MEACHEM SCHOOL
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
2015 - 2016
SCHOOL YEAR
“A School Where Everyone Works Together to Make Great
Things Happen Every Day!”
PRESIDENT:
Michelle Mignano
VICE PRESIDENT:
Derrick Dorsey
COMMISSIONERS OF EDUCATION:
Patricia Body
David Cecile
Mark D. Muhammad
Maxwell Ruckdeschel
Stephen Swift
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF:
Sharon L. Contreras, Ph.D., Superintendent
Jaime Alicea, Chief Operations Officer
Kim Bradley, Chief of Staff
TBD, Executive Director of Talent Management
Brandan Keaveny, Ed.D., Chief Accountability Officer
Linda Mulvey, Chief Academic Officer
Suzanne Slack, Chief Financial Officer
Title IX and Section 504 Statement
The Syracuse City School District hereby advises students, parents, employees, and the
general public that it offers employment and educational opportunities, including vocational
education opportunities, without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, marital status,
sexual preference, national origin, or disability.
Questions regarding this Title IX and Section 504 Statement may be referred to the building
principal or District 504 Compliance Officer at:
Syracuse City School District
1025 Erie Blvd. West • Syracuse, NY 13204
(315) 435-4212
Table of Contents
Welcome Letter ..........................................................................................................1
Map ...........................................................................................................................2
Telephone Numbers ...................................................................................................3
Vision/Mission Statement & Daily Schedule ...................................................................4
Home-School Connection & Visitors ..............................................................................5
P.T.O. & Volunteers ....................................................................................................6-7
Attendance Policy........................................................................................................8
Emergency Policy ........................................................................................................9
Positive Behavioral Expectations .................................................................................10
Life Skills/Dress Code/Bullying ....................................................................................11
Breakfast and Lunch Program/Cafeteria Expectations ....................................................12-13
Transportation/Bus Safety ...........................................................................................14
Homework ..................................................................................................................15
Reading Support at Home ...........................................................................................16
Math Support at Home ................................................................................................17
Student Support Programs ...........................................................................................18
Special Areas and Student Support Staff .......................................................................19
Note from the School Nurse .........................................................................................20
Instructional Programs/Common Core Shifts in ELA and Math .......................................21-22
Progress Reports/SCSD Schedules................................................................................23
Meachem Event Schedule ............................................................................................24
Staff Directory ...........................................................................................................25
Absence Reporting Form .............................................................................................26
Principal’s Welcome Letter
Welcome back! We look forward to working with you and your child this year.
There are a few changes to the handbook this year, so please read it over carefully.
I hope that you find this handbook helpful.
To highlight, the book has information on Daily Procedures/ Schedules,
Instruction, and Student Rights and Responsibilities. Within this handbook you
will more specifically find information on school procedures, the Common Core
shifts, tips for helping your children with homework, steps to take when dealing
with bullying and other important information. Please refer to this booklet when
you have questions about any of these issues.
Our District Office of Health Services would like parents to be reminded that
all children entering kindergarten and grades 2 and 4 must have a physical
exam. The Office of Health Services will not be performing school physicals
for students this year. All physicals must be done by the child’s doctor.
Please contact the Health Services Office at 435-4145 with any questions or
to receive a listing of physicians who will provide physicals.
I thank you in advance for your support and cooperation and want to assure you
that your child will receive a quality education at Meachem School. Meachem is
truly a great place to grow and learn as everyone is committed to making great
things happen every day with all children! Thanks for sharing your child with us
and know that the best is yet to come for Meachem students, families and staff.
Ms. Melissa Evans
Principal
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Meachem School Map
2
Telephone Numbers
MEACHEM SCHOOL:
Main Office----------------------------------------------------------------435-4610
Nurse’s Office-------------------------------------------------------------435-4612
Psychologist---------------------------------------------------------------435-4502
Social Worker-------------------------------------------------------------435-6269
SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT:
Superintendent of Schools--------------------------------------435-4161
Office of Elementary Education---------------------------------435-4220
Early Childhood/Pre-K--------------------------------------------435-4276
ESL Department---------------------------------------------------435-4927
Food Service-------------------------------------------------------435-4207
Pupil Services------------------------------------------------------435-4100
Central Registration Center--------------------------------------435-4545
Special Education--------------------------------------------------435-4425
Transportation------------------------------------------------------435-4260
First Student Bus Company---------------------------------------448-1820
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MEACHEM’S VISION STATEMENT
The vision of Meachem Elementary School is to become the most improved
elementary school in the Syracuse City School District.
MEACHEM’S MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Meachem Elementary School is to develop good citizens who
are college and career ready, through excellence in teaching and student
centered learning.
Daily Schedule
8:40 a.m.
8:55 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
11:30-1:15
3:00 p.m.
Breakfast in the classroom
School-wide announcements on P.A.
Instructional day begins
LUNCH PERIODS
Dismissal
Meachem School’s doors will be open at 8:40 a.m. as the breakfast program begins.
Students who walk or are driven to school should arrive no earlier than 8:40
a.m. as there is no one to supervise students earlier.
All students should enter the school using the doors by the gym and report
directly to their classrooms. This year all students will continue to have breakfast in
their classrooms.
Meachem School’s English Language Arts program consists of phonics, writing, whole
group and small group instruction every day for a total of 120 minutes. During
these times, our classrooms should not be disturbed.
Student dismissal starts promptly at 3:00 p.m. Pick ups and walkers are dismissed first; therefore
it is important that an adult is on time to pick up their child and waiting in the front of the
building. Students will no longer be dismissed prior to 3:00 unless the parent/guardian
arriving for pick up has a scheduled appointment or there is an emergency. This will more
readily allow teachers to instruct students without classroom interruptions.
