Rolling Hills Handbook

ROLLING HILLS MISSION STATEMENT

-1-

SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

When your child is absent, please call the Health Office, 858-3573, with your child's name, the teacher's name, the date and reason for absence. When your child returns to school, a note must be sent to the classroom teacher describing the reason for his or her absence.  Any requests for work to be sent home or picked up at the end of the day, should be communicated to the office (858-3568) before 11:00 am that morning.

The school hours for Rolling Hills are 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Any child arriving prior to the start of school must be supervised by a parent/guardian. All students enter the building through the front entrance. Late arrivals must be signed in by their parents/guardians in the Main Office and in the Nurse’s Office. A late note indicating the reason for lateness must be submitted to the Nurse’s Office at this time. For the safety of students and staff, cars are not permitted to enter or leave the circle when the buses are present. Children may be dropped off, at arrival time, at the north end of the circle when staff members are present. Parents may drop off their children in front of the school only when buses have departed. Cars are not permitted to park in this area as it is reserved for buses and emergency vehicles only.

During school hours, all visitors to Rolling Hills must enter the building through the main entrance. Visitors must sign-in, at the Reception Desk, and may be asked to show identification. The Reception Aide will then direct visitors to the proper location within the building. Prior to exiting the building, visitors must return their visitors pass to the Reception Aide. If you need to enter the building before or after school hours, please ring the doorbell that is located at the main entrance. Please note that once the secretary leaves the office, there is no one available to answer the bell.

After school hours, it is essential that organizations make arrangements for an adult to monitor the front door when they anticipate parents will be arriving to visit their child's program, or to pick up their children at the program's conclusion. It is not the responsibility of the school custodian to monitor the front doors for this purpose. In the evening, a custodian will be able to unlock the doors when the first member of the organization arrives at the time indicated on the Use-of-Building form. The organization bears the responsibility of monitoring the doors.

Parents and other visitors are encouraged to visit the school throughout the year. Everyone must report to the Reception Aide upon entering the building and sign-in.

It is essential that your children not be interrupted once the instructional school day has begun. If parents or any other visitors need to speak with a child or a staff member, arrangements should be made with the secretary in the Main Office.

Visitors should park their cars in designated parking spots. At no time should cars be parked on the sidewalk side of the circle (closest to the school) in the Fire Zone. Please observe the No Parking and Handicapped Parking signs.

-2

All K-2 children in the Commack School District receive bus transportation in accordance with District policy.

If you have questions regarding transportation, please contact the District Transportation Office at 912-2020.

All students must ride their designated buses unless a written note is brought to school. If your child needs to ride a different bus, or he/she is to be picked up at school, a written note, using the approved Rolling Hills form, must be sent to school in the morning. Requests will be approved at the Principal’s discretion. Forms are available in the Main Office. A child who is not entitled to busing may not ride the bus to or from school. If your child is a "walker," or if you have sent in a note indicating that you will pick up your child from school, please wait at the outside door, at the Cafetorium, and a staff member will release your child to you at that location.

1. Be at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

2. Watch the bus driver for the signal to cross in front of the bus.

3. Keep hands and head inside the bus at all times.

4. Keep aisle clear.

5. Listen to the bus driver.

6. Respect the driver and other children riding the bus.

Safety belts are available for your child's use. School District personnel can suggest, but not insist that they be used. Only school personnel and students are permitted to board the bus.

For additional Bus Rules and Information, please refer to the District Transportation Handbook.

Minor misbehaviors may be handled by the bus driver and parent when appropriate. Children may receive a verbal warning or a written bus conduct report. The Principal may call the parents/guardian, and send a formal written notice to the home. Severe and repetitive occurrences of misconduct may result in a suspension of bus privileges for a period of time to be determined by either the Principal, Director of Transportation, Superintendent of Schools, or his designee.

Only designated parent chaperons are to attend class trips. Parents are urged to refrain from meeting their children at a trip destination. Class parents and teachers will try to accommodate as many parents as possible who wish to accompany classes on field trips during the year. Prior to the scheduled trip, chaperons will be advised of their responsibilities. In most instances, parent chaperons will be expected to pay for admission to the event.

