Student Handbook

1. :Students are required by law to be in attendance every day that school is in session. A student’s attendance at school directly affects academic success and dropout rates later in a child’s school career.
2. If a student is ill, a parent should call each day and notify the office of the absence and reason. Call (716) 686-3235 anytime and leave a message with the office staff or on the school’s answering machine.
3. The Attendance Clerk will place a call to the home of any absent student if we do not receive a phone call.
4. Even though a phone call is made, a written excuse for the dates of absence is required upon the child’s return to school. This note should include the student’s full name, dates of absence, teacher, reason, and parent signature.
5. If no written excuse is received within five days, the absence is considered unexcused.
6. Parents should send a note stating the dates a student will miss school due to vacation at least one week in advance. This is an unexcused absence. The Attendance Clerk will issue a vacation letter.
7. As per Como Park Attendance Policy, class work/homework that is missed during a vacation will be made up when the student returns to school. Teachers will not be expected to provide work prior to vacation.
8. Advance notice of any lengthy absence is appreciated.
9. Students may NOT be dropped off before 9:20 a.m. There is no supervision for students before 9:20 a.m. 
10. Students are to be in their classrooms by 9:30 a.m. Students arriving at school tardy (after 9:30 a.m.) will need to be signed in at the office to get a pass to class.

According to the Lancaster Board of Education Attendance Procedures, if a child has excessive absences, the following procedures will be followed:

• The principal will be notified.
• A letter will be sent home identifying that there is a concern about absences and/or tardies.
• If appropriate, a referral will be made to Como Park School’s Multi-Tiered Support Team.

If further absences occur:

• A parent conference will be scheduled with the principal and/or school social worker.
• The principal, social worker, and/or the district SRO officer will visit the home.

All students in Lancaster are eligible for bus transportation. Students will be bused to and from the designated bus stop each day unless an Alternate Transportation Form has been submitted to the Transportation Department. This would be needed when a child requires before and/or after-school care at a location other than his/her own address.

Bus Behavior

Students receive instruction in bus safety each year. Students are required to follow the rules for bus behavior.

1. Students must remain seated at all times.
2. Students are to use “inside” voices.
3. When moving to the front of the bus, walk slowly.
4. Listen to the driver’s directions at all times.
5. Respect all other riders.
6. Absolutely no bullying behavior.

If the bus driver has spoken to a child about inappropriate behavior and the behavior continues, a Bus Conduct Form will be written and sent to the principal. The principal will take disciplinary action, which can include the following: lunch detention, phone call home, after-school detention, and/or suspension from the bus. Please help us keep the children safe by reminding your child of the school bus rules and supporting the transportation staff.

Students are prohibited from utilizing cell phones and/or smart devices during the school day. If your child must have one of these items due to your schedule or situation, please make sure your child understands that it MUST REMAIN IN HIS/HER BACKPACK during school hours.  

Watches that allow “messaging” and/or recording (SmartWatches, AppleWatches) must be in school mode during the school day.  If the watch does not have a school or safe mode, please keep it at home or IN THE BACKPACK.  The teacher reserves the right to have the student place the watch IN THE BACKPACK if it becomes a distraction in the classroom.  Please note that Como Park is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Changes in Dismissal Arrangements

If there is a change in dismissal arrangements for your child, please send a note in with your child on the morning of the day of the change, and your child will submit it to the teacher. We prefer that you send a note in rather than call the office. However, if you have to call the office, we ask that you do that as soon as you are aware of the change. Please avoid making calls close to dismissal time. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.

Early Dismissal (between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.)

Students requiring an early dismissal should bring a note stating the student’s full name, date, time, reason, name of person picking them up, and parent signature. These students will be included on a Daily Pickup List that is created in the Main Office. The early dismissal information will be noted on the student’s attendance record. Students having an early dismissal during the school day (before 3:30 p.m.) are signed out in the main office. Students will be called to the office. The adult picking the child up will be required to present a photo ID.

Dismissal of Students

Students being picked up by a parent or other adult at dismissal should submit a note including the student’s full name, teacher, by whom and day/days child will be picked up. The student’s name will be added to the Daily Pickup List.

Students being picked up are dismissed at 3:50 p.m. The person picking the child up should report to the front of the school outside.  You will be asked for the number that has been assigned to your child.  If you do not have a number yet, one will be assigned to you. The adult picking the child up must have photo ID.

