Student Handbook

This handbook contains important information to help you succeed at Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 109. Students are responsible for knowing the content of the handbook, including the procedures and policies it contains.

Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 109 provides accessible, high quality, future-oriented education and community service through a variety of academically rigorous classes. We serve the diverse needs of all learners and employers in the ever-changing local, regional, and global economy. In an atmosphere of free inquiry and technological innovation, we deliver quality instruction, programs, and activities that give students transferable education and skills, and personal social enrichment. When students graduate from Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 109, they will have had enriching experiences that encourage lifelong learning.

Additional NYCDOE expectations, policies, procedures and regulations for all NYC public school students and staff can be found in the Chancellors’ Code of Discipline book and the Chancellor’s Regulations.

The main office is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday during the school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office. The number is 718-465-0651. All visitors must check in at the front desk with photo identification prior to entering the main office. Please note without identification your child will not be released.

Students may enter the building beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the free breakfast program. There will be faculty personnel on duty between 7:30 - 8:00 a.m., to supervise all students. In case of inclement weather, students should precede to their appropriate grade areas 6^th -auditorium 7^{th -} boys gym and 8^thcafeteria. Students should arrive at school by 7:45 to have time to organize themselves if they are not a part of the breakfast program. Classes start promptly at 8:00 a.m. If you arrive late to school you get a late pass by checking in with the attendance teacher before going to class. Repeated lateness to school is an inhibition for the student and an inconvenience to all. A record of lateness will appear on each to the four quarter report card. Classes for grades 6-8 end at 2:45 p.m.

Except for emergencies, your child will not be able to call you during the school day. If you

wish to speak with your child's teacher or staff member, please call the school at 718-465-0651.

All students will have a Homeroom teacher that will take attendance in the morning.

Students who feel ill or need medical attention will be sent to the nurses office only after their

teacher, has contacted the nurse. Only our nurse can dispense medicine. If prescription or non-prescription medication must be brought to school, such medication must be taken to the school nurse in original containers. The school nurse will hold the medication and dispense it as prescribed. If further medical attention is required, the nurse will contact you. A student may not carry any medication during school or during school trips. Some medicines will require the completion and submission of a 504 form.

If a student is ill, injured or has an appointment which cannot be scheduled at another time, he

or she will be excused. If your child is absent, please call the Attendance Office at extension 215 between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. To insure the safety of all Middle School students, if your child is absent and the school has not been informed, then the parent will be alert via phone master service/DOE

A note from parents is required and must be presented to grade assistant principal prior to the planned absence indicating the date of the absence and the reason. Students without a note who miss quizzes or examinations, or who fail to submit assigned work because of a voluntary absence

may receive no credit. Teachers will provide makeup examinations if they have been consulted

ahead of time. Our policy requires that all students be in school on ALL calendar days, which include those days immediately preceding and immediately following a vacation period. Frequently, before a

vacation period, requests are received asking to excuse students a day or two early, or to extend

their vacation a few days. We really do not like to grant these requests. Our vacations are

Adolescence is a time when children take risks and seek challenges. Some of these challenges

and risks are not appropriate and need to be corrected. All adolescents make errors in judgment

and, as long as they have learned from their errors, then growth has occurred. In addition, all

children expect consequences and need to be corrected for actions that are inappropriate.

Timely evacuation of the building would be crucial in the event of a fire or other emergency. Practice is required to ensure everyone in the building is safe in the event of an emergency.

Students should be familiar with the exit route for emergency evacuation of their classrooms. These are posted in the classroom. In the event of an emergency or drill, it is the student’s responsibility to move quickly, and quietly and in an orderly manner through the assigned exit to the assigned evacuation area. Students are NOT to go to their lockers, homerooms, get a drink, or go to the restrooms, or talk/play around during an evacuation.

Any student not cooperating with evacuation procedures will be subject to disciplinary action.

