Family Handbook 20172018 1
Table of Contents School for Children Statement of Philosophy Bank Street College of Education Mission Statement and Credo Bank Street College Board of Trustees A Message From the Dean SFC Administration SFC Faculty SFC Auxiliary Programs, Camp and After School Administration Communication Student Health Information Daily Operations Community Expectations Harassment Policy Tuition and Contracts After School and Summer Camp Programs Parents’ Association FAQs
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3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 13 16 23 25 26 27 30 32
School For Children Statement of Philosophy Education at the School for Children is experiencedbased, interdisciplinary, and collaborative. There is an emphasis on educating the whole child the intellectual, emotional, and physical aspects of the person. One of the most important organizing principles of education at Bank Street is that in order for children to learn in school and to become lifelong learners, they must interact with their environment (people, places, and things) and interpret their experience. For students at the School for Children, cooking, block building, dramatic play, lab work, painting, and field trips are regarded as basic life experiences from which understanding and knowledge can be constructed. There are different ways of talking about the educational philosophy of Bank Street. Parents will hear some of the following descriptions when speaking with their children's teachers: ● Experiential education: carefully designed and executed educational experiences that are reconstructed and reflected upon in a variety of ways such as through talking, drawing, building, and acting ● Constructivism: the idea that a child makes discoveries from observations, explorations, and experiences, and then uses these discoveries to construct understanding. Constructivists say that the child is the "maker of meaning" ●
Ownership of Learning: Because a student is directly involved with the environment and with assorted learning experiences, he or she feels more invested and more excited about learning. It is fairly common to see younger children learning by experimenting with and exploring materials and resources in most schools. What is unique about the School for Children is that this kind of learning is extended throughout all the grades. Our commitment to the principles outlined above means that we organize our classrooms in a particular way, use teaching strategies that will encourage children to make discoveries and, perhaps most importantly, provide children with the time to "make meaning." Consequently, we choose fewer topics than traditional schools do, but we organize and develop these topics more thoroughly and in more depth. A unit that might take one month in a more traditional curriculum might last as long as three months at Bank Street.
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Bank Street College of Education Mission Statement The mission of Bank Street College is to improve the education of children and their teachers by applying to the educational process all available knowledge about learning and growth, and by connecting teaching and learning meaningfully to the outside world. In so doing, we seek to strengthen not only individuals, but the community as well, including family, school, and the larger society in which adults and children, in all their diversity, interact and learn. We see in education the opportunity to build a better society.
Credo Nearly a century ago, Lucy Sprague Mitchell, Bank Street’s founder, wrote a credo that continues to define the spirit of imaginative and critical inquiry that motivates and guides our work today:
What potentialities in human beings—children, teachers, and ourselves—do we want to see develop? ● A zest for living that comes from taking in the world with all five senses alert ● Lively intellectual curiosities that turn the world into an exciting laboratory and keep one ever a learner ● Flexibility when confronted with change and ability to relinquish patterns that no longer fit the present ● The courage to work, unafraid and efficiently, in a world of new needs, new problems, and new ideas ● Gentleness combined with justice in passing judgments on other human beings ● Sensitivity, not only to the external formal rights of the “other fellow,” but to him as another human being seeking a good life through his own standards ● A striving to live democratically, in and out of schools, as the best way to advance our concept of democracy Our credo demands ethical standards as well as scientific attitudes. Our work is based on the faith that human beings can improve the society they have created.
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Board of Trustees 20172018 Chair Yolanda C. FerrellBrown Vice Chairs Sue Kaplan Elizabeth Pforzheimer Jeffrey I. Sussman Anthony Asnes Jay Chakrapani Tiffani Lott Chambers Jonathan R. Cole Felice Shapiro Friedman, GS '76 Sarah Gund, GS '73 Victoria Hamilton Margaret Honey Joshua Isay Kristen Kane Kenneth Lerer Associate Trustees Russell Granet, Parent Associate Trustee Maria Marino, Parent Associate Trustee Evi RiveraWilliams, Staff Associate Trustee Michelle Ryan, Staff Associate Trustee Melissa Comerchero, Student Associate Trustee Life Trustees George P. Scurria, Jr. Margaret L. Stevens GS ‘77 Lynn Strauss GS ‘57 Kate R. Whitney
Treasurer Howard S. Stein Secretary Anne Shutkin, SFC ‘95
Adam Litke Rebecca Mai Sandra Pinnavaia Shael PolakowSuransky (President), *Exofficio Camilla Rab Claudia GonzalezRomo Jeffrey Smith Kevin Woodruff Rose Klein Young Debbie Zlotowitz, SAS '90
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A Message from the Dean Dear Families: The purpose of this H andbook is to provide a ready reference to the policies and procedures of the School for Children (SFC) and to give you important information about parentschool communication. All of our policies and procedures are carefully thoughtout and periodically reviewed. We put the growth and development and general wellbeing of children first in making policy, and our goal is to have our school, in all its practices, reflect our commitment to the needs of children. However, please understand that no set of rules or guidelines can cover every conceivable situation that might arise at a school. Our rules and policies may be revised or updated periodically, even during the school year. You will be advised of any changes as they are made either electronically or by mail. Any student or parent with a question about any handbook policy or statement should feel free to speak with the Dean or relevant Coordinator. As we place a great deal of value on strong home and school communication, we have included a FAQ section t hat provides a ready reference to many of the questions that both new and returning families may have about the school. In addition, there is the P arents Association s ection, which has information about its structure and goals, its committees, events, and opportunities for involvement in the school community. I look forward to working with you and your family in what promises to be a very exciting year. Sincerely, Jed Lippard Dean, Children’s Programs