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HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
The teaching staff at Meachem has made a commitment to communicate with families.
This will take place through weekly newsletters, progress reports, or phone calls. We
hope that this on-going communication will help us to work together on behalf of your
children. If your child’s teacher sends a weekly progress report, please sign it and
return it to school each week. This two-way communication is critical to your child’s
success.
Do you have a question or concern about your child’s classroom?
Follow these steps:
1. First, contact the classroom teacher, 435-4610
2. Then, if you are not satisfied with the outcome contact the Principal (Ms. Evans).
Do you have a question or concern about school policy or practices in
general?
Follow these steps:
1. Contact the Principal (Ms. Evans) at 435-4610.
VISITORS’ POLICY
Parents are welcome and encouraged to observe their child’s progress in the
classroom during the instructional day. Please make arrangements with the teacher
before you come.
Below you will find the procedures that are to be followed any time you come into the
building. These procedures are in place to ensure the safety of our students.
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Report to the main office.
Sign in on the visitor sheet in the main office and wear ID tag.
Ask the secretary for a pass and to notify the teacher/staff member you are
visiting.
Please sign out when you leave the building.
All visitors are expected to observe the same standards of safety as required by
staff and students.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
School attendance is critically important to children’s learning. Students are expected
to be at school on time, all day, everyday and to be prepared to learn.
We ask that a parent or guardian submit a written excuse to the
classroom/homeroom teacher or phone in an excuse to report each absence.
Failure to do so will result in an illegal absence. A written excuse must also be given to
the teacher if a student is to be excused during the school day. Absence reporting
forms are in the back of the Handbook. If possible, please call the school office (4354610) as early as possible to report your child’s absence, or early dismissal.
Students can be excused from school for legal reasons, in accordance with New York
State (i.e. illness, medical appointments or serious family illness or death). We are
asking you to have children stay home if they have a severe cold, fever or signs of a
communicable disease. Below is a list of excused and unexcused absences:
Excused:
 Personal illness
 Serious illness or death in the family
 Unsafe travel
 School-supervised project
 Religious observance
 Medical/dental appointment
 Out-of-School Suspensions
Unexcused:
 Personal visitations
 Needed at home/babysitting
 Oversleeping
 Vacation
 Missing a bus
If a student comes to school late, he/she must sign in main office to get a tardy pass.
Teachers will not allow students to enter the room late without a pass from the main
office.
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MEACHEM P.T.O. Welcome Letter
Dear Parent/Guardian,
The Parent Teacher Organization of Meachem Elementary welcomes you and your
child to the Meachem School Community. I am sure you look forward to an
exciting year with your child as they start or continue their education here.
The PTO is an organization dedicated to serving parents, teachers and students
throughout the school year. Perhaps you’ve heard about our group through various
fundraising activities or the supplies and programs we financially support at
school. The PTO pays for buses for field trips, free books for all students and
bounce houses for the Meachem Field Days, among other things. Providing these
extras is important to us, but our work goes beyond raising money. Our key
mission is to promote an environment at school where teachers and administrators
can do their best work and our students can do their best learning. We’re always
eager to find more great people, like you, to help us meet this goal.
The PTO will be holding its first meeting on Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 pm in
the school library. Other fall meeting dates are Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday,
December 8, each at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. We would love for you to join
us! Here you will be able to meet your 2015-2016 Executive Officers and join a
group of parents in learning about school initiatives and planning upcoming events,
fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. We don’t expect a huge time commitment
from our volunteers. An hour can be a big help to our group and the school, and
we have positions and tasks to fit all schedules and interests. You will find the
Meachem staff welcomes and encourages parent involvement. It is one of the keys
to our success as an outstanding school and community. We hope to see you there!
Again, welcome to Meachem Elementary and we look forward to serving you and
your child in the coming year!
Thank you,
Tania Anderson, President
Meachem Elementary P.T.O
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Meachem Elementary P.T.O.
A lively and committed core of parents work very hard at Meachem to provide many services to
ALL of the students. This group comprises the officers and active members of the Meachem
Parent-Teacher Organization (P.T.O.). The focus of the group is to provide a vehicle for
communication among parents, teachers and administrators. P.T.O. meetings serve as a forum
for receiving information about district policies, curriculum and child development. The P.T.O.
sponsors many activities throughout the school year for the students, parents and staff and is an
important part of the school community.
P.T.O. Executive Board Members
2015 – 2016
President
Tania Anderson
Vice Presidents Laura Capozzolo
Portia Prince-Webster
Treasurer
Rosita Williams
Secretary
TBD
399-0119
469-0587
278-7483
762-2514
taniaanderson@verizon.net
ppwnewdirections@yahoo.com
VOLUNTEERS
Parent volunteers have always played a very important part in the life of our school. Parents
serve in the capacity of tutors, classroom assistants and supervisors for field trips. Volunteers
taught mini-courses and donated countless hours to school plays, the kindergarten and the
library. The parent volunteer plays an integral part in making the total school program a very
successful one. All volunteers complete a police background check every year required by our
district office.
