Hebrew Language Academy Charter
School-2
Parent Handbook
2017-2018
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Table of Contents
Welcome to HLA2: Message from the HLA2 Head of
School
1. HLA2’s Mission Statement
2. Important Information
3. School Governance
4. Support System For Your Child’s Success As A Learner
5. Parent Communication
6. Parent Satisfaction
7. Enrollment
8. Academic Calendar 2016-2017
9. School Closings
10. Student Attendance
11. Preparation for A Joyful School Day
12. Special Events
13. Transportation
14. School Meals
15. School Safety
16. Health/Medical Services
17. Student Discipline
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Dear HLA2 Families,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year at HLA2. The year
ahead is one full of opportunity and promise for all of our students.
Our commitment to you is simple. We are here to create and provide a safe and
nurturing environment where strong and sophisticated instruction in Hebrew, ELA, Math,
Sciences, Social Studies, and the Arts occurs. It is our goal that HLA2 is a place where
every child can succeed academically and socio-emotionally.
The relationships that our teachers and staff have with families is equally
important. Our Parent Handbook is available to help our families learn about our
school and our procedures. Please take some time to review the Handbook and use it as
a resource throughout the school year.
I am looking forward to an exciting and successful school year for our entire school
community.
Educationally Yours,
Head of School
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SECTION I
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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1. HLA2 Mission Statement
Hebrew Language Academy Charter School 2 (HLA 2) will provide its students with the
academic and personal foundation necessary to successfully pursue advanced studies and achieve
continued personal growth as ethical and informed global citizens. In order to accomplish this,
HLA 2 will offer an academically rigorous K-5 curriculum which includes intensive instruction in
the Hebrew language where students in a diverse student body will also develop a strong sense
of social and civic responsibility through the integration of service learning and community
service across the curriculum.
2. Important Information
Community School District: CSD 21
Charter School: District 84
Contact us at [email protected]
3. School Governance
HLA2 is a public school chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. As a charter school, HLA2
joins the ranks of more than 1,400 public schools in New York City that provide free and open educational
opportunities to the city's children and youth. Unlike a traditional public school, however, HLA2 is not
governed by the local school district. Instead, the charter provides HLA2 with autonomy to create an
innovative and rigorous curriculum and instructional program. In exchange for this autonomy, HLA2 has
taken on greater levels of accountability than a traditional public school. We set the bar high for our
performance, and we intend to surpass the ambitious targets set in our charter. The Board is ultimately
accountable for HLA2’s successful operation and performance.
HLA2 Board of Trustees
Adam Miller, Chair
Sue Fox, Vice-Chair
Stella Binkevich, Treasurer
Aaron Listhaus, Secretary
Michael Tobman
Ella Zalkind
HLA2 Board of Trustees Meetings 2017-18
The HLA2 Board of Trustees meetings are public meetings, and we encourage parents to attend and
participate in these meetings. Dates, locations, and times for the 2017-2018 academic school year are
posting on our website (hla2.org) and at the school.
HLA2 Board of Trustees Education Committee
The HLA2 Board of Directors has an Education Committee that includes the Head of School, Board
members and other members of the school leadership. The committee regularly reviews school data,
including student academic progress based on assessment and other data disaggregated by grade, ethnicity,
poverty-level, special student population, among other factors and anecdotal reports of the instructional
staff. The committee’s goal aims to ensure the effectiveness of the curriculum and instructional
methodologies, as well as the instructional areas in need of additional support. This process helps the school
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administration and the Board to make and implement appropriate decisions in areas such as curricula,
instructional strategies, professional development for instructional staff, delivery techniques, assessment
protocols and efforts to facilitate the partnership between parents and teachers.
Separation of Church and State
HLA2 is a public school and public schools are prohibited from encouraging religious devotion or instructing
students in any religion, although teaching about religion from a purely secular, academic viewpoint is
permitted. Each HLA2 employee will participate in professional development to ensure that proper
guidelines are followed at all times with no exception. If a staff member willingly and knowingly teaches
about religion in an improper way as a public school employee of HLA2, such employee is subject to
discipline. Staff members are not permitted to supervise or otherwise participate in non-instructional
religious clubs or activities taking place on campus, except in a purely custodial capacity. The staff will,
however, accommodate any student's personal religious observance, as any public school must do under
the First Amendment.
