Family Handbook

The Family Handbook contains important information about our school, as well as policies and procedures that are designed to ensure our school functions as a positive, educationally-focused learning community where students thrive and grow. Our families are our students’ first teachers! We want you to feel welcome in our community and for there to be full transparency of our school’s approach to learning and the structures that support it. 

This version reflects input from parents, students, and staff on how to best manage our inclusive community, but also to keep everyone safe and ensure equity. Our Team will refer to this document as they address your questions and concerns.  

We serve the children and families of Long Island City, Queens, within P.S. 78’s zone. Once enrolled in kindergarten, students matriculate automatically to the next grade (up to Grade 5). Once your child is enrolled at our school, nothing changes until a transfer to another school. Siblings of currently enrolled students have priority for kindergarten seats. As per NYCDOE guidelines, Pre-K classes have up to 18 students; Kindergarten classes have up to 25 students; and Grades 1-5 may have up to 32 students. 

All visitors are required to go to the School Safety Agent, show identification, and sign-in. Then, with a pass, you may proceed to the General Office. In order to prevent the disruption of our children’s education, please do not go directly to classrooms. The laminated pass should be returned to the School Safety Agent desk upon exiting the building. Please note that it is difficult to see visitors unannounced due to instructional periods and professional development. However, we will work with you to meet during teacher preparation periods, before/after school, or at another time that works. 

*Please note that no visitors will be permitted to enter during the daily Window of Safety and Security -->  Arrival: 8:10 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. and Dismissal: 2:35 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. 

Parent Coordinators support the welcoming environment of the school by serving as the point of contact for parents. They provide support for families (both school-related, as well as additional public services), host workshops, support the PTA, share resources that support student learning at home, and address specific parent concerns. The Parent Coordinator will do an intake to inquire to your child’s or family’s needs, and provide the appropriate path of support and facilitate communication.

We have a variety of ways to communicate with families and share information. Consistent, clear communication helps everyone to do their best as they know what to expect. We try to communicate mostly electronically so that messages can be translated and to be environmentally conscious. 

Our methods of communication include:

· Class Dojo – news feed (for reminders and to share school highlights!), as well as parent-to-teacher/principal messaging – and, it’s translated! 

· Homework Folder – check your child’s folder daily for flyers and student work. You can also use this folder to send notes and return slips back to your child’s teacher. 

· Weekly Wrap-Up – Dojo post / email sent by Ms. Britton, Principal

· Weekly/Monthly Newsletter – sent by classroom teachers (frequency varies by grade level)

· Periodic special notices with tear-off slips – please sign and return them promptly

· Electronic Surveys 

· Google Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=cnAya25sMWsxNGFlNnNkNXRwamR2dWU0MnNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ 

· Website: www.ps384q.org

· Facebook: @publicschool384

We are fortunate to live in times where reaching out to your child’s school can be done quickly and efficiently, and in a variety of ways. Teachers and team members value your input and like to hear from you. Please remember that each teacher’s priority is teaching. Our goals are always to keep our students safe, strengthen the relationships between P.S. 384 and our families, and provide our students with the least number of interruptions during their instructional time.

Also, certain methods are more appropriate than others regarding certain topics, questions, levels of sensitivity and confidentiality, etc. Please understand that there can also be a delay in response while additional information is begin gathered. Here are some guidelines on how best to use different forms of communication. Your child’s teacher is usually your best bet when you have a specific concern as they spend most of the day with your child and knows him/her best. When in doubt, you can always call the Main Office—we are here to help! 

Email and Class Dojo Messages:

Teachers check their email and Class Dojo regularly, however, it is not checked during instructional time. Therefore, these should be sent only when necessary and used for non-urgent matters. Your child’s academic progress, learning expectations or behavioral issues are best addressed through a telephone conversation or by scheduling a personal conference with your child’s teacher. Across the community, email should not include any information related to other students or staff as well as any personal or sensitive information. 

