Syosset Central School District
This calendar is for planning purposes for the 2023-2024 school year. All events and programs are subject to change.
Please visit the District’s website for the most up-to-date calendar information.
District Website:
www.syossetschools.org
Syosset, New York 11791
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION BLUE RIBBON
SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE
Calendar & Directory
2023-2024
The
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE DISTRICT CENSUS FORM FOUND INSIDE THE CALENDAR
(EVEN IF YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAS NO CHILDREN IN SCHOOL). WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION.
Asbestos Notice ....................................................................................................23
Adaptive Physical Education ............................................................................24
Admission to School ...........................................................................................23
Attendance .............................................................................................................27
Board of Education ................................................................................................1
Budget and Tax Information ............................................................................. 36
Census. .....................................................................................................................23
Child Care Program .............................................................................................. 23
Citizen Participation ............................................................................................21
Code of Conduct (Plain Language Summary) ...........................................25
Student Behavior and Dress Code ..................................................26
Rights and Regulations .......................................................................26
Communications Procedures ........................................................................... 16
Continuing Education ......................................................................................... 21
Delayed Openings/ School Closings .............................................................18
Developmental Learning Program ................................................................24
Dignity For All Students Act Coordinators ..................................................33
Dignity For All Students Act Policy ................................................................31
Directory of Administration and School Oces .......................................17
District Complaint Procedures for Federal Programs ..............................34
District at a Glance ...............................................................................................20
District Emergency Information Guide ........................................................19
District Mission Statement and Vision ............................................................ 2
Emergency Make Up Days ................................................................................37
Enrichment and Gifted Services......................................................................24
Food Services .........................................................................................................22
Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Policy. ..........................................................22
Guidance .................................................................................................................24
Health and Immunization Information ........................................................23
Health Services ...................................................................................................... 24
Internet Safety Policy ..........................................................................................33
Marking Periods/Conferences .........................................................................37
Nondiscrimination Policy ..................................................................................25
Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security ................................. 31
Pesticide Prohibition ...........................................................................................23
PTA Council and Unit Presidents ....................................................................... 3
Psychological Services, Physical and Occupational Therapy .......................24
Registration ............................................................................................................23
Religious Holidays and Cultural Festivals ....................................................15
School Calendar at a Glance .............................................................................37
School Information and Hours ........................................................................17
Senior Citizen Privileges .....................................................................................21
Sexual Harassment Policy .............................................................................................25
Special Education .................................................................................................24
Speech... ................................................................................................................... 24
Sports and Athletics ............................................................................................24
Student Records Policy .......................................................................................29
Summer School ..................................................................................................... 24
Syosset Public Library .........................................................................................21
Syosset Scholarship Fund .................................................................................... 3
Use of School Facilities .......................................................................................23
Visitors. .....................................................................................................................23
Voting and Registration Information ............................................................36
Working Papers .....................................................................................................21
INDEX
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
1
THE SYOSSET BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of Education establishes policies and adopts resolutions for conducting the business of the public schools. Its nine members,
who serve without pay, are elected by the qualied voters of the District for a term of three years. The terms of each Board member
will expire on June 30 of the year indicated next to their name. Responsibility for administering the Board policies is vested in the
Superintendent of Schools.
