Fox Meadow
School
PTA Handbook
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FOX MEADOW SCHOOL
Brewster Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
Direct Lines to the School
School Office - 721-2720/2721
Nurse - 721-2724
FAX - 721-2730
Extensions through the Switchboard 721-2400
Principal - 2720
Teacher in Charge - 2732
School Office - 2720/2721
Nurse - 2724
Librarian - 2728
Psychologist - 2726
Custodian - 2729
Inclement Weather Information
Radio Station WFAS 1230-AM
Cable TV Channel 77 (Scarsdale School News)
District Website
www.scarsdaleschools.org
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Mission Statement
The Scarsdale Public Schools seek to sponsor each
student’s full development, enabling our youth to be
effective and independent contributors in a democratic
society and an interdependent world.
To this end, we endeavor to help them to think and
express themselves clearly, critically and creatively; to
understand themselves and others within the broad
fabric of human experience and the natural universe; to
appreciate their rights and responsibilities as citizens;
and to become people of integrity, maturity and
generous spirit.
A measure of our success is the degree to which they
fulfill their potential for the common good non sibi – not
for themselves alone.
Valuing our individuality, we unite to keep the flame of
learning.
Scarsdale Public Schools
Scarsdale, New York
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General School Information
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History
Fox Meadow Elementary School is set on an eleven-acre piece
of land that was once a Colonial farm. It first opened its doors to
students on December 7, 1928. A wing for primary classes was
added in 1958. A playground on the hilltop adjacent to the wing
was designed in 1980 and constructed as a joint project of PTA
and the Board of Education. During the 1991-92 school year a
renovation was undertaken to enlarge the Multipurpose Room and
Library. Construction of a new wing with ten classrooms and an
additional multi-purpose room was completed in the fall of 2000.
School Hours
Kindergarten
Kindergarten class is scheduled so that all children attend
morning sessions, Monday through Friday (see hours below), and
two afternoon sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays. In addition,
each child will attend a third afternoon session known as a “callback.” Thus, each student spends two afternoons with the entire
class and one afternoon with a call-back group. Students are
assigned to a call-back session by the classroom teacher. All
afternoon sessions will begin the first week of October. During
September, your child will attend morning class only. Individual
parent-teacher and individual child-teacher get-acquainted
conferences will take place during the September afternoons.
Your child’s teacher will set a schedule for these meetings and will
notify you of the afternoon grouping for October.
Grades One through Five
Regular School Hours: 8:55 a.m. - 12:00 noon
1:00 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Children should not enter the building before 8:45 a.m. or 1:00
p.m. In case of inclement weather, students assemble in the
entrance corridors until the bell rings.
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Daily Dismissal Policy
Kindergarten children are dismissed at 3:10 on full days and
12:00 on half days. First graders are always dismissed at 3:10.
Each child is dismissed at the classroom door directly to a parent
or other designee. Parents must send a note to the teacher if a
different designee is to pick up the child.
A kindergarten aide or fifth grade bus monitor escorts
kindergarten students and first graders to the bus. School
personnel supervise children until the bus departs. On days when
parents wish to pick up their child, they should inform the child’s
teacher in writing that he or she will not be riding the bus that day.
The note should also state the name of the person authorized to
pick up the student.
After the first month of school, parents may request that older
siblings be allowed to pick up their kindergarten or first grade
brother or sister. Also at this time, parents may request that their
first grader be allowed to walk to the circle for a car pick up.
Parent and teacher must agree the child is ready for this level of
independence.
Children, Grades 2-5, who ride the bus are dismissed at 3:05 to
walk to the circle for bus loading. All other children are dismissed
at 3:10. Children will proceed to appropriate pick up locations. If
parents wish other arrangements, they should discuss the request
with the classroom teacher.
Lunch Hour - 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
All Fox Meadow children are permitted to have lunch in school.
Parents are to provide a box or sturdy bag lunch. Please consider
recyclable items and reusable lunch bags. The child’s name
should be clearly marked on the bag or box. Glass containers are
not acceptable. The noon hour is part of the school day;
appropriate behavior is expected. Persistent inappropriate
behavior may result in forfeiture of the child’s privilege to remain in
school during the lunch period. Parents who wish to have their
children remain in school for lunch must complete a lunch program
enrollment form. These forms will be sent home and are also
available in the school office. Parents must accept responsibility
for notifying the school in writing if their child will not be remaining
at school for lunch on any given day for which he/she is enrolled.
