student/family handbook · winston preparatory school 126 west 17th street new york, ny 10011 t...

Winston Preparatory School 126 West 17th Street New York, NY 10011 T 646-638-2705 F 646-638-2706 www.winstonprep.edu

Student/Family Handbook 2016-2017

Winston Preparatory School

WPSNY Student/Family Handbook i

Table of Contents Philosophy

Academic Standards

Academic Year

Evaluations and Grading System

Semester Examinations

Dean’s List/Honor Roll

Incompletes and Failures

Organizational Aids for Students

Classwork

Homework

Academic Records

Parent-Teacher Communication

Attendance and Lateness

School Hours

No School/Delay Announcement

Overview

General Procedures

Attendance Requirements

Absences/Notification Sequence

Lateness/Notification Sequence

1

2

2

2

3

3

3

3

4

4

4

4

5

5

5

5

5

6

6

7

School Culture

Community Standards and Code of Conduct

Discrimination, Harrassment & Bullying

Drug and Alcohol Use

Tobacco

Dress Code

Personal Belongings

Student Lockers

Computer Facilities

Electronic Devices and Cell Phones

Physical Education Class

Overview

PE Guidelines for the School Year

Extracurricular Activities

Overview

Transportation

Overview

Bussing

Metrocards

Medical

Physical Exams

Medications

Emergency School Closing

Re-opening School

ii

8

8

8

9

11

11

11

11

12

12

13

13

13

14

14

15

15

15

15

16

16

16

17

18

WPSNY Student/Family Handbook

WPSNY Student/Family Handbook 1


PhilosophyMission Winston Preparatory School's mission is to facilitate the independence of students with learning differences through assessment-driven individualized education, research and outreach.

Our Winston Commitment As members of the Winston community we will:

••

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Work to identify our own learning styles and seek to gain a greater understanding of ourselves. Put forth effort in the pursuit of learning, with the understanding that mistakes can serve as opportunities to learn. Learn to communicate effectively and advocate for ourselves. Understand how our choices affect ourselves and others before we make decisions. Help prevent, manage, and constructively resolve conflicts. Create supportive classrooms that encourage risk taking. Express and respond to feelings, and develop the capacity for empathy. Help each other adhere to the guidelines in the Student Handbook.

The Qualities of a Sustainable and Independent Learner It is our belief that in addition to academic skills, there are core characteristics that all successful adults have in common. In order to affirm and promote these characteristics, we have generated a list of the qualities of learners who independently sustain learning, growth, and achievement after Winston. AtWinstonwecallthesequali1estheQuali1esofaSustainableandIndependentLearner.ThroughtheScienceofLearningini1a1veswehavebeenabletoiden1fythefactorsthatcontributetosuccessa@erhighschoolandthequali1esnecessarytoachievethem.Specifically,theyareresilience,socialresponsibility,self-advocacy,self-regula1on,self-reflec1on,communica1on/socialskills,problem-solving,andmanagementandorganiza1on.Keytoastudent’sdevelopmentofthesequali1esistheirandthecommunity'sunderstandingofthem,specificindividualizedgoalsrelatedtothisdevelopment,andac1vi1esthatstrengthenthesequali1esembeddedthroughouteachWPSstudents’program.

The8Quali+esofaSustainableandIndependentLearner

Resilience

Thestudentisabletorecoverfromoradjusteasilytomisfortuneorchangebybecomingstrongandhealthyinresponsetosuchexperiences

SocialResponsibility

Thestudentisaconsistentlyeffec1veandhelpfulmemberofthecommunity.Whetherintheclassroom,schoolhalls,neighborhood,orworld,thestudentgoesoutofthewaytohelpallmembersofthecommunity.Thestudentdisplaysempathyforothersandactsasarolemodelamongpeers.

WPSNY Student/Family Handbook


Self-Advocacy

Thestudentconsistentlyrepresentshimself/herselfbyappropriatelyaskingforassistanceinsideandoutsideoftheclassroom.Thismayincludereques1ngclarifica1onofassignmentsandexpecta1ons,specificmaterials,oraccommoda1ons.Thestudentisabletoiden1fytheappropriatepersontoassistwithhis/herneeds.