Children are strongly encouraged to wear their Rolling Hills T-shirts, while on field trips, for security purposes.

-3-

The District has adopted a code of conduct for students and parents, as well as all visitors to our school building. Copies of this code will be made available upon request. You may also read the Code of Conduct by accessing the school district’s website, www.commack.k12.ny.us. At Rolling Hills, the code is adapted to meet the needs of primary students. Disciplinary issues are addressed by the classroom teacher and the Principal.

Following are appropriate behaviors that are expected on the primary level:

1. Walk in the building.

2. Talk quietly.

3. Handle school property with care.

4. Respect the property of others.

5. Respect other children and adults.

1. Fighting

2. Running in the halls

3. Use of obscenities, written or spoken

4. Destruction of personal and school property

5. Continuous disruptive behavior

6. Stealing

When disciplinary action is necessary, any of the following procedures may be

implemented:

1. Teacher and child will resolve issue.

2. Parents and teachers may meet to discuss the situation.

3. Child may be restricted from participation in school activities.

4. Principal intervenes.

5. Child may be suspended from school for a period of time.

Parental input and support are essential and invaluable to the successful resolution of any disciplinary problems.

Rolling Hills Lunch/Recreation Program is designed to provide our students with an opportunity for socialization and physical activity.

When choosing footwear for your child, please keep in mind that on most days, children will be active at recreation, weather permitting. Sneakers are the most appropriate choice of footwear. In addition, please make sure that your children dress appropriately, depending on the weather and season.

-4-

A. Follow directions the first time they are given.

B. Stay in assigned areas. If you need to leave the playground, speak with an adult.

C. Always be respectful of other children and adults.

D. Use playground and equipment safely.

in assigned area.

 

 

A. Follow directions first time they are given.

or leave the cafeteria.

C. Always be respectful of other children and adults.

D. When waiting in line to be served, keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

E. Follow proper eating behaviors.

F. When whistle is blown, (once, gently) - Stop, Look and Listen.

A. Follow directions first time they are given.

B. Walk quietly in the halls - classes are in session.

 Early Dismissal Cards are forwarded home in the August mailing. It is important that these cards be filled out and returned to school speedily. Please notify the classroom teacher and the main office of any changes to this information as soon as possible to ensure the safety and well-being of your child.

The school nurse is on duty during school hours.

The New York State Department of Education requires that all kindergarten and second grade students, as well as any new entrants, have a physical examination. Physicals should be dated no earlier than October 15 of the preceding school year. Physical examinations will be administered by the district physician unless the child submits a medical report from his/her own physician prior to October 1.  All students receive a vision and hearing screening.  Please be sure to contact Mrs. Hawkins to share updated medical information about your child.

All students must have appropriate up-to-date immunization records, according to New York State Health Regulations, on file in the school Health Office prior to the start of the school year.

-5-

Our School Nurse must be provided with the following information in order to dispense prescription or over-the-counter medication (including cough drops, eye drops or skin lotions) during the school day:

1) Written directions from the doctor including the name

and dosage of medication, the time to be administered

and the reason for the medication's administration.

2) Written request from the parent/guardian.

3) Containment of medication in a properly labeled bottle from a pharmacy.

Rolling Hills Staff will accommodate requests by parents to complete checklists for physicians. Please provide the staff with several days to complete the lists. We will mail the original to the physician and provide the parents with a courtesy copy.

School closings or delayed openings will be posted on the Commack Website, http://www.commack.k12.ny.us.  The District will endeavor to place an automated telephone call to each household with school aged children, but cannot guarantee that all households will be reached.  Parents are encouraged to listen to the stations listed below for closing and delayed opening information. Recorded announcements of Commack school closings may also be obtained by telephone: 368-5555.

In the absence of any announcement, call, or posting, it should be assumed that schools are open.

Radio Station                             AM                        FM

WALK                                                                        97.5

WBAB                                                                        102.3

WBLI                                                                          106.1

WBZO (B-103)                                                           103.1

WCBS                                        880

WHLI                                        1100

WJKY                                                                           98.3

WOR                                           770

L.I. News 12 - Cablevision 12

Commack Website - www.commack.k12.ny.us

The school hours for Rolling Hills are 9:15 a.m. -3:30 p.m.  Any child arriving prior to the start of school must be supervised by a parent/guardian.  All students enter the school through the front entrance. Late arrivals must be signed in by their parent(s) in the Main Office and in the Nurse's Office.  A late note indicating the reason for lateness must be submitted to the Nurse's Office at this time.

