Parent Handbook

* Birth and Baptism certificates
* Immunization history
* Registration fee
* Social Security Card

Those applying for entrance into grades 1 through 7 must bring:

* Copy of most recent report card
* Standardized test results

According to Diocese of Brooklyn guidelines, Nursery students must be 3 years old on or before December 31st of the school year in which they are enrolling. Pre-K students must be 4 years old on or before December 31st of the school year in which they are enrolling. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before December 31st of the school year in which they are enrolling.

2. Attendance

Student Absence

For absences of more than one day, please inform the school (426-4963) before 10 am. If you would like to pick up your child's homework, please allow ample time for the teachers to assemble the day's assignments.  The day your child returns to school, he/she must bring a note explaining the absence, dated and signed by a parent. If an absence note is not received, your child’s absence is recorded as illegal. Vacations taken while school is in session are considered illegal by state law and must be noted as such on attendance records.

Arrival and Dismissal

Nursery: Students will line up near the garages on 61st Road.  Children must be in school by 9:00am.  Parents will not be allowed to accompany students to the classroom. Children will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. in the same area.
Grades Pre-K to 8: Children enter through the church doors on 61st Road.  All students must be in school by 8:15 am.  Parents will not be allowed to accompany students to the classroom.

Dismissal will take place at the times and places listed below:

• Pre-K will dismiss at 2:20 pm in the small schoolyard on Eliot Avenue.

• Kindergarten will dismiss at 2:25pm in the small schoolyard on Eliot Avenue.

• Grades 1-3 will dismiss at 2:30pm in the small schoolyard on Eliot Avenue.

• Grades 4-8: will dismiss at 2:45 pm through the side door of the church on 61st Road.

The schoolyard is not a playground.  Students will not be permitted to play in the yard before or after school begins.  Students will not be permitted to play in the baci courts next to the church.  No ball playing is permitted at any time.

Please do not park in the Staff Parking Lot or double park your car. This creates a hazardous situation for our students and everyone involved. The large parking lot on Woodhaven Blvd. is available for all parents at arrival and dismissal.

Lateness

The school doors open at 8am every morning.  Students arriving after 8:15 am will be considered late, and must stop at the office for a late pass. Children who are late 5 times in a month will serve morning detention.  Children who are never late will be rewarded with a dress-down day. In order to maintain necessary security, parents will not be allowed to accompany a child to his/her classroom.

3. Before and After School Programs

The Before School program is available to all students from 7:00 am to 8:00 am. Students are supervised and provided with a healthy breakfast.

The After School Program is available to all students from dismissal until 6:00 pm.  The program provides students the opportunity to complete homework, have a nutritious snack, and engage in a variety of leisure activities. If a child is picked up after 6:00 pm, a late fee will be charged. Please call the After School number, 718-478-4344 if you are going to be late.

Registration will take place the first week of September.  The registration fee is $50.  Please contact the school office for monthly fees or further information.

4. Birthday Parties

Birthday celebrations are permitted in grades Nursery to 3 only. Please notify your child’s teacher at least one week in advance if you are planning to send in a treat for that day. Birthday celebrations are limited to cupcakes, cookies, small juice drinks and/or goody bags. No pizza parties, birthday cakes or candles will be permitted. Videotaping of the students in the class is also not permitted.

Children in any grade are not permitted to distribute invitations to parties unless every student in the class is invited.

5. Child Abuse Laws

Under NYS law, school officials are legally obligated to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the proper agency.

6. Code of Conduct

Children have the right to learn. Teachers have the right to teach. The students of Resurrection-Ascension School are expected to follow the teachings of Jesus, and conduct themselves in a Christian manner.

Cooperation between home and school is essential in implementing discipline. The Administration and Faculty reserve the right to discipline any child who infringes upon the rights of other students, faculty or staff.

