Student Handbook

With the exception of morning clubs or activities that are supervised by faculty members, the school does not officially open to students until the time noted below. Therefore, it is important that children are not dropped off prior to that time as there is not adequate supervision. Students who arrive after the start time noted below will be considered tardy and must report to the main office to receive a late pass.

Cherry Lane & Montebello Schools
8:40 am - 3:10 pm RP Connor & Sloatsburg Schools
9:10 am - 3:40 pm

End of Trimester 1: December 6, 2024
Report cards available on portal: December 13, 2024

End of Trimester 2: March 13, 2025
Report cards available on portal: March 21, 2025

End of Trimester 3: June 18, 2025
Report cards available on portal: June 27, 2025

During the 2017 - 2018  school year, Suffern Central School District’s five elementary schools adopted a new model for parent-teacher conferences. Instead of meeting at the end of a trimester when report cards are distributed, conferences will take place mid-trimester.

Parent-teacher conferences that take place mid-trimester include the following benefits:

• Teachers have an earlier opportunity to learn about their students including learning styles, prior academic experiences, and social-emotional needs;
• Allows teachers and parents to discuss a student’s strengths and opportunities for growth through a review of student work samples and information gathered from diagnostic measures and classroom experiences;
• Parents learn about their child’s progress bi-monthly through March, via a conference or report card, decreasing the time between formal communications and increasing the time to implement interventions geared toward success.

As always, teachers will continue to be available via phone and email, and as needed for conferences throughout the year.

Trimester	PT Conference Dates
First trimester	*October 24, 2024 *October 29, 2024
Second trimester	*February 6, 2025 *February 11, 2025

*Half Day Student Attendance

 

Homework provides excellent opportunities for developing good study habits, providing for individual differences and abilities, and encouraging self-initiative on the part of the student. It is a planned part of the curriculum designed to extend and reinforce the learning experience of school. Parents are encouraged to monitor homework assignments and help students carry out their responsibilities regarding assignments to be completed at home. Daily time allocation for homework varies by grade level. In addition to independent reading at home, families should anticipate the following:

At the elementary level we believe,

• Reading at home is important (15 - 40 minutes a night depending on student’s grade level)
• Homework should not cost money to complete - it should be completed using everyday items or materials from school.
• Children should be able to complete their homework independently
• Homework is targeted and purposeful, based on material already taught in class.

Parents can support children by:

• encouraging students to read, reading to them (in English, or in the family’s home language).
• using online resources.
• making real-world connections to math, science, social studies in the home (money, cooking, games, problem solving, culture/history/politics, nature).
• ensuring that students do their own homework, thus providing feedback to the teacher about what a child has mastered or finds challenging.
• Foster communication about school, asking questions such as:
  • How was your day?
  • What did you learn?
  • What was your Ah ha moment?
  • What questions do you still have about your learning today?
  • What new words/ideas did you learn?

If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding your child’s homework, please contact his or her teacher(s).

 

In the event that a student is absent, parents may call the school to request that homework be sent home with a sibling or friend of the absent student.  Parents may pick up assignments at the end of the school day.  Requests for homework should be made before 10:30 a.m. to provide teachers with sufficient time to compile and submit assignments to the main office. Please see District Policy 4730 for additional information. 

The Suffern Central School District, in accordance with the New York State Education Department, endeavors to help each child meet high educational standards. As we work with students, we assess their progress using a variety of measures. When it is determined that a student is having difficulty meeting expected performance levels, we provide Academic Intervention Services (AIS). AIS include additional support that complements the regular classroom instruction. Children often need additional time and assistance to reach standards. The purpose of AIS is to provide that assistance.

The Suffern Central School District provides special education pre-referral, evaluation, education and related services including speech and language instruction, occupational therapy, counseling, physical therapy and other educationally related services that may impact the education a student with special needs. All of these services are coordinated through a Committee for Special Education (CSE).

A student suspected of having a disability shall be referred to the CSE by a parent, teacher, administrator, or outside provider (doctor, therapist, etc.). The CSE shall review each referral to assure that pre-referral interventions have been attempted prior to initiating a full evaluation. Referrals must be in writing and forwarded to the Building Principal, Supervisor of Elementary Special Education, or Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

The District also has a parent-run PTA called Special Education Parent-Teacher Association (SEPTA) to provide specific information and support for parents of students with disabilities.