Self-Regula+on

Thestudentisabletoremaingoal-directedacross1me,eveninthefaceofdifficultsitua1ons,andemo1onssuchasboredom,annoyance,orfrustra1on.Thestudentdisplaysimpulsecontrolinhis/herdecisionstoeitherstoporini1ateac1on.

Self-Reflec+on

Thestudentisreflec1veandselfaware.Thestudenthasaconsciousknowledgeofhis/herowncharacter,strengths,weaknesses,feelings,mo1ves,anddesires,andisthoughQulabouthowtheseinfluencehis/herac1onsandresponses.Thestudentisabletolookbackatac1ons,decisions,andcrea1ons,assesseffec1veness,recognizeareasinneedofchange,andapplythisknowledgetosimilarsitua1onsinthefuture.

Social/Communica+onSkills

Thestudentconsistentlybothrespondsandadaptstodiversesitua1ons,andunderstandshowtocommunicatehis/herneedsandideastootherswithoutexternalstructuresofsupport.Thestudentpossessesthenecessarytoolstomakechoicesthatwillstrengthenhis/herinterpersonalrela1onships,successinschoolandwithinthecommunity.Thestudentiden1fiesandu1lizesproblem-solving,interpersonal,andconflictresolu1onskills.

ProblemSolving

Thestudentisanadap1ve,crea1veandeffec1veproblem-solver.Whenfacedwithanacademicorsocialchallenge,thestudentisabletostepback,analyzetheproblem,andcomeupwithacrea1vesolu1onappropriatetothesitua1on.Ifthefirstsolu1onisunsuccessful,thestudentisabletodeviseandimplementadifferentone.

ManagementandOrganiza+on

Thestudentisabletopriori1ze,organize,andcompletetaskseffec1velyandefficiently.He/shearriveson1metoschool,classes,appointmentsandothercommitments,andisreadytopar1cipate.Assignmentsarehandedinontheduedateandmeettherequirementsspecified.Thestudent’smaterials(suchasnotes,homework,classwork,books,binder)andbelongingsareorganizedandeasilyaccessibleatall1mes.

2 WPSNY Student/Family Handbook


Academic Standards Academic Year The academic year is divided into two semesters with a final exam period at the end of each semester.

Evaluations and Grading System Upon completion of each semester, narrative progress reports and grades are sent home to families. Students will receive a literal and numerical grade. Numerical grades are based on the following criteria:

Progress/Performance 33% Graded Assignments/Homework Exams/Quizzes Mid-Term/Final Exam

Commitment/Effort 34% Punctuality with assignments Self-Advocacy Response to Instructor Feedback Openness to instruction Willingness to take risk Consistency of effort Problem solving

Participation 33% Punctuality and attendance Organization and preparedness for class Class contributions Cooperation/collaboration

The following are letter grade equivalents:

A A-

94-100 90-93

B+ B B-

87-89 84-86 80-83

C+ C C-

77-79 74-76 70-73

D+ D D-

67-69 64-66 60-63



Semester Examinations All students must take all semester exams on time according to the published schedule. Make-up exams will be administered on the designated date.

Dean’s List/Honor Roll To celebrate academic achievement and continued commitment and effort in classes, students who receive at least a B+ in all of their classes are recognized on the Dean’s List. Students who receive a B or better in all of their classes are recognized on the Honor Roll.

Incompletes and Failures Students who receive an incomplete or failing grade (<60) in the fall semester must attend study hall throughout the spring semester. Study hall may include make-up work from the previous semester and/or additional assignments from that content area. Upon successful completion of study hall and assigned work, students will receive a grade of “D-” (60). Students who receive an incomplete or failing grade (<60) in the spring semester or who do not complete their spring semester study hall requirement must attend WPS Summer School to complete their academic requirement for promotion or graduation.

Organizational Aids for Students Students will receive an introduction to the organizational system during the first week of school. Parents who have questions about the organizational system should contact their child’s Focus teacher.

The following are items that should be purchased for your child’s use. Please note that a WPS assignment planner/agenda will be provided for all students on the first day of school. Focus Teachers will help students review their planner system and prepare loose-leaf notebooks and dividers based upon class schedules. We ask that parents help students maintain supplies throughout the academic year.