The Parents’ Resource Center of IS109 has many programs parents can participate in throughout the school year. The following is a list of programs parents can register for in September 2008:

The School Leadership Team is the decision-making group that decides what will be done to improve the school and how the school’s money will be spent. This means that the team makes decisions in such areas as curriculum, instructional programs, staff development and parent involvement. The SLT generally meets once a week. At the end of the school year parents can receive a stipend of up to $300.00 just for participating on the team.

The Parents’ Association provides support and resources to the school for the benefit and educational growth of children. As a member you can help organize special events and activities for parents. PA members foster and encourage parent participation on all levels, and provide opportunities and training for parents to participate in school governance.

Parents can volunteer to work in the library, nurse office, cafeteria, or in the administrative offices. The hours are flexible. Volunteers can choose their own schedule. The benefit of this program is that parents have the opportunity to work in several departments, learn various skills, and work with many of our staff.

Parents Empowering Students Today is a new program developed to assist IS109 staff to keep order in and around our school building. Parents are recruited and trained on school safety procedures. Parents who commit 6 hours of volunteer service a week will be given a jacket, a t-shirt, and a walkie talkie. All parents can apply for this program.

Note from the Chancellor to Parents: How The DOE Will Communicate Information in the Event of an Emergency

(Posted 12/09/04)

School safety is a key focus of Children First reforms. The New York City Department of Education is committed to establishing safe and secure learning environments for all of our students. In each school, the principal and staff are reviewing, updating and enforcing their School Safety Plans, and they have made provisions to protect all students in the event of emergency situations.

We recognize that during such times, obtaining information about your children and your children's schools is important to you. To this end, in the event of an emergency, we will make information for students and parents available as quickly as possible in the "News and Information" section of the home page of the Department of Education's website at http://schools.nyc.gov/.

The information will also be available on the City's 311 Government Services and Information phone line (accessible by dialing 311 from any phone in the five boroughs, or by dialing 212-NEW-YORK from outside of the five boroughs).

These communications mechanisms will provide you with up-to-date information about your children and their schools throughout the course of an emergency. They will be used when a school building is evacuated during the school day and students are not expected to return to the building before the end of the school day, so that you will know where to find your child. They will also be used when one or more schools are to be closed at the start of the school day due to weather or another unusual circumstance in which you were not given prior notice of the closing. I want all of our schools to provide students with safe and secure learning environments so that all children are provided with new and wonderful educational experiences.

Statement of Philosophy

In a sense, everything that happens to an individual is educational. From experience one learns something new or reinforces old learning. In the final analysis the school succeeds only if it has given each student the tools for learning. The self-educating individual is the ultimate goal of good education and homework should contribute to this goal.

Purposes

An Effective Homework Assignment May Have One, or Several, or All of These Purposes

Ø helps students to organize their time for self-education that can be carried into adult life

Ø builds upon and advances basic learning skills and tools of learning taught in school

Some Practical Implications of the Philosophy and Purposes

Simply “making up” the regular assignments often imposes impossible or unreasonable burdens on the student. A few assignments, carefully tailored to individual needs and carefully completed, are of greater value than many assignments inappropriate to the case and poorly executed.

Ø in work which has already been learned but which needs practice for efficient use, e.g., study of multiplication facts.

Ø in work the student needs as an individual (i.e., they are neither busy work or punishment)

The amount of homework assigned should take into account the child’s age and the needs of growing children, such as outdoor play and exercise, social and family recreation, and pursuit of hobbies, etc.

In grades 6, 7, and 8 homework is usually assigned Monday through Friday. The assignment is as follows:

We also encourage children to read for approximately 40-45 minutes each evening.

Every effort should be made to ensure that assignments are clearly understood by students and that the skills necessary to complete the assignment are learned in school. It is equally important that students understand the purpose of the assignment.

Parents’ Role: How Can You Help Your Child?