Children not enrolled in the lunch program may remain at
school for lunch on a given day by sending a note to that effect to
the classroom teacher. There is no lunch program on days when
school closes at noon.
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Children eating lunch at home should not return to the
playground before 12:45 p.m.
Lunchtime Milk Program
Fox Meadow provides a lunchtime milk program option. In
September an enrollment form will be sent home offering cold
white or chocolate milk at noon. Our fifth grade students are
responsible for distributing the milk each day. Profits from the sale
of milk will be used to help offset fifth grade expenses such as their
class trip.
Recess
Recess for all grades is held in 20-minute modules planned by
grade level Monday through Friday. The plan has been devised to
fit appropriately in the school day to allow grade-level students to
meet together. The grade teachers supervise the recess times on
a planned schedule.
In the case of inclement weather, extreme cold, or
unsatisfactory playground conditions, i.e., very large puddles,
newly fallen snow not yet plowed, etc., the office will cancel or
shorten recess for all grades. Please be sure that your child is
dressed appropriately for outdoor activity or they will not be
allowed outdoors.
Early Dismissal
In case of emergency, a child may be dismissed early if: (1) a
note signed by the parent is delivered to the school office for
approval; (2) the parent picks the child up at the Nurse’s office. No
child may leave the school alone at any time.
Early dismissal for after-school activities such as instrumental
lessons, dance lessons, etc. is discouraged. Students leaving the
classroom before the school day is completed miss instruction and
also cause a distraction to the other students.
When a child is injured, the school nurse will administer all
possible first aid and call the parent. An ill or injured child is never
dismissed from school until the home has been notified first so that
provision to transport the child may be made by the parents or
someone they have properly designated.
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Early Dismissal Plan For Bad Weather
The Board of Education has instituted early dismissal
procedures only to be used in the unusual circumstance of notice
of a severe storm that was not forecast early enough to close
school for the day. This decision will be made by 10:30 a.m. with
bus departure scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Parents who wish may
pick up their child earlier, but must sign out their child at the
nurse's office. The Elementary Early Dismissal Procedure Plan
includes a direct phone contact with every family K-6. In the rare
instance when a parent cannot be reached by phone, an Early
Dismissal Designee will be contacted. In the event that a student is
left behind at the school, volunteers will stay until the child is
transported home.
It is critical that parents complete the Emergency Dismissal
forms as soon as possible, certainly before the end of September.
Phone information should be updated with the office when
changes occur.
Inclement Weather Information
The decision to close or delay school opening because of
severe weather conditions is announced on radio station WFAS
(1230 on the radio dial) beginning at 7:00 a.m. and on cable TV
Channel 77 (Scarsdale School News) from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. The
Board of Education (721-2400) will advise through a recorded
announcement. Class parents will also have this information.
Absence from School
When a child is going to be absent from school because of
illness or other reasons, parents are requested to call the nurse
between 8:45-9:15 a.m. The direct telephone numbers are 7212724 and 721-2725. Failure to do so means that the nurse must call
home, as all absences must be accounted for. If a child has a
communicable disease, it must be reported to the nurse so that
parents of children who have been exposed may be notified.
Health Examinations
The New York State Department of Education requires that all
children entering for the first time and those in grades 1, 3, 7 and
10 have a health examination. This examination will be done by
the school doctor unless the child submits by October 1 a report of
an examination signed by his or her own physician. All children
new to the district must submit a current physical report. A yearly
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check-up and frequent eye examinations are strongly
recommended for every child.
Changes in Student Information
Please inform the school nurse in writing if there is a change in
any of the following:
1. Address or phone or cell number
2. Family status
3. Business number
4. Doctor
5. Emergency number to call if you cannot be reached. If
parents will be away from the home for an extended
period of time, the classroom teacher should be notified
who will be in charge of the children during their
absence.
6. Please inform school personnel, teacher, nurse,
psychologist or principal of any changes in family
pattern that may affect the student at school.
Confidentiality is respected while support can be given
to the child.
Religious Instruction
Children may legally be excused from school for one hour per
week for religious instruction. In Scarsdale students may be
dismissed on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. for this purpose. A signed
request slip from the religious institution must be presented to the
school office.
