From: Subject: Dear Parents, Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:38:52 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: mhtml:file://\\pob-fas1\Datastore\TeacherHome\rrosato\POb MS HANDBOOK 2011-12 Gr 7 & 8.mht X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.3198 Dear = Parents,

Plainview-Old Bethpage

Central School=20 District

 

 

POB Middle=20 School =

Parent=20 Handbook

Grades 7 &=20 8

 

2011-2012

 

 

 

 

 

Dear=20 Parents,

 

     =20

Welcome to=20 the 2011 =96 2012 school year! The staff in the Plainview-Old = Bethpage Central School=20 District is looking forward to providing an=20 exciting, educational experience for your child.

 

This=20 handbook was designed to provide you with information about our middle = school=20 curriculum, special programs, and general information regarding our=20 schools.  Included are the = names and=20 phone numbers of District personnel that you may need to=20 utilize.

 

We=20 encourage communication between the parents and school.  Please feel free to call us to = clarify=20 any questions or provide pertinent information regarding your child and = his/her=20 program.

 

Enjoy the school=20 year!

 

 

 

 

3D"bl00549_[1]"

Plainview-Old = Bethpage

Middle=20 School

121=20 Central Park Road

Plainview,=20 NY =20 11803-2098

 

 

 

John McNamara,=20 Principal

Angela=20 DeLessio, Assistant Principal

Joan=20 Wartell, Assistant=20 Principal

 

 

Main Office           &nbs= p;      =20 349-4750

First Alert           &nbs= p;        =20 349-4753

Guidance Department    =20 349-4756

School Nurse           &nbs= p;    =20 349-4760

 

 

School = Hours:          =20 8:43 = a.m. =96=20 2:53 p.m.

Intramurals/Clubs        =20 Period 0 (7:52 a.m.=968:34 a.m.) Monday, = Wednesday

Extra Help  =         =20          =20 Period 9 (2:57 p.m.=963:38 p.m.) Tuesday, = Thursday

 

 

Music Performing = Groups:

Grade 7/8 = Chorus           &nbs= p;=20           = Period 9=20 (2:57 p.m. =96 3:38 p.m.) Monday, Wednesday

and Period 0 (7:52 a.m. =96 8:34 a.m.)=20 Friday

 

Grade 7-8 = Symphonic=20 Orchestra   Period 0 = (7:52 a.m.=20 =96 8:34 a.m.) Tuesday, Thursday

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;        =20 and Friday

 

Grade 7-8 = Symphonic=20 Band        =20 Period 0 (7:52 a.m. =96 8:34 a.m.) Tuesday, = Thursday

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;        =20 and Friday

 

Table of=20 Contents

 

Curricular=20 Programs

 

English Language = Arts.................................................................= =20 1

Goals of the Reading Curriculum...................................................=20 2

Writing Curriculum.................................................................= .....=20 3

Mathematics.................................................................= ..............=20 4

Science.................................................................= .....................=20 5

Social Studies.................................................................= ............=20 6

World Languages.................................................................= .......=20 7

 

Specials

 

Music.................................................................= ........................=20 8

Art.................................................................= ............................=20 9

Health & Physical = Education=20 Programs..........................................=20 10

Technology.................................................................= ..............=20 11

Home & Careers.................................................................= .......=20 11

 

Support=20 Services

 

Testing Dates & Other = Important=20 Dates........................................=20 12

Gifted Program.................................................................= .........=20 13

Middle School Enrichment = For=20 All.................................................=20 13

MAP Program.................................................................= ...........=20 13

Special Education = Services..........................................................=20 14

Psychologists.................................................................= ............=20 14

Social Workers.................................................................= ..........=20 14

Guidance Counselors.................................................................= .=20 14

 

General=20 Information

 

Parent/Teacher = Organizations......................................................=20 15

Communicating with = Parents.......................................................=20 15

Child Care Program.................................................................= ...=20 15

Health Services.................................................................= .........=20 16

Emergency School Closings/Delayed = Openings..............................=20 16

Attendance Policy.................................................................= .....=20 17

School Calendar.................................................................= .......=20 18

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE=20 ARTS

 

All students = will be=20 expected to meet the New York State Standards for English Language Arts. = That=20 means students will read, write, listen and speak = for:

 

  • Information and = understanding=20
  • Literary response and = expression=20
  • Critical analysis and = evaluation=20
  • Social interaction =

 

Additionally, = all students=20 will take the New York State ELA assessment in = April.

 

While each = school enriches=20 the language arts program with a myriad of worthwhile reading, = listening, and=20 speaking activities, what follows are the core reading and writing = activities=20 experienced by all students in the district.