Our teachers play an integral part in placing children. Grade-level meetings take place to discuss the best educational setting for each child. We examine academic factors, social skills, physical requirements, class make-up, and parent concerns.

It is important to get input from parents who would like to share information about their child’s learning. Parents will be invited to complete a Parent Input Sheet in the spring. Please refrain from requesting a specific teacher by name. We believe all teachers have strengths, and children benefit from
exposure to many different teaching styles and personalities.

DASA means Dignity for All Students Act. The goal of DASA is to provide public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, on a school bus, or at a school function.

For more information about DASA, see page 2 of the LCSD Code of Conduct. Como Park Elementary School’s administration and faculty take great pride in providing its students with an inviting, positive environment. The students’ behavior plays an important role in maintaining a positive atmosphere.

At Como Park Elementary School students should:

1. Be respectful.
2. Demonstrate responsibility by completing work neatly and in a timely fashion.
3. Follow classroom, cafeteria, gymnasium, and library rules.
4. Walk to and from classes.
5. Take pride in our school by keeping it clean, orderly, and in good condition.
6. Speak politely while using proper manners.
7. Lastly, put forth their best effort in all areas.

On occasion, it may be necessary for a teacher/staff member to request that a student who has misbehaved see the building principal. The following steps are possible consequences for inappropriate behavior:

• Visit with Building Administrator
• Call placed to Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
• Conference with Parent(s)
• Lunch detention
• Suspension from activities (privileges)
• After-School Detention
• Bus suspension
• Suspension (in or out of school)
• Visit with school social worker

On occasion, the building administrator may be out of the building during the school day. There will be a well-experienced and pre-trained staff member in charge. This staff member will follow the same discipline steps and document the information for the building administrator’s return.

For more information about the Code of Conduct, see LCSD Code of Conduct under the heading Student Conduct.

The dress code for Como Park Elementary School is one of practicality and in compliance with Lancaster Central School District Code of Conduct. Students should be appropriately dressed for the school day and weather conditions.

A student’s dress and appearance shall:

• Not create a distraction that interferes with the educational process.
• Be appropriate (no short shorts, low hanging jeans, or no bare midriffs).
• Include footwear (sneakers are recommended) (no flip-flops).
• Not include headwear in the classroom except for a medical or religious purpose (hats, baseball caps, bandanas, or scarves are not allowed).
• Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs and/or encourage illegal or violent activities.
• Not contain slogans or language that may be offensive.

In the elementary setting, we promote physical activity including Physical Education, recess and/or outdoor play. We highly recommend students wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes for safety in play. Sneakers are required for Physical Education and on the playground for all students. Flip-flops are also not appropriate footwear for school and will not be allowed during school, after school, or during evenings at the buildings.

Weapons in School
Lancaster Central School District has instituted a Zero Tolerance Policy toward students bearing weapons, toy weapons, or items resembling weapons on school property (including school buses). Weapons are defined as any object which may do bodily harm to others or may appear to do bodily harm to others. The building principal will investigate the situation and consult with the superintendent of schools as to consequences and resolution of the incident.

Each year field trips are made available to classrooms courtesy of the Como Park PTO. Fundraising done by the PTO supports necessary transportation and total cost of dues, fees, or tickets required for field trips.

We do not have a preset number of field trips. The classroom teacher and/or grade levels determine field trips. Most often, parents are asked to serve as chaperones. Younger siblings, however, are not allowed to travel with the chaperones. The individual classroom teacher determines the number of chaperones. All children attending a field trip must return by bus to Como Park for dismissal.

In the event a parent or teacher requests a child not attend the field trip, instructional plans will be made for the child to complete in another classroom while his/her class is away.

Parent conferences are scheduled during the month of December at which time your child’s progress will be discussed. Additional conferences may be scheduled by contacting your child’s teacher. Report cards are now available only online at the parent portal. If you do not have Internet access, please make the main office aware so that they can provide a hard copy for you. 

• Illness and Absences:
  If your child is absent due to illness or injury, the Main Office needs to be notified. If your child has a serious illness, has been hospitalized, or will be hospitalized, the Health Office will need a note from the physician stating the reasons for the absence and restrictions, if there are any.
  
  In the event a child becomes ill or injured during the school day, the school nurse will immediately contact the parents/legal guardians of the child. If unavailable, calls will be made to those individuals listed on the Emergency Form.
   