1 1 1 1 1 12 12 3 1 1

Lock 2” 3-ring binder Pack of 3-hole filler paper Pack of tabbed dividers Pack of index cards #2 pencils Pens Highlighters 12” ruler Calculator (math teachers will specify type on first day of school)



Classwork It is the student’s responsibility to be prepared for class with all necessary books and materials. Missed assignments must be made up within the time frame set by the teacher.

Homework Homework is an assessment tool that allows teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of classroom instruction and learning strategies unique to the learning style of each student. It is an extension of learning that allows for daily practice of language, problem solving and all other cognitive and academic skills. The amount and difficulty of assignments is reflective of each student’s level of skill in that area. Typically, students should devote 20-30 minutes per subject per evening.

Academic Records It is the policy of Winston Preparatory School to assure parent access to education records and to protect the confidentiality of such records. For further information please contact the school office.

Parent-Teacher Communication The best way for parents to communicate with teachers is by phone or e-mail. The e-mail address of a teacher is the first letter of the first name followed by the last name followed by @winstonprep.edu (i.e. [email protected]).



Attendance and Lateness School Hours Students must be in their first period classes at 8:30 a.m. Classes end at 3:12 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for students. On Wednesdays and half days, all classes end at 12:45 p.m.

No School/Delay Announcement If New York City public schools are closed because of inclement weather or an emergency, Winston will also be closed. If Winston is closing but New York City public schools are not, you will be notified by telephone before 7:00 a.m. and you can also check our website for announcements at www.winstonprep.edu.

Overview Regular attendance is essential to our students’ progress and is reflected in the commitment and participation grades. The purpose of WPSNY’s attendance and lateness policy is to ensure the maintenance of an adequate record verifying the attendance of all children during days of instruction and to establish a mecha- nism by which the patterns of student absence can be examined to develop effective intervention strategies.

To implement a successful attendance policy, we need the cooperation of all members of the educational community, including parents, students, teachers, administrators, and support staff.

General Procedures Foreseen absence should be reported in advance to the office (646-638-2705, ext 649). In the case of an unforeseen absence, students must have their parent or guardian telephone the school before 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the absence.

Attendance will be taken during each class period and will be compiled by the WPSNY office staff. Then, teachers will cross-reference class absence with the daily absentee list.

Any absence, lateness, or early dismissal must be accounted for. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school within 24 hours of the absence AND to provide a written excuse upon the student’s return to school. The written note should include student’s name, date of absence, reason for the absence, and parent’s signature. This note should be handed-in at the front desk when the student returns to school.

Parents will be notified by phone if their child is absent without notification.



Attendance Requirements The WPSNY attendance requirement states, in part, that to be granted academic credit for any course, a student must earn a passing grade in the course and attend each class a minimum of 85% of the time.

Students will not receive course credit if absent more than 13 times in a semester.

In each course, when a student exceeds the maximum number of absences or latenesses, he/she will receive a notation of “no grade” for the semester. Students who have failed to meet the attendance requirements will not receive academic credit but will be responsible to complete course assignments while they audit the course. The student will forfeit the right to attend summer school at WPSNY for each course audited if he/she is absent more than an additional four days during the remainder of the school year.

Absences All absences from class will be covered by this policy. No distinction will be made between the classification of excused or unexcused when determining the total number of days absent from each course. Participation in school activities such as drama, athletics or community service will not be considered as an absence.

Notification Sequence The following refers to the notification process pertaining to the number of absences in a single class. A student may be notified several different times if excessive absences exist in more than one class.

As soon as possible after the fourth, ninth and thirteenth absence, WPSNY will notify the student’s parent(s) and dean.

The notifications will be as follows:

After the 4th absence: Parents will receive their first notification. After the 9th absence: The student has only four absences remaining and will lose credit if absences exceed the limit. After the 13th absence: The student will not receive credit due to excessive absenteeism.

In every notification to a student’s parent(s), a request will be made for the parent to meet with the child’s dean. The impact of excessive absences on the student’s education, possible intervention strategies to eliminate the problem, and the consequences associated with the student’s absenteeism will be discussed. If contact between the parent(s) and the school is not made, the school may contact outside agencies for additional support in addressing the attendance problem. The parent(s) will have an opportunity to confer with the school staff; however, a conference with the parent(s) is not a prerequisite to denying academic credit to a student who has failed to meet the attendance requirements. The primary responsibility for the student’s attendance in class rests with the student.