4. Support System for Your Child’s Success as a Learner
The visual below highlights how we place our children in HLA2 as the focus and priority of our
efforts and energies. Like building blocks, each component of HLA2 is focused on supporting your
child’s achievements as a learner in a safe, learning environment.
“My Child”
HLA2 Students
Teachers
Support/Value/Needs Assessment
Quality Delivery of Instruction
Instructional Administration/Consultants
Business/Facilities/Operations/Administrative Areas
Parent/Community/Media/Student Recruitment Outreach
HLA2 Board of Trustees/Charter Authorizer
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5. Parent Communication
Strategies for Effective Home-School Communication
Communication between home and school is essential to support and encourage your child’s success.
Parents should call the main office if there is an emergency or if information is of a timely nature. Please
understand that teachers cannot always respond to messages until later in the day or perhaps the next day
but will reply as soon as possible. HLA2 encourages parents and guardians to be actively engaged as partners
with teachers in their child’s learning. Among the specific ways HLA2 communicates with parents and
guardians are:
 Parent discussions during the registration process for new admits
 Parent discussions to facilitate the completion of the Home Language Identification Survey
 Parent orientation general session for parent/guardians of new admits
 Parent orientation sessions for children identified as English Language Learners
 Parent orientation sessions for children with special needs
 Main Counter and “face to face” interactions
 Telephone conversations and email transactions
 Informal or formal conferences
 “Backpack” parent notifications
 Weekly communications sent by Parent Coordinator
 Direct communication via Facebook with Parent Coordinator
 One Call Automated Message service to inform about events and school closings, etc.
 HLA2 website www.HLA2.org
 Parent Organization general membership meetings
 Parent Organization activities (movie night, fundraisers, etc.)
 As needed classroom visits or school tours
 Individual parent/guardian conferences with teachers to review your child’s progress 4 times per year.
Ongoing reporting regarding your child’s daily attendance, preparation, behavior and character
 Parent volunteers in classrooms, on school trips or school-wide events
 School-wide events and activity sessions which may include activity sessions such as Field Day, Israel
Day, Test Prep Talk Night, Science Fair, Character Day, and Music Concerts and Plays.
6. Parent Satisfaction
We encourage regular and frequent feedback from parents so that we may continue to strive for excellence
in our school’s learning environment. Your perspective is valued and we appreciate your input and support.
Please communicate directly with your child’s teacher about his or her instructional program. The most
effective way to communicate is via email. Teachers will provide parents with their HLA2 email address. If
there is an issue that continues after you have addressed it with the classroom teacher, please feel free to
contact the main office. Parents can provide feedback in the NYC Learning Environment Survey and the
HLA2 Family Survey each school year.
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Enrollment
Application and Admission
HLA2 is a public school and therefore is free and open to students of all backgrounds. Our open admissions
policy is subject to a random lottery if the number of applicants exceeds the number of openings annually.
If a lottery is required, all the applications submitted to HLA2 will be entered into the lottery. The HLA2
lottery is a system of random selection of applications that identifies students for enrollment. Please visit
the HLA2 website at www.HLA2.org to download an application, or pick one up from our main office.
Lottery Process
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The enrollment and lottery process for 2017-2018 is guided by the NYS Charter regulations. The
guidelines for the HLA2 lottery are as follows:
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HLA2 shall determine the enrollment period
The HLA2 application deadline is April 1, 2017
HLA2 shall make public announcement of the enrollment deadline in local papers, community
fliers, bulletins, websites, etc.
In accordance with the Charter School Act, HLA2 shall make good faith efforts to attract and
retain a comparable number of English language learners, students with special needs and
children who are entitled to free and reduced lunch when compared to the enrollment figures of
CSD 21
HLA2 shall engage in community outreach and implement a well-developed outreach and
marketing effort that is aimed at achieving a representative applicant pool.
