P.S. 2042016-2017Family Handbook1780 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.Bronx, New York 10453(718) 960-9520WWW.PS204.ORG

Amanda Blatter Patricia Sousa Rachel Hunger Principal Assistant Assistant Principal Principal

Table of ContentsEmail Addresses of Staff Page 1School Calendars 2016-2017 Pages 2, 3 & 4Academic Programs Page 5 Homework/Academic Policy Page 6Academic Expectations Page 7Uniform Policy Page 8Family Engagement Page 9Report Cards/Parent Teacher Conferences Page 10Expectations for Behavior Page 11Trips Page 12Attendance and Lateness Page 13Emergency Card Contacts Page 14Parent Notifications Page 15 School Meal Programs Page 16

Other ProgramsHealth ProgramLost and FoundParent NotificationsAcademic Intervention ServicesCell Phone PolicyHomework Time AllotmentsAssessmentsRecessUniform PolicyAwards AssembliesDismissalEarly Pick UpSchool Letters504 Accommodations

ADMINISTRATIONAmanda Blatter, Principal – Ms.Blatter@ps204.orgPatricia Sousa, Assistant Principal-Ms.Sousa@ps204.orgRachel Hunger, Assistant Principal – Ms.Hunger@ps204.orgEmail addresses of teachers using Google DocsPre-Kindergarten Ms. DePompeis-Ms.DePompeis@ps204.org SPECIAL AREA TEACHERS Ms. Stricker - Ms.Stricker@ps204.org Phys. Ed.-Mr. Reynolds-Mr.Reynolds@ps204.org Math Coach- Ms. Peguero- Ms.Peguero@ps204.org Kindergarten Music- Ms. Brigida-Ms.Brigida@ps204.orgMs. Miller -Ms.Miller@ps204.org Myon- Ms. Simpson-Ms.Simpson@ps204.orgMs. Gonzalez- Ms.Gonzalez@ps204.org Ms. King-Libraryn Ms.King@ps204.orgMs. Kinnaly- Ms.Kinnaly@ps204.org ENL- Ms. MisKimmon- Ms.MisKimmon@ps204.org Science-3-5 Ms. Sass - Ms.Sass@ps204.org Science-Ms. Wilson - Ms.Wilson@ps204.orgFirst Grade:Ms. Becker-Ms.Becker@ps204.org Psychologist Ms. Duarte- Dduarte@schools.nyc..govMs. Hill- Ms.Hill@ps204.org AIS/Dean-Ms. Garcia-Ms.Garcia@ps204.orgMs. Ellis- Ms.Ellis@ps204.org IEP Teacher- Ms. Jacob-Ms.Jacob@ps204.orgMs. Fratarcangeli -Ms.Fratarcangeli@ps204.org AIS Ms. E. Michaelson-Ms.Michaelson@ps204.orgMs. Robin-Ms.Robin@ps204.org (K-1) Ms.Barrientos-Ms.Barrientos@ps204.orgSecond Grade: Ms.Benzaquen-Ms.Benzaquen@ps204.org Ms. Alexander-Ms.Alexander@ps204.org Speech-Ms.Macchia - Ms.Macchia@ps204.org Ms. Merced-Ms.Merced@ps204.org SBST Ms. Bellin-CBellin4@schools..nyc..govMr. Jordan-Mr.Jordan@ps204.org PT-Ms. Lugay-Ms.Lugay@ps204.orgMs. Lacas- Ms.Lacas@ps204.org OT- Ms. Finkelstein-Ms.Finkelstein@ps204.orgMs.Taleno-Ms.Taleno@ps204.org(2-3) AIS-Ms. Harkins-Ms.Harkins@ps204.orgThird Grade