Protecting Instructional Time
The time each teacher spends with his/her class is valuable and
necessary for learning. Interruptions to that time limit the amount
of and quality of instruction that can be provided to the group. To
minimize classroom disruptions and maximize instructional
time, parents should not come to the classroom during school
hours, especially at the beginning of the instructional day.
Messages for teachers or students should be communicated
through the office. Late or forgotten lunches, homework, notes,
etc. should be dropped off with office staff who will see that the
student receives it. Each teacher will establish at open house and
in a newsletter the preferred means of communicating with the
teacher.
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Telephone Messages
Telephones in the school office are reserved for official
business and emergency child/parent, parent/child calls. Students
are not permitted to make calls from the office except in emergencies. Social
arrangements should be made beforehand. Please review this
procedure with your child. Help him/her develop responsibility.
Give all written messages to your child before he/she leaves for
school in the morning. In that way classroom learning activities are
not disrupted unnecessarily.
Items Forgotten at Home
In order to avoid disruption in the classroom where learning is
taking place, parents are asked to deliver forgotten lunches,
instruments, etc. to the main office.
Visitors
Parents and residents of the district are welcome to visit the
school. The policy of the Board of Education is that all visitors,
including former students, must report to the principal’s office to
sign in and receive a visitor’s pass, prior to visiting classrooms or
other instructional areas. Parents are asked to deliver to the
school office articles for students. Please do not deliver to
classroom. After 9:00 a.m. only the main door by the office will be
open. All other doors will be locked.
Visitation Policy
The Scarsdale Schools have always tried to promote positive
relations and understanding between the professional staff and the
community. These relations have been fostered by encouraging
parents to visit the schools during Open House, to take part in PTA
programs, and to meet with teachers at individually scheduled
conferences to discuss their child’s educational progress. School
personnel also make every effort to acquaint new or potential
students with the school and school programs through school tours
and other means of orientation.
Parents and others, however, sometimes express a desire to
visit schools and classrooms when instruction is in progress. To
accommodate them without compromising the educational
program or safety of the children, certain guidelines are necessary:
Visitation Policy (continued)
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1. Fox Meadow parents are invited to school to share in
school activities; e.g., student plays, assemblies, concerts, and
other times when students present their work and talent for an
audience. Teachers will remain on the alert for activities that
parents might wish to observe.
2. Fox Meadow parents are invited to school to share their
knowledge and talent with our students; e.g., “Learning to Look”
program, kindergarten workshops, library volunteers, critical
thinking, PTA activities, trip chaperones, and other special
programs.
3. Fox Meadow parents who wish to visit their child’s
classroom when instruction is in progress are welcome to do so.
These parents are invited to contact the principal to request a
visitation appointment.
All visitors are asked to sign-in at the office and pick up a
visitor’s pass. The visitor’s pass must be visibly applied to the
visitor’s clothes.
Birthday Celebrations
Students may share their birthday celebrations with classmates
in school in a simple manner. Usually the celebrant provides a
cupcake or small healthy snack for each person in his/her class.
Arrangements should be made with the teacher before the snack is
brought in to school. Students are not permitted to distribute party
invitations in the classroom.
Homework
Homework is out-of-class tasks assigned to students as an
extension or elaboration of classroom work. There are three types
of homework: preparation, practice and extension. The amount of
homework assigned takes into account the child’s age and the
needs of growing children such as outdoor play and exercise,
social and family recreation, pursuit of hobbies, and so forth. As a
rule, no formal homework is assigned in kindergarten. In grades 1 and 2
homework may, at the teacher’s discretion, be assigned Monday through
Thursday as follows: Grade 1- approximately 10 minutes,
Grade 2- approximately 20 minutes. In grades 3,4, and 5 homework
is usually assigned Monday through Thursday as follows: Grade 3- 30
minutes, Grade 4- 30-45 minutes, and Grade 5- 45-60 minutes (all
times approximate).
In addition all children are encouraged to read or be read to for
approximately 30 minutes each evening. In general homework is
not assigned over vacation periods. However, assignments that
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are appropriate at vacation time include reading, research projects,
and keeping a journal. We hope that parents will provide the time
and place for concentrated study and will express interest in
schoolwork.
Homework for Prolonged Illness
In general, teachers prefer to help bring a child up-to-date with
the class work upon his/her return to school. However, after a
three-day absence, a parent may call the school office before noon
and the assignment will be ready at 3:15 p.m.