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SFC Administration Dean of Children’s Programs Associate Dean of Children’s Programs Lower School Coordinator Middle School Coordinator Upper School Coordinator Math and Science Coordinator Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management Director of Diversity and Equity Educational Technology Coordinator Lower and Middle Schools Psychologist Upper School Psychologist Director of Strategy, Finance, and Operations of Children's Programs Director of Development and Alumni Relations Events Coordinator Director of Communications Executive Assistant, Dean’s Office Administrative Assistant, Dean’s Office LS Assistant MS Assistant US Assistant Director of High School Placement School Nurse Associate Director of Admissions Visitor Coordinator Admissions Assistant Kitchen Coordinator
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Jed Lippard Laura Guarino Emily Linsay Dawn Wheatley Javaid Khan José Guzman Anita Haber Coy Dailey Charlie Vergara Dr. Gabrielle Shatan Dr. Mitch Saskin Rajit Malhotra Kristen Worrell Yanil Perez Kate Marcus Diana Pondt Kecia Isles Elizabeth Jarvis Jeff Kulick Kendra Anderson Evie Gurney Robin Taylor, RN Jessica Anzelone Ronnie Sampson Elsie Gutierrez Janice Cox
SFC Faculty Lower School 3/4s 208 Karyn Silsby de Pla, Head Teacher Abby Vorenberg, Assistant Teacher 4/5s206 Anne Tobias, Head Teacher Laurie Seligman, Assistant Teacher 4/5s204 Angie Pflanz, Head Teacher Soo Hyun (Agnes) Kim, Assistant Teacher Middle School 6/7s304 Evi RiveraWilliams, Head Teacher Monique Goldstein, Assistant Teacher 6/7s307 Susie Rios, Head Teacher Steven Mercado, Assistant Teacher 6/7s309 Claire Mansfield, Head Teacher Giovanni Casiano, Assistant Teacher 7/8s305 Dori Haber , Head Teacher Rosalinda Glennon, Assistant Teacher 7/8s303 Lila Mortimer, Head Teacher Esther Gottesman, Assistant Teacher
5/6s201 Kayla Wong, Head Teacher Lea Cook, Assistant Teacher 5/6s203 Jenel Giles, Head Teacher Mariette Lamson, Assistant Teacher 5/6s205 Cassie Dore, Head Teacher Shukura Taylor, Assistant Teacher
8/9s405 Laura Balabushka, Head Teacher Michael Nelson, Assistant Teacher 8/9s402 Edna Moy, Head Teacher Karl Weber, Assistant Teacher 9/10s406 Greg David, Head Teacher Traci Pearl, Math/Science Teacher Tracy Simeone, Assistant Teacher 9/10s409 Becky Eisenberg, Head Teacher Traci Pearl, Math/Science Teacher Chaylor Johnson, Assistant Teacher
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Upper School Faculty 10/11s707 Jessica Block, Humanities Samantha Zimmer, Math/Science 10/11s709 Priya Sitaraman, Humanities Ryan Harrity, Math/Science 11/12s705 Julie Nuñez, Humanities Christine RamosDiaz, Math/Science 11/12s706 Niki Singh, Humanities Matt Borgmeyer, Math/Science Specialists Art Diana Jensen Maria Richa Annie Sicherman Woodworking Candice Groenke Drama John Regis Modern Languages Shuber Naranjo, 3/4s7/8s Spanish Allison Draizin, 8/9s10/11s Spanish Irene Vazquez, 11/12s13/14s Spanish Rosemide Dalberis, 11/12s13/14s French
12/13s702 Margaret Silver, Humanities Morika Tsujimura, Math/Science 12/13s704 Julia Fields, Humanities Matthieu Moss, Math/Science 13/14s701 Ali McKersie, Humanities Dave Mortimer, Math/Science 13/14s703 Jo Stein, Humanities Katherine Enright, Math/Science
Learning Specialists Melanie Bryon, Lower School Rose Blake, Middle School Eve SelverKassell, Middle School Dr. Saara Mahjouri, Upper School Reading Specialist, 5/6s7/8s Ellie Costa Math Specialist, 5/6s8/9s Sally Borduin Librarian Allie Bruce
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Music Betsy Blachly, Lower School Henry Chapin, Lower School Inge Bader, Middle School Erika Blumberg, Upper School
Physical Education and Movement Tal Aronson, Lower & Middle School PE, Movement Ricky F orde, Middle and Upper School PE Efrain Padilla, Upper School PE
SFC Auxiliary Programs Camp & After School Camp Director Cookie Mellitz
Associate Director, Camp Operations & Communications Dylan Morgan Assistant Director Ife Collymore After School Director Joanna Sly After School Assistant Conor Gillespie
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Communication All divisions of the School can be reached through the Bank Street College switchboard (2128754411). Head of School and Dean’s Office (212) 8754420 Executive Assistant to the Dean (212) 8754443 Lower School Office (212) 8754432 Middle School Office (212) 8754437 Upper School Office (212) 8754503 School Nurse (212) 8754425 Director of Diversity and Equity (212) 8754761 Admissions Office (212) 8754433 Development Office (212) 9613331 Business Office (212) 8754471 Summer Camp (212) 8754443 After School (212) 8754430 We value open lines of communication and the classroom teacher is the primary and most important link between the school and home. Parents should share questions or concerns about a child, curriculum, or teacher with the head teacher or specialist first. Coordinators can be used as a resource to help parents formulate an appropriate approach to such a meeting. The Coordinators also have a comprehensive view of a student’s progress and of the schoolwide curriculum and should be contacted when information or questions go beyond the scope of the classroom teacher. It is our policy that discussions with Coordinators and the Dean about a child, curriculum, or teacher is shared with that teacher so that s/he can be directly involved in addressing and resolving any concern. In addition, we are fortunate to have a number of other staff people who can and should be contacted if needed. The subject and learning specialists can provide additional information about a student's learning. The school psychologists meet on a consultative basis with parents concerning family or personal issues. The Director of Diversity and Equity offers ways for families to feel more included in the Bank Street community. The nurse can be consulted about medical issues that may affect your child in school. Finally, parents can meet with the Dean when they think an issue warrants his attention or wish for his advice.