• Medication in School:
  New York State Education Law has specific laws regarding the handling of medication in school. The mandates are:
  • Any medication given in school, whether it is over the counter or prescribed medication, must have a written note from the physician stating the dosage, time for the medication and duration.
  • The parents must sign a permission slip giving the school nurse permission to administer the medication. The medication must be in a labeled bottle and the parent and/or guardian must deliver the medication to school. Students are not allowed to transport medications to or home from school. A physician may fax his order to the school.
     
• Physicals and Screenings:
  All students new to the building must have a physical by their private physician or completed by the school physician. All students in Kindergarten, First and Third grades must also have a physical. Students in Kindergarten, First, and Third Grades will have a vision and hearing screening. A notice will be sent home prior to screenings. If at any time a parent has a concern regarding their child’s vision or hearing, they may request a screening by the school nurse.
   
• Injuries:
  When a student breaks a bone or suffers another type of injury that will restrict physical education, contact sports, or recess time, there must be a note from the attending physician or family physician stating the physical education restrictions and the length of time the child will be out of physical education. A note is also needed when the child is released from physical education restrictions. A student will not be allowed to participate in physical education class and playground (during lunch) unless there is a note from the physician. A note from a parent may not be accepted as release notes. The school has a fax number to accept a physician’s fax. The number is (716) 686-3303.
   
• Allergies:
  An allergen-safe table is designated in the cafeteria. Please contact the school nurse if you would like your child to be seated at the Allergen Safe table during his/her lunch period. An Allergen Safe table will also be available during any off-campus field trips. Parents should notify the Health Office of any allergy your child may have. We encourage students to be proactive in the care and management of their food allergies and reactions based on developmental level.
   
• Erin's Law: In August 2019, New York State became the 37th state to sign Erin’s Law into legislation.  New York State’s Law (Chapter 187 of the Laws of 2019) - known as Erin’s Law - requires public schools to teach child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention classes to students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Homework is an important component of a child’s education because it provides an opportunity for students to practice a skill. The content covered in a homework assignment is not new material, but rather reinforcement of what was learned in class.

School Guidelines

• Como Park Elementary teachers will assign homework that is purposeful.
• Como Park Elementary teachers will provide effective feedback about the skills being reinforced in the homework assignment.

Homework Recommendations

• Help your child establish a consistent and organized place for homework to be completed without distractions.
• Help your child establish a consistent time for homework to be completed.
• Encourage, motivate, and prompt your child, but do not complete the homework for him/her. The purpose of the homework is for your child to practice the skills learned in school.
• Encourage your child to read directions and begin homework independently.
• If your child attempts to complete the homework and struggles with a particular skill and/or homework assignment, send a note to the teacher explaining the struggles.

Our mission is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of information and resources.

The library curriculum is fully integrated within the classroom curriculum. This is accomplished through cooperatively planned research projects,
literature appreciation (i.e., reading and storytelling), and other classes and special projects. We have a well-rounded, extensive print and non-print collection. 

Computer Usage – The LCSD encourages students to use computers and technology available in our school facilities, however, with this use comes responsibility. For a more detailed description of student computer and Internet use rights and responsibilities refer to the student agenda planner or LCSD Policy #7315 – Student Use of Computerized Information Resources (Acceptable Use Policy).

Loan Periods – books are due every two weeks. Magazines and videos are due in one week. Students who forget to return their book during their weekly class receive a reminder notice. Other late notices may be sent by mail.

*If material is lost or irreparably damaged, a bill for replacement of the item is mailed.

*There is no charge for overdue material. Instead, we hope to instill in our students a sense of responsibility regarding proper care and return of library items. We hope that this will be reinforced at home. If you have any questions regarding the status of overdue material or lost books, please call the Library Media Center.

The Lancaster Central Food Service Department designs the lunch and breakfast program and predetermines our cafeteria menu.

Daily Lunches
Every month students receive a monthly lunch menu. The menu lists the items available for the children to buy on a daily basis. Milk is available every day.   Snack items are also available every day. 

All students at Como Park are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch for the 24-25 school year.  Students make lunch selections in their classrooms each morning. When a child comes in late, he/she should stop by the kitchen to inform the Cook Manager what they would like to order for their lunch.