All elementary schools in the Suffern Central School District place a strong emphasis on the social development of students and provide children with a learning environment that fosters appropriate behavior. Each elementary building has a formal character education program that includes Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a research based program that complements the academic program and promotes a positive and safe school climate for all students. 

I CAN...

P Put Safety First	A Act Appropriately	W Work Towards Success	S Show Respect and Kindness
I can be trusted to do what is right and expected of me.	I can be trusted to think positively about my school community and do what is right for me.	I can be trusted to use my time wisely and finish what is asked of me.	I can be trusted to treat everybody with value and use good manners.

 

0= no talking     1= whisper     2=inside voice     3=outside voice

 

Field trips can occur during and after school hours and are intended to afford opportunities for enrichment and/or supplementing and dramatizing instruction of an academic discipline. All trips are carefully planned by the faulty and are approved by the Building Principal and other appropriate authorities prior to students being informed or seeking of parental permission. No child will be allowed to participate in an out of district field trip without the teacher having received a signed Parental Permission Slip. At the time, the parent(s) are notified, the details of the trip will be provided and any costs which may be associated with the trip will be outlined. For day trips of elementary students, there is a minimum ratio of one adult for every 10 students. Ideas and suggestions regarding field trips are always welcome and should be discussed directly with the teacher. Please see District Policy 4531 for additional information.

Early dismissal students need to bring a note from their parent/guardian to the teacher. Medical releases are handled through the Nurse’s Office. The note should include the designated adult who is picking up the child, the date, time, and parent/guardian signature. If a note cannot be provided due to an emergency situation, please call the main office and speak to one of the secretaries. All designated adults must sign students out of the building in a sign-out register located with the security officer. Photo identification may be requested in the event of uncertainty. Please see District Policy 5162-R for additional information.

Parents are urged to make appointments with physicians, dentists, special tutors, etc., after school hours. If a request is necessary, parents should make note of the date, time and reason for the release.

No student may be released from school to anyone other than the parent, guardian or child protective services personnel and law enforcement officers pursuant to law, unless the individual’s name seeking release of the student appears on a list provided by the parent or guardian.

A student may be released to either parent unless a custodial parent supplies the school with a certified copy of a court order or divorce decree to the contrary.

The school shall maintain a list of individuals who are authorized to obtain the release of students in attendance at the school. No student may be released to the custody of any individual not the parent or guardian of the student, unless the individual’s name appears upon the list.

Parents or guardians may submit a list of individuals authorized to obtain the release of their children from school at the time of the child’s enrollment. The signature of the parent or guardian must be on or attached to such list. A parent or guardian may amend a list submitted pursuant to this regulation at any time, in writing.

Certified copies of any court orders or divorce decrees provided by the custodial parent, which restrict a parent’s ability to seek the release of their child, shall be maintained by the Superintendent.

If any individual seeks the release from school of a student he or she must report to the school office and present identification deemed satisfactory by the Principal, who must check the authorized list and relevant court orders or divorce decrees before a student may be released. Particular caution should be exercised when the person seeking the release of a child exhibits to the school official an out-of-state custody order.

In the event of an emergency, the Principal may release a student to some individual not appearing on the approved list only if the parent or guardian has been contacted by the school and has approved the release, and the Principal determines that an emergency exists. Please see District Policy 5100 R for additional information.

Regular school attendance is a major component of academic success. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the school on the morning of the absence. Please call the school as early as possible in the event that your child will be absent, and leave a detailed message on the automated answering service. If a child is absent from school and the school not been called, the school will attempt to call the parent/guardian to confirm the child’s absence. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide a written excuse on the day the child returns to school. Please see District Policy 5100 for specific information regarding excused and unexcused absences as well as consequences of excessive absences.

Consistent with the district’s commitment to keep students safe from harm and the obligation of school officials to report to child protective services when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a student has been abused or maltreated, the district will cooperate with local child protective services workers who wish to conduct interviews of students on school property relating to allegations of suspected child abuse, and/or neglect, or custody investigations.

All requests by child protective services to interview a student on school property shall be made directly to Principal or his or her designee. The Principal or designee shall set the time and place of the interview. The Principal or designee shall decide if it is necessary and appropriate for a school official to be present during the interview, depending on the age of the student being interviewed and the nature of the allegations. If the nature of the allegations is such that it may be necessary for the student to remove any of his or her clothing in order for the child protective services worker to verify the allegations, the school nurse or other district medical personnel must be present during that portion of the interview. No student may be required to remove his or her clothing in front of a child protective services worker or school district official of the opposite sex.