Ø Ask your child if she/he has homework and have them show you the homework assignment book

Ø Provide a comfortable, quiet place with adequate light where the child can work without interruption or distraction(not his/her bed and/or resting place)

Ø Plan other family activities “around the homework” so that the child can complete assignments on time

Ø Help your child to budget time so that homework is not an unreasonable burden-this is particularly true when there is a long-term assignment

Ø Evaluate the load of out-of-school activities so that your child will not suffer the pressures of over-organized living

Ø If your child needs some help, be patient. Review the directions with your child. If it seems appropriate, offer an example. DO NOT DO the work for your child

Ø If something doesn’t seem right to you, check with the teacher. You and your child’s teacher are partners in learning . . . and partners work together.

Uniform Policy

Boys

Shirts Solid Yellow (6^th) Whites (7^th) Blue (8^th) Collared Shirts. Both button downs and Polo shirts are acceptable. (May be short or long sleeved.)

Sweaters White, Navy and Black solid colored sweaters may be worn over the dress code shirt during cold weather.

Shirts Solid Yellow (6^th) Whites (7^th) Blue (8^th) Collared Shirts. Both button downs and Polo shirts are acceptable. (May be short or long sleeved.)

Sweaters Whites, Navy and Black solid colored sweaters may be worn over the dress code shirt during cold weather.

All shirts must be long enough to be tucked into the student’s pants and/or skirt. All pants and skirts must be worn at your child’s waist. Any Jewelry other than stud earrings and a watch is discouraged.

