In accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation (CR) A414, the PS139Q Safety Committee has adopted a school-wide safety plan and building level emergency response plans. These plans are intended to define how the school building will respond in the event of an emergency.

The safety plan provides a framework for identifying and implementing appropriate strategies for creating and maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all of the students.

In the event of an emergency, school personnel will work in collaboration with the  Department of Education (DOE), NYPD, FDNY, NYC Office of Emergency Management, as well as state and federal agencies to ensure the safety and security of students and school staff. 

School Security and Safety

All visitors are required to enter through the main doors on Wetherole Street.  Photo Identification is required and all visitors must sign in at the security desk with the School Safety Agents; Agent Alexandre and Agent Polizi.  All visitors will receive a Security Pass and upon receipt must proceed to the Main Office.  Visitors will advise the Main Office personnel of the reason for this visit.    

Fire Drills and Lockdown Drills 

Fire drills and lockdowns are performed throughout the school year in accordance with regulations outlined by the NYC DOE.

Fire Drill – Everyone is required to vacate the building when a fire alarm sounds.  During a fire drill, all students must be silent and listen carefully to instructions.  Fire drills can happen at any time of day and in any weather.  Listening and knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives.  Students in transit should report to the nearest classroom.

Lockdown Drills and “Shelter-In” Drills – During the school year, students will participate in lockdown drills.  These drills are important in the event an intruder enters the building.  In a “shelter-in,” all school doors will be locked until an “all clear” is given from the main office.  Students must be silent and listen carefully to instructions from the teacher.  Students in transit should report to the nearest classroom. In a lockdown drill, all doors are locked, except the main entrance.  During an official lockdown, do not proceed into the main building.      

Allergies

If your child has any allergies, please let us know! Allergies can be very serious and we want to make sure all of our students are safe. 

PS 139 is not a Nut Free School, we do have Nut Free tables where students with allergies may sit and eat with a friend in their class.

Please make sure your child is aware of any allergies they have.     

Medication 

Our DOH School Nurse,  is available to all students during the day that may require medical attention.  She provides first aid for cuts and other minor injuries, as well as assess children who feel ill. 

The School Nurse may only administer medication if we have the proper documentation from the Doctor.  If your child has any health issues or allergies, please bring this to Ms. Smith’s attention.

No child is permitted to bring medication to school or administer their own medication at school. 

Health requirements to attend school: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/health-requirements-to-attend-school

Information during an emergency may be obtained as follows:

• Call 311
• www.schools.nyc.gov
• The school’s website 

A current Blue Emergency Card must be on file for every student at all times.  These cards are distributed the first day and must be returned the following day. There will be three (3) cards and ALL THREE (3) must be completed and must contain the EXACT same information.  It would be helpful if you attach a current photo of your child (2 x 2 - Passport size)

The three (3) Emergency Contact Cards must be clearly printed with names and CURRENT PHONE NUMBERS AND CONTACT INFORMATION.  

You can list as many names as you wish on the Blue Card of individuals to pick up your child if they are ill or in the event of an emergency. 

All changes must be updated when necessary and all 3 cards must contain the same information.

Children will only be released to people the parents have listed on the Blue Emergency Card.  Anyone not listed on the card will not be able to pick up your child, unless you have written a note authorizing pick up for that day. 

Please find the Emergency Blue Card form in your language by clicking this link.

You do not need to apply for your child to receive meals. However, we do ask families to complete the Family Income Inquiry Form, which helps schools receive money for their programs. This application can be completed online or a paper version can be sent home with your child to be returned to school.

The school budget is impacted by the completion of this form by all of our families, so all families must complete this form.

Lunch Form (Family Inquiry Income Form)

Educating our children is a partnership between the home and the school.  Teachers provide monthly newsletters, class webpages, or other resources to keep parents informed on homework policies, upcoming tests, projects or other events.  In addition to your child’s teacher, the school may need to communicate news to you via notices, flyers, automated phone calls, or by email (please make sure all numbers are up-to-date).  It is important to check your child’s folders, planners and backpack daily to ensure you are aware of important events.  

There are many opportunities to meet and communicate with your child’s teacher to discuss your child’s academic progress.  Teachers meet with parents throughout the school day and often communicate via telephone and email.  If you need to communicate with your child’s teacher, you can call the main office, write a note and send it in your child’s folder or email the Parent Coordinator  Eburgos21@schools.nyc.gov and the teacher will respond.  The school welcomes this strong partnership to ensure the success of all of our students.  

• It is important that you write a note to your child’s teacher if you are picking your child up early, if after school arrangements have changed, or if your child has been out sick, etc.

Attendance

Attendance is the key to student achievement and success now and in the future. Every child is expected to be in school on time each and every day unless they are sick (students should be fever free for 24 hours, without medication before returning to school).

All students are expected to attend school according to the School Year Calendar (180 days is the number of school days each year)  and vacations should be scheduled when school is not in session.  