A child protective services worker may not remove a student from school property without a court order, unless the worker reasonably believes that the student would be subject to danger of abuse if not he or she were not removed from school before a court order can reasonably be obtained. If the worker believes the student would be subject to danger of abuse, the worker may remove the student without a court order and without the parent’s consent.

A non-custodial parent, unless restricted by a court order, will be given access to all student report cards, student records, and disciplinary actions. The parent will also be allowed to participate in conferences and school activities. A certified copy of a court order restricting the rights of the non–custodial parent shall be provided to the Principal should a custodial parent wish to prohibit the distribution of information and restrict school visitations of the non-custodial parent.

Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.  All visitors to the school must enter through the designated single point of entry and report to security upon arrival at the school during school hours. The District utilizes an electronic visitor management system (Fast-Pass) in order to ensure the safety and welfare of its students, staff, and guests. When any visitor, including parents and volunteers, wishes to enter any school building during school hours, he or she must present a valid state or government issued photo ID, such as a valid driver's license. The system will scan the ID to ensure there is nothing indicating they should not be allowed into the building including clearance by the national sex offender registry. Once the visitor's ID is scanned, the Fast-Pass will print a visitor's badge which must be worn throughout the duration of the visit. The badge is only valid on the day it is issued. Visitors should return this badge at the end of their visit so that they may be checked out of the building in a timely fashion. Please see District Policy 1240 for additional information.   Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public are not required to register.  Please see District Policy 5300.65 for additional information. 

If you would like to leave something for your child, i.e., homework, forgotten lunch, please leave the item with school security.  A secretary will call the student to the office to pick up the items.  Please do not go to your child’s classroom as it is a disruption and a breach of security.  

 

The Principal is responsible for conducting fire drills in order to instruct students and staff in exiting the school building in an emergency in the shortest time possible and without confusion and panic. Fire drills shall include instruction on fire drill exits and fire alarm boxes, as well as fire drill procedures. The exit route is posted in each room. All students are expected to leave the building in a quiet, orderly manner. High wind, lockdown, lockout, and bus safety drills will also be held throughout the year. All students are expected to cooperate with staff members during all drills.

The school acknowledges that cell phones and other two-way communication systems can be a positive means to facilitate communication; however, the display and/or use of such devices can cause disruption to the educational process.

Therefore, to prevent such disruption, the display and/or use by students of cellular phones and any other two-way communication systems and/or other electronic devices shall be prohibited from the time students arrive at school until they arrive home. These guidelines will also be followed during after school activities, field trips, and during bus time. Devices must be turned off and stored in the child’s book bag, out of sight during this time period. The district is not responsible for stolen, lost or damaged personal electronic devices.

In emergency situations, exceptions to the prohibition of the use of cellular phones and any two-way communication systems may be granted by teachers or administrators. Misuse of any of these electronic devices will result in its confiscation. Parents are required to pick-up the electronic device from the main office. The school will cooperate with law enforcement officials as appropriate. Please see Board Policy 5695 for additional information.

From time to time, the media covers school and/or district events. If you do not want your child to be photographed, videotaped, and/or tape recorded, please complete the “Withholding of Consent” form. This form is sent home at the beginning of the school year; please contact the school for an additional copy.

The school maintains a lost and found area. If your child has misplaced any item, please encourage him or her to periodically visit this location.

At the end of each trimester, unclaimed items will be donated.

The district determines whether school will be closed or on a delay or early dismissal schedule. Parents and students may be informed by one or more of the following ways: through the district’s phone messaging system, notification on the district’s webpage, and social media channels.

In order to communicate any unanticipated changes (weather cancellations, heating issues, etc.) in the school day, the school district will be sending out a message via home phones, cell phones and email (Connect-Ed) as soon as a decision is made. It is important that you keep your child’s school up-to-date with this information.  Please be sure to return the Emergency Information Card as soon as possible and continue to keep your school apprised of any changes throughout the year. This will facilitate notification of any changes as they occur. 

