Henry B. Milnes School
8-01 Philip Street, FairLawn, NJ
201-794-5550
FAMILY HANDBOOK
2015-2016
“The Leaders of Tomorrow Attend Fair Lawn Schools Today”
Table of Contents
School Information
District Directory……………………………………………………….………… 2
School Staff Directory ………………………………………..…………...…… 3
District Calendar…………………………………………………………………. 5
School Events Calendar………………………………………………………….6
Daily Schedule………………………………………………………………….....7
Report Card, Marking Period, and Conference Schedules ………..………..7
School Policy
Animals on School Grounds .………………………. ………………………. 8
Attendance……………………………………..………………………………. 8
Cell Phone Use ……… ……………………………………………………… 8
Conferences…………………………………………………………………… 8
Discipline and School Rules ………………………………………………... 8
Emergency Closings and Delayed Openings …………………………………… 8
Entrance and Dismissal Procedures……………………………………….. 9
Extra Help ………………………………………………………….………….. 9
Food Services ……………………………………………….………………… 9
Health/Physical Education……………………………………………………. 10
Homework………………………………………………………………………. 12
Intervention and Referral Services …………………………………………… 12
Lost and Found………………………………………………………………… 12
Lunch Policy …………………………………………………………………… 12
Parking ………………………………………………………………………… 12
PTA ……………………………………………………………………............... 12
Pupil Records……………………………………………………….…………. 12
Recess ………….……………………………………………………………… 12
Requests for Teachers ……………………………………………………….. 12
Report Card Distribution ……………………………………………………… 13
School Visits and Messages …………………………………………………... 13
Sign-Out Procedures …………………………………………………………… 13
Student Visitations ……………………………………………………………….13
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District Directory
FAIR LAWN BOARD OF EDUCATION
EDISON SCHOOL 37-01 FAIR LAWN AVENUE
FAIR LAWN, NJ 07410
Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Bruce Watson
201) 794-5500
bwatson@fairlawnschools.org
Assistant Superintendent of Schools
(Interim)
Ms. Natalie Lacatena
(201) 794-5500
nlacatena@fairlawnschools.org
Business Administrator
Mrs. Joanne Wilson
(201) 794-5500
jwilson@fairlawnschools.org
Board of Education
(201) 794-5500
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HENRY B. MILNES SCHOOL
FACULTY AND STAFF
Principal
Secretary
Clerk/Typist
Mr. Joseph Fulco
Mrs. Janice Holt
Mrs. Rosemarie Vidal
Classroom Teachers/Room Numbers:
Kindergarten
Mrs. Nicole Carbone
Mrs. Norma Chorlian
Ms. Jillian Saffer
103
104
102
Primary
Ms. Allison Salmond
Mrs. Kathy Drozd
Ms. Arielle Linn
Mrs. Adriana Neblock
Mrs. Kathy Casey
Mrs. Cheryl Cohen
Mrs. Patricia Ward
101
107
105
106
110
109
108
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones
Mrs. Lindsay Bertelli
Ms. Alexis Canonico
Ms. Danielle Spinnato
120
119
117
Intermediate
Mrs. Sharon Berk
Ms. Kunal Patel
Ms. Jenna Pierro
Mrs. Geri LaSala
Mrs. Emily Nelson
Mrs. Debbie SanJulian
Ms. Katie Tenore
Mrs. Laurie Edelstein
Ms. Caryn Freed
Mrs. Pamela Shawulsky
114
121
112
126
123
125
122
125
128
127
Resource
Mrs. Lynn Turro
Mrs. Beth Wazaney
Ms. Cara Strasser
116
116
118
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Special Instruction:
Art
English as a Second Language
Instrumental Music
Learning Consultant
Library Clerk/Typist
Literacy Intervention
Nurse
Physical Education
Psychologist
Speech Therapist
REACH
Social Worker
Supplemental Instruction
Technology
Vocal Music
World Languages
Mrs. Zelda Becourtney
Mrs. Jacqueline Palmieri, Mrs. Nicole Vaccaro
Mrs. Alla Basis, Mr. Dan Burbank
Mrs. Dana Tartaglia
Mrs. Dianne Karcanes
Mrs. Maura Berruti, Mrs. Dawn Gillies
Mrs. Susan Niemiec
Mr. Jason Becker
Ms. Jennifer Fucci
Mrs. Natalie Peterson, Mrs. Mary Powers
Mrs. Dale Cohen
Mrs. Christine Murphy
Mrs. Marion Ent
Mrs. Kathy Mottola
Mrs. Jonelle Caro-Berg
Mrs. Lori Albino
Paraprofessionals:
TBD
Food Services:
Chartwells
Custodial Staff:
Mr. Antonio Artola
Mr. Donald Dekker
Mr. Casey Grochola
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H.B. MILNES SCHOOL EVENTS 2015-2016
PTA KidStuff Sale
Welcome Tea/PTA Mtg.
