Duanesburg Central School District > Duanesburg Elementary School > About Duanesburg Elementary School > Duanesburg Elementary School Handbook

Duanesburg Elementary School Handbook

District Mission Statement

Duanesburg Central School’s mission statement is:  Partnering with families and community, Duanesburg Central School will provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. We are committed to cultivating integrity, fostering community and instilling pride to prepare every student for success.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The goal of our school community is to provide a safe, well-planned educational environment for all students. School is a microcosm of society. In school, as in society, students are afforded basic rights while being responsible for the maintenance of standards and order within the education setting. It is this blend of rights and responsibilities that makes our school fair and successful.

Statement of Non-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment

It is the policy of the Duanesburg Central School District not to permit discrimination or harassment; but endorse the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity to include: an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not limited to, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity or expression, and sexes.

Discrimination is defined as the act of denying rights, benefits, justice, equitable treatment or access to facilities available to all others, to an individual or group of people because of the group, class or category to which that person belongs.

Harassment is defined as “creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being; or conduct verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety; such conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.”

Harassment may take the form of comments, name-calling, jokes, stalking, perpetuating rumors or gossip, offensive gestures or language, assault or any other behavior that is designed to annoy, intimidate or cause fear. Bullying and/or hazing of students and staff is prohibited behavior and will not be tolerated at Duanesburg Central School District.

“Hazing” means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a risk of emotional, physical or psychological harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, club, or for any other purpose.

Bullying consists of inappropriate behavior including threats, or intimidation of others, treating others cruelly, terrorizing, coercing, or habitual put downs and/or badgering of others. Bullying, similar to all forms of harassment and hazing, are prohibited behaviors.

Common characteristics of bullying:

● Physical – hitting, kicking, taking or damaging a victim’s property
● Verbal – using words to berate, hurt or humiliate
● Relational – maliciously spreading rumors, and/or actively excluding a person from the peer group to cause emotional harm

Visitors to School

To ensure the health and safety of the staff and community, only visitors who have been invited to come to the building by faculty members, the nurse or the principal will be allowed to enter the building.

Raptor System for School Visitors

All visitors to the school must present a valid driver’s license or other government-issued ID at the main office. This ID is scanned using the district’s Raptor system, which performs the following checks:

  • Background screening: Confirms the visitor is not listed on any national sex offender registries.

  • Custodial verification: Syncs with school records to verify custodial rights (if applicable).

  • Visitor tracking: Keeps a record of all visitors entering the building.

After check-in, visitors receive a dated badge with their photo, which must be worn at all times while on campus and returned upon leaving that day.

Once a visitor is in the system, future check-ins are faster, and badges can even be pre-printed for scheduled visits.

General Visitor Guidelines

  • All visitors MUST enter the building at the main office entrance to sign-in. Please be prepared to show staff in the main office photo ID every time you visit.
  • Please use the designated visitor parking. Parking is prohibited  next to the sidewalk in front of the school or in the driveway by the kitchen/gym doors, as these spaces must remain open in order to comply with fire safety regulations.
  • Visitors who come to the building to pick up a child prior to normal dismissal must report to the office.
  • At the conclusion of your stay at Duanesburg Elementary School, please sign out at the main office and return your dated visitor pass.
  • Put pagers, cell phones and other electronic devices on silent when entering the school building to eliminate inadvertent distractions from student learning.
  • If a visitor needs to use the cell phone, please use it away from instructional areas and students.
  • If you have small children, please supervise them at all times. Remind them to walk in the halls, as there is no running, and please assist them to be quiet near classrooms.
  • All students, staff and visitors need to be mindful of being quiet and using appropriate language in hallways, so as not to disrupt children from learning in classrooms. 
  • No smoking or vaping is permitted anywhere on the school grounds.

Attendance | Drop-Off | Pick-Up Procedures

The Elementary school day runs from 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Students depart the buses at 7:50 am.  Parent drop-off begins no earlier than 7:40 a.m., as supervision is not provided earlier than that. Students are supervised in the cafeteria until 7:50 a.m.  Any student arriving after 8:00 a.m. will  have to be escorted into the building by a parent/guardian, as they will be considered late. 