Communication with Faculty If you need to speak with a teacher or coordinator, it is best to send an email. During the workweek, you can expect a response within 24 hours or the first work day after the weekend. This does not apply during extended breaks including the summer.
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Virtual Backpack Every Wednesday, the “Virtual Backpack” is emailed to parents with information regarding upcoming special events, meetings, reminders, and other important information. This email often includes links to further information on our school website, the school calendar, school publications, curriculum, and more. If your email address changes, please send the updated address to
[email protected] , attention: Kate Marcus so that you continue to receive the Virtual Backpack. Website / Parent Portal The main website page for the SFC contains links to the school calendar, selected publications, the curriculum, lunch menus and more. A passwordprotected portal the Family Portal has links to the Family Access Module (FAM), which contains the Family Directory, school forms including lunch signups, MetroCard forms, and your child’s teacher reports (Upper School only). Please get in touch with Kate Marcus (k
[email protected] ), Director of Communications, if you have questions or comments regarding the website or need help accessing the Family Portal. Parents are responsible for completely filling in and updating the following in the Household section of the Family Access Module: email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses, emergency contacts, pickup permissions (for children 3/4s through 9/10s), and employment information. This is the resource teachers use to care for children fully. Family Directory Contact information for families is published in the Family Directory. It is passwordprotected and only published for distribution online. If you need a printed copy, please contact Kate Marcus (
[email protected] ) in the Dean’s Office. The Directory is for the personal use of School for Children families to communicate with other families on matters relating to the school. To respect the privacy of others, please do not use the contact information for telemarketing purposes or to advertise events that are unrelated to the school. Parent Meetings / Conferences / Teacher Reports Two individual conferences with teachers and parents/guardians are scheduled each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. These conferences are the most significant communication with the school about your child. In the Upper School, students not only attend, but lead their conferences. It is important that all parents or guardians attend. Additional meetings with your child’s teacher or other staff members can be scheduled upon request. Lower School teachers write a yearend report about each of their students. These reports describe children’s areas of strength and areas of growth over the course of the year. Middle School and Upper School teachers write two reports per year about each of their students. These reports describe students’ progress to date in the year. The winter report covers student progress from September December; the end of year report from January June. 12
Emergency Preparation The College and School for Children have a thorough Emergency Preparation Plan that includes procedures for midday dismissals from school for unexpected events. The SFC subscribes to an automated telephone, text and email system that allows us to send timesensitive messages in an emergency or to communicate other important information to your home, office, cell phone, and email. We restrict the use of this system only to situations in which communicating quickly with the entire school community or other large groups of people is essential. If there is the need to implement the emergency dismissal procedures, families will be contacted to inform them of the emergency dismissal and to confirm the plans for pickup and/or transportation from school. No student will be dismissed from school during an emergency dismissal without such contact and confirmation. Inclement Weather In the event of a severe snowstorm or any other unusual weather condition, Bank Street School for Children will announce school closings by phone through the use of an automated phone system and email. The closing will also be announced on the school’s website. In most instances, the SFC closes when the NYC Department of Education closes the NYC public schools due to inclement weather. However, the School/College has in the past made a decision about snow days independent of the NYC Department of Education. In such a situation, the automated phone system and email will alert you as early in the morning as possible.
Student Health Information It is essential that all families cooperate fully with the School’s procedures with respect to matters of health. A statement concerning the School’s health policies and requirements is sent to all parents in the spring of each year, along with Health Report forms (online through Magnus Health) which must be completed by the family and their physician. It is necessary for a Health Report to be submitted to the school each year for every student. Vaccination Requirement I mmunizations All children must be immunized and must continue to receive all appropriate immunizations as required by New York City and New York State law, with written proof signed by a physician and submitted to the School Nurse. Absences Due to Illness Parents are expected to notify the school nurse of absences (at 2128754425 or
[email protected], between 8:45 and 9:30 am). Parents are asked to keep children home during the early infectious period of a cold. Children returning to school after an illness are expected to participate in outdoor play and PE classes. Absences other than for illness, or from genuine fatigue which can lead to it are discouraged by the school because they can cause academic and social
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disruptions. If your child will be unavoidably away from school for reasons other than illness, please let us know. Should a parent or guardian travel out of town, please let the school know the name of the person who will be responsible for your child’s care. (If care is to be away from home, please give the address and phone number.) Also let us know the address and telephone number of your destination, or how and when you may be reached. This is required for us in case of any possible emergency. Health Reports All Health Reports must be submitted to Magnus Health by the start of the school year. Students whose Health Reports are not received by the first day of school may not be able to attend school. No student will be permitted to attend physical education classes until the Health Report has been submitted. Diagnosis or treatment of health conditions is not the school’s responsibility. If your child is injured during a school program, first aid will be administered and if necessary, your child will be taken to the Emergency Room at a local hospital. Following emergency first aid, the student is placed under the parents’ care, and the responsibility for subsequent treatment rests with them. If your child becomes ill during the school day, school personnel will telephone you. If your child’s physical education program is to be restricted for more than one week, this situation should be confirmed in writing by the examining physician and forwarded to the School Nurse. The resumption of normal activity should also be determined by a doctor’s note. Student Medication The School Nurse must be informed whenever a student is on medication. If medication is to be taken during school hours, it must be given to the School Nurse for distribution to the student. Students are not permitted to carry and/or administer their own medication at school. All medications, including nonprescription drugs, given in school, shall be prescribed by a licensed prescriber (who must complete a Prescribed Medication Form from the Nurse) and given to the School Nurse in a properly labeled original container. Contagious Diseases and Fevers All contagious diseases must be reported to the school by the parent as soon as diagnosis is made. If your child should develop a strep infection or conjunctivitis, please notify the School Nurse. Please be aware that your child must be on medication for these infections for 24 hours and feverfree before returning to school.