Carol C. Cheng, President (2026)
Email: ccheng@syossetschools.org
Brian J. Grieco, Vice President (2024)
Email: bgrieco@syossetschools.org
Lynn Abramson (2025)
Email: labramson@syossetschools.org
Lisa A. Coscia (2024)
Email: lcoscia@syossetschools.org
Susan Falkove (2026)
Email: sfalkove@syossetschools.org
Anna Levitan (2026)
Email: [email protected]g
Jack Ostrick (2025)
Email: [email protected]g
Shany Park (2024)
Email: [email protected]g
Thomas A. Rotolo (2025)
Email: trotolo@syossetschools.org
All meetings of the Board of Education are open to the public unless the Board enters into an executive session. The Board meets
monthly in the auditorium of South Woods Middle School (99 Pell Lane). Announcements of all meetings are posted at the front
entrance of every school building and on the District website. The regular Board meetings begin at approximately 8:00pm but may
convene at an earlier time for the purpose of voting to meet in an executive session. All Board meetings are live streamed and can be
accessed from the District website.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
Monday, September 11, 2023
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Monday, November 6, 2023
Monday, December 4, 2023
Monday, January 8, 2024
Monday, February 12, 2024
Monday, March 11, 2024
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Monday, May 13, 2024
Monday, June 10, 2024
Meeting Schedule: 2023-2024
For more information, please visit the Board page at www.syossetschools.org/BOE
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
ACADEMIC
To enable students to realize their full intellectual potential and to inspire lifetime learners.
Syosset will be known for:
• Students who are agile, creative, adaptable learners;
• Instruction that not only increases students’ knowledge, but their capacity to think;
• Programs that are innovative, engaging, eective, and comparable in every building;
• Attracting, training, and retaining outstanding faculty and leaders;
• Exceptional programs in the ne and performing arts.
CULTURE, CLIMATE AND CHARACTER
To prepare students to face the evolving challenges in their lifetime and to make exemplary
contributions in an increasingly diverse society, Syosset will be known for:
• Students, sta, and parents who exemplify: patience, respect, integrity, dignity and
empathy (PRIDE);
• Students whose compassion and kindness inspire altruistic eorts to improve their
communities and the lives of others;
• Athletes who exemplify teamwork and sportsmanship as they compete at the highest
levels.
• Supporting students’ mental wellness by giving them a sense of safety and belonging,
committing to a robust character education program, developing their interpersonal
skills, and intervening early to support those who struggle;
• Supporting students’ physical wellness through physical and health education.
COMMUNITY
Syosset’s excellent schools are the heart of the community and an essential part of
families’ life. To maintain this position as a major community asset, Syosset will be
known for:
• Exceptional communication of the District’s academic successes and scal
responsibility;
• A community that celebrates and supports its rich multi-cultural makeup;
• Engaging parents and intentionally welcoming new families, including those for
whom a language challenge may exist;
• Its appreciation of the senior citizens who built this community;
• Public resources (police, re, parks, library, etc.) who serve the community in
partnership.
OPERATIONS/FISCAL
Syosset’s excellent schools are an asset to the community and an attractant to new
families. To preserve this resource while operating responsibly, Syosset will be known
for:
• Communicating its budgeting decisions with clarity and detail;
• Continually seeking greater eciencies in operations;
• Investing in the safety and security of students and sta;
• A safe and secure physical plant that supports cutting-edge instruction through
continuous improvement.
2
DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT AND VISION
THE MISSION OF THE SYOSSET CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT IS TO PREPARE STUDENTS TO THRIVE
IN BOTH THE FUTURE WE IMAGINE AND ONE WHICH MAY EVOLVE IN WAYS YET TO BE ENVISIONED.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Dr. Thomas L. Rogers
Superintendent of Schools
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
Dr. Theresa Curry
Deputy Superintendent of Schools
Raymond Loverso
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum,
Instruction, and Assessment
Dr. Patricia M. Rufo
Associate Superintendent for Business
Erin Goldthwaite
Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
3
* To promote the welfare of children and
youth in home, school, places of worship,
and throughout the community;
* To raise the standards of home life;
* To advocate for laws that further the
education, physical, and mental health,
welfare, and safety of children and youth;
* To promote the collaboration and
engagement of families and educators in
the education of children and youth;
* To engage the public in united eorts to
secure the physical, mental, emotional,
spiritual, and social well-being of all children
and youth; and
* To advocate for scal responsibility
regarding public tax dollars in public
education funding.