Lateness Punctuality is essential to foster responsibility and good work habits in our students. Lateness will be reflected in the commitment and participation grades. Parents will be notified in writing if their child is continually late for school.

Lower grades result when punctuality is less than 90% (more than 9 latenesses). An incomplete is given when punctuality is less than 85% (more than 13 latenesses).

Notification Sequence The following refers to the notification process pertaining to the number of latenesses in a single class. A student may be notified several different times if excessive lateness exists in more than one class.

As soon as possible after the fourth, ninth and thirteenth lateness, WPSNY will notify the student’s parent(s) and dean requesting a meeting to discuss intervention strategies. The letters shall notify the parent(s) as follows:

After the 4th lateness: Parents will receive their first notification. After the 9th lateness: The student has only three latenesses remaining and will lose credit if latenesses exceed the limit. After the 13th lateness: The student will receive an incomplete due to excessive latenesses.

Students who receive an incomplete or failing grade (<60) in the fall semester must attend study hall throughout the spring semester. Study hall may include make-up work from the previous semester and/or additional assignments from that content area. Upon successful completion of study hall and assigned work, students will receive a grade of “D-” (60). Students who receive an incomplete or failing grade (<60) in the spring semester or who do not complete their spring semester study hall requirement must attend WPS Summer School to complete their academic requirement for promotion or graduation.

In addition, students must attend a 30-minute detention on the day of their fourth lateness and every lateness thereafter.



School Culture Community Standards and Code of Conduct Winston is committed to helping students reach their potential and fostering a safe learning environment. As a result, we are concerned about any behavior that affects the emotional and physical well being of our students. Winston actively addresses issues that interfere with any student’s learning. In collaboration with the Deans, a plan will be developed to resolve any problem.

Winston expects that all students, faculty and staff members will treat each other equally and with respect, discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or natural origin, religion, creed or physical or mental disability will not be tolerated.

It is the responsibility of all members of the Winston community to conduct themselves in such a way as to contribute to an environment free of all forms of discrimination, including harassment. Anyone experiencing sexual harassment or discriminatory threats should report the incident to the Deans, the school social worker, the Headmaster or person in authority with whom the student is comfortable speaking.

Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination

Policy

Bullying, cyber-bullying, teen dating violence and other harassing and discriminatory acts in all forms ("Acts") committed against Winston students by other students, Winston teachers and other employees in and during school, beyond school premises, on school buses, on private transportation, at school sponsored activities, private gatherings, in homes, on weekends, during holidays, vacations and summer recesses are strictly prohibited. Such prohibited Acts include, without limitation, Acts based on actual or perceived characteristics ("Characteristics") such as race, color, weight, national origin, ancestry, ethnic group, socio-economic or academic status, physical appearance, religion, religious practice, mental, physical, developmental or sen- sory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex. Prohibited Acts are not restricted to those that have already occurred. Rather, prohibited Acts include those that Winston has reason to believe may occur in the future.



Such Acts create an unacceptable, hostile school environment that changes the character of the school cli- mate, disrupts the education process, infringes on student rights, may substantially interfere with a student's educational performance, opportunities or benefits, prevent him or her from reaching full academic and developmental potential, adversely affect student's mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, and cause student to fear for his or her physical safety.

Definitions

"Bullying" is the creation of a hostile environment by conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse that includes, but is not limited to, written, oral or electronic communication or physical acts or gestures based on any actual or perceived differentiating Characteristics described in the first paragraph of this Policy, or by associa- tion with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more such Characteristics. (Examples include verbal threats, slurs, and taunting and derogatory jokes.)

"Cyber-bullying" is any act of bullying through the use of the Internet, social media and networks, interac- tive and digital technologies, cellular mobile telephone or other mobile electronic devices or any other electronic communications.

"Teen dating violence" is any act of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, including stalking, harassing and threatening, that occurs between two students who are currently in or who have recently been in a dating relationship.