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Illness or Emergency at School If your child becomes ill during the day, we will call you and request that you come for him/her as soon as possible. In the event that you cannot be reached, we will contact the person you identified on your emergency card to act as your backup. If a serious emergency occurs at school, we will: 1. Call you, your spouse/partner, or emergency contact. 2. Call the child’s physician. 3. If we are unable to contact any of the above, we will take the child by ambulance or car to the St. Luke’sRoosevelt emergency room. In the meantime, the school will continue its attempts to contact parents, physician, and emergency contacts. Lice Policy The School for Children adheres to a no nit policy. If a nit (with or without a louse) or live lice are found, we will contact that child’s parents and send that child home for treatment. If lice are found, the School Nurse will check all children in that classroom, and any other related classrooms, time permitting. Notification will come home to the specific classroom(s) involved via email. After treatment, the child may return to school, but must be seen by the School Nurse first.
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Daily Operations School Hours 3/4s – 8/9s
Monday – Thursday Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (includes lunch)
9/10s13/14s 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Arrival Children may go upstairs to classrooms at the start time listed above. An administrator or staff member will be in the lobby from 8:15 to 8:30 a.m. to ensure an orderly transition upstairs. Some students arrive before 8:15 a.m. and while the security guard will make sure that children are safe, they are not childcare providers. Most children understand the rules of decorum and monitor their own behavior. However, if a child cannot monitor him/herself, parents will be informed and their child will not be allowed in the building until 8:15 a.m. Upper School students may go to classrooms at 8:00 a.m. to meet with teachers for special help or to attend music rehearsals. Middle School students may attend music or math in the morning at 8:00 a.m. on the appointed days. Unless otherwise specified, Lower or Middle School parents and students are not allowed above the first floor before 8:30 a.m. Dismissal Younger Children Adults who pick up children should arrive slightly before dismissal time. Children in the 3/4s through 8/9s are to be picked up in their classrooms at 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and at 1:00 pm on Friday. When a child is not picked up on time, teachers make phone calls to parents, and, if needed, the child is taken to the Dean’s Office to wait. Older Children Dismissal from the 9/10s through 13/14s takes place at 3:15 p.m. An SFC faculty member is in the lobby from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. Children whose parents or sitters are late picking them up in the lobby are brought to the third floor office at 3:30 pm and phone calls are made to a parent or emergency contact. After 30 minutes, students who have not been picked up will be brought to the After School program. All other children, except those in After School, Upper School team sports, those meeting with a teacher for extra help, or Upper School children, 11/12s and older, studying in the library or computer lab, should be out of the building by 3:30 p.m. Please enroll in the After School Program if 16
you need to pick up your child(ren) from school after 3:30 p.m. There is no formal supervision of children in front of the building at dismissal time, and children are not allowed to congregate there after school. Please remember: If you experience an unexpected delay, please call the School office (2128754420) so we can let your child know when to expect you. Always be sure to communicate clearly and fully with your child and the school about pickup arrangements. Absences See Health Information, page 13. Homework It is neither possible nor desirable to make precise rules about the amount of homework that is appropriate at each grade level, since so much depends upon the capacity and style of each student. What takes one student 15 minutes might take another an hour. Thoughtfully designed homework is an important part of the educational process. Please expect that there will be a gradually increasing amount of homework from age group to age group. The following guidelines should be helpful: Lower School: no homework 6/7s: occasional assignments 7/8s: builds to three nights/week for 20 minutes to ½ hour, plus reading 8/9s: builds to four nights/week for 20 minutes to ½ hour, plus reading 9/10s: 45 minutes to 1 hour per night, plus reading 10/11s: 1 hour per night, plus reading 11/12s: 11½ hours per night, plus reading 12/13s: 1½ 2 hours per night, plus reading 13/14s: 2 2½ hours per night, plus reading If it is taking your child longer than expected to complete homework, please speak to your child’s teacher. Class Placement School faculty work together to place students after careful consideration of all factors that affect the educational development of the individual student. This process considers friendships, group dynamics, and aspects of identity including gender, race and ethnicity, age, family structure, home languages, and learning styles. Families are expected to trust the school’s professional judgement as to appropriate placement and to understand that the social learning involved in working with a variety of teachers and peers supports lifelong social skills. As such, the school cannot accommodate requests related to teacher/classroom placement. 17
Library The Library is open Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. Families are welcome to take books out on their own. The librarian is available to assist you in choosing books for your child and give you any other information regarding Library services. Beginning in 11/12s, Upper School children may use the Library from 3:30–4:30 p.m. to do research and homework. Children must get a pass from the Upper School Office before using the Library. Students are not allowed to use library computers without adult supervision. Lunch / Food Program The lunch program for students is open to all students in the 6/7s through 13/14s. It is overseen by our Executive Chef, Cori Boudreaux, who has been providing delicious and nutritious meals at Bank Street for the past several years. Chef Cori came to Bank Street from the French Culinary Institute via The Calhoun School. A lunch enrollment form is located in the Family Access Module through the link to School Forms Online. Lower School children enjoy a lunch provided by their families. In addition to our Nut Aware policy, we do not allow children to have candy or soft drinks with lunch. Please do not put any of these foods in lunches. Snacks Children in the 3/4s through 6/7s receive a daily snack of crackers, fruit, and vegetables; other children should bring an appropriate small snack for the morning stretch. Appropriate snacks include fruit, raw vegetables, raisins, cheese, and fruit juice. Foods that are not allowed include soft drinks, cakes, and various sweets. Adults working with students of all ages may involve them at any point about making healthy snack choices. Dress Expectations There is no formal dress code for students in the School for Children. However, students are expected to dress in a manner that is respectful of the character and purpose of the school community. As such: ● Students may not wear clothing with offensive or inappropriate language, images, or mascots. This includes but is not limited to offensive, derogatory, or inappropriate references to race, ethnicity, ability, religion, or sexuality; or promoting the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. ● Clothing must completely cover underwear and other undergarments. We have a wide age range of students in the SFC, so a thorough understanding of child development and the differences between 5/6s attire and 13s attire will be used when discussing 18
dress expectations with children. If any Bank Street staff member deems an outfit to be inappropriate for school, that adult may engage the student in a conversation about attire. Rules for Children in the Building We have certain rules for children that apply to the common spaces as well as the school spaces, and we need your help and cooperation in observing these rules when you are here with your children after school or for special events. Please help us by respecting and supporting the following expectations. Additionally, while childcare can be an issue, parents may not use the Library, Lobby, or Cafeteria as a substitute for supervised childcare. Unsupervised children may not be anywhere in the building after dismissal, unless they are waiting in the Lobby for pickup. If children need to use the bathrooms, they must use them for their intended purposes, not as places to congregate and socialize. The following behaviors and activities are NOT permitted in any of the common areas: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
horseplay of any kind tag or other games involving chasing ball games games in which objects are thrown yelling running blocking the front entrance to the building (near the turnstiles)
Cafeteria Children are not allowed to stay in the Cafeteria unsupervised and the Cafeteria should not be used as a play space. This is a mixeduse area and the atmosphere should be conducive to eating and conversation. Children’s Dining Room (CDR) The Children’s Dining Room is used throughout the day by the Lower and Middle Schools for movement classes, and as a supervised play space. We also store movement and play equipment in the room. Children who are not supervised by School for Children or Family Center personnel are not allowed to play in this space. Lobby The lobby is large and welcoming and has many uses throughout the day. For safety: ● Children under 8 years old should never wait unsupervised in the lobby. 19
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Older children should not wait more than 15 minutes for pickup. The lobby cannot be used as a childcare substitute. No outdoor types of games may be played in the lobby. The lobby should not be used as a playdate location, or as a substitute for the playground.
