Family Handbook - Bronx Global Learning Institute ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School
The Shirley Rodriguez-Remeneski School
“Where Every Girl Is A Leader!”
Family Handbook
2020-2021
750 Concourse Village West
Bronx, NY 10451
Lower Level
Tel: 718-993-1740
www.bgligschools.org
1
Work in progress…7/2020TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter 3
Commitment/Mission/Vision/Philosophy 4
Board of Trustees and Board Calendar 5
NYS Assessments and Staff’s Coaching Date to Remember 6
Homework Policy 6
Focus on Enrichment 6
Special Education Services 6-7
Academic Intervention Services 7
English Language Learners 7
Report Cards 7
Attendance Policy 7-8
Cell Phone Policy 8-9
Internet and Computer Usage Policy 9-10
Social Media Guidelines 10
BGLIG’s Complaint Policy 10-11
Visitor’s Procedure 11
BGLIG’s Uniform Policy 11-12
Student Records 12-13
Emergency Contact Cards 13-14
Parent-Teacher Association 15
Cancellation of School Due to Inclement Weather 15
Appendices:
Appendix I
BGLIG’s Student Code of Discipline 16-30
Visitors to the School 30
Public Conduct on School Property 31
Dissemination and Review of Code of Conduct 32
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) 32-35
Safety Procedures 35
Student Withdrawal Procedures 35
2
Work in progress…7/2020Dear Students and Families:
It is with great pleasure and pride that we welcome you to the 2020-2021 school year at Bronx Global Learning Institute
for Girls Charter School, The Shirley Rodriguez-Remeneski School. We are extremely excited that you are part of the
BGLIG family. The upcoming school year will bring exciting adventures and engaging academic experiences for our
students, instructional staff, operations staff and administrators. We also look forward to collaborating with you
throughout the year.
We are pleased to present you our 2020-2021 Parent/Student Handbook. We hope this will be a useful guide as we begin
a year of working and learning together. By way of introduction, the purpose of this parent/student handbook is to
provide you with helpful information about day-to-day procedures at your daughter’s school. Please note that this
handbook is on the school website (www.bgligschool.org) along with other resources for our families.
It is our hope that this information will explain how we provide your child with a world-class education. As you will see,
our school is committed to providing a safe learning environment founded on exemplary methods of teaching and
learning.
Please keep in mind that our curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, as well as New York State
standards.
In this handbook, you will also find the following:
● BGLIG School Calendar
● BGLIG’s Attendance Policy
● BGLIG’s Code of Conduct
● Social Media Policy and Security
● BGLIG’s uniform Policy
● Board Meeting Dates
You, the families, play an important role in making our school an amazing place. We need your support and participation
to achieve our goals. Please know that we encourage parent participation in all instructional celebrations.
As specific questions arise over the course of the year, please refer to this Handbook or the BGLIG website
(www.bgligschool.org) to address your questions or concerns. Also feel free to contact your daughter’s teacher or school
principal should you have any questions or concerns.
We all share the highest expectations for the upcoming school year and look forward to working together with you to
make the 2020-2021 school year full of academic successes and growth opportunities for your daughter.
Warm Regards,
Stephanie Mendez
Executive Director
3
Work in progress…7/2020BGLIG’s COMMITMENT
BGLIG’S Board, Leaders and staff are committed to work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, students and the
community to provide our children with a nurturing, safe and secure environment that provides opportunities for rigorous
learning and academic success.
MISSION STATEMENT
Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls (“BGLIG,” pronounced Big League) provides an exceptional education to
young girls through dual language instruction in a technology-rich environment, while building on cultural heritage to
foster leadership characteristics and strong values, promote self-confidence and create global leaders. Through highly
motivated and accomplished teachers, our students receive a standards-based, research-proven, technology-infused
curriculum focusing on core subjects that will create a strong foundation for life-long learning. Our intellectually
challenging curriculum, enriched by a cultural perspective, a focus on successful women leaders, and a dual language
program, promotes excellence in all areas: cognitive, social, emotional, and moral. A single-gender environment coupled
with a rigorous instructional program ensures that each student is able to disengage from traditional social pressures and
focus on personal development and academic achievement.
Academic Excellence + Multi-Language + Cultural Heritage = Global Competitive
VISION STATEMENT
If a child cannot learn the way we teach then we must learn to teach the way the child can learn. BGLIG, together with the
parents
and community, will mold successful female leaders for our global society.
PHILOSOPHY
The fundamental belief at BGLIG is that ALL CHILDREN CAN LEARN. All children have the right to attend schools in
which they can progress and learn. They shall have a real opportunity to learn rigorous content.
We hold our school accountable to the same standards as those of the highest performing schools in our state.
BGLIG encourages teachers to engage in child-centered instruction that involves hands-on experiences, critical thinking
and real-life connections, so that our students learn both the basics and the higher-level skills needed for High School and
beyond. Our child-centered classes are more difficult to design and teach than the lecture approach; our girls learn and
become excited about learning. In essence, they are taking ownership of their learning and become active participants.
Students are required to prove, through their assessments, discussions, projects and presentations, that they have mastered
knowledge and skills in language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science.
4
Work in progress…7/2020BGLIG’s Board of Trustees
Alana Barran– Chairperson
Nydia Novoa Sancho– Vice Chairperson
Silvia Pan – Treasurer
Victoria Rodriguez – Secretary
Joseph Carcagno – Trustee
Board of Trustee Meetings
Our Board members welcome and look forward to your attendance. The following calendar indicates our meeting dates.