Procedures

• A Winston employee who suspects, directly witnesses or receives a report regarding bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment or discrimination by anyone against a Winston student that has occurred or is anticipated to occur in the future, shall orally report the matter to the Head of School and Executive Director the same day, and submit a written report within two (2) school days thereafter.

• There is no legal confidentiality between students and Winston employees regarding such matters. Information disclosed by students to teachers and focus teachers must be reported.

• Each reported incident will be promptly investigated and appropriate action taken. • Winston will use its best efforts to prevent future incidents, and will notify the police if criminal activity is suspected.

• Parents or guardians of students determined to be responsible will be notified to inform them of disciplinary action to be taken, which may include student suspension and expulsion.

• Upon expulsion of a student under this Policy, Winston will not refund paid tuition, fees, expenses or other charges.

• Winston employees will receive appropriate training, and records of all reported incidents will be maintained.

The Executive Director shall have sole discretion under this Policy.



Drug and Alcohol Use The presence of illegal substances creates health and safety concerns, interferes with positive relationships and involves dishonesty and deceit. Drug and alcohol use affects everyone in the Winston Community and is incompatible with our educational mission.

As a result, Winston has developed a multi-leveled approach in response to the problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Winston’s approach includes education, intervention, treatment and disciplinary components.

Our approach is designed to:

1. Provide prevention education and intervention before substance abuse becomes a problem of chemical dependency. 2. Require professional assessment of a student with his or her family when abuse of chemical substances is suspected. The purpose of this type of evaluation is to identify the extent of a student’s substance abuse and to make recommendations for necessary support. The school reserves the right to choose the agency to conduct the assessment and to be in communication with the agency about recommendations. Disciplinary action will result should a student refuse or discontinue treatment and/or testing. 3. Provide both disciplinary and non-disciplinary methods of intervention.

Non-disciplinary Intervention The health and well-being of each student is our paramount concern; the abuse of mood-altering substances, alcohol and/or tobacco does not advance that interest. Sharing information or concern regarding such use is in the spirit of our partnership with parents, even when there is no disciplinary component to be pursued. Students and parents should recognize that the use of such substances away from school might lead the school to act. Such action would involve a conversation with the student and parents about the student’s suspected or observed use. This non-disciplinary intervention would seek to engage the student in an examination of his/her unhealthy behavior, with the possibility of mandated substance abuse evaluation, counseling, and/or drug testing. The school reserves the right to select an outside agency.

In the same spirit, any student who recognizes his/her need for help with drugs, alcohol or tobacco and comes forward voluntarily in order to seek such help will be able to do so with the understanding that receiving assistance will be the end result. Students may seek help through a teacher, a school social worker or member of the administration. This process, in and of itself, shall not be considered a disciplinary situation.

Disciplinary Intervention Any student known to or suspected of having abused any prescription drug, or who has used, possessed, sold or transferred any mood-altering substances or alcohol or tobacco product in the school, within the proximity of school, on school trips or at school functions will be subject to



disciplinary procedures and consequences. The school reserves the right to search the belongings of a student when on campus or on a school-sponsored trip whenever a school staff member has reason to believe that a student might have mood-altering substances, alcohol or tobacco products in his or her possession.

First Offense: As a minimum, suspension and a mandatory assessment (and compliance with treatment recommendations) by an outside agency chosen by the school. Additional consequences may include removal from extra-curricular activities. The school reserves the right to require a drug test and/or on-going drug testing. A first offense may result in expulsion.

Second Offense: Up to and including expulsion.

Tobacco Medical research has proven that the use of tobacco is dangerous to one’s health. Therefore, Winston discourages the use of any tobacco product by its students. Smoking cigarettes is prohibited on school premises, on 17th Street between Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue, and also on school-sponsored trips.

Dress Code As our students become independent adults, choice regarding dress will arise. Part of our social-emotional curriculum includes a continuing discussion about what to wear to school and work. Please help us promote good decision making skills by having your child arrive at school in clean, neat and appropriate attire.

