Otsego Handbook 2012-13

OTSEGO HANDBOOK 2012-2013

Dear Parents, On behalf of the Otsego staff, I am pleased to present this handbook to each of our families. The contents of this book will help make the flow of communication a smooth process. It contains useful information regarding school policies and procedures, safety rules, curriculum, special programs, and extracurricular activities.

We hope that you find this handbook helpful and use it as a guide for a safe and happy elementary school experience. Have a great year!

Sincerely, Stacey Gillespie Principal

TABLE OF CONTENTS

School Calendar: 3 School Policies: 4-5 Health Office/ Attendance: 6 School Closings/Delayed Openings/Emergency Dismissal:7 Transportation:8 Cafeteria: 9 Recess: 10 Curriculum: 11 Support Services: 12-13 REACH CYA: 14 Homework Policy: 15 Field Trips: 16 PTA Statement: 16

Otsego Elementary School Mrs. Stacey Gillespie Principal Mrs. Maryann Fasciana Assistant Principal

Half Hollow Hills Administration Mrs. Kelly Fallon, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Harrigan Assistant Superintendent for District-wide Administration Mrs. Mary Rettaliata Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Mr. John O’Farrell Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Ms. Anne Marie Marrone Caliendo Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Facilities

HALF HOLLOW HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 2012 - 2013 SCHOOL CALENDAR M

T

W

T

F

SEPTEMBER 2012 (3) (4) 5 10 11 12 (17) (18) 19 24 25 (26)

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

OCTOBER 2012 1 (8) 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

NOVEMBER 2012

5 (12) 19 26

(6) 13 20 27

1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 (22) (23) 28 29 30

DECEMBER 2012 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (31)

7 14 (21) 28

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

3 4 5

Sept. 17, 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 8 Nov. 6 Nov. 12 Nov. 22, 23 Dec. 24 Jan. 1 Jan. 21 Feb. 18-22 Mar. 26-29 May 27 June 21

Labor Day Supt. Conf. Day

4 11 18 25

M

Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Columbus Day Supt. Conf. Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Recess

Winter Recess Spring Recess Memorial Day Last Day of School

DAYS IN ATTENDANCE EACH MONTH September: 15 + 1 October: 22 November: 18 + 1 December: 15 January: 21 February: 15 March: 17 April: 22 May: 21 June: 15 TOTAL: 181 + 2 181 Student Attendance Days

183 Total Days Emergency Days [ ] School may elect to be in session

W

4 5 6 11 12 13 (18) (19) (20) 25 26 27

T

F

1 7 8 14 15 (21) (22) 28

MARCH 2013

Christmas / New Years Recess Martin Luther King Day

T

FEBRUARY 2013

First Day of School

2 ORIENTATION AND CONFERENCE DAYS

JANUARY 2013 (1) 8 15 22 29

Sept.

Sept.

Sept.

1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 (26) (27) (28) (29)

APRIL 2013 1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

MAY 2013

6 7 13 14 20 21 (27) [28]

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

JUNE 2013 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 [24] [25] [26] (27) (28)

The Board of Education reserves the right to change this calendar if emergency closings during the school year require additional days. May 28th will be utilized if there is one emergency school closing. May 28th and June 24th will be utilized if there are two emergency school closings.

May 28th, June 24th and June 25th will be utilized if there are three school closings. May 28th, June 24th, June 25th and June 26th will be utilized if there are four school closings. However, please note, additional day(s) required will be determined by the Board of Education at a later date.

Notes: There will be 3 half-days at the end of the elementary school year; these days will be June 19th, June 20th, and June 21st .

School Policies

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

SCHOOL HOURS: School is in session from 9:10 AM until 3:20 PM. Students are not permitted on school grounds prior to 9:10 AM unless they are attending a scheduled activity or have been invited to an extra help session.

This is to ensure the safety of all students.

VISITORS TO OTSEGO: In order to maintain a safe environment for our students, please follow the procedure outlined below when visiting our school: Park only in designated spots in the large staff parking lot.

Please do not park in the side parking lot, reserved spots, or against the building. Under no circumstances should you park on the bus platform.

MESSAGES TO STUDENTS: Our office staff frequently receives phone calls from parents asking them to deliver personal messages to students.

To minimize the disruptions to classroom instruction, please limit these requests to emergencies only.

Main Office: 592-3600 School Nurse 592-3601

Psychologist 592-3609 Attendance Office 592-3606

Buses come and go throughout the day. Enter the building through the front door.

