

EMERGENCY CLOSING
&
INFORMATION REMINDERS!
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION!
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD!
SCHOOL CLOSINGS!!
April 2 , 9 & 11 (One Session Days),
April 21 - 25 (School closed)

CHECK FOR SCHOOL CLOSINGS
OR DELAYED OPENING WHEN INCLEMENT
WEATHER IS APPROACHING!

This information was
last updated on 4/9/08
If you feel you need additional information than what is given here, please
contact the main office.
STUDENTS SHOULD NOT BE
LEFT UNATTENDED DURING THE
MORNING HOURS - SCHOOL
BEGINS AT 8:15 A.M. DO NOT DROP OFF YOUR CHILD BEFORE 8 A.M. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S
SAFETY AND WELL BEING AND WOULD ASK THAT YOU
ADHERE TO THIS TIME FRAME! STUDENTS
SHOULD NOT ARRIVE AT
SCHOOL MORE THAT TEN
MINUTES BEFORE THE
START OF SCHOOL.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT
STUDENTS ARRIVE ON TIME
TO SCHOOL EACH DAY AS
INSTRUCTIONAL TIME IS VERY
IMPORTANT. A NOTE
OF EXPLANATION, SIGNED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN, IS REQUIRED WHEN A CHILD IS LATE
FOR ANY SCHOOL SESSION.
LATE STUDENTS MUST SIGN
IN AT THE MAIN OFFICE
BEFORE REPORTING TO THEIR
CLASSROOMS.

Dear Parents,
I would like to remind
each of you of emergency closing procedures due to inclement weather.
For delayed opening,
Connect-ed
calls will be made as early as possible. Classes will begin at 9:45 AM.
Bus students will
report to their assigned stop 90 minutes later than usual.
If the schools are
closed, you will receive a call from your Connect-ed service asap.
Announcements of the closing or delayed opening will also be made over stations
WOR-AM (710), WINS-AM (1010),
WABC -TV (Channel 7), Channel 34
WNBC - TV (Channel 4) Good Day NY - Fox (Channel 5),
and the main page of our school webpage. You may also call the school for
a prerecorded message
at 974-2010 or 974-2011.
Please notify the office or
nurse if there are any changes to telephone numbers, cell numbers, work numbers and emergency contact
information.
For early closing due to
inclement weather your class mother will notify you between the hours of 10:45 AM
and 12:00 PM. It is very important that we have accurate phone numbers for
this purpose.
Please prepare your
child for any of these emergency situations and please do not call the school
with last minute instructions. With our large enrollment, we will be
extremely busy making calls and cannot guarantee your message will reach your
child.
Parents
should not use the parking lots to pick up children.
With your cooperation,
our emergency procedures will work smoothly, ensuring the safety of your
children.
Sincerely,
Ms. Deidre Ertle -
Principal
CLARENDON
SCHOOL HOURS
School hours -
8:15 A.M. - 2:55 P.M.
Pre-K A.M. -
8:15 A.M. - 10:40 A.M.
Pre-K P.M. -
12:30 P.M. - 2:55 P.M.
One - Session
Day Schedule
8:15 A.M. -
12:25 P.M.
Pre-K A.M. -
8:15 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
Pre-K P.M. -
10:45 P.M. - 12:25 P.M.
Delayed
Opening
9:45 A.M.
Pre - K A.M.
No School
Pre - K P.M.
12:30 P.M.
WHAT TO DO IF..........

You want to confer with a
teacher: Call your child's school to arrange a conference.
Your child is having a problem in
school: Call his or her teacher or guidance counselor for help.
Your child becomes ill at school:
A student who becomes ill during school hours is taken to the nurse's office.
If it becomes necessary to send
your child home because of illness, you will be notified and requested to
provide transportation.
You want homework assignments:
Call the school and homework will be left at the office.
A lunch is left home:
Deliver the lunch to the office, and the office will make sure it is delivered
to your child.
HOMEWORK IS A TEAM EFFORT!
Why Do Teachers Assign Homework?
Teachers assign homework for many reasons. Homework can help children
- review and practice what they've learned;
- get ready for the next day's class;
- learn to use resources, such as libraries, reference materials,
and encyclopedias; and
- explore subjects more fully than time permits in the classroom.
Homework can also help children develop good habits and attitudes.
It can teach children to work independently; encourage self-discipline
and responsibility (assignments provide some youngsters with their first
chance to manage time and meet deadlines); and encourage a love of
learning.
Homework can also bring parents and educators closer together. Parents
who supervise homework and work with their children on assignments learn
about their children's education and about the school.
Homework is meant to be a positive experience and to encourage children
to learn. Assignments should not be used as punishment.