Conferences and Reports
The Fox Meadow staff makes every effort to maintain close
contact with the home. This is accomplished in a number of
different ways.
Parents of kindergarten, first and second grade children meet
with their child’s teacher at least twice a year at regularly scheduled conference
appointments. Parents of third, fourth and fifth grade children
confer with their child’s teacher before the winter recess at a
scheduled conference. Three written progress reports are sent to
parents annually.
Special dates are set aside for parent-teacher conferences in December
and March. Consult the school calendar and Update for specific
dates. The classroom teacher will arrange an appointment with
you at these times.
In addition, all classroom teachers schedule parent conferences
as needed throughout the school year. The staff is available when
special needs arise. Should you wish to speak with a teacher, call
the school office, 721-2720, and your message will be given to the
teacher who will return your call as soon as possible. The principal
and the school psychologist are available by appointment also.
Communications to Divorced Parents
Both custodial and non-custodial parents are entitled to full
access to their children’s school records. Non-custodial parents
may also request written communications such as report cards and
notice of parent-teacher conferences. Address any inquiries to the
principal.
Bicycle Regulations
For safety reasons the school does not permit children below
the third grade to ride bicycles to school. The Fox Meadow PTA,
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with the cooperation of the school’s physical education teacher,
conducts an extensive bicycle safety program each year. Use of
bike helmets is a New York State Law. Students will be tested in
their riding skills and knowledge of safety rules. The condition of
their bicycles will be examined. There are bicycle racks at three
separate areas at Fox Meadow School, and the children are
advised to lock their bikes to the racks outside school. It is against
the law for any person to ride a bike on the sidewalks in the Village
of Scarsdale including the Heathcote Five Corners area.
Bus Information
Transportation will be provided at district expense to all children
in grades K-12 within the district whose homes are 1.5 or more
miles distant from the school within the district they legally attend.
The Board of Education “Fox Bus” will be available to all eligible
students for the opening and closing of school. There will be a
noon hour bus available for kindergarten students only on call back
days. No noon hour bus on Monday and Wednesday.
The Fox Meadow Community Bus Association is a private
organization that arranges bus service for children who are not
eligible for district transportation.
Traffic and Parking
**SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY **
It is expected that all families will adhere to these policies
and that these rules will be shared with anyone charged
with the responsibility of driving children to or from school.
Brewster Road / Main Entrance
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Between the hours of 8:30-9:30 and 2:30-3:30 there is NO
STANDING OR STOPPING in the circle unless actively
loading or unloading passengers.
Stopped cars must be against the curb and passengers may
only exit the right hand side of the car onto the sidewalk.
Drivers may not get out of the car when in the circle.
DO NOT BACK UP…EVER! Most accidents involving children
and cars occur when cars are moving in reverse.
Lollipop Circle (Hampton Road Cul-de-sac)
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Cars may only be parked along the playground side of the
street from the corner of Butler Road to the first legal spot after
the fire hydrant at the end of the turn-around circle.
Parking or standing at the hydrant is a violation of State Law.
There is NO STANDING OR STOPPING in the circle unless
actively loading or discharging passengers.
Please do not block the driveways of residents along the
street.
Lower Parking Lot (Chesterfield)
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The Lower Parking Lot is for staff parking only from 8:00 a.m.
through 3:30 p.m. on school days.
Cars may not enter the lower lot to pick up or drop off
passengers between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on
schooldays. This includes early mornings and instrumental
music days.
Parents may use the lot after 3:30 p.m.
Other Parking Safety Rules
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DO NOT park on the left (east) side of Brewster Road between
Chesterfield
and Butler Roads.
Please observe the "No Standing" signs on Chesterfield Road.
Students walking to school on Chesterfield Road should use the
designated walkway to enter the playground.
Children may not roller blade or use scooters on school grounds
including
the adjacent walks on Chesterfield and Brewster Roads from
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Crossing guards monitor the Chesterfield/Brite and
Chesterfield/Brewster intersections form 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.;
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.;
and from 2:50 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Building Level Emergency Response & Safety Team
The Fox Meadow Building Level Emergency Response and
Safety Team includes the principal, teacher-in-charge,
psychologist, school secretary, head custodian, school nurse, PTA
president, police officer, and representatives from the faculty. The
committee formulated a plan of action to manage and address
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emergency situations. All members of the team have received
training and are prepared to assume the responsibilities associated
with maintaining a safe school environment. The team meets
regularly to review and update emergency plans and procedures.