 Anti-Bullying Policy

Every student has the right to feel safe from bullying at school.  It is our aim to promote positive student behavior and encourage respect, compassion and cooperation.  Any student who engages in bullying or cyberbullying behavior is subject to disciplinary action.

Suspensions

Suspensions may occur for the following offenses: carrying a weapon, stealing, physical fighting, leaving school without permission, defacement or destruction of school property, smoking, selling or possessing drugs, and truancy.

The procedure for suspensions is as follows:
1) Parents will be notified by telephone of the child’s offense.
2) A conference will be held with the student, parents, teacher and administrator.
3) If a suspension is given, students will be either in the care of the parent or in the care of the administrator.
4) The final decision rests with the administrator.
5) Subsequent suspensions may result in a student’s expulsion.

7. Communication

Parent Teacher Meetings

Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s teacher. However, it is necessary to arrange an appointment either by phone or in writing. Parents and teachers can then arrange a meeting time that is mutually convenient.

Family Information

Emergency cards must be filled out with an address, home phone number, work phone number, cell phone number and emergency number. In the event of a change of address, or any of these numbers, please notify the office immediately.

Custodial Issues

If, in the case of divorced parents, the divorce decree states that a child may not be released to a non-custodial parent, it is the custodial parent’s obligation to furnish the school with an official copy of the custody section of the divorce decree. Orders of protection for children should also be brought to the attention of the administration and copies must be on file. Non-custodial parents will have access to their child’s educational records unless a court order to the contrary is provided to the school by the custodial parent.

Communication Envelope

A weekly communication envelope will be sent home with the oldest child in the family every Wednesday. This envelope will contain important notices for the week. The envelope should be emptied, signed and returned the next day. Lost envelopes will cost $1 to replace.

Monthly Calendar

On the last Wednesday of every month, a calendar will be sent home with the events of the next month listed. On the reverse side will be a school newsletter highlighting the good news about our school.

Other Events

Here are some other ways a parent can keep abreast of school news:

* Back to School Night in early September
* Home School Association Events
* Progress Reports distributed every trimester
* Report Card Days
* Catholic Schools Week activities
* School and Home School Association Websites

7. Computer Use Policy

An Acceptable Use Policy is in place for Resurrection Ascension School and is distributed with this handbook.  We ask that this policy be signed by both the parents and students and returned to school.

9. Crisis Plan

In accordance with diocesan policy, Resurrection Ascension School has a comprehensive Crisis Plan in place in case of emergency.  The plan is available for review in the school office.  In the event that the school needs to be evacuated, the children will be brought to the Dry Harbor Nursing Home.

10. Curriculum

All teachers follow the New York State Learning Standards. Religion teachers follow the Diocese of Brooklyn guidelines developed by the Office of Faith Formation.

All students in grades PreK-8 receive instruction in the following subjects:

 

Religion	Music
Science	Physical Education
Library	Math
English Language Arts	Computer
Social Studies	Art

 In addition grades 7 and 8 receive weekly instruction in Spanish.

11. Dress Code

The school uniform confirms a child's attendance at Resurrection Ascension School.  When wearing the school uniform students should remember that they are a reflection of themselves, their parents and the school they attend.  Their behavior should be a credit to their families and to the school community.

All children are expected to adhere to the following requirements:

BOYS Grades K-8	GIRLS Grades K-5
Navy blue pants No Dockers or cargo pants.  Pants must sit at the waist and must not be baggy at the bottom.	Plaid regulation jumper that falls at the knee
Light blue dress shirt No dark blue or denim shirts	Yellow blouse with rounded collar
Plaid regulation tie	Plaid regulation tie
Black oxford shoe with laces No black sneakers	Blue or black oxford (laced) or Mary Jane (strapped) shoe No loafers or slip-ons
Black belt	Navy blue or green socks or tights
	GIRLS 6-8
	Plaid regulation skirt that falls at the knee
	Navy blue regulation vest
	Yellow blouse with pointed collar
	Navy blue or black oxford (laced) or loafer No heels and no Sketchers

Sweaters: Navy blue cardigan (button down) or pullover knit sweaters are permitted.  Any non-uniform sweater (sweatshirts, fleece shirts, hoodies) are not permitted.