Q109 About Us Overview Photo Album Policies & Regulations Schedules Statistics & Budget Maps & Directions News & Information Events Links News and Announcements Academics & Activities Athletics & Fitness ELA (English Language Arts) ESL (English as a Second Language) Mathematics Science Social Studies Technology Parents Parent Support Students Student Pages Student Support Educational Support Administration Admissions and Graduation Requirements Faculty Food Services Health Transportation Operations Custodial School Search School Name, Number, or Address Advanced Search	Student Handbook This handbook contains important information to help you succeed at Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 109. Students are responsible for knowing the content of the handbook, including the procedures and policies it contains. Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 109 provides accessible, high quality, future-oriented education and community service through a variety of academically rigorous classes. We serve the diverse needs of all learners and employers in the ever-changing local, regional, and global economy. In an atmosphere of free inquiry and technological innovation, we deliver quality instruction, programs, and activities that give students transferable education and skills, and personal social enrichment. When students graduate from Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 109, they will have had enriching experiences that encourage lifelong learning. Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 109 Expectations: Students are expected to: Arrive promptly to all classes with all necessary supplies (books, pens, pencils, notes, etc.) Complete all work by the specified date due. Abide by uniform code at all times. Assume responsibility for keeping the school clean by picking up after oneself, by seeing that others do not damage the building or property and by leaving other people's belongings alone. Be kind and considerate and avoid settling disagreements by force or with hurtful words. Respect teachers and classmates and the rights of others to learn, to participate and to work. Parents are expected to: Be supportive of the school, its programs and its teachers. Communicate with your child about school life. Monitor your child's progress through reports and conferences initiated by both parent and teacher. Provide a structured environment for your child to do homework. Monitor your child's punctuality, attendance and appearance. Support appropriate student behavior. Communicate any concerns to your child's teacher or guidance counselor. Teachers and staff are expected to: Treat everyone with respect. Be concerned with the progress of each child. Communicate with parents and students frequently regarding academic progress or problems. Enforce school policies fairly and consistently. Encourage academic excellence through excellence in teaching. Be a visible presence in the common areas of the building. Additional NYCDOE expectations, policies, procedures and regulations for all NYC public school students and staff can be found in the Chancellors’ Code of Discipline book and the Chancellor’s Regulations. GENERAL INFORMATION Main Office/Middle School Office The main office is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday during the school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office. The number is 718-465-0651. All visitors must check in at the front desk with photo identification prior to entering the main office. Please note without identification your child will not be released. School Hours Students may enter the building beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the free breakfast program. There will be faculty personnel on duty between 7:30 - 8:00 a.m., to supervise all students. In case of inclement weather, students should precede to their appropriate grade areas 6^th -auditorium 7^{th -} boys gym and 8^thcafeteria. Students should arrive at school by 7:45 to have time to organize themselves if they are not a part of the breakfast program. Classes start promptly at 8:00 a.m. If you arrive late to school you get a late pass by checking in with the attendance teacher before going to class. Repeated lateness to school is an inhibition for the student and an inconvenience to all. A record of lateness will appear on each to the four quarter report card. Classes for grades 6-8 end at 2:45 p.m. Telephone Calls Except for emergencies, your child will not be able to call you during the school day. If you wish to speak with your child's teacher or staff member, please call the school at 718-465-0651. Homeroom Teacher All students will have a Homeroom teacher that will take attendance in the morning. Grading System The grading policy is as followed for all classes and grades: Teacher Made Tests/In Class 25% Projects/Research/Essays 25% Homework 20% Classwork 25% Citizenship (uniforms, tardiness to class, etc.) 5% 100% Student Health Students who feel ill or need medical attention will be sent to the nurses office only after their teacher, has contacted the nurse. Only our nurse can dispense medicine. If prescription or non-prescription medication must be brought to school, such medication must be taken to the school nurse in original containers. The school nurse will hold the medication and dispense it as prescribed. If further medical attention is required, the nurse will contact you. A student may not carry any medication during school or during school trips. Some medicines will require the completion and submission of a 504 form. ATTENDANCE Involuntary Absences If a student is ill, injured or has an appointment which cannot be scheduled at another time, he or she will be excused. If your child is absent, please call the Attendance Office at extension 215 between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. To insure the safety of all Middle School students, if your child