In 1958, the Syosset Council of PTAs and the Syosset
Teachers’ Association established the Syosset Scholarship Fund
to promote higher education by awarding scholarships to Syosset
High School graduates. Annual fundraising activities are held
by Syosset Council of PTAs to support the program, along
with a community mailing campaign in the Fall and an annual
theater performance by the ACT club in the Spring. Graduating
seniors are encouraged to apply in March and scholarships are
awarded in June. Recipients are chosen primarily on the basis
of nancial need, in addition to academics and community
service.
To make a donation, checks can be made payable and
mailed to: Syosset Scholarship Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 732, Syosset,
NY 11791. Donations can also be made via PayPal Giving Fund:
paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1348484.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
UNIT PRESIDENTS
PTA OBJECTIVES
THE SYOSSET SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC.
The Syosset Council of PTAs was organized in 1954 and includes representatives from all 11 PTA/PTSA units in
the Syosset Central School District. lt forms a part of the Nassau Region and the New York State PTA, a branch of
the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.
The Council’s voting body consists of the ocers of the council, chairmen of council standing committees,
executive board, the president/alternate of each member unit, and accredited delegates. Only members of a
local PTA in council membership shall be eligible to participate in the meetings of the Council or to serve in any
of its elective or appointive positions.
The Syosset Council of PTAs serves to strengthen and coordinate the activities of its member units, to
promote cooperation and communication on community-wide projects, programs and activities that fall within
the scope of PTA objectives and purposes. For more information visit: syossetcouncilofptas.org.
All Syosset Council of PTAs executive board and general meetings listed in the calendar begin at
7:45pm, unless otherwise noted.
Co-Presidents: Jodi Rokito
Jen Abraham
syossetcouncilpr[email protected]om
First Vice President: Adrienne Ashkin
syossetcouncilvp1@gmail.com
Second Vice President: Sharmin Panjvani
syossetcouncilvp2@gmail.com
Third Vice President: Liz Wolko
syossetcouncilvp3@gmail.com
Fourth Vice President: Elana Lebolt
syossetcouncilvp4@gmail.com
Recording Secretary: Sabrina Antonacci
syocouncilsecretar[email protected]om
Corresponding Secretary: Roz Levine
Treasurer: Theresa Resnick
treasurersy[email protected]om
Past President: Deirdre Dapice
PTA COUNCIL OFFICERS
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
Baylis Krista Harris, Amanda Turner
Berry Hill Lindsay Sigel, Shawn Silverstein
Robbins Lane Nina Grieco, Lori Vergos
RLpresidents@gmail.com
South Grove Hira Akmal, Jing Leng
SouthGroveSchoolpta@gmail.com
Village Tara Lieberman, Hilary Lucadamo
Villageptapresiden[email protected]
Walt Whitman Inna Choi, Karen Ostrick
A.P. Willits Sherri Smith, Jessica August
APWillitspta@gmail.com
H.B. Thompson Tara Ginsburg, Melissa Capie
Presiden[email protected]
South Woods Gina James, Fernanda Vudrag
SouthWoodsptsa@gmail.com
High School Linda DiGeronimo, Tina Ng
SHSptsapresidents@gmail.com
SEPTA Allison Berch, Sarika Shah
SyossetNY[email protected]om
4
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
SEPTEMBER 2023
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
28 29 30 31 1 2
Continuing Education
classes begin
Middle School PTSA
Meetings, 7:45pm
SHS Senior portrait
make up photos
Superintendent’s
Conference Day
(Faculty Only)
Yom Kippur
Middle School Open
Houses, 6:30pm
Continuing Ed In-Person
Registration, 6:30-8pm
@ SHS Main Lobby
SEPTA Meeting, 7:45pm
@ Village
SHS Open House, 7-9pm
Rosh Hashanah begins at
sundown
Yom Kippur begins at
sundown
Superintendent’s
Conference Day
(Faculty Only)
Elementary schools
will operate on a
six day rotation for
special area classes.
All are noted in the
right hand corner
of each calendar
day.