Parents who pick up their student prior to dismissal must call the office to sign out their student.

iSchoolRide PickupLine App

For families that transport daily, please follow the guidelines below to register for iSchoolRide:

  • Download iSchoolRide PickupLine App from Google Play or the App Store.
  • Open the app and use our school code VBM-214 to register for your account. Instructions for registration can be found on the iSchoolRide website.
  • Once you register successfully, make sure to change the ‘Sample Student’ to your child and add more as needed. To do this, click on “Pickup Card,” and click the icon. Be sure to select the correct grade. 
  • Now you can use the iSchoolRide PickupLine app to pick up your child(ren). 
  • When you are driving to pick-up, turn on the app. Make sure that the slider on the top of the app is set to “online.” 
  • When you drive into our pickup zone, your app will alert school staff that you have arrived. We will be able to communicate with you through the app if necessary.

Bus slips

Bus slips are required when there are ANY change in a student’s transportation home (i.e. parent pick-up instead of the bus, student is taking a different bus), or if the student leaves early and will not be riding the bus home.

Absences

ALL absences require a written excuse from a parent or guardian. Please submit the written or emailed excuse to the attendance clerk and indicate the reason for the absence.

Examples of EXCUSED absences:

  • Absences approved in advance by the principal
  • Court-ordered appearance
  • Serious medical conditions such as surgery or long-term illness (documentation required)
  • Medically ill
  • Doctor-verified quarantine
  • Religious observance
  • Serious illness or death in the family

Examples of UNEXCUSED absences:

  • Babysitting
  • Family vacations
  • Transportation issues/car problems
  • Hunting/fishing
  • Missing the buss
  • Oversleeping
  • Planned family events
  • Shopping or recreational outings

Extracurricular Attendance Policy

​Students must be in class on the day of an extracurricular event in order to participate or be admitted. 

6-Day Rotation Schedule

The elementary school runs on a 6-day rotation schedule (i.e. day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Every day indicates a different special area class for students. Classroom teachers give the 6-day schedule to students in September. If there is a full day school cancellation, the rotation day will be carried over to the next school attendance day, (i.e. Wednesday – day 3 is a snow day cancellation – then the next day, Thursday, will be day 3.)

School-Wide Expectations

School Wide Discipline System: PBIS

PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It focuses on improving a school’s ability to teach and support positive behavior of all students. It is a proactive system approach of prevention and response to classroom and school discipline issues. The emphasis is on developing and maintaining a safe environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. Specific procedures for teaching and celebrating these expectations will occur throughout the year.

PBIS Core Values

Be Respectful – includes following directions, keeping hands and feet to yourself, using appropriate language and raising your hand.

Be Responsible – includes being an active listener, following directions, and participating. 

Be Safe – includes walking, sitting appropriately, maintaining personal space, and using equipment properly.

Students are expected to honor these core values in various school and school related settings including the classroom, hallways, library, cafeteria, bathrooms, buses and school grounds.

Physical Education

Every student who attends school must take part in a physical education program. Students in grades K-6 must successfully complete the physical education classes during each year they attend school.

Library

The elementary library provides a wide selection of books for all grades and reading levels. The school has a permanent collection of books and materials. Students may use the library at times other than those assigned provided they have their teacher’s permission. Please refer to the Library Media Center page for more information about library rules and policies.

Multimedia Tools in the Library

Magazines, computer software and reference books are also available through the library. Reference books, instructional videos and computer ​software cannot be taken home. ​Encyclopedias, magazines, articles and other research tools ​are available online 24 hours a day through the Duanesburg Elementary Library.

Multimedia Tools in the Classroom

During the course of the school year, teachers supplement classroom work by utilizing a variety of multimedia tools. As such, your child may have the opportunity to view one or more videos as part of his or her classroom participation, including:

● Videos related to the curriculum being taught to your child
● Videos that are in the Duanesburg school library

Any videos shown outside the guidelines will require written notification to parents specifying the video’s content and suitability.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The internet and its services are intended to support open research and education in and among research and instructional institutions. The use by district account holders of school computers, software, and/or the Internet for other purposes, such as for-profit activity, personal business or illegal activity is prohibited.

