Attendance

Good attendance contributes to success in school. Parents have the responsibility to see that children get to school on time. Parents must send a written excuse when a child is late or absent. A doctor's note is required for repeated absences because of illness. The homeroom teacher takes attendance during the AM and PM homeroom periods. Students must be in the period one class for attendance credit. It is the student's responsibility to complete all assignments in the event of absence(s). Cutting any class is considered an absence.

School Hours

Students are expected in school by 8:20 A.M. They remain until dismissal at 2:40 P.M. They are not permitted to leave school during the day. If absolutely necessary, they will be released only if the parent comes for the child in person. Parents must report to the Main Office to sign their child out. Telephone requests for early dismissal cannot be honored. Students who arrive to school early may enter the building and will be directed to the auditorium where they will be seated and supervised. NOTE: The schoolyard is not supervised before and after official school hours.

School Uniform

By resolution of the P.T.A. (1989-1990), it was decided that all students are required to wear a school uniform each day for the 1990-1991 school year and thereafter. Jeans are PROHIBITED for both boys and girls. Girls wearing jeans or pants with their skirts is not appropriate attire. Students may not change out of uniform before leaving for the day. Jewelry should be worn with caution to avoid being a potential victim of a crime. Special dress days are rare. A notice of a change will be given out in advance of the day.

Emergency/Storm Closings

The Chancellor will make the citywide decision to close or delay the opening of schools during stormy weather. This decision will be made as early as possible prior to 6:00 A.M. on the affected day. Staff (parent and students) are advised to listen to information broadcast by any of the following radio stations: WINS (1010 AM), WCBS (880 AM), WLIB (1190 AM), WBLS (107.5 FM), WXLX (620 AM), as well as "NY 1" (Channel 1 on cable television), and WNYE-TV (Channel 25 on television). In the case of a delayed school opening, the Chancellor will announce a two-hour delayed opening citywide. Since our regular session is 8:40 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., the delayed opening session would be 10:40 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. In all instances of a Chancellor approved an authorized delayed school opening all field trips will be canceled. All school staff personnel have the responsibility and obligation to report to work as early as possible but not later than the later starting time on a day with a delayed opening. Additional information may be obtained from the New York City Department of Education Website: http://schools.nyc.gov/.

Breakfast

The school maintains a breakfast program. Students may participate in the program. Breakfast is available from 7:30 until 8:17 A.M. in the school lunchroom. After 8:30 breakfast cannot be served. Please note that students are not permitted to bring food in from the outside for breakfast. After students have eaten breakfast they must report to the auditorium and remain there until they are dismissed to first period classes.

Lunch

Students may bring lunch from home or purchase a school lunch. Applications for lunch privileges will be sent home early in September. All students will remain in school for lunch. Students will eat one of these periods in the lunchroom: 4, 5 or 6. No gum, candy or glass bottles are allowed in the building. Food must be eaten in the cafeteria. LUNCH FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL even if your child does not eat school lunch.

Bathroom Privileges

Students are permitted to use the bathrooms located on the first floor. Students are encouraged to use them during their designated lunch period as well as dismissal at 2:50 P.M. and arrival from 7:30-8:20 A.M.

Transportation

Our school can be reached by public transportation. The "M" line stops at Knickerbocker Avenue. The Myrtle Avenue B-54 and the Wilson Avenue B-60 buses stop near the school. Grade five and six children who live one mile or more from the school are eligible for Metro Cards. Grade seven and eight children must live 1½ or more miles from school. Eligibility is established by the Bureau of Pupil Transportation. The school does not make these decisions. Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced immediately. Students must therefore guard them carefully. There is a 30-day waiting period for replacements. Parents are asked to review appropriate behavior by their children while on public transportation. Disruptive behavior may result in confiscation of Metro Cards.

