Student-Parent Handbook

Elementary attendance zones map

Our mission is to educate, support, and inspire all students. For elementary students, this happens in their most fundamental environment is usually their individual classroom. Our intent within the district's student placement procedures is to place each student within their "home" elementary school - and most of the time, that's what happens.

But when elementary class sizes at a particular building have reached an upper limit, the superintendent has occasionally assigned families registering after the school year has started to the building and classroom with the fewest students, instead of their "home" elementary school. This flexibility in initial student assignment is designed to provide the best balance in class size for ALL district children.

Usually, this procedure is not considered until after the school year has begun, and when new families are entering the district for the first time. Administrators determine each school's number of class sections in the springtime, based on expected enrollment for the start of school in September. But as new students enroll and classes become full, those new students and/or families may be placed in another building.

Class sizes have long been a focus area as our Board of Education, our school community members, our families, and our staff members have discussed and prioritized district goals and objectives. Having equalized class sizes across each elementary grade level optimizes the use of our facilities and staff, and balances teacher attention to student educational needs. 

The district's general procedures allow the superintendent to assign incoming students to specific elementary buildings, if necessary, so that class sizes will be as balanced as possible across the district. The following points may help you understand the parameters of this procedure: 

• Generally speaking, if a family lives within a mile of two elementary schools, the Superintendent may assign that family to either school upon registration.
• Once a student/family is assigned to an elementary school, they will stay in that school through fourth grade (i.e. they would not be re-assigned after their initial entry).
• If older siblings in a family are already attending an elementary school, the incoming student will be assigned to the same school. Assignments will not change for established students & families.
• Students/families will not generally be assigned to an elementary school more than one mile away from their residence.

Whether a family enrolls in Big Cross, Jackson Heights, or Kensington Road elementary school, they will find the same great educational experience that has defined Glens Falls through the years.

Please feel free to call Superintendent Dr. Krislynn Dengler at 518-792-1212 or e-mail her at kdengler@gfsd.org with any questions on this placement policy. We look forward to being partners with you in your child's academic success. 

The student day for the 2024-25 school year is as follows:

Universal Pre-Kindergarten:  8:40 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. 
Grades K-1: 8:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. 
Grades 3-4: 8:30 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. Students are encouraged to arrive at 8:00 a.m. each day to eat a FREE, hot breakfast in our cafeteria. Students who choose not to eat breakfast should arrive at school no earlier than 8:20 a.m. 

• All students should be lined up and ready to enter the building at 8:30 a.m.
• Students will be directed by their teacher as to which door they use to enter the building.
• The following summarizes the arrival procedure for our students:

1. Arrive at school no earlier than 8:00 a.m. for breakfast or 8:20 a.m. for classes, and go to the designated door.
2. Line up according to grade level and class.
3. Keep backpacks on back.
4. Be courteous to others - no fighting, pushing, running, etc.
5. Stay in line and visit quietly with friends until entering school.

A child who arrives at 8:35 a.m. is tardy and should stop first in the main office. A parental excuse is required for all tardy arrivals. 

Daily dismissal will begin at 2:50 p.m. for UPK, Kindergarten and 1st Grade students. Grades 2, 3, and 4 are dismissed at 2:55 p.m. Arrival and dismissal times are busy times of day, and our children's safety is of utmost importance to us all. In order to avoid traffic problems, please deliver and pick up your children in a timely fashion.

Glens Falls Police Department provides crossing guards at strategic locations around the City for the safety of our children and families walking to and from school. Children must walk to the c:osswalk to cross any street. Please stay on sidewalks and walk (no running) when entering or exiting the school. 

Please come to the office when you wish to take your child out of the building before the regular dismissal time (UPK, K, 1: 2:50 p.m.; Grades 2, 3, 4: 2:55 p.m). Once the office is notified, the classroom teacher will send your child to the office. We ask that you send a note to the teacher on the day your child is leaving early. Whenever possible, try to avoid scheduling 
appointments during the school day. 

