Honeoye
Elementary School
Parent & Student
Handbook
2014-2015
Honeoye Central Vision Statement
Honeoye Central School will be an innovative leader in education, where
we inspire our students to achieve individual success through a rigorous
and challenging academic environment.
Academic excellence and
positive youth development will be enriched by including the latest
technology and engaging in creative problem solving. The mental, social,
physical, academic, creative and ethical needs of the students will be
met through collaboration of the school and community members. A
sense of unity, heartfelt pride and a vivid spirit will distinguish Honeoye
students.
Honeoye Elementary School
8528 Main Street
Honeoye, NY 14471
Elementary Office
(585) 229-5171 x3018
Fax Number: 229-4187
Elementary Office Hours
7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Elementary School Secretary – Mrs. Kathy Hoertz
Secretary (Bus Passes & Student Pick-Ups) – Mrs. Penny Jones
Elementary School Principal – Mr. Michael D. Bastian
Health Office
Health Office Secretary - Mrs. Patti Shaver
School Nurse – Mrs. Marybeth Tonkery
Phone Number: 229-5171 (press 9 for listing of office extensions)
Fax Number: 229-5160
Cafeteria/Food Services
Cafeteria Manager - Mrs. Sheila Lowe
Phone: 229-5171 x3022
Transportation Department
Dugan Drive (off County Rd. 37)
Transportation Secretary – Ms. Marsha Dulen
Director of Transportation – Mr. Harold Harris
Phone: 229-2685
District Office
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent – Mrs. Jennifer Green
Superintendent – Mr. David Bills
Phone: 229-4125
2
For a full staff directory & email addresses please visit the district website at:
www.honeoye.org
SCHOOL HOURS:
Breakfast served in the cafeteria at 8:50 am
School Hours from 9:00 am – 3:15 pm
Announcements begin at 9:15 am
Dismissals to busses begins by grade level at 3:15 pm
(Grades 2 & 5: 3:15)
(Grades 3 & 4: 3:17)
(Grades K & 1: 3:19)
Busses Depart by 3:30 pm
Student pick-ups in the cafeteria between 3:15 – 3:25 pm.
*Please note early dismissal time on half-days is 11:40 am.
The Elementary Entrance is locked from 9:10 am through 2:45 pm.
All Visitors must use the District Office entrance
off Allen’s Hill Rd. during school hours.
Students arriving at school after 9:10 must be brought into school through
the District Entrance (Allen’s Hill Rd.) and must be escorted to the
Nurse’s Office to be signed in by their parent or parent designee.
*SIGN-IN PROTOCOL FOR ALL PARENTS & VISITORS:
*ALL parents & visitors must visit the Elementary Office after signing in
at the District Entrance BEFORE visiting their child’s classroom or any
other academic space. This practice is consistent with NY State S.A.V.E.
legislation and is in place to ensure the safety of all students.
3
Upon your arrival at the Elementary Office, Mrs. Hoertz will notify the
classroom teacher by phone that you have arrived for your previously
scheduled visit before sending you on towards your final destination.
September 2014
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Family Members:
This handbook is designed to provide you with important information regarding policies, procedures,
and protocols in place at Honeoye Elementary School. My staff and I are aware of the volume of
information that families are presented with at the beginning of the school year and understand that this
can be overwhelming. Please know that careful consideration has been taken in compiling this
information and that we appreciate the time and effort you take in going over all of the paperwork sent
home at the start of school each year.
The Honeoye Elementary staff is committed to communicating such information in a clear, efficient,
and effective manner. This school year we are sending this handbook home with entering
Kindergarteners and students new to Honeoye. We are posting this document on the district website as
well. If you are reading this handbook online and would like a hard copy, you may request one from
the elementary school office. Please feel free to contact the elementary school’s main office at 2295171 (Ext. 3018) with any questions regarding information contained in this packet.
I appreciate in advance your compliance with the policies and procedures set forth in this document.
Consistency amongst all players is key as we strive to ensure that our school operates smoothly and
serves our students and their families well.
The Elementary School staff and I look forward to partnering with you and your family to provide
your child with a purposeful, positive, and powerful educational experience throughout the 2014–2015
school year.
Sincerely,
4
Michael D. Bastian
Elementary Principal
Table of Contents
Elementary (K-5) Building Map ….…………………………………………………...............6
Faculty Listing ….……………………………………………………………………..........…7
General School Information:
 School Hours ……………………………………………………………….….8
 Signing-In & Early Sign-Outs …………………………………………….…...8
 School Contact Information …………………………………………………...8
 Emergency Procedures ………………………………………………………..9
Attendance ………………………………………………………………………....…….…...10
Birthday Treats/Snacks ………………………………...…………………………….….……11
Cafeteria:





Breakfast & Lunch …………………………………………………….……...11
Charges ……………………………………………………………….…........12
Setting Up An Account ………………………………………………..……...12
Free & Reduced Meal Program ………………………………………………12
Cafeteria Behavior Expectations ……………………………………….…….12
Dress Code ……………………………………………..…………………………….….……13
Health Services …………………………………………………………………….…….…...13
Homework Guidelines …………………………………………………………………..…....14
Honor Roll …………………………………………………………………….………...…....15
Instructional Support Team (IST)……………………………………………….………...….15
Internet Use Policy ……………………………………………….…………….……..……...15
Parent/Teacher Association ……..………………………...……………………………...…..16
Playground ……………………………………………...…………………………………….17
Related Services ………..………………………………………………...…...........................17
Special Areas (Library, Art, Music, Physical Education) ………..…………...........................17
Transportation ………………………………………….…………….………………...……..19
Volunteers & Chaperones …………….………………………………...…………………….20
Quick Glance Index for Abbreviations …………………………….………………………....21
Alma Mater…………………………………………………………………….………….......22
Honeoye Elementary’s G.R.O.W.L. Statement ………………………………………….…...23
Honeoye Elementary Student Code of Conduct:
 Student Rights & Expectations ………………………………………….….....24
 HCS Elementary Behavioral Expectations & PBIS …………………….….....25
 Bulldog Four Behavioral Expectation Matrix ………………………….……..26
 “Something to Bark About: Program for Grades K-2 ………...………….…...27
 Community Celebrations for Grades 3-5 ………………………………….......28
5


Behavioral Incidents & Interventions/Consequences ……………………..…..29
Dignity for All Students Act & Dignity Act Coordinators …………….….….31
Honeoye Central Elementary School
2014-2015
Rm. 28
Militello
1st Grade
Rm. 26
Donovan
3rd SpEd
Rm. 24
Ward
1st Grade
Rm. 30
Bailey
2nd
Grade
Rm. 32 Rm. 34
Hogg Blackmer
AIS/
2nd
Enrich
Grade
Rm. 29
Fisher
2nd
Rm. 31
Rm. 36
Rm. 38 Rm. 40 Rm. 42
Lovejoy
Stover DeYoung
4th SpEd
1st/2nd
3rd
4th
SpEd
Grade
Grade
Rm. 33
Wolcott
Schuster
AIS
Math
Rm. 44
LGI
Tompkins
Rm. 35
Krasinski
3rd
Grade
AIS
ELA/Math
Rm. 37
Nestrick
3rd
Grade
Rm. 39
Green
4th
Grade
Rm. 41
Pratt
4th
Grade
Rm. 22
Wiedemann
1st Grade
Rm. 18
Scheele
Speech
5th
Grade
Flynn
Rm. 21
Elementary Library
Rm. 20
Graziano
SpEd
Rm. 46
Benner
Speech
Rm. 19
Rossi
AIS ELA
Rm. 17
Gustavson
Speech
Rm. 16
Hall
KDG
Rm. 10
Trippi
AIS ELA
Orman
Rm. 50
5th Grade
Wright
SpEd
Rm. 51
Comp.