Student Assembly Programs

During the year, special presenters or programs will be offered to students. Parents/guardians will be invited to various assemblies throughout the school year. The following rules are expected to be observed:

  • Students are expected to be kind and courteous to their peers and the guest speakers.
  • Students will be assigned a special seat or removed from the assembly if they break this basic rule.
  • The audience is to clap appropriately, no yelling.
  • Parents/guardians must first sign in at the main office or designated table in the main entrance. Parents and visitors sit in the back rows reserved for them.  Siblings may not be removed from instruction to attend  performances.  
  • Please turn cell phones off.
  • To expedite dismissal from assembly, outside guests should remain seated until all students are dismissed back to classes. Parents/guardians attending daytime performances are asked to please stay through the entire event.
  • Please refrain from talking during the performance. Even whispering can be distracting to the performers and to those around you who are trying to listen. Your cooperation helps create an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Student Field Trips

DCS believes field trips are an important part of the educational program. By providing students with firsthand experience and exposure to the larger community, field trips can greatly enhance a student’s educational experiences.

A signed permission slip from the parent/guardian is required. A child who does not provide a signed permission slip will be prohibited from participating and will be given an alternative assignment on the day of the field trip.

Classroom teachers will provide parents/guardians with specific instructions for lunch, appropriate dress, and arrival/departure times.

All students are expected to exhibit proper behavior on field trips and all school rules apply on school related field trip/athletic events. Students who are unable to maintain appropriate behavior in the classroom may jeopardize their opportunity to go on a field trip. Parents/guardians will be notified prior to the trip if there are concerns about their child’s behavior.

Student Transportation on Field Trips

When Duanesburg provides transportation to students for a school-sponsored activity or event, the school will also provide return transportation, unless the parent or legal guardian of the student has given the district written notice authorizing an alternative form of return transportation for their child.

Special Instructional Programs

Special Educational Programs

Students with disabilities are entitled to receive, at public expense, special education (SE), related services and/or supplementary support, as necessary, to ensure a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, appropriate to meet their individual needs in school. Please refer to the Special Education page for more information on special education policies and services.

Section 504 Policy Regarding Students with Disabilities

The school district does not discriminate against persons with disabilities and provides access to qualified disabled individuals to all of its activities and programs. DES will follow the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Act obligates school districts to identify, evaluate, and to extend to every qualified student with a disability residing in the district, a free, appropriate public education, including modifications, accommodations, specialized instruction, or related services as deemed necessary to meet the needs of all students.

MTSS – Multi-Tiered Support System (formerly referred to as RtI – Response to Intervention)

The Duanesburg Central School District has established administrative practices and procedures for implementing a MTSS process applicable to all students in accordance with Commissioner’s Regulations. Please refer to the MTSS page of the district website for more information.

Homebound Instruction

A student who is temporarily unable to attend school for at least two weeks due to physical, mental or emotional illness or injury may be eligible to be instructed at home or in the hospital by an appropriately certified teacher.

The parent/guardian must notify the principal if a student will be on an extended school absence. If the inability to attend is due to a medical or emotional reason, the parent must obtain a written medical request for homebound instruction from the child’s physician.

Whenever advanced notice is not possible, the parent/guardian should make every effort to obtain homework assignments until such a time as home/hospital instruction may begin.

The district will arrange for home instruction for the time periods prescribed by law, as soon as possible after receiving notice of a prolonged absence. A parent/guardian or another adult is expected to be present during all teaching sessions. Tutoring may be delivered at home or an alternative site, depending upon the availability of an adult.

English as a Second Language

Students speaking English as a second language will receive necessary instructional support to be successful per NYS requirements.

Instructional Information

Grading

Grades are used to indicate achievement and development in each class or subject area in which a student is enrolled. Grading is based, in part, upon student improvement, achievement, and participation in classroom discussions and activities. Classroom participation, and student attendance, is an important factor in earning high grades.