Email and Class Dojo Messages are good for:

• Setting up a meeting, either by phone or in-person. State the reason and we will be prepared to discuss it further with you.

o I would like to discuss my child’s reading progress.

o We have major changes in our family that may impact our child. Can we talk?

• A general, non-urgent question.

o How can we access our NYCSA?

• Sending a quick note or brief information you would like the teacher to know.

o I’m going away on business for a few days, so my child might be a little sad.

o We got in late last night, my child may be more tired than usual. 

Email and Class Dojo Messages are NOT good for:

• Sharing or discussing personal, sensitive, or confidential information
• Discussing other children or staff members
• Requesting services
• Dismissal changes 
• Urgent matters

These are best addressed with a phone call or meeting. Also, sometimes additional staff may be looped in as they have more knowledge or are better equipped to support you. Remember, we are all in this together!

Doors Open - 8:10 a.m. 

Regular School Day - 8:25 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Main Office Hours - 8:00 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.  

Schedule

Breakfast – 8:10 a.m. – 8:25 a.m. (cafeteria)

Period 1 – 8:25 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Period 2 – 9:20 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.

Period 3 –10:15 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. / Lunch #1

Period 4 – 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. / Lunch #2

Period 5 – 12:05 p.m. – 12:55 p.m. / Lunch #3

Period 6 – 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.

Period 7 – 1:55 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Dismissal – 2:45 p.m.

• School begins at 8:25 a.m. 
• Students who walk to school enter through the gate in the yard (2nd Street). 
• Bus students enter through the Main Entrance and are met outside by school staff. 
• For safety purposes, parents are not permitted into the school building from 8:10 a.m. – 8:35 a.m.  
• The gate closes at 8:27 a.m. After the gate closes, students must go around to the front entrance to sign-in. Students arriving after this time are considered late. If there is no staff member present, the parent must proceed to the Main Office to sign their child in. 

• School is dismissed at 2:45 p.m. 
• Window of Safety and Security – 2:35 – 2:55 p.m. – No visitors permitted during this window, including pick-ups. Parents may pick up their child before 2:35 p.m. In order for students to exit the building in a calm, organized manner, we request that parents do not block the dismissal processions.
• If your child has a permanent change in their daily routine (for example: not taking the bus, change in dismissal), please call the Main Office at 718-391-4667 by 11:00 a.m. of the day the change will start.
• Unfortunately, we do not take daily dismissal changes, as it puts a great strain on our operations and opens up the possibility for mistakes. 
• If you wish to pick your child up in person or make alternate arrangements on a given day, you must pick up your child before the Window of Safety and Security, which begins at 2:35 p.m. Otherwise, your child will be placed on the bus.
• Students will be dismissed at 2:45 p.m. from the gate to the yard (2nd Street), where parents are permitted to wait. There are designated areas by grade.
• Bus students will be walked to the bus out the Main Entrance. 
• Students attending after school programs will remain in the school building, and dismissed as necessary.   
• To ensure the safety of all of our students, we can ONLY release children to those adults listed on the Emergency Card / Blue Card.
• In order to create a culture of responsibility for our students, after dismissal, children are not permitted back into the building and upstairs. This is for safety and security purposes. If a child forgets house keys, glasses, or a coat, a staff member will accompany the child back into the building. If the child forgets an item that is not of extreme importance, they will not be permitted back into any classroom. 

• Any student who has not been picked will be taken to the Main Office and parents will be contacted. Students will be signed out in the Main Office, including the time of pick-up. 
• Because our team has many commitments (professional development, university coursework, or their own families), we cannot accommodate late pick-ups. Please help us maintain the safety of all our children by picking up your child on time, and communicate changes in arrangements by calling the Main Office. We can help to connect you with local programs to assist after school needs. 