Remembrance Day
Milnes Spirit Wear Sale
Back-to-School Night
PTA Car Wash
CTP4 Testing - grades 4, 5
Week of Respect/Antibullying Activities
Fall Festival
School Picture Day
PTA Meeting
Stepping Stones – World of Wings
Walkathon
PTA Fundraiser
Grade 3 to Pine Library
Halloween Parade/Assembly
Book Fair
PTA Meeting
Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast
Pizza Sale
PTA Vendor Night
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Pizza Sale
Holiday Musicale (Vocal)
PTA Meeting
PTA Family Fun Night
Kindergarten to Pine Library
Character Education Spirit Day/Assembly
Grade 5 to Buehler Science Center
PTA Valentine Fundraiser
PTA Meeting
Valentine Parties
Kindergarten Registration
Book Fair
Read Across America Activities
Grade 1 to Theatreworks
PTA Meeting
PTA Spring Event
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Pizza Sale
PTA Meeting
Walk to School Week
Kindergarten Orientation
PARCC – grades 3-5
Carnival
Grade 2 to Museum of Natural History
Mother’s Day Plant Sale
Kindergarten to World of Wings
PTA Meeting/Thank You Tea
Stepping Stones to Liberty Science Center
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
NJASK – Grade 4 Science
Spring Concert
Grade 3 to Franklin Mineral Mines
George Frey Field Day
Grade 4 to Theater Experience
Grade 5 Orientation at TJMS (students only)
Rain Date – Field Day
Kindergarten Conferences
Grade 5 Picnic
Kindergarten Picnic
Grade 5 Field Trip - FunPlex
Moving Up Ceremony, Awards, Clap-Out, Party
September 8
September 8
September 11
September 11-30
September 17
September 19 (raindate 9/20)
September 29-October 2
October 5-9
October 8-9
October 12
October 13
October 21
October 21 (raindate 10/22)
October 26
October 26, 27
October 30
November 9-11
November 10
November 24
November 25
December 4
Weeks of December 7, 14
December 9
December 11
January 12
January 22
January 29
February 1
February 1, 2
February 8-9
February 9
February 12
February 23, 24
February 29-March 2
Week of March 1-4
March 7
March 8
March 18
Weeks of March 28, April 4
March 29
April 5
April 18-22
April 20
April 4-May 13
April 29-May 1
May 4
May 5-6
May 13
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 25-26
May 25
May 27
May 31 (rain date June 3)
June 1
June 2
June 3
Week of June 6
June 6 (rain date - June 7)
TBD
June 13
June 17
PTA Pizza Party (Last Day for Students)
June 23
All Dates are subject to change…
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6:30pm
9:30am
6:30pm
7:00pm
1:00pm
12:30pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
3:00pm
6:30pm
7:00pm
9:00am
9:00am
9:00am
9:00am
DAILY SCHEDULE
8:25 AM
Students line up outside the building by their classrooms. Students enter the
building only if the weather is inclement.
8:35 AM
Students in grades 1-3 enter the building from the front blacktop through
classroom entrance doors. Students in grades 4-5 enter from blacktop at the back
of the building through rear entrance doors. Morning kindergarten students report
directly to their classroom through the building entrance closest to Philip Street.
8:45 AM
School begins. Students who arrive after this time must report to the office for a
late pass.
11:15 AM12:15 PM
Lunch and recess
12:20 PM
Classes resume. Afternoon kindergarten students should report directly to their
classroom through the building entrance closest to Philip Street.
3:00 PM
Classes are dismissed through the same doors through which the students
entered in the morning.
SCHEDULE OF REPORT CARDS – GRADES K-5
AND PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Dates:
Number of Days
1st Marking Period
(9/2-11/25)
2nd Marking Period
(11/30-3/11)
3rd Marking Period
(3/14-6/23)
56
62
65
Report Card
Distribution
parent
conferences
parent
conferences
Conferences
12/7 through 12/18
(½ day for conferences
on 12/9)
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3/28 through 4/18
(½ day for conferences
on 3/29)
6/23
by parent request
ANIMALS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
Dogs and other family pets are not permitted on school grounds. The only exceptions to this prohibition
are animals that are used in classrooms for instructional purposes. These animals must be under the
control of an adult at all times and must be handled in a way that does not endanger children. Persons
wishing to use animals in the classroom must receive prior approval from the principal.