 

Summer Uniform

Grade K-5 girls may wear yellow polo shirt with navy blue RA logo and navy blue skort. Girls in Grades 6-8 may wear a yellow polo shirt with the navy blue RA logo with their skirt.  Boys may wear light blue polo shirt with the navy blue RA logo.  Boys in grades K-5 may wear blue dress shorts. The summer uniform may be worn from the first day of school to October 31st and May 15th to the end of school.

Gym Uniform

Students wear their gym suit to and from school.  Sneakers must be worn on gym days. Students may wear either the yellow T-shirt with blue shorts or the regulation blue sweat suit.  No jewelery may be worn on gym days.

All of the above items may be purchased online at www.flynnohara.com. by phone at 800-441-4122 or at the store:

Flynn and O'Hara, 78-05 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale 718-894-6561

Girls are not permitted to wear the following:

• Make-up including shiny Chap-stick

• Nail polish or fake nails

• Bracelets

• Earrings larger than a dime or dangling earrings.

• Body piercings other than ears

Boys are not permitted to wear the following:

• Earrings

• Long hair below the collar or that obstructs vision

• Inappropriate hair designs or colors.

The administration and faculty will judge whether a student is in conformity with the dress code. There will be regular uniform checks throughout the year. Detention may be given to students who are repeatedly out of compliance with the dress code.

Dress Down Days: Periodically, the students will be permitted to wear their own clothes on special dress down days. We ask parents to be mindful of the fact that the children will still be attending classes on these days, and therefore must be dressed appropriately. The following are not permitted: high heels, tank tops, or short skirts or shorts. All blouses must cover the stomach even when sitting.

12. Drug and Alcohol Policy

Our school is committed to the prevention of alcohol, drug and tobacco use. We have employed the use of a counselor from the Program for the Development of Human Potential (PDHP) which is funded through the New York State Division of Substance Abuse Services and sponsored by the Office of the Superintendent. First time possession, use, sale or distribution of any controlled substance may result in suspension. Counseling will be a condition of a student’s reinstatement to school. Subsequent offenses may result in expulsion.

13. Emergency Closing

The closing of school due to snow or other emergency is usually a local decision. There are many ways to find out if school is closed:

• The homeroom teacher will also initiate a phone chain

• Listen to 1010 WINS-AM or watch WCBS-TV (Channel 2)

• Check our website or the Home School website

Please do not call the school or rectory, as there is no way to handle that volume of calls.

14. Extra Curricular Activities

Extra curricular activities add to the education of your child. Your child should be aware of the responsibilities of joining a team or club. In addition, extra curricular activities should not interfere with schoolwork.

15. Field Trips

These trips are planned as part of the curriculum and it is ideal for all children to attend. They usually require transportation and admission fees, which are not included in the tuition or activity fee. It is the right of the school to deny a student attendance on a trip, if the student fails to meet academic or behavioral requirements. No student will be permitted attendance on a trip without written permission from parent/legal guardian.

16. Health

The school nurse may be contacted at 347-527-0552.

The New York City Department of Health requires all children from Nursery through Grade 8 have a complete physical examination before entering school.  In addition children must be immunized according to age specifications against the following diseases:

• Diphtheria

• Tetanus

• Polio

• Whooping Cough

• Measles

• Mumps

• Rubella

• Hib (Influenza Type B)

• Chicken Pox

• Hepatitis B

• Pneumococcal (For students born after 1/1/2008)

• Mantoux Tuberculin Test (PPD) (For all students entering a New York City School for the first time in grades 6-8)

Information on age specific requirements may be obtained from the Department of Health. The policy of “No Shots, No School” will be strictly enforced.