DES is on a trimester reporting schedule for both Interim and Report Cards. The K-5 Report Card will consist of a Standards based report card. All report cards will be available electronically. For those families that cannot access the internet, hard copies will be provided.

Homework Guidelines

The goal of homework at DES is to help our students become skilled, knowledgeable, independent, and responsible learners. The length of time a child spends on homework may fluctuate depending on the student’s grade level, strengths and needs.

Purpose of Homework

● Review content previously taught.
● Apply and reinforce concepts and skills learned in the classroom.
● Provide independent practice.
● Serve as an extension of work originating in class.
● To support parent’s/guardian’s direct involvement and/or awareness in their child’s learning.

Student Responsibilities Toward Homework

● Complete all homework assignments and return to school on time and to the best ability.
● Be prepared with an agenda, school supplies.
● Limit all external distractions (telephone, television, computers, etc.).
● When absent, make up all missed assignments in a timely fashion. Ask adults for help when needed.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities Regarding Homework

● DCS believes that parent/guardian involvement in a student’s homework is essential to making it a meaningful part of the educational program. Parents/guardians are encouraged to support their child by setting aside dedicated time and providing a quiet environment for completing homework.
● Monitor and discourage external distractions for your child during homework time by providing an appropriate place to work.
● Review homework assignments to make sure they are complete.
● Check agenda for home-school communications. (Sign agenda nightly as specified by teachers.)
● Contact the teacher if your child is having difficulty with homework or when your child is absent from school and schoolwork needs to be completed.
● Offer praise and encouragement.
● Kindergarten parents/guardians should set aside time to read daily with their child and work directly with him/her when kindergarten begins site work recognition in February.

Student Code of Conduct 

The Code of Conduct is a set of rules we all follow to help make a school a safe and comfortable place to learn.

Dignity for All Students (DASA)

Please refer to our Dignity for All Students Act page for more information about DASA.

Schoolwide Rules

Students are expected to be respectful, responsible and safe.

Elementary Student Dress Code

All students are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parents/guardians have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. Teachers and all other district personnel should exemplify and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of appropriate appearance in the school setting. A student’s dress, grooming and appearance shall:

  • In order to promote and foster a culturally proficient school environment preserving respect, dignity, and civility, students are encouraged to wear clothing or garb that is relevant to and distinctive of their respective cultures or ethnicity.
  • Students will ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing. All clothing shall be fastened appropriately.
  • Students shall not wear garments that are revealing or see-through (including those that expose one’s midriff or otherwise potentially expose private parts of the body, such as tube tops and halters).
  • Students are not allowed to wear hoods, sunglasses, visors, sweatbands, bandannas, etc. in the school building except for a medical or religious purpose, during the school day.  Head wear required for religious purposes is permitted. Students, at the discretion of the building administration, may be allowed to wear head wear in school for medical purposes, as long as appropriate documentation or notification is provided.
  • Students shall not wear or display culturally (race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status) derogatory, offensive, or divisive symbols; or items that are vulgar, obscene, libelous, or denigrate others because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, while at school, on school grounds, or participating in school-related activities.
  • Students’ dress/accessories shall not promote and/or endorse sexual activity of any kind, the use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping (e-cigarettes or juuls), or illegal drugs and/or encourage illegal or gang-related activities, including violence, depictions of guns, knives, and other weapons.
  • Transgender and/or gender nonconforming students may dress in accordance with the gender identity or gender expression within the constraints of any dress code contained in the Code of Conduct and will be enforced in like manner. 

Each building principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for informing all students and their parents/guardians of the student dress code at the beginning of the school year and any revisions to the dress code made during the school year. Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the  dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including out of school suspension.

Student Consequences for Misbehavior

Students are expected to and responsible for complying with consequences given by staff and on the bus. Consequences may include:

● Warning/time-out
● Contact parents/guardians
● Behavior improvement plan
● Classroom consequences
● Detention at lunch, recess or after school in the office or teacher’s classroom
● Suspension from the bus
● Suspension from other privileges (i.e. parties, field trips, after school activities)
● Removal from classroom by teacher
● In-house restriction (all day in the principal’s office)
● Out of school suspension (not permitted to attend school or after school activities)

Serious situations will be investigated by the principal/school staff, and followed up with parent/guardian.