Cell Phone/Handheld Devices Policy Students are not allowed to use personal devices in school unless during a supervised activity with teachers. Devices include cellphones, mp3 players, ereaders, smart watches and other devices, and gaming systems. The mornings in Bank Street’s lobby are device free for students. Students should not take out their devices after they pass through security. If they need to call home, they should do so right when they enter the building, or use the landline at the security desk. If students are found using their device, it will be confiscated by the faculty/staff member on lobby duty. The device will be turned over to the Upper School office and returned to the student when appropriate. After dismissal, devices can be taken out of bags when students reach the lobby. It is important that students not use these on the stairwells, because of the heavy foot traffic. Note: If there is ever an emergency or other need for a student to reach someone outside, faculty and staff have phones in their classrooms, or students may ask permission to use any available office phone. Elevator Use During arrival and dismissal, over 700 parents and children are entering and leaving the building. Therefore, we ask all children, parents, and caregivers who are able, to use the stairs from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Elevator use is restricted to parents and caregivers with strollers, adults, and children unable to use the stairs, particularly if those individuals are traveling above the 4th floor. Children are not allowed to use the elevators between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. except with an elevator pass or when accompanied by a teacher. Rules for Upper Schoolers Upper School students are expected to use the stairs from the time they arrive at school until 4:00PM, except when carrying open plates of food upstairs. Teachers are aware of the travel time needed between classes and do their best to give students enough time to get from class to class. Exceptions for elevator use can be made for students who are: ● physically unable to walk stairs (for longterm injuries, a note from a doctor needs to be submitted to the US Office) 20
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sick or injured and going to the nurse accompanying an injured/sick peer, as approved by a teacher carrying Bank Street lunch from the cafeteria to the 7th Floor carrying heavy instruments (ex, sax, guitar, cello, and bass, but not flute, clarinet, or violin) or excessively heavy equipment ● given permission by teachers/staff for a specific reason Students need passes while riding the elevators for most of the above reasons (not needed for lunch or if there is an urgent health concern). Adults have passes in their classrooms and offices, which need to be returned to the administering adult after use. Students who ride the elevators without permission will be asked to walk back to the floor they began on, then return via stairs. Students who repeatedly challenge the elevator policy will face disciplinary consequences, including the loss of certain privileges. If the current policy is not working for any reason, we will reevaluate and adjust as needed. Field trips and Overnights All children are expected to go on class trips, which are often at the core of the curriculum. No inschool arrangements can be made for a child who does not go on a trip. Parents are often invited to accompany classes on day trips to help with supervision. From the 9/10s on, classes go on one overnight trip, usually ranging from one to three nights. These trips, too, are part of the total program of the school, and all children are expected to attend. Holidays We do not celebrate religious and other holidays at the School for Children. Such celebrations, we feel, are best acknowledged within the family. Certain holidays, however, may be a part of the instructional curriculum, allowing children to learn about cultures, religions, rituals, or important historical figures. ● Valentine’s Day: Because of uncomfortable feelings that can arise over the exchange of valentines in the classroom, it is our policy not to celebrate Valentine’s Day in school. If your family sends valentines, please support this policy by having your child mail valentines to homes. ● Halloween: This day is not celebrated at school and we ask that children not bring costumes, masks, or candy to school. Birthday Parties Sometimes children like to celebrate their birthdays in school; plans should be discussed well in advance with your child’s teacher, and parents are urged to keep such celebrations simple. You 21
may wish to plan an athome birthday party. We know that nothing crushes a young spirit more than the realization of being among the few excluded from a classmate’s birthday celebration, so we ask you to not exclude one or two children from a party without mutual understanding with the parents of the child(ren) not invited. Please do not have your child give out invitations at school unless everyone is included. Also, please do not bring in presents for a missed birthday celebration. As children grow older and advance developmentally, they assume more agency in planning celebrations such as birthdays, religious rites of passage, etc. In our community, we encourage older students and their parents to be mindful of the social dynamics and potential impact when determining and communicating guest lists. After School Playdates As your children get to know each other, playdates—visiting each other’s homes—are encouraged. We urge you now to make it a point to regularly arrange dates with children, including children in other neighborhoods. Doing so is important for many reasons, not the least of which is that each child should have the experience of being a host and sharing their home and toys. If your child is going home with a friend, or a friend is coming home with your child, please send a note to the School. Children will not be dismissed to anyone who is not on your dismissal list – please make sure the school is aware of dismissal plans, especially as playdates may often get planned with little advance notice. Faculty Gifts It is the custom of the school that families not give individual gifts to teachers. Teachers appreciate children’s handmade gifts and letters. Please check the Parents Association policy on this matter. Safety/Security Bank Street College of Education is a public space. Your adherence to the following regulations concerning the use of ID cards and security is necessary in order to maintain a safe and secure environment for all. Even though presenting cards may be an inconvenience and seem unnecessary, it is a vital part of ensuring that our community remains safe. All parents and designated caregivers who pick up children on a regular basis will be issued a Bank Street photo ID card. Each family will receive a maximum of four ID cards per year. Children in the 9/10s through 13s will receive their own nonphoto school ID card. The ID card must be presented for clearance before entrance into the building will be granted. Parents and caregivers receive a photo school ID card. No one will be granted access without presenting identification. Should you lose your Bank Street ID card, you must notify the SFC Administrative Office at once so that arrangements can be made to issue you a new one. Parents must retrieve the ID card of any caregiver who is no longer providing service and return it to the 22
third floor SFC Administrative Office. Arrangements will then be made to have another Bank Street ID card issued in the name of the new caregiver, if one has been designated. All other visitors to the SFC will be requested to produce photo identification and sign in at the Safety Officer’s desk upon arrival and departure. Parents and/or designated caregivers without ID, and visitors, will be issued a temporary ID card for use only on the day of issuance. Business Office The Business Office is located at the Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Drive, 14th floor. Tuition checks may be dropped off in the Admissions Office on the 2nd floor, the Dean’s Office on the third floor or at the Business Office.