Our Board meetings will be held at BGLIG at 6:30pm on the Second Wednesday of the Month.
Dates are subject to change during the course of the year.
Please check the school website, announcements around the school and your children’s book bags for notices regarding
updated information.
July 22, 2020
August 12, 2020
September 9, 2020
October 7, 2020
November 11, 2020
December 9, 2020
January 13, 2021
February 10, 2021
March 10, 2021
April 14, 2021
May 12, 2021
June 9, 2021
*Changes due to scheduling conflicts
*Tentatively Scheduled
*Dates are subject to change- parents will be notified through School Messenger and the school’s website
*For health reasons, during the COVID-19 crisis the Board of Trustees may hold meetings remotely. Such meetings will be accessible
to the public via the internet.
5
Work in progress…7/2020New York State Education Department - 2020-2021 Assessment Calendar
● NYSED 2021 ELA Assessment - Grades 3-8: TBA
● NYSED 2021 Math Assessment - Grades 3-8: TBA
● NYSESLAT – Speaking: TBA
● NYSESLAT – Listening, Reading Speaking: TBA
● Grade 4 NYS Science Assessment – Performance: TBA
● Grade 8 NYS Science Assessment – Performance: TBA
● Grade 4 & 8 NYS Science Assessment - Written: TBA
2020-2021 Instructional Staff Professional Coaching Days
Student Dismissal: 12:00 pm & Staff Development Sessions: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
BGLIG’s Homework Policy
Parents can and should assist their children with all homework assignments to be aware of daily curriculum, and reinforce
learning. Students should recognize the connection between the home and BGLIG. In an effort to reinforce learning
experiences, the following are useful suggestions: Homework is given daily additionally, reading is expected daily.
Parents should sign the reading log daily.
Create a Home Environment that Supports Learning:
▪ Talk with your child about what’s happening in school and what she is learning.
▪ Keep folders of your child’s work.
▪ Find out your child’s strengths and weaknesses and ask her teacher for suggestions to address them.
▪ make sure your child has a quiet study space separate from where she plays or sleeps.
Make Learning Fun:
▪ If you have small children, read aloud and ask them to respond to what you have read.
▪ If you have older children, keep a journal with them, write letters to one another and read novels, historical
biographies, poetry, and other literature with them and discuss what you’ve read.
▪ Have your child help calculate the grocery bill, prepare a room organization chart with space and furniture
dimensions, or prepare a vacation schedule with travel time and spending budget.
▪ Play games that require thinking.
▪ Go to the library to research and read.
▪ Give them pleasure-reading materials that they enjoy and that won’t frustrate them.
Focus on Enrichment
Enrichment is an integral part of every aspect of our instructional program. You will observe your children engaged in
group projects, as well as, individual tasks that require higher level thinking skills and creative problem solving and key
inquiry and research techniques. Pupils will take meaningful trips, learn from authentic presenters and model their
practices in curriculum related tasks. School-wide activities are also planned to build a sense of community around
making teaching and learning an enriching experience for our entire school family.
We hope that you will be willing to share and contribute your special gifts and talents to enhancing our school
community.
Special Education Services
BGLIG strongly believes that all students should have access to the charter-approved core curriculum as well as rigorous
instruction, and there are clear procedures in place to support all students learning. Furthermore, the school has a process
to support and identify students in need of specialized modifications. At the direction the Committee on Special Education
(CSE) of each student’s district of residence, methods and strategies for serving students with disabilities are in place and
are in compliance with all federal laws and regulations. Furthermore, BGLIG provides professional development to
teachers who differentiate instruction and create small groupings in the classrooms that support learning for all students.
For those students with IEPs that require related services and/or a resource room setting, the school directly provides these
special education services. BGLIG asks the student’s district of location to provide special related services. For those
6
Work in progress…7/2020students with IEPs that require related services, such as counseling, speech, occupational therapies, and physical therapies,
the school contracts with either the student’s school district of residence or a private provider.
We have adopted a full inclusion policy, whereby all students, regardless of handicapping conditions or cognitive
development, fully participate in all classroom experiences, on the grade level indicated on their IEP’s. These students,
who in other schools may have been isolated in special education classrooms, have full opportunity to interact with their
peers. As soon as you register, you must inform us of all related services your child has received or is expected to receive
as described on their most recent IEP so that we can take steps to arrange for necessary services and supports.
Academic Intervention Services
In BGLIG’s general education classrooms, teachers provide differentiated instruction to address varying modalities of
learners. Teachers will assess students on a periodic basis and make accommodations that target student differences using
manipulatives, small group instruction, adding visual resources and difference instructional strategies to meet the needs of
all students. For struggling learners who need additional support and who are not making adequate progress in the core
curriculum and skills, BGLIG will use small group instruction, push-in/pull-out intervention services funded by the school
and Title I funds. The school will draw on Response to Intervention (RTI) techniques as well. Under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act, federal funds are allocated in Title I to provide direct services and support services to students
experiencing difficulty in reading/writing and/or mathematics.
English Language Learners
Students who are fluent in a language other than English maintain fluency in their native language while gaining
proficiency in English, will be supported through BGLIG academic intervention services. In addition to this in-class
support, the remediation/enrichment period will be used as an opportunity for teachers to work with students struggling
with language acquisition on vocabulary development and literacy skills so that all students are comfortable reading,
writing, listening and speaking in English.