If you are dropping your child off at the designated arrival time, we ask that you do so quickly and without blocking the north driveway, or the adjacent street. The crosswalk area must be kept clear of cars, at all times, to ensure safe crossing for all of our walkers. Please park on the south side of the driveway, and walk up the hill toward the building with your child.

Formal Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled at the end of the first and third marking periods. Fall conference times are offered during one full day and one evening. Spring conference times are offered during two half-days and one evening. Students are dismissed at 12:00 noon on the half-day conference dates. Please refer to the District Calendar for specific dates. These formal conferences are usually scheduled at twenty-minute intervals. If additional time is needed, please advise the teacher prior to the conference. Appointments will be scheduled by the individual teachers.

Informal conferences between parent and teacher may also be scheduled at any mutually convenient time.

A parent/guardian who wishes to communicate with the classroom teacher is asked to send a note to school, phone the Main Office (858-3570) or send an email message.

During September, members of the teaching staff will begin to invite students to our before school "Extra Help" program.  Students are invited to attend the program to review a specific skill or area of the curriculum. 

Please arrive at Rolling Hills at 8:49 a.m. and proceed to the cafeteria on the day your child is scheduled to attend "Extra Help."  Your child's teacher will meet the students and escort them to the classroom.   Please remember that teachers are only able to meet with students who are invited to "Extra Help."  We are not able to accommodate brothers and sisters at their sibling's "Extra Help" sessions.

A school-wide Gathering is scheduled each Wednesday morning in the Cafetorium.  This provides an opportunity to announce upcoming events, present short class performances and celebrate a randomly selected STAR student from each class. Each child will be selected as a STAR during the year.

Parents will be invited when their children are selected as STAR for the week. These parents are welcome to bring the students’ younger brothers and sisters, grandparents and special relatives.

Class or grade level presentations at the Gathering are for students and staff only. Separate times will be designated for parents and siblings to enjoy the presentations.

-7-

Holiday observances at Rolling Hills reflect the multi-cultural world in which we live, as well as the varied cultural and religious make-up of our school. It is important for students to be aware of various holidays observed by their classmates in order to develop an appreciation of unifying themes, as well as an understanding and respect for others.

At the primary level, activities may include selections from children's literature, weekly news publications, games, art and music activities, food tasting and appropriate research. Children are encouraged to share their favorite holiday traditions with their classmates. Parents are welcome to contact their child's teacher to make arrangements for a classroom visit to share special holiday activities. The religious nature of these holidays is not appropriate for sharing with students at this age in the school setting. The religious component is best developed at home. The school focuses on the secular nature of the holidays.

At the primary level, homework should generally be completed within a five to twenty- minute time period. Each teacher has a personal homework policy, which is addressed at Open House. Homework enhances children's learning. It may be used to reinforce or supplement classwork. Parents/Guardians should affirm the importance of homework by providing a special time and place at home for completing homework assignments.

When a child is absent due to illness, homework assignments may be obtained by requesting that work be available for pick up in the Main Office, or it may be sent home with another child. Please call the Main Office at 858-3568 before 11:00 a.m. to request homework so that the teacher has time to prepare the assignments.

When a child is absent due to a family vacation, all missed assignments and classwork can be completed in a reasonable and timely manner. While away, please read to your child daily and review recent math concepts. You may also wish to have your child keep a journal of the trip.

Students are not permitted to attend after-school and evening activities when they have been absent during the school day or if they have been sent home due to illness.

LOST AND FOUND

                                

"Lost and Found" items are kept in the Staff Workroom next to the Main Office. To ensure that your child's belongings are identifiable, please label all personal items including lunch boxes and backpacks.