Regular attendance is important to the progress of each student. The only legal excuses for a student's absences are: 

• Illness on the part of the student
• Illness or death in the family
• Religious observance
• Impassable roads or weather
• Court appearances

All other absences are considered unexcused by the New York State Education Department and must be noted on the student's attendance record.

If your child is going to be absent from school, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE BETWEEN 8:00 AND 9:00 AM. If we don't hear from you by 9:00 a.m., we'll call you at home. When your child returns to school, they should have a written excuse. It is extremely important that your child arrives at school on time. Their day begins promptly at 8:30 a.m., however, if a student is tardy (after 8:35 a.m.) they should report to the office and sign in with the office staff before reporting to their classroom.

The importance of good school attendance has become more significant than ever before. We would like to partner with families to strengthen school attendance, family participation, and build a supportive, positive school community. Many research studies point to the importance of good attendance, including arriving on time for school, as a basis for academic and social success. Students that come to school consistently and on time are more likely to develop positive relationships, have a positive self-image, and perform better in the classroom. 

The attendance procedures in place for the 2024-25 school year are as follows: 

• Students with a minimum of 5 absences will receive a LEVEL 1 attendance letter. This letter will inform you of the number of days your child has been absent.
• Students with a minimum of 10 absences will receive a LEVEL 2 attendance letter. A mandatory meeting will be scheduled with you and school personnel to create a plan for improved attendance.
• Students with a minimum of 15 absences will receive a LEVEL 3 attendance letter. This will be the last notice before further action is taken.

Section 3205 of the New York State Education Law requires the district to monitor student attendance and intervene when students are not attending regularly. Persistently poor attendance will result in a home visit from a school staff member and/or School Resource Officer. As mandated reporters, school staff are required to report instances of educational neglect to the NYS Hotline when students are displaying chronic absenteeism without sufficient communication and documentation from their parent/guardian. Absences in excess of 10 consecutive days may require medical documentation.

Please understand that this is a cooperative effort to ensure all students attend school regularly; we all aim for the same goal - happy, well-adjusted, and successful children. 

Shoes or sneakers are required and should be worn at all times. Appropriate clothing is necessary. For safety reasons, flip-flops, thong sandals, or any other type of backless shoe should not be worn by students. Heels are not appropriate for school. Please no 
spaghetti strap shirts (two finger strap width) and no midriff showing.

During the cold and snow season, children should have coats, snow pants or snowsuits, hats, mittens or gloves, and boots everyday. Outdoor recess continues through the winter months unless it is a severely cold or stormy day. That decision is made daily at recess time, so please send your child prepared for outdoor recess every day. Also, please label all items with your child's name. 

Fourth grade students are permitted to ride bicycles to school throughout the year. Third graders may ride bicycles to school in the spring after they have completed the bicycle safety program sponsored by the school. K-2 students may ride bicycles with an adult only. Helmets are a MUST for any student riding a bicycle.

The school does not assume responsibility for theft or damage to bicycles. Therefore, it is important that bicycles be secured to the bike rack with locks. Bicycle racks are located at each school.

Students must obey all New York State bicycle rules, including the provision relating to helmets. Additionally, for safety reasons, students must walk the bicycle once they are on school property. School property includes all walk and drive areas surrounding the school.

As part of the Community Eligibility Provision, all students enrolled in the Glens Falls City School District will receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each day at no cost for the 2024-25 school year. There is no need for families to pay any fees for these meals-your child(ren) are automatically eligible to participate in this program.

These free meals are a result of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) expanding access to the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP allows eligible schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to offer school meals at no charge to all students.

Students will still provide their lunch code when going through the cafeteria line, even though complete meals are free. Lunch menus are available for each school on www.gfsd.org, and the time of your child's lunch period depends on their grade level. 

The Glens Falls City School District believes that all schools should be places where mutual respect is practiced and reinforced by all who enter them. The Glens Falls City School District will treat students, parents, and other members of the public with respect, and expect the same in return.

The district is committed to keeping schools free from disruptions and prevents all activities that threaten the educational process. This practice promotes mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct by and among board members, teachers, administrators, staff, students, parents, and the general public.

