HEBREW ACADEMY

OF NASSAU COUNTY

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PARENT HANDBOOK

2014-2015

PLAINVIEW CAMPUS 25 Country Drive

Plainview, NY 11803

(516) 681-5922

2

Dear Plainview Parents: We at the Plainview Campus of the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County are excited about the upcoming school year. Throughout the summer, our staff has been busy planning many new initiatives and working to improve upon existing programs. At HANC, our goal is to meet the needs of each individual child to attain a quality education in both Judaic and General Studies, and strengthen their appreciation of what it means to live as a Jew. Our dedicated staff and support personnel use grouping and differentiation of instruction to maximize our students’ progress. Our enrichment programs, including Math and Science Olympiad teams, E2K, Waterford Digital Learning Early Reading & Math, Johns Hopkins Talent Search, Smartboards, CIJE Successmaker computer software, and leveled Hebrew Language, Reading, & Math groups also address students’ varying interests and ability levels. The single most important ingredient to our success is to maintain open lines of communication between parents, students, teachers, and administrators. Some of our best ideas for the coming year have come from frank discussions with our parent and student body. We encourage you to voice your questions, so that any ambiguities or problems can be cleared up quickly. We are all here to respond to your concerns and suggestions. This handbook provides information on the school’s philosophy as well as the school’s expectations, routines and procedures. Please read it carefully, sharing the relevant points with your children. We welcome you to become an active participant in our HANC family.

Best wishes for a successful school year and a year of peace and prosperity for K’lal Yisrael.

L’Shana Tova Tikatevu!

Rabbi Kalman Fogel

Principal

Mrs. Debbie Simpser Director of Special Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS I FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 5 (A) Schedule 5 (B) Admission Cards 5 (C) Emergency Cards 5 II HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP 6 (A) Parent Communication 6 (B) The Parents’ Role 6 (C) School Visits 7 III SCHOOL COMMUNICATION 7 (A) School Numbers 7 (B) Telephone & Cell Phone Policy 7 (C) Notices 8 (D) Timely Responses 8 (E) School Cancellation 8 IV SCHOOL HOURS & BUSING 8 (A) Arrival and Dismissal 8 (B) Attendance and Lateness 9 1. Absentee Calls and Notes 10 2. Lateness 10 V DRESS CODE 10 (A) Boys 11 (B) Girls 11 (C) Parents 12 (D) Gym Attire 12 VI HEALTH PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS 12 (A) Health Examination and Immunization 12 (B) Medication 13 (C) Illness 13 (D) Preventive Illness 13 (E) Head Lice 14 VII FOOD & DRINK 14 (A) Kashrut 14 (B) School Parties

(C) Lunch 15 15

1. Lunch Rules 16 2. Eating in class 16

4

VIII

CURRICULUM

16

(A) Judaic and General Studies 16 (B) Meet the Teacher Night 17 (C ) Textbooks 17 IX HOMEWORK 18 (A) Purpose 18 (B) Holiday Assignments 18 (C ) Parent’s Role 18 (D) Homework Requests 19 X TESTING/ASSESSMENT 19 XI CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 19 (A) Recess/Physical Education 19 (B) Library 20 (C) Field Trips 20 (D) Assemblies and Special Programs 20 (E) Israel Day Parade 20 (F) After-School Activities 20 (G) Tzedakah 21 XII RESPECT IN A CARING COMMUNITY 21 (A) Support Services

(B) Property 21 21

(C) Personal Possessions 21 XIII POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION 22 XIV PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION 22 APPENDIX

CONTACT INFO

23

Mission Statement

24

5

*** WELCOME TO THE HEBREW ACADEMY OF NASSAU COUNTY *** I FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2014-2015

(A) THE FOLLOWING IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE OPENING OF SCHOOL:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd: KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM NIGHT

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd: KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM VISIT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th: NURSERY ORIENTATION FIRST DAY OF CLASSES – GRADES K-6

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th: ECC – FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

(B) ADMISSION CARDS

These are sent out separately by the administrative office and must be presented on the first day of school. Please do not send your child to school if you did not obtain financial clearance from the administrative office. If you have any questions regarding admission cards please call the administrative office at (516) 565-5640.