Clothing which creates a distraction in the learning environment will be deemed unacceptable. Acceptable dress does not include hats, tank tops, cutoff shorts, tight or provocative clothing, ripped or torn clothing, shirts with offensive messages/emblems or bare midriffs. In addition, no student may wear any outerwear within the school building (jackets, coats, vests, etc.) However, sweaters, dress jackets and sweatshirts are acceptable and may be worn to school. Serious or repeated violations will result in the student being sent home to change clothes.

Personal Belongings At the end of each school day, coat racks, desktops and all surfaces in the classroom must be cleared of belongings. We request that students keep personal belongings securely locked in lockers. The school is not responsible for lost items. It is strongly suggested that students leave items of value at home.



Student Lockers Each student is assigned a locker during the first week of school. All belongings, including coats, skateboards, scooters and portable music devices must be stored in the locker. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers. Students must clean out their lockers before the summer vacation.

Computer Facilities Winston Prep provides each of its students with a Google account on the server for the purpose of storing materials related to academic work. Use of these accounts, as well as all of the Winston Prep computer facilities, are considered a privilege, not a right. Excessive personal use of school computers negatively impacts classroom and instructional planning, therefore, families are to provide personal laptops for students' utilization.

Students are expected: ••

•

To use the technology facilities only for academic purposes and with teacher permission only. To report any damage of equipment or suspected problems with the equipment or network to the teacher(s) or directly to the Technology Department. To respect school-owned devices and treat them as a valuable shared community resource. Any

modification, handling, or use that results in device hardware or software becoming inoperable will be considered vandalism.

Students are permitted to use their personal devices in school, however in the event they do not own one, the school provides Chromebooks within each classroom. These are to be used strictly for the purpose of accessing their Google accounts in order to work on and submit assignments electronically. Teachers can accommodate printing on school printers/copiers at their discretion. Students are reminded that connecting to neighboring networks is "theft of services" and may be punishable by law.

Portable Electronic Devices: Cell phones are disruptive and not conducive to the learning environment. Cell phones are not permitted to be used during the school day (8:30 a.m. – 3:12 p.m.) with exceptions per faculty approval and lunch peri- ods. Upon arriving to school, cell phones are to be placed and remain in lockers or bags in the ‘power off' position. Students may not make or receive telephone calls or text messages in school, and classes may not be interrupted to receive calls. The school office phone may be used by students as deemed necessary. Any use of a cell phone or portable music device by a student without faculty permission will result in said item being confiscated. Leadership will determine when, and to whom, confiscated items will be returned. Other portable electronics devices (tablets, iPods, etc.) are to be used in school only for academic purposes and at the discretion of teachers.



Physical Education Class Overview Students must pass physical education every term. This is a graduation requirement. Students who do not participate in physical education must have a doctor’s note. Semesters not completed during Winston’s academic year must be made up during summer school.

PE Guidelines for the School Year The following are expectations in Physical Education class: 1. Dress in the proper PE clothing (i.e., sneakers, shorts/running pant/traditional sweat pants, and short or long sleeved t-shirts and sweatshirts) 2. Participate in all activities to the best of your abilities 3. Keep a positive attitude 4. Be respectful of others 5. Demonstrate learned knowledge and skills of sport

Participation Any student who is not dressed in acceptable clothing 7 or more times in the same semester will receive an incomplete or failing grade.

Make-up policy On dates to be determined in the future, students receiving a failing grade will be given the opportunity to attend a make-up class supervised by a physical education instructor which will take place before or after regular school hours. In addition, students who wish to raise their grades may also attend.



Extracurricular Activities Overview Winston Prep encourages its students to participate in the various extracurricular activities offered. Extracurricular activities enable a student to discover new talents, help develop character, and make new friends. Currently, Winston Prep has various Interscholastic Athletics and Club Sports Teams such as Middle School Soccer, High School Cross Country, Middle and High School Basketball, Softball, Middle School Track and Field, and Golf. In addition to these team sports, Winston Prep has an active Community Service Learning program, a Music Program and a Drama program, which puts on performances once or twice a year. Other extracurricular activities have included yoga classes, debate clubs, and a yearbook committee.

Throughout the school year, new extracurricular activities are developed and introduced to the student body by students and faculty. Inquiries concerning extracurricular activities should be addressed to your student’s Focus teachers.

