Parent Handbook

  • PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to welcome you and your children to the P.S 108K school community. Together we will ensure that your children are prepared for college and careers. I am extremely proud of the quality education that we provide to all students.  I look forward to working with you to ensure that the 2022-23 school year is a rewarding one for you and your children. 

  • VISION STATEMENT

The vision of P.S.108K is to collaboratively educate the whole child in partnership with families- intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially through high quality learning opportunities, so they become lifelong learners and our future leaders.

  • MISSION STATEMENT

P.S. 108K’s school community is committed to educating every child by embedding 21st century learning through a growth mindset, providing a cognitively challenging learning environment so our students are college and career ready. We will accomplish this collaboratively with all stakeholders by utilizing data-driven, shared goals to impact each and every student to ensure equity and wellness for all.

  • HANDBOOK POLICY AND PROMISE

Students and parents are expected to be knowledgeable of the contents of this handbook and practice its policies.

  • INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS: STUDENT DISCUSSION

Students will engage in peer discussions based on success criteria  or rubrics to provide feedback, extend, justify, and elaborate their thinking which will lead to improved student work. 

  • STUDENT/PARENT SCHOOL CONTRACT

STUDENT: I understand as a student of P.S.108K, that in order to be successful I agree to do the following:

  1. I will come to school on time each day and participate in classroom lessons. 
  2. I will come to school ready to learn each day and have all of the materials I need to be successful for my classroom lessons.
  3. I will have each day’s homework completed and ready to hand in.
  4. I will come to school dressed in my school uniform: Girls: Navy skirt, jumper, skirt or pants; light blue shirt, Navy Cross tie, and navy cardigan. Boys: Navy pants, light blue shirt, navy tie, navy cardigan. 
  5. I will respect my parents, my teachers, other staff members, and my fellow students.
  6. I will respect all areas of the school building.
  7. I will follow all of the rules of the school.
  8. I will work to reach the highest expectations.
  9. I will settle my differences without fighting.
  10.  I will be courteous: “please”, “excuse me”, and “thank you” will be part of my daily vocabulary.
  • PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO THE CHILDREN:

We will support and encourage you to reach your highest expectations.  We will do this by committing to the following:

  1. We will make sure you are in school daily, unless you are ill or injured.
  2. We will make sure you go to school on time every day. 
  3. We will review and sign your homework every night.
  4. We will stress that adults, peers and property need to be respected.
  5. We will stress that doing what is right, is always right.
  6. We will let you know that we are proud of your accomplishments.
  7. We will be role models for you.

SCHOOL: As a school, in order to provide our students with every opportunity to be successful, we agree to the following:

  1. We will make every effort to provide you with a safe environment.
  2. We will offer you challenging instruction in a respectful environment.
  3. We will encourage each student to reach his/her highest expectations.
  4. We will communicate all school related events to parents/guardians.
  5. We will recognize your accomplishments.
  6. We will provide an atmosphere conducive to learning.
  7. We will respect and treat you as an individual.
  8. We will make time to listen to you.
  9. We will make time to talk to you.
  • HOME EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM

All parents are required to fill out a home contact form.  You must provide us with at least three   telephone numbers where we can contact someone in case of illness or an emergency. 

Please inform us if you get a new telephone number or need to add or delete a number or contact on this form. 

It is important for you to know that we can only release your child to the people listed in the emergency contact form.

If you move during the school term, it is important that you notify the school of your new address.   

  • SCHOOL MOTTO

“The Spirit of P.S.108K is Excellence- Strive, Achieve, Succeed”

  • TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

Main Office                          718-277-7010 Ext. 0

Attendance Office                718-277-7010 Ext. 1071

Parent Coordinator              718-277-7010 Ext. 1076

  • SCHOOL HOURS

Pre-K, 3-K, K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th : 8:00 A.M. – 2:20 P.M. Monday-Friday

  • MORNING LINE UP

Every grade will have a designated arrival and dismissal exit/door.

Breakfast will be a Grab-N-Go breakfast that will be eaten in the classroom for 3K-5th grade.

Students will go directly to their classrooms and will have a working breakfast. Please ensure that your child does not arrive earlier than 7:55 A.M. to avoid your child waiting in the cold, rain or other inclement weather. Please note that staff members will not be available to supervise your child until 7:55 A.M.  Students will not be permitted in the school earlier than 7:55 A.M.  