 

Reading-Enriching=20 reading experiences are offered to students in each middle school grade. = Literature and/or anthologies are used as resources to develop necessary = reading=20 skills. Additionally, reading experiences include author and genre = studies=20 targeted for each grade level. These might include:

 

 

 

 

Grade           &nbs= p;            = ;     =20 Author           &nbs= p;            = ;            =  =20 Genre

 

7           &nbs= p;            = ;            = =20 Avi           &nbs= p;            = ;         =20 Historical Fiction

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =  =20 Gary Soto           &nbs= p;           =20 Realistic Fiction

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;   =20 Cultural Fiction

 

8           &nbs= p;            = ;            = =20 Edgar Allan Poe           &nbs= p;   =20 Science Fiction

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =  =20 Mark Twain           &nbs= p;         =20 Drama

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;   =20 Cultural Fiction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-1-

GOALS OF THE READING=20 CURRICULUM

 

 

1. Each student = will=20 complete at least eight novels or non-fiction books per year. This = number will=20 include the summer reading program.

 

2. Each student = will keep a=20 reading record card listing the books he or she has read. The cards will = follow=20 each student through the grades, and the cards will be colored coded by = grade=20 level.

 

3. Each student = will read a=20 variety of literature, both fiction and non-fiction, and demonstrate = evidence of=20 both literal and inferential comprehension.

 

4. Each student = will be=20 able to identify and understand the various story elements that are = embodied in=20 a piece of fiction.

 

5. Each student = will=20 develop his/her ability at textbook reading in the content areas and = demonstrate=20 this through knowledge and use of graphic organizers, note taking, and = study=20 strategies.

 

6. Each student = will=20 develop strategies to enhance vocabulary knowledge including structural=20 analysis, vocabulary in context, and other meaning-detecting=20 skills.

 

7. Each student = will=20 demonstrate evidence of written response to literature including, but = not=20 limited to, use of journals, literary essays, retelling and/or = summaries,=20 comparison-contrast essays, and critical lens = essays.

 

      =20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-2-

WRITING = CURRICULUM

 

In 7th grade = each=20 student will:

=B7        =20 respond to an essay = question with a=20 detailed, well-formed, multi-paragraph essay; focus will be on = formulating a=20 controlling idea (thesis) and supporting it with specific details from = the=20 text

=B7        =20 write a four-paragraph=20 comparison/contrast essay that analyzes the similarities and differences = between=20 works of literature, characters, genres, etc.

=B7        =20 write a narrative essay = describing=20 an incident in his/her lives; this essay will follow narrative story = format=20 (introduction, rising action, climax, falling action,=20 resolution)

=B7        =20 write a four-paragraph = persuasive=20 essay that gives his/her opinion supported with at least two clear = reasons=20 followed by examples

=B7        =20 accurately reflect = information=20 provided by listening passage

=B7        =20 edit paragraphs with = errors in=20 capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and usage

=B7        =20 write for critical = analysis and=20 evaluation of author's use of literary devices

 

In 8th grade = each=20 student will:

=B7        =20 respond to critical lens = essay=20 question with a detailed, well-formed, multi-paragraph essay; focus will = be on=20 formulating a controlling idea (thesis) and supporting it specific = details from=20 the text

=B7        =20 write a four-paragraph=20 comparison/contrast essay that analyzes the similarities and difference = between=20 works of literature, characters, genres, etc.

=B7        =20 write a cause and effect = essay=20 using several sources of information that presents the causes of a = problem,=20 issue or event and the effects

=B7        =20 write a descriptive essay = that=20 provides a colorful picture of people, places, things, events or ideas; = this=20 essay should touch on all sensory areas

=B7        =20 write responses to = various literary=20 and information listening passages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-3-

MATHEMATICS

The Middle = School=20 Mathematics Program at Plainview-Old Bethpage offers students a hands-on = mathematics experience.  = The New=20 York State Core Curriculum is covered and students are prepared for the = Grades=20 5-8 NYS Mathematics assessments administered in May. The chart below = illustrates=20 some of the topics covered at each grade level. Accelerated students = will study=20 seventh and eighth grade mathematics in the seventh grade and will begin = to=20 prepare for the Integrated Algebra Regents Exam in the eighth grade, = using the=20 AMSCO text.

 

   

Grade

Topics

 

=92

More=20 advanced statistical applications (mean, median, mode, quartiles), = review=20 of graphs of data, exponents, order of operations on whole = numbers, simple=20 evaluation of algebraic expressions, solutions of simple first = degree=20 equations, more applications of fractions, decimals, and percents = (sales=20 tax, discounts, etc.), ratio and proportion, introduction to = negative=20 rational numbers, volume and surface area of simple solids, = compound and=20 shaded area of plane geometric shapes, area and circumference of = circles,=20 some solid geometry, Pythagorean Theorem, more on = probability. =

 

 

 

=93

Evaluating more = complex=20 algebraic expressions, solving equations with parentheses and = variables on=20 both sides, graphing inequalities on the number line, the = coordinate=20 system, plotting linear equations on the coordinate axes, verbal = problems=20 involving linear equations, applications of ratio and proportion, = volume=20 and surface area of more complex solids (cones, pyramids, spheres, = prisms), more advanced applications of percent, operations on = polynomials.=20

=92

(Accelerated)

All=20 topics covered in the seventh and eighth grade non-accelerated=20 curriculum.

