Family Handbook

2013-14

39 Adelphi Street, Brooklyn, NY 11205www.greenehillschool.orgMain Phone: 718.230.3608Parent Phone: 718.222.1971

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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P. 4 Family Handbook Introduction

P. 5-6 Contact Information

P. 7-8 Board of Trustees and Professional Advisors

P. 9-10 About Greene Hill School

P. 11-15 Daily Routines and General Information● Hours● Security● Strollers and Scooters● Attendance● Calendar● Daily Schedule (including Red Rabbit Lunch Program)● Afterschool● Homework● Expectations Around Reading at Home

P. 16-17 Additional Class and Event Information● What To Bring● Special Events● School Gatherings● Field Trips

P. 18-22 School Forms, Transportation and Communication● School Forms● Getting To and From School● Yellow Bus Service and Student Metrocards● Email Communication● PATHS● Family Directory● Parent Log-In● Google Groups for School Communication● Family Mailboxes● Classroom Newsletters● Quarterly Newsletter● Telephone● Curriculum Night, Class Meetings and Community Forums● Parent/Teacher Conferences and the Family Conference● Narrative Reports● Questions and Concerns● Student Reports and Teacher Recommendations

P. 23-24 Parent/Guardian Involvement

P. 25-26 Appendix 1-Enrollment and Tuition

P. 27-34 Appendix 2-Health and Safety and Health and EmergencyPolicies

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P. 35 Appendix 3-Behavior and Discipline Policy

P. 36 Appendix 4-Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy

P. 37 Appendix 5- Class Parents

P. 38-39 Appendix 6- PATHS (Parents and Teachers Helping the School)

P. 40-49 Appendix 7 - School Forms and What to Bring*

P. 50-51 2012-13 School Calendar and September Phase-In schedule

*Please find the Child Health Examination Form at:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/hcp/hcp-ch205.pdf

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FAMILY HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION

This handbook is an introduction to Greene Hill School (“GHS” and “theSchool”) and guidelines for working with teachers and administrative staffin support of your child at school. The information here is not fullycomprehensive and parents are encouraged to ask for guidance when theyneed it. The School reserves the right to modify any of the rules, policiesand procedures set forth in this handbook at any time. By completing thenecessary forms at the end of this handbook you are acknowledging thatthe adults responsible for the child(ren) enrolled at school have read thehandbook and know the contents.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Mailing Address:Greene Hill School39 Adelphi StreetBrooklyn, NY 11205

Greene Hill School Telephone Numbers:General Information and School Office: 718.230.3608Parent Phone: 718.222.1971

Administrative and Support Staff

Diana Schlesinger dschlesinger@greenehillschool.orgSchool Director

Barbara Frailey bfrailey@greenehillschool.orgLower School Divisional Director

Laurie Baum lbaum@greenehillschool.orgMiddle School Planning Director

Rachael Burton rburton@greenehillschool.orgDevelopment Director

Leah Krigger lkrigger@greenehillschool.orgHuman Resources and Bookkeeper

Nanci Berman nberman@greenehillschool.orgAdmissions Associate

Denise Prieto dprieto@greenehillschool.orgConsulting Psychologist

Kathleen Standard kstandard@greenehillschool.orgLearning Specialist

Teaching Faculty

Sally Stark-Dreifus sstarkdreifus@greenehillschool.org4s Head Teacher

Yvette Headley yheadley@greenehilschool.org4s Assistant Teacher

Brianna Berkowitz bberkowitz@greenehillschool.org5s Head Teacher

Emily Ferris eferris@greenehillschool.org5s Assistant Teacher

Anthony Bradfield abradfield@greenehillschool.org6s Head Teacher

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Sarah Schumann sschumann@greenehillschool.org6s Assistant Teacher

Sharyne Beza sbeza@greenehillschool.org7s Head Teacher

Emma Greenberg egreenberg@greenehillschool.org7s Assistant Teacher

Anna Lundgren alundgren@greenehillschool.org8s Head Teacher

Hilary Davis hdavis@greenehillschool.org8s Assistant Teacher

James Choi jchoi@greenehillschool.org9s Head Teacher

Elizabeth Garrett egarrett@greenehillschool.org9s Assistant Teacher

Mayuko Nakamura mnakamura@greenehillschool.org10s Head Teacher

Marjorie Vereen mvereen@greenehillschool.orgScience Teacher and Math Developer

Bob Goldberg bgoldberg@greenehillschool.orgMusic Teacher

Lucy Segar lsegar@greenehillschool.orgDance and Movement Teacher

Veronica Perez vperez@greenehillschool.orgSpanish Teacher and Afterschool Coordinator

Deb Ashman dashman@greenehillschool.orgTechnology Teacher

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Greene Hill School is governed by a Board of Trustees. This Board setspolicies, hires and supports the school director, undertakes strategicplanning, evaluates the performance of the school and leads in financialsupport of the school. The Board meets monthly and includes a parentboard representative. The Board can be easily reached atboard@greenehillschool.org.

Members:The Board of Trustees is composed primarily of Fort Greene and Clinton Hillresidents:

Frank Alvarado, Member of the Board, is most recently the ExecutiveDirector of The Brooklyn Music School. He began his career as anelementary school bilingual teacher in the Puerto Rico public school systemand then became Vice Principal of St. Brigid Elementary School inCalifornia. His commitment to working in communities of need led him toexecutive management positions at Asociación Tepeyac, an organizationserving the Mexican community, and ACDP in Washington Heights servingthe Dominican population. A Brooklyn native, Mr. Alvarado has served as aYouth Services Member of CB 3 and CSD 1 in Manhattan and serves onnumerous boards.

Nanci Berman, Board President, is responsible for overseeing the Board ofTrustees. Nanci has been involved with Greene Hill School since itsinception and continues to support the school through admissions workand as a mentor teacher. Nanci has a Masters in Elementary Education andtaught at the progressive City & Country School in Manhattan for manyyears. She is mom to two children and lives in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Lisa Edstrom, Member of the Board and Co-Founding Director of Greene HillSchool, is responsible for supporting the school as it grows. After nearlyten years as an elementary school classroom teacher, Lisa is currently aLecturer at Barnard College. She holds an M.S.Ed in Early Childhood andElementary Education and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from BankStreet College of Education and an A.B. from Harvard and RadcliffeColleges. She is currently pursuing an ED.D. in Curriculum and Teachingfrom Teachers College.

Meeta Gandhi, Parent Representative of the Board, is responsible foracting as a conduit between the parent community and the Board ofTrustees. She is a licensed social worker and received her graduate degreefrom Columbia University. She is an active parent in the school and alsoworks as the clinic director for a child/adolescent out patient program forCommunity Mental Health, Visiting Nurse Service of New York.

Beth Schneider, Member of the Board, is the Associate Head of School atMary McDowell Friends School in Brooklyn, NY. In her time at MMFS, shehas worked in partnership with the administration to develop a program forchildren with learning disabilities growing the school from a community of

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sixty students ages five through fifth grade to the current enrollment of323 students ages five through eleventh grade. Beth has also been on theCommission of New York State Association of Independent Schools andserved as a chair on numerous NYSAIS accreditation visits. With overtwenty-five years of experience working in independent schools inBrooklyn, she is delighted to be part of the Greene Hill School community.

Amanda Smith, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, is responsible forkeeping minutes of board meetings and distributing them to all members.Amanda is the Pro Bono Partner at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and isresponsible for the firm’s global pro bono program, through which 65,000hours of free legal services were donated to low income individuals andnon-profits in 2011. Amanda has a JD from the University of Michigan anda MSt. in International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford inthe UK. Amanda has one child and lives in Clinton Hill.

Jocelynne Rainey , Member of the Board, is the Senior Vice President ofHuman Resources and Workforce Development for the Brooklyn Navy YardCorporation (BNYDC), the not-for-profit corporation that manages anddevelops the Brooklyn Navy Yard as an urban industrial park. Jocelynne hassuccessfully led the human resources functions in the for-profit andnon-profit sectors for over 15 years. Jocelynne resides in the BedfordStuyvesant section of Brooklyn New York with her husband, Perry, a NewYork City Department of Education High School Principal and her two sons,Pericles, who is currently attending Brooklyn College and Andrew, whoattends Brooklyn Technical High School.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS● Banking Services provided by Carver FSB● Latham & Watkins (Legal Services)● Andre Guthman and Assoc. (Accounting)● Ira Schwartz, Progressive Brokerage Corp. and Vincent Reda, Main

Line Insurance (Insurance)● Melissa Sandor, Development Consultant● Todd Rosenthal, Library Consultant● Eric Ashman, Strategic Planning.