(C) ON-LINE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION FORM

ACCIDENT and/or ILLNESS IN SCHOOL - You will receive via email an on-line form to fill out in case of an emergency. An emergency contact, someone who is available in an emergency, must be listed. Please be sure that the names, phone numbers, and emails are up to date and correct. Notify the office of any changes that occur during the school year.

6

II HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

(A) PARENT COMMUNICATION

HANC believes in a close, harmonious, interactive relationship between home and school. Such cooperation will help each child derive the utmost from his/her Day School experience. Meet the Teachers Night is designed to acquaint parents with staff, educational objectives and classroom routines.

Our academic year is divided into three reporting periods at which time reports cards are prepared for all students. These are a teacher’s written observations of each pupil’s habits and learning activities.

Parent-Teacher conference appointments are scheduled after the first trimester report. A phone or personal conference is scheduled between the second and final report card.

Written comments in a child’s assignment notebook, notes sent home with a child, emails and frequent telephone calls are other methods used by our staff to communicate with parents. Please be sure to check your email regularly and supply your updated email addresses to keep informed of school & class electronic news and updates. Please also feel free to initiate communication at any time.

(B) THE PARENT’S ROLE A student’s perception of school, and the seriousness with which he/she approaches his/her studies, is influenced by the attitudes that adults, particularly parents, exhibit towards school. A child’s positive attitudes towards learning can be stimulated and enhanced by interested parents who express a positive opinion about school, staff, and studies, especially in front of their child.

Parents are encouraged to contact school personnel directly to discuss any aspect of their child’s education and growth and not wait for the formal parent-teacher conference. As the need arises, feel free to call the office to make arrangements to meet or confer with teachers or Principals. In most instances, the first school contact for parents should be the classroom teacher.

Teachers cannot receive phone calls or meet with parents during class time or during non-scheduled visits. Please be

7

considerate and do not call teachers at home. Our office is happy to take your message during school hours. For concerns regarding broader educational issues, please contact the Principal directly. In all cases, parental concerns are respected and will be kept completely confidential. Parents and teachers are advised to avoid the informal “on the run” conference that may take place outside of school (i.e., arrival or dismissal or in the hallway). The seriousness and professionalism with which both parents and staff address a child’s needs can be best attained through a face-to-face scheduled meeting or a formal telephone call.

(C) SCHOOL VISITS HANC welcomes parents and guests to visit our school and participate in our programs. Safety and legal concerns require that all HANC visitors check in directly at the Main Office. Under no circumstances should parents proceed directly to any classroom. Parents attending a school performance or visiting a class are asked to model the school dress code. (See “Dress Code”)

III SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

(A) SCHOOL NUMBERS Phone Fax

HANC-PLAINVIEW 681-5922 681-8351 plainview@hanc.org

HANC-WEST HEMP. 485-7786 485-0422 609@hanc.org

HANC-WH ECC 565-5640 565-2349

HANC-MIDDLE SCH. 538-8161 489-1142 middleschool@hanc.org

HANC-HIGH SCHOOL 538-8161 489-1142 highschool@hanc.org

HANC ADMINISTRATION 565-5640 565-2349 administration@hanc.org

(B) TELEPHONE & CELL PHONE POLICY

The school telephone is reserved for official business. Children should not be expected to use it. Telephone messages cannot be conveyed to students except in emergencies. Cell phones may NOT be used on school premises at ANY time. Students found with a cell phone will be subject to confiscation. If necessary, your child may have a cell phone which remains powered off in school, in their book bag ONLY.

8

(C) NOTICES Flyers with school news and events are emailed home. Please ask your child if they received any notices so that you can be aware and involved in all of our programs in a timely fashion.