You must sign in and out with our hall monitor and receive a visitor badge. You may be asked to provide STUDENT USE OF THE TELEPHONE: Throughout the day, students often ask to use the telephone to call home for various forgotten items or to make changes to social arrangements.

In order to foster greater student responsibility, we discourage the use of the telephone during the school day.

identification. While inside the school building, you must wear your visitor badge at all times. Please visit only those areas of the building for which you have been granted access.

EMERGENCY PICK-U P: It is difficult for us to accommodate last mi nute pickups. In the event of an emergency pick-up an d your child is already on th e bus, you will be given a pink dis missal pass to bring to the te acher or the bus driver. This pa ss notifies them that yo u have signed your child out and authorizes your child ’s release.

School Policies DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS

Students in grades K-5 will be dismissed at 3:20 PM. Parents/ designees who wish to pick up their children are requested to send a note stating that their child will be picked up at 3:20 PM. The date, time, and reason for leaving should be included as well as permission for us to release your child to your designee, when applicable.

Parents/designees must sign the release log and present photo identification before a student will be dismissed. Your child will meet you at the side entrance of the building. Please arrive by 3:10 PM.

PARENT ABSENCE:

WELLNESS POLICY:

In accordance with the district Wellness Policy, please adhere to the following guidelines whenever you pack/send in food for your child; • NO CANDY IS ALLOWED AT ANY TIME • Healthy snacks and water are recommended for any snacks/parties. • Only kindergarten and first grade classes may celebrate birthdays in class with food (healthy snacks and water recommended) • Grades 2 - 5 may not celebrate birthdays with food.

DELIVERY FOR STUDENTS:

Sometimes, parents come to school to bring something to a child. This could be lunch, forgotten homework, a note, or party goods. These things must be brought to the main office.

Our staff will make sure the items are delivered to the

phone calls or mailing of invitations to selected children.

ASSIGNMENTS MISSED DUE TO ABSENCE:

When a child is home ill, for three or more consecutive days, you may request that your child’s teacher provide him/her with the work he/she missed.

You may pick it up in the main office or we can send it home with a sibling or a neighbor.

When a child is sick, the teachers WILL HELP him/her make up missed assignments and review new concepts when he/she is well enough to return to school. Tests will be made up at the discretion of the

teacher.

If your child is home for 1 or 2 If you are going to be away days, you may want to consult during the school year (even with a classmate about any for a short time) and someone missing assignments. else will be caring for your While we recognize the value of child, please notify us in a family vacation, it is ILLEGAL writing. Please give us written to take your child away while permission for that individual school is in session. Please do child’s classroom as soon as to pick up your child in the not ask a teacher to help your possible. event of an emergency. child catch up on work he/she DISTRIBUTION OF PARTY missed while on vacation. It is suggested that a journal of the FAMILY STATUS: INVITATIONS: trip be kept in addition to 15 Please let us know if your Children love birthday parties 25 minutes of reading each day. family status has changed in and other appropriate Teachers WILL NOT send work any way. This includes the celebrations. However, they are home for time missed while on addition of a sibling, a easily hurt and feel bad when vacation. marriage, divorce, death of a they are excluded from a loved one, etc... This special party. Therefore, we do information will enable us to not allow the distribution of better meet the needs of your invitations to a party during the child. school day or on the school bus.

Social lists are provided for your use. This will allow for

HEALTH OFFICE/ATTENDANCE IMMUNIZATIONS According to New York State Public Health Law #2164, “No child shall be admitted to public school without documented proof of required immunizations, signed by the doctor.” Records must show dates of all immunizations with HEALTH INFORMATION EMERGENCY HEALTH CARD - authorized signature.

Your child received a white health card on the first day of MEDICATION - In order for the school nurse to administer school. Please complete it any medication (including overaccurately and indicate the the-counter drugs) during numbers where we can reach school, we must have the you or your designee in the following: event that your child becomes • Written notification from the ill or injured while at school. family doctor stating diagnosis, This card MUST be returned the contents of the promptly and updated, should prescription, and the dosage any changes occur. Your • A written request from the cooperation is necessary to parent asking that the ensure the well being of your medication be given to his/her child. child.

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS - • A well labeled prescription bottle with the child’s name, New York State Law requires that all children in grades K, 2, date, and the doctor’s name on 4, 7, 10, and all new entrants to it. a school system have a physical Students ARE NOT permitted examination. This exam may be to carry any medication with them. All medication MUST done privately or by a school be dropped off to the school physician. If your child is seen nurse by a parent. by a family doctor, please be

curvature of the spine (“scoliosis”).