In accordance with the Charter School Act, HLA2 shall enroll each eligible student who submits
a timely application by the first day of April each year, unless the number of applications exceeds
the capacity of the grade level or building
If the HLA2 number of applications exceeds capacity during the enrollment period, students must
be selected from among the applicants by a random selection process, by grade, provided that
preference be given to siblings of those who have been enrolled in HLA2 and students residing in
CSD 21
The HLA2 lottery drawing must be announced in advance and occur in a public forum
The HLA2 lottery shall be conducted for every grade and for every space available during the
enrollment period
Each HLA2 application shall be recorded and numbered in the order in which it was drawn and
assigned to a specific grade and preference category
After seats have been filled in each grade and according to preference category a waiting list, by
grade, shall be created with the names of the remaining applicants
The HLA2 waiting list ranks applicants and identifies each applicant by number, grade, and
preference category. As spaces become available at HLA2, they will be offered to the waiting list
applicants in the order of placement on the waiting list
The waiting list is only valid for one year. The waiting list shall expire annually at the lottery
drawing following the next year’s enrollment period
Transfer Plan
HLA2 is a public school of choice, both for application and withdrawal. At any time, a parent or guardian
may wish to transfer their child to a different school. A parent or guardian wishing to withdraw his/her child
from HLA2 will be asked to complete a request for student withdrawal form. HLA2 personnel will offer to
meet with the family and discuss their reasons for withdrawing from HLA2, as well as to seek solutions to
any concerns that arise from these discussions. If the parents or guardians still wish to transfer their child
to another school, the HLA2 staff will make every reasonable effort to help the student find a school that
better serves the family’s desires. HLA2 will ensure the timely transfer of any necessary school records to
the student’s new school.
Registration
During the registration process the parent/guardian must present photo identification and bring the child
to be registered. The parent/guardian needs to present two proofs of residency from the eligible list of
proof, included in the registration packet. The parent/guardian needs to present the child proof of birth,
immunization records etc. The following forms are included in the registration packet: HLA2 Admission,
Residency, Home Language Identification Survey, Ethnic Survey, Photo/Media Release Form, Emergency
Contact, Health Insurance, Technology Survey, Consent to Release Records, and Family School Meals
Application.
Academic Calendar 2017-2018
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The academic calendar will be posted on the HLA2 website, www.HLA2.org and e-mailed to admitted
parents once approved by the HLA2 Board of Trustees. The academic calendar can also be accessed by
calling Hebrew Public at 212-792-6234.
7. School Closings
Closing of School due to inclement weather
The regular school schedule must be suspended during severe weather conditions because of hazardous
conditions. When there is an authorized school closing or delayed school opening all field trips, after school
programs and bus transportation will be cancelled. HLA2 will follow the NYC Department of Education’s
policy for school closings and school delays. Please access the NYC Department of Education website at
http://www.schools.nyc.gov for any and all updates regarding school closing during inclement weather.
Automated Message- HLA2 will send an automated message regarding any school closings. HLA2 will
also use automated phone messages to contact parents/guardians regarding important school events such
as workshops, class trips or delays in busing. Please take the time to listen to these messages as they are
directly related to your child’s learning experience at HLA2.
It is the responsibility of the parent to monitor news reports via radio stations, television stations and the
311 citywide telephone services regarding any school closings due to inclement weather or emergencies.
Please access the following sources to receive up-to-date information about school closings and delays:
Radio Stations
WINS (1010 AM), WCBS (880 AM), WABC (770 AM) WLIB (1190 AM) WADO (1280 AM), WBLS (107.5
FM0, WNYE (91.5 FM).
Television Stations
WCBS (Channel 2), WNBC (Channel 4) WNYW (Fox Channel 5), WABC (Channel 7), WNYE (Channel
25) Univision Channel 41 and NY1 (Channel 1).
Telephone Notification
Please call the citywide telephone service at 311.
Internet Notification
Please access the NYC Department of Education website at http://www.schools.nyc.gov for any and all
updates regarding school closing during inclement weather. The HLA2 website at www.HLA2.org will have
information about the school calendar and scheduled closings.
8. Student Attendance
Arrival
The school day begins with arrival at 7:30 a.m. Instruction in HLA2 begins at 8:00 a.m. daily, and students
who arrive after 8:00 a.m. are considered late. School bus delays are taken into consideration. Breakfast is
served during the morning attendance / advisory period starting at 7:55 a.m. and ends promptly at 8:10.
Students who arrive late to school miss valuable work and have a difficult time transitioning into a class
already in progress. Hebrew Language Academy Charter School 2 opens its doors officially at 7:30. Students
arriving before 7:30 must be supervised by a family member or other adult outside. Students may not be
dropped off or left alone in front of the building before 7:30. Unless students and families have made an
appointment with individual teachers or other staff beforehand, students and families must remain outside
the school building until 7:30.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arriva and dismissal procedures will be included in the registration packet.