(D) TIMELY RESPONSES Please make a concerted effort to respond within the allotted time to notices sent home. When forms are returned late, orders and arrangements may have already been made and avoidable disappointment may ensue.

(E) SCHOOL CANCELLATION Whenever HANC is to be closed because of weather conditions, announcements will be made via:

Automated phone message www.hanc.org WCBS (880 AM) / WOR (710 AM) / Channel 12

IV SCHOOL HOURS & BUSING

(A) Arrival and Dismissal Children may arrive at school beginning at 8:00 a.m. as there will be supervision from that time.

Kindergarten – Grade 6 ARRIVAL BEGIN SESSIONS END CLUBS END* DAYCARE END Mon-Thu 8:10 am 8:15 am 3:55 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm

Friday 8:10 am 8:15 am 1:45 pm 2:45 pm

*When after-school clubs are in session. E2K and Drama clubs end as posted.

HANC cannot assume responsibility for the safety of children on premises before or after school hours.

To ensure the safety of your child, please inform the school office of any changes that arise in your child’s pickup,

busing, or after school plans IN ADVANCE, BEFORE 3 pm

Monday – Thursday, and before 1 pm on Friday.

Dismissal will be assumed to be by the usual route and routine, unless the parent provides the child with a written request for a change. Students will not be allowed to call home to make “on-the-spot” after school arrangements. Parents should make all necessary dismissal arrangements directly with their children before sending them to school.

9

Parents cannot assume that a bus, other than the student’s own bus, will transport their child(ren) to a friend’s house. For this to be possible, bus companies must give permission and the school office must be notified. Parents should pick up children that attend After School Clubs at the designated time that the clubs end (5:00 p.m.) Parents are asked to park their cars and come into the building to pick-up their carpool. Please advise the After School Coordinator of your departure with your child. Children are to arrive at school between 8:15 and 8:20 a.m. Your school district will notify you regarding your bus stop and approximate time of pick up in the morning. For the first week or so, delays are common, so please be patient if your bus is late. The following rules apply to all passengers on the bus:

No food or drink may be consumed on the bus.

Students must remain belted in their seats at all times.

There will be no changing seats en-route.

It is up to the driver’s discretion to assign seats.

It is up to the driver’s discretion to suspend students from transportation privileges for inappropriate behavior.

Students are to wait at the curb for their morning transportation.

The bus driver is NOT to wait for passengers. A child leaving school early must first be signed out by a parent in the School Office. At that time, the child will be called to the office. Students do not wait in the office or in the front lobby to be picked up. Parents are not to go to the classroom.

(B) Attendance and Lateness The New York State Board of Education mandates attendance for all school age students on all days that school is in session, unless a child is ill. It is also an understood prerequisite for academic achievement that students attend on a daily basis and in a timely manner. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child(ren) attends school on a regular and punctual basis. Lateness and

10

excessive and/or inappropriate absences influence the tone of learning within our program and impact upon classroom instruction for all students. Planned medical or dental appointments should be made for non-school hours, including Friday afternoons following early dismissal.

(B-1) Absentee Calls and Notes If your child is being kept out of school due to illness, you are requested to call the school nurse between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on the first day of absence at 516-681-5922 ext 16. If your child is absent 3 or more successive days a note signed by a parent must be sent with your child to the nurse when the child returns to school. In the event of a student’s necessary absence from school for reasons other than illness, prior arrangements should be made with the Principal. Parents are advised to schedule trips and vacations when school is not in session. Teachers can not furnish children with material for use during vacations taken during school time.

(B-2) Lateness As an integral component of HANC’s currriculum and philosophy, our day begins with tefillah. It is important in the development of your child’s attitude towards tefillah that parents stress its centrality and the need for punctuality. Lateness is disruptive to tefillah and habitual lateness conveys the message that school rules and tefillah are less important. If extenuating circumstances prevent your child from arriving until after 8:30 a.m., for safety and legal reasons, the accompanying adult must escort the child to the office. After the child receives a Principal’s late note, the accompanying adult may leave, and the child may go to class.