Daily Breakfast
Every morning students have the option of purchasing breakfast. If they choose to have breakfast, they get their breakfast when school starts. They do not come in early for it. Breakfast offerings and prices are also noted on the monthly menu.

An electronic Point-of-Sales system for all food purchases has been established. The Point-of-Sales system offers parent/guardians a convenient and easy payment system to prepay for school meals and snack purchases. By choosing this option you do need your child’s ID number, which can be obtained (if not known) by calling the Lancaster Central School District Food Service Department at (716) 686-3246. By making prepayments in advance, lunch lines move more quickly, leaving students additional time for enjoying their lunch period.

Cafeteria Behavior Guidelines
Our cafeteria has ten behavior guidelines. These are:

1. Stay in your seat and raise your hand if you need help.
2. Use good table manners, and keep your hands and feet to yourself.
3. Make good choices when talking and eating.
4. Be kind to others, helping out whenever you can.
5. Remember, there is a class coming in after you; check the table and floor for garbage.
6. Wait in line quietly and respect others.
7. Always use inside voices.
8. When the lights are turned off, stop talking immediately.
9. Most important: Enjoy good food and good friends.

In the event a child is displaying inappropriate behavior, he/she will be spoken to by one of the two cafeteria monitors. If inappropriate behavior continues, a student may be asked to sit at a separate table. If additional action if warranted, the principal will also talk with the student.

The daily lunch is thirty minutes. Students should wash their hands and use the bathroom prior to arriving at the cafeteria. In the event of an emergency, students may request to use the lavatory.

School pictures are taken in the fall of each year. Picture Day is scheduled so that pictures are available for holiday gifts. A flyer is sent home explaining packages available and yearbook availability. Parents are under no obligation to purchase packages. All students will have their pictures taken to be in the yearbook. If needed, retakes may be taken. Retakes are also available by holidays. Yearbooks are distributed at the end of the school year.

Each PTO council member must be a Como Park parent, and each member serves a one-year term. PTO meetings are generally held once a month. The PTO holds two primary fundraisers a year: fall and spring. These fundraisers provide funding for special events, field trips, field trip transportation, and Field Day.

Each year, the PTO sponsors many family-oriented events such as Welcome Back Family Night, Trunk or Treat, Holiday Hallways, Science Fair, and more.

Due to severe storms or other emergencies, the Superintendent of Schools may find it necessary to close the school. This decision is usually made by 6:30 a.m. Once the decision to close the school has been made, you should receive an automated phone call.

9:20 a.m. Students may enter the classrooms
9:30 a.m. School day begins
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. School lunches served
3:45 p.m. YMCA Program, walkers, after-school daycare, and students being picked up are called down
3:50 p.m. Bus loading begins

The following rules apply to visitors to the schools:

1. Anyone who is not a regular district staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.
2. All visitors to the school must report to the main office upon arrival at the school and state the purpose of their visit. Visitors will be required to sign the visitor register and take a visitor's badge. Visitors are to immediately report to the area of their stated business and promptly leave the building when their business is completed.
3. Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as parent-teacher organization meetings or public gatherings, are not required to register.
4. Visitors are expected to refrain from taking class time to discuss individual matters with teachers
5. Visitations will occur in a way that avoids or minimizes distraction to the normal learning process and the ordinary classroom routine. The building administrator may accompany visitors during the visit when appropriate. Visitors are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding information acquired during the course of the visit.
6. Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to the Principal or his or her designee. Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave. The police may be called if the situation warrants.
7. Before a child may be released from the building with a visitor, they must be approved by the building principal or designee as one having the legal right to take the child. The visitor will wait in the main office for the child to come from the classroom.
8. All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property contained in the LCSD Code of Conduct.

Birthday treats should be left in the school office with the child’s name and teacher's name on it. The Office Staff will make sure that the treats get to the classroom. Please send in everything that is needed for the treats – napkins, plates, forks, etc. Handheld treats are easiest (cupcakes, cookies, etc.). Please limit the number of treats to the students in your child’s class. They will not be able to pass them through the school.

Parents may participate in school as volunteers in many ways. Parents may choose to volunteer for any of the PTO events. A PTO Executive Board member will be coordinating each event and contacting volunteers.

Anyone volunteering in our building for three or more hours per week must complete a Volunteer Application. In addition, a Volunteer Application must be completed if a parent will be supervising students on a field trip.