Civility should permeate the entire organization. The best way to ensure an environment of civility is to constantly practice it. Modeling the behavior we wish to see sends a sound message that all people need to be treated with respect. 

Courses of study in the elementary school provide for instruction in mathematics, reading, English language arts, social studies, science, spelling, writing, computer skills, library skills, physical education, art, music, and health and safety education. Specific courses of study have been developed to include content appropriately related to the educational maturity of students at particular grade levels.

Remedial and enrichment programs are also provided to accommodate children who may benefit from supplemental instruction. Teacher recommendation and appropriate evaluation determine this. Particular details can be obtained from teachers and building principals.

• Speech: Some students receive Speech and/or Language Therapy. When a student has a speech and language disorder, they have difficulty understanding thoughts, expressing them, or producing correct sounds.
• Reading: For students experiencing difficulty with reading, we offer small group instruction for students in grades K-4.
• Math: For students experiencing difficulty in math, additional support is provided by the classroom teachers, assisted by a classroom aide, in grades 1-4.
• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy (OT) helps children participate in daily activities, play, and academics by helping them develop the fine motor skills they need for activities like writing, cutting, and using classroom tools. 
• Psychologist: The services provided by the school psychologist range from individual evaluation to consultations with parents, students, teachers, and other school staff. Referrals to the school psychologist may come from parents or teachers, and may involve questions about academic, behavioral or other concerns.
• Social Worker: An elementary school social worker is available to assist the teaching staff and the student body in a variety of ways. A priority function of this position is linking families to the school, creating and supporting the home-school connection. 

The Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) went into effect on July 1, 2012. Its intent is to create more nurturing school environments free of discrimination and harassment. Identified in the legislation are those who are subject to intimidation or abuse based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.

The Dignity Act defines harassment as "creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being ... "

Both students and school staff members are covered under the Act, and its protections apply to all school properties.

Dignity Act coordinators include: 

• Paul Morcone, Big Cross Street Elementary School: 518-792-2619
• Ryan Estey, Jackson Heights Elementary School: 518-792-1071
• Marissa Macey, Kensington Road Elementary School: 518-793-5151
• Amanda Simmes, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction: 518-792-0107

Snow days/delays are announced as a closing for the Glens Falls City School District and not for a particular elementary school. Please remember that Glens Falls Common is Abraham Wing, and not our district. 

Glens Falls City School District believes the best place for children to be is inside our schools: learning, growing, and flourishing every day. We have a large contingent of economically disadvantaged, "school-dependent" students who rely on our schools for a warm breakfast and lunch, support through our school-based mental health professionals, positive daily connections with teachers, and extra-curricular belonging. This is why GFSD tries very hard NOT to close or delay, if possible.

We do recognize that as a walking district, students and families may experience challenges in getting to and from school in inclement weather. As parents, you are the first and most important authority when it comes to your child's safety, especially during challenging weather conditions. While schools may remain open during inclement weather, you have the discretion to decide whether it is safe for your child to travel. If road conditions or weather seem hazardous, your judgment is trusted and respected in determining whether to keep your child at home for the day.

In the rare event that school needs to be delayed or closed due to heavy snow or extreme cold (air temperatures approaching -30, as an approximation), these alerts will be announced in multiple ways.

The most immediate and direct communication will come in the form of a text message and/or email from ParentSquare to all district families and staff. You will automatically receive these alerts, if we have your current, complete contact information on file.

We all know that sometimes the power goes out, sometimes the internet goes down, and sometimes technology just doesn't work. Whatever the case may be, it is important for families to have *multiple* sources of credible information on closings or delays. Please determine now at least two of the following avenues where you will look for school closings and delays to be communicated/confirmed: 

• Like the district's official Facebook page @GlensFallsCSD
• Follow the district's  official lnstagram account @GlensFallsCSD
• Follow the district's official X (Twitter) feed @GlensFallsCSD
• Bookmark the district website at home: www.gfsd.org

Closings will also be listed on local 1V stations (Channels 6, 10, 13, and Spectrum), newspaper websites, and radio station websites. It will be announced as a closing for the Glens Falls City School District and not for a particular elementary school. 