• Half Days will occur for Parent Teacher Conferences in November and March. Please note: dismissal is at 11:45 a.m. -- 3 hours earlier, students will have lunch at school, and buses will run. After School Programs are canceled on these days. Students in Snapology will not be placed on the bus and will have to be picked up. We will follow that day’s typical dismissal plan for your child. 

Students will be able to eat breakfast in the Cafeteria between 8:10 – 8:25 a.m. Students who arrive when classes are being picked up will receive a Grab-n-Go Breakfast to eat in the classroom. Breakfast in the Classroom is a FREE initiative to ensure that all students have proper nutrition to function at their best each day. Breakfast will finish by 8:40 a.m., unless there are unforeseen circumstances. If your child is late, they will not be denied breakfast. We do our best to ensure that our students are ready to learn!

School lunch is also FREE for all students. We would love it if more children tried the school food! Students may also bring a lunch from home. For nutritional reason we suggest that parents limit the amount of sweet and salty foods children bring for lunch. Please do not pack glass containers or soda cans. There is no gum chewing, candy, or soda in school. Also, be sure to provide your child with foods that are conducive to school and easy for them to eat independently. For example: nothing that needs to be cut, messy finger foods, etc. There is no microwave or refrigerator for student use.

To view menus, please visit the School Food Website, with menus in multiple languages: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/food/menus

· Breakfast Express Menu

· Pre-K –  8 Hot Lunch Menu

Download the School Food app here: 

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.osfns.summerschoolsearch

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schoolfood-feed-your-mind/id984600182?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Due to severe allergies and dietary restrictions, we ask children not to share their food during lunch. Please speak with your child about eating only his/her own lunch and understand why a child may refuse an offer of food. In the cafeteria, children are seated by class. After students clean their areas and recycle, they may have choice time for recess. School staff supervises student lunch and recess time. Proper behavior is expected from every child during the school day, including at lunchtime. We emphasize the following: remain seated while eating, speak with indoor voices, be kind to others, and clean up your area. 

Transportation eligibility is based on a student’s grade level, walking distance between home and school, and existing accommodations based on a medical condition, housing status, or safety assessment.

• Students who live less than a half-mile from the school are not eligible for busing
• Grades K-2 who live at least a half-mile from school 
• Grades 3-5 who live at least one mile from school 

For more information on bus eligibility here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/bus-eligibility

□ Bus route and stop information can be found in your New York City Student Account (NYCSA)
 

Please note that yellow bus service is provided by the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) and is not a service directly offered or governed by P.S. 384 - Hunters Point Elementary.

If you have concerns about the bus, you can contact the Office of Pupil Transportation:

□ By phone: 718-392-8855 – Monday – Friday from 5:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

□ Be sure you know your child’s

o 9-digit OSIS number

o AM Route & PM Route 

o Stop number and location

o Bus company phone number

Additional information can be found here: 

□ www.optnyc.org/parents.information.htm

□ New York City Student Account (NYCSA)

At P.S. 384, bus safety is a top priority. Steps that we take to ensure student safety include, but are not limited to:

• Color-coded tag system, attached to each child’s bookbag, to differentiate between the stops, which also include the school’s address and phone number
• Bus safety lessons & drills
• Direct communication with bus drivers
• Students are escorted on and off the bus at arrival and dismissal
• Parent Coordinator checks in with students daily for reports on behavior infractions and positive behavior

• When communicating with the bus company, OPT, or the school about your bus service, be sure you know your child’s AM Route & PM Route, stop number and location, and bus company.
• If a bus is late or does not come to your stop, your first step is to contact your bus company. Only the bus company has up-to-date information about problems and delays on a bus route—this information is not communicated to P.S. 384. You will get assistance fastest by phoning the bus company.
• A bus stop that is not used for too many consecutive days will be removed from the bus route in accordance with OPT regulations. If your child is not going to be using your stop for more than three days in a row, you should contact the bus company to ensure that your stop is not removed. Please note that this is especially important if you are the only family assigned to your stop!
• Please note that bus drivers are only responsible for driving the bus. We teach students the expectations for bus behavior, as well as how to buckle themselves and sit properly. 