 

=93

 (Accelerated)

Solving linear and = quadratic=20 equations, simplifying algebraic equations, adding, subtracting, = and=20 factoring polynomials, graphing systems of linear and/or quadratic = equations and inequalities, operations on rational expressions, = solving=20 equations and proportions with variables in the denominator, = simplifying=20 radicals, rationalizing denominators, applications of the = Pythagorean=20 theorem involving variables, applications of geometry involving = variables,=20 absolute value, right triangle trigonometry, exponential growth = and decay,=20 statistics, probability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-4-

SCIENCE

 
 

 

 

The Middle = School Science=20 Program at Plainview-Old Bethpage offers students a hands-on science = experience.=20 Lessons are designed from an MST (Math, Science and Technology) = perspective.=20 Students are encouraged to develop their understanding of the subject = through=20 inquiry and experimentation. The New York State Core Curriculum is = covered and=20 students are well prepared for the Grade 8 Intermediate Level Science=20 Assessment. Students that demonstrate the academic ability and readiness = to=20 accelerate are encouraged to enroll in the Accelerated Earth Science = Regents=20 class offered in the 8th grade. The chart below illustrates = some of=20 the units covered and the kits used at each grade = level.

 

Grade

Topics=20

7

 

Life = Science=20 and Chemistry

 

8

 

Physical=20 Science - Earth Science, Physics

 

Accelerated=20 8

 

Regents Earth=20 Science

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-5-

SOCIAL=20 STUDIES

The Middle = School Social=20 Studies Program facilitates student familiarity with all areas of the = world,=20 culminating in an in-depth study of our own nation. We encourage = investigation=20 through projects, collaborative learning, technology-supported research, = interdisciplinary instruction and many other strategies designed to = engage=20 students. Our classes are heterogeneously organized throughout the = middle school=20 experience. Both the New York State Core Curriculum and New York State = Standards=20 are exceeded in our curriculum.

 

 

 

Grade 7 & Grade=20 8-The course of study in grades 7 & 8 = focuses on a=20 chronologically organized study of the United=20 States and New York State history. In these grades, = the volume=20 of work steadily increases and, consequently, there is greater need to = work on=20 organizational skills.  = Through=20 7th and 8th grade, students continue to learn the=20 fundamentals of DBQ writing and establish the foundation necessary to be = successful essay writers.  = Likewise,=20 increased emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills such as = analysis,=20 synthesis and evaluation.  = Self=20 assessment becomes a more frequently used tool. 

 

Grade = 7-Students investigate the heritage of the = American=20 people prior to 1500, exploration and colonization of the = Americas, the=20 creation of our nation, the founding of our government, life in the new = nation,=20 sectionalism, The Civil War and Reconstruction. 

 

Grade = 8-Students investigate the growth of our=20 industrialized society, the emergence of the United States as an international = power, American=20 society between the wars, United States as a world = leader, the=20 changing nature of the American people from World War II to the present = and=20 citizenship in today=92s world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-6-

 

WORLD=20 LANGUAGES           &n= bsp;   =20         

 

 

New York State = Standards for=20 Languages Other Than English:

 

Students will be = able to use=20 a language other than English for = communication.

 

Students will = develop=20 cross-cultural skills and understandings.

 

Students in our = middle=20 schools are given the opportunity to explore and eventually select a = world=20 language for study.  The = two=20 languages offered are French and Spanish. =20

 

Our world language = classes=20 are active participation classes designed to provide our students with=20 opportunities to communicate in their new language and gain an = understanding of=20 other cultures. =20

 

Grade=20 7

In addition to = continuing to=20 learn how to engage in simple conversations in their second language, = students=20 begin to learn to read and write in their new language.  Seventh grade topics include = expressing=20 likes and dislikes, leisure activities, sports, hobbies, family life and = school=20 life. Students will also be able to identify the countries and major = cities=20 where their second language is spoken.

 

Grade=20 8

Vocabulary topics = include=20 making social plans, occupations and professions, community services = such as the=20 post office, plane and train travel, health, daily routines, food, = clothing,=20 shopping, and holiday celebrations. =20 The students will also progress from describing events in the = present=20 tense to being able to describe past actions. 