Classroom Assistants: help a classroom teacher by working with small groups on special
projects, or correct assignments, read stories, go on field trips, help with cooking and craft
projects, room parent (plan Halloween, Holiday and Valentine parties)
Total School Volunteer: assist with P.T.O. projects such as dinners, pictures and fundraisers
Tutors: work with an individual or small group on reading or math skills
Library Helper: assist the library media specialist with shelving books, processing and entering
new materials on computer, checking out books for students, and Book Fair
Read to Me: read with a child for 20 minutes for pleasure and one-to-one help
Resource Volunteers: share with a classroom - perhaps on a one-time basis - your profession,
hobby or talent
Special Events Volunteer: Open House, Field Days, and others
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Emergency Cards
Each September, two emergency cards are sent home with each student to be
completed by the parent and returned to school. On the card is a place for your
address, and your home and/or work phones. In addition, there is a place for the
name, address and phone number of an adult who can be relied on to respond to any
emergency situation which may arise at school or to and from school. If you cannot be
reached by telephone, please be sure you give a phone number of someone who can
be reached and who will be responsible for your child in the event of an emergency. A
place is also provided to list the name, address, and phone number of your family
physician or medical facility to be contacted in an emergency situation. On the back of
the emergency card is a place for you to indicate your instructions for your child in the
event of an emergency closing during the school day. BE SURE YOUR CHILD
KNOWS WHAT HE OR SHE IS TO DO. Please indicate if the emergency person
listed lives in the same general area or if the child would need to take a different bus.
Also on the back of the card is the press release. This is kept on file in the office. A
child must have a press release in order for a photograph to be taken and used in any
news publication (Onondaga Valley News, Post Standard and district publications). If
you should move or change your phone number, please let the school know
immediately, and we will update your child's card. Our telephone number is
435-4610.
EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL
In the event of an emergency school closing such as a water main break or fire, the
following procedures will take place:
l.
Students will be dismissed from the school and teachers will accompany their
class to Clary Middle School on South Salina Street.
2.
Bussed children will stay at Clary, with faculty supervision, until a bus has been
sent to take the children home. Walkers will remain at Clary until arrangements
are made for children to be picked up.
3.
Students should be aware of whom they need to report to in the event of an
emergency closing. This would also be true if the school were closed during a
school day because of a snowstorm that might occur during school time.
4. CLOSING SCHOOL - SNOW DAYS:
It is advisable to listen to news
reports, especially during inclement weather to determine when school
is being dismissed early or closed.
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POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
The staff and students at Meachem School are committed to making our school a better
place. The behavior plan at Meachem is based on PBIS- Positive Behavioral Intervention
with Support. We have three behavioral expectations that our school is built upon: (1)
Being Respectful (2) Being Responsible (3) Being Safe. Everyone here uses the
same terminology, which helps students to internalize values that will serve them for a
lifetime. It would be most helpful if parents and families would become familiar with
the words and meanings and use them at home. This would reinforce home-school
collaboration.
MEACHEM SCHOOL RULES
1) We will treat ourselves and each other with respect and fairness.
Do’s
Don’ts
*We will use kind words and treat others the way they
want to be treated.
*We will show compassion and care for ourselves and
others by using appropriate words to solve problems.
*We will listen and follow all reasonable requests of all
staff members.
*We will not tease, harass, fight, steal, bully, or use
obscene words or gestures.
*We will not react negatively to another student’s
respectful request by arguing aggressively, giving
confrontation back talk or hostile language towards the
other person.
*We will not run away or ignore an adult’s request.
2) We will act responsibly and treat property appropriately.
Do’s
*We will take care of materials and the property of the
school and others.
*We will follow directions and actively participate in
instruction.
*We will put forth our best effort by taking
responsibility for our learning with all of our work.
Don’ts
*We will not destroy school materials or furniture.
*We will not disrupt the learning of others.
*We will not be late to school or class.
3) We will act in ways that ensure a safe and a productive school environment.
Do’s
*We will keep our hands and feet to ourselves at all
times.
*We will pass through the building with PAX hands,
feet and voices.
*Only tools for learning will be brought to school. (Cell
phones must be out of sight and turned off during the
school day)
Don’ts
*We will not shove, poke, use verbal or physical
intimidation, kick, punch or fight.
*We will not engage in excessive noises, verbal
interruptions, or disruptive movements after prompts
and redirection.
*We will not horseplay, yell, throw or cluster anywhere
on school grounds or during school activities.
*Please note: Any inappropriate items not related to the learning process will be held in the Main Office. It is the parent’s
responsibility to pick up item when an Administrator or Teacher contacts the parent. Items will be discarded after July 2016.
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LIFESKILLS:
Caring: to feel and show concern Common Sense: to think it through and use good judgment
Cooperation: to work together toward a common goal
Courage: to be willing to take risks and act according to one’s beliefs
Curiosity: to investigate and seek understanding
Effort: to try your hardest
Flexibility: to be willing to change plans when necessary
Friendship: to make and keep a friend through mutual trust and caring
Initiative: to see something that needs to be done and do it
Integrity: to be honest and sincere and to do what is right
Organization: to plan and work in an orderly way
Patience: to wait calmly for someone or something
Perseverance: to keep working until the job is done
Pride: satisfaction from doing your personal best Problem Solving: to seek solutions
Resourcefulness: to respond to challenges and opportunities in innovative and creative ways
Responsibility: to be accountable for your actions
Sense of Humor: to laugh and be playful without hurting others
DRESS CODE
According to the SCSD Code of Conduct, a student's dress shall:
1. Be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.
2. Exclude garments such as tube tops, net tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, muscle shirts, plunging
necklines (front and/or back) and see-through garments which are not appropriate.
3. Ensure that underwear is completely covered; therefore trousers will be at waist level.
4. Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.
5. Not include the wearing of hats, hoods or scarves/bandanas except for a medical or religious purpose
(Matter of Jimenez, 9 Ed. Dept., Rep. 172).
6. Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, libelous, or denigrate others on matters of race, color,
religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
7. Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal
or violent activities.