Cancellation and delayed opening information will be available by going to our website:  http://www.sufferncentral.org.  Any delay or cancellation information will appear on the opening page. In addition, this information will be listed on our official District social media channels, Facebook (@SuffernCentralSD) and Twitter (@SuffernCSD).

In the event of early dismissal, the district’s messaging system will be activated. Please talk with your child and other parents about a buddy system in the event that students are dismissed early and an adult is not able to get home. It is extremely important that all children know of another home that he or she can go to if his or her parent will not be home.

 CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

 

P Put Safety First	A Act Appropriately	W Work Toward Success	S Show Respect & Kindness
I can be trusted to do what is right and expected of me.	I can be trusted to think positively about my school community and do what is right for me.	I can be trusted to use my time wisely and finish what is asked of me.	I can be trusted to treat everybody with value and use good manners.
I can: eat my own food. stay in my seat. clap when I hear the whistle.	I can: raise my hand if I need help. keep my area clean. use a level 2 voice. stay in my spot.	I can: practice good table manners. finish my lunch on time.	I can: have respectful conversations. keep my hands to myself. help a friend. say please and thank you. throw food in the garbage.
0=no talking                    1=whisper                 2=inside voice                3=outside voice

RECESS EXPECTATIONS

 

P Put Safety First	A Act Appropriately	W Work Toward Success	S Show Respect & Kindness
I can be trusted to do what is right and expected of me.	I can be trusted to think positively about my school community and do what is right for me.	I can be trusted to use my time wisely and finish what is asked of me.	I can be trusted to treat everybody with value and use good manners.
I can: freeze when I hear the whistle. line up when called. share equipment.  keep my hands to myself.	I can: clean up when the whistle blows. use equipment appropriately. use a level 3 voice.	I can: be a problem solver. leave the wood chips on the ground. focus on the game, not who’s on the team.	I can: respect adults and classmates. ask a friend to play. share the equipment. wait my turn. line up when the whistle blows.
0=no talking                    1=whisper                 2=inside voice                3=outside voice

Students will be responsible for their own behavior and follow school rules 

1. Students will not chew gum and candy on the playground. 

2. Students will leave cell phones, IPods, and other expensive toys/electronics at home. 

3. Students will immediately go to the bus or designated area after school.

Students will respect others and self 

1. Show respect for others and follow instructions given by staff. 

2. Students will take turns on equipment (count to 25 on swings if necessary). 

3. Students will settle differences peacefully (Stop/Think/Plan). 

4. Students should stay away from the window side of the black top area so that the classes in session will not be disrupted. 

5. When a conflict or a problem occurs, the supervisor will ask students to give at least three alternative strategies first.

Students will be ready to work and learn

1. Students are to stop what they are doing when the whistle blows and should line up, single file, and enter the building quickly in an orderly manner. Keep to the right side when walking in the hallways. 

Students will act safely 

1. Students will play safely on the playground. Keep hands and feet to themselves. Running is not permitted on the equipment or bark area. 

2. Sit on swings, swinging back and forth, and not sideways. Only one person at a time. 

3.  Slide one at a time in a seated position. Traffic flow should be one direction - going up from the steps and going down from the top of the slide. 

4. Soccer, wiffle ball, and kickball can only be played on the field, not on the blacktop area. The only ball game allowed on the blacktop is basketball and four squares. Students will play on designated playground areas. 

5. There is no tag of any kind on the playground. 

6. Students will stay out of ditches, off snow hills, and away from puddles, mud and any dangerous areas. 

7. Students will leave rocks, bark, sticks, and other dangerous objects alone. 

8. Students will quickly line up at close of recess in their designated spots. Students should wear a jacket/coat, sweatshirt or long-sleeved shirt when the temperature is below 50 degrees. 

Students will use proper language 

Students will respect school property 

1. Students will show pride in their school by keeping the building and grounds free of litter. 

2. Students will use the school playground equipment appropriately.

P Put Safety First	A Act Appropriately	W Work Toward Success	S Show Respect & Kindness
I can be trusted to do what is right and expected of me.	I can be trusted to think positively about my school community and do what is right for me.	I can be trusted to use my time wisely and finish what is asked of me.	I can be trusted to treat everybody with value and use good manners.
I can: Share materials. keep my hands to myself. listen to the person who is speaking. use a level 2 voice.	I can: be prepared for class. follow directions. Keep my area clean.	I can: stay on task. start work on time. check over my work. do my best. complete my homework.	I can: be kind. be helpful. be collaborative. respect others.
0=no talking                    1=whisper                 2=inside voice                3=outside voice