Community Expectations
All students in the School for Children are expected to be courteous, respectful, and responsible in ways that are appropriate to their age level. We encourage the development of patience, empathy and understanding in everyday interactions. We expect children to exhibit respect for every person with whom they come in contact, both at school and in the community. This expectation ties directly into our mission and philosophy and the theme of social justice that is interwoven into our curriculum. Our essential values are: We show respect for and sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others. ● Written or verbal putdowns, verbal or physical abuse, inappropriate language and email comments, exclusion, bullying, talking back, or rudeness are examples of unacceptable behaviors. We show respect for learning. ● Students are expected to be respectful and courteous to all members of the Bank Street community and its visitors and to contribute to a positive environment within the classroom and school. We show respect for our environment. ● Students are expected to use and enjoy the facilities, materials and equipment in the ways they are intended. We act in ways that promote safety for others and ourselves. ● Students should be considerate of others at all times. Unsuitable and unsafe activities before and during school, at recess or dismissal, and on field trips will not be accepted. 23
Behavior such as pushing, shoving, hitting, and scratching will not be tolerated. Weapons of any sort may not be brought to school (as well as toys of any kind that resemble weapons). All students are covered by the School for Children’s harassment policy. Behavior that endangers others, involves teasing or bullying or is otherwise harassing in nature will not be tolerated. Any student whose behavior on or off campus jeopardizes the health, welfare or safety of any individual at the School or the reputation of the School may be subject to immediate disciplinary action, which could include suspension, dismissal from school, or a decision not to reenroll the student in the next year. Consequences are typically meant for the person responsible for violating these guidelines. Therefore, it will not always be obvious or apparent to the community at large what the School’s response has been to a specific event.
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Consequences may include: ● Removal from the classroom, lunch, or play area. ● Rescinding of privileges or restriction from special events. ● Mandatory meeting o f parents and student with the teacher(s) and/or the Coordinator, and, where appropriate, the school psychologist, Director of Diversity and Equity, the Dean or other school personnel. ● Children being sent home. ● Therapeutic interventions. ● Dismissal from school. Please note that with regard to outofschool and offcampus behavior, students and families should be aware that certain activities, even outside of school hours or off school property, may result in loss of school privileges and other disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion. Students may be subject to discipline for misconduct which is, or may be, disruptive of the educational process, interferes with the work of the School, is contrary to the mission of the School, impinges on the rights of other students, employees, or members of the School community, or has a direct or immediate effect on the discipline or general welfare of the School, even if such conduct takes place off campus, during nonschool hours or on breaks from School. Such conduct shall be evaluated at the sole discretion of the School, and the School reserves the right to deviate from the regular disciplinary process as may be deemed necessary under the circumstances. Some examples of such outside conduct that may have disciplinary ramifications at school include any violation of law; underage purchase, use, or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance; use or misuse of computers or computer websites (personal, at home or at school), which do, or could, impact the welfare of any member of the School community or the reputation or functioning of the School. Repeated disrespectful and inappropriate behavior will be addressed in a most serious manner, which could include suspension, dismissal from school, or a decision not to reenroll the student in the next year.
Harassment Policy
The School for Children is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of harassment. Harassment refers to unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. No person in the School for Children shall engage in harassment or other forms of unacceptable conduct, which, in purpose of effect, create such an environment or interferes with another’s experience at school. Such conduct included all forms of bullying, offcolor language, offensive comments (spoken or written), jokes, innuendos, 25
the use of degrading words or gestures, inappropriate physical contact, and offensive flirtation, advances or propositions. Everyone who attends or works in the School for Children has a responsibility to maintain an environment that is free from all forms of harassment. 1. To prevent harassment, increase your own awareness and monitor your own behavior. 2. If you are subjected to harassment, do not ignore it. Speak immediately with the teacher or Coordinator. 3. If you believe another student or adult is being subjected to harassment, do not ignore it. Speak immediately to one of the faculty or the Coordinator. 4. If you are made aware that your behavior is harassing, immediately refrain from engaging in such behavior. Harassment is a form of illegal discrimination, which the School for Children will not tolerate. There will be no retaliation against any person who submits a complaint in good faith or who assists in providing information about a complaint. If the facts and the results of the investigation substantiate the complaint, then the appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action will be taken.