Things to Leave at Home

In order to enhance a learning environment, it is important for students to leave at home those belongings that would keep them from concentrating on studies. Following are examples of items to leave at home:

● Money other than an amount needed for meals and school activities.
● Knives or other sharp objects.
● Toys, except on invitation of the teacher.
● Electronic devices including, but not limited to: Video games, CD Players MP3 Player, iPod are not to be utilized in school, however, bus drivers will allow on bus.
● Skateboards, roller skates, sneaker blades (See bus rules for details).
● Any real or toy weapon (i.e. pocket knife, toy gun, ammunition, etc.).
● Packaged fragrances (for health reasons).
● Medications (unless prescribed by a doctor, brought in by a parent/guardian and left in the health office).

Student Searches

​School lockers, desks, and other such equipment are not the private property of students but the property of the school district, and as such may be opened and subject to inspection from time to time by school officials.

Transportation Expectations

The bus driver is authorized to assign seats and require students to wear seatbelts.

● Seatbelts are recommended for student safety.
● Students will cooperate with the driver.
● Students will be courteous, use quiet voices and appropriate language.
● Stay in your seat and keep your head/hands/feet out of the aisle.
● Eating or drinking is not allowed on the bus.
● Smoking, vaping, or destruction of property are prohibited.
● Electronic devices including, but not limited to: Video games, CD/iPods/radios will be allowed by bus drivers as long as:

      • no sound​ on video games;
      • musical/MP3 players, and game devices are used with headsets;
      • no conflicts or talk beyond quiet voices will be tolerated over these items;
      • these items are put away before getting on/off the bus;
      • music/games with inappropriate language are not allowed;
      • Only “e for everyone” games are allowed on game devices;
      • Students ​bring these items on the bus at their own risk​ as ​school is not responsible​ for lost or broken video games, iPods/radios or other electronic devices;
      • cell phones cannot be used on the bus.

    Health Services

    The goal of the district’s health services is to promote and protect the health and wellness of every student. DES’ school nurse handles illness and accidents occurring during school hours. Such incidents may need to be reported to parents/guardians immediately. Please refer to the Health and Safety page for more information about required immunizations, and medications.

    Health Information / Accident Insurance

    Student accident insurance is carried on each student attending school in the Duanesburg District. The accident insurance plan is a secondary policy designed to fill in the gaps in your personal health insurance coverage. In the event of a school-related injury, you must first submit the claim to your own health insurance company. Any medical costs remaining after your insurance responds, can then be submitted to the student accident insurance company. When a claim is appropriate, you will receive instructions on how to coordinate your health insurance with the student accident plan from the school nurse.

    In many cases, the student insurance will pay in full any remaining balance from your health plan. However, the plan has limits and you may be responsible to pay some costs. There is no deductible in the student accident plan. If you have any questions, please call the school health office at the Elementary School at (518) 895-8310 ext. 229 and at the Jr./Sr. High School at (518) 895-2355, ext. 225, or call the Central Office at (518) 895-2279.

    Healthy Living

    The Duanesburg School District continually reviews and evaluates its guidelines to ensure that students are provided information, food, and activities, which promote a healthy lifestyle. Our staff encourages snacks of vegetables, fruits, or cheese and crackers during their snack time. No carbonated drinks at snack or lunch. Combined exercise and proper diet help students to be better prepared and focused for learning to take place in and out of the classroom. Also, for everyone’s health and safety, students are not allowed to share food during snack time, lunch, or breakfast periods. 

    Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies

    We ask that all parents/guardians keep peanut products to a minimum if you know that your child shares a classroom with a child with peanut/tree nut allergies.

    Breakfast and Lunch Program 

    Visit the Food Services page of the district website for information on meal pricing, etc. 