Ms. Michaelson-Ms.Michaelson@ps204.org Guidance Counselor-Ms. Salgueiro-Ms.Salgueiro@ps204.org Mr.Drakford-DDrakef@schools.nyc.govMr. Barbour-Mr.Barbour@ps204.org Parent CoordinatorMr. Geelan-Mr.Geelan@ps204.org Lilly Nissing-Ms.Nissing@ps204.orgMs. Paljevic-Ms.Paljevic@ps204.org Attendance Teacher Mr. Alvarez-Balvarez@schools.nyc.govFourth Grade: Ms. Cafarelli-Ms.Cafarelli@ps204.orgMs. Iannece-Ms.Iannece@ps204.orgMr. Peo- Mr.Peo@ps204.orgMr. Rettew-Mr.Rettew@ps204.orgMs. Mantell- Ms.Mantell@ps204.orgMr. Cundari-Mr.Cundari@ps204.orgFifth Grade:Ms. Greenberg-Ms.Greenberg@ps204.orgMr. Maqueda-Mr.Maqueda@ps204.org Ms. Malone-Ms.Malone@ps204.orgMs. Lehmert-Ms.Lehmert@ps204.orgMs. Silviotti-Ms.Silviotti@ps204.orgMs. Shainker-Ms.Shainker@ps204.org Page 1September 5th Monday (Labor Day) (School Closed)September 8th Thursday

SCHOOL SESSIONS BEGINFOR ALL STUDENTSEarly dismissal for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten (11:10AM)September 9thFriday First full day for Kindergarten.Pre-Kindergarten students(dismissal for Pre-K only 11:10AM)September 12thMonday Eid al-Adha(No School)September 22ndThursday Family NightEvening Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:30PMOctober 3rd & 4thMonday and Tuesday Rosh Hashanah(No School)

October 10thMonday Columbus Day Observed(Schools Closed)

October 12th Wednesday Yom Kippur(No School)November 3rdThursday

Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences 12:20-2:20PM Half a day, dismissal for Pre-K and K at 11:10AMDismissal for 1st -5th grade at 11:20AMEvening Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:30PMNovember 8thTuesday

Election Day- Chancellor’s Conference Day for Staff Development Students willnot be in attendance

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2016-2017 School Calendar

November 11thFriday Veterans Day observed(School Closed)November 24th & 25th Thursday and Friday Thanksgiving Recess(School Closed)December 15thThursday Pre-KindergartenNon-Attendance DayDecember 26ththroughJanuary 2nd-Mondaythrough MondayWinter Recess (including Christmas and New Year's Day)(School Closed-studentsreturn on Tuesday,January 3, 2017)January 16thMonday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (School Closed)February 14thTuesday Pre-KindergartenNon-Attendance DayFebruary 20th-24th Monday through Friday

Midwinter Recess(School Closed)students return onMonday, Feb. 27, 2017March 9thThursday

Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences-12:20-2:20PMHalf a day, dismissal for Pre-K and K at 11:10AMDismissal for 1st -5th grade at 11:20AMEvening Parent-Teacher Conferences- 4:30-7:30PMTuesday, March 28thWednesday, March29Thursday, March 30thNYS ELA Examfor Grades 3-5

April 10th-18thMonday-TuesdaySpring Recess(including Passover and Good Friday (studentsreturn Wed. April 19th

Tuesday, May 2ndWednesday, May 3rdThursday, May 4thNYS Math Examfor Grades 3-5

May 17thWednesday Evening Parent Conferences4:30-7:30PMMay 29thMonday Memorial Day Observed(School Closed)June 8thThursday Chancellor’s Conference Day(School closed for all students)

June 12thMonday Full Clerical Day(School closed for students)June 26thMonday Eid al-Fitr(School Closed)June 28thWednesday LAST DAY FOR ALL STUDENTSEarly dismissal

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Academic ProgramsOur curricula is aligned to the Common Core Standards:The Common Core State Standards 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 robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy. In order to help students achieve Common Core Standards in ELA, our teachers have created units that help support students in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In addition, students in K-2 use the Fundations program to support phonics. All students also have access to Myon, where children have more than 4,000 digital books in their hands every day. In Mathematics we utilize both Go Math and Engage NY to provide instruction.Academic Intervention Services The Response to Intervention (RTI) team works together to create academic plans to reduce the number of students referred to Special Education. If you feel that your child needs extra services, please write a letter to your child’s teacher and ask that they be referred to RTI. SETSS (Special Education Teacher Support Services) AIS (Academic Intervention Services) will be provided during the day

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for students identified through the RTI process.