Height and Weight

A record is kept of each student’s height and weight reported by the parent on the Emergency Cards distributed at the beginning of the school year.

Hearing and Vision Screening

The Department of Health Vision and Hearing team screens children ni grades K,1,3, and 5 and those recommended by the teacher or nurse.  If your child does not pass one or the other of these tests, you will be notified in writing.

Communicable Diseases

Please report any communicable diseases to the school office. These include measles, mumps, chicken pox, scarlet fever, rubella, head lice, hepatitis, tuberculosis or meningitis.

Illness in School

If your child becomes ill while in school, we will attempt to make the contacts indicated on the Emergency Contact Card. It is necessary for the child to be signed out by the adult who will be taking him/her home. No child will be allowed to go home alone during the school day.

Accident or Injury

We will follow the same procedure described for illness. All of the children are enrolled in the school insurance plan issued by American Home Assurance Company.  It provides coverage during school hours or during any school affiliated activity.

Administration of Medication

If a student must take medication during school hours, the parent and the child’s doctor in accordance with New York City and State requirements must fill out authorization forms. Only a school nurse can administer medication. School personnel are not permitted to adminster medication.

17. Home-School Association

All parents are members of the Home School Association. Led by the Executive Board, the Association provides many social activities for the children, parents and parishioners of Resurrection Ascension. In addition they coordinate the fundraising activities that are a necessary part of the operating expenses of the school.

All of these activities require the time and talent of many people. We ask each family to volunteer 10 hours during the school year.  These hours may be accomplished through fundraisers, lunch duty, the RA Sports program or the Sunday School program.  Any family that feels that they cannot give this time during the year may pay a fee of $100 to the Home School Association.

This year there will be three mandatory fundraisers: Gift Wrap Drive, Chance Book Drive and Candy Drive. All families must participate in these events. There will also be some optional fundraising events in which parents may choose to participate.

18. Homework

The purpose of homework is threefold: 1) to practice what has been taught in class, 2) to further learning of a particular topic, and 3) to measure the level of understanding of a particular topic.

Homework may take many forms:
* Written assignments
* Review of the day’s notes
* Study for tests
* Independent projects or reports
* Independent reading

Students in grades 3-8 should be writing all assignments in script, unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.

Parents should provide a place for homework conducive to study and free of distraction.

Children will have homework most nights of the week. Below is the approximate length of time it should take your child to complete their homework, including both written work and silent reading. For the most part, children should be able to complete the homework assignments on their own. If your child is taking much longer to complete his homework assignments, please consult the homeroom teacher. Homework should be signed every night. In grades 3-8, all homework should be done in script, unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.

 

Grade	Homework Time	Silent Reading
Kindergarten	10 minutes	15 minutes
1st Grade	25 minutes	20 minutes
2nd Grade	30 minutes	20 minutes
3rd Grade	40 minutes	20 minutes
4th Grade	50 minutes	30 minutes
5th Grade	50 minutes	30 minutes
6th Grade	60 minutes	30 minutes
7th Grade	60 minutes	30 minutes
8th Grade	60 minutes	30 minutes

Daily notes should also be reviewed nightly. Projects given may require additional time. When a project is given, every effort will be made to lessen the amount of daily homework given. In addition, the project may be graded across the curriculum. That is, a written Social Studies project may receive a grade for both Social Studies and Language Arts.

If there are errors made in homework, these mistakes should be left as is. The teacher needs to see what part of the daily lesson the students did not understand. If your child has difficulty with the entire assignment, then please write a note to your child’s teacher. Children will not be penalized for incorrect homework. Homework is judged both by quality as well as quantity.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated.  Any information downloaded from the Internet must be properly cited.  Students handing in plagiarized reports will be given a 0 and will be asked to redo the assignment.

If your child is absent from school and would like the day's assigments, please call the school office (426-4963) before 10 a.m. to give the teachers time to adequately prepare the work.