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Attendance
It is very important that your child comes to school every day. It is equally important that your child
comes to school on time every day. Research shows that coming to school on time every day is directly
related to your child’s academic success and graduation rate. It also raises self-esteem and contributes to
your child’s social-emotional growth. HLA2 has an expected target of 95% daily attendance school wide.
This means that your child should not accrue more than 9 unexcused absences. Children should not miss
school for any reason other than religious observances and if he/she is very sick. Please complete the
appropriate religious observance paperwork in the main office before the days that your child will be
absent from school. If your child is so sick that he/she will not be in school, you must notify the school by
9am and explain why your child is absent. Please send a note explaining the absence with your child upon
their return. If your child was absent due to illness and cared for by a physician during the period of
absence, a note from the physician is required upon return to school. Vacations during instructional time
are not an excused absence.
Family vacations should be planned for weeks when the school is closed such as Winter Break, Presidents’
Week, Spring Break and Summer Vacation. All absences (both excused and not excused) are
considered absences and your child will be marked absent if they are not in school.
When you enroll at HLA2, you are making a commitment to achieve at least a 95% attendance rate and
remain in compliance with charter standards. If your child does not meet attendance criteria it could affect
his/her meeting promotional criteria. Excessive absence and/or lateness will be referred to our school social
worker for follow up.
HLA2 has put in place procedures for the recording of attendance data so that we can ensure that all of
our students are fully accounted for and receiving the support that they need to be successful. Teachers
take attendance once per day and report it to the Head of School. The Head of School, or designee, then
follows-up on all absences in the event that a parent/guardian has not contacted the school: (1) On the first
day of absence, phone calls are made to parent/guardian to determine the reason for the absence; (2) On
the second day of absence, if there is still no response from the parent/guardian, a letter is sent home
requesting a phone conference concerning the child’s attendance; (3) The parent/guardian is contacted
every day of the child’s absence if necessary; and (4) All documentation of outreach efforts are be kept in
the main school office. Our goal with this process is to ensure the safety, well-being and academic growth
of all of our students.
All attendance information is considered as part of the grade promotion process.
Long Term Absences
We recognize that at times students experience long term absences (LTA) due to extended illness or
extenuating circumstances. We use the New York State process for documenting and ensuring support for
students who experience LTAs through “Form 407: Attendance Follow-up and Outreach Referral” (Form
407). The circumstances under which Form 407 are generated are: (1) When a student has been absent
for 10 consecutive days, 20 aggregate days over a 4-month period, or 8 consecutive days (if Form 407 has
already been submitted prior to the current absence); (2) Any time a child is discharged due to “Address
Unknown”. A second Form 407 will be generated if, after 30 days, the issue has not been resolved; (3)
When a suspended student does not return following suspension; (4) When a district assigned special
education student does not enroll; (5) When a student has been excluded from school for lack of
immunization; and (6) When the Head of School determines an investigation is required. Cases are followed
up on by the Head of School or designee.
Vacation
While vacations are a valuable part of family life and student development, vacations during instructional
time are not considered an “excused” absence. Families need to plan their vacations around the schoolyear calendar, which is available at www.HLA2charterschool.org, from the Main Office or in this handbook.
Medical Absence
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If your child was absent due to illness and cared for by a physician during the period of any absence, a note
from the physician is required upon return to school. Moreover, if your child is absent two or more days
it is required that you provide a physician’s note.
Automated Message
You will receive an automated message on the evening of your child’s absence informing you of the date of
your child’s absence. This message will remind you to send a note explaining your child’s absence.
9. Preparation for a Joyful School Day
School Supplies
Parents are asked to supply basic school supplies for the child. Students will receive lists outlining the grade
appropriate items that each student needs to bring to school. School supplies should be brought in during
the first week of school.
Dress Code
Boys:
Bottoms- Navy pants (no denim or jeans)
Tops- Light blue, white or navy blue shirt (button down or polo shirt) either short or long sleeve. In cold
weather, a navy sweater may also be worn.
Foot Apparel- Dress shoes or sneakers will be permitted at the student’s option. No flip-flops or
backless/strapless sandals are allowed due to safety reasons.
Girls:
Bottoms- Navy pants, dress, skirt, jumper (not plaid) or skort (no denim or jeans). White or navy blue
tights.
Tops- Light blue, white or navy blue shirt (button down or polo shirt) either short of long sleeve. In cold
weather, a navy sweater may also be worn.