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ABOUT GREENE HILL SCHOOL

Welcome to Greene Hill School!

Greene Hill School (GHS) is a progressive independent school for childrenages four to fourteen. GHS was founded by parents and educators whoenvisioned an engaged and socially responsible community of activelearners. Greene Hill School has small class sizes and staff dedicated tosupporting children as they become confident in their abilities to explore,learn, demonstrate compassion, and be inspired.

Our students are directly engaged with the world, from growing plants intheir community garden to connecting with people who work and live inBrooklyn. We provide open-ended materials and experiences andemphasize inquiry in the classroom.

We at Greene Hill understand that realistically it is a challenge to operatean independent school with low tuition rates, but are committed toworking toward our goal of having Greene Hill School be a viable option formembers of our community without tuition being a barrier. HistoryThe idea for Greene Hill School began when a group of Fort Greene andClinton Hill parents and educators and friends were looking for aprogressive school with small class sizes for their children. As the notionto create a new school took hold the planners wanted to assure that theschool was both local and affordable. In fall of 2009, the first class ofeight four and five year old children started learning together with theschool’s first teacher in a sunlit loft in Clinton Hill. In 2010 the schoolmore than doubled in size, sharing space with the FGCH Co-op Pre-School. Now in 2013, with close to 100 families of children ages four to ten,Greene Hill School has found our permanent home in a beautiful andspacious building on Adelphi Street.

Our MissionGreene Hill School is an independent school for children ages three tofourteen that serves the need of the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill andsurrounding Brooklyn communities for affordable and progressiveeducation. We actively involve families in their children's school andchildren in their own education. We promote learning through aninterdisciplinary curriculum, appreciation of critical thinking andopen-ended investigation of neighborhood and beyond. Founded with theunderstanding that community is the backbone of society, Greene HillSchool guides children to become dedicated members of a diverse,democratic society.

Diversity StatementGreene Hill School is dedicated to achieving a racially and economicallydiverse balance of children and their families reflective of people in theFort Greene/Clinton Hill and surrounding Brooklyn community.Understanding that tuition is often a barrier to diversity in independentschools, it is the goal of Greene Hill to keep tuition at a minimum for allfamilies.

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Greene Hill School’s Vision for a Progressive Education

● Deep and consistent inquiries into topics that help children makesense of their world. During their early years at school, studentsbegin with what is concrete and close to home, such as studies offamily and neighborhood. As they develop, the curriculum involvesmore complex systems and concepts, like trends in immigration, orsystems of government.

● Children’s involvement in authentic work and exploration ofopen-ended questions. Where does our food come from? Why havepeople moved to Brooklyn from all over the world? How is the energywe use at home and school produced? How can I design a benchthat will function well in my classroom? Children make discoveriesfor themselves with adult guidance.

● A balance between student-initiated and teacher-initiated study.Classrooms are organized around a strong social studies-basedcurriculum, called “Community Work”, and receive direct instructionacross all academic areas. Meanwhile, children also haveopportunities to engage in self-directed and open-ended work with avariety of materials and topics during daily “Open Work” time. Inaddition to core classes in the visual and performing arts andscience, children participate in multi-age “Labs” to study interestslike bones, electricity, printmaking and newspaper.

For more information about how these different parts of the educationalprogram fit together and what a typical day looks like, see the “DailySchedule” section below.

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DAILY ROUTINES AND GENERAL INFORMATION

HoursThe day begins at Greene Hill School at 8:50 a.m. for 4s through 9s, andat 8:30 a.m. for 10s. School ends at 3:00 p.m. for all Lower Schoolstudents. Children may be dropped off in the library or the CommunityRoom on the second floor as early as 8:30 a.m. and parents may dropchildren off directly in their classrooms starting at 8:50 a.m. All childrenare expected to be at school and settled by 8:50 a.m. to start the day.The afterschool program will go from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

SecurityEvery morning you and your child must check in with security. Onlyauthorized parents and caregivers will be allowed in the building for dropoff and pick up. Towards the beginning of the year you will be given angreen ID card to complete. It will be laminated and must be shown tosecurity at each pick up or drop off. At the end of this handbook is a formfor additional people who you would like to authorize for occasional dropoff and pick up.

Strollers and ScootersThese may be left in the front entrance of the school as long as they donot block doors, access to the stairs or the security guards movements.Strollers must be folded. There are bike racks on the sidewalk outside ofschool for your convenience.

AttendanceGood attendance is important for a successful experience in school. Theschool year is carefully planned for each class and extended or frequentabsences can detract from your child's learning and social experience.The school provides for ample vacation time and families are expected toplan their vacations to take place only over Greene Hill School’s scheduledbreaks. In addition, participation in an education program is mandatory inNew York State for children ages 6 to 16. Attendance records are reportedas required by the State Education Department and become a part of theSchool's permanent records.

If you believe your child will need to be absent for an extended period oftime, please talk with the Divisional Director. We appreciate your supportin helping your child and family get the most meaningful experience out ofschool by consistent attendance.

Late arrivals can be distracting to the class and are a disruption to achild’s routine. Children who arrive during morning meeting time may beasked to wait in the office until meeting is over. If your child is going to bemore than one hour late, prior arrangements should be made with theteacher.

Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. It is expected that children will be picked uppromptly, as it can be upsetting for a child who is left after the rest of theclass has been picked up. If you are late, your child will be placed in the

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afterschool class and your family will be charged accordingly. If you arerunning late, please call the school so that we can prepare your child andthe teacher for your late arrival.

CalendarThe academic calendar for 2013-14 and phase-in schedule for 2013-14 canbe found on page 52 of this handbook.

Daily ScheduleEach day the children will follow certain daily routines. They, along withinformation pertaining to them, follow.

Arrival Time – The school day begins at 8:50 a.m. for 4s through 9s and8:30 a.m. for 10s. During this time, parents are encouraged to help theirchild get settled into school by guiding them as they put away theirbelongings and find a quiet activity. For older Lower School students,arrival time is often where quick skill review work happens. It is importantthat the children develop a sense of autonomy, and that parents do not dothe children’s work for them. It is also important that parents complete theseparation process by the start of class so that the class may begin itsMorning Meeting without disruption. All children are expected to be atschool and settled by 8:50 a.m. (8:30 for 10s) to start the day.

Morning Meeting – This is an important daily ritual. It is a time for theclass to come together as a community, greet each other, share ideas andlearn together. Morning Meeting will often be a time for children to engagein shared reading, a math activity and to have a conversation about a topicthey are studying.

Open Work – We believe it is important for children to engage in work theyhave chosen themselves, every day. The youngest children do this atschool by working and playing with a consistent set of open-endedmaterials at Open Work: clay, blocks, water, blank books, etc. As childrenget older, the available materials expand, and children have differentopportunities to engage with art, science, construction, and other conceptsin ways that interest and challenge them. Sometimes this work isconnected to the core curriculum; sometimes it is not. In the older groups,children gain experience planning and evaluating more long-term projectsat Open Work. Teachers support this work by providing scaffolding aroundmaterials or skills, and helping children identify and meet ever-increasingstandards of excellence in their work.

Labs – One way that we support the different interests and strengths ofchildren is through our Labs program. Labs are small, mixed-age, adult-ledcourses around different topics like Electricity, Printmaking, Newspaper,Rube Goldberg Machines, etc. Labs typically run for about six weeks,meeting twice a week during Open Work time. Children in the 5s and olderparticipate in Labs. The skills and experiences they gain during Labs oftenfind their way back into the classroom through independent or group OpenWork projects. Also, as children gain expertise in a particular area theyoften share what they’ve learned with classmates.

Community Work – Because our social studies curriculum is firmly rooted in

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a concern for how people have organized themselves into functioninggroups (family, neighborhood, nation, etc.), we use the term “CommunityWork” to refer to the core studies of the 4s through 10s. A classapproaches a given Community Work topic (transportation, neighborhoodchange, immigration, explorers, etc.) through a variety of angles – takingtrips, reading books, interviewing experts, studying photographs,reenactments, and so on.

Other Curriculum Areas – Reading, writing and math skills are regularlyincorporated into the core Community Work studies. Each discipline,however, is also given its own distinct time of the day several times aweek, beginning with the 5s.

● Reading: Teachers address the range of reading needs in theirclassrooms in a variety of ways – through whole class instruction likeshared reading (text that everyone can look at together) andreadalouds; through targeted small-group work to develop specificreading strategies; and through individual reading conferences.(Note: this explicit reading instruction does not typically begin untilspring of the 5s year.) Children read for pleasure as well as forinformation, and are supported in finding books that they can readindependently and comfortably.