 

 

Under current regulations, in order to = receive one=20 High School credit in World Languages before entering grade 9, students = are=20 required to pass the seventh grade introductory course, the eighth grade = level=20 one course and the Foreign Language Association of Chairpeople and = Supervisors=92=20 Checkpoint A Exam in Spanish or French.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTACT

Mr. Brian=20 O=92Sullivan, World Languages Chair K=9612, can be reached by phone at=20

(516)=20 937-6369 ext.  277 or via = e-mail at=20 bosullivan@pob.k12.ny.us

 

 

-7-

 

 

 

MUSIC

 

Classroom=20 Music - Grade 7:

 

Students=20 continue to develop the study of rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, form,=20 dynamics, musical theater, music appreciation and music history through=20 activities including listening, singing, playing classroom instruments, = and=20 movement.

 

Performing = Ensembles =96=20 Band, Orchestra and Chorus - Grades 7 and 8:

 

Instrumental = students are=20 encouraged to continue the band or orchestra instrument they began in = elementary=20 school. Students who choose to participate in chorus can also = participate in an=20 instrumental ensemble (band or orchestra).  The students in all = ensembles=20 continue to develop their individual musicianship and ensemble skills. = The=20 performing ensembles in the middle school are graded classes.  = Ensemble=20 rehearsals take place either =930=94 period or period 9 at POBMS, or = period 9 at=20 MMS.  In addition to the full ensemble rehearsals, there are group = lessons=20 for band and orchestra students scheduled on a rotating basis through = the day.=20 Parents play an important role in encouraging students to practice at=20 home.

 

Performance ensemble = concepts=20 include:

=B7       =20 Proper technique, = position,=20 posture, grip, breathing, diction, etc.

=B7       =20 Rhythm, articulation and=20 phrasing

=B7       =20 Sight = reading

=B7       =20 Tone=20 production

=B7       =20 Dynamics

=B7       =20 Practice=20 techniques

=B7       =20 Rehearsal = procedures/ensemble=20 playing

=B7       =20 Instrument=20 maintenance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-8-

 

ART

 

The Middle School = Art=20 Program builds on the strengths of the foundation established by the = elementary=20 art concepts and practices and bridges to the high expectations of the=20 competitive high school art program. =20 The following outline presents a general overview of each grade = level=20 experience and identifies some of the mediums and areas of = emphasis.  Projects, interpretations and = outcomes=20 vary from year to year and from class to class.

 

     =

GRADE = 7

=A7        =20 Refine applied design=20 skills

=A7        =20 Draw from=20 observation

=A7        =20 Develop three-dimensional = drawing=20 skills

=A7        =20 Color = theory

=A7        =20 Develop art=20 vocabulary

(Students in = 7th grade=20 have art every other day for half of the year =3D 45=20 sessions)

(A placement exam will be = given to=20 identify students for Art 9 in Grade 8. =20 Art 9 students begin AP Portfolio Development in 9th=20 Grade.)

 

 

 

     GRADE 8

=A7        =20 Refine design and color=20 concepts

=A7        =20 Apply=20 problem-solving

=A7        =20 Use sculpture as a = reference point=20 within a display (animal in its habitat)

=A7        =20 Continue drawing from=20 observation

(Students in = 8th grade=20 have art every day for half of the year =3D 90 = sessions)

(Art 9 students meet = every day for=20 a full year =3D 180 sessions =3D high school credit toward = graduation.  Earth Science students meet = every other=20 day for a full year=3D 90 sessions =3D =BD = credit.)

 

         =20

 

GRADE = 9

=A7        =20  Develop personal=20 style

=A7        =20  Explore selected=20 themes

=A7        =20  Refine drawing=20 skills

=A7        =20  Refine techniques in classic = drawing=20 mediums (pencil, pastels, paint, etc.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-9-

 

 

 

HEALTH & PHYSICAL = EDUCATION=20 PROGRAMS

 

 

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Health and = Physical=20 Education Program is a seamless K-12 curriculum.  The two related disciplines, = health and=20 physical education, focus on the whole child, fostering successful = experiences,=20 and creating positive learning environments with an emphasis on the = acquisition=20 of life skills to promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy decision = making.  This tenet recognizes and = supports the=20 individuality of students=92 growth and development, and the broad = variety of=20 personal achievement levels.  = This=20 will lay the ground work for each child to develop into a productive = citizen=20 with a positive outlook and a healthful quality of = life.

 

Health Education is skills based, = providing students=20 with useful personal tools to make educated, informed health-related = decisions.=20 Physical education has an emphasis on personal fitness. The students are = provided a varied curriculum designed to offer everyone a physical = outlet to=20 promote fitness.

 

Through an integrated sequential = curriculum,=20 students will practice decision-making skills that foster independence = and=20 informed risk-taking; practice goal setting and problem solving; develop = kinesthetic intelligence; and acquire social interaction skills, = cooperation=20 skills, and respect and tolerance for others. The students will also = learn to=20 channel their energy and creative spirit into constructive participation = and use=20 of leisure time and build relationships in school, family and community=20 daily.