Student Arrival Locations
Grades Time Entrance/Exit Number
5th 7:55AM Schoolyard
4th 7:55AM Schoolyard
3rd 7:55AM Schoolyard
2nd 7:55AM Schoolyard
1st 7:55AM Exit 5 on Arlington 
Kindergarten 7:55AM Exit 5 on Arlington
Pre-K 8:00AM Exit 2 on Linwood Street
3K 8:00AM Main Entrance
Student Dismissal Locations
Grades Time Entrance/Exit Number
5th 2:20PM Exit 4 on Linwood St
4th 2:20PM Exit 2 on Linwood St
3rd 2:20PM Exit 2 on Linwood St
2nd 2:20PM Exit 3 on Linwood St
1st 2:20PM Exit 6 in the Schoolyard
Kindergarten 2:20PM Exit 7 in the Schoolyard
Pre-K 2:15PM Exit 7 in the Schoolyard
3K 2:15PM Main Doors to Classroom

Dismissal for All Grades

If you pick up your child, please be on time. Children not picked up on time will remain outside waiting to be picked up in the schoolyard where we will do our best to contact someone listed on the emergency home contact card.

Please make sure we have all working telephone numbers on the emergency home contact card.

Notify the school if your contact numbers change during the school year.

Anyone entering the school premises must wear a face covering. 

In case of Inclement Weather

It is imperative that you arrive on time to pick up your child to avoid your child waiting in the rain or cold weather. 

  • STUDENT ABSENCES & LATENESSES

The Department of Education is excited to welcome your child back to school! Our schools are safe and supportive environments and the classroom is a better place when your child is here. More time in school means your child will get the social-emotional and academic support they need to thrive, learn, and be happy. We also know getting to school isn’t always easy. We are here to support you. Your child may miss school for illness, emergencies, or for religious reasons, but we want to see every student in school every day. Did you know that a student with 90% attendance has missed one month of school by the end of the year? Please contact PS108K to get connected to what you need for your child to attend school consistently and succeed!”

Record-Keeping and Attendance Rules Attendance is a required, legal record

A child who does not attend school must be marked absent, even if the absence is excused.

Excused absences are still absences.

Schools can excuse absences when a student is absent from school for religious, medical or emergency reasons, but excused absences are a legal part of the student’s record.

Schools will reach out to learn why students missed school and how to help. Families must provide a reason for absences. Families must have up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

  • HEALTH ISSUES

PS 108K is very fortunate to have a Department of Health Nurse assigned to our school on a full time basis. Parents are encouraged to discuss all medical needs and concerns with her. Parents are also asked to provide the nurse with all “Return to School” medical notes after the child has been absent.

COVID-19 

Face coverings are optional to all. To maintain the safety of our staff and students, we will continue to practice strict COVID-19 protocols, including increased ventilation, a daily health screening, and test kit distribution. 

Every school will randomly test weekly unvaccinated students, who have submitted consent for testing, at a threshold of ten percent of unvaccinated students per school population. This way, if there is a positive case, action can be taken right away to protect the school community. 

It is important that you provide consent for your child to participate in the in-school testing program. You can fill out the form in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA), or receive a paper copy at the school office. 

COVID-19 Exposure at School for Students in Kindergarten and Above

Beginning January 3, schools will distribute free, take-home COVID-19 rapid test kits to any student (in grades kindergarten or higher) or any staff who exhibit COVID-like symptoms or have been in a classroom where a positive case has been identified.

If your child was exposed to COVID-19 at school, please help your child take the first test on the day they receive the home test and help your child take the second test five days after exposure or at the first indication of symptoms.

Your child may continue to attend school as long as your child receives negative test results and does not experience any symptoms of COVID-19. Please ensure your child wears a well-fitting mask to school on Days 6 through 10 after exposure while at school. 

If your child has COVID-like symptoms or feels ill before the fifth day, please have your child isolate and take the second home test immediately.

If your child tests positive on either home test, your child must isolate for at least five days following the first positive result. Please contact your child’s school immediately to inform them and for further guidance.

COVID-19 Exposure at School for Students in Pre-K and Below

All children sharing early childhood classroom space with an individual that tests positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for 10 days if exposed to that individual during their infectious period.

However, beginning January 31, children ages 2 and up who are exposed to COVD-19 at school will receive a home test kit. Families may choose to use these home test kits to test out of quarantine and have your child return to school early.

If your child is in an early childhood class and was exposed to COVID-19 at school, please quarantine your child for five days.

If your child has COVID-like symptoms or feels ill before the fifth day, please have your child isolate and take a home test immediately.

If your child has no symptoms, please help your child take the first test on Day 4 and the next test 24 hours later.

If your child receives negative test results and does not experience any symptoms of COVID-19, your child may return to school on Day 6. Please ensure your child wears a well-fitting mask to school on Days 6 through 10 while at school.