Report Cards
Elementary School Middle School
TBA TBA
BGLIG’s Attendance Policy
Each day that a student is absent from school is a day forever lost. Absences and tardies impact the education of both the
missing student, as well as, all other students in the class. When teachers are required to remediate for absent students, it
removes time from the rest of the class. The Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School, The Shirley
Rodriguez-Remeneski School places a high emphasis on student attendance to ensure that all children meet NY State
Education Department mandated criteria and to hold the expectation that every student will attend every day to assure
maximum progress.
Arrival time at BGLIG for students who eat breakfast in the school begins at 7:30 a.m. Students will be directed to their
classrooms no later than 7:55 a.m. Instruction begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Any student reporting to school after 8:05
a.m. must be signed in by a parent or guardian and get a late pass by BGLIG main entrance before proceeding to his/her
class. After 8:45 am all students must enter through the campus main entrance. A BGLIG representative will be there for
parents to sign their child in and hand out the late pass for the student to proceed to class.
Absences/Tardies
Students must report to school/class on time. Absences, tardies and early dismissals must have documented approval from
a parent/legal guardian. Medical dismissals should be processed through the main office.
Students who are excessively truant, whether absent, tardy or dismissed early, are subject to the following attendance
procedures:
7
Work in progress…7/2020Notification Procedures and Conferences Required for Excessive Absences & Tardies
● Students who accumulate a total of 5 absences shall receive a letter notifying parents of student absences and shall be
contacted by the school’ guidance counselor to analyze and discuss the situation, solutions and interventions.
● Students who accumulate a total of 10 absences shall receive a second notice and a required meeting with the school’s
guidance counselor and assigned principal.
● Students who accumulate a total of 15 absences shall receive a 3rd notice with a required meeting with the assigned
Principal.
● Students who accumulate a total of 18 absences shall receive a 4th notice with a call to Child Protective Services and a
required meeting with the Executive Director. Students will be in danger of non-promotion to the next grade due to the
impact of excessive absences on academic readiness.
● Students who accumulate a total of 20 absences shall receive a 5th notice with a call to Child Protective Services, a
required meeting with the Executive Director. The matter will be discussed in a BGLIG Board of Trustee Board and
students may be required to repeat the grade due to excessive absence.
● Students who accumulate a total of 20 unexcused consecutive absences shall be automatically removed from the BGLIG
student roster. Please note that BGLIG will document multiple outreaches to parents regarding absences.
**Parents must understand that 5 tardies will equal one absence, please refer to the above for the attendance procedure.
BGLIG’s Cell Phone Policy
Use of Cell phones and other digital/technical devices/toys are strictly prohibited in the school. Cell phones must be shut
off, collected by a teacher or designated employee and will be returned at the end of the school day. The cell phone
cannot be visible or audible to another student. The use of a cell phone camera, sending/receiving pictures, and using
social media is also prohibited during the school day. If a cell phone or any electronic device is confiscated, a
parent/guardian MUST come to the school to retrieve it AFTER 24 hours of being confiscated.
Here are the written cell phone and electronic device protocols:
1. Cell phones may not be used during instructional time or club periods.
2. Cell phones should not be visible in classrooms and should be kept on silent.
3. Students are not allowed to use cell phones or electronic devices in school.
4. If a cell phone or any other electronic device is lost or stolen, we are not held responsible.
5. Cell phones will be collected, stored in a safe place and returned at the end of the school day.
LEVELS OF OFFENSE:
● 1st offense: Cell phone confiscated and returned at the end of the day and 3 days lunch detention.
● 2nd offense: Cell phone confiscated and returned to parent/guardian and 5 days lunch detention.
● 3rd offense: Cell confiscated and returned to parent/guardian and 1 day in-house detention.
● 4th offense: Cell confiscated and returned to parent/guardian and 1 day in-house detention with other
considerations to stop disruptions to the learning environment.
Any additional offenses will result in 3 days in-house detention and a conference with parent or guardian. The school
Administration will determine a plan to stop disruptions to the learning environment.
8
Work in progress…7/2020Other Prohibited Items
ELECTRONIC DEVICES, MONEY, electronic games, and other costly toys should not be in this school as these devices
can get lost, damaged or stolen.
THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR THE LOSS OF MONEY, CELL PHONES OR ITEMS
THAT ARE PROHIBITED IN THE SCHOOL. REMEMBER THEY WILL BE CONFISCATED BY BGLIG
ADMINISTRATION UNTIL A PARENT OR GUARDIAN COMES TO THE SCHOOL TO RETRIEVE THE ITEM.
YOU WILL NEED TO CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RETRIEVE THE ITEM.
STUDENT INTERNET AND COMPUTER USAGE POLICY
To ensure that all students adhere to BGLIG’s student internet and computer usage guidelines we ask that you please read
and sign the enclosed Student Internet and Computer Usage Policy and discuss its implications with your son/daughter.
Within BGLIG we have a computer network that is available for use by BGLIG students for curriculum purposes. This
network is connected to the Internet. To ensure that BGLIG’s computer network is used correctly and remains secure, we
feel that it is necessary for students to use the facilities/equipment in an acceptable manner.
In order for your son/daughter to be able to use the computer network it is necessary that you agree to the Student
Internet and Computer Usage Policy and that you and your son/daughter sign.
GENERAL PRINCIPLE
Use of the public Internet by BGLIG students is permitted and encouraged where such use is suitable for educational
purposes and supports the goals and objectives of BGLIG. The Internet is to be used in a manner that is consistent with
BGLIG’s standards of conduct and as part of the normal execution of a student's responsibilities.