Labor Day
First Day of School
for Students
Middle School Fall Sports
Begin
SHS PTSA Meeting,
7:45pm
STA Rep. Council
Meeting, 3:45pm
STA/PTA Liaison
Meeting, 6pm
SHS Gr. 12 College App
Workshop, 7pm
SW Picture Day
Sukkot begins at sundown
SW Gr. 6 Social, 4pm
Varsity Football Home
Game (vs. Uniondale),
6:30pm
Superintendent’s
Conference Day
(Faculty Only)
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
SHS Senior Kickoff
SHS Freshman
Orientation
6th Grade Orientation
Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
SHS Gr. 9 Parent
Workshop, 7pm
PTA Council Executive
Meeting, 7:45pm @
South Grove
SHS underclass & faculty
yearbook photos
Elementary School
Open Houses
HBT Picture Day
Elementary PTA meetings
Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Day 4 Day 5
Day 6
Day 1 Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
Sukkot begins at sundown
Sukkot begins at sundown
5
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
OCTOBER 2023
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
STA Rep. Council
Meeting, 3:45pm
STA/PTA Liaison
Meeting, 6pm
SEPTA Evening Event
SHS Pep Rally
SHS Carnival
SHS Parent Teacher
conferences (A-L), 5-8pm
Varsity Football
Homecoming Game
(vs. Oceanside), 2pm
SHS Health Fair
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Shemini Atzeret begins at
sundown
Varsity Football Home
Game (vs. Valley Stream
Central), 6:30pm
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
SHS One Act Play
competition, 7pm
Varsity Football Home
Game (vs. Massapequa),
6:30pm
SW trip to
Washington, DC
Columbus Day
Simchat Torah begins at
sundown
SHS SAT Exam
SHS Fall Blood Drive
PTA Council Newcomers
Reception, 7:30pm
SHS PSAT Exam
SHS Parent Teacher
conferences (M-Z), 5-8pm
STA Fall Event, 3pm
SHS PTSA Meeting,
7:45pm
SHS 9th grade trip
Middle School PTSA
Meetings, 10am
PTA Council General
Meeting, 7:45pm @ Baylis
HBT trip to
Washington DC
Elementary PTA Meetings
HBT Gr. 6 Social, 4pm
PTA Council Evening
Program
SHS Walk-a-thon
SHS Spirit Week
SHS Carnival
SEPTA Meeting, 7:45pm
@ Walt Whitman
Day 2
Day 1
Day 3 Day 4 Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 1 Day 2
Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 1
Day 2 Day 3
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
NOVEMBER 2023
6
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
1 2 3 4
SHS Winter Sports Begin
Middle School PTSA
Meetings, 7:45pm
Election Day –
Schools Closed for
Students
Superintendent’s
Conference Day
Full Day Parent Teacher
Conferences
(ALL SCHOOLS)
Middle School Winter1
Sports Begin
Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
Elementary Parent
Teacher Conferences,
3:45-4:15pm
PTA Council Evening
Program
PTA Council Executive
Meeting, 7:45pm @ Walt
Whitman
SHS Gr. 11 College
Planning Workshop, 7pm
Veterans Day
Elementary Parent
Teacher Conferences,
3:45-4:15pm
SHS Theater Arts Fall
Show, 7pm
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Recess
SW Drama, 7:30pm
SHS Theater Arts Fall
Show, 7:30pm
Daylight Savings Ends
Diwali
SW Drama, 12pm
SHS Theater Arts Fall
Show, 7:30pm
End of First Marking
Period
STA Rep. Council
Meeting, 3:45pm
STA/PTA Liaison
Meeting, 6pm
SHS Cabaret Night, 7pm
NYSSMA All-State
Winter Conference
(runs until Dec. 3)
SHS Business Honor
Society Induction