Common after school activities may include but not limited to:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Chess Club Film Studies Literary Magazine Yoga Writing Workshop Drawing and Painting Digital Photography Weight Training Conversational Spanish Percussion Ensemble DJ Essentials Fencing Club Kids in the Kitchen Book Club Yearbook



Transportation Overview Please be advised that to be eligible for bussing or a Metrocard your child must be in the Department of Education’s (DOE) system prior to attending Winston Prep. If your child is not in the DOE system, your child will not be eligible for bussing or a Metrocard as Winston Prep does not provide bussing for students and parents will need to make independent arrangements. It is also important to note that students cannot receive both bussing and a Metrocard. Only one means of transportation will be issued by the DOE.

Bussing If your child has been in the DOE system at any time (pre-school, elementary, middle or high school), you must contact your specific public school district to arrange your child’s bussing to WPS. Once you have arranged for transportation, WPSNY will be informed of the specifics.

Please note that if your child is not taking the bus home from school, due to after school sports or other commitments please contact the bus company and fax a letter to Winston Prep indicating your approval (646-638-2706) or email [email protected] no later 10:00 am on the date of the change. This helps WPS and bus companies maintain track of your child’s whereabouts.

Metrocards Metrocards are not distributed to students outside of the New York City Department of Education’s system. If a Metrocard is lost or stolen, please be advised a replacement card will be issued by the DOE no earlier than 2 weeks from date of the reported loss. You will be responsible for your child’s transportation costs until the replacement is received. We can only provide one replacement per semester.



Medical Physical Exams Physical exams are mandatory as an entrance requirement for all students, including a complete immunization history.

Medications All medication, both prescription and non-prescription, must be kept in the office. Parents are responsible for providing properly labeled medication to the school office. Prescription medication containers must have the student’s name, pharmacy label, the prescribing doctor’s name, and the dosage to be dispensed. Non-prescription medication must be in its original container and must be accompanied by written instructions. It is the parents’ or legal guardians’ responsibility to notify the office manager immediately if medication taken at home or school has begun, stopped or altered in any way. This information may be crucial in the event of a medical emergency.



Emergency School Closing Winston will follow the emergency procedures listed below and enlist the support of families in carrying them out successfully during an actual emergency. We continue to hope that these and other measures will not be needed; however, if an emergency were to arise, we cannot stress enough the importance of keeping the school informed of your most current contact information.

In the case of an emergency, Winston will: 1. Use every means possible to communicate with families - telephone, web site posting and email.

2. Advise local radio and television stations to broadcast information related to school closings and other emergency procedures.

3. Utilize a system of "Safe Havens" in the event that communication and transportation systems are interrupted. "Safe Havens" include local Winston family residences as well as homes of faculty members and their families. This is especially important for those parents who reside/work outside of the Manhattan borough and would be unable to reach the school to pick up their child. You will be notified to provide the name of a local ‘designated person’ for whom you would allow your child to depart the school premises.

4. Parents may come and pick up students following an announcement of a citywide emergency. Dismissal will take place from the Reception entrance, with staff members bringing students from classrooms. There will be a sign-out system at the front desk. All students leaving the building must obtain an Emergency Release, signed by a parent or designated person (*see above). Students will not be allowed to travel unaccompanied to their homes, nor will children be allowed to leave the school with another parent, unless prior permission is granted.

Please note, as was effectively the case in September 2001, we will always keep students in school, supervised and comforted by leadership and faculty, until they are otherwise dismissed to you or your approved designated party. The Local Police Department’s School Safety Department (13th Precinct- 230 East 21st Street) has a copy of our plan on file and would assist if deemed necessary.

If a class is on a trip: 1. Teachers or another adult will carry a cell phone, whose number is recorded at WPS, on all class trips leaving the building. In the event of a citywide emergency an administrator will call the teacher and decide on a plan to reach a safe destination nearby if it is not possible to return to WPS. 2. Every effort will be made to get the class back to WPS if deemed possible.



Re-opening School Information about the reopening of school will be communicated through the school's voicemail, website, and WPPA Representatives. We will also aim to follow the NYC Department of Education, in keeping with usual procedures. Staff will gather one hour prior to the opening of school for students.

student/family handbook · winston preparatory school 126 west 17th street new york, ny 10011 t...

Documents