CHILD CUSTODY
The school division recognizes that issues related to the legal and physical custody of students are complicated and can impact the student's educational experience. Parents and legal guardians of students are strongly encouraged to stay involved with their student's academic progress. Unless a court order decrees otherwise, either parent or a legal guardian who is listed on the blue emergency contact card may view education records and attend school functions or school meetings regarding the student. Official notices and report cards will be sent to the parent or legal guardian with primary physical custody of the student during the school year. It is the responsibility of the parent or legal custodian with primary physical custody to provide current copies of court orders to the school. Child visitation and exchange of custody should not take place during school hours or on school property. The school division will assume no responsibility for enforcing visitation or custody orders and reserves the right to prohibit parents or legal guardians from entering school property if their conduct becomes disruptive to the school environment. Concerns regarding custody and visitation should be directed to the school principal.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
If you should move, the school must be notified immediately. Please submit proof of your new address to the Pupil Accounting secretary in the Main Office. Valid proof of address include any utility bill such as Con Edison or Key Span.
COMMUNICATION
Good communication between home and school regarding a child’s education is more than a “plus”, it is essential for the student to make the most of the opportunities provided. School communication starts with informational documents, progress reports, report cards, student work for parents to review and sign, continuous interaction including school messenger calls, parent-teacher conferences, and attending PTA meetings.
Communication may also include requests for conferences, initiated either by the teacher or the parent, and can be arranged for you by/with Judy Rea, the Parent Coordinator.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent teacher conferences are held twice yearly, once in the late fall, and again in late winter/early spring. Parents are given the opportunity to meet with their child’s teachers and are advised of their progress, as well as their needs.
Two hours of school time are devoted to the afternoon conferences. Students are dismissed from school early to allow for the two-hour afternoon conferences.
PHONE MASTER-SCHOOL MESSENGER SERVICE
Goddard Middle School uses a phone messenger service that enables important messages to be sent directly to the students’ home, with a scheduled phone call. This is yet another reason for your phone numbers to be current.
This system is also set up to inform the parent/guardian that the student was absent from school on that particular day and also any important dates and information parents should be aware of.
SCHOOL VISITORS
All visitors to MS 202 are required to present a photo ID card (e.g. Driver’s License, state issued ID card or passport) upon entry into the school building. Visitors must present their ID and be signed in by our security staff. Security officers will ask whom you are visiting, and the purpose of your visit. After sign-in, visitors are to go to the Main Office, and depending on the nature of your visit, a visitor’s pass may be issued to you. If you receive a visitor’s pass, you must return it to the office before you leave the building. No student visitors are permitted during the school day, unless accompanied by the parent.
TELEPHONE CALLS
If a parent needs to get in contact with their child during the school day, they may call Judy Rea, who will get the message to their child. Calls may also be made to the Main Office. If the child needs to contact their parent, they must obtain a pass to the Guidance office, where they may use the school phone.
EMERGENCY WEATHER CONDITIONS
AND SCHOOL CLOSING NOTIFICATION
When there is a snow storm, or other weather emergency, the NYC department of education will make an early decision regarding school closure or delayed opening. Most TV stations, including NY1, broadcast school closings. The information may also be obtain via the Department of Education website at http://schools.nyc.gov