STUDENT ATTENDANCE: The process of learning is very dynamic and interactive. In order to maximize achievement, students MUST be present in class so that they can participate in all learning activities. However, children do get sick and should be kept home when they are not feeling well. Remember, your child should be without a fever for 24 hours before returning to school.

If your child is absent, please call the attendance office (592-3606) prior to 9:30 AM. Kindly state your child’s name, teacher, and the reason for the absence. If your child does not arrive at school by 9:30 AM, the attendance office will call your home.

When a student is absent from school, he/she is required to bring in a written note from his/her parent/guardian indicating the date and reason of the absence. The note must also have the signature of the

parent/guardian.

For information concerning sure to fill out the appropriate SCREENINGS Height, weight, form and return it to the missed assignments due to vision, and hearing screenings school nurse. Students entering absence, please see the are done for every child these grades or new to our school policy section. district are also required to have a dental examination. The appropriate forms may be obtained in the Otsego Health Office.

throughout the school year. In addition, New York State Education Law requires a screening examination to identify children with possible

SCHOOL CLOSINGS/DELAYED 1.

WCTO 94.3 FM 2.

WBAB 92.3 FM 3.

WGBB 1240 AM 4.

WALK 1370 AM 5.

WGSM 740 AM 6.

WHLI 1100 AM In the event of an emergency school closing, delayed opening, or early dismissal, you may be notified via the following methods: Connect-Ed Automated Phone Call (please make sure the school has your correct updated phone numbers) Half Hollow Hills School District Website (http:// www.hhh.k12.ny.us) News 12 Long Island/ Cablevision Local radio stations;

7.

WLIX 540AM

8.

WGLI 1290 AM

During an early dismiss al, students will be transported home by bus. At the beginning of the school year, you will be asked to fill ou ta green emergency dism issal card. Be sure to complete and return this card which indica tes where to send your ch ild during an emergenc y.

In addition, please in struct your child as to where he/she should go in the event of an early dismissal. Stud ents in the elementary school will be sent ho me after the high sc hools and middle schools ar e dismissed.

Transportation BUS SAFETY RULES:

We want the bus ride to and from school to be as safe and enjoyable as possible for all our students. Therefore, it is required that each child abides by the following rules while riding the school bus: Wait at your designated location in an orderly manner. Be on time. Go directly to your assigned seat when you board the bus. Keep the aisles clear.

Keep the noise level down. Be respectful.

Leave the bus in an orderly manner. Cross at least 10 feet in front of

the bus and only after **Violation of these the bus driver has given rules may result in the the signal that it is safe loss of bus privileges.** to cross.

Students are expected to be respectful and maintain proper behavior throughout the bus trip to and from school.

BUS PASSES For security and safety reasons, students should take their assigned bus (and sit in their assigned seat) to and from school. In the event of an unexpected/emergency situation, please indicate your circumstance and request in writing to the teacher.

Be sure to include the following information; *Your child’s name and the teacher’s name *Your circumstance and request *The alternate bus # you are requesting your child to take at dismissal *The name and address of the requested destination *A phone number where you can be reached that day.

Please call the transportation department with any questions or concerns regarding bus issues at (631)592-3855.

Cafeteria

FREE AND REDUCED BREAKFAST OR HOT LUNCH REQUESTS: Applications for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program can be made at any time during the school year. Please contact the school nurse for the appropriate forms. These forms must be completed and on file in order for the school to grant free or reduced meals to qualifying families.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM: Lunch The breakfast program is offered to all The lunch period will students. It starts at 8:50 AM and ends at 9:10 consist of a 20 minute section during which the stud AM. The menu offers many healthy breakfast ents will eat in the ca feteria.

An additional 20 minu te recess will be prov choices. The cost is $1.00 or $1.25 per meal, ided for supervised play. Wea ther permitting, stud depending on their choice, and $0.25 for those ents will be able to use the pla yground during this tim eligible for reduced price meals. If a student is e.

To provide all studen receiving free lunch, they are also entitled to free ts with a positive and enjoyable lunchtime at breakfast. mosphere, we ask that students abide by th PIN NUMBER - Every student is assigned a lunch e following rules: • Remain seated at yo ur assigned table • Sp number. Please assist your child in memorizing this eak quietly at all times • No sharing or touchin number.

