THE PS 39 FAMILY HANDBOOK

PS 39 encourages family involvement because we firmly believe that a strong home-school connection is at the heart of student success. This Family Handbook was created a few years ago after numerous meetings with our Parent Association Executive Board and School Leadership Team as an informational tool to assist you in becoming actively involved in the life of our school.

Our handbook is a living document that will grow and change over time. We encourage you to forward your ideas and suggestions for future editions to Karen Herskowitz, our Parent Coordinator.

Please click on the Family Handbook image to view a .pdf of the document.  Paper versions are available upon request

PS 39 Cell Phone Policy 
(effective March 2015)

PS 39’s Policy Regarding the Use of Cell Phones, Computing Devices and Portable Music and Entertainment Systems on School Property
  •  Students may bring cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems to school, but they may not be turned on or used during school hours while on school property.
  •  All cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems brought to school must be turned off before entering school.  They are not to be turned on until students have left school property.
  •  Students who choose to bring cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems to school are fully responsible for that device/system by storing the item in their book bag at all times during school hours.  PS 39 is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems.
  •  Cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises. In the event of an emergency the school will follow all existing School Safety Procedures and coordinate communication with families.
  •  Computing devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except as authorized by the school, or pursuant to an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 accommodation plan.
  • Students who use cell phones, computing devices or portable music and entertainment systems in violation of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.
  •  If a school staff member confiscates a cell phone, computing device, or portable music or entertainment system for violation of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, this regulation, and/or the Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy, the staff member must bring the device to the principal/designee to secure it. The principal/designee must then contact the student’s parent.  The first time a school confiscates a cell phone, computing device, or portable music or entertainment system, the student’s parent will be contacted and it will be returned to the student at the end of the day.  The second time a school staff member confiscates a cell phone, computing device, or portable music or entertainment system, the student’s parent will be contacted and required to come to school so that it can be returned to the parent.

Outdoor Play in Cold Weather Policy

The Department of Education has recently updated their guidelines for outdoor play in cold weather. 

Guidelines for Outdoor Play in Cold Weather
Children benefit from vigorous exercise and should be given the opportunity to play outside whenever possible. Unless it is snowing, there is ice on the playground, or the wind chill factor creates an effective temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), temperature alone should not be a barrier to outdoor play.

 PS 39 will be following these guidelines for outdoor play. We ask that all families dress their children for outdoor play EVERY DAY.  This includes winter coats and other items to keep children’s heads and extremities warm.  We will be working to ensure that students cover exposed skin, wear warm clothing and use multiple layers of clothing to maintain warmth. For more information, see this guide to staying warm outdoors.

Please note: On days that we must have indoor recess, our recess coaches will play organized movement games with the children in our music room (room 103).