Tech
Rm. 14
Futter
KDG
Rm. 12
Allison
KDG
Rm. 48
5th Grade
Rm. 63
Pezzimenti
Art
Rm. 61
Aux. Café/
Multi-Rm.
Rm. 59
Lopez
Music
Rm. 57
Tschorke
OT
Rm. 55
Staff
Lounge
Rm. 58
Yaddaw-PT/
Chorus
Rm. 56
Cafeteria
Upper Level Cafe
6
Kitchen
Rm. 52
Book
Room
Elem
Main
Office
Rm. 101
Computer Lab
Grades K-5
HONEOYE ELEMENTARY FACULTY - 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR
Technology Director – Dr. Karen Soanes
Michael Bastian– Principal
Kathy Hoertz – Secretary to Principal
Library Media Specialist – Janelle Deal
Kindergarten
Beth Allison – Room 12
Cindy Futter – Room 14
Nancy Hall – Room 16
Special Education
Kim Bush– Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Nancy Snyder – Secretary
Penny Jones – Secretary (Bus passes/pick ups)
Alana Graziano – Room 20
Danielle Donovan – Room 26
Annette Lovejoy – Room 38
Sara Tompkins – Room 36
Jaime Wright – Room 50
First Grade
Lisa Militello – Room 28
Brenda Ward – Room 24
Sherri Wiedemann – Room 22
Second Grade
Laurie Bailey – Room 30
Bev Fisher – Room 29
Karen Hogg – Room 32
Speech Therapists
Katrina Benner – Room 21
Debra Cecere (LTS) – Room 18
Gretchen Gustavson – Room 17
Third Grade
Rebekah Krasinski – Room 35
Robert Nestrick - Room 37
Jen Stover – Room 40
Physical Therapist
Kelly Yaddaw – Room 58
Fourth Grade
Tracie DeYoung – Room 42
Nancy Green - Room 39
Greg Pratt – Room 41
Occupational Therapist
Darlene Tschorke – Room 57
K-8 Guidance Counselor
Linda Witte
Fifth Grade
Jenna Flynn - Room 46
Elin Orman – Room 48
School Psychologists
Andrea Johnson
Dr. Heather Paler
Lauren Wilkins - Intern
Academic Intervention & Enrichment
Jan Blackmer – Room 34
Megan Trippi – Room 10
Alison Rossi - Room 19
Margaret Schuster – Room 31
Kim Wolcott – Room 33
Teacher Assistants
Robin Behil - Library
Debbie Boggs – 1st grade
Scott Cipolla – 3rd grade
Fran Gordner – 1st grade
Jennifer Gundy - 1st/2nd grade
Renee Hass – K
Rhonda Nagy – 4th grade
Cathy Pestle – 5 th grade
Jessica Roach – 2nd grade
Allison Rodgers – K
Cheryl Schneckenberger – K
Betsy Shaw – Computer
Craig Vary – 1st/2nd grade
Art
Rebecca Pezzimenti – Room 63
Music
Angela Lopez – Room 59
Lisa Miller – Room 1020
Linda Mollnow – Room 1019
Brian Wilkins – Room 1018
Grace Wood – Room 1017
7
Laura Zweig – 1st grade
Physical Education
KB Storm
Randy Yale
Nurse’s Office
Marybeth Tonkery – School Nurse
Patti Shaver – Secretary
General School Information
School Hours
School hours are from 9:00 AM– 3:15 PM. Students who eat breakfast at school are admitted at 8:50
AM. In the case of a half-day of school, dismissal is at 11:40 am. Students should not come to
school any earlier than 8:50 AM unless a teacher has notified you in advance. Teachers have
many obligations in the morning (before school starts) and there is no supervision available. For the
safety of all of our students, all doors remain locked from 9:10 AM until 2:45 PM. Please use the
District Office entrance on Allen’s Hill Road near the auditorium during these times, as it will
remain unlocked and monitored. You will be required to sign in and out at that same location.
Late Sign-In / Early Sign-Out
All students who arrive to school after 9:10 AM must enter through the District Office
entrance. The parent or authorized adult dropping the child off must accompany their child
to the Nurse’s Office to sign in. This allows our staff to cross-reference classroom
attendance with calls that have been placed to Deb Guli, our Attendance Secretary.
Students who need to be signed out early for doctor’s appointments, etc. need to bring in a
note on the day of their appointment. Notes should be given to the homeroom teacher prior
to the morning announcements so that all notes can be sent to the office.
Office staff will write a pass for the homeroom teacher (verifying the early release) and will notify the
Transportation Office about any change in transportation for that day. Students being picked up from
school early will be called to the Elementary Office from their classroom to be signed out by their
parent or authorized adult. Students who are being picked up at dismissal time (3:15 pm) must be
signed out in the cafeteria. Please keep in mind that access to the school building between the hours
of 9:10 am and 2:45 pm is through the District Office only and if you sign in at that location you must
also sign out at that same location.
Students who require transportation or pick-up procedures that are different from their regular routine
must bring in a detailed parental note describing the change. Like early dismissal notes, these requests
must be turned in to the child’s teacher at the beginning of the day. Any written or phone request for
changes in bus or pick-up routines must be into the Elementary Main Office before 1:00 PM.
School Contact Information
8
The Elementary Office is open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Teachers’ hours are from 8:30 AM – 3:30
PM. If it is necessary to contact the school, please dial 229-5171 and then follow the prompts as
directed:








To report a student absence, press 1 for the Attendance Hotline.
To contact the Elementary Office press 2.
If you need to contact your child’s teacher, the Elementary Office staff can transfer you
to the teacher’s voice mail. The teacher will return your call as soon as possible.