This pin number must be entered when g one another’s food • Clean up your area and thro buying lunch each time, whether paying cash, prew away all trash • Follow direc tions • Obtain permiss paid, free or reduced. ion be

fore leaving the cafe teria • Show respect to everyone in the cafe teria

INDOOR RECESS RULES

Recess

When weather conditions limit the use of the outdoor play area, students will have their recess in their classrooms. It is essential that students follow these rules: Speak Quietly Respect other people’s property Obtain permission before leaving the classroom Follow directions Use appropriate language

PLAYGROUND RULES:

The following rules ensure the safety of all children while using the playground equipment: Only children wearing sneakers are permitted on the playground. NO SANDALS, FLIP-FLOPS, or DRESS SHOES are allowed. Students must receive permission from their lunch monitor before leaving the playground to go to the bathroom or nurse.

Be cautious of any black top areas. Avoid all puddles, mud, or wet grass. No pushing, running, roughness, or improper fooling around on playground equipment. Be respectful to all children and adults while outside.

Curriculum Half Hollow Hills provides instruction to all of our students based on the requirements of the New York State Standards. Classroom teachers work hard to support these goals. To view the learning standards, you may log on to http:// www.emsc.nysed.gov/deputy/ documents/ learnstandards.htm.

We are pleased to have curriculum specialists in the building who provide instruction for our children in several areas.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Children receive physical education instruction twice a week beginning in kindergarten. The students are guided to: develop specific locomotor skills- learn rules and follow directions- realize the importance of teamwork- plan and execute strategies -practice good sportsmanship -value physical fitness and safety Appropriate clothing for classes includes shorts, slacks or warm-up/sweat suits and laced-up sneakers. Jeans, skirts and dresses present a safety hazard in physical education class. Children

should also refrain from wearing jewelry or watches on days when their class has physical education.

LIBRARY: The Library Media Center promotes resources that stimulate and encourage students to become lifelong learners.

Instill a love of books and reading. Establishes a climate conducive for maximum learning - a warm, happy and inviting place. Supports, enriches and enhances the school’s curriculum. Provides materials to fit the needs, interests, capabilities, talents and learning styles of each student. Becomes a learning laboratory by using the latest technology.

LIBRARY PROCEDURES: Every child has the opportunity to borrow books or magazines each week provided they have returned previously borrowed materials.

If books are lost or damaged, district policy requires payment for the the materials. If materials are paid for and later found, money will be refunded.

TECHNOLOGY: There are multiple computer stations in each classroom in addition to a mobile computer lab. These tools assist students in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to successfully meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The students use technology as a tool within the various curriculum areas. The media center and classrooms have many computers for research and have internet access.

Children must have a signed parental permission slip before using the internet. All internet use is closely monitored by our staff.

Visit the Half Hollow Hills web site at; www.halfhollowhills.k12.ny.us INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM (Band and Orchestra): In the spring of their third grade year, students are given the opportunity to play a string instrument. In 4th grade, they can choose to join either the Orchestra or the Band.

Curriculum MUSIC: Music instruction begins in kindergarten. The goal of the music curriculum is to help the children expand their understanding and enjoyment of music. Therefore, children study rhythm, melody, form, harmony, meter, dynamics and composition using acoustic and electronic instruments. The music curriculum also requires that the children are introduced to the recorder in third grade.

Students in grades K - 5 are part of the Art program.

Cognitive and fine motor skills are developed progressively.

Students are instructed in the basics of drawing and painting, sculpture and ceramics, and a variety of crafts.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Otsego provides many services for the students during the course of the school year. Our staff is trained to assist students who need either enrichment or special support.

CHORUS: Sometimes these services are All fourth and fifth graders are welcome to join chorus. The given on a temporary basis for a short period of time and Otsego chorus performs twice sometimes this assistance is during the school year - in December and May. In addition, ongoing. they are asked to take part in SCHOOL the PTA’s Outreach Program.

There are no try-outs for the PSYCHOLOGIST: regular Otsego chorus. All are The school’s psychologist is welcome. available on a full-time basis.

ART: The goals of the Art Program at Otsego are as follows: To encourage an interest in art To develop an appreciation for the ways art can enrich their lives To explore a wide variety of media and techniques used by artists

His/her primary goal is to assist our students’ academic and social-emotional learning, through direct work with children and consultation with parents and teachers.