Does Homework Help Children Learn?
Homework helps your child do better in school when assignments are
meaningful, are completed successfully, and are returned with
constructive comments from the teacher. An assignment should have a
specific purpose, come with clear instructions, be fairly well matched
to a student's abilities, and designed to help develop a student's
knowledge and skills.
In the early elementary grades, homework can help children develop the
habits and attitudes described earlier. From fourth through sixth
grades, small amounts of homework, gradually increased each year, may
support improved academic achievement. In seventh grade and beyond,
students who complete more homework score better on standardized tests
and earn better grades, on the average, than students who do less
homework. The difference in test scores and grades between students who
do more homework and those who do less increases as children move up
through the grades.
|
Children need to know that their parents and adults close to
them think homework is important. If they know their parents
care, children have a good reason to complete assignments and
turn them in on time. There is a lot that you can do to show
that you value education and homework.
Set a Regular Time.
Finding a regular time for homework helps children finish
assignments. The best schedule is one that works for your child
and your family. What works well in one household may not work
in another. Of course, a good schedule depends in part on your
child's age, as well as individual needs. For instance, one
youngster may work best in the afternoon after an hour of play,
and another may be more efficient after dinner (although late at
night, when children are tired, is seldom a good time).
Outside activities, such as sports or music lessons, may mean
that you need a flexible schedule. Your child may study after
school on some days and in the evening on others. If there isn't
enough time to finish homework, your child may need to drop some
outside activity. Homework must be a high priority.
You'll need to work with your elementary school child to develop
a schedule. An older student can probably make up a schedule
independently, although you'll want to make sure it's a good
one.
It may help to write out the schedule and put it in a place
where you'll see it often, such as the refrigerator door.
Some families have a required amount of time that children must
devote to homework or some other learning activity each school
night (the length of time can vary depending upon the child's
age). For instance, if your seventh-grader knows she's expected
to spend an hour doing homework, reading, or visiting the
library, she may be less likely to rush through assignments so
that she can watch television. A required amount of time may
also discourage her from "forgetting" to bring home assignments
and help her adjust to a routine.
Pick a Place.
A study area should have lots of light, supplies close by, and
be fairly quiet.
A study area doesn't have to be fancy. A desk in the bedroom is
nice, but for many youngsters the kitchen table or a corner of
the living room works just fine.
Your child may enjoy decorating a special study corner. A plant,
a brightly colored container to hold pencils, and some favorite
artwork taped to the walls can make study time more pleasant.
Remove Distractions.
Turn off the television and discourage social telephone calls
during homework time. (A call to a classmate about an assignment
may, however, be helpful.)
Some youngsters work well with quiet background music, but loud
noise from the stereo or radio is not OK. One Virginia junior
high school history teacher laments, "I've actually had a kid
turn in an assignment that had written in the middle, `And
George Washington said, "Ohhhhh, I love you."' The kid was so
plugged into the music that he wasn't concentrating."
If you live in a small or noisy household, try having all family
members take part in a quiet activity during homework time. You
may need to take a noisy toddler outside or into another room to
play. If distractions can't be avoided, your child may want to
complete assignments in a nearby library.
Provide Supplies and Identify Resources.
For starters, collect pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper, an
assignment book, and a dictionary. Other things that might be
helpful include glue, a stapler, paper clips, maps, a
calculator, a pencil sharpener, tape, scissors, a ruler, index
cards, a thesaurus, and an almanac. Keep these items together in
one place if possible. If you can't provide your child with
needed supplies, check with the teacher, school guidance
counselor, or principal about possible sources of assistance.
For books and other information resources, check with the school
library or local public library. Some libraries have homework
centers designed especially to assist children with school
assignments (there may even be tutors and other kinds of
individual assistance).
These days many schools have computers in classrooms, and many
households have personal computers. However, you don't have to
have a computer in your home in order for your child to complete
homework assignments successfully.
You may want to ask the teacher to explain school policy about
the use of computers--or typewriters or any special
equipment--for homework. Certainly, computers can be a great
learning tool and helpful for some assignments. They can be used
for word processing and on-line reference resources, as well as
educational programs and games to sharpen skills. Some schools
may offer after-school programs where your child can use the
school computers. And many public libraries make computers
available to children.
Set a Good Example.
Children are more likely to study if they see you reading,
writing, and doing things that require thought and effort on
your part. Talk with your child about what you're reading and
writing even if it's something as simple as making the grocery
list. Tell them about what you do at work. Encourage activities
that support learning--for example, educational games, library
visits, walks in the neighborhood, trips to the zoo or museums,
and chores that teach a sense of responsibility.
Show an Interest.
Make time to take your child to the library to check out
materials needed for homework (and for fun too), and read with
your child as often as you can. Talk about school and learning
activities in family conversations. Ask your child what was
discussed in class that day. If he doesn't have much to say, try
another approach. For example, ask your child to read aloud a
story he wrote or discuss the results of a science experiment.
Another good way to show your interest is to attend school
activities, such as parent-teacher meetings, shows, and sports
events. If you can, volunteer to help in the classroom or at
special events. Getting to know some classmates and other
parents not only shows you're interested but helps build a
network of support for you and your child.