To contact the Nurse’s Office, the Special Education Office,
Cafeteria/Food Service Manager, or other offices, press 9
and follow the prompts as directed.
Dial 229-2685 for the Transportation Office (Bus Garage)
Dial 229-4125 for the District (Superintendent’s) Office
In order to handle questions and concerns in the most timely and effective manner possible, it is
extremely important that parents contact the staff member most directly involved with the question or
concern. For example, a parent should first contact their child’s classroom teacher with a question
regarding academics or classroom behavior before involving the building principal or other district
administrators. The Elementary Secretary will ask callers of the nature of their inquiry to ensure that
their call is directed to the appropriate first contact.
Emergency Procedures
The Honeoye Central School District have emergency procedures in place, and are utilized for fire
drills, emergency lockdowns and evacuations. You can access the District Safety Plan on the school’s
website which is www.honeoye.org.
In the event of a fire or fire drill, students immediately exit the building out the closest exit. All K-5
students meet and attendance is verified. If the building is deemed to be safe, the staff and students reenter the building and resume their schedules.
In the event the building is not safe to re-enter, staff and students will follow the evacuation
procedures. This means that everyone is transported to a separate, nearby location until the school is
deemed safe to re-enter. Parents should not come to pick up their student(s) until the decision has
been made to close school early! If the decision is made to send students home early, regular bus
deliveries will be made, and parents will be notified through the Connect Ed system. Teachers will
have all emergency contact information with them.
Please be sure to keep your emergency contact information up-to-date throughout the entire year. It
is very important that we have your primary telephone number on record. Our automated call
system for emergency school closings is in full operation. The numbers that you have provided will
be called and a message will be left informing you of any updates or other pertinent school
information.
In the event of an emergency or illness it is important that we have current information regarding:
Your home address
Home telephone number
9
Place of employment
Work phone number and/or cell phone number
Babysitter / child care information
Please contact our Elementary Office when any of this information changes. Kathy Hoertz,
Elementary Office Secretary can be contacted at 229-5171 extension 3018.
Sometimes it is necessary to delay school opening or dismiss students early because of bad weather.
Please listen to area radio stations for information. Also be sure to plan with your child(ren) what
procedures they should follow to help control any anxieties they may have about an unusual situation.
The school is required to conduct an Early Dismissal Drill every year to help staff, students and
families be prepared. Information about school closings can be found on the following stations:
WHEC Channel 10
WORK Channel 13
WROC Channel 8
WBEE 92.5 FM
WCMF 96.5 FM
WPXY 97.9 FM
WVOR 100.5 FM
WHAM 1180 AM
WCGR 1550 AM
WYSL 1040 AM
WBBF 93.3 AM
WLKA 102.3 FM
WBZA 98.9 FM
WRMM 101.3 FM
Attendance
If your child is going to be absent, please call Deb Guli our Attendance Secretary by 9:00 AM to report
your child’s absence or tardiness. Deb Guli can be reached at 229-4241 or phone line option #1 for the
Attendance Hotline (24 hour access). New York State Law requires us to call if you don’t notify us of
the absence/tardiness. If we do not hear from you by 9:15 AM, the school will place a computer
generated (ConnectEd) phone call asking you to confirm your child’s absence.
When you call the attendance hotline, please leave your child’s name, his or her teacher’s name and the
reason for his or her absence. Please note that students who are absent all day cannot participate in
after school activities.
Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more successful and have better selfesteem. Also, New York State Compulsory Education Law states that school age minors (age 6-16)
must attend school regularly as prescribed where the student resides. Therefore, student attendance is
closely monitored. Families should organize family vacations during school vacations so that
valuable learning time is not lost.
The School Attendance Secretary, classroom teachers, and the Building Principal monitor student
attendance patterns throughout the year. The Building Principal will contact parents of students with
high rates of absenteeism or tardiness by phone or letter. The Elementary School staff is interested in
working with parents and guardians to develop strategies to build positive attendance habits for our
students. Please notify the Building Principal or School Nurse if you have any questions or would like
additional support in this area.
The following are legal reasons for being absent from school:
1. Personal illness
10
2. Illness in family
3. Death of a relative
4. Observance of a religious holiday
5. Impassable roads
Please note that family vacations, missing the bus/oversleeping, or lack of a babysitter do not fall in the
excused category.
Students who have medical or dental appointments in the middle of the day should still participate in
portions of the day (either arrive late or be picked up early).
Notes are required for any absence or tardiness. Families of students who have excessive absences
may receive written notification from the elementary office.
Birthday Treats/Snacks
The County Health Department has recommended that only food
prepared at an approved facility (permitted food service establishment
or super market, for example) be brought into school for distribution to
students. Foods prepared from home kitchens (home baked cupcakes
and cookies) are not permitted. If you choose to send in a treat with
your child for class distribution, the following must be strictly adhered to:
- Your child’s teacher must be contacted at least three school days in advance and must grant approval
or deny the request.
- If approved by your child’s teacher, the treat that is sent in must be store purchased and store
packaged or wrapped.
- It will be at the discretion of your child’s classroom teacher as to the location of where the treat or
snack will be eaten. This will take place either in the classroom or the cafeteria.
You may choose to purchase treats from the C.O.R.A.L. program’s kitchen. Additional information
regarding this service will be mailed home in September.
Staff members will not distribute “treat” or “goody” bags that contain non-edible toys or treats since
we cannot guarantee the safety value of the articles contained in them. Pencils or erasers would be
acceptable items to offer as a birthday “treat.” Students are not allowed to distribute invitations for
home parties during school hours unless every student in the class is invited.
Parents wishing to drop off items for students should bring them to the office. Please do not go
directly to the classroom. As you know, we want to encourage parents to visit our school, but we are
also working to reduce classroom interruptions and are planning ahead to insure the safety of our
students.
11
Cafeteria
Breakfast & Lunch
Breakfast is available each morning at 8:50 am at a cost of $1.25. Please be sure your child
understands whether s/he should eat breakfast at school. Your child may bring a lunch or buy a lunch
at school. Lunches cost $2.10 for K-5 students. Milk is $.50. Menus are sent home at the beginning
of each month and can be found on the school’s website (www.honeoye.org).
Charges
If your child forgets his/her lunch money or loses the money on the way to school, the lunch cashier
will allow your child to charge a lunch. The lunch should be repaid before making another charge. If
your child already has two charges she/he will not be able to purchase their entrée of choice for
lunch. They will still be served a lunch consisting of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, milk and fruit
($.80 cost).
Setting up an Account
The cafeteria’s computer program allows students to pre-pay for meals. The account works similar to
other debit programs: purchase costs are deducted from the account as items are bought. A complete
print out of your child’s purchases can be requested from the cafeteria. Accounts may also be
“flagged” to prevent students from purchasing extras (i.e. chips, slushies, ice cream, etc.) and to
indicate any food allergies. Contact cafeteria manager Sheila Lowe directly at 229-5171 ext. 3022 for
more details.