● Writing: Children (5s and up) write every day in support of thecurriculum, using writing as a way to organize their thoughts andcommunicate effectively. Children also learn to write as a creativemedium, exploring genres such as journal writing, poetry, fiction,fantasy, and more.

● Math: Our Lower School math work is based on the Investigations inNumber, Data and Space program, a curriculum designed to behands-on and engaging, while at the same time guiding children tobecome nimble with numbers and confident in how the numbersystem works. Other strands of math such as geometry, data,functions, and measurement, are also explored.

● Science: Lower School science education harnesses children’scuriosity about the natural world, building their base of knowledgethrough discovery and experimentation as well as through research.Scientific skills like analyzing data and constructing inferences andexplanations based on evidence are emphasized. Science instructionhappens with core classroom teachers in the 4s and 5s. Beginningwith a trimester in the 6s and year-long in the 7s, classes work witha science teacher outside the classroom.

Snack – Children have a mid-morning snack each day. Families will beasked to bring snacks on a rotating basis. A snack list will be available atthe beginning of the school year.

Outside Time -- Children spend close to an hour playing outside every day,either in the main play yard, or in the blocks yard. Once a week classesplay on the large climbing equipment at Oracle Playground, on Adelphi St.between Park Ave. and Myrtle Ave. Outside Time is supervised andsupported by classroom teachers. Children should dress appropriately foroutdoor play, including rain gear if necessary, every day. In case of veryheavy rain or other severe weather, children play upstairs in theCommunity Room.

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Lunch – Children bring their lunches from home, unless they are involved inthe Red Rabbit school lunch program. 4s and 5s eat in their classrooms; 6sand up eat in the cafeteria. Please send your child with a healthy lunch,keeping sugary products to a minimum. Juice, soda and candy are notallowed. Water is available at the school, but other beverages should besent with your child. Please do not send lunches or beverages that need tobe heated or refrigerated. In helping children to become moreautonomous, it is important that your child’s lunch be in containers thats/he can open and close independently.

*Parent choice lunch program for 2013-2014 through Red RabbitRed Rabbit will need a minimum of 25 children to be able to offer thisprogram so if you are interested please sign up soon. Please call866.697.3372 or email help@myredrabbit.com for assistance. Here youwill be able to select the weekly meal plan, submit allergy or dietarypreferences (i.e. vegetarian), and more. Once you complete registration,your child will be all set to receive meal service, as well as the weeklyNotes From the Patch email, which includes the weekly menu, and fun bitson health, wellness, and other news. Please register by Friday 8/30/13 forthe Thursday, 9/9 (or for 9/10 for the 5s and 9/12 for 4 year olds) schoolstart date. More details may be found at myredrabbit.com or by reachingout to Red Rabbit's Customer Care team at 866.697.3372.

Red Rabbit is an independent program and any questions, comments or concerns should beaddressed directly to them. Greene Hill School does not profit from this relationship beyondbeing able to offer this opportunity to our families.

Quiet Time – The 4s and 5s children have a daily quiet time. This is a timeafter lunch for the children to relax and regroup. Children will rest onindividual mats, but will not be expected to sleep. The teacher may takethis time to work with individual students while other students look atbooks or engage in other quiet, independent activities.

Special Curriculum Areas and Experiences – In addition to the work childrendo with their classroom teachers, they also have experiences withcurriculum specialists outside the classroom. This work helps provide awell-rounded school experience at Greene Hill.

● Music● Spanish● Sports and Movement● ArtsLab● Technology (one trimester, beginning in 7s year)

Library – All classes visit the school library on a weekly basis. Dependingon grade level, this could be for book browsing, quiet reading, readalouds,or small group instruction. Some classes also make periodic visits to thelocal public library.

Afterschool

Afterschool will be held until 5:30 pm every day. There is an additional

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charge for afterschool but determined by the course offerings. Open Playafterschool will start 9/16/13 and will cost $10/hour. Afterschool Classofferings will be shared by email in September and will begin in October.The school’s summer camp options for 2014 will be listed on the websiteby April, 2014. There is an additional fee for this program.

HomeworkAs a school that values a well-rounded child, we recognize the importanceof time spent after school with family and friends, relaxing or engaging inenriching activities. We also know that children can benefit from additionalopportunities to extend their school work independently at home, and thata limited amount of homework can develop older children’s sense ofpersonal responsibility.

Given the above, we have worked to create a homework policy that isbalanced and responsive. Beginning in the 7s, children begin regularhomework by tracking their reading in a weekly Reading Log. In the 8s,children have modest homework assignments throughout the week.Children should not spend more than 30 minutes (8s), 35 minutes (9s), or40 minutes (10s) a night on their assignments, though children will oftenfinish homework assignments more quickly. Parents of children in the 8sand older will receive more information about homework expectations andprocedures at Curriculum Night.

Expectations Around Reading at HomeAt Greene Hill School we aim to foster a love of reading in all children.Students spend time every day at school with books, together withteachers, peers or on their own. It is important that children spend timewith books at home as well.

● Children of all ages should spend at least 20 minutes a night withbooks. What this time looks like will depend on your child’s age andthe “reading culture” in your family. It may be a mix of bedtimestories read to your child, books read together as a child gainsindependence, and time spent huddled on the couch reading byoneself.

● Children in the 7s keep track of their independent reading in aReading Log, a structure that older children may use as well.

● As children get older they take more independent responsibility fortheir reading choices. Children begin bringing GHS library books homein the 8s.

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ADDITIONAL CLASS AND EVENT INFORMATION

What To BringThe following is a list of supplies needed for the start of school. Yourchild’s teacher may request additional items and will contact you directlyabout these. Please be sure to bring the items on this list by the first dayof school.● Full change of clothing (include: shirt, pants, underwear, socks,

sweater and mittens).● Small blanket, pillow and small fitted sheet for rest (4s and 5s

classes)● Box of facial tissues● 4 rolls of paper towels● Pump bottle of liquid soap

Special EventsBirthdays – You may bring in cupcakes to celebrate your child’s birthdaywith the class. Classes for children 8 and up may have different ways tocelebrate birthdays. Your child’s teacher will let you know more about thisat the beginning of the year.

Curriculum Shares – Throughout the year, classes host opportunities forchildren to share finished work with families during the school day, such asWriting Celebrations or Culminating Projects.

Special Shares – There may be times when a child has a special share thatrequires the parent to come in, or a parent may want to share a specialtalent, etc. It is important that arrangements be made with the teacher inadvance.

Holidays – Greene Hill School does not sponsor any holiday celebrations.However, we understand that as children learn about one another’sfamilies and family traditions, holidays may be discussed and possiblystudied. Family members may be invited in to share holiday traditions byleading activities or reading and/or telling stories. Prior arrangementsshould be made with the teacher.

School GatheringsAll School Get-Togethers, Community Meetings, State of the School andFamily Sings are some of the gatherings we will have during the year andare on our calendar. Additional opportunities to meet and learn from oneanother will be promoted in advance in order to ease family attendance.

Field tripsTrips are an important part of the curriculum at Greene Hill School, andhelp us fulfill our educational mission by connecting our students with thecommunity and city. Safety guidelines for these outings are listed underthe “Health and Safety” section of this handbook. Parents will be invitedto chaperone on trips. Parents will sign a “blanket” permission slip in thebeginning of the year that will cover most of these curricular activities;occasionally, trips will require a special permission slip due to unusualduration, distance, or other circumstances. There may occasionally benominal fees associated with specific school trips and activities.

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● Starting in the 8s, children take significant overnight field trips andfamilies will be given ample notice of the fees being due.Designated teachers act as chaperones on these overnight field trips.The 8s and 9s go to Frost Valley for two nights and three days in thespring.

● The 10s typically have a curriculum-related overnight trip.

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SCHOOL FORMS, TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION

School FormsIt is essential that all families submit the required medical and studentinformation forms no later than the 8/30/13. Your child may not beginschool without these forms. The forms are located at the end of thishandbook in Appendix 7 on p. 42 and include:

● Emergency Contact Forms (2 signed copies)● Consent and Waiver form for Care of your Child● Activity and Napping Permission Form● Photo release● Grandparents (and Special Friends) Information Form● Permission for Pick-Up● K-12 Health Form

Getting To and From School39 Adelphi Street is located between Park and Flushing. If driving, carscan park briefly on the street in front of the building for drop-off butparents and guardians are solely responsible for attending to theirvehicles. Families may also take a number of public buses to the schooland it is in walking distance from the G/C trains. There is no bike storageavailable inside the school but sidewalk racks are located toward theFlushing Avenue end of the building.