Trips
Field trips are planned to enrich the curriculum. An approval
slip is sent home for the parent’s signature before each trip. Preschool siblings are not allowed on school trips.
The Superintendent may authorize principals to arrange trips for
pupils under school supervision using public transportation
facilities. Authorization may be given to use private transportation
in automobiles driven by responsible adults provided written
permission from the parents of children concerned is obtained for
the specific trip. Sec. 9.06 - Trips by children Rules and
Regulations of the Board of Education
A seat belt is required for each child driven by car.
School Performances
Students participate in a wide variety of school performances.
All performances are held during the school day; selective
performances are presented again in the evening. Guests should
observe the following protocol:
Families are asked to sit together, so that children and young
friends remain in the supervision of the parents.
Picture taking should be as unobtrusive as possible.
Videotaping is permitted only with prior permission of the school
office.
Flowers or other gifts may not be presented to individual
students inside the school.
District Gift Policy
“It is recognized that students and parents, on special
occasions, may wish to give small gifts of appreciation (either
homemade or of very small monetary value). However, individual
gifts valued at more than $15.00 or gifts of cash are not
appropriate. Collective gifts for coaches or District employees for
special occasions should not exceed $10 per individual” … “It is
against school policy for parents or students to make substantial
gifts to District employees.”
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Lost and Found
All articles found in school are displayed in an open closet area
on the lower level. Small fragile items such as glasses and jewelry
are placed in the school office. Parents are urged to mark all outer
clothing, sneakers, etc. for ready identification and to check the
Lost and Found area regularly. At the end of the school year,
unclaimed articles will be donated to charity.
Parent-Teacher Professional Library
A parent-teacher professional library is available in the library.
Books relating to topics of interest such as child development,
psychology, etc., as well as copies of District Curriculum Guides
are available for circulation. Books may be signed out on
temporary loan.
Publications
Insight, the Board of Education newsletter, is mailed to all
Scarsdale households and discusses Board policy, new programs
and other educational issues, including state and federal legislation
affecting the district.
The International Parents Directory is a reference handbook for
all Fox Meadow international families regarding services and
programs in the Scarsdale area.
PTA Handbook is edited and revised yearly to keep Fox
Meadow families apprised of important information for daily use
during the year.
Update is the monthly Fox Meadow PTA newsletter mailed
home to parents on Fridays. It is our main communication link with
you.
Acceptable Use Policy
The Scarsdale Union Free School District makes Internet and
network technology available to enhance student learning and to
educate students to use this technology ethically.
A condition of Internet access and network use is that students,
parents, and employees agree to follow certain regulations. These
regulations aim to protect the welfare of students and to protect
against equipment and software misuse. The District requires
prospective Internet and network users to read and affirm the
regulations by signing their acceptance of the obligations
described therein. The District has the right to withdraw Internet
or network privileges if a prospective user refuses to agree to
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these obligations or a user fails to comply with them. If a student
or family forfeits privileges, the District will, insofar as feasible,
make appropriate resources available to meet student course
obligations.
A copy of these regulations is available in the school office and
on the district website.
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Special Programs
The Fox Meadow staff is composed of many talented and highly
trained educators. In addition to classroom teachers, students
receive instruction and support from teachers who specialize in
particular disciplines. These “specialists” meet with classroom
teachers regularly in child study teams and in curriculum planning.
Art
All students attend art class at least once a week. They explore
a variety of media, which include paint, clay, sculpting, textile,
puppetry and computer graphics. Special projects are completed
in workshop sessions.
Computer: Formal and informal classes to students in all
grades. Fox Meadow’s computer lab features new Macintosh
computers. Several computers are also placed in each classroom.
English as a Second Language (ESL):
Based on diagnosis, this program is designed to assist students
at three levels:
1. Those who have no proficiency in speaking,
listening, reading or writing English.
2. Those who have basic vocabulary, some
communication competency, but not enough to sustain
self in classroom.
3. Those who speak and understand the language
well, but need support in content area reading and
writing.
Instrumental Music:
The Scarsdale Public Schools offer instruction in band and
orchestral instruments in each of the elementary schools.