Foot Apparel- Dress shoes or sneakers shall be permitted at the student’s option. No flip-flops or
backless/strapless sandals are allowed due to safety reasons.
Please note: Hoodies or hooded sweatshirts/sweaters are not considered to be appropriate dress code.
They may be worn as outerwear but should be removed in the classroom.
A note on Hebrew Language Academy 2 t-shirts:
T-shirts, including school shirts are NOT dress code. The only exception to this will be during gym, trips
and/or spirit week. Wearing an HLA2 t-shirt during a trip is expected, there will be no exceptions.
Change of Clothes- It is preferred that your child have an extra set of clothes in school that are in
accordance with the dress code. Please label each item of clothing with your child’s name.
Labeling of Clothes- Please label your child’s clothing with their first name initial and last name or first
name and last name initial.
Lost and Found- HLA2 has a Lost and Found rack where we hang clothing that is not claimed by students
and/or their parents. Please feel free to check the lost and found as needed for your child’s belongings. Lost
and Found items will be donated to the Salvation Army at the end of each month.
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“Apparel Library”If you have dress code articles of clothing which no longer fit but are still in good condition, please send
them in with your child so they can become part of our Apparel Library. We are accepting boys’ and girls’
articles of clothing, and socks or tights. The stock in the Apparel Library will be available for families of
students who may not be able to acquire the dress code for the coming year. Any leftover stock will be on
hand for the Fall Semester for students who may have accidents during the school day but do not have a
change of clothing in school. Our children grow so quickly and there is so much benefit to our Apparel
Library. If you would like to donate used clothing, which are in good condition; or if you would like to pick
up clothing, please visit our “Apparel Library”.
10. Special Events
Birthday Celebrations
We delight in celebrating your child’s birthday at school with his or her friends and teachers! Teachers will
have a birthday list and may facilitate activities during the day to acknowledge the special day for your child.
HLA2 provides snacks during snack time through the HLA2 vendor in accordance with State Education
Department guidelines. HLA2 requests that parents do not provide any cakes, cupcakes, edible
items or gift bags for birthday celebrations. This is done to protect individuals with allergies and/or
dietary restrictions. In order to ensure continuity of the classroom’s schedule, we will serve the daily snack
each and every day as per State Education Department (SED) food guidelines. We ask that parents and
relatives not visit the class for birthday celebrations. Please note also that birthday party invitations may not
be distributed in school facilities. We need your full cooperation in this matter and we appreciate your
understanding of the nutrition guidelines we adhere to in the best interest of all HLA2 students.
Field Trips
Field trips are off-campus activities that extend and enhance classroom learning. All students are expected
to participate in field trips since they are curriculum based. These trips occur during the school day. General
requirements for field trips:
 Written permission is required for all field trips to sites other than the HLA2 school property.
Generally, the Walking Trip Parent Permission form is signed at the beginning of the school year and
covers all walking trips. Permission Slips for trips throughout the year will be issued for each trip.
Parents must be informed as to the activities involved in the trip. No child will leave the school
premises on a trip without the school having obtained explicit written permission from
the parent. Official permission slips need to be signed and returned to the school by the
posted deadline on said permission slip. Substitute permission slips, calls or emails will not
be accepted. Vehicular seatbelts must be worn on all field trips.
 HLA2 has the right to remove any child field trip if he or she does not follow the Code of Conduct.
o Parents may not receive a refund if child is not eligible for the trip.
 Your child’s teacher will send home advance notice of planned field trips. These notices will give you
more detailed information about these trips. If you plan to volunteer as a chaperone for a field trip, it
is expected that you consider the following:
a) You may not bring your other children with you.
b) You assist the teacher in charge on the trip.
c) You supervise a small group of students.
d) You adhere to our ‘no sharing’ policy (food, candy, liquids).
The school reserves the right to select chaperone volunteers.
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Transportation
Busing Eligibility
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HLA2 does not guarantee busing nor facilitate the transportation process. Each of the children is entered
into the Department of Education’s (DOE’s) Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT), database system. The
DOE determines who is eligible for transportation assistance, and the DOE will notify parents directly about
pupil transportation. As a benchmark, students in grades K and 1 only are eligible for full fare transportation
if the distance from their residence to school is ½ mile or more. Half fare metro cards are available to
students who are not eligible for yellow school bus. Paperwork The HLA2 Code of Conduct/ Rules
for Riding the Bus must be followed to maintain a safe environment for all students.