8. Not depict or suggest association with a gang/cult.
BULLYING
Bullying is described by the United States Department of Education as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children
that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. At
Meachem, it is expected that all staff respond to the reporting of bullying. In addition, for DASA (Discipline for All Students Act)
reporting purposes, teachers must provide the documentation of bullying to the DASA Coach (Mrs. Geer). If your child is
experiencing bullying you should take the following steps to resolve the issue and receive support:
1. Report the incident to the classroom teacher
2. Report the incident to the DASA Coach and the Principal
3. Report the incident to the Supt.’s office (if unable to resolve the issue at the school level)
You can expect to receive the following supports when bullying is reported to the school:
1. Student being bullied may receive support from the teacher to address the issue and/or counseling support. If
appropriate, the student may participate in lunch bunch sessions or class meetings to empower the student,
build his/her self-esteem, and to positively build allies and support from peers and adults; they may also
participate in peer mediation sessions if necessary.
2. Student doing the bullying will receive a consequence and a phone call home, and may be referred to our
Student Support Team (SST) for additional supports/interventions.
More information on bullying can be accessed at http://www.stopbullying.gov.
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BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM
The Community Eligibility Option (CEO) is a program that allows the school district’s
Office of Food and Nutrition to provide breakfast, lunch and snack to all students in
the district FREE of charge regardless of the family’s financial status. All families,
regardless of income status, must now complete an Eligibility Application
(versus the former Free and Reduced Application) for the district to maintain its
eligibility in the program. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Food
and Nutrition at 435-4207.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served between 8:40 and 8:55 a.m. in the classrooms. It will provide 1/4
of the recommended daily nutritional requirement. Breakfast continues to be free
for all students.
Lunch
Students may bring lunch from home or receive a free lunch through our CEO Program.
Each lunch will provide 1/3 of the recommended daily nutritional requirement. A
peanut butter sandwich or yogurt is always offered as alternatives. When eating the
school lunch, children must take an entree (they cannot take just milk). Children
should eat what they select to minimize waste. Menus are sent home on a monthly
basis with your child. This year lunch continues to be free for all students.
SCHOOL NUTRITION
The SCSD believes that one of the most important ways we can help our children
perform better in the classroom is to provide them with the nutrition necessary for the
healthy growth of minds and bodies. More than 10,000 breakfasts and 14,000 lunches
are provided to students daily.
At the beginning of each school year, parents receive information about school meals,
including alternate (non-meat) entree choices available to all students daily. Monthly
calendars of lunch meals are available at your child’s school and at
syracusecityschools.com. Items that contain pork or pork by-products are noted.
To ensure that the Food Service Department is aware of your child’s particular dietary
restrictions, such as allergies or diabetes, the parent must submit a doctor’s note to the
school nurse yearly. For further questions concerning school meals, please call your
school’s cafeteria.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL THE FOOD
SERVICE OFFICE AT 435-4207.
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MEACHEM SCHOOL
2015-2016 Lunch Schedule
Grade
Kindergarten
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Time
11:30-12:00
12:10-12:40
11:35-12:05
12:45-1:15
12:40-1:10
12:05-12:35
CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS:
Students are expected to:
1. Enter cafeteria in quiet and orderly manner and go straight to your table.
2. Lunch aides will call students by tables to go to the cafeteria line.
3. Students should make their choices before they get to a server so they can move through the
line quickly. Lunch menus are announced daily.
4. Students will then go to their assigned table and remain seated. Each cafeteria table will be
marked with a number and assigned classes.
5. Students can only go through the cafeteria line ONCE.
6. Students are to remain seated and use quiet voices throughout lunch.
7. For health reasons, sharing food is not permitted; students must eat their own food.
8. If assistance is needed, students are to raise hands to get the attention of the staff.
9. Students are responsible for recycling their own food. Until then, students should clean up
the area around them, on the table and under. All items from home should go into the basket on
the table, and all school items should go onto a tray and the trays should be pushed to the
center of the table.
10. Once all students at a table are ready to recycle, the lunch aide will call them to recycle.
Otherwise, the students at the table will recycle right before they line up to leave.
11. Games, toys, coloring sheets, and reading material will be at the tables and accessible when
students finish eating their lunches. Days will be themed (e.g. Thursday-Reading day).
12. Students remain seated until they are asked to line up by table by a lunch leader.
13. Absolutely no food, milk, juice, ice cream, etc. is to be taken from the cafeteria without
permission.
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TRANSPORTATION/BUS SAFETY
Transportation to and from school is a service provided by the school district. Students
who live one and one half (1.5) miles from Meachem School are eligible for busing. In
the event that a child misses the school bus, it is the responsibility of the parent to get
the child to school. Bus routes and schedules will be mailed to you a few days before
school begins.
Once a child is assigned to a bus, he/she may not ride on a different bus unless it has
been approved through the Transportation Department. If your child is not to be
dropped off at his/her stop you must send a note. STUDENTS CAN ONLY BE
DROPPED OFF AT AN EXISTING STOP ON THEIR BUS ROUTE.
UNLESS A NOTE IS RECEIVED, ALL STUDENTS WILL GO HOME IN THEIR
NORMAL WAY. If the bus does not pick up your child as expected or your child does
not arrive at home on time, please contact the Transportation Department directly for
assistance at 435-4260, 435-4261 or 435-4263.
If you move, please notify the school office immediately (435-4610). A bus
pass can be issued for existing stops near your new home. However, the
Transportation Department may require 5-10 days to begin a new stop for your child.