Ceremony, 5pm
HBT Fall Drama, 7pm
SHS PTSA Multicultural
Luncheon
HBT Fall Drama, 7pm
SHS PTSA Meeting,
7:45pm
SHS underclass & faculty
makeup yearbook photos
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2 Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6 Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4 Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2 Day 3
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
Middle School Parent
Teacher Conferences,
5-8pm
Elementary PTA Meetings
SEPTA Meeting, 7:45pm
@ Robbins Lane
DECEMBER 2023
7
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 2
Day 4
Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
HBT Spirit Week
Elementary PTA Meetings
Elementary Winter
Concerts, 7pm:
Berry Hill
A.P. Willits
Walt Whitman
Robbins Lane (at HBT)
SHS Winter Concert #3,
7pm
SHS Winter Concert #1,
7pm
HBT & SW–Winter
Concert #1
Hanukkah begins
at sundown
STA Rep. Council
Meeting, 3:45pm
STA/PTA Liaison
Meeting, 6pm
SHS Winter Concert #2,
7pm
Christmas Eve
Feast of the Immaculate
Conception
Christmas Day
Winter Recess
31
New Year’s Eve
Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 1
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
NYSSMA All-State
Winter Conference
PTA Council General
Meeting, 7:45pm
@ Village
NYSSMA All-State
Winter Conference
JANUARY 2024
8
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1 2 3 4 5 6
Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
NMEA All-County
(Secondary)
Martin Luther
King Jr. Day
NMEA All-County
(Elementary)
Middle School Winter II
Sports Begin
PTA Council Executive
Meeting, 7:45pm
@ A.P. Willits
Elementary Winter
Concert, 7pm:
Village (at HBT)
HBT & SW– Winter
Concert #2
Elementary Winter
Concerts, 7pm:
South Grove
Baylis (at HBT)
NMEA All-County
(Secondary)
New Year’s Day
Feast of the Epiphany
Syosset Wrestling
Tournament
NMEA All-County
Elementary Concerts
NYS Regents & Midterm
Exams
SHS PTSA Meeting,
7:45pm
HBT Multicultural Week
Middle School PTSA
Meetings, 10am
STA Rep. Council
Meeting, 3:45pm
STA/PTA Liaison
Meeting, 6pm
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4 Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3 Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4 Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
SHS Alumni Day
SHS Gr. 10 Parent
Workshop, 7pm
HBT & SW– Winter
Concert #3
End of Second Marking
Period
HBT Multicultural Expo
SHS ACT Winter
Showcase, 7pm
SEPTA Meeting, 7:45pm
@ Baylis
SHS Art Fair
PTA Council Evening
Program
Elementary PTA Meetings
Day 4
FEBRUARY 2024
9
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3
Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3 Day 4
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3 Day 4
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
Ash Wednesday
PTA Council Evening
Program
Middle School Parent
Teacher Conferences,
5-7pm
SHS Syosset’s Got Talent,
7pm
STA Rep. Council
Meeting, 3:45pm
STA/PTA Liaison
Meeting, 6pm
HBT PTSA Meeting,
7:45pm
Continuing Education
classes begin
PTA Reections
Ceremony, 7pm
Budget Information
& Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
SW Spirit Week
Elementary PTA Meetings
Continuing Ed In-Person
Registration, 6:30-8pm
@ SHS Main Lobby
Middle School Parent
Teacher Conferences,
5-8pm