 

The middle school program must encompass = the needs=20 of the whole child by recognizing that each child develops at his or her = own=20 pace.  Students will gain = skills,=20 knowledge, personal confidence, positive attitudes toward fitness and = personal=20 health, and acquire a means to attain personal wellness.  The activities and lessons are = multidisciplinary that highlight interactions in the physical, = emotional, mental=20 and social domains.  = Through all of=20 the middle school grades, by engaging the students, we endeavor to make = every=20 experience fun and attainable.  = The=20 end product for the students is lasting health and fitness and the means = to=20 attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their=20 lives.

 

 

 

 

 

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;           &nbs= p;=20

 

 

 

 

 

 

-10-

TECHNOLOGY

 

Introduction to = Technology=20 is a course of study designed to enable 7th and = 8th grade=20 students to understand the concepts that underlie technological = systems.  Students will learn about the = influence=20 of technological systems on their total lifestyle including home, = school, and=20 the world of work.

 

 

Topics included = in the=20 7th Grade curriculum:

=B7       =20 Problem=20 Solving/Decision Making  =20

=B7       =20 Measurements           &nbs= p;            = ;     =20

=B7       =20 Using = Machines=20 and Tools

=B7       =20 Manufacturing =20

=B7       =20 Designing

=B7       =20 Construction

=B7       =20 Machine=20 Safety

Topics included in the 8th = Grade=20 curriculum:

=B7       =20 Problem=20 Solving/Decision Making

=B7       =20 Using = Machines=20 and Tools

=B7       =20 Safety=20 Issues

=B7       =20 Mechanical=20 Drawing

=B7       =20 Engineering

 

 =20

 

 

 

HOME &=20 CAREERS

 

Home & Career Skills is a class = designed to help=20 adolescents live in a society of constant change and help them prepare = for their=20 present and future responsibilities as family members, consumers, home = managers,=20 and wage earners.

 

 

 

Topics included in the 7th = Grade=20 curriculum:

=B7       =20 Career=20 Planning

o =  Preparing a Career=20 Plan

o =  Career = Caf=E9

=B7       =20 Problem=20 Solving/Decision Making Nutrition

Education

o =  Diet/Disease

o =  Eating = Disorders-

   =20     obesity, anorexia,=20 bulimia

o =  Kitchen Safety and=20 Sanitation

o =  Meal Planning/Healthy Eating = Choices=20

=B7       =20 Sewing=20 Skills

o =  Use and Care of a Sewing=20 Machine

o =  Projects

 

-11-

2011-2012

TESTING=20 DATES

 

As of 8/18/2011, New York = State=20 Department of Education has not published the 2011-2012 testing=20 dates.

 

 

TBD           &nbs= p;          =20 Grades 5 =96 8             &nbs= p;      =20 NYSESLAT Speaking

         =20 TBD           &nbs= p;          =20 Grades 5 =96 8           =20 NYSED ELA Test

         =20 TBD           &nbs= p;          =20 Grades 5 =96 8            &nbs= p;     =20 NYSED Math Test

         =20 TBD           &nbs= p;=20          =20 Grades 5 =96 8           =20 NYSESLAT

         =20 TBD           &nbs= p;          =20 Grade 8           &nbs= p;     =20 NYSED Science Objective & Performance

         =20 TBD           &nbs= p;          =20 Grade 8            &nbs= p;    =20 NYSED Science Written

         =20 TBD           &nbs= p;          =20 Grade 8           &nbs= p;     =20 Earth Science Lab Practical

 

 

 

 

OTHER IMPORTANT=20 DATES

 

 

September 27         =20 MMS           &nbs= p;         =20 Grades 7 & 8

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =  =20 POBMS           &nbs= p;      =20          =20 Back-to-School

 

         =20

November 8            =20 Superintendent=92s Conference Day

 

 

         =20 December 1   =          =20 MMS           &nbs= p;         =20 P/T Conferences

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =  =20 POBMS           &nbs= p;      =20          =20 L-Z Grades 7 & 8

 

December 7            =20 MMS           &nbs= p;         =20 P/T Conferences

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =  =20 POBMS           &nbs= p;            = ;    =20 A-K Grades 7 & 8

 

         =20

 

 

 

-12-

GIFTED=20 PROGRAM

 

 

The program in Project = Challenge is=20 designed to foster self-directed learning by encouraging exploration, = inquiry,=20 in-depth study and reflective thinking. =20 Adhering to an overarching theme, children participate in=20 interdisciplinary learning experiences that focus on critical thinking,=20 intellectual discussion, interpretation, creativity, research and=20 problem-solving.

 

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL = ENRICHMENT FOR=20 ALL

 

In an=20 effort to bring the Enrichment = for=20 All experience to all middle school students, we have developed a = plan that=20 will introduce and develop the skills of writing a research paper in any = discipline. It is imperative that students enter the high school with = the skills=20 set of conducting literature research, physical research and especially = in=20 writing a research document.