ATTENDANCE
Please utilize the call-in system ( 201-794-5550) to inform the school if your child will be absent. Follow
the prompts and leave a brief message that includes your child’s name, his/her teacher, the nature of
illness, and the projected number of days of absence. If you call on the first date of absence, you need
not call again to report successive dates of the same illness.
Students who are absent must bring a written note signed by the parent or guardian when they
return to class indicating the reason for absence from school. Please be advised that family vacation
absences will be recorded as “enexcused” absences.
Please inform the school immediately of any change in address, phone number or emergency number.
Let us know if you will be away for more than a day and will be leaving your child(ren) in the care of a
relative, friend, or neighbor.
CELL PHONE USE
Students are not permitted to use cell phones while school is in session. If you wish to permit your child to
carry a cell phone for safety reasons he/she may use it to contact you before or after school only.
CONFERENCES
Please notify your child’s teacher if you wish to schedule a conference.
DISCIPLINE AND SCHOOL RULES
District policies and procedures provide the framework for the school discipline policy. The school strives
for the development of pupil self-discipline at every grade level. Pupils are permitted as much freedom as
they can handle successfully. Leadership qualities and other positive and adaptive behaviors are
reinforced, encouraged, and developed. All Milnes pupils are expected to observe the following rules:
1. Students will display respect for their classmates and must keep hands, feet, and other
objects to themselves.
2. Pupils will follow directions of all adults.
3. Hats are not to be worn inside the building.
4. Students may not chew gum.
5. Students must walk at all times when in the building. Running is prohibited.
Pupils who engage in misconduct are disciplined in a manner appropriate to the specific offense.
Disciplinary consequences include the following:
1. Verbal guidance and/or reprimand by the adult observing the misconduct
2. Telephone contact with parents
3. Written notification to parents
4. Referral to the principal
5. In-school suspension or out-of-school suspension as determined by the principal
Please review the school rules with your child and reinforce that they be observed at all times.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS AND DELAYED OPENINGS Parents/guardians will be informed of a
decision to close schools or to have a delayed opening through our community notification system, School
Messenger. This call will be made before 7:00 AM. School closings and delayed openings will be
announced by radio stations WOR (710 AM) and WINS (1010 AM), television channels 4, 5 and 7, and
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Cablevision channels 12 and 77. In addition, warning sirens will be sounded at 7:00, 7:15, and 7:30 AM to
announce closings and delayed openings. Additional information is available on the Fair Lawn Schools
Website http://www.fairlawnschools.org.
ENTRANCE AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
In order to assure the safety of all children at these critical times of the school day it is essential that
parents/guardians review and adhere to the following procedures.
Philip Street Entrance:
1. Only vehicles with a driveway pass may enter the main driveway from 8:15 to 8:45 AM and
from 2:50 to 3:10 PM. Please be reminded that parking is restricted to staff.
2. If you drive to school and wish to escort your child(ren) onto school grounds you must park on an
adjacent street. Please do not park or stand in residential driveways.
3. Please remind your child(ren) that it is critical that he/she cross at marked crosswalks.
Many children are taking short cuts across the parking lot and the central grass area. This is
extremely dangerous because it is very difficult for drivers to see them when they emerge
through parked cars.
4. Please remind fourth and fifth graders who use the side walkway to escort younger children to
the front of the building that they are to stay on the sidewalk when in front of the building.
Veil Place Entrance:
1. With the exception of staff vehicles that park in the rear lot and residents of Veil Place, no
vehicles are to enter Veil Place from 8:15 to 8:45 AM and from 2:50 to 3:10 PM.
2. Students must be dropped off and picked up at the curb on Van Duren Avenue. If there are
no spaces available, please wait until one clears. Vehicles are not to park in areas designated
by signs indicating “No Parking From Here to the Corner,” “No Standing,” or in the middle
of the intersection of Van Duren Avenue and Veil Place.
3. U-Turns at the intersection of Van Duren Avenue and Veil Place are extremely dangerous
and endanger the safety of children and other vehicles.
EXTRA HELP
Your child’s teacher will provide you information about her/his procedure for providing extra help. Pupils
who would benefit from extra help are encouraged to attend.
FOOD SERVICES
Chartwells Dining Service sponsors the Fair Lawn School District’s elementary lunch program. Menus are
sent home each month to assist you in planning your child’s meals. The cost of elementary school
student meals for this year is as follows:
Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ .55
*prices are subject to change
Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.15
Parents should utilize a “cashless” payment system in which money is deposited in your child’s account
that may be used at any time until the balance is depleted. The computerized account system will keep a
record for your child. Deposits may be made at any time by cash or check payable to “Fair Lawn
Schools.” It is recommended that parents purchase deposit enough money to cover 10 meals.