Absence

Absences for matters other than illness should be brought to the attention of the School Principal through the Pupil Accounting Secretary: JessicaMalaga,  amalaga@schools.nyc.gov

If a child is absent, please call the Main Office at 718-459-1044 before 8:00 am, to alert  your child’s teacher to inform us your child will not be in attendance that day. Please also send in a note with the reason for your child’s absence.  If your child is absent for 3 days or more a doctors note is required. All students should be fever free for 24 hours, without medication before returning to school.

If a child is absent, an automated phone call will be made notifying you that your child did not attend school.  If absences are excessive, you will receive a phone call from school personnel, including the Attendance Teacher.  

Lateness

All students are expected to arrive at school on time for morning line-up.  Classes begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.  Lateness is an interruption to the learning process, both to the child who is late as well as to the class. 

Official Records

Absence and lateness are recorded on official student records and report cards. You can also view your child’s information online  in the NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/nyc-schools-account

All visitors are required to enter through the main doors on Wetherole Street.  Photo Identification is required and all visitors must sign in at the security desk with the School Safety Agents: Agent Alexandre and Agent Polizzi.  All visitors will receive a Security Pass and upon receipt must proceed to the Main Office.  Visitors will advise the Main Office personnel of the reason for this visit.   

The New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) is necessary for all NYC public school students.  NYCSA is your one stop shop for information pertaining to your child.  NYCSA is available in 9 languages in addition to English.

It is extremely important to check the information in NYCSA to ensure that we have the correct and most updated information pertaining to your child. 

What NYCSA contains:

• Attendance
• Biographical information 
• Enrollment History
• Guardians
• Health Information
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Reading Level
• Report Card
• Test Scores
• Transportation
• COVID-19 Consent for random testing
• Ability to vote in the CEC elections every two years
• Emergency Contact Information

You will be able to update your cell phone and email yourself; which enables the NYC DOE to contact you in the event of an emergency.  Additional updates need to be corrected by P.S. 139 once you notify us of any changes.

To create your NYCSA account, contact the Parent Coordinator, Nina Lipton - email: NLipton@schools.nyc.gov or call 347-395-5772.

                                                                          PS 139Q Grading Policy

                                                                          School Year 2022-2023

Marking Period 1: Report Card 1 will be released on NYCSA 12/19

Marking Period 2: Report card 2 will be released on NYCSA 4/5

Marking Period 3: Report Card 3 will be released on NYCSA 6/27

The DOE has created student accounts for every single New York City public school student, including 3K and Pre-K students.

The account gives your student access to TeachHub, which is how students access:

• iLearnNYC, the Summer School 2024 online learning platform 

• Student report cards (available in the Student Documents icon)

• Multiple educational applications

• G Suite, Microsoft O365, and Zoom (using secure central accounts)

Citywide Behavioral Expectations - Discipline Code

P.S. 139 promotes respect for diversity and we have many activities and programs that support and and focus on preventing bias-based harassment, intimidation and/or bullying. Ensuring that every child learns in safe, supportive, and inclusive schools is our top priority. To do this, we use preventive approaches that address the real causes of a conflict as well as reinforcing positive behaviors through teachable moments.   The Discipline Code outlines the standards of behavior and the responses if these standards are not met. 

We encourage you to become familiar with these standards and discuss them at home.

The Discipline Code is also known as the Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning. 

• Is age-specific with one set for grades K-5 and another for grades 6-12.
• Explains the standards for behavior in the New York City public schools.
• Describes supports, interventions, and disciplinary responses that schools can use when students demonstrate unwelcome behavior.
• Explains how you can appeal decisions. Includes the K-12 Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.

Please click this link to access the complete Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning Grades K–5 guide.

A Note from the Guidance Counselor

Understanding the difference between bullying and conflict is important in resolving issues. Our Respect for All Liaison, Ms. Bono, works closely with all staff in students to ensure everyone is aware that identifying the cause of issues is important and adult staff are always available to address any and all concerns.

Bullying vs. Conflict

Bullying

• is unwanted and negative
•  is intended to cause some kind of harm
•  involves a real or perceived imbalance of power (physical or social) or strength
•  can be a single incident or a series of related incidents and can take many forms
• It includes but is not limited to, behavior that targets students because of their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship/immigration status, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or weight

Conflict

• is an active disagreement between people with opposing opinions or principles

Communication is key in order for us to maintain a healthy and safe environment, please contact us with any and all concerns.  

Cell phones may be brought to school.  Cell phones and electronic devices are to be turned off, and are not to be used during the school day.  This includes (but is not limited to) locations such as outdoor lineup, cafeteria, classrooms, bathrooms, gym, hallways, stairwells, and play yards; as well as during meal service (breakfast and lunch), after school programs, field trips and on all school buses.  During testing, cell phones/electronic devices will be collected and returned after the testing is finished. 

Events, Celebrations and Birthdays

• Throughout the school year, PS 139 will host various events for parents and families.  Please check the monthly calendar and emails  for notices promoting these events.
• Classrooms have writing celebrations and publishing parties throughout the school year that you will be welcome to attend.
• Birthday celebrations - if your child has a birthday during the school year and you would like to send in a healthy snack for the class, please contact your child's teacher to find out the best time and number needed. These items should be individually wrapped with the ingredients listed. All beverages should be individual, i.e.; plastic water bottle or juice containers, etc. No cakes, glass bottles or large bottles.