 

7th=20 grade = =96 During the=20 spring semester every 7th grade student will be introduced to = the=20 basic steps for conducting research. They will use an inquiry model to = find a=20 topic of interest and will conduct basic literature research on that = topic to=20 help them establish essential question. The overarching theme of all = inquiry=20 must be related to global impact. This will be the foundation for their=20 8th grade research endeavor.

 

8th=20 grade = =96 During the=20 fall semester every 8th grade student will participate in a=20 research-based experience. Students will develop an understanding of how = inquiry=20 is essential for conducting effective and meaningful research.  Students will =

      • learn skills for = researching=20 literature=20
      • use the research = wheel to=20 organize their findings=20
      • select a topic = related to the=20 concept of global impact=20
      • conduct research on = their=20 topic=20
      • create a research = based=20 document=20
      • present their = findings to=20 their peers

 

 

MAP=20 PROGRAM

 

As part of our Middle = School=20 Advisory Program (MAP), all middle school students will be assigned to = an=20 advisory period that will take place between first and second periods of = the=20 day.  The goal of MAP is = to ensure=20 that each student has at least one staff member who knows that child = well and=20 acts as their advocate throughout their middle school years.  MAP will include activities = and=20 discussions that help students develop friendships, support academic = success and=20 promote good work habits and organizational skills.  Students will meet for 10 = minutes each=20 day in small groups lead by their MAP advisors.  Once per month students will = stay with=20 their MAP group for an extended period of 26 minutes to participate in = more=20 comprehensive activities that address the goals of the=20 program.

 

-13-

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION=20 SERVICES

 

Special education = services are=20 provided to students based on recommendations made by the Committee on = Special=20 Education.  Services may = include:=20 consultant teacher services, resource room instruction, integrated = co-teaching,=20 special class instruction, related services and declassification support = services.  =

 

PSYCHOLOGISTS

 

The psychologist=92s role = in the=20 middle school involves support to school staff, parents, and students = regarding=20 any academic, emotional, social or behavioral needs that may arise. =  The psychologist evaluates = students who=20 are referred to the CSE to assist in determining if special education = services=20 are necessary.  The = psychologist=20 also provides counseling and crisis intervention services. They are an = active=20 participant in the development of functional behavioral assessments and = behavior=20 intervention plans, and facilitate their implementation.  The school psychologist=92s = consultation=20 with teachers, administration, parents, and outside providers is an = integral=20 component in ensuring the student=92s success.

           &n= bsp;   =20            &nbs= p;            = ;            =        =20

SOCIAL=20 WORKERS

 

The social=20 worker in the middle school supports students=92 academic and social = success by=20 providing specialized services that may include:

=B7  =20 Individual and group=20 counseling

=B7  =20 Crisis intervention for = students=20 and families

=B7  =20 Substance abuse = prevention and=20 awareness activities

=B7  =20 Intervention services for = students=20 with attendance and disciplinary issues

=B7  =20 Assistance for students = in=20 developing advocacy skills and/or social skills

=B7  =20 Referrals for community=20 resources

=B7  =20 Liaison between school = and=20 community agencies

 

The social=20 worker provides intensive services for students experiencing multiple = risk=20 factors to support educational success. =20 Students and families receive assistance in obtaining resources = within=20 the school and community. =20

 

 

GUIDANCE=20 COUNSELORS

  Middle school years can be = positive ones=20 of self-discovery for children.  = The=20 guidance counselors work with administration, staff, parents and = students in=20 many ways through our comprehensive counseling program.  Each service is aimed at = helping=20 children learn and develop to their highest potential.  Our goal is to provide = opportunities to=20 promote excellence and success for all students.

 

-14-

PARENT/TEACHER=20 ORGANIZATIONS

 

Each school in the district has a PTA and = the=20 district has a Special Education Parent-Teacher Association = (SEPTA).  If you are interested in = getting=20 involved, consult your calendar for dates and times of the meetings. For = further=20 information regarding SEPTA meetings, contact the Office of Pupil = Personnel=20 Services at 937-6325.

           =20

 

 

 

           &nbs= p;           =20

COMMUNICATING WITH=20 PARENTS

All schools in = the district=20 use written reports designed to interpret the student=92s progress in = academic=20 fields and personal development.  = These reports are issued four times per year. At the elementary = level,=20 parent/teacher conferences are held in the fall and the spring.  Please see the district = calendar for the=20 specific dates.

 

Parents are = urged to=20 discuss the schoolwork, tests, and quarterly reports with their = child.  When a child is experiencing=20 difficulties, parents should contact the child=92s teacher to determine = the reason=20 for the difficulties so that a plan for improvement may be developed and = implemented.