Free or Reduced Forms
Some children may qualify for the Free or Reduced Breakfast and Lunch Program. Qualifications and
an application form are contained in the school calendar. An additional application form was included
on the back of the September menu mailed home in August. Program application forms may also be
obtained in the Elementary Main Office. All information is kept confidential.
Cafeteria Behavior Expectations
Students are expected to show appropriate behaviors through out the entire school day. However,
sometimes our expectations need to be restated to remind students what good behavior looks like in the
cafeteria:
Students are to respectfully listen to and follow the directions
given by the monitors
Students are expected to walk at all times in the lunch room
Students are encouraged to talk quietly with their table neighbors
Students are to practice “one-stop shopping” when their class is dropped
off at the lunch line as they will not be permitted to re-enter the line later in their lunch period
Students are expected to remain in their seats during the lunch period
Students are asked to raise a hand to ask for help or to ask to get up
Students are expected to use good table manners (restaurant behavior)
Students are not allowed to take food or drink outside of the cafeteria
Students are expected to keep hands and feet to themselves
Students are not allowed to have electronic devices during elementary lunch
12
Cafeteria monitors are responsible for the children once they receive their lunches and enter the eating
area. The monitors have a difficult job and any child who misbehaves will be reported to the
classroom teacher in order to assist the child avoid subsequent difficulties. We ask that you remind
your child about the need for appropriate behavior in the cafeteria. Children who continue to create
problems in the cafeteria will be sent to the principal and will receive appropriate consequences for
their behavior.
Dress Code
We encourage parents to play an active role in determining how their children dress for school.
Students are not permitted to wear clothing that is considered to be detrimental to the classroom
environment.
Students should dress in washable, comfortable clothing for work and play. Clothing choices should
be “safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.” Clothing with
spaghetti straps, plunging necklines or halter-like tops are not appropriate. The midriff should never
be exposed, and shorts/skirts should be of modest type and length. Elementary students should expect
that they will be asked to remove hats upon entering the building.
Sensible shoes should be worn at all times and hats should be removed upon entering the building.
Heelies are not permitted to be worn in school. Sneakers are required to play on the playground!
Please label items (sweaters, rain coats, book bags, lunch boxes, mittens, etc.) since many times things
look just like many others.
Winter clothing: Please encourage your child to dress him/herself, and remember their small hands
when purchasing snowsuits, boots, etc. Be sure boots are big enough to be put on easily by your child.
(A plastic bag worn over the foot will aid in putting boots on.)
Health Services - School Nurse Marybeth Tonkery
Health Office Secretary Patti Shaver and School Nurse Marybeth Tonkery look forward to working
with parents to meet the health/medical needs of students in grades K-12.
Should He Stay or Should He Go?
Families need to consider a child’s health condition each day before sending them to school. While we
expect that any child who is well will be in attendance at school, students should be kept home if a
fever exists, if there is a persistent cough, an upset stomach, a suspicious skin condition or any other
health abnormality. The welfare of our total school body must be considered.
Our nurse, Mrs. Tonkery, and her secretary, Mrs. Shaver, are available to assist
your child if s/he becomes ill or injured at school. Once an illness is suspected,
the child can no longer remain in school. The Health Office will contact a
parent or guardian of the ill or injured student and if they are unable to locate the
parent, others listed on the emergency sheet will be contacted.
13
Medications
Medications can be dispersed by the School Nurse at school only by permission of the parent and
written instructions from the physician. A physician’s prescription must be on file in the Health
Office stating the child’s name, medication, dosage and time of medication. Please do not send in
medication such as prescription drugs, Tylenol and aspirin to school with your child!! No single
dose medications, such as aspirin, will be administered without a written request described
above! An adult must bring any medication directly to the Health Office.
Parents are urged to contact the school in regard to any health-related information. With the recent
federal legislation (Privacy Act), all information will continue to be kept strictly confidential. It is
required of parents to notify the Health Office of any allergic reactions that your child has
experienced to food and/or drink.
Dental Examinations
In order for HCS to remain in compliance with the revised NYS Education Law, Section 903, parents
are required to furnish a dental health certificate provided by their child’s dentist. This is to be a
comprehensive dental examination completed not more than 12 months before the beginning of the
school year, starting with September 2008, and submitted prior to September 1. The dental exam is in
conjunction with the current physical examination required by students entering Kindergarten, 2n and
4th grades.
Mandated Physical Examinations
Children in 2nd and fourth grade will receive a physical examination by the school physician. If you
want to arrange for your private physician to conduct the physical examination, please contact the
Health Office (229-5171 – press 5) within the first two weeks of the start of the school year, and we
will not include your child in our physical examination program at school. Children in all elementary
grades (K-5) will be given hearing, eye, and height/weight examinations.
Medical Excuses – Physical Education
If a student is unable to participate in Physical Education classes as a result of a medical injury, s/he
will be asked to do a quiet, non-physical activity while with the class and/or during playtime. If the
student has had a cast, splint, stitches, surgery, etc. the student will not be allowed to participate in PE
class or playtime until the school has received written authorization from the doctor allowing the
student to return to activities. Staff members cannot assume that since a cast is off or stitches are out
that the student is cleared to fully participate. (Please note that we can accept a parent’s medical
excuse to miss PE for two days, but that a doctor’s note is needed for longer periods of time.)
Oops! – Regarding Accidents
If your child has bathroom difficulties, please supply appropriate changes of clothing. Our Health
Office can use donations of clean, useable clothing (especially sweat pants, socks and underwear) for
their emergencies. Please contact the Nurse’s Office if you have clean children’s clothing (especially
pants sized for younger students) you would like to donate.
14
Homework Guidelines
Homework serves as reinforcement of the curriculum and provides the necessary follow up evaluation
of the information presented. Homework may also come in the form of projects or long-term
assignments. Honeoye Elementary follows New York States suggested time periods when assigning
homework:
First grade – 10 minutes per day
Second grade – 20 minutes per day
Third grade - 30 minutes per day
Fourth grade – 40 minutes per day
Fifth grade – 50 minutes per day
(3rd, 4th and 5th graders utilize Daily Planners / Agendas to help with organization.)
Individual teachers will establish their own guidelines and consequences for students who turn in late
work. Consequences may include points taken off for late work, parents notified of incomplete work,
missing recess time or having to stay after or come early to make up work.
In addition to providing time for nightly homework assignments, parents are asked to have their
school-age children read (or parents may read to them) each day for 15-20 minutes to reinforce the
development of reading skills, habits, and an appreciation for literature.