Instruction is available to every 4th and 5th grade student in one of
the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe,
saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone horn and
drums. Third grade instruction is provided in string instruments
only. Students will receive one 30-minute instrumental music
lesson per week. As students become proficient, they may
become members of the school band or orchestra. Orchestra
rehearsals are scheduled for Tuesday mornings, 8:00-9:00 A.M.
Band rehearsals are also scheduled for Tuesday mornings, 8:009:00 A.M. Instruments may be rented inexpensively from local
distributors.
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Vocal Music:
All students receive vocal music instruction for two periods a
week. Students in grades 4 and 5 participate in a grade level
chorus. Several musical performances are held each school year.
Learning Resource Teachers:
These specialists coordinate the all-school testing programs.
They screen students for early identification of learning problems
and provide for comprehensive programs of remediation in
reading, writing, mathematics and organizational skills. They work
closely with classroom teachers and parents.
Library-Media Center:
All students attend library class at least once a week. Here
they are introduced to literature, research, library skills and the use
of multiple media equipment. In addition, the library is open for
student use throughout the school day. The librarian, two
assistants and many parent volunteers staff the library, process
and maintain over 13,000 volumes and assist students with book
selection.
Physical Education:
All students attend physical education classes twice a week.
While receiving instruction in many sport activities, they work to
develop basic physical skills, teamwork and sportsmanship.
School Psychologist:
The school psychologist works closely with teachers, parents and
students identifying and giving support to all aspects of
developmental growth. She is available to meet with parents. Call
the school office for an appointment.
Speech:
The speech and language specialist is available for those students
who need help with communication skills. She screens all
kindergarten through third grade students annually as well as all
students new to the district. In addition, she screens all students,
kindergarten through grade five, who are referred from classroom
teachers, staff, parents and private practitioners. Priority service is
given to qualifying students whose language difficulties fall within
New York State regulations. The speech and language teacher is
available for consultation with parents. Call the school office for an
appointment.
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PTA Committees and Activities
The members of the Fox Meadow PTA – parents, teachers and
administrators, alike – share a common interest in the quality of
education for our children. The Fox Meadow PTA is a non-profit
service organization. Our energies are focused in several
directions: to conceptualize and implement programs and services at the
school, to raise funds to support these activities, and to come together
as a community. Because we are not a commercial enterprise, our
budgetary goal is to generate sufficient revenues to cover our
administrative expenses and to support ongoing programs. Our
monies are derived from membership dues and from fundraising
events throughout the year.
The PTA is open to everyone. Your work on a committee will
connect you to your neighbors and to your child’s schooling. A
description of the various committees set in place for 2005-2006
follows, along with a list of committee chair persons or contacts. It
is not too late to join a committee. Please call committee chairs to
join their committee and help out.
Abilities Awareness: A parent-taught program promoting
understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.
After School Clubs: A variety of after-school activities are
offered for the children, including crafts, sports and language.
These programs take place at Fox Meadow from 3:10-4:10 p.m. or
4:10-5:10 p.m. several days a week. Students are placed by grade
level for “fun and games in a non-academic environment”. Pickup
from clubs is outside the gym. More information is available online at “www.freewebs.com/foxmeadowafterschoolclubs”.
Auditing: This committee audits the PTA books annually.
Book Fair: The committee organizes an in-school book sale
aimed to promote reading.
Budget Study: PTA representatives keep us posted on all
developments regarding the district budget.
CHILD: This committee is an informational group for parents of
children with special needs.
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Class Parents: The class parents work closely with the staff
and are an important communication link between parents and
school. The chairpersons coordinate the selection of class parents
for all classes K-5. (See the Fox Meadow Student Directory for a
list of the class parents.)
Clothing Sales: This committee designs and orders shirts,
sweats, and other items with Fox Meadow insignia, and sells
merchandise during the first week of school and at the Open
House.
Colonial Fair: This committee coordinates the colonial fair,
which transports our fourth graders to the early days of this
country’s history. The fair is held annually in the spring.
Community Service: This committee, composed of parents
and teachers, works to broaden children’s understanding of
community needs by organizing various projects through which
others may benefit.
Cultural Arts: Cultural Arts provides enrichment to the school
curriculum through assemblies and workshops featuring
performing artists and lecturers.
Directory: This committee prepares a directory of student
names, addresses and phone numbers, available to all PTA
members.
Environment: The Environment Committee follows issues,
plants gardens and keeps students aware of environmental
concerns.