V DRESS CODE HANC students understand their responsibilities as links in the chain of the Torah tradition, as they grow as active, contributing members of our society. They learn that tzniut, the Torah dress standard, is more than a modest dress code. It is a way of life, and attitude, a sensitivity. It guides us in developing personal values and priorities.

11

Students are to be well-groomed at all times. They do not wear torn or outlandish styles and clothing bearing large logos or lettering. Well-groomed appropriate dressed children have a more wholesome attitude towards school. They achieve more and help maintain a conducive learning environment. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children’s attire conforms to the school dress code. When necessary, parents are contacted to bring in a change of clothes. Inappropriately dressed children may not be allowed to remain in class.

(A) Boys

HANC boys wear collared or polo shirts & slacks, not t-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts or shorts.

HANC boys’ hair does not reach their shirt collars. Please remind barber not to cut your son’s sideburns above the

cheekbone, in accordance with Jewish law.

Make sure to have an adequate supply of kippot and tzizit so that they may be worn at all times.

(B) Girls

HANC girls wear dresses or skirts that are knee length or below, with no slits above the knees.

HANC girls wear shirts with modest necklines and sleeves that reach at least midway between the shoulder and elbow. (They don’t wear cap sleeves.)

Only Kindergarten and Nursery age girls wear pants or shorts.

(C) Shoes

HANC students wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers that are safe for all physical activities and recess.

12

(D) Parents All adults are role models for our children. We ask that parents, when visiting the school, please abide by the same dress code set forth for our children – women please especially avoid wearing shorts, pants, or sleeveless tops for tzniut purposes. We do not wish to convey a contradictory message, even for brief visits to the school office.

(E) Gym Attire Students should dress in a manner that allows for full movement during any activity. Sneakers are required for gym. Ankle length skirts or skirts longer than 3 inches below the knee are not permitted to be worn to Gym. An appropriate skirt or baggy sweat pants may be kept in school to be worn for gym.

VI Health Procedures and Regulations Educational progress is dependent on physical, social and emotional well-being. A child who is in good health has a distinct advantage. A healthy student will be able to learn more easily, adjust readily to classroom activities and get along well with others.

(A) Health Examination and Immunization State laws mandate that NO student be allowed entry to school without proof of immunization against D.P.T., M.M.R., Polio, Varicella, Hepatitus B (and if applicable HIB and pneumoccal disease). This applies to current students as well as entering students. Physical examinations are required to be on file for all new entrants. Students will be given approximately 14 days from the start of classes to show proper documentation or proof that an appointment with a physician has been made. All new students, and any student entering Nursery, Kindergarten, 2nd or 4th grade is required to have a physical for the school year. Compliance with this requirement is mandated by the State of New York. Any child who does not meet this requirement will not be permitted to attend class.

13

Information regarding recent immunizations, medical conditions, allergies or surgeries since your child’s last physical should be shared with the school nurse.

(B) Medication Our school nurse may not administer medication unless the following procedure is followed:

(B-1) The school nurse must have on file a written request from the family physician in which he indicates the frequency and dosage of a prescribed medication.

(B-2) The nurse must have a written request on file from the parent to administer the medication as specified by the physician.

(B-3) The medication should be delivered directly to the school nurse by the parent. No medication should be sent to the School Nurse by the child.

(B-4) The medication will be kept in the school nurse’s office, in a locked drawer or file, completely separate from any supplies for emergency care.

(B-5) We suggest that to make the above feasible, you request that your pharmacist divide your prescription into two properly labeled bottles, one for school and one for home.

(B-6) Medication may only be dispensed by the School Nurse.