Honor Roll
Students in grades 4 & 5 are eligible to earn quarterly school, principal, or staff recognition for
academic effort and achievement as follows:
Honor Roll:
85-89%
Principal’s Honor Roll:
90-94%
Staff Honor Roll:
95-100%
Students will receive a letter from the principal each marking period they achieve one of the above
recognitions. Honor roll lists are published each marking period in the Daily Messenger.
Instructional Support Team (IST)
The Instructional Support Team (IST) provides support for students receiving general education
programing. Meetings are held on a weekly basis to consider needs of students who have been referred
for assistance. Members of the IST Team include Reading & Math Intervention Teachers, Speech
Pathologists, School Psychologists, the K-8 School Guidance Counselor, the Elementary Principal,
Teachers and you the parent.
When a student is having difficulty in school, a teacher can ask the team for assistance in providing
strategies to help the child succeed. Using information from multiple sources, the team identifies the
problem, sets a specific goal, and makes recommendations for teaching strategies and modifications.
In some cases, a referral may be made to the Committee on Special Education after multiple
intervention periods have been implemented.
15
Internet Use Policy
Internet and computer technology are essential instructional tools at Honeoye Elementary. It is likely
that many students will utilize instructional technology each and every school day. Please be sure to
read over, sign and return the “Internet Access Policy – Elementary School” form included in the
August mailing.
The Honeoye Central School District shall provide its students and employees access to the Internet for
uses authorized by this policy. Students shall be authorized to use the District’s Internet facilities and
connections for study, research and communications related to their assigned course work and
approved co-curricular activities. Teachers, other members of the instructional staff, and
administrators shall be authorized to use the District’s Internet facilities and connections for staff
development and training, and for research and communications related to the assigned areas of
responsibility.
The Honeoye Central School District has taken precautions to restrict access to materials
that, according to contemporary community standards are inappropriate for students.
However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials, and an
industrious user may discover such information. The District firmly believes that the
value of the information and interaction available on this worldwide network far
outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with
the educational goals of the District.
Before any student is permitted to use the District’s Internet facilities and connections without direct
teacher supervision, parents shall be notified:
1. That a user may be able to gain access to services on the Internet which the District has not
authorized for educational purposes;
2. That communications on the Internet are not censored by the District;
3. That because of these factors it is possible that students will read, view, and hear material on
the Internet that they or their parents find inappropriate, offensive, or controversial.
Any use of the District’s Internet facilities and connections which is not authorized by or conducted
strictly in compliance with this policy, District practices and procedures is prohibited. Users who
engage in unauthorized use of the Internet or who violate any of the terms and conditions of Internet
use as prescribed by the District, are subject to disciplinary consequences identified in the Honeoye
Central School Code of Conduct, and may have their use privileges suspended or evoked. Users
granted access to the Internet through the Honeoye Central School assume personal responsibility and
liability, both civil and criminal for their unauthorized use of the Internet.
Parent/Teacher Association
PTA meetings are held regularly in the cafeteria. Come be part of a fun group
that discusses school topics, organizes fundraisers, and provides exciting events
for students! Look at the Honeoye PTA’s website www.honeoyepta.org for more
16
information. Be sure to complete and send in the membership form sent home with your child the first
week of school.
Playground
The playground is a busy place where students love to release energy and have fun with their peers. In
the interest of all students’ safety, students who do not have sneakers will be required to stay off of
the playground. Sneakers also need to be securely tied so that they can protect students’ feet from hot
equipment, sharp edges and debris. The National Program for Playground Safety notes that clothes
should have no loose strings or ribbons that can catch on equipment. We welcome community use of
the playground after 3:30 pm. Until that time, however, this area is designated for student use only.
The following playground rules should be followed at all times (including before, during and after
school):
1. Walk on and around the playground (no running within
playground structure)
2. Sit down and go down feet first when going down slides
3. One person at a time on the individual swings
4. Sit on swings at all times
5. Take turns on all equipment
6. Wood chips are to remain on the ground (no throwing)
The Honeoye Elementary School staff believes the physical well being directly impacts the academic
capabilities of students. Whenever possible, outside playtime will be scheduled. It is expected that all
students who are in attendance will participate in the outside activity (unless a doctor’s medical excuse
is received).
Related Services
Counseling, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech/Language Therapy may be provided
as part of a student’s General Education or Special Education program. Certified therapists provide
screening, diagnostic and remediation services for students referred and found eligible for such
services. Related Service providers work with classroom teachers, the Instructional Support Team
(IST) and the Committee on Special Education to support students.
Special Areas
Library
17
Students in K-1 may start taking one library book out in September after learning and remembering
proper book care etiquette. Students in grades 2- 5 may check out 2 books, unless they have a special
project that requires additional resources.
Books should go to and from school in a protective bag such as a plastic grocery bag or school bag.
Please remind your child to keep the library books away from food, pencils, crayons, markers, scissors,
family pets, and younger brothers and sisters.
Books should be returned during your child’s weekly library visit. If a book needs to be mended,
please return it to the library for mending. The library has special tape and glue to use on books.
Books that are lost or damaged need to be paid for according to their replacement value.
The library also is the collecting area for all Campbell’s Soup Labels and Box Tops for Education.
Members of the Library Club visit each classroom each week to collect and count the amount of points
accumulated. The PTA awards the highest collecting classes with a pizza and ice cream parties.
Points are used to “purchase” materials to support our library activities and classroom curricula.
Art
All students need an art smock (an over-sized T-shirt, old blouse or man’s shirt) labeled with their
name for use in art class. Our art room can always make use of your “junk.” Styrofoam, cardboard,
paper rolls, clean Styrofoam meat trays, scrap wood pieces, paper bags, yarn, small jewelry boxes, tinfoil pie plates, buttons, soda pop bottle caps, and fabric scraps are just a few ideas!
Music
Research shows that students learn best by doing. Therefore, students are expected to be active
participants in music classes. Singing, playing instruments, moving to music, and creating music are
all ways in which students are able to acquire musical skills and knowledge that
cannot be developed in any other way. Classes often include singing, performing
on classroom instruments, movement, ear training, listening and rhythmic
activities at appropriate ability levels and in a positive environment.
Each grade level has at least one performance opportunity each year. In addition, there are Choirs for
3rd, 4th and 5th grade students with three performances a year. Instrumental Music is available for
students in 4th and 5th grade, with three performances for 5th Grade Band, and a debut performance for
Training Band in June.
Physical Education
STUDENTS IN GRADES K-5 WILL HAVE 45 MINUTES OF PE THREE
TIMES PER WEEK. Please check your child’s class schedule to help ensure
he or she wears sneakers to school on all “PE days”.
Children must have rubber-soled sneakers that tie or close with Velcro for safety and protection. For
students in grades 4 & 5, please find out what days your child has physical education. They shall dress
for play on their scheduled PE days. A child may be asked to sit out if s/he does not have proper
physical education footwear.