is absent and the school has not been informed, then the parent will be alert via phone master service/DOE Voluntary Absences A note from parents is required and must be presented to grade assistant principal prior to the planned absence indicating the date of the absence and the reason. Students without a note who miss quizzes or examinations, or who fail to submit assigned work because of a voluntary absence may receive no credit. Teachers will provide makeup examinations if they have been consulted ahead of time. Our policy requires that all students be in school on ALL calendar days, which include those days immediately preceding and immediately following a vacation period. Frequently, before a vacation period, requests are received asking to excuse students a day or two early, or to extend their vacation a few days. We really do not like to grant these requests. Our vacations are sufficiently long and no extensions should be necessary. DISCIPLINE 6^th- 8^th Grade Detentions Adolescence is a time when children take risks and seek challenges. Some of these challenges and risks are not appropriate and need to be corrected. All adolescents make errors in judgment and, as long as they have learned from their errors, then growth has occurred. In addition, all children expect consequences and need to be corrected for actions that are inappropriate. Dentention will be held during the day in our S.A.V.E room Grounds for Detention: 1. Disrespect 2. Tardiness 3. Physical contact 4. Inappropriate behaviors (Chancellors Code of Discipline) 5. Violations of Dress code *FIRE DRILLS AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION* Timely evacuation of the building would be crucial in the event of a fire or other emergency. Practice is required to ensure everyone in the building is safe in the event of an emergency. Students should be familiar with the exit route for emergency evacuation of their classrooms. These are posted in the classroom. In the event of an emergency or drill, it is the student’s responsibility to move quickly, and quietly and in an orderly manner through the assigned exit to the assigned evacuation area. Students are NOT to go to their lockers, homerooms, get a drink, or go to the restrooms, or talk/play around during an evacuation. Any student not cooperating with evacuation procedures will be subject to disciplinary action. 6^th Grade Evacuation Site P.S. 033 Edward M. Funk Erich Wagner, Principal 91-37 222 STREET, QUEENS, NY 11428 Phone: 718-465-6283 7^th Grade Evacuation Site P.S. 135 The Bellaire School George Hadjoglou, Principal 207-11 89 AVENUE, QUEENS, NY 11427 Phone: 718-464-2119 8^th Grade Evacuation Site P.S. 034 John Harvard Pauline Shakespeare, Principal 104-12 SPRINGFIELD BOULEVARD, QUEENS, NY 11429 Phone: 718-465-6818 District 29 Family Advocate Phone: Mr. Ron Barfield 222-14 Jamaica Avenue, Rm 217 Queens Village, NY 11428 * 718-264-3146 ext. 2172 * 718-341-8280 x 1120 Administrative Team Ms. Pate-Alexander, Principal 347-277-7452 Ms. Dorsaint, Assistant Principal 6^th grade 347-558-3596 Ms. Naraine, Assistant Principal 8th grade 917-331-9069 Ms. Comrie, Assistant Principal 7^th grade 347-558-3645 Ms. Jones, Math and Testing Assistant Principal 347-334-1880 Ms. K. Williams, Assistant Principal Spec. Education 347-558-3758 *Parents’ Resource Room* The Parents’ Resource Center of IS109 has many programs parents can participate in throughout the school year. The following is a list of programs parents can register for in September 2008: School Leadership Team (SLT) The School Leadership Team is the decision-making group that decides what will be done to improve the school and how the school’s money will be spent. This means that the team makes decisions in such areas as curriculum, instructional programs, staff development and parent involvement. The SLT generally meets once a week. At the end of the school year parents can receive a stipend of up to $300.00 just for participating on the team. Parents’ Association (PA) The Parents’ Association provides support and resources to the school for the benefit and educational growth of children. As a member you can help organize special events and activities for parents. PA members foster and encourage parent participation on all levels, and provide opportunities and training for parents to participate in school governance. Volunteer Program Parents can volunteer to work in the library, nurse office, cafeteria, or in the administrative offices. The hours are flexible. Volunteers can choose their own schedule. The benefit of this program is that parents have the opportunity to work in several departments, learn various skills, and work with many of our staff. (P.E.S.T) Parents Empowering Students Today is a new program developed to assist IS109 staff to keep order in and around our school building. Parents are recruited and trained on school safety procedures. Parents who commit 6 hours of volunteer service a week will be given a jacket, a t-shirt, and a walkie talkie. All parents can apply for this program. Note from the Chancellor to Parents: How The DOE Will Communicate Information in the Event of an Emergency (Posted 12/09/04) Dear Parents: School safety is a key focus of Children First reforms. The New York City Department of Education is committed to establishing safe and secure learning environments for all of our students. In each school, the principal and staff are reviewing, updating and enforcing their School Safety Plans, and they have made provisions to protect all students in the event of emergency situations. We recognize that during such times, obtaining information about your children and your children's schools is important to you. To this end, in the event of an emergency, we will make information for students and parents available as quickly as possible in the "News and Information" section of the home page of the Department of Education's website at