PTA Council General
Meeting, 7:45pm @ HBT
Lunar New Year
Presidents’ Week
Recess
SHS PTSA Meeting,
7:45pm
SEPTA Meeting, 7:45pm
(virtual)
SHS Fashion Show
Science Olympiad
Regional @ SHS
Day 5
Day 5
Easter
MARCH 2024
10
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 2
SHS Spring Sports Begin
Budget Information
& Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
Middle School PTSA
Meetings, 7:45pm
Middle School Spring
Sports Begin
HBT Chamber Concert,
7:30pm
Elementary Parent
Teacher Conferences,
5-8pm
Elementary Parent
Teacher Conferences,
3:45-4:15pm
Purim begins at sundown
SHS Spring Musical, 2pm
31
SHS PTSA Meeting,
7:45pm
SHS National Honor
Society Induction
Ceremony, 6:30pm
Elementary Parent
Teacher Conferences,
5-8pm
SHS St. Baldrick’s
Fundraiser, 6pm
SEPTA Meeting, 7:45pm
@ A.P. Willits
Elementary PTA Meetings
Elementary Parent
Teacher Conferences,
3:45-4:15pm
PTA Council Executive
Meeting, 7:45pm
@ Robbins Lane
Day 3
Day 4 Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 2
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
Daylight Savings Begins
Ramadan Begins
SHS Senior Citizens Prom
HBT Musical, 7pm
NYSSMA Piano
(Levels 1-VI)
PTA Council Evening
Program
SHS Parent Teacher
conferences, 5-7pm
SEPTA Evening Event
Middle School
Wellness Week
SHS Spring Musical,
7:30pm
HBT Musical, 2pm
SHS Spring Musical,
7:30pm
NYSSMA
(Levels 1-IV)
STA Rep. Council
Meeting, 3:45pm
STA/PTA Liaison
Meeting, 6pm
SHS Spring Musical, 7pm
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Eid al-Fitr
APRIL 2024
11
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1 2 3 4 5 6
Passover begins at
sundown
Spring Recess
Budget Information
& Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
Eid al Fitr begins at
sundown
Middle School PTSA
Meetings, 10am
SHS ACT Exam
SHS Sophomore
& Junior Trip
30
SHS College Night, 7pm
SEPTA Meeting, 7:45pm
@ Berry Hill
Gr. 8 ELA Exams
Spring Recess
SHS Family Astronomy
Night
STA Rep. Council
Meeting, 3:45pm
STA/PTA Liaison
Meeting, 6pm
SHS National World
Language Honor Society
Induction Ceremony, 7pm
Gr. 3-4 & 6-7 ELA
Exams
District Jazz Festival,
7pm @ SHS
PTA Council General
Meeting, 7:45pm
@ Berry Hill
Gr. 5 ELA Exams
Gr. 3-4 & 6-7
ELA exam make ups
Senior portraits for
Class of 2025
SHS Science National
Honor Society Induction
Ceremony, 7pm
Day 4 Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3 Day 4
Day 5
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
Grades 5 & 8
New York State ELA,
Math, and Science
make up exams will
run through May 17
End of Third Marking Period
SW Musical, 7:30pm
SHS Sophomore
& Junior Trip
SHS Fashion Show
Annual District Art
Exhibit @ SHS
SW Musical, 12pm
Elementary PTA
Meetings
SHS Senior Concerto
Showcase, 7pm
SHS Blood Drive
SHS National Art Honor
Society Induction
Ceremony, 7pm
Student Support
Services in College,
7pm @ SHS
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
MAY 2024
12
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
1 2 3 4
Budget Information
& Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
Gr. 5 Math Exams
Gr. 3-4 & 6-7 Math
Exam Make Ups
SHS AP Exams
HBT Staff Recognition
HBT & SW–Spring
Concert #3
STA General Membership
Meeting, 3:45pm
HBT & SW–Spring
Concert #1
Gr. 3-4 & 6-7 Math
Exams
Middle School PTSA
Meetings, 7pm