● BGLIG may provide students with access to technology in the form of laptops, desktops, IPADS and
projectors/Smart Boards intended to be used for educational purposes only.
● BGLIG provides Internet privileges to students. These are considered educational resources and are intended to be
used for educational purposes only. Students should be aware that usage is monitored for unusual activity.
● Use of the Internet will be subject to monitoring for security and/or network management reasons.
● The distribution of any information through the Internet, computer-based services, email and messaging systems
is subject to the scrutiny of BGLIG. BGLIG reserves the right to determine the suitability of this information.
CONDITIONS OF USE
The following practices are examples of the sorts that the school considers UNACCEPTABLE and may be subject to
disciplinary action, including written warnings, revocation of access privileges, suspension and, in extreme cases,
termination of student status. BGLIG also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.
● Damaging school technology; laptops, desktops, smart technology, wires and connections
● Visiting Internet sites that contain obscene, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials; sending or receiving any
material that is obscene, defamatory or racist or which is intended to annoy, harass or intimidate other persons.
● Sending and receiving unusually large emails/attachments; sending/forwarding electronic chain letters.
● Students wasting time on non-educational activities.
● Soliciting emails that are related to non-BGLIG for personal gain or profit.
● Representing personal opinions as if they are those of BGLIG.
● Using the Internet or email for gambling or illegal activities.
9
Work in progress…7/2020● Making or posting indecent remarks, proposals or materials.
● Uploading, downloading or otherwise transmitting commercial software or copyrighted material in violation of its
copyright.
● Downloading any software or electronic files without the permission of the administrator.
● Computer viruses or sustained high volume network traffic, which substantially hinders others in their use of the
network.
● Revealing or publicizing confidential or proprietary information which includes, but is not limited to, financial
information, BGLIG databases and the information contained therein, student information, staff information,
computer network access codes and details of private BGLIG business.
● Examining, changing or using another person's files, output or user name without explicit authorization.
● Other inappropriate uses of Internet or network resources that may be identified by the network administrator.
● Use of any type of internet based social media.
● Use of any technology which may result in damage to BGLIG’s equipment.
CONSEQUENCES
Depending on the severity of the offense, consequences could include:
● A verbal/written warning.
● A one-week suspension of the student’s access to the school’s computers and parent notification via phone
● Suspension of the student’s rights until parents have met with the school leader.
● Any student who repeatedly breaks this user’s agreement, or is caught stealing computer related items, will be
subject to the school’s general disciplinary code which could lead to suspension, expulsion or permanent loss of
right to use school technology.
If the computer is damaged or stolen, the parent/guardian is responsible for the reasonable cost of repair or its fair
market value on the day of the loss. Loss or theft of the computer must be reported to the school, by the next
business day after the occurrence and a police report may be required.
Please note that any information saved or sent on school computers belongs to the BGLIG. All communications and
information accessible via the network should be ASSUMED TO BE PRIVATE PROPERTY
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES
School employees and students are strictly prohibited from engaging in personal relationships which are outside
the scope of a professional adult/student relationship or which may give the appearance of being outside the
scope of a professional adult/student relationship. This prohibition applies both on and off school grounds,
including via any type of social media. BGLIG Employees are Prohibited
from posting photographs of students or listing students as “friends” or “followers” on Social Media Channels.
BGLIG’S Complaint Procedure
The following highlights our Complaint Procedure for the Elementary School and the Middle School:
If you have a complaint regarding BGLIG, we encourage you to first speak with your child’s Teacher. He/She may be
able to resolve the issue or direct you to the appropriate school staff member for further assistance. It’s best
informing the school and allows us to resolve the problem in a timely manner.
If the personal outreach does not resolve the issue please follow this protocol:
1. If the issue is not resolved:
10
Work in progress…7/2020For issues with the Elementary School contact Elementary School Principal (TBD) or call 718-993-1740
ext 232
2. For issues with the Middle School contact Carmen Umpierre, Middle School Principal
(cumpierre@bgligschool.org) or call 718-993-1740, ext. 233
3. If the issue is still not resolved, please contact Stephanie Mendez, BGLIG Executive Director
(mendez@bgligschool.org) or call 718-993-1740, ext. 205
4. If the issue is still not resolved, or if the complaint relates to the Executive Director, please fill out a
complaint form in the main office or write a letter to Alana Barran, Board Chair ( alanabarran@yahoo.com
,750 Concourse Village West Bronx, NY 10451 )
5. If the issue is still not resolved, please contact BGLIG’s Authorizer:
New York City Department of Education, Office of Charter School Partnership and Authorization
(100 Gold Street, New York NY 10038)
charteroversight@schools.nyc.gov.
6. If the issue is still not resolved, please contact NYSED:
The New York State Board of Regents
New York State Education Department, Charter School Office, Room 465 EBA, 89 Washington Avenue,
Albany, NY 12234
charterschools@mail.nysed.gov
Visitor’s Procedure
The safety and security of our students and staff and the orderly operation of our school’s educational programs is critical
to our school. All parent(s)/guardian(s) and other individuals planning to visit our schools during the school day are
required to follow the visitation procedures.
▪ All Visitors are required to report directly to the school security guard by the 2nd Floor building entrance.
▪ As required by NYCDOE, each visitor shall provide to the School Safety Agent a picture identification; sign
his/her name, the purpose of his or her visit, and the time of entrance into the NYCDOE logbook.