The broad range of services include: Screening of all new entrants to kindergarten and interdistrict- transfers Psychological evaluations to identify learning styles, individual instructional needs,

and specific educational disabilities Individual counseling related to school adjustment Group counseling to foster social skills and support children of divorce and separation (“Banana Splits”) Consultation on developmental concerns, behavior management, and learning needs.

MATH SPECIALIST: Math Lab is a supportive program that is specifically tailored for eligible students depending on his or her individual needs. The program is designed to; support and/or pre-teach classroom curriculum foster accuracy, confidence and pride in assignments and tests develop basic computation skills plan and utilize various problem solving strategies

Support Services RESOURCE ROOM:

The Resource Program assists eligible children in grades K through five in developing compensatory learning strategies.

This is attained through; small group instruction developing study skills building test-taking strategies expanding organizational skills

SPEECH/LANGUAGE:

Becoming a good communicator is an integral part of a child’s education. The Speech-Language therapist helps children who are experiencing communication difficulties. These services include; identifying students with communication problems through screening and/or referral assessing and diagnosing students’ communication behaviors and needs providing goal-based support in individual, group, and/or classroom settings periodic reevaluation of student progress.

READING:

The reading teachers perform various functions relating to Otsego’s literacy program. The reading teachers consult with the classroom teacher regarding diagnostic results for individual children, materials that may be needed, and any problems or questions regarding the reading program in the classroom and/or grade level. Children in need of additional reading support are seen by the reading teacher on an individual or small group basis.

TEACHER OF THE HEARING IMPAIRED:

PHYSICAL THERAPY:

The teacher of the hearing impaired specializes in working with students with auditory problems. The program concentrates on improving auditory skills and maximizing language acquisition.

Physical therapy services are provided to eligible children with muscular-skeletal impairments, gross motor delays, and/or body awareness deficits that significantly impede their ability to function at an appropriate level in the school environment.

TEACHER OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED:

AHAP - ACADEMIC HIGH APTITUDE PROGRAM:

The teacher of the visually impaired student provides additional academic support. This can include the modification of classroom materials, large print books and books on tape or in braille. These teachers also offer braille instruction to children who are visually impaired or legally blind.

HEALTH:

New York State requires that health be taught to all children beginning in kindergarten. As part of this program, children learn how to establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY:

Occupational therapy services are provided to eligible children who need support in developing visual perception and visual and fine motor skills.

AHAP is available to students in grades 3 - 5. Selection is based on several standardized test scores.

AHAP is an enrichment program used to foster higher level thinking skills and provide additional academic challenges.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE:

The ESL program in Half Hollow Hills is designed to develop skills in the English language and assist students in the content areas. The goal is to achieve full fluency for our Limited English Proficiency (LEP) population.

Every effort is made to assimilate the ELL student into mainstream education as quickly as possible.

Child Care-REACH CYA follow the school district calendar. Parents must sign children in each morning. Children may The Children’s Center is a choose from a variety of not-for-profit NYS toys, games and activities licensed child care and are served a light program for children in breakfast before being grades K-5 in the Half dismissed to their class.

Hollow Hills School After School Programs are District. The Children’s in session daily at various Center operates before locations, including and after school during Otsego, from 3:20 PM to the school year and works 6:15 PM and follow the in cooperation with the district calendar. When school district. The children arrive they are Children’s Center staff checked in and served a are dedicated individuals, light snack. The children trained to meet the New may then choose from a York State School Age variety of supervised Child Care activities including requirements. The homework help, arts and Children’s Center strives crafts, computer lab, gym to foster feelings of play, outdoor play positive self-esteem, (weather permitting), and awareness of others, and games and toys. Special respect for peers and events and programs are adults. The children planned throughout the create friendships year. Children must be through non-competitive picked up and signed out games and activities. by 6:15 PM. Before School Programs Occasionally the Children’s are in session daily at each Center offers a full day elementary school from program. Special activities 7:15 AM to 9:00 AM and and outings are scheduled CHILD CARE - BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

for the day that school meets only a half day.

Parents will be notified when vacation or holiday programs are offered.

The Children’s Center has an open enrollment policy.

Children may be registered at any time throughout the year. The program may be used fulltime, part-time, or on an as-needed basis.

Registration packets are available at the REACH CYA office. A nonrefundable registration fee, tuition deposit, and up-to-date physical and immunizations record are required. Scholarships may be available based on financial need. Please contact the Children’s Center Director at the R.E.A.C.H. Community and Youth Agency (CYA) at (631)549-9417 for more information.