18
If a student is to be excused from physical education for medical reasons they need a written excuse. If
absence from physical education exceeds more than two consecutive classes, a physician’s statement is
required. Such a note/excuse must be handed in to the classroom teacher in the morning to ensure that
the Health Office receives it and can notify the PE Department in a timely manner.
The wearing of any jewelry during participation in physical education classes K-12 is not permitted.
We understand that when students get their ears pierced, the healing process takes time, and that during
this time the earrings should not be removed (usually anywhere from six to eight weeks). In order to
safely participate in activity, we ask that your child tape over the earring(s) during class time. (See
back page of district calendar for further clarification of this rule.)
Transportation
Be sure to notify the Transportation Department immediately if your address (pick-up or drop-off
location) has changed over the summer or if it changes at any point during the school year. Likewise, if
you have a Post Office Box for your home mailing address, please be sure to also include your
physical address (house number and street) on the green transportation card that was mailed home in
late August. The green card should be sent in with your child on the first day of school.
Bus Safety Rules & Expectations
In order to guarantee your child and the other children riding the bus the safe transportation they
deserve, the Honeoye Central Transportation Department have established the following guidelines for
all students. If you have any questions regarding the following, please contact Mr. Harold Harris,
Transportation Supervisor at 229-2685:
1. Students are to be on time at the bus stop.
2. Stay back at least 15’ from the road.
3. Follow directions from the driver the first time they are given.
4. Items on the bus must be able to fit comfortably on the student’s lap.
5. No glass containers, large toys or articles such as balloons on the bus.
6. No large instruments, snowboards, or skis on the bus
7. No knives, tools or other sharp or dangerous articles are permitted.
8. No animals, alive or dead, are allowed on the bus.
9. Do not eat or drink on the bus.
10. No smoking or the use of any tobacco products on the bus.
11. The school bus is an extension of the classroom, so all school rules apply!! Be courteous,
speak quietly. No loud noises or abusive, profanity or obscene language.
12. Do not be destructive.
13. The driver can assign seats.
14. Remain seated – Keep body out of the aisle.
15. Keep hands, head and feet inside the bus.
16. Keep the aisle clear of book bags, instruments, lunch boxes, etc.
17. State law requires students to get on, get off and cross only when the
bus is at a complete stop when the red lights are flashing.
18. Students who cross the road must do so at least 15’ in front of the bus after receiving the
universal hand signal to cross from the driver.
19
19. Avoid yellow clothing as it blends in with the bus.
Consequences for Bus Misconduct
If a student chooses to ignore or violate the Bus Safety Rules and Expectations listed above, the
following consequences will be applied:
First violation: Driver speaks to the student before the student leaves the bus and writes down the
student’s name.
Second violation: Student is required to sit in front row seat. The parent is contacted by the driver or
by the director of transportation and may be requested to give permission for seat belt usage. A second
check mark is added to the student’s name.
Third violation: A written referral is made by the driver and given to the elementary principal for
disciplinary action. A third check mark is added.
Fourth violation: A written referral is made by the driver and given to the elementary principal for
disciplinary action. In most situations this will result in a two-day bus suspension. Parents will be
responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from school. A fourth check mark is added.
These procedures will be followed for most violations. However, if the situation is of a more serious
nature, a written referral will be made to the elementary principal on the first violation.
Severe misbehavior is that which jeopardizes the health safety and well-being of passengers and/or the
driver. In severe situations the driver will call the transportation director to remove the student from
the bus, and the student will need to be picked up from the elementary office. The driver will submit a
written referral upon his/her return from the bus route.
Volunteers & Chaperones
Honeoye Elementary School promotes and appreciates volunteerism. We believe
volunteers can have a positive impact on meeting our educational goals. In an effort
to comply with district policy and the safety and security of our students, we are
requiring all potential volunteers to complete the VOLUNTEER/CHAPERONE
APPLICATION and return it to the Elementary Office.
Teachers may require your assistance as chaperones on a field trip or as a parent volunteer for a special
project in the classroom. In order for you to participate, it is required for all volunteers to be approved
by the Elementary Principal. Final approval will require this completed application.
20
Quick Glance Index for Abbreviations
504: Individualized plan of modifications provided to students who qualify according to federal
guidelines (i.e. some medical conditions).
AIS: Academic Intervention Services
Extra support provided to students who qualify according to standardized test scores, grades and/or
teacher recommendation.
CCLS: Common Core Learning Standards
In 2011, NY State aligned its learning standards with Common Core Standards adopted across the
nation. The CCLS provide schools with learning standards in ELA and Mathematics.
CSE: Committee on Special Education
Committee that works together to identify needs and modifications for students who qualify for special
education services (according to federal guidelines).
CPSE: Committee on Pre-School Special Education
Similar to CSE but supports students before they are enrolled in kindergarten.
DASA:Dignity for All Students Act
In 2010, NY State signed the Dignity for All Students Act into law to protect students from
harassment, discrimination and bullying by other students or school employees. See page 31 of the
Elementary Student Handbook for more information.
ELA: English Language Arts
Instruction that involved reading, writing, spelling, listening, and speaking
IEP: Individualized Education Plan
Document written by the Committee on Special Education specifically for each student to meet their
individual learning needs
IST: Instructional Support Team
A group of staff members that meet to discuss students who are struggling academically, and ways to
help support those students learning.
NCLB: No Child Left Behind
Federal regulation that mandates several items, including all teachers be “highly qualified,” families be
notified of certain pertinent information, and that schools make adequate yearly progress.
PBIS: Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports
A program developed by staff to encourage and recognize positive behavior and focuses on respect,
responsibility, safety and kindness.
PTA: Parent Teacher Association
21
Adult group that meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm in the cafeteria. The group
discusses school related issues and plans activities to support the educational process. Childcare is
provided.
TA: Teacher Assistant
School employees hired to support students and teachers in the education process.
Honeoye
Alma Mater
Nestled in the hills of Bristol
By the wooded shore,
Stands our friendly Alma Mater,
We’ll love ever more.
Raise the chorus,
Speed it onward,
Sing with pride and joy.
Hail to thee our Alma Mater,
Hail to Honeoye.
Onward for your sons and daughters,
Loyal, brave and true.
You are always there to guide us,
Dear old white and blue.
Raise the chorus,
Speed it onward,
Sing with pride and joy.
Hail to thee our Alma Mater,
Hail to Honeoye.
22
Honeoye Elementary G.R.O.W.L. Statement
Our elementary students are growing as they acquire foundational learning skills, build positive learner
behaviors and demonstrate their knowledge and skills on a daily basis. Your son or daughter will
soon be learning about the importance of positive, growth-based learner behaviors in the form of the
Honeoye Bulldog G.R.O.W.L. statement shown here.