Yellow Bus Service and Student MetrocardsYellow Bus Service is provided by the NYC Office of Pupil Transportation tostudents 5 and older who qualify, according to age, distance from school,and proximity to other qualifying children who can share a bus route.Parent Bus Coordinators help establish bus service in the beginning of theyear, and help office staff facilitate the smooth running of the bus service.This year’s Parent Bus Coordinators are Runit Chhaya, Sapna Advani, andLiz Dory; they will send out information about assigned bus routes, alongwith a confirmation sheet for you to return if you would like to use busservice, in early September. Important notes about bus service:

● Bus service begins on Monday, September 16.● Your child does not need to ride every day, but you do need to

choose a consistent schedule for your child.● If your child is not riding the morning bus on a regularly scheduled

day, please notify the school as soon as possible.● Changes to the schedule regarding the afternoon buses must be

shared with classroom teachers and office staff as soon as possible,but no later than 1:00.

● If a morning bus is late you can call the OPT Customer Service officeat 718-392-8855 for more information. Please notify the school bycalling the office as well. If an afternoon bus is late, GHS office staffwill notify parents via email.

Some children who do not qualify for bus service do qualify for free orreduced price Student Metrocards. The Parent Bus Coordinators will giveout more information in early September.

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CommunicationAt Greene Hill School we feel that it is essential that there be open linesof communication between home and school in support of your child. Tothis end, the school has several structures in place to support this.

The relationship between school and family is an important one, as wecome together to support the child. To contact teachers andadministrators please call the office (718) 230-3608 to leave a message oremail the appropriate person directly. During the school year you willreceive a response from school staff within 24 hours. If a message isreceived late Friday, or over the weekend you can expect to hear back fromGHS by Monday afternoon.

Email Communication:Teachers will generally use email to send their Weekly News, offer a quickreminder, ask a logistical question or schedule a time for a conversationwith parents in person. Conversations about children are complex andnuanced, and should happen in person, ideally, or over the phone if it isnot possible to meet in person.

PATHS: “Parents and Teachers Helping the School” is our Parent andTeacher association. Please see Appendix 6 on p. 40 for complete details.

Family Directory:An all-school directory will be compiled by class parents and given outshortly after the beginning of the school year. The information in thisdirectory is for internal purposes only.

Parent Log-In:On our website is a parent log-in section under the heading “Community”.Here parents will find links to all handbooks and forms as well as posts tothe Class News Groups and the Greene Hill School Parents Google Group(see below). This hub also contains weekly newsletters for each class andfor the entire school, important messages and the School Calendar. Allfamilies are asked to create a log-in for this part of the school website andto join their Class News google groups so that they receive all importantmessages regarding their child's school in a timely manner.

Google Groups for School Communication:

● Class News Groups:Each class has a Class News Group (called 4s News, 7s News, etc.)which is the primary means for teachers and class parents to shareimportant information affecting the entire class. All families arerequired to join the Class News Groups. Weekly classroomnewsletters are posted via the Class News Groups, and are archivedon the Greene Hill School hub, as are reminders regarding trips andother classroom events. Teachers, administrators, and class parentsare the only people who post to the Class News Groups.

The Class News Group is not the forum for parents to communicateabout pickup changes, lost items, social events, etc. It is for school

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business only that pertains to the entire class. Please use the schooldirectory to get in touch with individual parents from the class, orpost to the school-wide Greene Hill School Parents Google Group.

● Greene Hill School Parents Google GroupThe Greene Hill School Parents Google Group is a school-widecommunity “bulletin board” group that parents are welcome but notrequired to sign up for. Official school business is not shared via thisgroup -- its uses are purely social. Email office@greenehillschool.orgto be added to this group.

Family Mailboxes:Each child has a family mailbox. Please check your child’s mailbox daily, asthis is the place where you will find important notices.

Classroom Newsletters:Each Friday, you will receive via email a newsletter from your child’sclassroom teachers describing aspects of the work of the class over theprevious week. These newsletters provide parents with the opportunity todiscuss schoolwork with their children more easily, and to find ways to getmore involved with the curriculum. They are also meant to help parentsunderstand the larger context in which daily and weekly activities takeplace, and to gain greater insight into the pedagogical approach at GreeneHill. Classroom Newsletters are archived on the Parent Login section of theGHS website under your Class News group. Classroom Newsletters will alsoinclude a calendar of upcoming school and class events.

Quarterly Newsletter:This new publication provides overviews and updates around specialevents, educational programming and professional development work fromour teachers, articles on interesting student work and progressiveeducation, fundraising, PATHS committee work, and other school-wideprograms. It is emailed directly to GHS families and friends of the school.

Telephone:While telephone is not the most efficient way to communicate with theteacher during the school day, it is essential that families call to notify theschool if there is a change in dismissal plans. In addition, families shouldnotify the school via the parent phone (718.222.1971) by 10:00 a.m. if achild is out sick.

Curriculum Night, Class Meetings and Community Forums:We schedule regular opportunities for Greene Hill parents to learn moreabout the educational program and approach of the School. We encourageparents to take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about whatwe do here at school, and why.

● Curriculum Night is an important class meeting where teachers sharecurricular plans and goals for the year. This year, Curriculum Nightwill be on Tuesday, September 24, from 6:00 to 7:00 for 4s, 5s and6s, and from 7:00 to 8:00 for 7s 8s, 9s and 10s.

● Additional class meetings may be scheduled through the year whereparents from a particular group are invited to get more informationabout curriculum, the school and our progressive approach.

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● Community Forums are opportunities for all parents to learn morearound a particular topic or curricular area. A schedule of CommunityForums will be available in early fall.

Parent/Teacher Conferences and the Family Conference:There will be two parent-teacher conferences and one family conference(with your child) throughout the school year. These conferences will bescheduled in advance. The conferences are a major component in how theschool communicates with families. If your family is unable to meet duringthe times set aside by teachers, please contact the teachers as soon aspossible to find a time that will work. Once the year is underway, theschool encourages parents/guardians to contact the school and arrangeadditional meetings with teachers or specialists, if you are concernedabout your child’s performance or behavior. Teachers may ask foradditional meetings as well.

● Parent/Teacher Conferences are a time for adults only, for teachersto share assessment information with parents, look at children’swork together and to engage in dialogue about the child’s experienceat school.Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences: November 12-15.Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: April 7-10

● Family Conferences are an opportunity for the child to join theconversation and take an active part in their own assessment.Children work with teachers to choose work to share and set theagenda for the conference.Family Conferences: February 10-13

Narrative Reports:Twice a year, families will receive a narrative report describing their child'sexperience and development at school. The first will come midyear and thefinal one at the end of the school year.

Questions and Concerns:Please remember at all times that GHS staff are professionals dealing with highlyconfidential information. No staff or faculty member will discuss the children,parents, faculty, administration or the School except in a planned professionalcontext with the appropriate adults.

The directors and staff welcome input from parents concerning their child’sneeds, interests and developmental milestones. Family events can createshifts in a child’s behavior. If the staff is aware of these changes, they canbe more sensitive to your child’s individual needs.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s work or interactionswith other children or daily curriculum please first talk directly to yourchild’s teacher. If you begin to feel that a small incident or situation hasthe possibility of growing larger, talk with your child’s teacher immediatelyabout the appropriate first step to take. The shared goal to keep in mindis that School and parents will be working together to support the child inthe most honest and direct way possible.

If you have a question about your child’s work or interactions in an areasuch as music, art etc. please speak directly with the classroom teacher

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first. Please keep in mind that the teacher’s primary concern during theschool day is being with the children, and that you may be asked toschedule an appointment to meet at a mutually convenient time.

If you feel that your questions or concerns have not been fully informed bytalking with the teachers, the divisional directors and school director arethe appropriate people to contact. They may in turn refer you to ourLearning Specialist or School Psychologist.

If you have questions about school policy and procedures, admissions,your tuition contract or other financial matters please contact the SchoolDirector. Questions about school finances may be first brought to theSchool Director and then you may be referred to a member of the Board.

Please note: Questions and concerns around issues related to theeducational program, curriculum and staffing are outside of the purview ofthe Board and are best addressed by the School Director and otheradministrators.

Student Reports and Teacher Recommendations:Please give at least three weeks notice if you would like to have a studentreport and teacher recommendation prepared for your child as part of anadmission package to another school. These materials will be sent directlyto the requesting school as long as the student’s family is up to date withtheir tuition payments.