If your child tests positive on either home test, your child must isolate for ten days following the first positive result. Please contact your child’s school immediately to inform them and for further guidance.

COVID-19 Symptoms at School (Students of Any Age)

If your child had symptoms of COVID-19 at school, please help your child take the first test immediately and help your child take the second test 24 hours later. Additionally, beginning January 10, schools with 3-K and Pre-K programs will distribute these take-home kits to any 3-K or Pre-K student who exhibits COVID-like symptoms.

Your child may not attend school until they receive negative results on both of these home tests taken within 24 hours of each other and have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication OR if your child receives a negative test result from a PCR COVID test.

If your child tests positive on a take-home test, you should immediately report it to the school and ensure your child begins isolating.

Children in Kindergarten and up who test positive must isolate for five days.

Children in Pre-K and below who test positive must isolate for ten days.

After completing the isolation period, your child does not need a negative test to return to school.

Please note that children who have recovered from a confirmed case of COVID within the past 90 days should not receive at-home test kits following exposure.

  • MONEY SENT TO SCHOOL

Students are discouraged from bringing money or other valuables to school except for specific purposes.  Neither the teacher nor the school can be held responsible when money or personal items are lost or stolen.  

When paying for pictures, field trips, lost textbooks or other school activities, please place payment in a sealed envelope with the student’s name and class clearly printed on the outside of the envelope.

  • NO FIDGET SPINNERS / TOYS

P.S. 108K has a no fidget spinner/toy policy. There is no place for toys in school, such as fidget spinners or fidget cubes. Please speak with your children regarding fidget spinners and fidget cubes.  Tell them to keep the spinners at home.  They are a distraction during class time.

If a student is caught with a fidget spinner, it will be confiscated and given to the Parent Coordinator, Mr. Amadeo. Only a parent or legal guardian can pick up the fidget spinner from Mr. Amadeo in the main office.

  • CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell Phones should NOT be seen or heard anywhere on school property or during the school day unless providing online health screening. This includes timers, alarms and any other noises. If a student’s device is seen or heard it will be confiscated. This includes during lunch, recess or any free period.

Confiscation and return of electronic items

  • First infraction – Confiscation of item and parent/guardian contacted to pick up device
  • Second infraction – Confiscation of item and return after 5 school days to a parent/guardian
  • Third infraction – Confiscation of item and return after 10 school days to a parent/guardian
  • Fourth infraction – Student will not be allowed to bring item into the school building 
  • BATHROOM PROCEDURES

Wash your hands often with soap and water. use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

The classroom paraprofessional escorts each 3K and Pre-K student to their bathroom, located next to their classrooms.

Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders will go to the bathroom in pairs.

3rd, 4th and 5th graders will go to the bathroom alone.

Students having to use the bathroom excessively must have medical documentation.

  • CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

The following strategies will be employed as a means of establishing an educational environment within the classroom:

  1. All students should enter the classroom quietly and await the teacher’s instructions, e.g., follow the teacher’s system for putting away coats, book bags, etc…
  2. No chewing of gum, etc. is allowed in the classroom.
  3. Students should raise their hands to answer questions or for the teacher’s acknowledgement.  There is no talking or calling out in the classroom.
  4. All students should go directly to their assigned seats.
  5. No student should leave his/her seat without permission from the teacher.
  6. All students must come to school with the materials necessary for the school day, e.g., homework, books, notebooks, pens, pencils, etc…
  7. Each student is responsible for keeping his/her work area clean. 
  8. All students should demonstrate courteous behavior in the classroom, in recognition of the rights of others to work and learn in an orderly manner.
  9. Teacher’s authority must be recognized at all times. All established classroom procedures must be followed. Violent, dangerous and/or destructive behavior or actions are forbidden, such as refusing to wear a facial covering/mask or keeping social distance, and can lead to suspensions.
  10. Proper English language is encouraged. Slang, vulgar and offensive language is not permitted on school grounds or on virtual sites, such as Google Classroom, Zoom etc. 
  • HOMEWORK

Homework is assigned every night without exception.

The purpose of homework is to extend and reinforce classroom learning and to develop, in children, a sense of self-discipline, personal responsibility and independent thinking. 

All homework assignments are purposeful and related to class activities, as well as to individual children’s interests, needs and abilities.

  1. Homework must be completed daily.
  2. The school heading must be on all school homework:
    • Name: ______________            School: _____________
    • Class: _______________           Date:  ______________
  3. If homework is not done or is incomplete for a legitimate reason, a written explanation signed by the parent/guardian is required.
  4. Assignments should be signed by parents to confirm that homework has been completed and reviewed by an adult.