(C) Illness

The School Nurse must be notified immediately at 516-681-5922 ext. 16 if your child contracts a potentially contagious illness (e.g. flu, strep, virus, head lice, chicken pox, measles, mumps, etc.) This is necessary to allow the office to notify families of children who are known to have been exposed to the potentially contagious illness at school. We will always safeguard the privacy of the student with a reported illness. Similarly, a child who has had an upper respiratory infection may return to school only after he/she has been free of fever, or symptom-free, for twenty-four hours.

(D) Preventive Medicine

We suggest that all students have a complete check-up before the start of school. Parents are asked to share any health conditions that will affect a child’s learning with the classroom

14

teacher. We strongly recommend that each child receive sufficient sleep each night and a nourishing breakfast daily.

Parents are encouraged to share with their child’s teacher signs of fatigue or trends of behavior, which may cause one to suspect the beginning of physical illness. If a child shows symptoms of illness prior to leaving for school, we advise keeping him/her home, rather than having others exposed. When in doubt about your child’s health, the precaution of keeping your child at home should be taken, rather than have the child sent home ill from school.

When called to pick up a child who is ill, please do so as soon as possible. Children who do not feel well cannot learn in class, may infect other students, can be extremely uncomfortable, and anxiously await parental arrival.

(E) Head Lice HANC maintains a zero tolerance policy for nits/lice. If a child is found with lice, he/she will be sent home and a “lice alert” will be sent to parents of children in the same class.

As a precautionary measure, PTA coordinates a school-wide head lice screening prior to the start of school and following each vacation. A letter was sent home detailing the head lice screening to be held PRIOR to school commencing.

VII FOOD AND DRINKS

(A) Kashrut HANC, as most other Day Schools, has a student body whose families do not all follow identical standards of religious practice. Our school does maintain fixed standards of observance as far as Kashrut is concerned. We, therefore, ask your cooperation as follows:

The following symbols represent reliable Kashrut Supervisory Agencies that HANC accepts:

Please call to verify any other certifying Rabbi or organization.

15

A simple “K” or “K-Pareve” is not acceptable since such symbols do not necessarily indicate certification by a reliable Kashrut organization. “K” is a non-registered trademark, which anyone may use. NO home baked or homemade products or cut fruit may be sent to the school for classroom use/distribution. Only food products with reliable Kashrut supervision or whole fruits are acceptable. Neighborhood bakeries must also have reliable supervision. No open packages may be sent for distribution in school, even when bearing an appropriate Hashgacha.

Due to health considerations for those around us, we are a peanut-free environment. Please refer to our policy in the appendix.

(B) School Parties If (in the lower grades) you wish to celebrate your child(ren)’s birthday(s) in school, please follow these procedures:

1. Notify the teacher in advance. 2. Keep refreshments simple. 3. Please note: We do not permit siblings to leave

class to attend a birthday party. 4. Of course, all refreshments must be in

accordance with Kashrut laws (see Kashrut) 5. No dairy refreshments on Monday & Wednesday

afternoons. 6. We are a Peanut-free environment.

If you are making a birthday party outside of school, please bear in mind that inviting some children and not others hurts children deeply and has an adverse effect on the lessons of friendship and harmony which we try to instill among classmates. Please take into consideration classmates when planning your child’s at home party and adhere to school kashrut policies. We also urge that paper dishes and plastic utensils be used at all times. Parties on Friday afternoons must end at least one hour prior to candle lighting to allow children to return home for Shabbat.

(C) Lunch

Lunch must be provided, or ordered in advance through the PTA lunch program. Please send only dairy or pareve lunches. Meat days are Mondays and Wednesdays. On those days, appropriate table arrangements will be made. Milk is provided by the school ONLY on dairy lunch days.

16

(1) Lunch Time Rules

We strive to make each child’s lunchtime a comfortable, relaxing time. Students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and reciting birkat hamazon. Students will be expected to:

use appropriate table manners and polite behavior

remain seated except when throwing out garbage

keep their own area clean

show respect for, get along with and demonstrate a cooperative attitude toward peers.

avoid unhealthy practices such as drinking from the same container as another student or sharing utensils with other students.