▪ The NYCDOE Security Officer will be issued a BGLIG Visitors pass, and then you must proceed to the BGLIG
Main office on the 1st Floor, Room 134.
▪ The staff assigned to the main office will help you. If you have a meeting with a teacher or an administrator, they
will direct you to the appropriate room. Please note that you will be required to sign the BGLIG Visitor’s Log
and will receive a tag indicating the room associated with the meeting.
▪ Please keep in mind that teachers are working with your children most of the day, all appointments with teachers
must be scheduled. Visits may not interfere with the planned instructional program.
▪ Visitors will wait in the main office until permission is given to proceed to the classroom or a specific office.
▪ After the meeting, Visitors will report back to the security agent desk, sign out, return the BGLIG Visitors Pass,
and proceed directly out of the building.
Uniform Policy
The Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School, The Shirley Rodriguez-Remeneski School strictly enforces
its uniform policy. All students are expected to come fully dressed in their school uniform every day regardless of weather
or other conditions that may arise. On the day the Girls are scheduled for Dance Class they must come prepared with their
expected dance uniform. On those days, they may wear sneakers. Failure to wear the uniform violates the school's uniform
policy. If a student reports to school out of uniform, a parent will be notified and will have to bring the child's uniform to
school. During the winter months, the Girls will be permitted to wear winter boots, preferably black. The girls will not be
required to change into their school shoes. If they wish to change into their school shoes they may do so when they get to
their class.
BGLIG will have dress down days one time per month; parents will receive a notice when it is scheduled.
11
Work in progress…7/2020PROHIBITED ATTIRE: The Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School, The Shirley Rodriguez-
Remeneski School promotes the academic and social development of all students in their early preparation for the real
world and a successful career. In doing so, our dress code represents the standards of excellence our students are held to.
The following attire is prohibited and will result in a uniform violation notice:
● Doo-rags, hats/caps or any other type of headdress (except for religious purposes as previously discussed with the
Principal).
● Students are not permitted to wear shirts or sweaters with logos (other than the school sweater).
● Girls are not permitted to wear dangling or large earrings. Earrings for girls must be close to the earlobe. Girls are
not permitted to wear make-up throughout the school day.
● Girls are not permitted to have long fingernails or nail polish.
● Non-school sweatshirts or hoodies are NOT permitted.
Please wash your child's school uniforms as often as needed. Clothing must be clean, pressed, in good condition and
fit appropriately. It is important that our children report to school looking neat and clean at all times.
BGLIG UNIFORM FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS (K-5)
● Long Sleeve or Short Sleeve Pink Peter Pan Collar Shirt or Polo Shirts
● Pink TurtleNeck (during the winter month)
● Khaki Skort, skirt, jumpers or pants
● Black Mary Jane (Rubber sole shoe with strap)
● White or Burgundy tights or knee high socks
● Burgundy Sweater or Sweater Vest
● Burgundy Blazer: OPTIONAL
BGLIG DANCE UNIFORM
* Grades K-2 Pink Polo Shirt * Grades 3-5 Black Leotard *Black yoga pants
*Burgundy BGLIG Sweatpants * Burgundy BGLIG Sweatshirt *Pink ballet slippers
BGLIG UNIFORM FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS (6-8)
*Long Sleeve or Short Sleeve Pink or Burgundy Polo Shirts *Navy Skort, Skirt or Pants
*Black Mary Jane (Rubber sole shoe with strap) *White or Burgundy tights or knee high socks
*Burgundy Sweater or Sweater Vest *Burgundy Blazer: OPTIONAL
BGLIG PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORM
*Blue Sweatpants (solid color/logos) *Burgundy BGLIG Sweatshirt * Black Sneakers (only on PE day)
BGLIG will send a note to inform parents:
During the winter months our scholars are allowed to wear BLACK boots to school.
Student Records
All student records include educational information which identifies the student either by name, number, or some other
way and are either in written form or on a computer. They include personal and educational information such as test
scores and attendance and guidance folders. They do not include notes about students kept by teachers or other school
personnel.
Access to Student Records by Parents, Legal Guardians, and Students:
● Authorized requests for students’ records will be honored. Such requests need to be in writing.
● The parent or eligible student is entitled to copies of these records. A copying fee may apply. However, original
records may not be removed from the school.
12
Work in progress…7/2020● Access to the record will be made possible at the earliest convenient date. In no case will the waiting period be
more than forty-five days after the parent or eligible student’s request.
● Parents or eligible students can make notes regarding the records. The record search is completed at no cost to the
parent or student.
● The Principal will arrange for a staff representative to explain and interpret the record data to the parent upon
request.
● Parents who are disabled or who live outside of the school district are entitled to have photocopies forwarded to
them. The Principal will then arrange for a staff member to interpret the record data to the parent by telephone or
by mail.
● In the case of estranged, divorced, or separated parents, or in the case of custody issues, requests by the custodial
parents or legal custodians to examine the child’s records will be honored as outlined above.
● In the case of requests by non-custodial parents to view the child’s records, the custodial parent or legal custodian
will be notified of such request, and after forty-five days, if no documents are found which bar the non-custodial
parent from viewing these records, they will then be made available.
● If the education records contain information regarding more than one student, the parent or eligible student may
inspect and review the information that pertains to only his or her child or the eligible student.