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Homework/Academic PolicyStudents in grades K-5 receive homework daily. Homework is to be completed and returned to the class the day after it was assigned. Homework should be completed neatly and legibly. Homework should demonstrate that it was completed with care, accuracy and pride. Homework should be completed to the best of each student’s ability and returned to school on time.Homework Time Allotments Writing/Math ReadingGrade (Homework) (Minimum)Kindergarten 10 minutes 10-20 minutesGrade 1 20 minutes 15-20 minutesGrade 2 25 minutes 20-25 minutesGrade 3 30 minutes 30-40 minutesGrade 4 35 minutes 45-50 minutesGrade 5 40 minutes 55-60 minutesHomework should be completed by students. However, parents/guardians should offer supportive guidance or feedback

as needed. Our teachers are committed to ensuring that every child’s homework is worthwhile. DIAL-A-TEACHER is available to assist with homework. Call 212-777-3380. It is also available in different languages.

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Academic Expectations1. Students must have 92% or greater attendance.2. Students’ class work, homework and assessments must meet the Common Core Standards in English and Math.Assessments In order to monitor student progress and help our teachers best address student needs, our students are formally assessed in reading, writing and mathematics three times a year. In reading, students are administered one-on-one reading assessment that helps the teacher determine the student’s independent reading level. Each student’s progress in writing is monitored throughout the year. Mathematical skills are measured through both unit tests as well as three progress assessments throughout the year. In addition, teachers use a

computer-based program called iReady to assess students’ reading and math strengths and needs.

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Uniform PolicyP.S. 204 has a uniform policy which is intended to help promote a more effective learning climate, improve student performance, eliminate label competition, simplify dressing and minimize cost for all parents. Students may also wear PS 204 BEARS sweat pants and sweat shirt.Boys : light blue collared shirt, navy blue pantsGirls: light blue collared shirt, navy blue skirt or pantsSneakers are mandatory on gym days. Students may not wear sleeveless shirts, flip flops, or sandals at any time. Students are required to wear uniforms on class trips. This assists in easy recognition of the P.S. 204 students.

Awards AssembliesP.S. 204 awards and recognizes students for academic and social achievement! Awards will be given to students who represent “BEARS,” Student of the Month, Most Improved Student, and 100% Attendance (which includes not being late.) In order to achieve awards, students must adhere to P.S. 204’s Uniform Policy and Code of Discipline. During Awards Assemblies, classes will have the opportunity to conduct a special performance to showcase their talents!

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Family Engagement“Coffee and Conversation” with the principal will take place every Tuesday from 2:20–3:35PM for parent engagement time. Every Tuesday, teachers will meet one-on-one for parent teacher conferences. If you would like to schedule a meeting for during this time, please contact your child’s teacher. Our School Leadership Team meets the first Tuesday of every month at 3:45PM. Our Parent Teacher Association meets the third Wednesday of every month at 5:00PM.

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Report Cards/Parent Teacher ConferencesReport cards will be distributed three times during the school year: November, March and June. Parents/Guardians are expected to meet with the teachers during Parent Teacher Conferences to receive their child’s report card in November and March to speak with the teacher regarding their child’s progress in school. Final report cards will be distributed on the last day of school. Family Night Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

Parent Teacher Conferences Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 Parent Teacher Conferences Thursday, March 9th, 2017 Parent Teacher Evening Conferences Wednesday, May 17th, 2017If you are unable to attend any of the days above, please schedule an appointment with your child’s teacher.

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PS 204 Expectations for BehaviorBEARSB – Best BehaviorE – EffortA – AchievementR – ResponsibilityS – SafetyNon-Negotiables Everybody will be safe We will not disrupt students’ learning We will communicate with appropriate school language and demonstrate appropriate behavior

We will try our best and show effortSchool-Wide Consequences

Verbal warning Complete reflection sheet Go to buddy classroom with class work to complete Lose recess Parent contact Have detention after school for one hour

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TripsTeachers are encouraged to provide field trip opportunities that enhance classroom instruction. Field Trips are excellent extensions to learning. Students must have a permission slip signed by their parent or guardian three days prior to the date of the trip. No student will be permitted to attend a field trip without written permission from a parent or guardian. Students may bring their own lunches. Please indicate on the student’s consent form if you cannot provide lunch.