    Families are encouraged to bookmark the district’s Linq Connect page for daily menus.

    For the second year in a row, all Duanesburg Central School District students in grades PK-12 are eligible to receive FREE school meals (1 breakfast and 1 lunch per day) for the 2025-2026 school year, regardless of family income, through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional meals, snacks and a la carte items will still need to be paid for. Students will be able to purchase those items with cash or funds available on their LINQ Connect accounts.

    No application is required; however families should complete this Household Income Eligibility Form (HHIE). The data gathered from this form can qualify students for additional benefits and allows the district to receive additional state and federal funding. The online form only requires an income range and is confidential.

    For questions about CEP or the HHIE form, please contact:
    Susan Frank
    BOCES Senior Shared Food Service Program Specialist
    susan.frank@neric.org
    (518) 464-5133

    Student Phone Use in Main Office

    Student phone use in the main office is limited for emergency purposes only (i.e. canceled after school activities). There is no pay telephone in the building. Students are responsible for remembering items needed for school, their after-school activities schedule, and informing parents of their after-school activities prior to arriving at school, the day of the activity.

    Student Concerns

    DES encourages the resolution of all student concerns as promptly as possible and at the lowest level possible. Accordingly, students are urged to discuss issues first with the appropriate teacher, staff member or building principal. However, if the complaint concerns harassment, the student and/or parent should notify the principal or other appropriate staff member. Upon receipt of a harassment complaint, the building principal or other appropriate staff member will conduct a prompt investigation to determine what occurred and then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation. The principal will follow up with the necessary families within a timely manner.

    Technology Resources Agreement 

    Students that use the Internet at Duanesburg Elementary School agree to the following:

    I understand that, as an Internet user, I am responsible for my actions, and am responsible to act considerately and appropriately, in accordance with the rules. I also understand the use of the Internet is for educational purposes only. When using any Duanesburg Central School District Technology Resources, including the Internet, I will not:

    ● Send, display, or download offensive messages, or pictures.
    ● Harass, insult, or attack others.
    ● Damage computers, computer systems, or computer networks (this includes changing workstation and printer configurations).
    ● Violate copyright laws.
    ● Visit social networking website/chat rooms (i.e. myspace, club penguin, Facebook, etc).
    ● Trespass in other users’ files, folders, or work.
    ● Intentionally waste resources.

    I understand that any or all of the following sanctions could be imposed if I violate any of the policies, and procedures regarding the use of Duanesburg CSD Technology Resources, including the internet:

    1. Loss of access
    2. Additional disciplinary action to be determined at the elementary school in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior.
    3. Legal action, when applicable.

    My child has my permission to access the internet under the supervision of his/her teacher. The account holder (and the parent/legal guardian of such an account holder if he/she is under 18 years of age) understands that the school district does not have control over the content of the information available on the Internet. Although there is a general filter, some internet sites may contain inappropriate or illegal material. The school district does not condone the use of such material in the school environment. However, parents/guardians of minors having user accounts should be aware of its existence. Students are educated to report problems to staff.

    Extracurricular Programs and Activities

    Our school offers a number of co-curricular and extracurricular activities for students. Participation in such activities provides students with experience in building social relationships, developing interests in an academic area, and gaining an understanding of the responsibilities of good citizenship. Members of school sponsored clubs are representatives of the school district. DES students who participate in extracurricular activities are expected to conform to standards that meet or exceed those in the school district code of conduct. Please refer to the Clubs and Activities page for more information.

    Additional events may be scheduled and will be announced in the school newsletter. If a student is absent from school on the day of a scheduled after school event, the student may not participate in the event.

    Students must be passing in all subjects in order to remain eligible for participation in the above named activities. If the student is failing in one or more subjects when midterm reports are sent, he/she will be placed on a probationary period until the student brings up his/her grade to passing. Students also need to follow the behavioral rules as set forth in the Code of Conduct. Certain activities require a minimum level of participation/training, as established by the club advisor. The student agrees to these conditions and realizes that failure to maintain this minimum level of participation may result in suspension from the activity.