 

 

 

CHILD CARE=20 PROGRAM

 

Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School=20 District offers child = care for=20 children in the middle schools in grades 5 - 8.  The Child Care Program is = located in=20 both Plainview-Old = Bethpage Middle=20 School and Mattlin Middle=20 School.

 

Before-school = care begins=20 an hour prior to the start of the school day.  The morning program is = contingent upon=20 registration. The afterschool program is a flexible program beginning at = the=20 close of the day (8th period) coordinating with = 9th period=20 activities until 6:00=20 pm.

         =20

Registration = for all=20 programs is accepted throughout the year. =20 For more information, contact Cindy DuBoff at the Child Care = office,=20 349-4776 X249 between the hours of

4:00 pm and = 6:30 pm during=20 the school year.

 

-15-

    HEALTH=20 SERVICES

 

The=20 registered nurse is a resource for the planning, coordination, and=20 implementation of an effective program meeting all the requirements set = forth in=20 the New = York=20 State laws and = the=20 Commissioner=92s regulations.  = These=20 include monitoring of physical examinations, immunizations as well as = vision,=20 hearing and scoliosis screening.  = A=20 cumulative health record is maintained for all students.  Registered nurses are = available for=20 emergency care as well as consultation in all matters pertaining to the = health=20 and well-being of the students.

 

Physical=20 examinations are required by October 1st for all students = entering=20 7th grade.  = Physicals are=20 also required for all new entrants as well as for any student = participating in a=20 sports activity. The nurses will also check to make sure that your = child=92s=20 immunizations are up-to-date. New entrants and students in grades 5 and = 7 will=20 be screened for distance vision.

 

All=20 students are required to have DPT, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, = Hepatitis B=20 and Varicella vaccines as mandated by NYS law.  All students entering = 6th=20 grade as of 2008 are required to have a tdap immunization.=20

 

If your=20 child is to be excused from Physical Education for the day, a note is=20 required.  If a student = visits a=20 doctor and is to be medically excused from participating in class, a = doctor=92s=20 note is required with the length of time for = excuse.

 

If your=20 child must take medication in school, please contact the school = nurse. =20 The school may not give your child any medication (including=20 over-the-counter) internally and externally, unless there is a written = direction=20 by the family physician and parent.  Students are not = permitted to=20 administer their own medication in school.

 

Contact=20 Information

It is most=20 important that the contact information form be returned to the office = and the=20 school nurse.  The = individuals you=20 choose for this responsibility should be able to come to school during = the day=20 to pick up your child if necessary. =20 Please update your = contact=20 information as necessary.

 

 EMERGENCY=20 SCHOOL CLOSINGS/DELAYED OPENINGS

 

In the=20 event of inclement weather or emergency conditions, the Superintendent = of=20 Schools determines whether schools will be closed or there will be a = delayed=20 opening of schools. =20

 

If it is=20 determined that the conditions will allow for the safe arrival of staff = and=20 students, the Superintendent may authorize a one and one-half hour delay = in the=20 start of the school day.  = This=20 alternative to closing the schools permits greater flexibility in = meeting the=20 180 day minimum session requirement for students set by the New York = State=20 Education Department.

 

A delayed=20 opening schedule means that classes will start one and one-half hours = later than=20 normal and transportation will be provided one and one-half hours later = than the=20 normal pickup for all district and private schools.  In the event of a delayed = opening,=20 =93Parent Link=94 will be activated in the same way it would be if = schools were to=20 be closed for the day. Please make sure the school has your current = telephone=20 number in order for you to receive this call.

 

Delayed Starting=20 Time

Mattlin=20 Middle School           &nbs= p;            = ;       =20   9:30=20 am

Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle=20 School        =20 10:13=20 am

 

In the=20 event that schools are closed or delayed in opening because of inclement = weather=20 or other emergency, the following radio and TV stations will be notified = and=20 will make announcements, usually from 7:00 am to 9:00 = am.

     WCBS = 880AM            = WBAB=20 102.3FM              =20 WKJY 98.3FM    =20            &nbs= p;           =20 WHLI 1100AM

     WALK 97.5FM            = WINS=20 1010AM     =            &nbs= p;          =20 WGBB 1240AM             &nbs= p;=20 Cablevision Ch. 12

 

In addition, =93Parent = Link=94 will send=20 a message to all families with active phone numbers in our=20 system.

 

NOTE:  With the cooperation of the = Plainview Fire = Department,=20 arrangements have been made to sound the fire siren at 6:30 am, 7:00 am, = and=20 7:30 am promptly.  When = the=20 emergency conditions warrant the closing of schools, listen for the=20 signal.

-16-

ATTENDANCE POLICY           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;           =20

 

 

Every student = has a right=20 to educational opportunities that will enable the student to develop his = or her=20 fullest potential.  Our = attendance=20 policy is based upon the principle that regular school attendance = maximizes the=20 student=92s interaction with his or her teachers and peers. Attendance = is a major=20 component of academic success.  = Poor=20 attendance may be reflected in the class participation components of = your=20 child=92s grade.