(2) Eating in Class

Students are not to eat during class. However, water bottles are permitted. Gum chewing is not permitted at school during the day or during after-school activities. Absolutely NO glass bottles are allowed in the building.

VIII Curriculum

(A) Our school provides a dual curriculum of Judaic and General Studies.

Our Judaic Studies curriculum is in keeping with the standard required curricular goals of Jewish Day Schools affiliated with the Torah Umesorah National Society of Hebrew Day Schools. It emphasizes Hebrew Language, ethics and values, Chumash, and Talmud Study; as well as prayer, love of Medinat Yisrael and the experience of participating in the Jewish holidays. Our General Studies curriculum follows the mandated New York State curriculum. We integrate this with a wide array of current educational materials in all subject areas. Our enriched program allows all our students to reach their highest potential and gain an edge in this highly competitive society while fostering individual expression and creativity.

Our educational program allows our students to reach their highest potential and gain an edge in this highly competitive society without compromising creativity and individual expression.

17

Our state of the art Computer Lab and CIJE Successmaker Math & Reading Computer Lab will allow our children to gain the skills to succeed at any future technological endeavor in the computerized 21st century.

(B) Meet the Teacher Night On Meet the Teacher Night you will have an opportunity to meet with the teachers and view the actual curricular materials as they are used in the classroom.

(C) Textbooks General Studies textbooks, in most cases, are supplied through Nassau BOCES and issued by HANC. Students residing in non-participating school districts are to pick up their General Studies textbooks before the start of school. Whatever is not provided by your district will be furnished to your children by HANC. Judaic Studies books are issued by HANC. Some seforim were issued and used by students and will continue to be used this year. Students are responsible to bring the following seforim to school on the first day of sessions:

Second Grade Siddur Third Grade Siddur and Chumash Beraishit Fourth Grade Chumash Beraishit

Respect for Textbooks

Students are responsible for caring for their textbooks and their workbooks. We encourage parents to help model respect for books and materials by helping their children cover their textbooks to protect them from damage and daily wear and tear. Books must be returned in the same condition that they were received, less normal wear and tear. Unless specifically instructed by teachers, students are not to write in their textbooks or workbooks. Students will be required to pay for lost or damaged books.

18

IX HOMEWORK

(A) Purpose

Teachers continually work towards the goal of developing an individual child’s fullest potential by planning activities both in and out of school. Homework assignments are not simply “busy work.” Some of the purposes of homework are:

To promote good work and study habits in children

To reinforce and provide a good review of class lessons

An efficient way for the teacher to check that the lesson was understood

To provide a sharing of learning experiences between parent and child

To allow for constant communication between the parent and teacher and to allow the parent to keep abreast of class activities & learning

Please help your child to succeed by providing him/her with a quiet place for doing homework. There should be a set time each evening when the child should be expected to do homework. Ideally, homework should be done after the child has had some time to relax and eat a snack, but before it gets too late. Please encourage your child to plan ahead in regard to long-term assignments, projects or exams so that he/she may avoid the pitfalls of high pressure, last minute work. Every child is expected to submit their own assignments in a timely and responsible fashion. Students will not be permitted to call home to ask parents to bring in forgotten assignments.

(B) Holiday Assignments While readings may be assigned, no written assignments or tests are to be scheduled for the first day after a Jewish holiday.

(C) Parent’s Role

Although homework assignments are certainly the child’s responsibility, a parent’s encouragement and appropriate support is certainly warranted. Unless you are specifically notified by a teacher, children should not need parental assistance in doing homework. Whenever a parent has a question with regard to the quantity or quality of a child’s assignment, parents should contact the school to arrange an

19

appointment or phone conference with the teacher. Coming to the school unannounced and attempting to meet with the teacher may not allow enough time to remedy any difficulty the child is experiencing, since teachers are generally responsible for other students at that time – an atmosphere less than conducive to problem solving.