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HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The health and safety of all students is paramount at Milnes School. It is important that you read and
observe the following health information. This will help ensure the health and safety of not only your child
but all children and staff in the school.
Emergency Cards:
Please fill out and return the school’s emergency card immediately. Should your child become ill or
injure himself during the school day, it is important that we be able to reach a parent or guardian.
Also, please include the name and phone number of someone local who can pick up and care for your
child in the event we are unable to reach you.
Illness:
Please keep your child home if he or she shows any of the following symptoms:
 Flushed face or other signs of fever, such as complaints of a headache. Children running a
fever are not to come to school.
 Any temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever
 Constant runny nose, persistent cough, or sneezing
 Sore throat, earache, or swollen glands
 Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea (must be FREE from these symptoms for 24 hours before
returning to school)
 Conjunctivitis or rash – must have a physician’s note stating they are not contagious in order
to return to school, unless the condition no longer is evident
Medication:
The following requirements are needed for a child to receive prescribed or over-the-counter
medications at school:
1. A physician’s written order with the name, dosage and purpose of the medication.
2. Written permission from the parent/guardian to administer the medication
3. The medication in the original container with the student’s name on it. Students are not
allowed to take medication unsupervised. The only exception is a student who has a doctor’s
order for self-medicating with an inhaler.
Screenings:
In accordance with state guidelines, the School Nurse conducts annual auditory screenings for all
children in grades K-4. Students in grades K, 2, and 4 will have their vision checked. Heights, weight,
and blood pressure are done annually on all students. Fifth graders are also screened for scoliosis,
unless written notification stating that you do not want your child screened is submitted to the nurse.
Parents will be contacted with a referral regarding any health needs that warrant further medical
evaluation. Requests by a parent or teacher for child to be screened can be done through the year.
Immunizations:
Immunizations must comply with New Jersey requirements. Documentation of immunizations from the
previous school or physician’s office is accepted. Medical exemption – requires written explanation
from the physician.
Physical Education: (Please see the district website for additional information)
Sneakers: Sneakers must be secured to students’ feet with laces or Velcro closures. Sneakers
should have good traction. NOT PERMITTED: Slip on sneakers, sneakers without backs, platforms,
shoes, boots, crocs, Heely’s, slides, flip flops, sandals, etc.
Clothing: Students must follow the district dress code. Students should wear clothing that provides
mobility during activities. Their pants must not touch the floor and sleeves must not extend beyond
the wrists. Hats are not permitted during indoor activities. Appropriate attire includes elastic waist
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shorts, (no cut offs), t-shirts, warm up outfits, sweatpants/sweatshirts for cool weather, and athletic
socks.
Jewelry: Students are not permitted to wear jewelry during physical education activities other than in
the ears. Only post/stud earrings may be worn (no dangling or loop earrings) in the ears. Friendship
bracelets are also not permitted.
Eyeglasses: Pupils who wear eyeglasses have several options to insure their safety. Students may
wear protective devices that go over the eyeglasses (which may be obtained by the PE teacher) while
engaged in physical activities. The student may opt to remove their eyeglasses or they may have
shatterproof glasses.
Students who refuse to follow any rules listed above, may be asked by the physical education teacher
to sit out of the activity. The grade of a student who does not participate and/or dress may be affected
per the school’s PE grading policy.
Medical Excuses: When a parent sends a note requesting a student be excused from physical
education, the student may be excused for a maximum of two days per marking period. The student
will also be excused from outside recess.
A student may be excused from physical education upon receipt of a physician’s note. The note
must state the diagnosis and time period he or she is to be excused.
A physician’s note is required for all casts, immobilizers, splints, or crutches. The duration, limitations,
and when the student may return to physical education must be included in the note.
When medically excused from a physical activity, the PE teacher may assign alternative work, such as
a reading, writing, or research project, to enable them to earn credit for the class.
Grading Policies: A detailed grading policy will be provided to students and parents by the physical
education teacher.
Inquiries: These rules and procedures have been developed to provide for your child’s hygiene and
safety and for the safety of the children in the class. If you have any questions or concerns about
these rules, please speak to your child’s Physical Education teacher first. Further inquiries should be
directed to the elementary or middle school principal, or the K-8 physical education / health
supervisor.