 

Any student = taking a high=20 school level course will be denied course credit where he/she has = exceeded=20 eighteen (18) absences for a full year course or exceeded nine (9) = absences for=20 a half year course exclusive of absences for approved school sponsored = trips and=20 activities and pre-arranged school appointments. In 7th and=20 8th grade students who fall below the minimum standards for=20 attendance will be given a grade of =93incomplete.=94 Students in middle = schools who=20 receive incompletes must make up their work to earn a final grade by = attending=20 summer school. For courses not offered in summer school, students must=20 satisfactorily complete, over the summer, an independent project under = the=20 supervision of the principal and/or his designee.

 

The = Commissioner of=20 Education defines excused absences as absences due to personal illness, = illness=20 or death in the family, impassable roads or weather, religious = observance,=20 quarantine, required court appearances, attendance at health clinics, = approved=20 college visits, approved cooperative work programs, or military=20 obligations.

 

Absences due to = a family=20 trip or vacation are NOT excused and will be reflected as illegal on the = child=92s=20 permanent record. =20

 

When a student = is absent,=20 please notify the school by phoning the school=92s first alert number as = soon as=20 possible.  On the day of = return, the=20 student must bring in a written excuse from home.

 

If a student is = absent for=20 an extended period of time due to illness, injury or hospitalization, = contact=20 the Office of Pupil Personnel Services for information and, if = indicated, an=20 application for Home Tutoring Services.

 

Parents will be = notified of=20 excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused.  Should absences persist, a = meeting with=20 school personnel will be scheduled to assess the situation and devise an = appropriate plan to remedy the situation. =20 Similar procedures apply to excessive = tardiness.

 

Where a = student=92s=20 absenteeism is due to parents=92 failure to enable his or her = attendance, and the=20 student is of compulsory age, school personnel are obligated to report = the=20 matter as =93educational neglect=94 to the State Department of Social=20 Services.

 

-17-

 

         =20            &nbs= p;            = ;    =20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           &nbs= p;            = ;            =             &= nbsp;    =20

 

 

BOARD OF = EDUCATION

2011-2012

Mr. Gary Bettan,=20 President

Mrs. Amy Pierno, Vice=20 President

Mrs. Debbie Bernstein=20

Mr. Angel = Cepeda

Mrs. Ginger Lieberman=20

Mrs. Evy Rothman =

Mrs. Emily = Schulman

 

Central=20 Administration

 

Mr. Gerard=20 W. Dempsey,=20 Jr..............................................................Superinte= ndent=20 of Schools

Ms. Jill=20 M. Gierasch =85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85.=85=85=85=85=85Asst. Superintendent = for Curriculum and=20 Instruction

Mr. Arthur=20 Jonas....................................................................= ..............Deputy=20 Superintendent

Mr. Ryan=20 Ruf......................................................................= ..Asst.=20 Superintendent for Business

Ms. Ellie=20 Becker=85=85=85=85...................................................... = Director of=20 Pupil Personnel Services

Ms.=20 Catherine=20 Maiman=85=85=85...................Asst. Director of = Special=20 Education, Grades Preschool-4

Ms.=20 Dolores Binstock.=85..=85.=85=85=85..=85=85=85..............Asst. = Director of Special Education,=20 Grades 5-8

Ms.=20 Sandy=20 Steinberg........................................Asst. = Director=20 of Special Education, Grades 9-12

Mr.=20 Kevin=20 McDermott.............................Director of = Physical=20 Education, Recreation and Athletics

Dr. Judith=20 Chen.....................................................................= ...........................Director=20 of Art

Mr. Joshua=20 Golbert..................................................................= ......................Director=20 of Music

Mr.=20 Guy=20 Lodico..................................................= ...................................Director=20 of Technology

Ms. Kim=20 Parahus=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85=85.Director = of School Facilities and Operations=20 II

Ms. Nadine=20 Eiring............................................District = Transportation=20 Specialist & Safety Officer

Mr.=20 Mark=20 Donovan.................................................= ...........................Transportation=20 Supervisor

 

 

Mission Statement

 

The=20 mission of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School=20 District is to provide an academically = challenging=20 and stimulating environment for all students, and to enable them to = realize=20 their full potential to be happy, ethical and analytical citizens of the = world.  =

 

We=20 do this by:

 

=B7       =20 making=20 tolerance, acceptance, respect, honesty and kindness expectations for = all=20 students, and for members of the Plainview-Old Bethpage school=20 community;

 

=B7       =20 identifying=20 each student=92s academic, social-emotional, aesthetic and physical = needs, and=20 striving to meet those needs; and

 

=B7       =20 encouraging=20 communication between and among students, teachers, parents, = administrators, and=20 community members