(D) Homework Requests

Requests for homework of absent students must be received by 10:00 a.m. in the office.

X TESTING/ASSESSMENT As one component of on-going evaluation of student progress, achievement tests are administered annually in select grades. This information is used to evaluate areas of school-wide growth and assist in determining curricular improvements. The results are shared and discussed with parents.

XI CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Physical education, computer lab instruction, art, music and library are scheduled on a regular basis. Students participate in a variety of cultural experiences, field trips and on-site programs. Computers with grade appropriate software are placed in all classrooms for teacher and student use. Students will have supervised access to the Internet for research and guided exploration.

(A) Recess/Physical Education Students participate in outdoor recess except on rainy days or days that are extremely cold. Proper clothing for outdoor activities will protect your child’s health. In the morning, parents should be sure that their child is dressed appropriately for activities throughout the day. It is expected that students follow the requests of all supervising staff.

Though the school provides a limited amount of sports equipment for recess use, students are encouraged to bring additional equipment from home. For safety reasons, no hard balls, bats or hockey sticks may be used. Throwing snowballs is not permitted at any time.

20

(B) School Library The school maintains a Library and a Computer Center. Our Library is computerized. Students are asked to take proper care of all Library materials. We ask parents to assist in the timely return and care of the books and computer materials. Students not returning books will have their Report Cards held and will be charged the replacement cost of the book.

(C) Field Trips Class trips are integral to our educational program. The goal of our field trips is to promote learning through experience and enhance a child’s understanding of their in-school learning and the world around them. A general trip permission form is kept on file. Please complete and return the form immediately. Parents will be notified before each trip through a separate notice. The Student Activity Fee charged through the Administrative Office covers the majority of the cost of planned trips and school activities. School trips have always been a source of pride and pleasure for our school. We are frequently complimented on the fine manners and behavior of our students as they venture out on field trips. Please encourage this positive behavior in your child so that we may look forward to another year filled with rich, rewarding experiences for our students.

(D) Assemblies and Programs School assemblies and special programs are scheduled throughout the year. Notification of days and times for these presentations will be sent home on flyers.

(E) Israel Day Parade In support of the State of Israel, HANC students participate in the Salute to Israel Parade. All students from Grades 3 – 6 are expected to march in the Parade.

(F) After-School Activities After school programs sponsored by the PTA will be offered to all students. Parents will be expected to provide their own transportation. Children must be picked up at 5:00 p.m. Further details will be distributed by the PTA once school begins.

21

(G) Tzedakah Tzedakah is collected daily. Students are encouraged to develop the habit of fulfilling this mitzvah. Educationally, it is the act of giving which is important, even if it is only a penny a day.

XII RESPECT IN A CARING COMMUNITY Students are expected to be respectful of their peers, teachers, and the educational environment. This includes, but is not limited to, no running or shouting in school and not using inappropriate language.

(A) Support Services Counseling services are designed to address the developmental needs of an elementary school child. Our school counselor, provided by Torah Umesorah’s Counterforce program, meets with children and families for specific concerns to assess a particular issue and provide resources and referrals. She works with our staff to provide team building support in all classrooms, emphasize social skills and develop responsible behavior.

In addition, HANC has the services of the local school district support service team, which includes speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. All involvement with our professional staff is with the highest degree of confidentially and sensitivity.

(B) Property

Students are to respect the property of the school, places where they are taken on school field trips and the property of members of the school community. They should treat all property and equipment in the school with care. Students losing or damaging school property will be expected to pay for all repair/replacement costs.

(C) Personal Possessions We recommend that students are not to bring valuables or personal items from home which are not needed for classes such as Ipods, MP3 players, digital cameras, video games or electronics. Items such as these can easily disappear. Water guns, pocket-knives, and sharp or dangerous objects cause a safety concern and are not permitted under any circumstances.