• We ask your cooperation in discussing the P.S. 384 Bus Behavior Contract with your child. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in a bus suspension. Repeat offenses may result in permanent loss of bus privileges. 
• Have your child ready on time. The driver is not required to wait more than 1 minute for any child who is not ready at the pick-up point. The bus driver is forbidden to blow the bus horn. 
• If your child normally rides the school bus each day, expect the child to be placed on the bus at dismissal. If you wish to pick your child up in person or make alternate arrangements on a given day, you must pick up your child before the Window of Safety and Security, which begins at 2:35 p.m. Otherwise, your child will be placed on the bus.
• If there is no adult present at the bus stop during drop-off, the child will return on the bus to the school when the route is completed. Talk with your child about not getting off the bus if there isn’t a parent or guardian present at the bus stop. If there is no one present at the school, the driver will notify the dispatcher and take the child to the local police station.
• In the case of inclement weather or a bus strike, parents should listen to their local news outlets starting at 6:00 a.m. for announcements and updates. Parents can also call (718) 392-8855 for weather and strike information.

I agree to the following rules of conduct when riding on the school bus to and from P.S. 384. I understand that failure to follow these rules may result in my being suspended and or expelled from the bus.

I agree to follow P.S. 384’s Bus Behavior Contract to make the bus a safe place for all students.

1. I will sit in my seat with my seatbelt fastened until I reach my stop. I will not stand or jump in my seat or climb over or under the seat.
2. I will use a soft speaking voice on the bus. I will not shout.
3. I will keep all of my belongings in my backpack and keep my hands and feet to myself. I will not throw anything on the bus or out of the bus windows. I will not eat or drink on the bus. 
4. I will be respectful to other students on the bus. I will not hit them or insult them.
5. I will be a good friend to others on the bus by allowing others to sit next to me. I will not tell others where they can or cannot sit. 
6. I will ride only on the OPT bus for which I am registered, and no other OPT bus.

Procedures

● As a group, we will walk to the bus and board the bus quickly and quietly.

● I will enter and exit the school calmly and safely. 

● I will sit in my seat, buckle my seatbelt, and remain seated for the entire trip. I will not walk around or get up while the bus is moving.

● I can choose any seat that is not taken once I board the bus. If this becomes a safety issue, P.S. 384 will assign a bus seat.

● I will report any unsafe behavior to the Parent Coordinator. 

P.S. 384 is committed to the academic success of all our students and providing our children with opportunities to express their creativity and work collaboratively with others. This type of work cannot be made up at home. Regular attendance is critical to successful achievement in school, and provides structure and socialization that support students’ independence. Our children need to be here each day, on time, and ready to learn! 

If your child will be absent, please call the Main Office at 718-391-4667 after 8:00 a.m. to report to the Main Office.

Our staff will follow up and make daily phone calls home to check in on absent students. After an absence, please send a note (doctor or parent) stating the date(s) and the reason for the absence within 2 days of the child’s return.

Poor attendance if one of the most significant indicators of learning loss and presents the potential for a child to be held over. Please make your travel plans during school breaks so that your child does not miss school. Keep in mind that your child must meet the attendance requirement of 90% set forth by the New York City Department of Education, and attendance data is included on your child’s report card. 

Please note excessive absences:

● May be considered educational neglect –all school staff are mandated reporters for New York State

● Negatively impact school funding 

● Are a component of the DOE and NYS assessment of our school’s performance 

School response to poor attendance may include, but is not limited to:

• Letters home
• Meetings with the Attendance Team
• Home Visits from the Attendance Teacher or School Staff

If there is any support that we can provide (busing, MetroCard, health services) to improve the attendance of your child, please reach out to us! We are committed to the success of every child and will do everything we can to help your family.