P Put Safety First	A Act Appropriately	W Work Toward Success	S Show Respect & Kindness
I can be trusted to do what is right and expected of me.	I can be trusted to think positively about my school community and do what is right for me.	I can be trusted to use my time wisely and finish what is asked of me.	I can be trusted to treat everybody with value and use good manners.
I can: respect others privacy. use a level 1 voice.	I can: wash my hands with soap. dry my hands with one paper towel. flush once.	I can: use my time wisely. put the paper towel in the trash.	I can: respect school property.
0=no talking                    1=whisper                 2=inside voice                3=outside voice

The school is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under federal and state law and district policy. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly and supportive school environment, all district students have the right to:

1. Take part in all district activities on an equal basis regardless of race, weight, color, creed, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, gender or sexual orientation or disability.
2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty.
3. Access school policies, regulations and rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.

All district students have the responsibility to:

1. Contribute to maintaining a safe, supportive and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and to property.
2. Be familiar with and abide by district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.
3. Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class, on time, and prepared to learn.
4. Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of achievement possible.
5. React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.
6. Work to develop mechanisms to manage their anger.
7. Ask questions when they do not understand.
8. Seek help in solving problems.
9. Dress appropriately for school and school functions.
10. Accept responsibility for their actions.
11. Conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending school-sponsored extracurricular events and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

All students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, district personnel and other members of the school community, and for the care of school facilities and equipment.

The best discipline is self-imposed, and students must learn to assume and accept responsibility for their own behavior, as well as the consequences of their misbehavior. School personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on educating students so that they may grow in self-discipline.

The school recognizes the need to make its expectations for student conduct while on school property or engaged in a school function specific and clear. The rules of conduct listed below are intended to do that and focus on safety and respect for the rights and property of others. Students who will not accept responsibility for their own behavior and who violate these school rules will be required to accept the consequences for their conduct. Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they:

A. Engage in conduct that is disorderly. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Running or otherwise unsafe behavior in hallways.
• Making unreasonable noise.
• Using language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar or abusive.
• Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
• Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the normal operation of the school community.
• Trespassing. Students are not permitted in any school building, other than the one they regularly attend, without permission from the administrator in charge of the building.
• Computer/electronic communications misuse, including any unauthorized use of computers, software, or internet/intranet account; accessing inappropriate websites; or any other violation of the District’s Acceptable Use Policy, including, but not limited to hacking.

B. Engage in conduct that is insubordinate. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect.
• Lateness for, missing or leaving school without permission.
• Failing to comply with any and all school rules.
• Skipping detention

C. Engage in conduct that is disruptive. Examples of disruptive conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school personnel in charge of students.
• Inappropriate public sexual contact.
• Display or use of personal electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, cell phones, iPads, digital/cell-phone cameras, in a manner that is in violation of district policy.

D. Engage in conduct that is violent. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator or other school employee or attempting to do so.
• Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so.
• Possessing a weapon. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a
• school function.
• Displaying what appears to be a weapon.
• Threatening to use any weapon.
• Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
• Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property.

E. Engage in any conduct that endangers the safety, physical or mental health or welfare of others. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Subjecting other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function to danger by recklessly engaging in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury, including instigating or inciting other students to engage in violent behavior or other misconduct in violation of this Code of Conduct.

• Stealing or attempting to steal the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function.
• Defamation, which includes making false or unprivileged statements or representations about an individual or identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by demeaning them.
• Discrimination, which includes using race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like braids, locks, and twist), color, creed, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, sex, gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, weight or disability to deny rights, equitable treatment or access to facilities available to others.
• Harassment, bullying and cyberbullying, which includes a sufficiently severe action or persistent pervasive pattern of actions or statements directed at an identifiable individual or group which are intended to be, or which a reasonable person would perceive as ridiculing or demeaning. Harassment (bullying) is also the creation of a hostile environment. Please see Board Policy 0115 for more information.
• Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm.
• Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm.
• Hazing, which includes induction, initiation or membership process involving harassment. Please see Board Policy 0115 for more information.
• Selling, using, distributing or possessing obscene material.
• Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing.
• Possessing, smoking and/or vaping a cigarette, cigar, pipe or using chewing or smokeless tobacco, including salvia, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and any other similar product or substance.
• Possessing, smoking, vaping, consuming, selling, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either. “Illegal substances” include, but are not limited to, inhalants, synthetic cannabinoids, marijuana, ... designer drugs.”
• Inappropriately using or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
• Sharing and/or selling prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
• Gambling.
• Indecent exposure, that is, exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner, which may include sexting (the action or practice of sending sexually explicit photographs or messages via mobile phone/device.
• Initiating a report warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire extinguisher.
• Possession of a forged instrument...(see more details in district code of conduct)
• Possession of marijuana/cannabis paraphernalia and/or drug paraphernalia (including, but not limited to items such as rolling papers, pipes, vaporizers, etc.).
• Knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information to school staff during a disciplinary process.

