The 2009-2010 Calendar & Directory - Syosset High School

Policies, Regulations & Guidelines
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Syosset Central School District complies with state and federal regulations and law with
regard to employment in and admission to the District’s educational programs and activities. Syosset
Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex,
disability, age, sexual orientation, military status or marital status. According to Board of Education
policy, sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination. Inquiries regarding the application
of this policy may be directed to:
Title IX Coordinator (sex discrimination)
Ms. Jeanette Perrotta
Coordinator of Human Resources
Syosset Central School District
P.O. Box 9029
Syosset, New York 11791 516-364-5648
Section 504 Coordinator (handicap discrimination)
Dr. Joseph LaMelza
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Syosset Central School District
P.O. Box 9029
Syosset, New York 11791 516-364-5616
Admission to School
Children who are residents of the District shall be admitted to the public schools providing they are
not less than four years and nine months or more than twenty-one years of age as of September 1 of
the school year of admission. The Superintendent, at her/his discretion, may require appropriate proof
of residence of any pupil.
Immunization
According to New York State law, students will not be permitted to continue attending school or schoolsponsored
programs if they have not met the immunization requirements. The registered nurse of each
school maintains a complete list of diseases requiring immunization. These include polio, rubella (German
measles), measles, mumps, diptheria, Hepatitis B, and chickenpox (varicella vaccine). Public Health Law
2164 requires Hepatitis B vaccine for all children enrolled in seventh through tenth grades. Public Health
Law 2164 also requires chickenpox (varicella) vaccine or documentation by a physician of a history of
varicella for all children who will be enrolled in grade 6. In addition, a Tetanus, Diptheria & Pertussis
Booster (Tdap) is required for students born on or after 1/1/94 and enrolling in 6th grade.
Medical Information
It is recommended that all students have an annual medical examination, particularly when a child
is experiencing educational difficulties. If a child must take internal medication during school hours,
the following procedure must be followed:
1. The parent or guardian must submit a written request to school authorities.
2. A written request from the family physician must indicate the frequency and dosage of the
prescribed medication.
3. Medication must be supplied in a professionally labeled container, with a second labeled
container for use on field trips.
4. Medication for students who are not self-directed may only be administered by a registered nurse,
or by the child’s parent/guardian or the parent’s designee (who is not a District employee).
The school physician establishes requirements for readmission of children to school following an
absence due to a communicable disease.
Registration
Pupil registration occurs at the H.B. Thompson Middle School, 98 Ann Drive, Syosset, 364-5669
Kindergarten Registration
Children registering for kindergarten must be five years of age on or before December 1 of the
school year of entry. Registration will be held at each elementary school. Parents will be notified by
their schools. A birth certificate and proof of residency must be shown at the time of registration.
In addition, proof of the following must be submitted: physical and dental examination; immunization
for polio, rubella (German measles), measles, diptheria, mumps, Hepatitis B and chickenpox (varicella
vaccine); other medical history.
Kindergarten Sessions
The Syosset Central School District operates a full-day kindergarten program from 9:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.
Emergency Contact Procedures
In the event of an accident, first aid is administered immediately and every effort is made to contact
the family. If family contact cannot be made, the family physician is called. If the family physician is
not available, the school doctor is called. The success of this procedure depends upon accurate and
up-to-date information. Please notify your child’s school to report a change of family physician or
home or business telephone number.
Pupil Absence Notification System
This program, implemented in the seven elementary schools, is designed to account for students not in
attendance on a given day and to notify parents and the proper authorities if the child does not arrive at the
expected time. Separate phone lines are used by attendance personnel at each school to receive calls from
parents reporting absences. Parent cooperation is essential in making the system efficient and effective.
Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment in any form is prohibited in the Syosset Schools.
Student Automobiles and Bicycles
Automobiles: Student parking permits will be issued by the high school administrative assistants to
all seniors who are seventeen years of age and possess a valid New York State driver’s license. Due to
limited parking facilities, senior parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pursuant to Section 1670 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, the Board of Education has authorized the
Nassau County Police Department to enter school property for the purpose of enforcing school
district regulations pertaining to the restriction of movement or parking of vehicles on any parking
lots, driveways, or public ways with access to school facilities which are under the jurisdiction of the
District. This action allows police officers to enter school grounds to issue tickets for any violations.
Bicycles: Students may ride bicycles to and from school. Bicycles must be parked in designated areas.
It is recommended that all bicycles be secured by locks.
Religious Instruction
Children may be released from school for one hour, one day per week, to attend religious instruction upon
written request by parents and by a representative of the organized religious group providing instruction.
Homework
Homework is generally assigned as supplemental work, to make up incomplete assignments or
as research which cannot be completed in school. The actual experience of doing homework
independently is a lesson of value to the student. The amount of homework necessary will vary
according to subject, type of class, grade level, and the individual student. Parents can assist by
providing a quiet place to work free from distractions, establishing a time schedule, and showing an
interest in the work and its completion.
Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of
age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day
the District receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school
official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will
make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place
where the records may be inspected.
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