Please understand that if a medical excuse from the doctor was given to the school, it has been recorded, however, it is still considered an absence. If your child has a medical condition that can be treated by the School Nurse, please contact the Main Office at 718-391-4667. We can walk you through the process of obtaining a 504 form that allows us to treat your child.

Lateness

We all know the saying: “Better late than never!” Things happen. We are always happy when your child makes it to school in spite of the unexpected. If a child is late, but before 8:40 a.m., the child will be escorted upstairs by school staff. If it is after 8:40 a.m., and school staff is no longer on post, please bring your child to the Main Office and sign-in. Please do not bypass the Main Office as this helps us to maintain accurate attendance records.

Please fill out the Emergency Card / Blue Card completely, including multiple emergency contact numbers and health conditions/allergies, and return with your child to the school. Any changes should also be made in your child’s NYCSA. These are confidential student records and will not be released to anyone other than staff. List any adult (18 years and older) that may pick up your child. Children will not be released to anyone not on the Blue Card. Be sure that your child knows his/her main phone number and address.  

Should you have a court order, please submit a copy with the emergency card and advise office staff, as well as the Principal, of any changes in custodial rights and ‘do not release’ indicators. Be sure to report any changes as it is very important to keep this information up-to-date for emergency contact purposes. 

We have an experienced Department of Health Nurse on staff every day. Please speak with (and not email) the Nurse and your child’s teacher regarding any health concerns your child has. The more we know, the better we can protect your child and support his/her good health and well-being. Students should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. 

For the protection of your child and others, please do not send your child to school with any of the following: upset stomach, fever, rash, swollen glands, diarrhea, earache, persistent cough, lice, conjunctivitis (pink-eye), or any other communicable condition.

Students who have medical complaints will be sent to the Nurse’s Office. Students will be evaluated and the determination to be sent home or back to class will be made. Parents will be contacted by the Nurse via phone and written note each time a child visits the Nurse’s Office.

All medications to be administered during the school day must have proper documentation submitted to the Nurse. Students are not permitted to carry medications in school at any time. This includes over-the-counter medication.

Your health care provider must complete a Medication Administration Form(MAF) for the Nurse to administer medication during the school day. Any changes to the MAF must be in writing and signed by the licensed health care provider. A new MAF must be supplied at the start of each school year. All medications must be hand-delivered to the school in the original pharmacy container. The Nurse will store the medication in a locked cabinet or refrigerator and maintain a medication log (and other documentation as indicated) for each student approved to receive medication in school.

Our school has Epi-pens available for emergency administration by our staff. All team members assigned to work with students are trained each year to use Epi-pens. 

Students with Allergies

In order to support students with allergies and prevent any reactions, we have developed the following protocol:

-Parents log into NYCSA and fill out the specific allergens/conditions. This information is communicated to the Parent Coordinator, who will organize the system. 

-Parents submit the MAF (Medication Administration Form) for administration of medication by Nurse and Medical Review for Students With Severe Allergies Form and the FARE Form (if necessary) completed by the student's allergist. 

-Based on these documents, an individualized Allergy Plan will be developed. This may include students sitting at a specific table with peers to avoid certain allergens.

-Red Allergy Tags will be provided to students to indicate that they have serious allergies. These are worn by students during breakfast and lunch. Allergies are listed to inform all staff (food service, school aides, teachers, support staff, Supervising Adults, etc.)

-Each Supervising Adult will have the child’s medication in an Allergy Bag with a copy of their reactions, which follows the student during school hours.

In accordance with the New York State Public Health Law, all students attending New York City Public Schools must be immunized against the following: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP), polio (IPV/OPV), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox). 

In the event that your child has not obtained the required immunization, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has the right to require that your child be excluded from school. If you have any questions, please contact our Nurse.

More information can be found here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/immunizations

If a child in a classroom has lice, all students in the class will be checked. Parents will be notified by the Nurse to pick up their child and how to treat this affliction. 

