................262-8220 Student Placement/Parent Information and Registration Center.............................................. 262-8241 Student Records Elementary......................................................... 262-8349 Secondary............................................................262-8558 Special Education............................................... 262-8340 Superintendent’s Office..............................................262-8378 Teaching and Learning................................................. 262-8121 Testing.........................................................................262-8559 Title I/NCLB................................................................. 262-8679 Transportation............................................................ 336-4000 Volunteers and Partnerships...................................... 262-8133 Work Permits............................................................... 262-8523 Youth Development and Family Services....................262-8677
180 Ridgeway Avenue, 14615........................................458-2110 Family Learning Center 30 Hart Street, 14605.................................................. 262-8000 Florence S. Brown NYS Pre-K Center 500 Webster Avenue, 14609........................................ 288-2410 High School Equivalency Testing Center 30 Hart Street, 14605.................................................. 262-8000 Homeless Students and Families Program 175 Martin Street, 14605..........................262-8524 or 262-8552 The LyncX Academy 180 Ridgeway Avenue, 14615....................................... 254-1240 Native American Resource Center 353 Congress Avenue, 14619........................................324-9305 Parent Service Center 131 West Broad Street, 14614.......................................262-8359 Rochester International Academy 1 Edgerton Park, 14608................................................ 324-5250 Rochester Preschool-Parent Program 30 Hart Street, 14605...................................................328-3360 Student Equity and Placement 131 West Broad Street, 14614......................262-8241, 262-8680 Work Experience Program (WEP) 655 Colfax Street, 14606..............................................324-9762 Young Mothers and Interim Health Academy 30 Hart Street, 14605...................................................454-1095 Youth and Justice Programs 30 Hart Street, 14605.................................................. 262-8939
RCSD
Quick Connect • Enrollment • School Selection • Transferring.......................262-8241
placement@rcsdk12.org
• Records • Transcripts • Work Permits. ...................262-8523
records@rcsdk12.org
Parent Engagement..........324-9999
parents@rcsdk12.org
Transportation. ....................336-4000
transportation@rcsdk12.org
To report truancies:
Attendance HOTLINE........262-8105
Visit the District website:
www.rcsdk12.org
For numbers not listed here, call.............262-8100 Information in this publication is accurate as of June 2013.
Rochester City School District 131 West Broad Street Rochester, New York 14614 www.rcsdk12.org Board of Education Malik Evans, President Van Henri White, Vice President Mary Adams Melisza Campos JosĂŠ Cruz Cynthia Elliott Willa Powell Student Representative Sophie Gallivan Superintendent of Schools Bolgen Vargas, Ed.D. Produced by the Department of Communications, June 2013 Chip Partner, Chief of Communications Patricia Cruz, Public Relations Specialist/Assistant to the Chief Sam Kercado, Spanish Translator Lori Chociej, Graphic Designer Todd Hall/Tom Moughan, Video/Media Services
NEW this year! Expanded Day Learning Schools. .......... Page 1 Common Core Learning Standards....... Page 9 New 4-Day Rotational Schedule (A-Day, B-Day, C-Day, D-Day)............... Month pages Quick Connect Contact Information..... Inside back cover
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