To accomplish a safe busing program, all students who ride the bus are expected to
follow the following rules:
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Obey and give respect to the bus driver
Use polite and appropriate language and quiet voices
Stay in your own seat
Remain seated except when entering or leaving the bus
Keep your feet out of the aisle
Keep your head, hands and feet (all body parts) inside the bus
Food and beverages are not allowed on the bus
Inappropriate and vulgar language will not be permitted
These are the consequences when a child receives a referral for improper bus behavior:
 Administrative discussion with student, lunch detention
 Report sent to the parent, assigned seating, In School Suspension/Behavior
Intervention Center Support
 Suspended from the bus for (1) (2) (3) days
 Parent Meeting for more than 3 days of a bus suspension
 Student and parent must attend transportation safety class
 Permanent suspension from the bus
Parents will be responsible for transporting their children to school in the
event of a bus suspension. Parents should contact the Transportation Office directly
with busing problems. The number to call is 435-4260.
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HOMEWORK
Homework is best assigned when it has meaning and purpose to the learner.
It should support and expand the skills, content, and concepts that were presented in
class. It should be supplemental to what has gone on in the classroom – something
that may be better suited to doing at home.
Your child needs your involvement to do his/her personal best. This is another
way that the home-school connection is valuable. Please keep in mind how critical it is
to establish a daily routine for your child’s homework completion. It is important that
they have a quiet place to work, and a designated schedule for completing their
homework. It is also important that you encourage your child, and support them in
recognizing how important it is to complete homework. We urge you to assist your
child and monitor his/her homework. But, it is important that they do the
homework on their own.
Please check with your child’s teacher in September about homework expectations.
 In grades K-1, teachers will send weekly letters to families. Students should
complete 10-20 minutes of homework at least 3 times per week.
 In grades 2-3, teachers will send weekly letters to families. Students should
complete 20 minutes of homework at least 4 times per week.
 In grades 4-5, teachers will send monthly letters to families. Students will complete
the daily homework assignment sheet and have it signed by their parent on a
weekly basis. Students should complete 30 minutes of homework at least 4 times
per week.
In addition to homework, some other things you can do at home to help your child are:
 Read anything – recipes, newspaper, Penny Saver, billboards, store signs,
directions, letters, books, magazines, comic books………..
 Write anything – grocery lists, other lists, thank you notes, invitations, letters,
journals, stories, poems, responses to reading or TV or movies
 Go places and talk/write about the experience
 Label things with written words and tell children words to increase their
vocabulary
 Do everyday math – measure, cook, weigh, calculate, make change, estimate,
and time
 Practice math facts to build math fluency
 Have two-way conversations that discuss and describe events, things, and
surroundings
 Go to the library and have a library card
The best homework is the time you spend with your child reading.
Research has shown that this 15 minutes/day makes a significant difference in a child’s
reading ability.
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READING SUPPORT AT HOME
Your involvement plays an important part in supporting your child’s progress
in reading.
1. Before you and your child read a story together, ask your child to think
about the title and/or cover of the book. Then ask questions such as, “What
do you think the story is going to be about?” “Have you ever heard a story
like this or one about the same subject?”
2. Throughout the story, stop to talk about the characters and pictures in the
story.
3. Sometimes ask, “What do you think is going to happen next? Why do you
think that?”
4. Keep a list of new words that were learned from the story. Talk about
what the words mean.
5. One follow-up activity is to have your child write and/or draw a picture of
his/her favorite part of the story. Then have him/her retell the story using
his/her own words and sharing the illustration.
6. Keep a notebook of the books you have read with your child. Include
information about each book such as:
 Title _________ Author _________ Date Read ________
 Did he/she like the book? Why or why not?
 What was the best part of the book? Why? (Write or Draw)
 What was the book about?
 Share the information with another family member.
7. Vary your activities so your child develops an interest in reading.
16
MATH SUPPORT AT HOME
DON’T GIVE ANSWERS-HELP FIND SOLUTIONS
If your child is having difficulty getting started:
How might you begin?
What do you know now?
What do you need to find out?
If your child gets stuck while completing a task:
How can you organize your information?
How can you make a drawing (model) to explain your thinking?
What approach (strategy) are you developing to solve this?
What other possibilities are there?
What would happen if…?
What do you need to do next?
What assumptions are you making?
What patterns do you see?…What relationships?
What prediction can you make?
Why did you…?
If you want to help your child clarify, his/her thinking:
How did you arrive at your answer?
Why do you think your solution is reasonable?
What did you try that didn’t work?
How can you convince me your solution makes sense?
To help clarify your child’s thinking, avoid stopping when you hear the “right”
answer and avoid correcting the “wrong” answer. Instead, ask:
Why do you think that?
Tell me more.
In what other way might you do that? What other possibilities are there?
How can you convince me?
If your child is struggling, please write a note to the teacher, or call, so that we can
help. We do not want homework to become a source of stress within
families. Please let us know if this if happening, so that we can work with you.
17
Student Support Programs at Meachem
PBIS
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a systems approach to preventing and
responding to school and classroom discipline problems. PBIS develops school-wide systems that support
staff to teach and promote positive behavior in all students. By reducing behavioral problems, PBIS
creates and maintains safe learning environments where teachers can teach and students can learn.
Included in our PBIS systems approach is the use of The PAX Good Behavior Game and The Nurtured
Heart Approach strategies which are also designed to increase positive behaviors in students.
SAY YES TO EDUCATION
Syracuse University, Say Yes to Education, Inc. (Say Yes), and the Syracuse City School District have
joined forces to develop and launch the unprecedented "Syracuse Say Yes to Education and Economic
Development Demonstration Program." At the heart of this pioneering program are two core
components: a K-12 comprehensive support program aligned with the key barriers to college access and
the promise of free tuition at participating colleges, for SCSD graduates who meet eligibility
requirements. Please refer to the Say Yes website for more information. www.SayYesSyracuse.org
MCMAHON-RYAN
McMahon-Ryan Child is a child advocacy center offering educational services to students at Meachem.