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Attendance and LatenessThe school day officially begins at 8:00AM each day. Students are expected to attend school every day and maintain 92% or higher attendance. After an absence, please send a note from the doctor or parent/guardian explaining why the child was absent. Attendance will be taken by the classroom teacher daily. Students are expected to arrive on time for class and will be marked late if they arrive after 8:00AM. Students who arrive after 8:00AM must sign the late book at the security desk. Students who arrive to school before 7:55AM will receive a raffle ticket. Every Friday morning 2 students with the winning numbers will receive a prize.Dismissal

Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be dismissed at 2:10PM. Students in grades 1 -5 will be dismissed at 2:20PM. Students must be picked up on time. For students who are picked up by an adult: Only adults listed on the Emergency Contact Form may pick up students. Students in Grades 3-5 will only be dismissed alone with a signed sheet from a parent/guardian. Students in grades PreK-2 will only be released to siblings with a signed permission slip and has permission to pick up siblings. Pre-K and Kindergarten students are dismissed from the auditorium. Grades 1 and 2 are dismissed from the West Tremont Exit. Student in grades 3-5 are dismissed through the main entrance.Early PickupsIf your child has to be picked up early for an appointment, please notify the teacher in advance in writing indicating the time the student will be picked up. Please notify the school if another adult has permission to pick up your child early. Only adults 18 or older who are listed on the Emergency Contact Form will be allowed to pick up students. Students cannot be picked up between 1:45PM and dismissal without medical documentation.

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Emergency Contact CardsEvery student will receive a blue Emergency Contact Card AND a white Emergency Contact Form. The cards and form ask for important information about whom the school may contact in case of emergency. It is important that the

information is accurate and up to date. Your child must return this information to his or her teacher immediately so the computer system can be updated with any changes to student information. Phone numbers or address changes must be reported to the school. For the safety of the children, please notify the office in person with any changes and special circumstances.Cell Phone PolicyStudents may bring cell phones to school but they may not be turned on or used at school. The cell phones must stay in student book bags. School LettersAny letters needed must be requested 2 days in advance. Parents and guardians are asked to sign the book entitled “Parent Letters” in the main office. The letter will be processed and ready for pick up in 2 days. No one other than the parent or guardian may pick up any requested letters.

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All notices from the school are sent home on pink paper. Parents will be notified of any Parent Teacher Association meetings and parent workshops. Monthly calendars, lunch menus, and class newsletters will also be sent home. PS 204 also uses School Messenger, a phone messaging system to contact families.Health ProgramAll students must meet all New York State requirements regarding immunizations and physical examinations. All students must have a yearly physical. Several health forms are used in the New York City public schools. Using these forms helps assure that children get the care, services, and accommodations they need during the school day. Our school’s nurse is available for medical emergencies.504 Accommodations (Health)Requests for Accommodations must be submitted yearly. Please see the Parent Coordinator or nurse to submit request for 504 Accommodations forms.Lost and Found Please label all of your child’s clothing and possessions with his/her name and class number. It is easier to retrieve lost items that have been labeled so please label outerwear, lunchboxes and backpacks. PS 204 is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Once a month everything that is not claimed will be donated to charity.

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School Meal ProgramsBreakfast Breakfast is served daily in the cafeteria. Breakfast begins at 7:30PM and ends at 7:50AM.Students are not permitted to enter the building Before 7:30AM. There is NO supervision before7:30AM.Lunch Lunch is available each day in the cafeteria. Students are permitted to bring healthy bag lunches and snacks. No glass bottles, please! If your child has any food allergies, please bring a letter from the doctor for the school nurse to verify your child’s allergy. Menus are sent home with the school calendar each month. Students should not bring candy, gum or soda to school!

RecessStudents have the opportunity to go outside during all seasons weather permitting. Please make sure students come to school with appropriate clothing.

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We Learn and Exploreat PS 204Vision

The PS 204 community cultivates a

collaborative learning

environment that promotes

perseverance and inspires the love of learning.