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PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

Parents are welcome and encouraged to be active participants in theirchildren’s education. Parents are part of a larger community of children,adults, teachers and staff all striving to be respectful and supportive of ourmutual goal of creating an ethical and engaged group of learners at ourschool. It is not unusual for a staff or Board member to also have a childat the school. We expect that all adults will work hard to be clear andthoughtful about when a conversation is taking place from the parentperspective and when it relates to the professional relationship. We lookto parents to model the behavior we expect from our children includingactive listening, respect for others and ourselves, bringing our concerns tothe proper adult and to provide shared and agreed upon consequences forunacceptable behavior. In this positive manner we support the schoolcommunity that is at the heart of Greene Hill.

Parents are involved at GHS:

Throughout the year we set aside important time for our community toenjoy being together. This community time when we all get to know oneanother more is at the heart of what makes GHS such a vibrant and caringenvironment. On our calendar you will find dates for Community Meetings(for adults to talk about current school business and socialize), AllSchool-Get Togethers and Community Sings. Parents are also invited totake advantage of informal times to socialize like parent coffee hours. Aspart of our commitment to lifelong learning GHS holds Community Forumsfor parents on parenting and education related topics and is in the processof organizing a book group.

There will be ample opportunities for family members to participate inclassroom activities and accompany the class on trips. At times theteacher may send out a call for volunteers, perhaps to read with children orassist with a special project. Family members are also welcome to suggestways in which they may engage with the class. All volunteer time shouldbe related to the curriculum and prearranged with the teacher.

In addition to participation with the class, families are encouraged to joinone or more of the school’s PATHS Committees. The committee work isessential to the development and sustainability of Greene Hill School. Thecommittees are described in the “PATHS” section of this book (Appendix 6on p. 40). Membership in these committees is open but not limited toparents in the school.

Fundraising is crucial to the sustainability and growth of Greene HillSchool. We ask that all parents participate in fundraising activities. Inparticular by giving names of friends and family to contact for our annualfund, making a donation to the annual fund and volunteering for one ormore fundraising event such as “The Greene Affair”. Our DevelopmentDirector will be happy to talk with you about additional opportunities forhelping Greene Hill.

Every year class parents are nominated and selected to serve by theparent representative on the school’s board. See Appendix 5 on p. 38 for a

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description of this important position.

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Appendix 1

ENROLLMENT AND TUITION

We believe that a progressive community school should be available tofamilies regardless of their economic circumstances. GHS’s operating modelis designed to be sustainable with less than 50% of the student bodypaying the top tier tuition.

For the 2013-2014 school year, the top tier tuition is $22,500. With thegoal of creating a more equal form of payment for our families, GHS hasdeveloped a series of tuition tiers. The goal of these tiers is for tuitionacross the board to be in more equal proportion to income.

Families interested in applying for a financial assessment do so throughFACTS Management (https://www.factstuitionaid.com). The company doesa full financial assessment and makes a recommendation to the schoolabout financial ability for the year. This is an annual application. Theschool then attempts to match the results of this assessment with one ofthe current tiers outlined below.Tier 1-$0Tier 2-$4,825Tier 3-$7,600Tier 4-$12,600Tier 5-$17,900Tier 6-$22,500

Once tuition amount is settled, a deposit of 20% of tuition for the year,plus a one-time materials fee of $400 is required to reserve the spotoffered for the current school year. Families may choose between severaltuition payment plans, which are outlined with the contract letter.

Fees● There is an application fee of $50 per application (due with the

application).● There is a one-time fee of $400 for materials.● There may be nominal fees associated with specific school trips and

activities. Starting in the 8s, children take significant overnight fieldtrips and families will be given ample notice of the fees being due.

● There is an additional charge for afterschool determined by thecourse offerings.

● Summer camp is available for 2013 for an additional fee.

RegistrationOnce the deposit has been received, additional registration forms willfollow. Families of registered children are expected to attend anorientation meeting prior to the start of school. This year parentorientation will take place on 9/9/13 at 9 am.

Withdrawal and Refund PolicyIf parents wish to terminate their child’s enrollment, the Directors must benotified in writing. If a child is asked to leave the school based on

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delinquent tuition payments or for behavior outlined in the “Behavior andDiscipline Policy” this is considered an early withdrawal from the School.In the event of early withdrawal for any reason, in accordance with theTuition Contract, families will forfeit all tuition paid. Refunds will not beoffered.

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Appendix 2

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The goal of this policy is to ensure the health and well being of each childand prevent the spread of communicable diseases amongst the childrenand staff. Please arrange to have a back-up caregiver if your child is nothealthy enough to attend school. Likewise, be sure that someone isalways available to pick your child up, should s/he become sick in school.

Each child’s health will be checked as s/he arrives. If the teacher ordirector feels, at any time during the day, that your child is too ill toattend school or may be infectious, your child will not be allowed to stay.Please make sure your emergency information is up-to-date and that weknow how to reach you on a daily basis.

ImmunizationsEvery child enrolled is required to have the necessary immunizationsmandated by New York State health law (see Page 25). Waivers forimmunizations on religious or health grounds can be obtained through theDepartment of Health. Your child will not be able to attend school withoutproof of immunization or a waiver form.

Contagious Illness and InfectionsIf your child develops a contagious illness, please let us know so that wecan advise other parents that their children may have been exposed. Insome cases, preventative measures may be taken to protect exposedchildren from the onset of the illness.

The following illness/infections must be reported to the school:Skin infections such as impetigo, MRSA, lice or scabies, viral diseases suchas measles, rubella, chicken pox, or fifth’s disease, any form of meningitis,pinkeye, whooping cough, or other communicable diseases. We ask you tonotify us if there is any chance of contagion. In case of a contagiousillness, all parents will be notified by the director.

Respiratory Illnesses and ColdsYour child may be excluded from school with a runny nose, which may ormay not be associated with a fever of 100 or higher, an infected throat, apersistent cough, lethargy, congestion, or general irritability, at thediscretion of the teacher and director.

FeversChildren must be free of fever for 24 hours before returning to school. Theteacher or director will take a child’s temperature if a child’s conditionwarrants it.

DiarrheaA child with loose or watery stools will be sent home at the discretion ofthe teacher or director. Children who have diarrhea may only return toschool after they have had at least one normal bowel movement.

Eye Infections

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Children with inflamed eyes, when associated with discharge, must be kepthome. A child may return to school only if the symptoms disappear, or witha note from a physician stating that the eye condition is not contagious.

Chronic Non-Contagious AlimentsIf your child has a chronic ailment, such as an allergy, please notify thedirector and your child’s teacher. Allergy symptoms can be confused withcold symptoms. Your input will help us to determine if your child can be atschool safely.

LiceGreene Hill School Lice Policy Procedure:If a child is found to have (or suspected to have) lice- a child will get senthome immediately. Parents/Guardians must bring a professional or doctor'snote stating that the child is lice and nit free before they can return toschool.To prevent the spread of lice we ask that:

● All extra clothes left at the school should be stored in sealed Ziplocbags.

● If a number of children are found with lice in any given class, allstudents might be asked to wear their long hair up or wear hats forone or two weeks.

If a case of lice is found at school all parents/guardians should:● check their child if a case of lice is is found. We suggest that

children wear long hair up when returning to school. If a number ofchildren are found with lice in any given class, all students might beasked to wear their long hair up or wear hats for one or two weeks.

The school will:• clean the rooms and rugs and ask that all pillowcases etc. get

washed by our class parents. Also we clean extra clothes that arenot properly stored in Ziploc bags.

• bring in a professional firm if there appears to be more than a caseor two at school or in a particular class.

• Separate a child who is found to have (or suspected to have) licefrom their class until they are picked up by an adult. Generally theoffice or art/science room is used for this.

Please Note:• Greene Hill School does not share names of children with lice with

other parents. Any concerns or complaints around the subject shouldbe directed to the School Director.

Other ConditionsOther symptoms, which might warrant exclusions or special attention,include vomiting (a child must not have vomited for 24 hours beforecoming to school), unusual listlessness or weakness, skin eruptions orrashes, or headache.

MedicationsMedication and over the counter drugs will not be administered at schoolby the staff. The only exceptions are topical creams and sunblock or lotion.If your child requires medication during the day, you must make priorarrangements to administer them yourself by speaking with the staff.

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HygieneHand Washing

● Children and adults will wash hands upon arrival from the outdoors.● Children and adults will wash hands before and after eating snack

and lunch.● Children and adults will wash hands before the preparation and/or

serving of food and adults will wear sanitary gloves.● Children and adults will wash hands after toileting.

Toileting● Children must be toilet trained, and are expected to wipe

themselves.● Children will be encouraged to dress themselves and should wear

clothing that allows them to do so.● Children will wash hands after toileting.