Physical Exams: Physical exams are required for all new students and kindergarten entrants. Your
physician should complete this examination. If you child does not have a physician, a physical may be
completed by Dr. Muccino, the school physician, in his Clifton office.
Fourth grade students are recommended to have a physical exam (forms are sent home in the Spring
prior to 4th grade).
If your child is having a routine physical in any grade, please request a form so his/her school records
may be kept up-to-date.
Medical Concerns:
Parents are encouraged to contact the Health Office regarding any medical concerns they may have with
respect to their child’s health. Please remember to keep us advised of any changes in your emergency
contact numbers or if your home, work, or cell phone number has changed. These phone numbers are
important so that we may reach you without delay should your child become ill or injured.
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School Insurance:
The Fair Lawn School District provides accident insurance coverage for students injured during school
hours. You must submit the claim to your private health insurance carrier first and then the remaining bills
to the district’s insurance carrier. In addition, twenty-four hour coverage for injury or dental accident
insurance may be purchased through the district.
General:
Please report to the school nurse any surgery, contagious disease or accident which may occur over the
summer or holidays so that your child’s health record may be updated.
HOMEWORK
Homework reinforces and enriches school experiences. It provides practice in building skills and
promotes good work habits and pupil responsibility. It also gives youngsters who are absent from school
an opportunity to make up work that is missed. If your child is absent, and you wish to pick up work for
him/her, please notify the office between so that the work can be prepared. This work may be picked up
in the office at 3:15 P.M.
INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES
Intervention and referral services are available to help meet individual student needs. Students who might
benefit from additional services are referred to the Child Study Team, which is comprised of the School
Psychologist, the Learning Consultant, and the Social Worker. Team meetings include the Principal, Child
Study Team members, the child’s classroom teacher(s), the school nurse, the speech, resource, and
reading teachers, and any other professional who provides services to the student.
LOST AND FOUND
The Lost and Found is located next to the Custodian’s Office in the upper grade corridor. Parents are
asked to place name tags inside student clothing so that lost items may be identified more easily.
LUNCH POLICY
Any student who forgets a lunch from home will be offered a lunch from the Chartwells Food Service, and
the cost will be forwarded to the parent. If the student does not want the school lunch, he/she will call a
parent or guardian to bring in a lunch from home. If the parent or guardian brings a lunch prepared from
an outside source (Burger King, Pizza Parlor) the student will eat the lunch either in the nurse’s office of
the front office.
PARKING
Cars should be parked only in marked spaces. Cars that are parked illegally pose a hazard to pedestrians
and to other vehicular traffic. Parking is prohibited at the driveway curb and in front of the school building.
PTA
Milnes has a very active and supportive PTA. Parents are encouraged to join the PTA and to attend these
meetings. Additional information can be obtained by leaving your name and number in the PTA mailbox.
PUPIL RECORDS
Please contact the Principal if you wish to review your child’s student records.
RECESS
Unless the temperature is below 40 F, recess will generally take place out of doors. Please dress your
child for outdoor recess on cool days.
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REQUESTS FOR TEACHERS
Parent comments, concerns, and insights regarding the educational needs of their children are valued
and appreciated. They provide the school with information that assists the faculty in developing class
placements that best meet the youngster’s academic, social, emotional, and physical needs. Parents are
asked not to request a specific teacher for their child since such requests are often based on limited
impressions and second-hand information. A letter will be sent home in May explaining the process in
greater detail.
REPORT CARD DISTRIBUTION
Report cards will be distributed in accordance with the schedule on page 7. If your child is absent on the
day that report cards are distributed, you may pick up his/her report card in the office after school is
dismissed. Report cards will not be sent home prior to the distribution date.
SCHOOL VISITS AND MESSAGES
For reasons of safety, and to avoid disruptions to the instructional day, all visitors are to report to the main
office. This includes parents who are participating in classroom activities and are expected by teachers,
and those who have scheduled appointments. All messages, projects, lunches, clothing, instruments, and
food should be left in the office for later pick-up or delivery. Teachers and children will not be called
from their classrooms to receive messages except in emergencies.
SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES
Students are expected to be in attendance for the entire instructional day. Every effort should be made
to schedule medical appointments after school hours. When students are called out of class via the
intercom system, it is quite disruptive to the learning process. The least disruptive times for the
scheduling of appointments are early in the morning, so that your child does not have to be called out of
class, or at lunchtime. If you need to sign out your child prior to dismissal, please do so between 2:30
and 2:45 PM.
STUDENT VISITATIONS
Friends and relatives who may be visiting the homes of Milnes students are not permitted to sit in on
regular classes.
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