Fair: This committee organizes the Spring Fair, a fundraiser
bringing the Fox Meadow Community together for a fun-filled day.
Fifth Grade Activities: Several subcommittees function in
order to provide much-awaited “moving up” commemorations.
Fingerprinting: This group of parents helps the Scarsdale
Police to fingerprint children new to Fox Meadow, if parents so
desire.
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Friends of Music and Art: A Fox Meadow representative
keeps us apprised of various music and art presentations offered
in the school district.
Handbook: This committee edits and produces this annual
publication for distribution to all students and staff.
Hospitality: The members of this important committee, which
includes class mothers, provide refreshments at PTA functions.
Interdisciplinary/ Artist-in-Residence: This committee of
parents and teachers prepares a thematic school-wide study unit.
Kindergarten Gift: The PTA welcomes each kindergartner to
Fox Meadow with a gift.
Learning-to-Look: Learning-to Look is an art appreciation
program taught in the classroom by parents.
Legislation: We are informed and advised by our Legislation
Chairperson regarding legislative issues concerning local, state
and national PTAs and education generally.
Library Services: PTA parents working with our Librarian on
Author Visits, special programs and general library assistance.
Lice Enders: PTA parents assist the nurse and the Lice Enders
staff at designated lice checks throughout the year.
Lunchtime Study Hall: PTA parents are available in the library
in the winter during lunch recess. This enables our children to
read, hear stories or do homework as an alternative to playground
activity.
Membership: The importance of your membership in the Fox
Meadow PTA cannot be overstated. The annual Membership
Drive takes place in the beginning of the school year. Yearly PTA
membership dues are $15 per family and $7.50 per single parent
family. Part of the fee is distributed to state and national
organizations. Our local unit uses the remainder.
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Multicultural: The aim of this committee is to facilitate sharing
within our rich multicultural community.
Nominating: The Nominating Committee receives suggestions
from the membership and prepares the slate of PTA officers
elected at the Annual Meeting in the spring.
Notecards: Each year, students are given the opportunity to
make personalized notecards through this PTA-sponsored
fundraiser.
Obento Box: This committee organizes and serves weekly
Japanese Obento lunches to all grade levels.
Pasta Lunches: This committee organizes and serves weekly
pasta lunches to all grade levels.
Pictures: The committee organizes the sale and distribution of
our school pictures and assists the photographers and staff on the
day of the shoot.
Picnic: The Picnic Committee plans and orchestrates the back
to school family picnic in September.
Pizza Lunches: This committee organizes and serves weekly
pizza lunch to all grades.
Playground: This committee investigates and recommends
the purchase of additional playground equipment and works with
the school and administrators on issues of installation and upkeep.
PT Council: The Fox Meadow PT Council representative
attends district-wide PT Council meetings and acts as liaison
between the PT Council and the Fox Meadow PTA.
Publicity: This committee notifies the community and news
sources about what goes on at Fox Meadow, and takes pictures to
help do so.
Safety: This committee assesses, makes recommendations,
and follows up on traffic, safety and security issues around the
school.
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Sports Swap: This fall event provides an opportunity for
families to buy and sell used sports equipment. Proceeds go to
support PT Council.
Staff Recognition Luncheon: This committee plans and
organizes a luncheon, which honors the staff. It is held on a spring
afternoon that parents and teaches can enjoy together.
Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol is a community-wide group
concerned with the welfare of youth and is specifically devoted to
educating youth and adults about drugs and alcohol.
Update: The Update staff produces the newsletter that provides
a most important means of communication between school and
home. The following is a listing of deadlines for submissions to
Update. Update will be mailed home once a month.
Ways and Means Committee: This committee plans and
implements an important evening function that serves as our major
fundraiser for the year.
Whiz Kids: During lunch recess throughout the winter, this
committee leads children in activities that promote critical thinking.
Additionally, there is a collection of stimulating activities that may
be checked out of the library.
Wrapping Paper Sales: The committee oversees the sale of
wrapping paper and related items during this annual fall fundraiser.
Young Writers Conference: A PT Council event held on a
spring Saturday, it encourages writing through workshops and a
sharing session of student work.
The Compact For Learning
The Compact For Learning team at Fox Meadow School is a
site-based management team with shared decision-making
between parents and the school. The team members meet
regularly throughout the year to explore and make decisions on
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issues that are related to improving student learning and
achievement.