Middle School Gr. 6
Parent Orientation, 8pm
Annual District
Election and
Budget Vote
Polls open 6am-9pm
A.P. Willits Spring Concert
(at HBT), 7pm
HBT & SW–Spring
Concert #2
SHS Dance Showcase,
6pm
Elementary Spring
Concert, 7pm:
Village (at HBT)
Elementary Spring
Concerts, 7pm:
Berry Hill #1
Baylis (at HBT)
Snow Make-Up
Day #1
PTA Celebration of
Culture Showcase,
7pm @ SHS
PTA Council General
Meeting, 7:45pm @ SHS
Snow Make-Up
Day #2
SHS Theater Arts Spring
Show, 7:30pm
SHS PTSA Staff
Recognition
Gr. 5 & 8 Science Exam
NYSSMA Levels V & VI,
All-State @ SHS
Memorial Day
Easter (Orthodox)
SHS SAT Exam
SHS Theater Arts Spring
Show, 7:30pm
SHS PTSA Meeting,
7:45pm
Gr. 8 Math Exams
SHS Research
Symposium
SHS Architecture
Display Reception, 7-9pm
SHS Battle of the Classes
SW Gr. 8 Social, 4pm
SHS Theater Arts Acting
Showcase, 6pm
SEPTA Awards
Ceremony, 7:45pm
@ HBT
SW PTSA Staff
Recognition
Gr. 5 Math Exams
Gr. 3-4 & 6-7 Math
Exam Make Ups
Elementary PTA Meetings
SHS AP Exams
Know Your Candidate
Night, 7:30pm @ SW
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4 Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 2
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3 Day 4
Day 5
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
Grades 5 & 8
New York State ELA,
Math, and Science
make up exams will
run through May 17
STA Rep. Council
Meeting, 3:45pm
STA/PTA Liaison
Meeting, 6pm
Elementary Spring
Concerts, 7pm: Berry
Hill #2, Walt Whitman,
South Grove, Robbins
Lane (at HBT)
SHS Theater Arts Spring
Show, 7pm
Juneteenth
JUNE 2024
13
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
Monthly Board of
Education Meeting,
8pm @ SW
SHS Graduation @
Hofstra University
NYS Regents and Final
Exams
SHS Senior Athletics
Award Ceremony, 6pm
Elementary PTA Meetings
District Reception,
5:30pm @ SHS
SHS Spring Orchestra
Concert, 7pm
Elementary
Schools Moving Up
Ceremonies
NYS Regents and Final
Exams
End of Fourth Marking
Period
Last Day of School
for Students
Eid al-Adha
Shavuot begins at sundown
Senior portrait makeups
SHS ACT Spring
Showcase & International
Theater Society
Induction Ceremony,
7pm
NYS Regents and Final
Exams
Middle School
Moving Up
Ceremonies
NYS Regents and Final
Exams
SHS Academic Awards
Ceremony, 6pm
NYS Algebra I Regents
Exam
Eid al-Adha begins at
sundown
SHS SAT Exam
SHS ACT Exam
SHS Senior DaySHS Tri-M Music Honor
Society Induction, 6pm
SHS Spring Chorus
Concert, 7:15pm
SHS Spring Band Concert,
7pm
SHS Senior Prom
STA Rep. Council End of
Year Event, 3pm
Middle School PTSA
Meetings, 7:45pm
30
Day 4 Day 5
Day 6
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 1
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5 Day 6 Day 1
Day 2
is printed calendar
provides an abridged
schedule of events. Please
visit the District website
for the most up-to-date
information. Use this QR
code to access the online
calendar.
Sunday
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
JULY
AUGUST
14
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
Fourth of July
28 29 30 31
15
A CALENDAR OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CULTURAL FESTIVALS
Holidays and festivals are broadly selected to include both large and small religious or cultural communities.
This is not a complete list of the observances of any religion.