Services provided to students during the school year include a three week anti-bullying program and a
five week program on self-esteem, healthy feelings, “stranger danger”, physical safety and sexual abuse
prevention.
SBIT
The School Based Intervention Team (SBIT) is made up of teachers and support staff to create behavior
plans and target areas of additional instruction needed for individual students who are experiencing
social, emotional and/or academic difficulties. The team works closely with teachers to develop, support,
and review intervention plans.
Student Support Team (SST)
Meachem support staff, administrators, and teachers meet weekly to discuss, track and develop
interventions for Meachem’s highest need students. Supports that can result from SST include on site
counseling through Brownell and Family Support and Services Specialists.
Wilson Fundations/Wilson Reading Program
Wilson Fundations is a highly systematic word study program designed for students at K, 1st and 2nd
grade. This is a research-based program that focuses on phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics,
and spelling. The Wilson Reading Program is a comprehensive, multisensory structured program designed
for 3rd through 5th grade students who struggle with decoding and spelling.
Academic Intervention Services
We have two teachers assigned to provide academic interventions in small groups to students who in
need of academic support in reading or math.
Multi-Classroom Leaders/Opportunity Culture
Meachem will be participating in this District initiative which provides the opportunity for teachers to
assume leadership roles. At the K-1 and 2-3 levels these teacher leaders will help design quality
instruction with their colleagues based upon student data in an attempt to obtain greater academic
success for all students.
18
INSTRUCTIONAL SCHEDULE
K
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
(9:05- 9:50)
Social
Studies/
Science
(9:05-9:50)
Social
Studies/
Science
(9:05-9:45)
Small Group
ELA
(9:05-9:45)
Small Group
ELA
(9:05-9:45)
Block 1: pt. 1
(9:05-9:45)
Specials
(9:53-10:33)
Small Group
ELA
(9:53-10:33)
Small Group
ELA
(9:50-11:30)
Whole
Group ELA/
Phonics/
Writing
(9:50-10:50)
Block 1
(9:50-10:30)
Specials
(10:40-11:25)
MATH
(11:30-12:00)
LUNCH
(12:05-12:15)
MATH
(10:35-11:00)
Block 1: pt.2
(10:3511:15)
Specials
(11:2012:05) MATH
(12:15-12:30)
Recess
(12:1012:40)
LUNCH
(12:35-1:15)
Specials
(12:45-1:00)
Recess
(10:5511:15) Block
2: pt. 1
(11:3512:05)
LUNCH
(12:10-1:15)
MATH
(11:05-12:00)
Block 2
(1:35-3:05)
Whole
Group ELA/
Phonics/
Writing
(1:20-2:00)
Specials
(10:55-11:55)
Block 2
(11:2012:00)
Specials
(12:0512:40) Block
2: pt. 2
(12:05-12:35)
LUNCH
(12:00-12:35)
AIS
(12:45-1:15)
LUNCH
(12:40-1:20)
AIS
(12:40-1:10)
LUNCH with
Recess from
1:10-1:25
(1:05- 1:30)
MATH
(1:20-3:05)
Whole Group
ELA/ Phonics/
Writing
(9:50-10:50)
Block 1
(1:20-2:20)
Block 3
(1:25-2:25)
Block 3
(1:25- 2:25)
Block 3
(2:00-2:15)
Recess
(2:15-3:05)
Social
Studies/
Science
(2:20-2:35)
Recess
(2:35-3:05)
Writing
19
(2:30-2:45)
Writing
(2:45-3:05)
Recess
(2:30-3:05)
Writing
Special Areas and Support Staff at Meachem
ART
The art program consists of a variety of two and three dimensional activities with emphasis on developing
the child's awareness of himself/herself and the environment.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The physical education program provides for the development of life-long skills in many sports.
Movement education, exercise and good sportsmanship are stressed for all students
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC/Vocal Music
The instrumental music teacher at Meachem provides instruction in playing brass, woodwind and
percussion instruments for students in grades 4 and 5. The instrumental music program consists of small
group lessons and concert band participation. Membership in the Meachem Stage Band is also
encouraged. The Meachem band performs several times during the year. The music program provides
for the study of music notation, rhythm, and instrumentation as well as the history surrounding certain
songs and their influence on people's lives and times.
LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST
Our library media specialist conducts library lessons for children in grades K-2 and provides open library
for students in grades 3-5. She also is able to secure a variety of materials through the inter-library loan
program arranged through the city and other schools in the district. Meachem has a fine collection of
books, audiovisual equipment, maps, study prints,
SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS
Our speech/language pathologists screen all entering kindergarten students and test students suspected
of having speech or language impairments. They provide speech remediation for students needing the
service as well as providing language therapy for students who need it.
CONSULTANT TEACHER
Consultant teacher services are provided to all students on the grade level that have been identified as
having special needs. These students spend most of their day in their assigned classroom. They will
receive both pull-out and push-in support from the consultant teacher that meets their Individual
Educational Plans (IEP’s).
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
The psychologist's duties include providing support to staff and families of children with special needs.
The psychologist is a crucial member of the School-Based Intervention Team (S.B.I.T.) and Local
Committee for Special Education (L.C.S.E.).
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Our school social worker counsels with students and parents, and serves as a liaison between school,
home, and community. She also play a key role in contacting community agencies for Meachem students
and their families with additional whole child and family needs such as health care/insurance and legal
services.