You and your child may also recognize posters in our school’s hallways with positive “growth
mindset” messages. You can support our efforts to grow your child’s self-concept as a learner by
reinforcing these messages and concepts at home. These “learner” or “academic” behaviors align with
our “Bulldog Four” behavioral target for “Responsibility” in the form of academic or learner
responsibility.
23
Honeoye Elementary Student Code of Conduct
Statement of Student Rights and Expectations
All students have the right to be treated with respect, kindness and care, and to be in an instructional
environment that is conducive for learning. They also have the right to know what is expected of them
at all times in every area of the school, and to be protected from physical harm by others. Students
also have the right to have their positive behavior recognized, and to have their concerns heard.
Behavioral Expectations at
Honeoye Elementary School:
PBIS and “The Bulldog Four”
At HCS Elementary, PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is a
proactive, comprehensive, systemic and individualized continuum of support designed
to provide opportunities to all students, including students with disabilities, for
achieving social and learning success, while preventing problem behaviors. PBIS is a
research-based intervention model being used with great success in a growing number
of schools around the nation.
24
Behavioral Expectations at Honeoye Elementary School:
PBIS and “The Bulldog Four”
The PBIS program at Honeoye Elementary in based on the following concepts/ beliefs:
 That up-front modeling and teaching of desired (positive) student behavior clarifies and
reinforces the school’s behavioral expectations for students.
 That the use of common language among school staff and students leads to clear
expectations across several different school settings including: classrooms, the hallways
and bathrooms, the library, school busses, playground, and the school cafeteria.
 That each member of the school community will exhibit desired positive behaviors as
he or she strives to Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Kind.
 That continued monitoring and evaluation, as well as re-training and “boosting”
activities, are necessary to support and sustain positive student behavior.
 That consequences will be in place for instances when students fall short of our schoolwide standards for behavior and that a tiered and individualized approach is appropriate
when dealing with students who fall short of our behavioral expectations with greater
frequency. (See Incidents and Interventions below.)
 That there will be multiple ways to recognize students by “catching students doing
good”. These include but may not be limited to our “Something to Bark About” (K-2)
and “Kennel Klub” (3-5) recognition and reinforcement systems (see below).
Please refer to the following documents for information regarding behavioral expectations and
consequences for inappropriate student behavior at Honeoye Elementary School:
1. “The Bulldog Four” logo (previous page)
2. “Positive Behavior at Honeoye Elementary” Chart (positive behavioral expectations
by setting/location)
3. Description of “Something to Bark About” (K-2) and “Kennel Klub” (3-5)
recognition and reinforcement programs
4. “HCS Elementary Incidents and Interventions” document
Please reinforce this information with your child(ren) by reviewing “The Bulldog Four” and
the behavioral matrix at home. The “Bulldog Four Logo” and copies of the “Positive Behavior
at Honeoye Elementary” are posted in classrooms, hallways, our school busses, in the
cafeteria, and on the playground.
Teachers, administrators, and school staff frequently review these documents and explain,
model, and teach these desired, positive behaviors to our students. Your support of our
behavioral education initiatives are greatly appreciated and will add to the effectiveness of our
efforts here at school to ensure a safe, nurturing environment in which all students can learn
and succeed.
25
26
“Something to BARK
About!” (Grades K-2)
Teachers and staff will use the “Something to Bark About Program” to
identify and reinforce the Bulldog Four in the following manner:
1. School staff (teachers, teaching assistants, custodians, bus drivers, monitors,
secretaries, administrators and support staff) will be on the lookout to catch students
living up to the school’s positive behavioral expectations (The Bulldog Four).
2. School staff may choose to recognize such behavior by addressing the student,
identifying the behavior, reinforcing the behavior, and presenting the child with a blue
and white paw print sticker.
3. Teachers will help students collect their stickers in the classroom on index cards or a
chart.
4.
Students can redeem their stickers for privileges in sets of 5 or 10. The average
elementary student might earn 5 stickers or so in a 10 week marking period. Sample
privileges/incentives are listed in the chart below.
5 Stickers
“Pick of the litter”
10 Stickers
“Best in show”
1. Sit in teacher chair
1. Homework Pass
2. Wear a hat
2. Bulldog Café or preferred seating in
cafeteria
3. Extra computer time
4. Read a story to younger child
3. Say pledge or a.m. announcements
5. Line Leader for the day
4. Lunch with the principal or other
member of school staff
6. Teacher Choice
5. Concession stand coupon
6. Teacher Choice
27
Community
Celebrations
(Grades 3-5)
The 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade staff would like to reward those students who
make good choices all the time and hopefully motivate all students to follow
the Bulldog Four by challenging students to qualify for participation in
community celebrations within each intermediate grade level. This effort
represents a minor departure from our past “Kennel Klub” initiatives but
continues the spirit of those events.
Classroom Teachers within each intermediate grade level will coordinate
community celebrations to recognize student growth within our targeted
positive school behaviors, the “Bulldog Four. ” These behaviors include:
Being Responsible, Being Respectful, Being Safe, and Being Kind. As in the
past, student demonstration of an attempt to complete their homework
(effort and improvement) will be considered for the daily demonstration of
“responsible” behavior.
28
HCS Elementary
Behavioral Incidents and Interventions/Consequences
HCS Elementary has adopted the following system to identify behavioral infractions based on the relative
level of severity. The following interventions/consequences may be used to correct a student’s
inappropriate behavior and re-teach and reinforce the desired behavior.
Level 1: Minimal interference with others’ ability to enjoy school and/or interruption of
instructional process based on class or school procedures and expectations.
Teacher- Managed
Behavioral Incidents (examples):
 Inappropriate language
 Physical aggression (pushing, shoving)
 Defiance, disrespect, insubordination, non-compliance
 Lying, cheating
 Electronic devices
 Harassment, teasing, taunting (physical or verbal)
 Disruption, excessive talking
 Dress code violation
 Not prepared for class
Interventions/Consequences (teacher selects from the following choices):
 Proximity Control
 Nonverbal cue to correct behavior
 Verbal warning to student(s)
 Informal conference with student (in classroom or hallway)
 In-class modified seating
 In-class time out / Loss of classroom privileges
 Possible (teacher) contact with parent
Level 2: Clear, continued interference with others’ ability to enjoy school and/or interruption
of instructional process based on class or school procedures and expectations or single, more
severe instance of a level I infraction. Parent contact by teacher should occur during this stage.