• Please note some students have severe allergies, so it is imperative you speak to the teacher about what will be permitted in the classroom. 

Dress Code

P.S. 139 does not have a Uniform Policy.  We depend on the parents to send their children to school in appropriate clothing.  Please listen to the daily weather reports so your child can wear and bring clothing suitable for indoors and outdoors.

• Sneakers should be worn on days the student has gym.  Sneakers are recommended for daily wear because the students go outside for recess daily, weather permitting. 
• For safety reasons, please do not send your child in flip-flops, or other open back footwear.
• Students are not permitted to wear graphic T-shirts with profanity or anything deemed inappropriate to the school community.  No provocative or suggestive clothing should be worn to school.
• Beachwear, sleep pants, short shorts or skirts (must be within 3 inches of the knee), tube tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps or see-through tops are not appropriate.
• All outerwear must be stored in the closet or in the classroom.  (Outerwear includes, coats, jackets, hats, bandanas, gloves, sunglasses, etc.)
• ASSEMBLY ATTIRE (White tops, dark blue or black pants or skirts) is recommended for all assemblies, including Student of the Month presentations. 

Dear Families:

I am writing to provide you with information about the Department of Education’s Emergency Readiness Initiatives that are in place in all NYC Public Schools.

Every school currently has procedures for emergencies. In 2000, New York State Education Law Section 2801 was enacted requiring schools to develop safety plans regarding emergency response. In July 2001, the law was amended to require that plans include information for evacuation and sheltering. In accordance with this, “schools need to conduct drills and other exercises to test components of the emergency response plan.”

School staff members are trained in various procedures that are outlined in the School Safety Plan and we currently conduct a variety of drills throughout the year to prepare our staff and students. Section 807 of the New York State Education Law requires all schools to conduct a minimum of 12 fire drills each year. Section 917 of the State Education Law states that schools are required to provide and maintain automated external defibrillator (AED) equipment, and drills are conducted during the year to assess the use of AED units in an emergency. In accordance with Section 3623 of the State Education Law, drills are also conducted at schools that focus on safety on a school bus.

In addition to conducting these types of drills, our school has a Building Response Team that is trained to activate and respond to different incidents that may occur at our school. Under the new General Response Protocol (GRP), every school will be conducting specific drills designed to help prepare all school communities for three different types of response to emergencies that may occur: evacuation, shelter-in, and lockdown. Opportunities for parent engagement are available at our school to ensure that families are involved in our school-based emergency readiness program. Parent versions of the School Safety Plan are available upon request in the main office, and information explaining the GRP is included with this letter. Many other important resources for families are also available by visiting       https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/safe-schools.

Emergency readiness training in schools takes place in September and continues for staff and students throughout the school year. Student training is grade-appropriate and designed to ensure that students understand the importance of these drills without causing unnecessary alarm. Please review the General Response Protocols that have been given to all students, and discuss these procedures with your child.

All families are reminded to update the Emergency Contact Cards that are on file in our main office. This includes providing and updating information indicating phone numbers, and the names of adults to whom the school may release children in an emergency. Families are also encouraged to register with Notify NYC (https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/) to receive information about emergency events and call 311 for additional information about a school during an emergency.

Sincerely,

Eleuterio Rolon, Jr.

Principal

 September 2021

Student Behavioral Contract

(Grades K – 5)

I know that I have a right to:

•   be in a safe school, free from discrimination, harassment and bigotry;
•   know what is correct behavior and what behaviors may result in disciplinary actions;
•   counseling by staff about my behavior and how it affects my education and welfare in school;
•   due process of law when I violate school regulations for which I may be suspended or removed from class.

I agree to: 

•   come to school on time (Monday-Friday by 8:00 a.m.) with the assistance of my family, prepared to work;
•   use courteous and polite language;
•   participate in class/community meetings;

      acknowledge a person’s thoughtfulness, assistance or courtesy;

•   resolve conflicts peacefully and express my feelings in words;
•   dress in a clean, neat and safe manner;
•   take care of my personal belongings and respect other people’s belongings;
•   tell my parents/guardians what I learned in school each day;
•   complete my homework every day and show it to my parent(s)/guardian(s);
•   follow the rules in the Discipline Code.

PARENT/GUARDIAN SECTION 

I have read the Discipline Code and the Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities (http://bit.ly/2W1ouKh) and understand the behavior that is required of my child.

I understand that my participation in my child’s education will help them be successful in school. I have read this agreement and I will carry out the following responsibilities to the best of my ability.

•           Encourage my child to be a respectful and peaceful member of the school community.
•           Discuss the Discipline Code and the student Bill of Rights with my child.
•           Participate in conferences, class programs and other activities in which my child is involved.
•           Assure that my child will arrive at school ON TIME (M-F by 8:00)
•           Provide a quiet place for my child to do homework.
•           Spend at least 15 minutes per day reading with my child.
•           Listen to my child’s retelling of their school day experiences.
•           Provide the school with current telephone numbers, emails, and emergency contact information.
•           Alert the school if there are any significant changes in child’s health or well-being that affects their

    ability to perform in school.