Prevention of Infection● Gloves will be used if there is contact with blood. Bloody paper

towels will be put in a plastic bag in the trash. Bloody clothing willbe bagged.

● Gloves will be used for all physical examinations

Child Abuse PolicyPhysical punishment is never permitted at our school. Emotionalpunishment, such as shaming, using terms such as “bad boy/girl” or yellingis also not permitted. State law requires all adults working in childcare toreport any cases of suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities.See our non-harassment policy in Appendix 4.

EmergenciesIn the event of an emergency, if you are unable to pick up your child asscheduled, we will keep your child at school until you or someone on youremergency form arrives. Emergency supplies are stored on site. If there isan emergency that closes roads or bridges, or damages our building,children will be evacuated to a safe site designated by Red Cross or otherofficial personnel. Staff will care for your children at this location until youarrive. See the “Health and Emergency Policy” for more details.

Fire DrillsFire drills will be held 12 times a year (8 times before December) inaccordance with state licensing requirements.

Field TripsField Trips are an important part of the curriculum at Greene Hill School.Below are a few guidelines that will be followed to ensure the safety of allchildren.

● Regular outings to the park and other locations within theneighborhood will be posted on the schedule. Occasionally the classmay take a walking trip to support the curriculum without priornotice. All other trips will be announced.

● Children will wear a Greene Hill School T-Shirt with them wheneverthey leave the building.

● Emergency cards, medical release forms and first-aid supplies will be

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taken on trips.● Field trips will have a minimum of one adult for every five children.

School ClosingsGreene Hill School will close for inclement weather when the NYC PublicSchools close. You may call the school’s main phone number after 6:00a.m. for announcements of school closings.Class parents may organize a phone tree for notifications of schoolclosings and other events.

School Safety and EmergencySee Health and Emergency Policy.

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HEALTH AND EMERGENCY POLICY

ImmunizationsGreene Hill School requires that all families adhere to the New York StatePublic Health Law 2164 in regards to immunization requirements andschool attendance.

Illness and Health CheckIt is often difficult to tell how ill young children are, especially before theyare able to tell you what they are feeling. As your child learns more wordsfor feelings, it will become easier to distinguish between unhappiness andillness, worries and health problems, transient reluctance to go to schooland good reasons for not wanting to attend. A child should not come toschool when ill and unable to benefit from the day. It is also important toprevent further infection. Some guidelines to consider when decidingwhether to keep your child home include:

• A child with a fever (101 or higher) must stay home for 24 hoursafter the fever has subsided.• A child who has experienced two or more episodes of vomiting ordiarrhea within a 12 hour period must stay home until a 24 hourperiod has passed when they have been symptom free.• Communicable diseases and conditions, such as strep throat,conjunctivitis, lice, etc. require that the child remain home until theyare either symptom free for 24 hours or have been on a regularcourse of antibiotics for 48 hours. If the condition arises duringschool hours, the school will notify the parents/guardians, and thechild must be picked up within an hour of notification. Your child willstay with a staff member until picked up.• Typical symptoms of illness are: sudden onset of rash or skineruptions, yellow or greenish drainage from the nose (allergicdischarge is clear and may persist), wet or hacking cough, excessiveor unusual tiredness, inexplicable change from child’s normal “feelinggood” level of energy or mood.• If a child seems too sick to participate in ordinary routines, checkwith your pediatrician before school attendance is resumed.

These guidelines will be used to monitor for illness throughout the day.

All staff are mandated reporters in the case of child abuse or neglect andwill be prepared to report to the School Director any suspected case. TheSchool Director will notify the appropriate authorities.

If your child seems very ill and we are unable to contact you or others youhave listed for an emergency, we will call your pediatrician. In a seriousemergency we will call paramedics. Should emergency procedures benecessary, a staff member will remain with your child until your or adesignated substitute arrives.

Injury:In the case of serious injuries that are not life threatening anadministrator will call the parents and follow their instructions about whereto take the child. If you cannot reach the parents, we will call theiremergency contact for the same information.

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In the case of Life threatening Emergencies (including but are not limitedto: Absence or impairment of breathing, Severe bleeding, Poisoning orSevere Head injury and loss of consciousness):

1- Staff will locate an administrator to call 911 immediately. If they areaway from the school, on a field trip for example, they will call 911 firstand then call to inform the school.2- Staff will wait for the ambulance to come and be aware of where it istaking you and the student. Ideally an administrator will also accompanythe student to the emergency room.3- The child’s emergency consent form gives the school permission torequest emergency treatment for the student and is in reach of theresponsible adult at all times.4- An Accident/Illness/Injury Report will be filled out and given to allappropriate persons. If the injury is minor, teachers will fill out anAccident/Illness/Injury Report and notify the parents at the end of the day.Parents are immediately notified of all injuries to the head, regardless ofseverity.

First Aid KitA designated staff member will be responsible for a weekly check of allclassroom and emergency bag first aid kits. These kits will contain:band-aids, alcohol swabs, cotton gauze, adhesive tape, 2 instant icepacks, syrup of ipecac and a flashlight.

Infection Control ProcedureAll universal precautions will be observed to prevent the risk ofcontamination and cross contamination of both staff and children. Childrenand staff will follow proper hand washing procedures. Single use non-latexgloves will be used by staff in all situations where blood or bodily fluidsare present and in toileting procedures. All toys will be sanitized in ableach solution at the end of the week. Any and all toys that have beenmouthed will be removed from the play area immediately and sanitized.

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Crisis Management and Emergency Preparedness Procedures

Chain of Command in an Emergency Situation

Greene Hill School has made preparations to deal effectively withemergency situations that may occur around the school. While we hopethat a natural disater or serious incident never occurs our goal is to beprepared for any potential emergency. At all times our first priority is toprotect all students and staff from harm.

All Greene Hill Staff are trained in our emergency procedures and childrenpractice in an age-appropriate way what to do in the case of a fire or otherevacuation, shelter-in, lock down or lock out. Every day an administratoris officially in charge of Greene Hill School. Generally this is the SchoolDirector. The individual in charge of the building is the only oneauthorized to give instructions and communicate regarding emergencysituations. This individual is the only one authorized to craft or sign off onany messages on the school’s voice mail or email regarding an emergencysituation.

Procedures

If an emergency situation occurs, the administrator in charge will decide onwhat action the school should take. Once the decision is made, it will becommunicated to the staff via the Voice Shot automated phone and e-mailmessage service, or the school’s email system if the situation is lessurgent. In the cases when the school must exit the school buildingimmediately, the fire alarm will be set off as the signal. Unless instructedotherwise, every time the fire alarm goes off, everyone must exit theschool building immediately following the procedures outlined here.

Emergency Dismissal

School-Family Communication:In an emergency situation, the school’s voicemail message will be updatedevery 30 minutes with an announcement indicating the precise time of themessage, the specifics of what is happening, and information regardingwhat if anything parents should do. If necessary, the school will activatethe Voice Shot automated phone and e-mail message service.

Release of Children:We will not release students unless a parent, guardian, or otherdesignated individual picks up. The only exception occurs when familiesare unreachable or unable to get to the school and the School Director ordesignated administrator determines that it is in the child’s best interestto go home with a local Greene Hill School family.

Lock Down:If something occurs that requires students to stay in the building overnightor even longer, sufficient water and provisions are available on site. Thereare blue plastic tubs located in the cafeteria to the right of the doorway.They are labeled “20 (rations), 3-day, GHS”.

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Evacuation Site:In case we are advised to occupy an alternative site we will proceed toSacred Heart Church, 41 Adelphi Street Brooklyn, NY 11205(718) 625-5115.

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Appendix 3

BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE POLICY

We look to sustain a safe and positive place for Greene Hill School childrento learn. Children at Greene Hill School are given many opportunities tomake their own decisions concerning their education and socialinteractions, and we support children through the process of learning howto take responsibility for those decisions. We expect our staff to be clearabout behavior expectations, and to be consistent and developmentallyappropriate with their responses to inappropriate behavior. We aim topromote cooperative and respectful interactions among all members of theSchool community: students, teachers, parents, staff, caregivers, andadministration.