Instill a Love in Learning
Children who have a broad foundation of knowledge and
background on a variety of subjects will find school and
learning easier and more interesting than those who do
not. Parents have the privilege and responsibility to
share the world with their children.
Talking with your child about life's everyday
experiences will help each of you understand the others'
viewpoints, values, dreams, and interests. Parents need
not only talk, but also listen to their children.
Answering questions, or helping children find the
answers, will help your child develop a sense of value
and self-respect.
Many parents think activities such as going to the
zoo, museums, or shows make up for lost time with their
children. But, there can be just as much educational
value in everyday activities, such as going to the bank,
going grocery shopping, or doing a project at home.
Parents just need to plan ahead a little to help their
child discover the world.
Here are a few suggestions for activities to enjoy
with your child:
- Watch news and documentaries on TV.
- Rent or buy educational videos.
- Visit natural history museums, science museums,
art museums, children's museums, zoos, botanical
gardens, and historical sites.
- Experience national or state parks and forests.
Sign up for a tour.
- Read articles in the newspaper, news, and
magazines together.
- Go to the public library.
- Make vacations learning experiences.
- Plan "theme" parties that involve some research.
For example, an American Revolution costume party, a
play, or a display of inventions of the time.
The important thing for parents to remember is that
they are the most important teachers in their child's
life. Children are born eager to learn, but parents need
to help them channel that learning. Talking with
children before, during, and after any activity helps
them learn the steps involved in learning.
This conversation also will improve your
communication and in turn, your relationship with your
child. The more you talk with each other, the more
rewarding your conversations will be, and the better you
will get to know your child.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT THE WEBSITE
LISTED BELOW.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/succeed/01-parental.html
|
|
REMINDER:
ALL VOLUNTEERS
AND VISITORS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR THE IDENTIFICATION BADGE ISSUED IN THE SCHOOL
OFFICE. PLEASE REPORT TO THE MAIN OFFICE TO SIGN IN.
JUST A
REMINDER: ITEMS NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL ARE...
1.
WALKMAN RADIOS, TAPE PLAYERS, CD PLAYERS AND IPODS.
2.
ELECTRONIC GAMES ETC.
3.
VIDEOS - LUNCHTIME VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY.
4.
BASEBALLS, SOFTBALLS, AND SOCCER BALLS
.
DEIDRE ERTLE,
PRINCIPAL