http://schools.nyc.gov/. The information will also be available on the City's 311 Government Services and Information phone line (accessible by dialing 311 from any phone in the five boroughs, or by dialing 212-NEW-YORK from outside of the five boroughs). These communications mechanisms will provide you with up-to-date information about your children and their schools throughout the course of an emergency. They will be used when a school building is evacuated during the school day and students are not expected to return to the building before the end of the school day, so that you will know where to find your child. They will also be used when one or more schools are to be closed at the start of the school day due to weather or another unusual circumstance in which you were not given prior notice of the closing. I want all of our schools to provide students with safe and secure learning environments so that all children are provided with new and wonderful educational experiences. Sincerely, Joel I. Klein, Chancellor *HOMEWORK POLICY* Statement of Philosophy In a sense, everything that happens to an individual is educational. From experience one learns something new or reinforces old learning. In the final analysis the school succeeds only if it has given each student the tools for learning. The self-educating individual is the ultimate goal of good education and homework should contribute to this goal. Purposes *An Effective Homework Assignment May Have One, or Several, or All of These Purposes* Ø extends the school experience Ø opens up and helps students to use out-of-school resources Ø helps students to organize their time for self-education that can be carried into adult life Ø builds upon and advances basic learning skills and tools of learning taught in school Ø provides the opportunity to pursue individual interests Ø takes into account the specific needs of individual students Ø reinforces school learning Some Practical Implications of the Philosophy and Purposes Simply “making up” the regular assignments often imposes impossible or unreasonable burdens on the student. A few assignments, carefully tailored to individual needs and carefully completed, are of greater value than many assignments inappropriate to the case and poorly executed. *Practice and Drills Is Provided* Ø in work which has already been learned but which needs practice for efficient use, e.g., study of multiplication facts. Ø in work the student needs as an individual (i.e., they are neither busy work or punishment) Ø in reasonable amounts *Time Required For Homework* The amount of homework assigned should take into account the child’s age and the needs of growing children, such as outdoor play and exercise, social and family recreation, and pursuit of hobbies, etc. In grades 6, 7, and 8 homework is usually assigned Monday through Friday. The assignment is as follows: Ø Grade 6 approximately a minimum of 1½ hours Ø Grade 7 approximately a minimum of 2 hours Ø Grade 8 approximately a minimum of 2 hours We also encourage children to read for approximately 40-45 minutes each evening. Grading System The grading policy is as followed for all classes and grades: Teacher Made Tests/In Class 25% Projects/Research/Essays 25% Homework 20% Classwork 25% Citizenship (uniforms, tardiness to class, etc.) 5% 100% *Adjusting to Homework Skills* Every effort should be made to ensure that assignments are clearly understood by students and that the skills necessary to complete the assignment are learned in school. It is equally important that students understand the purpose of the assignment. Parents’ Role: How Can You Help Your Child? Ø Ask your child if she/he has homework and have them show you the homework assignment book Ø Provide a comfortable, quiet place with adequate light where the child can work without interruption or distraction(not his/her bed and/or resting place) Ø Plan other family activities “around the homework” so that the child can complete assignments on time Ø Help your child to budget time so that homework is not an unreasonable burden-this is particularly true when there is a long-term assignment Ø Evaluate the load of out-of-school activities so that your child will not suffer the pressures of over-organized living Ø If your child needs some help, be patient. Review the directions with your child. If it seems appropriate, offer an example. DO NOT DO the work for your child Ø If something doesn’t seem right to you, check with the teacher. You and your child’s teacher are partners in learning . . . and partners work together. Uniform Policy Boys Pants Black, or Navy colored pants. Pants must be belted on the waist. Shirts Solid Yellow (6^th) Whites (7^th) Blue (8^th) Collared Shirts. Both button downs and Polo shirts are acceptable. (May be short or long sleeved.) Sweaters White, Navy and Black solid colored sweaters may be worn over the dress code shirt during cold weather. Shoes Dark colored shoes, boots but no sneakers except for gym. *Girls* Skirts Black, Navy or Gray colored skirts, knee length or longer. Pants Black, Navy or Gray colored pants. Pants must be belted on the waist. Shirts Solid Yellow (6^th) Whites (7^th) Blue (8^th) Collared Shirts. Both button downs and Polo shirts are acceptable. (May be short or long sleeved.) Sweaters Whites, Navy and Black solid colored sweaters may be worn over the dress code shirt during cold weather. Shoes Dark colored shoes, boots but no sneakers except for gym. All shirts must be long enough to be tucked into the student’s pants and/or skirt. All pants and skirts must be worn at your child’s waist. Any Jewelry other than stud earrings and a watch is discouraged. *UNACCEPTABLE ATTIRE IS ANYTHING OUT OF THE DESIGNATED IS109 UNIFORM***

School Search

(Posted 12/09/04)

Statement of Philosophy

Purposes

Some Practical Implications of the Philosophy and Purposes

Parents’ Role: How Can You Help Your Child?

Uniform Policy

Boys