In Glens Falls City Schools, we value the health, safety, and well-being of every student and staff member. School health services are provided by professional registered nurses, and at times, our school physician.

In addition to giving first aid and assisting. students who have accidents or are ill during school hours, the nurse is available to advise students regarding problems, health, and hygiene. The nurse also maintains the students' health records and is responsible to see that all required medical examinations and vaccines are up-to-date.

Your child will receive yearly screening evaluations for sight, hearing, weight, stature, and spinal alignment. If any abnormalities are noted you will be notified. If you have a concern about your child's status in any of these areas, bring it to the nurse's attention. Physicals are required prior to kindergarten entry and again in second and fourth grades. The child's physician can complete the physical or the school doctor will perform a physical.

Whenever children are together in large groups, concerns arise regarding the transmission of communicable diseases. The following guidelines have been developed to optimize the health and school attendance of all children. As a reminder, your child should stay home if they have: 

• A fever 1 00.0 degrees or higher
• Been vomiting or have diarrhea
• Symptoms such as: extremely sore throat, uncontrollable coughing or sneezing, excessive fatigue with body aches

Also please note the 24-hour rule:

• FEVER: Keep your child home until his or her FEVER has been gone without medicine for 24 hours
• VOMITING OR DIARRHEA: Keep your child home for 24 hours after the LAST time he/she has vomited or had diarrhea
• ANTIBIOTICS: Keep home for at least 24 hours after the FIRST dose of antibiotic for anything like strep throat, pink eye, or ear infections

The nurse evaluates incidents of illness and injury in school. If she/he deems the child too ill or requiring further medical evaluation, she will notify the parent or other designated responsible party. The parents or other responsible adult is expected to pick the child up In the Health Office promptly. In selecting an individual to act as an emergency contact for your child, please ensure that they live locally, can be available if needed, can arrange transportation, and have the authority to seek medical care for your child In your absence.

NO MEDICATION is given in school (including cough drops, ointments, Tylenol, etc. unless a physician has determined it is essential during school hours. If your child's doctor feels a medication is needed in school, NYS Education Law requires:

1. A written doctor's order 
2. A parent/guardian's written authorization 
3. The medication in its pharmacy or drug company labeled container. (Your pharmacy will give you a second labeled container if needed for school.)

Under no circumstances should a child bring any medication to school. Parents should bring any authorized medication directly to the nurse.

All health concerns should be discussed with the school nurse so a plan of care or action can be developed. Physical Education and outdoor recess participation may be excused for one session with a parent's written request. Any additional exclusion requires a written physician's statement. 

Study skills are taught in grades K-12. They encourage students to work independently, use time wisely, follow  directions, and develop responsibility and respect of self, others, and property. Different study skills are introduced at each grade level and continue to be reinforced and applied throughout a student’s education. Parental involvement in the understanding and practice of these study skills is essential to a student’s educational success. Parents are expected to learn about these skills by visiting school, attending informational meetings, reading handouts, and encouraging use. After becoming informed, parents are expected to take an active role in  monitoring assignments.

Students in grades UPK-2 will receive a folder to help organize papers going to and from school. Students in grades 3-4 will receive a daily organizer for homework assignments. The folder or daily organizer is available to each student at the beginning of the school year. Replacements are available in the main office, and cost $5 each.

All students need to apply their learning. Whether or not new work has been brought home, students need to read or reread and review material they have learned. Moving information from short term to long term memory takes daily effort.

Homework is reinforcement, or practice, of the work done at school. In addition to making learning permanent, it will have a positive effect on character development. Homework should become a daily habit. It is a vital link between school and family. Time should be planned daily for this important task.

Homework has different purposes at different grades. For all students it should foster positive attitudes, habits, and character traits. As the students get older, it also facilitates knowledge and acquisition in specific tools. Homework is required at all grade levels but the type of homework may differ. 