Tuition and Contracts Tuition Payment Policy Families who pay tuition on a payment plan must register with SMART Tuition once they have submitted enrollment contracts. Tuition for the first half of the school year is due on July 1, unless a family is using the SMART Tuition payment plan. No student will be permitted to attend school unless either the entire tuition for the first half of the year is paid or a suitable arrangement for such payments has been established with the Associate Dean. Tuition for the second half of the year is due on January 1. If tuition remains outstanding after that time, a student may not be allowed to continue to attend, at the discretion of the School. Optional tuition insurance information is included with each student reenrollment agreement. Enrollment Termination Policy The School has the right to suspend or terminate the enrollment of a student at any time. Such a suspension or termination may result where: (i) a student fails to abide by the rules and regulations of the school; (ii) the School determines that a student’s conduct or performance demonstrates an unwillingness or inability to be productive within the school community; or (iii) the School determines that the continued attendance of a student in the School is not in the best interest of the student or the School.
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The School may also terminate or refuse reenrollment to a student whose parents or guardian fails to cooperate with the School or engages in conduct evidencing manifest disregard of school policies or rules, particularly where such conduct endangers the health, safety, or welfare of anyone in the School community on or off the school grounds. Reenrollment Contracts Reenrollment contracts are issued the winter before the next school year. Contracts for returning students will be accepted only if all tuition and fees for the current school year are paid in full. A space will not be held for a student with any remaining balances due. If any installment of tuition is not paid in full within four weeks after the due date, Bank Street College of Education will be entitled to recover the entire unpaid balance of tuition together with interest from the due date to the date of payment, together with collection costs, including, without limitation, agency fees, court costs and reasonable attorney fees. In addition, cases of default may be reported to the credit bureau.
After School and Summer Camp Programs The After School Program Bank Street offers an After School Program, which includes an Extended Day Program until 6:00 p.m. The After School program offers a variety of classes that enable students to widen their experiences by learning new skills and by developing their emerging talents. Among the subject areas offered are science, chess, art, theater, music, and sports. A dropin service is available daily. The dropin payment must be made on the day of service. If your child will not be in the regularly scheduled class, please call the After School office at 2128754430. Monday –Thursday Friday After School 3:15–4:30 p.m. 1:15–4:30 p.m. Extended Day (Our Place & Kids Club) 4:30–6:00 p.m. 4:30–6:00 p.m. Upper School: In the Upper School, there are fewer options, as many children are involved in outside activities or sports. For students who wish to be involved in the Athletics Program, there are 10 sports in three seasons from which to choose. For those who do not wish to do a sport, we offer HW Club. Homework Club (HW) HW Club is is offered as a service for families whose children need to stay beyond 3:30PM. All Upper School students are allowed to attend HW Club free of charge, and do not need to register prior to joining. Students can leave before 5:00, and can also join HW Club until 4:30 if they have a prior commitment (for ex, meeting with a tutor from 3:304:00, then joining after). 27
In HW Club, students work quietly in a supervised room and are expected to act as they would in the library. There will always be one adult present whose primary role is to supervise, not to act as a tutor. Chromebooks can only be used with faculty/staff approval. Students who wish to use chromebooks from their homerooms must get permission from their homeroom teachers and must return the computers to their appropriate classroom carts. If HW Club is in a classroom with student chromebooks (language classrooms or science labs), students can use those with permission from the supervising adult. Anyone attending HW Club will meet the supervising teacher outside of the Upper School office at 3:30 and head there as a group. Students should bring their own snacks to school on days when they will be in HW Club. They are not to leave the building on their own to run out and return. Students will be dismissed from the HW Club room. *For students who have parental permission to leave HW Club on their own, we request that parents email the US Assistant by that morning. Note: There is no HW Club on Fridays. Please make arrangements so your children are not unsupervised in the building at 3:30. These parameters have been created in the interest of safety. We are asking parents and caregivers to be partners with us in ensuring that children go where they are supposed to go and are not left unattended in the building. This includes allowing kids to explore the CLevel while their grownup is sitting in the cafeteria, being in the Library while their grownup sits by the elevators, or running throughout the building. Summer Camp Summer Camp is divided into two units. The Bank Street Lower Camp is designed for children ages 4 through 8. The children use airconditioned classrooms and participate in art, block building, woodworking, computer fun, games, reading, music, dramatic events, and trips, as well as time on the roof, the deck, and the gym. All campers also participate in a highquality and safetyconscious American Red Cross swim program. There are two specialty programs for 7 and 8 yearolds in the Lower Camp: Science and Exploration, and Visual Arts. The Bank Street Upper Camp is uniquely designed to meet the needs of children ages 8 to 14, by offering a variety of specialty camps, such as Theater, Sports, Travel, and Technology Camp. Each group focuses on its specialty area, as well as participates in unitwide and campwide programs, including swimming, trips, games, and overnights. We have Shakespeare, Musical Theater, Junior Bards, and Technology in the Theater Camp. Both Junior and Senior Sports focus mainly on Basketball and Soccer. Travel camp for 8/9s is Daytrippers. Moving on Up 1 goes to Hershey, PA and Boston, MA. Moving on Up 2 travels to Washington, D.C. and Montreal. 28
Camp hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Our After Camp program provides children with an opportunity to pursue individual interests in a relaxed atmosphere. Enrichment classes run Monday–Friday, 3:00–4:30 p.m. Classes include swimming, origami, cooking and sports. Extended Day is available until 6:00 p.m. More information can be obtained from the director, Cookie Mellitz, at 2128754705 or from the website.