Field trips are planned by teachers as part of the curriculum and expose students to the many institutions and resources available throughout our dynamic city. Trips are not considered ‘rewards’, but rather an extension of our classroom. Our teachers follow clear guidelines to ensure the safety and security of all of our children. Parents will receive notice of field trips via a field trip permission form. Each child will need a signed permission slip prior to the trip date in order to attend the trip. A small amount of money may be requested from each student to defray the cost. All monies should be placed in a sealed envelope with your child’s full name and class. We love having parents join us–please notify the classroom teacher if you are interested in chaperoning. Unfortunately, we cannot permit younger siblings to be part of class trips. 

Our students will participate in walking field trips throughout the school year. Walking field trips are defined as places of educational relevance within walking distance from our school building. Our students will walk to points of interest within our neighborhood with relevance to our curriculum. This may include: the local library, park, or a neighborhood walk to observe wildlife. Teachers will give prior notice of any upcoming walking field trips. By signing a ‘Walking Trip Permission Slip’, you will allow your child to go on these short, local excursions throughout the school year. 

 At P.S 384 – Hunters Point Elementary, we work each day to encourage students to be successful learners and remain safe throughout the school day. Clothing should allow for the importance of learning at school each day. While we currently do not have a uniform policy, we ask that you please help us by supporting our guidelines for appropriate dress. 

Please send students to school with: 

• Clothing they can manage independently (buttons, zippers, belts, etc.)
• Clothing that is seasonably appropriate 
• Sneakers for gym 
• Sweater or sweatshirt (if needed)
• Winter hats, baseball caps, tiaras, wings, etc. should be removed upon entering the school building

Please do not send students to school with:

• Clothing they cannot manage independently (buttons, zippers, belts, etc.)
• Open toed shoes or flip flops
• High heeled shoes
• Large or expensive accessories or items
• Clothing with inappropriate words or logos 

Please keep the following items at home and do not bring them to school: Pokemon cards, toys, slap bracelets, laser pointers, candy, hot beverages, large sums of money, expensive accessories (jewelry, scarves, etc.), make-up and hair products, permanent markers, electronics, etc. These items are distracting, difficult to identify ownership when lost, could be broken, and may be confiscated as necessary. This list may change throughout the school year in response to changing trends and issues that arise.

We encourage teaching children to be responsible for his/her belongings, including their backpack, coat, and lunchboxes. However, we know that sometimes items turn up without their owners! Please label the items your child brings to school, from school supplies, to sweaters, and lunchboxes. Any items found without a label will be placed in the Lost in Found. Please check the Lost and Found periodically for missing items. We will empty the Lost and Found three times a year and items will be donated to charity.

To extend the love of learning outside of school, as well as build responsibility, students will bring books from the classroom library, School Library, and curriculum materials, home with them. Students should work to ensure that they bring materials to and from school in a responsible way. We will also share our library expectations with children throughout the school year. 

If an item is lost or damaged, we cannot guarantee that we have additional copies to replace it, and parents may be expected to cover the cost. Let’s help our children develop good habits for treating materials respectfully and responsibly, while continuing to extend learning beyond the school day. 

To celebrate children’s birthdays, we will have once celebration at the end of each month for all of the birthdays of that month. Our PTA will support with this with pencils, bookmarks, etc., for all children to support equity and inclusion.  Please do not arrive at the school unexpected with large quantities of food, candy, etc.  

Please adhere to the following guidelines:

• We will refrain from celebrating with food due to the wide range of allergies and dietary restrictions within each classroom.  
• No goodie/gift bags, please. We do not want parents to feel unnecessary pressure! 
• Birthday celebrations will be limited to the class. Teachers will recognize student birthdays with classroom-based activities, for example: student choice read aloud, show-and-tell, book share, or other student-centered activity.
• If you will be having a party outside of school and would like to invite your child’s classmates, all students must be included, and the Class Parent will help coordinate communication of invitations.