Emergency Contact Cards
Schools occasionally have to contact parents during the school day when emergencies arise. We issued a Home
Emergency Contact form. It is very important that you keep us apprised of changes as soon as they occur. Many of us
use cellular phones, and in some cases we change numbers during the year forgetting to alert our children’s school.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO UPDATE US AS SOON AS TELEPHONE/CELL numbers are changed so that we may
have the most updated information in case of emergency. Parents want to be informed in case of emergencies. Therefore,
please maintain current information with the office.
How Parents & Community Support Our School
****Kindly sign and return this agreement by the end of registration. ****
I understand that my positive participation in my child’s education will help and encourage his/her achievements and
attitude. When parents and teachers join with students in modeling standards and commitment to learning, we become
their lifetime role models leading to their success. Therefore, this contract is a partnership designed to outline
responsibilities to be carried out to the best of each parent/guardian’s ability:
● I will make sure my child attends school every day on time.
● I will pick up my child in a timely manner when called by the school to tell me my child is ill.
● I will encourage my child to complete his/her homework.
● I will review all school communications and return any papers asked for.
● I will attend school events whenever possible.
● I will encourage my child to read and work on math skills/facts every day.
● I will provide a quiet place/time for my child to do homework.
● I will make sure my child gets adequate sleep and eats a healthy diet.
● I will pack healthy snacks; fruits, vegetables daily for my child to bring to school.
● I will support the school homework, discipline and attendance policies.
● I will be a positive force on the PTA.
● I will keep positive communication going between the teacher/principal.
● I will listen attentively to my child.
13
Work in progress…7/2020● I will monitor/limit the amount and type of television viewing for my child.
● I will spend quality time daily with my child.
● I will praise my child for work well done.
● I will offer help when my child needs help with schoolwork.
● For the safety of all children, I will abide by the school’s designated drop-off and pick up areas and will always
sign in when entering the school.
● I will support the school’s Discipline Philosophy and Code of Conduct.
● I will make sure my child comes to school every day in her uniform.
Parent / Guardian Signature: __________________________ Date: ________________
Child’s name: ______________________________
Parent-Teacher Organization
The parents, according to the PTO By-Laws and regulations, create the Parent-Teacher Organization. The PTO President
sits as an active member of the Board of Trustees. Once cleared by our authorizer, NYCDOE the PTO president will have
voting rights on the Board of Trustees. Each year in October, the PTO holds elections for their officers. The PTO sets its
own meeting schedule, which is distributed at the beginning of the school year. Parents meet one night each month, and
staff and administrators are also encouraged to attend these meetings. The Organization holds special events and fund-
raisers in which all parents are encouraged to volunteer. Funds from these activities will be used for BGLIG’s students.
14
Work in progress…7/2020Cancellation of School Due to Inclement Weather
Closings due to inclement weather or emergencies will be based on closing announcements from the Department of
Education. Therefore, it will be very important to listen to our local radio and television stations for confirmation that the
local school district is indeed closing.
15
Work in progress…7/2020BGLIG Student Code of Discipline
I. Introduction
The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of The Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls (“BGLIG”) is committed to providing
a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and BGLIG personnel may deliver quality educational
services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, other personnel, parents and other
visitors is essential to achieving this goal.
BGLIG has high expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. These expectations are based on the
principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity. The board recognizes the need
to clearly define these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property, to identify the possible consequences of
unacceptable conduct, and to ensure that discipline when necessary is administered promptly and fairly. To this end, the
board adopts this code of conduct (“code”).
Unless otherwise indicated, this code applies to all students, school personnel, parents and other visitors when on school
property or attending a school function.
II. Definitions
For purposes of this code, the following definitions apply.
“Disruptive student” means a student who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes
with the teacher’s authority over the classroom.
“Parent” means a parent, guardian or person in parental relation to a student.
“School property” means in or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, parking lot or land
contained within the real property boundary line of a school, or in or on a school bus.
“School function” means any school-sponsored extracurricular event or activity.
“Violent student” means a student who:
1. Commits an act of violence upon a school employee, or attempts to do so.
2. Commits, while on school property or at a school function, an act of violence upon another student or any other
person lawfully on school property or at the school function, or attempts to do so.
3. Possesses, while on school property or at a school function, a weapon.
4. Displays, while on school property or at a school function, what appears to be a weapon.
5. Threatens, while on school property or at a school function, to use a weapon.
6. Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys the personal property of any school employee or any person
lawfully on school property or at a school function.
7. Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys school property.
“Weapon” means a firearm as defined in 18 USC §921, for purposes of the Gun-Free Schools Act. It also means any other
gun, BB gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, disguised gun, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife,
gravity knife, brass knuckles, slingshot, metal knuckle knife, box cutter, cane sword, electronic dart gun, Kung Fu star,
electronic stun gun, pepper spray or other noxious spray, explosive or incendiary bomb, or other device, instrument, material
or substance that can cause physical injury or death when used to cause physical injury or death.
III. Student Rights and Responsibilities
A. Student Rights
BGLIG is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under applicable state and federal law. In addition, to
promote a safe, healthy, orderly and civil school environment, all students have the right to:
16
Work in progress…7/20201. Take part in all BGLIG activities on an equal basis regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender
or sexual orientation or disability.
2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in
connection with the imposition of the penalty.
3. Access school rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.
B. Student Responsibilities
All BGLIG students have the responsibility to:
1. Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect
to other persons and to property.
2. Be familiar with and abide by all BGLIG policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.
3. Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class, on time, and prepared to learn.
4. Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of
achievement possible.
5. React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.
6. Work to develop mechanisms to control their anger.
7. Ask questions when they do not understand.
8. Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline.