Health

All children entering school in September are required by New York State Law to show proof of having had the following immunizations:

• Diphtheria-Tetanus - 3 injections
• Polio (Sabin-oral) 3 doses/1 booster
• Measles
• Rubella (German Measles)
• Mumps
• Tine Test (tuberculosis)
• Hepatitis B

The school must be advised by the parent of any existing chronic health problem for their child.

Fire and Shelter Drills

Fire drills are held to insure the safety of everyone in case of a fire.
A fire/shelter drill is a silent procedure. There is no talking during the drill.
Follow directions from your classroom teacher for dismissal.
Fire/shelter drills may take place at any time and students must respond immediately so that the safe evacuation of the building may take place.

Emergency Home Contact Cards

These are distributed during the first week of school and must be returned immediately. Please fill out all of the information including appropriate telephone number in the event this information is required for an emergency. Notify the school if your card needs to be updated.

Communication with the School

Principal: Our principal is always happy to see parents. However, since she is a very busy person, please phone for an appointment (718) 574-0390. Working parents may request an early morning or after 3:40 P.M. appointment. Assistant Principals and Guidance Counselors may be reached by telephone.

Parent Coordinator: Our Parent Coordinator is charged with increasing parental and community involvement by creating a welcoming school environment and to serve as an ombudsman and facilitator for parents concerns and issues. He can be reached at (718) 574-2785.

Teachers: This is best done by requesting an appointment in writing before visiting the school. The teacher will then be able to see you at a time convenient to both parties.

CARE OF STUDENT/SCHOOL PROPERTY

Books: These must be covered. Books that are lost, stolen or damaged must be paid for in full by the parents.

Musical Instruments: This equipment is made available for loan to students who are taking the instrumental music courses. Students given this opportunity must return a parental responsibility/consent form to the instrumental music teachers.

Lockers: Students are provided with lockers. Each parent provides the lock needed. A sturdy combination lock is recommended and is available for purchase through the school. Students may go to their lockers only during designated times. They are not permitted to visit their lockers at any other time of the day.

NOTE: Students who have not returned school equipment and books by the end of the school year will not be given their final report card, diploma, etc.

FOR STUDENTS

• You are expected to be in your period one class by 8:20 A.M. every school day. If you are absent, a note is required from your parent upon your return to school.
• Be prepared at all times. You are required to take your books home and bring them covered to school each day. It is your responsibility to provide notebooks, pens and pencils.
• You must be in official school uniform every day. A neat, clean appearance is important.
• You are responsible for the textbooks you receive. Lost textbooks must be paid for.
• You are expected to do you best, ALWAYS.
• You may receive travel passes if you live a certain distance from school. You are expected to keep these passes safe, especially since you cannot receive another until 30 days after losing the pass.
• Remember that you are required to maintain your academic standing. Two or more failures may result in dismissal from this school at the end of the school year. Eighth grade students with one or more failure risk non-promotion to high school.
• Items which should not be brought to school include: weapons or items which might be construed as weapons, expensive jewelry, electronic equipment (beepers, games) bats, handballs, softballs, footballs, expensive jackets and sneakers. Cell phones may be brought to school with special permission. See "Discipline Code".

FOR PARENTS

• We count on your support. With your help, we can do a great deal.
• A school is as strong as its P.T.A. Join the P.T.A. of Philippa Schuyler and give us a strong, active voice. Room 111 has been set-aside for parents.
• P.T.A. meetings are held I the school auditorium on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 A.M.
• The school's facilities are many and varied. Students are programmed so that they have the opportunity to develop their individual interests and talents. All students are programmed individually.
• Report cards are issued four times each year.
• Textbooks are issued for most subjects and they should be kept covered and clean.
• We can always use your help as volunteers. Join our Parent Volunteer Group.
• You are always welcome to visit I.S. 383 to discuss problems and to see us at work. Visitors must sign in at the front desk-I.D. is required. Then go to the main office to obtain a pass.
• The school telephone number is: (718) 574-0390.
• Trips for students are subject to final approval by the principal. Students must be in good academic standing to be selected for any trip.
• To see a teacher, make an appointment in advance.