-8-

 

 

 

LUNCH INFORMATION

Children have the opportunity to buy a well-balanced and delicious hot or cold lunch at school. They are also welcome to bring a cold lunch from home. A monthly menu is sent home providing prices and nutritional information. It is suggested that you consider paying for your child's lunches, twenty at a time. Please make checks payable to "Commack UFSD #10," and clearly label the envelope "Cafeteria."

If a child charges or the pre-paid card runs out, the cafeteria staff will give the child a written reminder. Children are expected to repay the lunch money loan the next day. Parents are encouraged to keep cafeteria payments current.

Our District participates in government-funded programs and provides free or reduced priced food services to qualifying students.  Please contact our School Nurse for details regarding this program (858-3573z0.

Please review the cafeteria selections with your child each morning.

 

Each class has a brief snack period each day. We encourage students to enjoy nutritious snacks.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Children who purchase lunch at school still need to bring a snack from home on a daily basis.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

 

 

CLASSROOM CURRICULUM

The curriculum implemented at Rolling Hills

adheres to the New York State Learning Standards.

Curriculum guides for each grade are distributed at

Open House. The philosophy of our academic program

is that learning takes place best when facts are presented

in meaningful context.

Thematic units using a hands-on approach, integrate language arts, social studies, science, math, art, music, and physical education activities so that our children understand the intricate connections to the world around them.

 

 

SPECIAL AREA ROUTINES

Weekly instruction is provided by the Art Teacher, who guides children as they explore and use art materials. The work of our students is displayed throughout the school and often at sites in the District and in the community.

-9-

 

 

COMPUTER LAB

The children attend the Computer Lab once a week. Computer

skills are taught while children use educational software that is integrated

with the curriculum. In addition, each classroom has several computers on

hand for the students to use on a regular basis, at each grade level.

LIBRARY

 

 

Students receive weekly library instruction and are assisted in choosing

appropriate books. Children are provided with an opportunity to work on pro-

jects and reports throughout the school year in the library. They are responsible

for the care and safe return of all library materials. Children are encouraged to

borrow and return books frequently and may do so during their assigned circula-

tion time. Payment is expected for lost or damaged materials. Please note that as

per District policy, report cards will be held by the school until all outstanding

books and/or fines are received.

Parents may donate new books to the library in honor of their child or for recognition of a special event. Please contact the school librarian for additional information.

 

 

MUSIC

In addition to classroom music, children participate in musical

activities once a week under the direction of the music teacher.

Annual music concerts are held in the spring for each grade level. Music is an

integral component of the school program.

 

Children are provided with two periods of physical education each week. The Physical Education curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive, progressive, interdisciplinary Physical Education program. The students are involved in activities with: small equipment (bean bags, jump ropes, and scooters) and tumbling, gymnastics, dance, and organized sports during the year.

Appropriate attire, loose-fitting clothing, such as sweatshirts and sweatpants is suggested for safety reasons. Sneakers are required, and jewelry should not be worn during the physical education class.

 

 

SCIENCE LAB

Children attend the Science Lab once each week.

The children have the opportunity to perform hands-on experiments

which compliment the Science curriculum. Science instruction continues in the classroom.

-10-

Rolling Hills provides small group educational support services which include:

          Early Intervention Services for Kindergarten

The Instructional Support Team at Rolling Hills consists of the Principal, Psychologist, Special Education Teacher, Reading Teachers, Speech/Language Pathologist, School Nurse, Social Worker and Classroom Teachers.

The Team meets on a regular basis to discuss ways to meet the needs of children who may require individualized psychological, social, physical or academic support services.

In addition to the Team members, the teacher of English Language Learners (ELL) is available to meet the long or short-term needs of designated students.

If the Instructional Support Team believes that a full-scale battery of tests is warranted, parents will be notified. The purpose of testing is to assess progress and recommend services if needed. Test results may be used to develop an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for the child.

-11-

The PTA offers a variety of activities in After-school Workshops for a nominal fee. Workshops meet once a week for six weeks in the spring. Information about registration and classes will be sent home several weeks before the workshops begin.

Theatrical groups, dance companies, musicians, authors and artists educate and entertain our children through our Arts-in-Education program. These presentations supplement and enrich the school's curriculum. Parents are welcome to attend school-wide Arts-in-Education assemblies. These events are listed in the Rolling Hills Highlights, available for your review on our school website.