If you have any concerns that you would like the Compact Team to
address, please contact any of the above members.
PT COUNCIL
The PT Council, known more formally as the Scarsdale Council of
Parent-Teacher Associations, is the umbrella organization for the
Scarsdale PTA units at each of the five Scarsdale elementary
schools, the Scarsdale Middle School and the Scarsdale High
School. It is a separate entity with its own elected officers and
committees. The membership is drawn from teachers, parents and
administrators from each school. A representative from each PTA
serves as a liaison between the PT Council and the respective
PTA unit.
The PT Council presents speakers and programs that are of
interest to the entire PTA community, as well as sponsors the
Young Writers' Conferences for third, fourth and fifth graders at the
High School in the spring.
C.H.I.L.D.
(Children Having Individual Learning Differences)
A Committee of the Scarsdale PT Council
Representing both the preschool and school-age population,
C.H.I.L.D. strives to:
•inform the community by presenting educational
programs
•educate parents on how to be their child’s best advocate
•bring parents together for mutual support
When a child has been identified as having challenges, it is an
emotionally trying time for the whole family. The parents and
professionals on the C.H.I.L.D. committee are here to help. We are
available to offer assistance, answer questions and provide
information about special education in the Scarsdale School
District.
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We invite you to attend our monthly meetings. In addition to
providing support, our meetings also enable us to discuss ways we
can ensure that the school system meets our children’s special
needs. Our meetings often feature speakers such as educators,
social workers and parents from other districts.
Board of Education
The Scarsdale school system is based on the tradition of
educational excellence. Its policies seek to broaden the means for
achievement and growth for each of its students. The school
system is coordinated by the Superintendent of Schools who
serves as chief school officer for the village-elected Board of
Education. The Superintendent of Schools carries out the policies
formulated and approved by the Board.
Board of Education meetings, usually held on the first and third
Monday of the month at 8:00 p.m. at the Scarsdale High School in
room 170-172, are always open to the public. Meeting dates are
listed on our PTA calendar and in every issue of Update. For
further information, you may contact the Board of Education (7212400) or the Superintendent’s office (721-2410).
School budget presentations to the community are made each
spring before the annual budget vote and a budget summation is
mailed to each household.
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Fox Meadow Athletic Association
The FMAA serves as the liaison between the Village of
Scarsdale Recreation Department and Scarsdale residents
regarding youth sports programs.
Kids B.A.S.E. and the Little School
Kids B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enrichment) is a notfor-profit corporation organized and governed by members of the
community as a service to parents and children in Scarsdale. Kids
B.A.S.E. is available for a fee to all Scarsdale children in grades
Pre-K through 6th. Kids B.A.S.E. is located at 307 Mamaroneck
Road. Bus transportation is provided to and from Fox Meadow.
For children in Kindergarten through 6th grade, the program's
hours are Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and
12:00 noon to 6:30 p.m.
Programs are staffed by experienced NY-certified teachers.
The children are offered a variety of creative and educational
activities, and there are special programs planned during the
February, April and December vacations as well as the last week
in June.
Recreation Department
The Village of Scarsdale provides its residents a recreation
program consisting of a great variety of activities for young and old.
These activities are supervised and administered by the Scarsdale
Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation
Scarsdale Community Youth Services Project
The Youth Services Project is a community program to help
young people and their families with individual, peer, school,
alcohol, drug or other personal problems. It is a year-round
program with summer recreation, including adventure-based
counseling and parent education components.
Crisis intervention, peer counseling, peer leadership, personal
growth groups, parent groups, Safe rides and Suicide Prevention
are also part of the Youth Services Project. Youth counselors
conduct individual and group sessions and parent workshops. The
project receives its funds through Scarsdale schools and
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Scarsdale Village and is directed by Scarsdale/Edgemont Family
counseling Service Inc.
Y.E.S. Youth Employment Services
The Youth Employment Service is a non-profit community
organization, staffed entirely by volunteers, which brings together
High School students seeking part-time work with employers in
local homes and businesses. Students work as tutors, babysitters,
party aides, sales clerks, snow shovelers and in a variety of other
positions as are listed through the Y.E.S. office. Prospective
employers are invited to call the Y.E.S. office at 723-7343 where a
message may be left at any time. The Y.E.S. office, located at the
High School, is open during the school year Monday through
Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Fridays until 2:00 p.m.
Summer hours are varied.
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