F. Engage in any form of academic misconduct. Examples include, but are not limited to: plagiarism, cheating, copying, altering records, assisting another student in any of the above actions.

G. Engage in off-campus misconduct that interferes with, or can reasonably be expected to substantially disrupt the educational process in the school or at a school function. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Cyber-bullying (i.e., inflicting willful and repeated harm through the use of electronic text).
• Threatening or harassing students or school personnel over the phone or other electronic medium.

 

Discipline is most effective when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs, and in a way that students view as fair and impartial. School personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the student’s ability to grow in self-discipline.

Disciplinary action, when necessary, will be firm, fair and consistent so as to be most effective in changing student behavior. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, school personnel authorized to impose disciplinary penalties will consider the following:

1. The student's age.

2. The nature of the offense and the circumstances which led to the offense.

3. The student's prior disciplinary record.

4. The effectiveness of other forms of discipline.

5. Information from parents, teachers and/or others, as appropriate.

6. Other extenuating circumstances.

As a general rule, discipline will be progressive.  This means that a student's first violation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations.

If the conduct of a student is related to a disability or suspected disability, the student shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education and discipline, if warranted, shall be administered consistent with the separate requirements of this code of conduct for disciplining students with a disability or presumed to have a disability.  A student identified as having a disability shall not be disciplined for behavior related to his/her disability, unless the discipline is consistent with the student’s individualized education plan (IEP).

 

Penalties
Students who are found to have violated the district's code of conduct may be subject to the following penalties, either alone or in combination. The school personnel identified after each penalty are authorized to impose that penalty, consistent with the student's right to due process.

1. Oral warning: any member of the district staff

2. Written warning: bus drivers, hall and lunch monitors, coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, Principal, Superintendent

3. Written notification to parent: bus driver, hall and lunch monitors, coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, Principal, Superintendent

4. Detention:  teachers, Principal, Superintendent

5. Suspension from transportation: Director of Transportation, Principal, Superintendent

6. Suspension from athletic participation: coaches, Principal, Superintendent

7. Suspension from social or extracurricular activities: activity director, Principal, Superintendent

8. Suspension of other privileges: Principal, Superintendent

9. In-school suspension: Principal, Superintendent

10. Removal from classroom by teacher: teachers, Principal short-term (five days or less) suspension from school: Principal, Superintendent, Board

11. Long-term (more than five days) suspension from school –Superintendent, Board

12. Permanent suspension from school: Superintendent, Board

13. Police Referral

 

Procedures
The amount of due process a student is entitled to receive before a penalty is imposed depends on the penalty being imposed. In all cases, regardless of the penalty imposed, the school personnel authorized to impose the penalty must inform the student of the alleged misconduct and must investigate, to the extent necessary, the facts surrounding the alleged misconduct. All students will have an opportunity to present their version of the facts to the school personnel imposing the disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty. Please see District Policy 5300 for additional information

New York State Education Law requires physical exams for students upon entrance to school and routinely at grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. This actual exam date should be within 1 year of the 1st day of school for the 2024-2025 school year (September 3, 2023 and forward). If your child has a yearly examination by your family physician, please ask him or her to complete the NYS forms (available in the health office and on the District website). The physical exam should be completed by December 15th. Please contact the school nurse if there is a problem with this date.

Regular dental exams and care by your family dentist are encouraged. The dental exam form may be returned to school whenever dental work is completed.

In-school screenings will only be performed on an individual basis at the request of the parent/guardian OR by a teacher or staff member if he/she suspects an issue based on student performance.