Bus Drills
Bus drills are held three times a year as practice for emergency conditions on a school bus.
Children are instructed in safety procedures for the bus and while waiting at bus stops.
Transportation for Special Education Students
State education law mandates that the City provide transportation for special education children residing
in NYC to and from the school they legally attend. The type of transportation provided (yellow bus or
Metro Card for public transportation) is determined by the student’s Individualized Education Program
(IEP). Unlike general education where eligibility is determined by a student's grade level and the distance he
or she lives from school, a special education student's eligibility for transportation is determined solely by
the requirements of their IEP.
HLA2 STANDARD OF CONDUCT
Rules for Riding the Bus
This standard of conduct is established to maintain a safe environment for all students who are riding the bus, and
it is expected that all students follow it at all times. We are asking parents to review these rules of conduct regularly
to ensure the safety of their child.
1.
Students are to remain seated with seatbelts buckled at all times. Students are
responsible for buckling their seatbelts right when they are seated on the bus. It is up to the
students to remain seated and not stand or jump on seats once the bus is moving. Failure to follow
this could result in further actions, which could include suspension from the school bus.
2. Students are expected to use proper language and volume while on the bus, and speak
in a respectful manner at all times. This school encourages a respectful community and all
students are expected to speak to each other in a respectful manner. Students who fail to follow
this could be subject to consequences including warnings and suspension from the school bus.
3. No fighting. Students are expected to keep their hands to themselves at all times. This
encourages a safe environment. Violence will NOT be tolerated on the bus or while waiting to
get on the bus. Incidents of fighting will result in suspension from the bus. After 2 bus suspensions
students will be removed from the bus for the rest of the year.
4. No Toys. No toys are allowed on the bus or in school. All toys will be collected by the
teacher/bus matron and parents will need to come to school to retrieve the toys.
5. Students are expected to follow directions and behave properly while being picked up
by bus monitors. Students should follow directions and stand in a straight line while being picked
up from classes to be placed on the bus. Failure to do this may result in suspension from the
school bus.
6. SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. Any type of non-violent conduct that
affects safety will result in consequences ranging from warnings to bus suspensions.
Three warnings will result in a bus suspension. The length of suspension will be determined by the
Head of School.
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7. Students that have been suspended twice could be permanently excluded from bus
privileges.
8. If a student behaves in a manner that poses a danger to himself/herself or to others,
the Head of School can determine that this behavior constitutes a cause to
permanently exclude a student from bus privileges even if no previous warning have
been dispensed.
11.
School Meals
Daily Meals
HLA2 serves two meals daily and a snack. Parents are required to complete a Family School Meals
Application. Lunch forms are a way for the school to claim Federal and State reimbursements for meals
served and a basis for claiming other school funding sources. The lunch program is a month to month
program. Parents will pay monthly based on the meals their child has eaten for said month. If parents choose
not to participate in the lunch program they will need to send lunch from home with their child. If you have
any questions, please contact the main office.
HLA2 promotes the significance and values of relationships during school meals. Meal time in HLA2 is an
instructional period and an opportunity to engage in instruction with the Hebrew teachers. In this way,
children are in class groups, are engaged in conversation and in “family” units in the school environment
during meal time.
Nut Free Environment
Due to the frequency of persons with allergies to nuts, peanut butter or any peanut based products are
NOT permitted in HLA2. We ask that parents who send their children with breakfast, lunch or snack
cooperate with us in implementing this policy. We need your collaboration and we appreciate your
consideration in this matter.
No Sharing Policy
HLA2 does not allow students to share any food items during breakfast, lunch or snack.
No Candy/Soda/Glass Bottles
In the best interest of your child’s nutrition we ask that you do not send candy or soda to school.
Additionally, any beverage in a glass bottle will be confiscated. We ask that parents who send their children
with breakfast, lunch, or snack cooperate with us in implementing this policy. We need your collaboration
and we appreciate your consideration in this matter.
Meals Survey
HLA2 will conduct a student meals survey twice a year as a means to get students’ input on what they like
and dislike. In this way, the HLA2 administration and food vendor may coordinate a nutritious balanced diet
that students will eat and thereafter be well nourished and ready to engage in learning activities.
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12.
School Safety
The maintenance of safety and good order is the collective responsibility of all school staff, parents, students
and agencies such as the NYPD/NYCDOE Division of Safety. To help ensure safety, HLA2 has the following
policies.