 

 

 

Traditional backpacks are used by most students to aid them in carrying their supplies to and from school each day. At the primary level, backpacks on wheels, and umbrellas are not acceptable since they are cumbersome and can be dangerous to the children while they are walking, and while they are on the bus.

 

 

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

A monthly birthday bulletin board is

maintained by the PTA in the school entrance hallway.

Children may celebrate birthdays in their classrooms with a modest-sized snack.

 Please do not send in drinks, party favors or "goody bags." Please contact your classroom teacher ahead of time to make the necessary arrangements and to determine any special needs, i.e.: food allergies. Please note that elaborate classroom birthday celebrations are not permitted as they compromise classroom instructional time.

-12-

Should your child wish to have a party outside of school, invitations and thank you notes may be given out in school:

In honor of your child's birthday or any special occasion, you may donate a hardcover book to the school library. A book plate will be placed in the book indicating the honoree, the occasion and the date.

At the beginning of the school year, notices are sent home asking for Class Parent Volunteers. The Principal will select the Class Parents through a lottery drawing from these submitted names. Parents who have not been Rolling Hills Class Parents the previous year will have priority.

RESPONSIBILITIES - A Class Parent:

1. Collect PTA membership dues at Open House.

2. Collect money and make preparations for class parties.

3. Assist the classroom teacher, as a chaperon, on some field trips.

4. Notify families in the event of an emergency.

5. Secure parent volunteers for PTA events.

6. Host a "Class Tea" (Kindergarten parents only) for parents in your class, by mid-October, either at your home or at Rolling Hills.

The Rolling Hills Primary School observes American Education Week in November with visitations by parents to their child's classroom to observe a typical lesson. Parents may also be invited to visit a special area class with their child’s class.

The annual "Partners in Reading" program is

sponsored by the Rolling Hills PTA and is coordinated by PTA

volunteers and the Rolling Hills Reading Teachers and the Librarian.

-13-

The Partners in Reading program is designed to encourage parents and children to become partners in reading, to experience the joy of reading books and to improve reading skills.

The program is offered in the fall and again in the spring. A packet of materials is sent home at each time. Parents/adults participate by reading to their children each day.

PTA

PTA meetings are usually scheduled once each month on Monday, in the Cafeteria at 7:15 p.m., or 9:45 a.m. Please refer to the dates listed on the school calendar and the Principal’s Newsletter. The PTA President for the 2007/08 school year is C. Kramer(486-8087).

At the first meeting of the school year, a PTA Executive Board Member list is distributed with the names of all Committee Chairpersons and their phone numbers. Please contact the Chairpersons if you have questions or to volunteer your time. Volunteers are always welcome and are needed to make PTA functions successful. If you are interested in chairing a committee, contact the current PTA President.

A bulletin board near the main entrance lists upcoming school and PTA events.

 

The Quill Club provides an opportunity for all second grade students to write and illustrate their own books. These books first become part of the Rolling Hills Library collection and are returned to students at Mandracchia-Sawmill Intermediate School.

The second grade teachers begin the program in the fall, instructing the students in the writing process and creating original compositions. In addition, our Librarian, Art teacher and our teachers assist the students in the editing process and with the illustrations. At the end of the school year, an Author's Tea is held so that the students can share their stories with their schoolmates and families.

ROLLING HILLS MASTERPIECES

The school newspaper, The Rolling Hills Masterpieces, is published twice a year by the PTA. This is a literary magazine comprised of articles that our student authors submit for publication. All entries should be placed in the Rolling Hills Masterpieces mailbox in the Main Office.

-14-

                        

 

The Rolling Hills School-Based Management Team (SBMT) includes the following members:

1 - Principal

1 - Commack Teachers' Association Chief Union Representative

1 - Support Staff Representative

4 - Teacher Representatives

3 - Parent Representatives

Selection/election of the School-Based Management Team members is made by the constituent groups they represent.

Meetings are usually held once a month and decisions are listed in the Principal’s Newsletter, stated at the PTA meetings, and are available in the Main Office. Any written correspondence to the Committee should be placed in the SBMT mailbox located in the Main Office.