Homework Policy Homework is a necessary part of the learning experience. It enhances and extends classroom instruction. The purpose of homework is to: Help develop good study skills Review and reinforce concepts Teach responsibility Foster the development of time management skills STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES: Independently complete assignments on time Be sure that all assignments are done neatly and to the teacher’s specifications Study assignments (or assignments that do not require a written response)

PARENT’S

RESPONSIBILITIES Make sure that your child completes daily and long-term assignments Encourage your child to do his/her best work Avoid making corrections on your child’s homework. The teacher needs to review these assignments to assess your child’s progress Realize that different children may take varying amounts of time to complete assignments To avoid careless errors, ensure that your child spends the necessary amount of time to complete assignments neatly and to the best of his/her ability.

Remember that teachers are your strongest allies. He/she should be contacted immediately if your child is experiencing unnecessary difficulty with assignments.

Always call and discuss any questions or concerns. If your child is observing a religious holiday, please contact the teacher so that the appropriate homework allowance can be made.

should also be viewed as homework Remember to take home all needed books and supplies to complete homework assignments.

For safety and security reasons, students may not return to the classroom after dismissal for any forgotten items.

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION SITE BASED MANAGEMENT TEAM: This team is composed of four parents, four teachers, one support staff member, one community member and building principal. It’s goal is to improve the educational performance of all students in Otsego, as well as address any current issues that arise within our school and surrounding community.

Meetings are monthly, and the term of each office is two years.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS:

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT:

Meetings are open to all district residents and are usually held twice a month. Dates and meeting locations are listed on the school calendar.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES:

Meet the Teacher Night is usually held at the end of September.

Parents will have the opportunity to meet all of their children’s teachers and review the curriculum and activities that will take place during the school year.

Parent/teacher conferences are held shortly after the first marking period. At this scheduled meeting, parents will be able to discuss their child’s progress and voice any questions or concerns.

Field Trips children on a trip. Cellular phone use should be reserved for emergency situations only.

During the course of the year, our classes will often go on field trips. These trips are planned in advance.

Field trips are an integral part of the instructional program.

Written parental approval is mandatory for all trips.

Occasionally, it is required to bring a bag lunch from home.

The kitchen can prepare a bag lunch for your child if necessary. They should request this from the kitchen first thing in the morning.

Most trips have a fee. If you are unable to provide the necessary funds, please contact your child’s teacher, school nurse, or an administrator for confidential assistance.

PARENT CHAPERONES: The safety of our children is extremely important and we appreciate the extra time you give to ensure a positive field trip experience.

FROM THE PTA Please follow the The Otsego PTA is a pa rtnership bet ween the school and the guidelines below: community, promotin Only parents who have g the social, emotional, and academ ic growth of been assigned as trip the Otsego children. It is a type of chaperones are permitted forum where parents, tea chers, administrators, and oth to attend er concerned adults discuss ways to Parents may not bring promote quality education, str ive to expand siblings on trips the arts, encourage com mu nity Parent chaperones are involvement, and work for a healthy expected to take the and safe environment . With this fu ndamental goal in mi responsibility of the nd, the Otsego PTA welcomes all parents, students for the entire educators, and commu nity members length of the trip. This to participate and becom e active includes escorting them members.

The education of our ch to bathrooms, food ildren is a responsibility shared by concessions, or other the school and the family. When pa rents have approved locations. an active and dynami c role in the There is no smoking or education of their child ren, achievement is maxim drinking alcoholic ized. The Otsego PTA is proud to beverages on field celebrate the diversity of its members and utilize trips. Please refrain their talents and skill s to enhance from using your cellular curriculum, student lea rning and phone while supervising family life.

PTA 2012-2013 Executive Board PRINCIPAL

TREASURER

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

RECORDING SECRETARY

Stacey Gillespie Maryann Fasciana

CO-PRESIDENTS Katy Madden Melissa Leace

VICE PRESIDENTS MEMBERSHIP

Annemarie Sabatino MaryAnn Cipriano

Patricia Freda Karen Raio

CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES Caryl Deiches

HISTORIANS Karla Hofsiss

DELEGATES TO COUNCIL Jill Caputo Christine Varrone

ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO COUNCIL Ann-Marie Burke Andrea Feledy

DELEGATES TO BOARD Anita Campbell Jody Caccavale

Executive Chair Afterschool Workshops Desiree Quiles

PAST PRESIDENT Maggie Chong