Facilities
The physical condition and ongoing maintenance of the school building is an important factor in setting a
positive school tone and high expectations for all members of the school community. HLA2 strives to
ensure a clean and well maintained building that is conducive to the creation of an optimal environment for
teaching and learning.
Security
HLA2 has full time security personnel.
Visitors
To maintain safety and security, only authorized visitors are allowed in HLA2. All visitors must sign in at
the security desk and show a legal identification. All visitors must enter the Main Office and express the
purpose of their visit for approval by the Head of School or the Head of School’s designee. All visitors must
sign in at the Security Officer’s desk in the appropriate registry book once the purpose of their visit is
identified. Unless staff has planned visits in their schedules, the presence of visitors may cause unwarranted
disruption and possibly diminish productivity. We ask that visitors minimize talking while observing
classrooms.
Emergency Card
Please notify the Main Office of any change of address or telephone number immediately. The Emergency
Card contact persons are authorized by the parent/guardian to pick up your child from school. We will
not release your child to any person who is NOT on the Emergency Card under any
circumstance. If you need to add or delete someone from your child’s Emergency Card, you must come
to the Main Office in person. We will not accept oral communication over the phone to add or delete
persons on the Emergency Card. If you have a court document barring any person from having contact with
your child, a copy of said document must be provided to the Main Office. A copy of the document will be
stapled to the Emergency Card.
Personal Belongings
In the interest of safety and security, the School reserves the right to search all bags and containers brought
onto the School premises, at any time. Please note that no child should bring toys or cell phones to use at
school or on the bus. HLA2 is not responsible for student items stored in lockers / classrooms.
Fire Drill/Evacuation Procedures
The School conducts fire and other emergency drills in accordance with applicable state and local laws. All
staff and students are expected to participate in such drills, as building and safety personnel require. Fire
Drills are held twelve (12) times during the school year.
No Smoking
There is no smoking on school property in accordance with State Law.
Safety Plan
HLA2 has filed the school safety plan with the NYS Education Department. A public copy is on file in the
Main Office.
Safety Reminder
We encourage you to remind your child of safety tips for interacting with strangers, including but not limited
to the following:
1. Students should never go home with strangers
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Students should never talk to strangers
Students should not take things from strangers
Young students should be escorted to and from school
Students should only cross streets at clearly designated crossing points
If students are approached by strangers and are near the school, they should return to the school
and inform a staff member
13.
Health/Medical Services
School Nurse
The school nurse is on post from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily. If a student is injured, the faculty member in
charge must bring him or her to the school nurse. In a medical emergency in school, the School Nurse
should be notified immediately. Only the school nurse may determine if a child must go home for medical
reasons. In the event that a school nurse is not present, the school must receive permission from a child's
parent or legal guardian to allow the child to go home for medical reasons.
Medication Administration
Except as expressly permitted by the School, School employees, including faculty, are not to administer
medication of any kind (including but not limited to Tylenol/Advil and cough medicine) to students.
Only registered nurses and doctors who have proper authorization are permitted to do so, except in the
event of a true emergency. Students may not have prescription or non-prescription medication
in their possession without the express written consent of the school nurse. In the absence of a
school nurse, only a Head of School, Director, teacher, coach, physical therapist, or occupational therapist,
who is authorized and has received training in safely administering medications from a school nurse or
licensed physician, may administer oral, topical, inhalant, or injectable medications. No medication
(prescription or non-prescription), will be administered to any student without the written order of an
authorized personnel such as but not limited to a licensed physician, licensed dentist, advanced practice
registered nurse or physician assistant, and the written authorization of a parent or guardian. The
administration of medications as prescribed shall be recorded on an Individual Student Medication Form.
As each form is completed, the school nurse will file it in the student’s cumulative health record.
CPR and Defibrillation
The School has access to an Automatic External Defibrillators ("AED") for emergency purposes. An AED
is a portable, lightweight, automatic external defibrillator that is used to shock the heart of a person who is
undergoing sudden cardiac arrest. The use of this piece of equipment requires training and is an essential
part of administering emergency first aid immediately to a heart attack victim. The AED enables a trained
individual to provide potentially lifesaving assistance in an emergency.
14.