    A student may be removed from an extracurricular club if he/she continues to have academic, behavioral or minimum time requirement issues. Parents can contact the principal with any questions regarding these programs.

    Student Fundraising

    It is recognized that fundraising is the major source of money for student organizations. Each group must receive permission from the building principal to engage in any fundraising activity at least two weeks before any items are ordered or any commitments are made to either outside companies or to students.

    School Safety Plans

    The school has adopted a district-wide school safety plan and building-level emergency response plans for each building in the district. These plans are intended to define how the district and each school building will respond to threats of violence and disasters, providing a framework for identifying and implementing appropriate strategies for creating and maintaining a safe, secure learning environment for all students. A copy of this plan is available for examination in the district office.

    Fire Drills and Safety Drills

    In the event of a fire drill, students need to be aware of the location of fire exit signs. Students need to listen closely to staff directions and remain quiet throughout the fire or safety drill procedures.

    Emergency Dismissal

    In the event that school closes early due to an emergency, the office will follow the information that parents/guardians have filled out on the emergency data sheet. Parents/guardians will be contacted through ParentSquare.

    Accident Prevention/Safety Procedures

    These rules are to ensure the safety of students and employees of the district while on district property. All students and members of the school community must:

    1. Immediately report any conditions involving equipment or buildings which may be dangerous to student or employee health or welfare.
    2. immediately report any unsafe practices by anyone in the building or on the grounds; and
    3. observe the 15 mile per hour speed limit on school grounds

    District-Wide School Policies

    School policies are available in their entirety from the Board of Education page, central office or main office.

    Parent/Guardian Information

    Parent/Guardian(s) with Disabilities

    Parents/Guardians with disabilities will be afforded an equal opportunity to participate in the service, programs and activities of the district, particularly those which are designed for parental involvement and are directly related to their child’s academic and/or disciplinary progress (e.g. parent/teacher conferences, and/or meetings with other school personnel).

    Parental Involvement

    The school district believes that children succeed when there is a strong partnership between home and school. This partnership thrives on open communication between parent/guardians and the school, parental involvement in their child’s education, and parental responsibility for all aspects of their child’s education. Parents/Guardians can become partners in their child’s education by:

    ● Becoming familiar with their child’s school activities and academic program, including special programs offered by the district;
    ● Discussing with teachers, social workers and principals the options and opportunities available to their child;
    ● Monitoring their child’s academic progress and contacting teachers when necessary;
    ● Attending scheduled teacher/school conferences;
    ● Volunteering to assist at school as time permits;
    ● Monitoring their child’s attendance at school. Regular school attendance is important if a child is to achieve his/her full potential. Parents are urged to make an extra effort to ensure their child establishes a regular attendance pattern.

    Learning does not end when the school day is over. DCS encourages parents/guardians to set aside time for reading, informal learning activities, and assisting their child with homework assignments.

    Parents/guardians can also become involved in their child’s education on a broader scale by joining the Duanesburg Parent-Teacher-Student Association. DCS’ PTA is a strong link between home and school. By joining the PTA, parent/guardians become partners in advancing the educational goals of the school district while enhancing the welfare of their child. PTA meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the elementary school library.

    Parent/Guardian Conferences & Open Houses

    ​Parents/guardians should feel free to request a conference with their child’s teacher at any time. Parent/Teacher Conference Day is scheduled in November. Back-to-School Night/Open House is in September. Detailed letters are sent home a week prior to these events and dates are posted on the district calendar. If a parent/guardian cannot attend a scheduled conference, he/she should notify the school as far in advance as possible so that another conference time may be arranged.

    Student Directory Information

    Student directory information (defined as name, grade, school, town of residence, photograph, participation in activities and/or sports, and any honors or awards received) may be released for publicity purposes to the media or other organizations and/or used in school district publications or on the official district Web site. Parents/guardians who object to the release of their child’s directory information should notify in writing both the superintendent of schools and their child’s building principal within 14 days of the start of each school year.