The following are outcomes of successfully completing homework:

• Positive attitudes towards learning and responsibility are fostered. 
• Assignment completion increases skill and knowledge acquisition. 
• Assignment performance and concentration improve with practice. 
• Self-esteem is bolstered as assignments improve and grades rise. 

From Board policy #8440, practice and preparation homework in grades K-5 should not exceed an average of ten minutes per grade level, per night. For example, grades K-l = 10 minutes; grade 2 = 20 minutes, etc. This does not include extended projects/assignments or studying for tests. Consideration should be given to each student's individual needs and abilities. Consideration for flexible due dates may apply for some students for homework assignments. The Board of Education believes that parental involvement in students' homework is essential to making homework an integral part of the educational program.

All fourth grade students who wish to take lessons are encouraged to sign up for lessons during early September. Tips for parents:

• Help the students set up regular practice times.
• Sign practice charts.
• Encourage good practice habits and commitment to the instrument on a long-term basis.

There is no charge for the use of the instrument for the first year, or for the lessons themselves. However, students are required to provide their own instruments at the beginning of the second year of study with the exception of some of the larger instruments.

STRING INSTRUMENTS: Starting in fourth grade, students have the opportunity to take string lessons. Lessons are held one time per week and concert performances are also part of this program.

BAND INSTRUMENTS: In fourth grade, students may apply for a band instrument. Lessons are once a week and concert performances are also part of this program.

Students in grades UPK-2 use folders to bring home important information, homework, etc. Students in grades 3-4 use planners/organizers. Please be sure to check your child’s folder or planner every day.

Every school in the district uses ParentSquare as the main communications platform between teachers, principals, coaches, and parents/families. You will automatically receive email and text updates from your child’s classroom teacher, for snow days or other time-sensitive updates, and for general event reminders and other important information. It is very important that your email address and phone number(s) are accurate in order for you to receive these messages. If either changes during the year, be sure to call the main office secretary with your updated contact information.

Teachers and service providers can most easily be reached through ParentSquare or by email. If you wish to speak by telephone with a teacher or service provider, you may leave a message in the main office that will be delivered to the teacher during an academic break. It is not always possible for a teacher to be reached during instructional time.

The Library is open at a variety of times throughout the school day for students to obtain books and materials. Our Library Media Specialists also direct many of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities and explorations in 3rd and 4th grades. Reading is promoted with activities throughout the year, such as our springtime PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) program, which includes special activities, incentives, and awards for extra reading students do outside of school hours.

Since borrowing books and other materials from the library is a responsibility for our children, we encourage  you to stress the importance of returning items on time. Help them find a “safe place” to keep things at home and  emphasize the importance of caring for books.

All lost items will be kept for one month. If they remain unclaimed beyond that time they will be donated to charity. Please check the lost and found promptly if you find your child has misplaced something. We suggest that you mark coats, lunch boxes, etc. with your child’s name so that these items can be returned if found.

The Parent-Teacher Association is a very active organization of parents and teachers dedicated to promoting schoolprograms and activities. Participation in the PTA is a wonderful way to become involved in your child’s school program. It is also a great way to meet other parents and become active participants in our community.

https://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/grades-3-8-ela-and-mathematics-tests 

New York State assesses student performance at grades three and four. Administration dates and subject areas are as follows: 

Grade 3: English Language Arts will be administered during the month of April or May. Math Assessment will be administered during the months of April or May.

Grade 4: English Language Arts will be administered during the month of April or May. Math Assessment will be administered during the month of April or May.

Occasionally, other standardized tests are administered to groups of students to determine strengths or areas requiring more intensive instruction in a particular subject area. Individual students may also be evaluated periodically to assist us in determining appropriate grade or group placement. Parents may request information relative to standardized testing results through the Building Principal.

The Glens Falls City School District schedules early dismissal days for parent-teacher conferences during the school year. All parents are urged to participate in these valuable parent-teacher conferences. They provide us with the best possible link for ensuring excellent home-school communications and cooperation.