Student Discipline
HLA2 Code of Conduct
HLA2 works to ensure that the school is a place where all students can learn and all staff can teach in a
safe, secure and orderly environment. HLA2 defines “discipline” as helping children develop self-control and
self-motivation in a school community that is safe for all members. To ensure that an environment is created
where teaching and learning can flourish, HLA2 has developed a series of rules that address proper student
behavior, maintenance of order within the school and while people are engaged in school activities (HLA2
Code of Conduct), and a statement of student rights and responsibilities.
The Code of Conduct sets forth the policy of HLA2 regarding how students are expected to behave when
participating in school activities, on and off school grounds, and how HLA2 will respond when students fail
to behave in accordance with these rules. In all disciplinary matters, students will be given notice and will
have the opportunity to present their version of the facts and circumstances leading to the imposition of
disciplinary sanctions to the staff member imposing such sanctions. Depending on the severity of the
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infraction, disciplinary responses include suspension (short or long term in another class) or exclusion from
extracurricular activities where the safety and learning conditions of others is paramount.
At HLA2, discipline is considered a process. The HLA2 staff deals with each problem individually, and for
each unacceptable behavior there is a range of consequences and actions a teacher or staff member can
take. The first step taken in any disciplinary action is to restore a sense of safety and bring people into selfcontrol. This may mean a reflection time or a sympathetic conversation; whatever will help a child to be
able to face a problem rationally. The outcome of the consequences should reinforce not only the essence
of what is unacceptable to the group but also how one’s behavior impacts on the group and on oneself. The
decision as to which consequence is chosen will be in accordance with guidelines established by HLA2.
In HLA2, we encourage children to make a ‘right choice’. For each action or decision there is a choice.
For each action or decision, there is a ‘right choice’ or a ‘wrong choice’. Staff members in HLA2 use a
common language and encourage students to use the common language in determining if the right choice
or wrong choice was made. In this way, the follow up discussion may identify the appreciation or
consequences for actions/decision.
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SECTION II
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
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Academic Intervention Services (AIS):
When a child experiences difficulties gaining understanding in subject material, we will do whatever it takes
to help them make gains. This will include meetings with you, adding extra help, known as Academic
Intervention Services, and if needed recommend the child for additional services. If your child cannot meet
these basic benchmarks, retention may be a remedy.
Retention:
All HLA2 students are held to specific promotion criteria in the areas of attendance; comprehensive
classroom assessments that include work samples, anecdotal, teacher assessments and observations; and
benchmark assessments (i.e., ECLAS and NYS Standardized Test scores). HLA2 reserves the right to make
a decision for promotion when standardized test scores do not match previous student achievement as
seen through these classroom assessments. Students failing to meet any of the grade level or school
expectations as defined by the criteria are noted as Promotion in Doubt during the winter at which time
families are notified in writing of possible retention. If students do not demonstrate improvement by the
end of the school year they are identified for retention for the following school year.
Homework:
At HLA2, we view homework as a partnership between ourselves as educators, as you, as parents. We
strive to create assignments that are meaningful to the activities that your child experiences during the
school day. The assignments to be completed at home are just another piece to a puzzle that guides your
child in understanding concepts and gaining fluency is Hebrew and English Language Arts. Homework
assignments will vary by grade, based on your student’s progress and specific lesson requirements. It is
essential for all students to read each day.
All HLA2 students are held to specific criteria for promotion in the following areas:
·
Attendance
·
Academic/class Proficiency
·
Benchmark assessments (Including NWEA, NYS Exams)
HLA2 reserves the right to make a decision regarding promotion if student growth and
achievement do not meet the expected criteria. Students failing to meet any of the grade level or
school expectations as defined by the criteria are noted as Promotion in Doubt during the winter at which
time families are notified in writing of possible retention. If students do not demonstrate improvement by
the end of the school year they are identified for retention for the following school year.
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I/We, _________________________ the parents of _________________________, have received,
read, had the opportunity to ask questions about, understand and agree to abide by the policies set forth
in the HLA2’s parent handbook. Furthermore, I/We agree to abide by the policies set forth in the manual.
I/We understand that the policies described in the Parent Handbook are not conditions of enrollment,
and the language does not create a contract between Hebrew Language Academy and the parents. HLA2
reserves the right to alter, amend, or otherwise modify these guidelines, in its sole discretion, without
prior notice. I/We also understand that future questions regarding policies in the parent handbook may be
directed to the main office.
Student Name: ____________________________________
Class: __________________
Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________
Date: ___________________
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