9. Dress appropriately for school and school functions.
10. Accept responsibility for their actions.
11. Conduct themselves as representatives of BGLIG when participating in or attending school-sponsored
extracurricular events and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.
IV. Essential Partners of BGLIG
A. Parents
All parents are expected to:
Recognize that the education of their child is a joint responsibility of the parent and the school community.
1. Send their children to school ready to participate and learn.
2. Ensure their children attend school regularly and on time.
3. Ensure absences are excused and follow the school’s attendance policy.
4. Insist their children be dressed in proper school uniform and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress
code.
5. Help their children understand that in a democratic society appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly
environment.
6. Know school rules and help their children understand them.
7. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity.
8. Convey to their children a supportive attitude toward education and BGLIG.
9. Build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their children’s friends.
10. Help their children deal effectively with peer pressure.
11. Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance.
12. Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed.
B. Teachers
All BGLIG teachers are expected to:
1. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, which will strengthen students’ self-concept and promote
confidence to learn.
2. Be prepared to teach.
3. Demonstrate interest in teaching and concern for student achievement.
4. Know school policies and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.
5. Know and follow school rules addressing and limiting social interaction between staff and students.
6. Communicate to students and parents:
a. Course objectives and requirements
b. Marking/grading procedures
c. Assignment deadlines
17
Work in progress…7/2020d. Expectations for students
e. Classroom discipline plan.
7. Communicate regularly with students, parents and other teachers concerning growth and achievement.
C. Principal
1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.
2. Ensure that students and staff have the opportunity to communicate regularly with the principal and approach the
principal for redress of grievances.
3. Evaluate on a regular basis all instructional programs.
4. Support the development of and student participation in appropriate extracurricular activities.
5. Be responsible for enforcing the code of conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.
D. BGLIG’s Executive Director
1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.
2. Review with BGLIG administrators the policies of the Board and state and federal laws relating to school operations
and management.
3. Inform the board about educational trends relating to student discipline.
4. Work to create instructional programs that minimize problems of misconduct and are sensitive to student and
teacher needs.
5. Review at least annually BGLIG’s code of conduct to evaluate the code’s effectiveness and the fairness and
consistency of its implementation.
6. Work with BGLIG Principals in enforcing the code of conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly
and fairly.
E. Board of Trustees
1. Collaborate with student, teacher, administrator, and parent organizations; school safety personnel and other school
personnel to develop and maintain a code of conduct that clearly defines expectations for the conduct of students,
personnel and visitors on school property and at school functions.
2. Lead by example by conducting board meetings in a professional, respectful, courteous manner.
V. Student Dress Code
All students are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school
functions. BGLIG has adopted a school uniform dress code for its students. Each student must wear the school uniform
throughout the entire school day unless otherwise instructed by a staff member. Students and their parents have the primary
responsibility for ensuring that the student is dressed in the school uniform every day. Teachers and all other BGLIG
personnel should exemplify and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of
appropriate appearance in the school setting.
The principals or his/her designees shall be responsible for informing all students and their parents of the student dress code
at the beginning of the school year and any revisions to the dress code made during the school year.
Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the
offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do so shall
be subject to discipline.
VI. Prohibited Student Conduct
The Board expects all students to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard for the rights
and welfare of other students, personnel and other members of the school community, and for the care of school facilities
and equipment.
The best discipline is self-imposed, and students must learn to assume and accept responsibility for their own behavior, as
well as the consequences of their misbehavior. BGLIG personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary
action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the students’ ability to grow in self-discipline.
18
Work in progress…7/2020The Board recognizes the need to make its expectations for student conduct while on school property or engaged in a school
function specific and clear. The rules of conduct listed below are intended to do that and focus on safety and respect for the
rights and property of others. Students who will not accept responsibility for their own behavior and who violate these
school rules will be required to accept the penalties for their conduct.
The School administrators shall administer comparable disciplinary procedure for Code of Conduct violations that take
place at school functions (i.e., school-sponsored or school authorized extracurricular event or activity) or on school property
(i.e., school bus) in accordance with BGLIG rules.
Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school (and, in extreme cases, expulsion
from school), when they engage an impermissible behavior in the school, at school events, on the way to and from school,
and/or online.
:
A. Engage in conduct that is disorderly. Examples of disorderly conduct include :
1. Running in hallways.
2. Making unreasonable noise.
3. Using language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar or abusive.
4. Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
5. Engaging in any willful act, which disrupts the normal operation of the school community.
6. Trespassing. Students are not permitted in any school building, other than the one they regularly attend, without
permission from the administrator in charge of the building.
7. Computer/electronic communications misuse, including any unauthorized use of computers, software, or
internet/intranet account; accessing inappropriate websites; or any other violation of BGLIG’s acceptable use
policy.
B. Engage in conduct that is insubordinate or disruptive. Examples of insubordinate conduct include :
1. Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school employees in
charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect.
2. Lateness for, missing or leaving school without permission.
3. Skipping detention.
C. Engage in conduct that is violent. Examples of violent conduct include:
1. Committing an act of physical aggression (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon a teacher,
administrator or other school employee or attempting to do so.
2. Committing an act of physical aggression (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon a student or any
other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so.
3. Possessing a weapon. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in
their possession while on school property or at a school function.
4. Displaying what appears to be a weapon.
5. Threatening to use any weapon.
6. Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other employee or
any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
7. Intentionally damaging or destroying BGLIG property.
E. Engage in any conduct that endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others. Examples of such conduct include:
1. Lying to school personnel.
2. Stealing the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or
attending a school function.