PROMISE ZONE SPECIALIST
Our Promise Zone Specialist works closely with our school social worker as another liaison between the
school, home, and community. This specialist plays a key role in supporting students’ social emotional
well being and is housed in our Behavior Intervention Center where interventions are developed and
utilized with students who struggle behaviorally.
Reach Associate
This staff member will work with individual students and groups of students on social/emotional learning.
20
Note from the School’s Nurse
Ms. Zych is our school nurse and is here on a full-time basis. Her
responsibilities include the following:

assess child for all complaints of illness and injury; refer for
follow-up treatment as indicated;
 administer first aid and routine care for minor problems;
 communicate with parents and teachers regarding injuries, illness during school, and
absence from school;
 maintain a current health card on each student;
 monitor the height and weight of all students;
 physical examinations are required for all students in Kindergarten, 2nd, and
4th grades, as well as all new admissions. All students are expected to see
their own health care provider for this examination.
 interview parents of new entrants for relevant health history, and communicate data
to teacher;
 screen students for color perception;
 communicate with parents regarding injuries and absences of long duration due to
illness, or illness during school;
 work with school and county social worker on situations of physical abuse or neglect
as an advocate for the student;
 conduct scoliosis screening for spinal curvature on all children in grades 3 through 5;
 follow up and referrals on hearing screening done by audiologist. Hearing screening
is done on grades K, l, 2, 3, and special education students and all students with a
history of hearing loss.
 communicate relevant information to teachers from parents (i.e. illness, allergies,
absences, etc.)
 vision screening for every student every year
 participate on the Pupil Services Team/Local Committee for Special Education; and
 administer medication to students after receiving proper documentation as stated
below.
Every effort should be made to administer medication at home, as it does represent a
disruption in the student's school day. However, if your physician feels that medication
is necessary during the school day, please submit a completed form, available from the
nurse, before medication is sent to school. A new form must be filled out for each
change of medication and renewed each school year. State law does permit
administration of medication during the school day only with written
directions from the physician and parent including the name of medication,
dosage and time to be given.
A child’s illness can present a sudden and difficult problem to manage in busy families.
Please plan ahead for those days when a child must be dismissed, or absent from
school. Include that information on the health office emergency card that is distributed
each fall. The information on this card is used on a daily basis and it is important for
good communication to keep it updated and accurate.
21
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
The Syracuse City School District is in the process of a tremendous transformation. The
Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) and a district focus on supporting what
matters in classrooms and schools to impact student achievement are both key levers of
this transformation.
THE COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS SHIFTS
There are twelve shifts that the Common Core requires of us if we are to be truly
aligned with it in terms of curricular materials and classroom instruction. There are six
shifts in Mathematics and six shifts in ELA/ Literacy. For more curriculum and Common
Core details, please visit our district website at http://www.scsd.us/about/curriculum
and/or the state website www.engageny.org.
Shift 1
Shifts in ELA/ Literacy
Balancing Informational
& Literary Text
Shift 2
Knowledge in the Disciplines
Shift 3
Staircase of Complexity
Shift 4
Text-based Answers
Shift 5
Writing from Sources
Shift 6
Academic Vocabulary
22
Students read a true
balance of informational and
literary texts.
Students build knowledge
about the world (domains/
content areas) through
TEXT rather than the
teacher or activities
Students read the central,
grade appropriate text
around which instruction is
centered. Teachers are
patient, create more time
and space and support in
the curriculum for close
reading.
Students engage in rich and
rigorous evidence based
conversations about text.
Writing emphasizes use of
evidence from sources to
inform or make an
argument.
Students constantly build
the transferable vocabulary
they need to access grade
level complex texts. This
can be done effectively by
spiraling like content in
increasingly complex texts.
Shift 1
Shifts in Mathematics
Focus
Shift 2
Coherence
Shift 3
Fluency
Shift 4
Deep Understanding
Shift 5
Application
Shift 6
Dual Intensity
23
Teachers significantly
narrow and deepen the
scope of how time and
energy is spent in the math
classroom. They do so in
order to focus deeply on
only the concepts that are
prioritized in the standards.
Principals and teachers
carefully connect the
learning within and across
grades so that students can
build new understanding
onto foundations built in
previous years.
Students are expected to
have speed and accuracy
with simple calculations;
teachers structure class time
and/or homework time for
students to memorize,
through repetition, core
functions.
Students deeply understand
and can operate easily
within a math concept
before moving on. They
learn more than the trick to
get the answer right. They
learn the math.
Students are expected to
use math and choose the
appropriate concept for
application even when they
are not prompted to do so.
Students are practicing and
understanding. There is
more than a balance
between these two things in
the classroom – both are
occurring with intensity
PROGRESS REPORTS
There are four official reporting periods each school year. The dates are listed in the
school calendar that you receive from the District. The first progress report (report
card) is given to parents at the Parent Conference in the fall. Each child is given a
scheduled time for his/her parents to meet with the teacher. Parents are strongly
encouraged to attend the conference. It provides an opportunity for you to talk with
the teacher and to learn how your child is doing in school, socially and academically.
The teacher will also explain the written report card.