 

BOY SCOUTS

In first grade, a boy may begin scouting as a Tiger Cub. Tiger Cub Dens are made up of a small group of boys and their adult partner. They usually meet twice a month. Information regarding registration may be available in the Main Office.

When a boy enters second grade, he may become a Cub Scout. Dens are formed with volunteer Den Leader(s). They usually meet every other week to work on achievements. Each month the Dens gather at Pack Night where awards are handed out and various activities take place.

In kindergarten, a girl may begin scouting as a Daisy. Troops are formed with volunteer Girl Scout Leaders. They usually meet every other week, beginning in January, to participate in games, sports, crafts and other exciting events.

First and second graders may become Brownies. Volunteer Girl Scout Leader(s) and troops usually meet every other week to work on achievements. Monthly activities and field trips are scheduled during the school year.

-15-

 

 

SCHOOL STORE

The School Store offers students the opportunity to

purchase school supplies and various novelty items. It is

run by PTA volunteers who escort students to and from the store during their recreation time. The PTA notifies parents and students of the schedule.

FIELD DAY

 

During Field Day, the students are involved in many activities that they have learned in Physical Education class, and support cooperation and physical fitness. Lunch is provided by the PTA. Parents/guardians and guests are invited to attend the closing ceremonies. This is truly a fun day for all!

Every pre-school child known to reside in the Rolling Hills geographic zone is screened prior to entering school. This is required by New York State law. The screening takes place at the school in the spring prior to fall admission. The screening program is designed to alert parents and staff to special needs, and to inform parents about the special programs that are available. This same procedure is followed in every primary school in the Commack School District.

Group academic and cognitive abilities testing is conducted for students in second grade. Please refer to the District Calendar for testing dates.

-16-

 

STAR PROGRAM

The Rolling Hills STAR program is an adaptation of a personal responsibility program developed by the Thomas Jefferson Center. STAR is an acronym for Success Through Accepting Responsibility. This program is based on the concept that personal responsibility can be developed by systematically teaching the words, concepts and skills related to responsible behavior. The program stresses: courtesy, compassion, responsibility, respect, attaining pride, honesty, endurance, accountability, tolerance and friendship.  These attributes are also consistent with the traits described in the Commack District Character Education program.

Every month, a different value will be highlighted and emphasized at school.  Each student at Rolling Hills is honored as a STAR during the school year. Parents are asked to submit three sentences describing their child's unique qualities as they related to the value indicated that month.. This description, together with the child's photo, will be placed on the bulletin board, across from the Main Office, for a week following the presentation at the Gathering.

Volunteers provide enrichment for our educational program, as well as service to our young children. The experience is quite rewarding for both the volunteers and the children. First hand involvement with our children and teachers is the number one way to get to know us better. Parents are most welcome to volunteer their time for the following types of activities:

- classroom helpers (except their child’s grade level)

- special events

- library, art room

- Quill Club

- PTA committees

Please join us!

Please review the following schedules that may need to be put in place due to inclement weather conditions:

Early Dismissal - Early closing procedures will be put into effect when it appears to be the safest way to get students home.  The Superintendent of Schools makes this decision, usually before noon.  Each student will go to the home that you indicated on the Early Dismissal card.  Please contact your child's teacher, immediately, if there is a change in the information you provided at the beginning of the school year.

Delayed Opening - A delayed opening procedure will be put into effect when it appears that school can open safely one or two hours later than the regularly scheduled time.  Please note that on a day that we delay our opening, the lunch program and the dismissal time follow the usual schedule.

-17-

The Commack School District website provides the residents of our community with a wealth of information regarding District policies and procedures, important telephone numbers, technology information, a calendar of events and the District newsletter, the Commack Courier.

Additionally, the website contains web pages for each of its schools within the district. Be sure to visit the Rolling Hills’ web page which highlights information regarding our school’s programs and events. Our web page also contains monthly updates of the Principal’s Newsletter, Rolling Hills Highlights, the PTA’s Newsletter,, as well as current Rolling Hills "Happenings."

The Commack School District website is: www.commack.k12.ny.us

                   

-18-

Board of Education 2007-08

Building Administration

Rolling Hills School-Based Management Team

Handbook Revised September 2007