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The Parents’ Association Purpose and Goals of the Bank Street School for Children Parents’ Association The Parents’ Association provides a bridge between parents of the Bank Street SFC and the Administration of the School. The Parents’ Association: ● promotes parent involvement in their children’s education ● considers, proposes, and provides feedback to the Administration of the School with respect to programs, activities, and resolutions of concerns that would benefit their children’s education and/or general welfare ● sponsors events and activities that benefit the School The goals of Bank Street SFC Parents’ Association include: ● Advancing effective communication among the PA Board, parent body and school administration ● Promoting and encouraging an increased level of parent participation and volunteerism ● Supporting and promoting the fundraising activities within the SFC ● Actively supporting, embracing, and engaging our diverse school community The Executive Board of the Parents’ Association Every parent in the school is a member of the Parents’ Association. The Executive Board of the PA, elected in May, is the governing body of the Parents’ Association, organizing the Parents Association activities and setting the agenda for the PA. The Executive Board consists of: ● CoPresidents ● CoVice Presidents for the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools ● Treasurer ● Secretary ● Parent Associate Trustees The Executive Board of the PA is responsible for discussing issues that impact all or large segments of our community. The Executive Board selects topics for and organizes the PA discussion evenings, determines the focus of the PA as it deals with all matters, and serves as an initial sounding board for some designated issues dealing with the relationship between the School for Children and the College. The Executive Board meets monthly to discuss and address issues as well as to work on events and activities that will help support, promote, and enhance the objectives of the SFC. In an effort to help promote communication throughout the school, the PA Executive Board meets monthly and the PA Executive Board also meets regularly with the Dean and School Coordinators. The PA also holds monthly divisional meetings (Lower, Middle and Upper 30
Schools) which can include the VPs, class parent representatives and Coordinator. All parents are invited to the divisional meeting and are encouraged to attend. These meetings provide an opportunity for the Bank Street SFC parent community to come together to share and discuss topics related to our children’s education and development.
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Parent Associate Trustees Parent Associate Trustees are elected by parents in the Bank Street School for Children and the Family Center to a threeyear term and are active on Board committees, although they are not voting members. Parent Trustees also meet monthly with the PA Advisory Board and serve as liaisons between the Board of Trustees and the School for Children and Family Center. To be qualified to serve as a Parent Associate Trustee, a parent must have had a child in the School for Children or the Family Center for at least two years and intend to have a child in either the School for Children or the Family Center for the next three years. It is generally agreed that each Parent Associate Trustee shall possess a working knowledge of the operations of the SFC and the FC, their respective relationships within the overall organizational structure of the Bank Street College, and the duties and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees of the College. Service on the Executive Board of the PA or as chair of one of the PA's Standing Committees would be beneficial yet it is not a requirement. The term of each of the two Parent Associate Trustees is three years, and the terms are staggered. The Parent Associate Trustee positions on the Board of Trustees of the College are nonvoting. Additionally, the Parent Associate Trustees should be prepared to participate meaningfully in the work of the Bank Street Board by serving on standing Board committees and working task forces; serve as liaison between the SFC and FC parents, the Dean of Children’s Programs, and the College Board; serve on the PA Executive Committee and report on the work of the broader institution to the parents through the PA.
Frequently Asked Questions Q. How do I find out what's going on in the School? ● The Virtual Backpack is an email sent out every week listing current events and activities. ● On the SFC pages of the website, you will find links to our directory, calendar, events, publications, and much more. ● The School Calendar (printed and online) includes dates for all day and evening meetings, concerts, special events, etc. ● Your Class Parents are uptodate on the important activities in your class, your division and the school. They are tasked with communicating regularly with parents. ● The All Parent Community Meeting in September provides an opportunity for the PA Board, and Class Parents to communicate with the parent body as a whole. ● The Upper School website is a great divisional resource for finding many answers related to Upper School. 32
Q. What are the important meetings and events I should attend this year? ● There are various school sponsored meetings and events that will help you to have a better understanding of the school, its philosophy, curriculum, and community. These include: ● PA Nights/All Parent Community Meeting ● Divisional Parent Meetings ● New Parent Breakfast ● Racial Justice & Advocacy Morning and Evening Events ● Math Nights ● Curriculum Nights/Upper School Parent Visiting Day ● Upper School Science Expo ● Fall Fair, Winter Concerts, Spring Concerts ● Spring Benefit Event ● Participation in Parents Association Committees is encouraged and meetings are scheduled throughout the year (see calendar, website and the Virtual Backpack for details). Q. What important information do I need to communicate to the School on a regular basis? ● Absences ● Address/phone/email changes ● Changes in pickup arrangements ● Important family changes ● Medication ● Outside Services (tutoring, etc.) provided to your child ● Parent travel Q. Who can help me if I have questions about the School or my child? We cannot overemphasize the importance of good communication between parents and the faculty. There are many faculty and staff members with whom you can share information about your child and your family and who can help you with your questions and concerns. Your child’s classroom teacher(s) is a natural place to begin as they are the primary link between school and home, yet there are other people on staff who can support you and your children in a number of areas. See the SFC Directory on the school website for faculty and staff contact information and the Parents Association webpage to get the list of PA Executive Board members. Q. What other programs does Bank Street offer when the School is not in session? After School and Extended Day Programs run Monday through Friday until 6:00 pm. DropIn Service is available daily, as well as Special Activity Classes that enable children to widen their experiences by learning new skills and developing their emerging talents. Early DropOff is available for Lower and Middle School students from 7:45 8:25 a.m. Please notify After School Director Joanna Sly, j
[email protected] , if you plan to use this service 33
though emergency dropins are also allowed. We also offer a vacation camp as an option for children when school is closed during spring break. See Cookie Mellitz for information Summer Camp is divided into two age units and serves children ages 414. See page 27 for full information. Q. What is the link between the School for Children and Bank Street College? The School for Children is a working model of the College’s approach to learning and teaching. The school and the rest of the College share not only a common purpose and mission, but space and facilities as well. Graduate students do some of their student teaching in the School for Children and some SFC faculty teach in the graduated school. In addition to the Graduate School the College houses the Education Center, the Center for Culturally Responsive Practice, the Straus Center for Young Children & Families, the Sustainable Funding Project, and the Division of Innovation, Policy and Research. Collaborations between divisions enrich the practice of all faculty and the students and families we serve.
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