    Staff Qualifications

    Pursuant to the Every Student Succeeds Act, parents/guardians may request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers including whether the teacher has State certification for the classes being taught; the teacher’s bachelor’s degree major and any other certifications or degrees by field or discipline; and whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. Requests for the above information may be directed in writing to the superintendent of schools.

    Student Privacy

    Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), parents/guardians have the right to inspect and opt their child out of any student survey that reveals information about personal attitudes, behaviors or beliefs. Parents/guardians also have the right to receive notice of, and opt their child out of, any activities that involve the e collection, disclosure or use of a student’s personal information for marketing purposes and out of any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening, except for hearing, vision and scoliosis screenings or as permitted or required by state law.

    Student Records

    All students’ records are confidential. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents and students who are over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) have the right to inspect and review the student’s educational records. Such a request must be sent in writing to the superintendent of schools. Arrangements will be made to provide access to such records within 45 days after the request has been received. Parents also have the right to request the amendment of the student’s education records believed to be inaccurate or misleading by writing to the superintendent, identifying the record and specifying what they believe is inaccurate and why. Parents also have the right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information in a student’s education record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. It is the district’s policy to disclose personally identifiable information from student records, without consent, to school district officials with legitimate educational interests (i.e., to fulfill professional responsibilities) and, upon request, to another school district or institution in which a student seeks enrollment. School officials include administrators, supervisors, instructors and support staff employed by the district; Board of Education members; a person or company (e.g., attorney, auditor or therapist) with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task; or a parent or student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing duties.

    Parents/guardians who believe the district has not complied with FERPA requirements may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC, 20202-4605. 

    School/Public Concerns

    Most often, parent/guardian concerns can be addressed through a telephone call or a conference with the teacher. If the matter is not settled satisfactorily, the concern or issue should be directed to the building principal, or if necessary, to the superintendent.

    Asbestos Management Plan

    In accordance with the EPA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, the Duanesburg Central School District has in place an asbestos management plan to identify and manage asbestos building materials. The Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) for the district is kept on file at the district office at 133 School Drive, Delanson. These records are available for review during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or by making an appointment. For more information, contact the business administrator in the district business office at (518) 895-2279. Information about required inspections and any scheduled asbestos projects occurring this school year is contained within the AMP and is available on the district Web site.

    Integrated Pest Management

    New York State Education Law requires the district to provide written notification to all persons in parental relation, faculty and staff regarding the potential use of pesticides periodically throughout the school year. The district is required to maintain a list of persons in parental relation, faculty and staff who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications.

    The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements: the use of disinfectant, certain substances used in areas that are off-limits to students, and if the school will be unoccupied for a continuous 72 hours following an application.

    In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good-faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. To receive 48-hour prior notification of pesticide applications, please call the district office at 895-2279.

    Paperless Communications

    Duanesburg Elementary School has gone “paperless.” This means that all publications will be put on our school’s website for viewing and printing, eliminating the need for mass copying of communications. The only exception will be families who do not have access to a computer. DCS uses the ParentSquare platform to communicate with parents/guardians via email and text messages.

    Child Abuse in an Educational Setting

    Students have the right to an educational setting that does not threaten their physical and emotional health and development. Child abuse by school personnel and school volunteers violates this right and therefore is strictly prohibited. Parents/guardians who believe that their child has been abused by employees or volunteers of the district should immediately notify the building principal of their child’s school. The appropriate law enforcement authorities/NYS Child Abuse Hotline will be notified if there is reasonable suspicion that an act of child abuse has occurred.

    Home Schooled Students

    The Education Law permits the education of children at home, provided that children of compulsory education age receive full-time instruction, and are taught by competent teachers and receive instruction that is substantially equivalent to that provided at the public schools of the student’s district of residence. However, state law does not require any specific credentials for the person providing home instruction. Further information regarding Home-Schooled Students may be obtained by contacting the District Office.

    DISCLAIMER

    The Student Handbook is a document that is meant to guide students’ understanding of school rules and procedures. The handbook is not a complete list of all school policies. Other policies are available upon request. The handbook is not an irrevocable contractual commitment to the student, but reflects the current status of the rules and policies​.