Behavioral Incidents (examples):
 Same as level 1, but repeat offender
 More severe single instance of a level I infraction
Interventions/Consequences (teacher/administrator selects from the following choices):
 Behavior Bulletin filled out
 Out of class time with another adult/alternate location
 Written and/or verbal apology
 Written and/or verbal student reflection
29






Lunch or playground detention
Student research and presentation on positive (replacement) behavior (if age appropriate)
Conference: Parent/Student/Teacher/Admin. Conference
Loss of classroom or school privilege
Create an informal behavior plan (Behavior Education Program)
Possible referral to IST
Level 3: Administrative action (teacher must fill out an office referral for this stage).
*Include Director of Pupil Personnel Services for students with an IEP or 504 plan.
Administrator- Managed
Behavioral Incidents (examples):
 Level II offenses still occurring after numerous interventions by classroom teacher
including parent contact
 Fighting, assault, reckless endangerment
 Abusive language (including sexual connotation)
 Serious safety violation (ie: bomb threat, specific personal threat, pulled fire alarm)
 Theft
 Possession of weapon
 Bullying, harassment, sexual harassment
 Vandalism, destruction of property (severe)
 Violation of district technology guidelines
Interventions/Consequences (administrator selects from the following choices):
 Office referral
 Parent contact
 Loss of privileges
 Create informal behavioral plan (Behavior Education Program)
 Possible suspension (in-school or out-of-school)
 Possible FBA (Functional Behavioral Assessment)
 Possible referral to IST (Instructional Support Team)
A Final Word on Interventions/Consequences:
While the PBIS approach to school discipline has been shown to reduce a good deal of nuisance
behavior problems at schools, we realize that on occasion, students will make inappropriate behavioral
choices. Interventions/consequences for misbehavior must be immediate, consistent, fair and easily
understood. Using the above list of interventions/consequences, teachers and administrators will seek
to issue consequences in a corrective rather than punitive manner. Our focus will be to support each
child in making more positive behavioral choices in the future. Interventions and consequences may
be individualized and tailored when deemed appropriate by the Elementary Principal in order to meet
the particular behavioral needs and challenges of each child.
A child’s parent(s)/guardian will be contacted by the classroom teacher or the building principal if they
have been involved in a Level II or Level III infraction. Regular communication between school and
home is a powerful, proactive first step in increasing the likelihood that students will regularly make
30
appropriate behavioral choices and live up to the expectations of “The Bulldog Four”. Thank you in
advance for reviewing the Elementary School’s Student Code of Conduct with your child.
THE DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT (DASA)
New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) seeks to provide the State’s public
elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from
discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus
and/or at a school function.
This legislation, signed into law on September 13, 2010 and effective July 1, 2012, amended State
Education Law by creating a new Article 2 – Dignity for All Students. The Dignity Act also
amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility,
citizenship, and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others
and dignity to include: an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not
limited to, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices,
mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity, and sex. The Dignity Act further
amended Section 2801 of the Education Law by requiring Boards of Education to include
language addressing the Dignity Act in their codes of conduct.
CYBERBULLYING AMENDMENT
On June 18, 2012, the New York State Senate and Assembly passed Governor’s Program Bill #43
to amend the education law in relation to prohibiting bullying and cyberbullying in public school.
The legislation is designed to assist in efforts to protect children from cyberbullying as well as
other forms of harassment, bullying and discrimination. This amendment became effective on
July 1, 2013.
With the new law, when cyberbullying impedes a student’s ability to learn, victims and their
parents now have the ability to report the incidents to school districts to investigate. The law
requires that school districts act in cases of cyberbullying, which may occur on or off campus,
when it creates or would create a substantial risk to the school environment, substantially
interferes with a student’s educational performance or mental, emotional or physical well-being,
or causes a student to fear for his or her physical safety.
Cyberbullying has been described by the U.S. Department of Education as bullying that occurs
through the use of electronic technology, such as cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can also
involve the use of communication tools, such social media sites, text messages, chat and
websites.
Examples of cyberbullying include, but are not limited to:
• Sending hurtful, rude, or mean text messages or e-mails to others.
• Spreading rumors or lies about others by text message or e-mail or posting on social
networking sites.
• Creating or sharing pictures, websites, videos or social media profiles, including fake profiles
31
that embarrass, humiliate, or make fun of others.
• Cyberbullying is different from face-to-face bullying because messages, videos, pictures and/or
images can, among other things, be:
•
Sent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
•
Distributed quickly to a very wide audience.
•
Sent anonymously.
HONEOYE CENTRAL SCHOOL DIGNITY ACT COORDINATORS
For further information regarding the Dignity for All Students Act, see the links and files below
and/or contact Dr. Heather Paler, Secondary School Dignity for All Students Act Coordinator at
DignityAct@honeoye.org or 229-5171 ext. 2029 or Mrs. Andrea Johnson, Elementary School
Dignity Act Coordinator at DignityAct@Honeoye.org or 229-5171 ext 1350. Procedures and
complaint forms are available in all offices. Procedures and complaint forms are also available in
an electronic format or in a Word file below. You may place forms in Dr. Paler's or Mrs.
Johnson's mailbox or e-mail forms to DignityAct@Honeoye.org
DIGNITY ACT & BULLYING PREVENTION TERMINOLOGY & FAQ
Terms
What is bullying?
Bullying is a conscious and deliberate hostile activity intended to harm, induce fear through the
threat of further aggression, and create terror. Bullying includes three elements:
 Imbalance of power – Children who bully use their power, such as physical strength,
access to embarrassing information or popularity, to control or harm others. Power
imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same
people.
 Intent to harm – The person bullying has a goal of causing harm.
 Repetition – Bullying behaviors generally happen more than once or have the potential to
happen more than once.
What is harassment?
The Dignity for All Students Act defines harassment as the creation of a hostile environment by
conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse which has or would have the effect of
unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance,
opportunities or well-being or reasonably causes or would be expected to cause a student to fear
for his or her physical safety. In addition, harassment includes conduct that reasonably causes or
would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or emotional harm to a student or occurs
off school property and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption
within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or
abuse might reach school property.
The harassing behavior may be based on any characteristic, including but not limited to a
person’s actual or perceived:
Race
Religious Practice
32
Color
Weight
National Origin
Ethnic Group
Disability
Sex
Sexual Orientation
Gender (including gender identity and expression)
It should be noted that the legislature noted that it is imperative to protect every
Student from such harm regardless of whether the student is a member of a specific
Category.
What is hazing?
Hazing is an induction, initiation or membership process involving harassment which produces
public humiliation, physical or emotional discomfort, bodily injury or public ridicule or creates a
situation where public humiliation, physical or emotional discomfort, bodily injury or public
ridicule is likely to occur.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is the act of denying rights, benefits, justice, equitable treatment or access to
facilities available to all others, to an individual or group of people because of the group, class or
category to which that person belongs including, but not limited to, a person’s actual or
perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability,
sex, sexual orientation, and gender (including gender identity and expression).
33