We expect our staff to praise and encourage children and modelappropriate behavior for them, to provide an appropriate and safeclassroom environment and to attempt to prevent problems before theyoccur by enabling children with communication tools and other socialskills. Staff practice active listening with children and provide alternativesfor inappropriate behavior. Keeping children's specific developmental leveland temperament in mind, staff provide natural and logical consequencesfor a child’s behavior and always treat children respectfully with attentionto their needs, desires and feelings. Staff will work in partnership withfamilies to address children's inappropriate behavior. Any continuedinappropriate behavior on the part of a student or family member thatconstitutes bullying, aggression, abusive language, harassment of any kind(as detailed in the School’s Nonharrassment policy) are major offensesthat can result in severe consequences including suspension or expulsionof a student. Children at GHS are never physically punished. Staff will never make funof, yell at, threaten, use sarcasm, profanity or otherwise verbally abusechildren. Discipline is never related to eating, resting or sleeping. TheSchool does not allow discipline of children by children -- instead, childrenare taught appropriate responses.

STUDENT SUSPENSION OR EXPULSIONA student may be suspended or expelled by the School Director or theLower School or Middle School Director after consulting with the adultsconnected with the reason for concern. The Director will be in contact withthe parent after a decision is made based on first hand and clear reportedevidence. It is rare that this decision will be made based on a singleincident unless it is an extreme one such as physical abuse, bullying oranother severe action endangering the student or other people at school.Therefore documentation of subsequent events will be present to supportthe decision.

Appendix 4

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NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Greene Hill School (the “School”) admits students of any race, color,national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, andactivities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexualorientation, national and ethnic origin in the administration of itseducational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs,financial aid programs, and athletic and other school administeredprograms.

NONHARASSMENT POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Greene Hill School (the “School”) finds harassment of any kind based on a person’s race, color, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation, to bea serious and major offense and subject to severe consequences. Anyonewho is the victim of such behavior is urged to notify the appropriatesupervisory staff immediately.

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Appendix 5

CLASS PARENTS

Class Parents (CPs) will serve as the primary interface between theparents of each class and the classroom teachers.

Class Parent Responsibilities include:

1. Supporting the Classroom Teachersa. Orchestrating, contacting and reminding parents about snack

duty.b. Contacting parents to assist in obtaining materials and teacher

wish list items.c. Helping teachers to find volunteers for field trips.d. Contacting parents to share information about upcoming

events, celebrations, curriculum, etc.2. Supporting the GHS Community

a. Serving as a member of the Community Events Committee andattending PATHS School-wide Community Meetings.

b. Assisting in organizing Community Potlucks, Morning CoffeeGet-Togethers, Class get-togethers, etc.

3. Celebration Coordinatora. Coordinating holiday and end-of-year teacher gifts.b. Coordinating class acknowledgement of life events (birthdays,

births, deaths, hospitalizations).4. Supporting Communication

a. Reaching out to new families to welcome them and provideinformation as needed.

b. Distributing GHS announcements as decided by School Directorand/or classroom teacher (e.g. calendar reminders, etc.).

c. Establishing a classroom phone chain and activating it uponrequest of School Director.

Class Parent Responsibilities Will Not include:

1. Serving as conduit for complaints and grievances from parents orteachers.

2. Sending out all-school emails without approval or request from theParent Board Representative or School Director.

3. Sending out emails on behalf of the classroom teacher.

Class Parents for 2012-134s Rebecca Caban & Stacie Billis5s Kristin Schaumleffel & Jen Marik6s Nicole Porter & Daria Sanford7s Robert Nassau8s Natasha Fenton & Stephanie Smith9s Brian Homer & Susan Yun10s Pippa Paulsen

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Appendix 6

ABOUT PATHS:

PATHS is a volunteer group of parents and teachers who work together tosupport the development of our school. PATHS is a vital part of Greene Hillculture and is actively involved in everything from the school library tocommunity outreach. Some committees work primarily on event planningand fundraising and are active for only a short time. Other committeessuch as Diversity and Community Service are ongoing throughout the year.We encourage all Greene Hill parents to participate in PATHS.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED IN PATHS?

PATHS sponsors several community-building events throughout the year,including a welcome reception on the first day of school and potluckdinners in the fall and spring. Committee sign up sheets are posted at theevents and near the front office at the school. We communicate PATHSnews to the school community through the Weekly News email whichcomes out every Friday. For more information on PATHS and how you canvolunteer, email PATHS@greenehillschool.org.

WHO HEADS PATHS?We have two co-chairs, a secretary and many committee heads who workin conjunction with the school’s administration to oversee PATHS.

PATHS Co-ChairPATHS co-chairs are responsible for overseeing the total number ofcommittees and events. They work with committee heads to createdefining statements and a calendar for the year and ensure that eachcommittee has what it needs to achieve its goals.2012-2013 PATHS Co-Chairs: Rebecca Caban and Kate Sheldon

PATHS SecretaryManages PATHS communications. Takes and distributes meeting minutesand compiles committee reports for the Weekly News emails.2012-2013 PATHS Secretary: TBD

PATHS Committee HeadsCommittee Heads work with the PATHS Co-Chairs to create a definingstatement and calendar for the year. They meet regularly with committeemembers to ensure that their goals for the year are met. They are alsoresponsible for maintaining current and regular communication with thesecretary, co-chairs and administration. Each committee typically has twocommittee heads.

2013-14 PATHS Committee Heads:

Building: Russell Champa and Alan WeinerCommunity Events: Rebecca Caban and Kate Sheldon

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Community Service: TBDDiversity and Outreach: Ahtis CloydGardening: Patti Coffey and Nicole PorterGrandparents Day: Jenie Fu and Hope McGrathGreene Affair: Caroline BollingerLibrary and Bookfairs: Theres WegmanSports: James ChoiWinter Brunch: Jenie Fu and Bettina Schneider

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Appendix 7

SCHOOL FORMS AND WHAT TO BRING

School formsIt is essential that all families submit the required medical and studentinformation forms by the due date. Your child may not begin schoolwithout these forms.

Copies of the following forms must be completed, signed and returnedby 8/30/13. Your child may not begin school without all of these formscompleted and returned to the school.

● Emergency Contact Forms (2 signed copies)● Consent and Waiver form for Care of your Child● Activity and Napping Permission Form● Photo release● Grandparents (and Special Friends) Information Form● Permission for Pick-Up● K-12 Health Form

What To BringThe following is a list of supplies needed for the start of school. Yourchild’s teacher may request additional items and will contact you directlyabout these. Please be sure to bring the items on this list by the first dayof school.● Full change of clothing (include: shirt, pants, underwear, socks,

sweater and mittens).● Small blanket, pillow and small fitted sheet for rest (4s and 5s

classes)● Box of facial tissues● 4 rolls of paper towels● Pump bottle of liquid soap

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Emergency Contact Form 2013­14  (Copy 1)

Child’s Name________________________________________________

Child’s Address______________________________________________

City_______________________State________Zip__________________

Date of Birth_____________________Phone Number (____)__________

1.Parent/Guardian Name_________________________________________

Address (if different from above)_________________________________

City_______________________State________Zip__________________

Phone (____)__________________ Phone (____)___________________

I affirm that I have proper legal authority to pick up, arrange care (medical and otherwise) for my child.

Signature____________________________________________________

2.Parent/Guardian Name_________________________________________

Address (if different from above)_________________________________

City_______________________State________Zip__________________

Phone (____)__________________ Phone (____)___________________

I affirm that I have proper legal authority to pick up, arrange care (medical and otherwise) for my child.

Signature____________________________________________________

In case of emergency and in the case that the parent/guardian’s above are not available please contact:

1.Name_______________________________Relationship to child_____________________

Phone (____)________________________Phone(____)____________________________

2.Name_______________________________Relationship to child_____________________

Phone (____)________________________Phone(____)____________________________

Parent/Guardian please make sure that the above persons have proper legal authority to make medical decisions foryour child.

Insurance Carrier______________________________

Group Number________________________________Policy Number_____________________

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Emergency Contact Form 2013­14 (Copy 2)

Child’s Name________________________________________________

Child’s Address______________________________________________

City_______________________State________Zip__________________

Date of Birth_____________________Phone Number (____)__________

1.Parent/Guardian Name_________________________________________

Address (if different from above)_________________________________

City_______________________State________Zip__________________

Phone (____)__________________ Phone (____)___________________

I affirm that I have proper legal authority to pick up, arrange care (medical and otherwise) for my child.

Signature____________________________________________________

2.Parent/Guardian Name_________________________________________

Address (if different from above)_________________________________

City_______________________State________Zip__________________

Phone (____)__________________ Phone (____)___________________

I affirm that I have proper legal authority to pick up, arrange care (medical and otherwise) for my child.

Signature____________________________________________________

In case of emergency and in the case that the parent/guardian’s above are not available please contact:

1.Name_______________________________Relationship to child_____________________

Phone (____)________________________Phone(____)____________________________

2.Name_______________________________Relationship to child_____________________

Phone (____)________________________Phone(____)____________________________

Parent/Guardian please make sure that the above persons have proper legal authority to make medical decisions foryour child.