3. Defamation, which includes making false statements or representations, orally or in writing, about an individual or
identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by demeaning them.
4. Discrimination, which includes the use of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or
disability as a basis for treating another in a negative manner.
5. Harassment, bullying or cyberbullying (harassment carried out over the internet, via cell phone or other electronic
means), which includes a sufficiently severe action or a persistent, pervasive pattern of actions or statements directed
19
Work in progress…7/2020at an identifiable individual or group which are intended to be or which a reasonable person would perceive as
ridiculing or demeaning.
6. Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm.
7. Hazing, which includes any intentional or reckless act directed against another for the purpose of initiation into,
affiliating with or maintaining membership in any school sponsored activity, organization, club or team.
8. Selling, using or possessing obscene material.
9. Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing.
10. Smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe or using chewing or smokeless tobacco.
11. Possessing, consuming, selling, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under
the influence of either. “Illegal substances” include, but are not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD,
PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look-alike drugs, and any substances commonly referred to as “designer
drugs.”
12. Inappropriately using or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
13. Gambling.
14. Indecent exposure, that is, exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner.
15. Initiating a report warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire
extinguisher.
F. Engage in misconduct while on a school bus
It is crucial for students to behave appropriately while riding on school buses to ensure their safety and that of other
passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver. Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner
consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. Excessive noise, pushing, shoving, cursing, threatening and
fighting will not be tolerated.
G. Engage in any form of academic misconduct. Examples of academic misconduct include:
1. Plagiarism.
2. Cheating.
3. Copying.
4. Altering records.
5. Assisting another student in any of the above actions.
VII. Reporting Violations
All students are expected to promptly report violations of the Code of Conduct to a teacher, principals, Executive Director
or his/her designees. Any student observing a student possessing a weapon, alcohol or illegal substance on school property
or at a school function, or witnessing violent behavior, bullying, cyberbullying or other potential acts of harassment, shall
report this information immediately to a teacher, principals, the principals’ designees, Executive Director or the Board.
All BGLIG staff that are authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to do so in a prompt, fair and lawful
manner. BGLIG staff who are not authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to promptly report violations of
the Code of Conduct to their supervisor, who shall in turn impose an appropriate disciplinary sanction, if so authorized, or
refer the matter to a staff member who is authorized to impose an appropriate sanction.
Any weapon, alcohol or illegal substance found shall be confiscated immediately, if possible, followed by notification to
the parent of the student involved and the appropriate disciplinary sanction if warranted, which may include permanent
suspension and referral for prosecution.
The principals or their designees must notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of those code violations that
constitute a crime and substantially affect the order or security of BGLIG as soon as practical, but in no event later than one
business day after the principal or his or her designee learns of the violation. The notification may be made by telephone,
followed by a letter mailed on the same day as the telephone call is made. The notification must identify the student and
explain the conduct that violated the code of conduct and constituted a crime.
20
Work in progress…7/2020VIII. Disciplinary Penalties, Procedures and Referrals
Discipline is most effective when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs, and in a way that students
view as fair and impartial. School personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when
necessary and to place emphasis on the students’ ability to grow in self-discipline.
Disciplinary action, when necessary, will be firm, fair and consistent so as to be the most effective in changing student
behavior. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, school personnel authorized to impose disciplinary penalties
will consider the following:
1. The student’s age.
2. The nature of the offense and the circumstances, which led to the offense.
3. The student’s prior disciplinary record.
4. The effectiveness of other forms of discipline.
5. Information from parents, teachers and/or others, as appropriate
6. Other extenuating circumstances.
As a general rule, discipline will be progressive. This means that a student’s first violation will usually merit a lighter penalty
than subsequent violations.
If the conduct of a student is related to a disability or suspected disability, discipline, if warranted, shall be administered
consistent with the separate requirements of this code of conduct for disciplining students with a disability or presumed to
have a disability. The student shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education a appropriate.
A. Penalties
Students who are found to have violated BGLIG’s code of conduct may be subject to the following penalties, either alone
or in combination. The school personnel identified after each penalty are authorized to impose that penalty, consistent with
the student’s right to due process.
1. Oral warning – any member of BGLIG staff
2. Written warning – Teachers, Principal
3. Written notification to parent – Teachers, Principals
4. Detention – Teachers, Principal
5. Suspension from transportation – Principals, Executive Director
6. Referrals – Teachers, Principal, Executive Director, Board
7. Suspension from social or extracurricular activities – Principals, Executive Director
8. Suspension of other privileges – Teachers, Principal
9. In-school suspension – Principal
10. Removal from classroom by teacher – Teachers, Principal
11. Short-term (10 days or less) suspension from school – Principals, Executive Director Board
12. Long-term (more than 10 days) suspension from school – Hearing Officer; Board
13. Expulsion – Hearing Officer; Board
B. Procedures
The amount of due process a student is entitled to receive before a penalty is imposed depends on the penalty being imposed.
In all cases, regardless of the penalty imposed, the school personnel authorized to impose the penalty must inform the
student of the alleged misconduct and must investigate, to the extent necessary, the facts surrounding the alleged misconduct.
All students will have an opportunity to present their version of the facts to the school personnel investigating the matter.
School administrators shall adopt the following due process procedures:
● Student shall have an opportunity to present his/her version of the facts.
● School administrators shall conduct an investigation and consult with witnesses.
21
Work in progress…7/2020You can also read