The parent-teacher conference days for 2024-25 are:

• Thursday, November 14th
• Monday, November 18th
• Thursday, November 21st
• Wednesday, March 12th

On these conference days, elementary students are dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Please contact your child’s teacher if you feel additional conferences are needed.

The Glens Falls City School District offers elementary school students access to Chromebooks and other devices to facilitate and enhance learning. The school district provides Internet access for educational uses only and as such, the network may only be used for activities that support and are consistent with the educational objectives of the district.

In the elementary schools, there is no use of the Internet without adult supervision. All computers with network capability have Internet filtering installed to protect students from accessing inappropriate sites or materials.

Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the school's computer network, and on district-owned devices. It is expected that they will  comply with District standards and the specific rules set forth. The use of the network is a privilege, and access may be revoked if abused.

Students and parents/guardians are expected to understand that unacceptable use of school computers includes the following:

• Attempting to access websites or files they are not allowed to access
• Attempting to harm the computer system or files
• Destroying the data of another user
• Using the ideas or copyrights of others and presenting it as their own work
• Downloading or installing any programs or files without permission
• Any unlawful activities

With regards to technology, we follow these rules:

• Students will only access websites that are given to them by a teacher or that they find with a valid search engine.
• Students will never give out personal information such as their name, address, telephone number, or the name of their school without permission.
• Students will tell their teacher right away if they come across any information that makes them feel uncomfortable.

To maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment, the use of personal electronic communication devices by students during school hours is prohibited. This policy applies to, but is not limited to: mobile phones; smartwatches; tablets; personal gaming devices; and any other electronic devices capable of communication or internet access. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by school administration for medical necessities or other extenuating circumstances. Such exceptions must be requested in writing and approved in advance.

Any electronic communication device seen or heard during school hours will be confiscated by school staff. If parents send students to school with devices, the devices should be turned off and left in backpacks. If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian during the school day, they must do so through the school office. If parents need to contact their child during school hours, they should call the main office.

Confiscated devices will be turned in to the school office, labeled with the student's name, and securely stored until the end of the school day. Confiscated devices may only be retrieved by the student at the end of the school day. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices brought to school in violation of this policy. Repeated violations of this policy may result in requirement for a parent/guardian to retrieve the device, loss of privileges, or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by school administration.

All students entering school must have their New York State-required immunizations. If they do not have them, they must receive them within a reasonable length of time or they may be excluded from school. Registration for all Glens Falls City Schools is at the Central Registration Office in the Administration Building, 15 Quade Street. Call for an appointment: 518-792-1212 x2005. If you are moving, you must notify the school office. This will facilitate a smooth transition of academic/health records to your child’s new school.

The UPK program at Glens Falls City Schools runs from 8:40 a.m.—2:50 p.m. UPK students participate in school-wide activities such as assemblies, specials, and the breakfast/lunch program. UPK seats are filled through a lottery system each spring. For further information on Universal Pre-K, please contact Mrs. Amanda Simmes, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at 518-792-0107.

Click here for more on the UPK program: https://www.gfsd.org/academics/universal-pre-kindergarten 

The school facilities are available for public use during times that do not interfere with educational programs. Inquiries should be made at the main office.

In order to have a consistent district-wide elementary program concerning visitors entering the school building, the elementary schools’ exterior doors are locked at all times.

All visitors to the school must report to the main office upon arrival at the school. There they will be required to provide a driver’s license or other government-issued identification for scanning into the Raptor Visitor Management system. The Raptor system enhances school security by reading the government-issued photo IDs of visitors, comparing visitor identity information to a sex offender database, reviewing the same identity for any alerts that the school or District may have applied to a person, notifying school safety personnel if a match is found, and then (assuming no match was made) printing a badge for the visitor to wear at all times while on school grounds. The visitor must return to the main office and sign out before leaving the building.

All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property contained in the code of conduct on the following pages.

Elementary Code of Conduct 2024-25: https://www.gfsd.org/departments-services/safety-culture/glens-falls-elementary-schools-code-of-conduct