22

XIII Policy of Non-Discrimination

HANC admits students of any race, color, national origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. HANC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

XIV PARENT – TEACHER ASSOCIATION

The PTA is dedicated to the enhancement and enrichment of HANC’s educational program for all students, from the toddler program through twelfth grade. As the volunteer efforts of parents have untold influences upon their children’s growth and development, the PTA strongly encourages all parents to become actively involved in its many diverse activities and support its many functions. School programs and services supported and/or coordinated by the PTA include:

School Calendar Lunch Program Melave Malka 6th Grade Shabbaton Graduation Parties Salute to Israel Parade Rosh Chodesh Celebrations Sports/Team Events Lice Check Book Fairs After School Clubs Class Pictures

Various fundraising activities are sponsored during the year. Chairmen for these programs, services and activities are listed in the PTA calendar distributed at the beginning of the year. These funds provide for the enrichment of the curriculum and enhancement of our school. The PTA fosters close cooperation between parents and teachers and provides a vital link in the home-school relationship. It works together with the school administration to hear and respond to parental concerns.

23

CONTACT INFO

HANC - PLAINVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 25 Country Drive, Plainview, NY 11803

(516) 681-5922 (516) 681-8351 fax plainview@hanc.org

Rabbi Kalman Fogel Principal Mrs. Debbie Simpser Director of Special Services Mrs. Yaffa Tilles Admissions Director

Ms. Karen Berkowitz Office Manager Mrs. Carol Lefkowitz Registrar Mrs. Melissa Zeidman Secretary

HEBREW ACADEMY OF NASSAU COUNTY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

240 Hempstead Avenue West Hempstead, NY 11552

(516) 565-5640 (516) 565-2349 fax admin@hanc.org

Rabbi Meyer Fendel Dean Emeritus Rabbi Moshe Gottesman Dean Emeritus

Mr. Robert Shelly Executive Director Mrs. Helen Taubenfeld Director of Finance

Mrs. Carol Palmiero Tuition Accounts Supervisor Mrs. Nancy Legrow Tuition Assistance Coordinator Mrs. Phyllis Itzkowitz Alumni & Special Projects Coordinator

Mrs. Dana Friedman Assistant to Executive Director

Mrs. Marcia Steinmetz Assistant to Tuition Accounts Supervisor

MISSION STATEMENT

24

The Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC) educates boys and girls from nursery through high school throughout Long Island by providing a high quality and thorough curriculum rooted in Torah (religious studies) and mada (general studies), based upon academic excellence. HANC provides a dynamic, Orthodox Jewish education that fosters intellectual and spiritual understanding and love of Torah, and commitment to its mitzvot and values. An emphasis on middot tovot (good character) infuses all aspects of school life. HANC provides a challenging curriculum in general studies according to the highest educational standards as a complement to, and enhancement of, Torah study. By creating a climate of active intellectual inquiry in both disciplines, HANC encourages exploration and understanding of the world. HANC emphasizes the responsibility of each Jew toward God and to all people. HANC instills in its students Ahavat Israel – love of Israel: embracing the Land and State of Israel, and fellow Jews. HANC inculcates in its students the ideals of the American democratic heritage of freedom, justice and human dignity. HANC, in keeping with its long-standing goal of “chanoch lana’ar al pi darkho” (teach a child according to his abilities), provides a stimulating education for students with differing levels of academic ability and from differing backgrounds according to the various individual needs of the students. HANC, in partnership with parents, nurtures each student to develop as an entire person. By providing diverse academic and extracurricular programs, HANC enables and encourages students to discover and excel in fields in which they can lead meaningful lives. HANC prepares its students to pursue their Judaic and general studies at challenging academies of higher learning and throughout life. HANC provides the foundation for its students to mature as committed Orthodox Jews and role models who are contributing members in Jewish and general society.