REPORT CARD DISTRIBUTION DATES
Nov. 3, 2015 or Nov. 19, 2015 (Parent-Teacher Conferences)
February 2, 2016
April 19, 2016
June 22, 2016
Interim Reports for Elementary Level
October 9, 2015
December 15, 2015
March 9, 2016
SCSD SCHEDULES 2015-2016
Syracuse City School District Half Days for Elementary Schools:
(Students dismissed at 11:30 AM)
November 3, 2015
December 23, 2015
November 19, 2015
June 23, 2016
New York State Testing:
Grades 3 - 5 English Language Arts
Tuesday, April 15-Thursday, April 7
Grades 3 - 5 Mathematics
Wednesday, April 13-Friday, April 15
Grade 4 Science Performance Test
Between May 25- June 3
Grade 4 Science Written Test
Monday, June 6, 2016
24
MEACHEM EVENT SCHEDULES 2015-2016
PTO Welcome
September 8, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
Open House
September 24, 2015 from 5-7p.m.
Literacy Celebration of Learning
October 22, 2015 from 5-7 p.m.
Grades 4-5 Concert
November 18, 2015 at night
November 20, 2015 during school
Holiday Concert
December 10, 2015 at night
December 11, 2015 during school
Grades 2-3 Concert
February 11, 2016 at night
February 12, 2016 during school
Parent Involvement Day
February 8, 2016 during school
Meachem Marvels Night
March 24, 2016 from 5-7 p.m.
Grades K-1 Concert
April 21, 2016 at night
April 22, 2016 during school
Wellness Week
May 16-20, 2016 during school
Spring Concert
June 2, 2016 at night
June 3, 2016 during school
25
Meachem Staff 2015-2016
Principal – Melissa Evans
Vice Principal – Lisa Upton
SPECIALS TEAM:
Holly McCoy (Instr. Music) – 14
Stacy Griffin (Art) – 16
Lynne Curtis (Music) – 18
Michael Dickman (Phys. Ed) – 100
Justin Smorol (.5) (Phys. Ed) – 100
Kindergarten TEAM:
Ryan Thayer – 108
Elizabeth Carbone – 108
Lydia Allen – 108/110
Heather Porcello – 113
Mary Sager – 113/115
Jean Mallaro – 112
Yvette Hall- 112/114
Maureen Long- 119
Ahmed Bacha- 119
Wesley Hampton- 119
TEAM 1:
Erin Babakian – 110
Dawn Lynch – 114
Elsie Pagan-Alford – 113
Elizabeth Carbone – 110
IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION/BIC:
Kimberly Reese – 15
Patty Gleason- 13
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT:
Kelly Rich (Math Coach) – 205
Danielle Waldon (ELA Coach) – 205
Kristina Ruthig (AIS) – 117
Cheryl Pudney (AIS) - 117
Jamie Casey (Speech/Lang.) – 216
Michelle Jonientz (Speech/Lang) – 208
Joy Mackool and Mary Sager- Computer lab
TEAM 2:
Jonathon Lamon – 222
Bonnie Nyman – 207
Adam Linden-207
Jessica Porcello (1:1 TA)- 207
Kristen Duffy – 224
Kelleen Abt- 101
Alana Hughes, Bernadette Rushing,
Margaret Coon (1:1 TA)- 101
TEAM 3:
Kristin Lovecchio – 214
Kayla Gallipeau – 218
Tina Russo – 218
Kelly McSweeney – 220
LIBRARY:
Diane Reedy – 211/213
STUDENT SUPPORT:
Michael Gilbert (Psychologist) – 209
Shannon Geer (Social Worker) – 109
Kasi White (Brownell Counselor) – 102 C
TBD (Promise Zone Spec.) – 13
Michael Spring-Reach Associate/ Say Yes
After School Program Coordinator - 107
FSSS/SAY YES/HEALTH & SAFETY:
TBD (FSSS) – 102 D
Bryony Grealish (FSSS) - 102 B
Susan Zych (School Nurse) – 104 A
School Sentry- Matthew Warren
TEAM 4:
Kevin Kuppinger – 202
Kim Dominick – 204
Agnes Sageer – 206
Sylvie Ennis (1:1 TA) - 206
Chris Constantino – 206
TEAM 5:
Sheila Gaughan – 201
Lisa Skardinski – 201
Christine Ross – 203
Marlene Baxter – 212
Secretary – Michele Kociuba
Secretary (.5) – Jackie Harrell
Secretary (.5) - Carolyn Vallee
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY:
Debbie Hughes - 10
PHYSICAL THERAPY:
Mary Beth Marshall – 10
VISION TEACHER:
Kathy Brandt – 10
FOOD SERVICE
Ms. Farnett
Ms. Hohl
Ms. Brown
LUNCH AIDES
Mr. Sanford
Ms. Rucker
CUSTODIAL STAFF
Ms. Hall, Mr. Capone, Mr. Elderbroom, Mr.
Barrientos
Pre-K TEAM
Theresa Fedele – 116
Donna Klein - 116
Priscilla Mulvihill – 111
Gina Hayes - 111
26
MEACHEM SCHOOL
ABSENCE REPORTING FORM
DATE ____________________________________________________________
NAME OF STUDENT ________________________________________________
HOMEROOM/CLASSROOM TEACHER ___________________________________
REASON FOR ABSENCE ______________________________________________
PARENT/ GUARDIAN SIGNATURE ______________________________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MEACHEM SCHOOL
ABSENCE REPORTING FORM
DATE ____________________________________________________________
NAME OF STUDENT ________________________________________________
HOMEROOM/CLASSROOM TEACHER ___________________________________
REASON FOR ABSENCE ______________________________________________
PARENT/ GUARDIAN SIGNATURE ______________________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEACHEM SCHOOL
ABSENCE REPORTING FORM
DATE ____________________________________________________________
NAME OF STUDENT ________________________________________________
HOMEROOM/CLASSROOM TEACHER ___________________________________
REASON FOR ABSENCE ______________________________________________
PARENT/ GUARDIAN SIGNATURE ______________________________________
1