In a traditional school year, students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11 are screened for visual acuity and hearing. Female students in grade 5 are also screened for scoliosis according to state law. All new entrants are screened for color perception.

New York State Public Health Law requires immunization against Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Diphtheria and Tetanus; all students in New York State are required to be properly immunized. New students to the district are required to present a statement from their physicians indicating immunizations

If an illness or injury occurs at school, the student is to report it to his/her teacher and then to the nurse’s office. If we have any doubts as to the seriousness of the injury, parents will be contacted. In immediate emergencies, 911 will be called.

In addition, the district uses an automated telephone system to communicate important messages. It is imperative to have contact information such as change in cell phone and/or work phone numbers up to date. In addition, it is also important to designate at least one emergency contact other than the parent(s)/guardian(s) in the event that a student requires pick-up for illness. If the emergency contacts are not updated with your correct numbers, then you may not be notified of school emergencies, etc. Children can ONLY be released to individuals listed in our system. SCSD Policy does states that students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) cannot be reached within a reasonable time frame may be returned home by law enforcement.

In accordance with state law, the school nurse will not dispense medication to a student unless a written request from a doctor, which has been signed by a parent, has been received. This includes over the counter medication. No student should have prescription or non-prescription medication in his or her possession while at school or school related events. The New York State Department of Health allows students with severe allergies or asthma to carry Epi Pens and/or inhalers. Benadryl will remain in the health office for mild allergic reactions. Please note: A doctor’s note MUST be on file in the health office for all instances. All medications found in lunch bags or backpacks will be confiscated by a supervising adult and given to the nurse.

To comply with New York State Health Department guidelines, students who have a fever above 100 degrees must be sent home from school. Your child must remain at home until his/her temperature is below 100 degrees for 24 hours without the help of fever reducing medications.

Parents of students with unique medical needs (e.g., severe allergic reaction, etc.), must notify the school. An “allergy-free” table is available in our cafeteria where allergy-inducing foods are not permitted directly next to a student.

The school nurse coordinates excuses for physical education classes. She may excuse a student for one day if there is a concern for injury or illness that could be made worse by participation in gym, but a note from the parents is required for up to three school days. If a student needs to be excused for more than three days, a note from the family doctor should be given to the school nurse. Physical education excuses also apply to recess.

All students who have a confirmed case of Pediculosis (lice) will be sent home on the day it was found on exam by the school nurse. All students who were sent home must be brought back to school by their parent/guardian and directed to the school nurse. If live lice are found, the student is to return home for further treatment and will not be allowed back in school until there is no evidence of active infestation. If it is apparent that the student was treated properly, it is at the nurse’s discretion whether the student can remain in school. Our District has a no nit policy. If nits are identified and as stated, there is evidence that the family/caregiver has treated appropriately, the school nurse shall remove no more than approx. 20 nits and the student may return to class.

Re-inspection of previously infected students will be done at the discretion of the school nurse.

IIn compliance with federal legislation, Suffern Central endorses a wellness policy which encourages good nutrition and a well-balanced diet. Therefore, all snacks and food sent to school should be healthy food items. Please see Board policy 5405 for additional information.

As part of the Suffern Central School District’s Wellness Policy, one of the goals is to help our students make healthy, nutritional choices. If you choose to send in a snack for your child, we ask that it adhere to healthy suggested snacks below.

Also, if you receive a letter that there is a student with food allergies in your child’s class, please be mindful with snacks that you send in. Read ingredient labels and avoid sending snacks containing any allergens listed in the letter. If unsure if a product is safe, please call the Health Office to assist with checking.

In addition, the BOE Policy states, “All foods offered on the school campus will meet or exceed Federal/State laws and regulations including through:

• Celebrations and parties. Food and beverages shall not be permitted.
• Classroom snacks brought by parents for their own child only. The District will provide to parents a list of foods and beverages that meet Smart Snacks nutritional standards.
• Rewards and incentives. The District will provide teachers and other school staff a list of alternative ways to reward children. Foods and beverages will not be used as a reward or withheld as punishment for any reason.”

Healthy snack suggestions: Fresh fruit, dried fruit, frozen yogurt, breakfast bars, graham crackers, pretzels, bread sticks, low fat popcorn, low fat dipping sauce, animal crackers, rice cakes, cheese kabobs, low fat muffins