Our team is thrilled to accept your thanks and kind words, but they do not expect any gifts. As per the Chancellor’s Regulation, as well as to avoid issues of favoritism and competition, staff members can accept gifts that are homemade (e.g., a card, a letter, your child’s art, or baked goods) or of nominal value. We cannot accept money in the form of a gift card. Teaching children to love learning is the greatest gift of all! 

As a learning community, we teach our children to learn from their mistakes and to internalize the consequences of their decisions. We also believe in giving children the chance to reflect on a poor choice and give them opportunities to make amends. This aligns with our belief in logical consequences, being responsive to behavior, and using teachable moments to change behavior and develop empathy. 

We want all of our students to be able to thrive and learn in a space where they feel safe and valued. We believe different perspectives and insights enrich our classroom discussions and learning. ALL students—regardless of their ability, race, ethnicity, language, weight, orientation, national origin, citizenship status, religion, or gender—are entitled to learn in a community free of intimidation, bullying and discrimination. Discriminatory practices will not be tolerated. 

When problematic behavioral instances arise, we adhere to the Department of Education Discipline Code: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/rules-for-students/discipline-code

In addition to logical consequences, we also want to fix the underlying causes of any ongoing issues. We also are proactive by using the Responsive Classroom approach, Social Thinking curriculum, Kindness in the Classroom, as well as countless opportunities to seize teachable moments to support student interactions and their expression of needs. You can always reach out to your child’s teacher and follow up with the Principal, Parent Coordinator, or School Counselor, as needed. We will take time to speak to students to determine what happened in a situation and the appropriate action. We will not facilitate meetings between parents or families. 

While we understand the wide range of uses and benefits of technology, we have set forth a policy that considers the safety and security of all students and community members. 

Cell phones, computing and portable music devices, and entertainment systems, or other devices that record or take photos (such as watches) may not be taken out, displayed, turned on, or used during the school day or on school premises for any reason. This includes any of the following: the administration of any school quiz, test, or examination; during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises; in public spaces such as the auditorium, cafeteria, and/or bathroom; during any school trips; while riding school buses; and during afterschool or any school sponsored programs. Students are responsible for turning off devices and securing their devices within their personal belongings, where it is not visible and cannot be heard. 

Students who violate this policy will be subject to the following, in accordance with the DOE’s Discipline Code. 

All guidelines and policies established by P.S. 384 – Hunters Point Elementary are in accordance with New York City’s Department of Education guidelines, the DOE Discipline Code, and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy. 

All steps include parent notification.

1. Warning 

2. Confiscation of item and return at end of school day

3. Confiscation of item and return following parent conference

4. Confiscation of item, return following parent conference, and student entering behavioral contract

5. Revocation of privilege to bring item to school

P.S. 384 is not responsible or liable for any cell phones, computing devices, portable music devices, and entertainment systems brought to the school that are lost, stolen, or damaged on school property or during any school sponsored events.

Here are some ways you can help support your child in safe and responsible electronic use:

• discuss with your child the contents of the P.S. 384’s cell phone and electronics policy – most importantly that devices may not be used at school and the possible consequences
• encourage your child to be a respectful and peaceful citizen – never use an electronic device or social media to engage in harassment, bullying or intimidation, or to take photos or post pictures of others without their consent
• remind your child about the importance of academic honesty and never using an electronic device to engage in cheating or to help others cheat
• teach your child to be responsible for his/her electronic devices 
• remind your child that the school is NOT responsible or liable if his/her device is lost, damaged or stolen, that it is the child’s responsibility to take proper care of his/her device, and that devices may not be charged at school.

We understand that in these times, parents can be concerned about their ability to contact their child, especially during an emergency. Please know that you can always call P.S. 384 – Hunters Point Elementary if you need to contact your child during the school day. We have many protocols in place and work to ensure student are in a safe, responsive environment.