Every child is expected to read for 20 minutes each night.Younger children should be read to every night. Children are expected to read a minimum of 25 books each school year. Children must read a balance of fiction and non-fiction books.

  • RESPECT FOR ADULTS AND PEERS
  • Students will use respectful language.
  • All students will follow the directions of all teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and school aides.
  • Students will maintain a reasonable speaking tone at all times.
  • Students will be courteous to others and helpful whenever possible. 
  • INTERVENTION PROCEDURES

The following are P.S.108K’s intervention procedures that will be implemented. The intervention procedures will focus on improving achievement through behavioral modifications. Academic intervention procedures are designed to intervene with behavioral issues while providing small group and/or individual academic instruction.

  1. Students will receive verbal warnings from P.S.108K staff members.
  2. Parents/guardians will be called and /or a letter will be sent home from a P.S.108K staff member.
  3. Students will be placed on a Weekly Conduct Sheet.
  4. Students will receive Intervention services focusing on behavioral modifications possibly in an alternate setting.
  5. A meeting with the parent/guardian and a teacher/staff member will be arranged.
  6. Pupil Personnel Team meetings with a parent/guardian will be arranged to discuss the appropriate resolution to improve behavior.
  • SCHOOL SAFETY

Visitors 

In an effort to limit the number of visitors in the school at any given time, schools are encouraged, where possible, to address all visitor and parent concerns by phone or computer.

Meetings with teachers or staff will be conducted remotely where possible (e.g. Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meets).

Everyone coming to the building is required to wait outside until a Safety Agent comes to the door and assists you. 

Parents who require access to the building will need to provide proof of vaccination and a valid ID. 

No visitors may go to classrooms unless it has been approved by an administrator. All visitors must be escorted to and from their destination, in order to prevent visitors from accessing unauthorized areas, limiting the possibility of exposure.

Please adhere to these rules to ensure a secure and safe environment for our students.  All visitors must exit via the main entrance.  Please help us to maintain a polite and respectful manner within the school, as we all must set a good example for all our students. 

  • INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION

When unusual weather conditions cause a possible delayed opening or school closing, announcements will be made over the following media:

WINS  (1010AM)                             WCBS (880AM)

WADO (1250AM)                            WLIB (1190AM)

NY1 Channel 1 – Cable TV

NY1 Spanish Channel 801 – Cable TV

FOX Channel 5

On “Snow days” or days when school buildings are closed due to an emergency, all students and families are required to participate in remote learning.

Evacuation Procedures

In case of an emergency that requires an evacuation, students will be secured in one of the following sites:

  • J.H.S. 302 Rafael Cordero
  • P.S. 065
  • PARENT CONFERENCES

You may meet with your child’s teacher by appointment virtually.  Teachers usually have one period each day when they will be available for conferences. It would be in your best interest to call for an appointment. 

The administration welcomes meeting with any parent/guardian to discuss problems, concerns, etc.   Also, a Parent Concern Form can be found in the main office.  Please write your child’s name, class, telephone number where you can be reached, and the nature of the problem. Return the form to our Parent Coordinator.  We will get back to you within 24 hours.  Let us know how we can help you because your child’s well-being is our primary concern. 

Parent Conferences are held virtually three times a year, in September, November and March. The dates are as follows:

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Report cards are made available to parents through the NYC Schools Account. You will receive a notice giving you the exact times and dates.  In addition, we will have an Open House in September to introduce you to your child’s teacher and give a general overview of the curriculum, the school’s rules, etc …

MESSAGE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS

This handbook is very important for both you and your child.

  • SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS

P.S.108K School Website – www.ps108k.org

Instagram – @ps108k

School Messenger

Class Dojo

  • NYC SCHOOLS ACCOUNT

The New York City Department of Education’s NYC Schools Account will allow you to access key information about your child’s progress in school. With a NYC Schools account, you will be able to view your child’s attendance, grades, and contact information in one of ten languages on a computer, phone, or tablet. 

The system will allow you to view your child’s attendance for the current school year, including the number of days he or she was late or absent. This new innovative system will also allow you to view your child’s report card grades and any teacher comments for each marking period in the current school year. You will also be able to view the contact information on file at your school for you and your child. At the end of August you will also have the ability to view your child’s assessment information from the NYS Exams. 

To create an NYC Schools account please visit the link provided here http://schools.nyc.gov/myaccount or contact our Parent Coordinator, Mr. Amadeo for assistance.