Insurance Carrier______________________________

Group Number________________________________Policy Number_____________________

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Consent and Waiver for care of your child 2013­14 Page 1

Parent/Guardian Name_____________________________________Phone_______________

Child’s Name________________________________________________________________

Child’s Address______________________________________________________________

City_________________________________State______________Zip__________________

Parent/Guardian Address (if different from above)___________________________________________________________________________

City_________________________________State______________Zip__________________

Insurance Company Name_____________________________________________

Group/Policy Number_________________________________________________

Any medical/dietary restrictions or special information_______________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

I have signed an enrollment contract with Greene Hill School located at 39 Adelphi Street and have met with theschool director.  I am the parent or legal guardian of the child named below and I have the right and authority to enterthis child in Greene Hill School.  I give my permission for my child to participate in all school activities.  I give myconsent for any necessary immediate first aid treatment as deemed necessary by the supervising staff.  Inconsideration of the school services offered by Greene Hill School and accepted by me for my child, I, for myself, mychild, our executors and heirs, individually, do hereby release the School, the Premises Owner, School Employees,staff, volunteers and any other individuals connected with the School, of any claims or causes of action arising outof my child’s participation and presence in the School program.I, the undersigned, hereby release Greene Hill School, the owner of 39 Adelphi Street, and the Greene Hill School staffand directors from any and all liabilities or damages relating to my child’s participation in Greene Hill School (hereinGHS) and affiliated programs.I affirm that I have had the opportunity to meet with GHS staff and will have toured the premises of 39 Adelphi Streetbefore my child enters school.  I understand that the lease holders, the Brooklyn Diocese, has the right to offer somecontained after school hours and weekend  programs including a small shelter run by CAMBA and after­school andsummer camp programs for neighborhood youth, approved by GHS, in the building.I understand that my child will be given the opportunity to participate in physical and group activities that will besupervised by trained staff members of GHS and that the staff will make every effort to ensure my child’s safety.However, I acknowledge that physical and group activities carry an inherent risk of injury and I hereby release GHSshould my child become injured while participating in GHS activities.I understand that should my child become injured and ill, GHS staff will take immediate action to help my child,including, but not limited to, administering basic first aid, administering basic CPR, calling and reporting 911life­or­limb­threatening emergency, and that by signing this form, I have given them my permission to do so.  I alsounderstand that as soon as possible following my child’s accident or illness, a GHS staff member will contact me.  Iagree to leave an emergency phone number so that GHS may contact me if needed.I understand that my child will not be allowed to leave the premises during the school day or from afterschool unlesshe/she leaves directly with me (unless previous other arrangements have been made).

Parent/Guardian Signature__________________________________Date________________

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Consent and Waiver for care of your child Page 2

I understand that any special medical conditions my child has must be provided in writing, with appropriateinstructions should a medical situation arise and that emergency medication may only be administered with aphysician’s note.  I also understand that GHS staff will contact me to pick up my child should he/she appear sick orunusually distressed.I understand that my child may be dropped off at the start of the school day and that he/she is to be picked up nolater than the school day.  Should a situation arise for my child to remain at GHS longer I will contact GHS ahead oftime or will provide additional supervision of my own (such as a child care provider).

Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________Date__________________

Parent/Guardian Name________________________________Phone_________________

Child’s Name_____________________________________________________________

*Your child’s registration is not complete without parent or guardian signature.

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Activity and Napping Permission Form 2013­14

Outdoor Activity

I hereby give Greene Hill School and Staff the permission to take my child for short walking trips, field trips toneighborhood parks, museums and businesses, or any other trip that relates to the school’s daily curricular activities.I understand that my child will be appropriately supervised and chaperoned.

Child’s Name_____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature____________________________________

Phone____________________________________________________

Date_____________________________________________________

Quiet Time (for 4s and 5s class)

I understand that my child will be napping on a mat in the classroom of Greene Hill School and that he/she will besupervised at this time.

Child’s Name_____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature____________________________________

Phone____________________________________________________

Date_____________________________________________________

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AUTHORIZATION TO USE WRITTEN MATERIALS/ PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO 2013­14

I, __________________________________________, hereby authorize Greene Hill School to use, reproduce, and/or publish visual materials, including photographs, videos and examples of written school work that may pertain tomy child(ren) or children under my guardianship attending the school.  I understand that this material may be used invarious publications, public affairs releases, recruitment materials, or for other related endeavors.  This material mayalso appear on Greene Hill School’s website.  This authorization is continuous and may only be withdrawn by myspecific rescission of this authorization.  Consequently, Greene Hill School may publish materials, use my name,photograph, and/or make reference to me, or my child(ren), in any appropriate manner in order to promote/publicizeGreene Hill School and related events.

Signature of Parent/Guardian:___________________________________________________

Child(ren)’s Name(s):_________________________________________________________

Date:_________________

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2013­14Grandparents (and Special Friends) Information Form

GHS would love to keep your family in the loop about the wonderful happenings at school by sending them ourquarterly newsletter, invitations to Grandparents and Special Friends Day and other special events.

Please complete the information below and use the back if more space is needed:

Your child’s name and class:  _______________________________________________________(only necessary to fill out one per family)

GRANDPARENTS (1)

Name(s): ____________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________________

GRANDPARENTS (2)

Name(s): ____________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________________

OTHER SPECIAL FRIENDS:

Name(s): ____________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________________

Relationship to child:  _______________________________________________________

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AUTHORIZATION OF CHILD DROP OFF AND PICK UP

I authorize the following people to either drop off or pick up my child(ren):

___________________________________________________Name

___________________________________________________Name

during the 2013­14  school year:

Adult’s Name_______________________________________________

Relationship to Child_________________________________________

Adult’s Name_______________________________________________

Relationship to Child_________________________________________

Adult’s Name_______________________________________________

Relationship to Child_________________________________________

If at any time these arrangements change for any reason, parents/guardians must notify the front office and theschool director.

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Please download and complete the Child Health Examination Form from:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/hcp/hcp-ch205.pdf

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  Greene Hill School Calendar2013-14

September2 Labor Day3-4 Welcome Conferences9 First Day of School

Phase In 4s and 5s 8:50- 11amSchool Day starts at 8:50 am for 4-9s. 10s start at 8:30 am!Parent Orientation 9-10 am

10-10:50 am PATHS coffee10 Phase In:

4s 8:50 am- 11am 5s8:50 am-1 pm

September Speaker* 9 amDiana Schlesinger, Progressive Education Traditions

11 Phase In:4s 8:50 am- 11am5s 8:50 am-1 pm

September Speaker* 9amBarbara Frailey and Laurie Baum, Progressive Education at GHS

12 Phase In:4s 8:50 am-1 pm5s 8:50 am-3 pm (full day)

September Speaker* 9amDenise Prieto, School Year Beginnings: Transitions for Children and Adults

13 Phase In:4s 8:50 am-1 pm

16 First full day 4sEarly drop off (8:30 am) and Open Play After School starts for all students

24 Curriculum NightParents of 4-6s 6:00-7:00 pmParents of 7-10s 7:00-8:00 pm

27 NO SCHOOL: STAFF DEVELOPMENT

October4 First Friday Get Together14 NO SCHOOL -- Columbus Day18 Community Potluck (for adults), Time TBD

November1 First Friday Get Together11 NO SCHOOL -- Veterans Day12-15 Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences27 NOON DISMISSAL28-29 NO SCHOOL -- Thanksgiving

December6 First Friday Get Together6 Winter Brunch (networking for local community members),10 am

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20 NOON DISMISSAL-- Winter Recess23-1/3 NO SCHOOL -- Winter Recess

January6 School resumes10 First Friday Get Together20 NO SCHOOL -- MLK Day

February7 First Friday Get Together7 The Greene Affair, 8pm10-13 Family Conferences (children host)14 NOON DISMISSAL-- Family Conferences17-21 NO SCHOOL -- Midwinter Recess24 School resumes

March7 First Friday Get Together

April4 First Friday Get Together7-10 Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences11 NOON DISMISSAL -- Spring Recess14-21 NO SCHOOL –Spring Recess22 School resumes

May2 First Friday Get Together15 Community Cocktails (adults only)- Time TBD26 NO SCHOOL—Memorial Day

June6 First Friday Get Together20 Last Day of School: School Picnic in Ft. Greene Park

*The September Speaker Series consists of three morning talks for parents relatedto progressive education and daily life at Greene Hill School. Specifics aboutadditional forums and meetings will be provided on an ongoing basis. A schedule ofCommunity Forum topics and dates will be available in early fall.

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