SEPTEMBER 2023
11 Patriot’s Day
16-17 Rosh Hashanah (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 15th
25 Yom Kippur (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 24th
27 The Elevation of the Cross (Orthodox)
27 Mawlid al-Nabi (Islamic);
Begins sundown on the 26th
30-10/6 Sukkot (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 29th
OCTOBER 2023
7 Shemini Atzeret (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 6th
3-12 Navaratri (Hindu)
8 Simchat Torah (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 7th
16 Birth of Báb (Bahá’í)
17 Birth of the Bahá’u’lláh (Bahá’í)
20 Installation of the Guru Granth Sahib
as Eternal Guru (Sikh)
24 Dussehra (Hindu)
24 United Nations Day
NOVEMBER 2023
1 All Saints’ Day (Christian)
12 Diwali (Hindu)
23 Thanksgiving
24 Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom (Sikh)
27 Guru Nanak’s Birth (Sikh)
DECEMBER 2023
8 Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception
(Roman Catholic)
8-15 Hanukah (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 7th
25 Christmas
26-1/1 Kwanza
JANUARY 2024
1 New Year’s Day
6 Feast of the Epiphany (Christian)
7 Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox)
13 Maghi (Sikh)
17 Guru Gobind Singh’s Birth (Sikh)
FEBRUARY 2024
10 Lunar New Year
(Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese)
14 Ash Wednesday (Christian)
14 Vasant Panchami (Hindu)
MARCH 2024
10 Ramadan Begins (Islamic)
20 Naw-Ruz (Bahá’í);
Begins sundown on the 19th
24 Purim (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 23rd
25 Holi (Hindu);
Begins sundown on the 24th
25-27 Hola Mohalla (Sikh)
24 Palm Sunday (Christian)
28 Holy Thursday (Christian)
29 Good Friday (Christian)
31 Easter (Christian)
APRIL 2024
10 Eid al-Fitr (Islamic);
Begins sundown on the 9th
13 Vaisakhi (Sikh)
17 Rama Navami (Hindu)
21 Ridvan (Bahá’í);
Begins sundown on the 20th
23-30 Passover (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 22nd
28 Palm Sunday (Orthodox)
MAY 2024
3 Good Friday (Orthodox)
5 Easter (Orthodox)
5 Cinco de Mayo
6 Yom Hashoah/ Holocaust Remembrance
Day (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 5th
9 Ascension Day (Christian)
23 Vesak (Buddhist)
JUNE 2024
12-13 Shavuot (Jewish);
Begins sundown on the 11th
14 Flag Day
16 Martyrdom of Guru Arjan (Sikh)
17 Eid al-Adha (Islamic);
Begins sundown on the 16th
19 Juneteenth
JULY 2024
4 Independence Day
8 Al-Hijra (Islamic);
Begins sundown on the 7th
9 Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá’í);
Begins sundown on the 8th
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
Sources: Anti-Defamation League CalendarDate.com Hebcal.com InterfaithCalendar.org
COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES
16District Website: www.syossetschools.org
In order to streamline communication and provide the fastest response possible to parent questions and concerns, the District has developed the
Communication Procedures outlined below for each building. Please start with the contact at the top of the chart and if additional assistance is
required, please proceed to the following contact listed.
CLASSROOM CONCERNS/ QUESTIONS
(Classroom procedures, student behavior, schedule, grades, etc.)
For Grades K-5:
STEP 1 – Classroom Teacher
STEP 2 – Building Principal
STEP 3 –Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction,
& Assessment (516-364-5662)
STEP 4 – Deputy Superintendent (516-364-5656)
STEP 5 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
For Grades 6-8:
STEP 1 – Classroom Teacher
STEP 2 – Guidance Counselor
STEP 3 – Assistant Principal
STEP 4 – Building Principal
STEP 5 – Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction,
& Assessment (516-364-5662)
STEP 6 – Deputy Superintendent (516-364-5656)
STEP 7 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
For Grades 9-12:
STEP 1 – Classroom Teacher
STEP 2 – Districtwide Subject Coordinator
STEP 3 – Building Principal
STEP 4 – Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction,
& Assessment (516-364-5662)
STEP 5 – Deputy Superintendent (516-364-5656)
STEP 6 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
CURRICULUM/ INSTRUCTION QUESTIONS
(Subject matter, teaching strategies, textbooks, etc.)
STEP 1 – Classroom Teacher
STEP 2 – Guidance (Secondary only)
STEP 3 – Assistant Principal (Secondary only)
STEP 4 – Districtwide Subject Coordinator
STEP 5 – Building Principal
STEP 6 – Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction,
& Assessment (516-364-5662)
STEP 7 – Deputy Superintendent (516-364-5656)
STEP 8 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
SPECIAL EDUCATION CONCERNS/QUESTIONS
STEP 1 – Classroom Teacher
STEP 2 – Guidance (Secondary only)
STEP 3 – Building Psychologist
STEP 4 – Assistant Principal (Secondary only)
STEP 5 – Building Principal
STEP 6 – Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
(516-364-5616)
STEP 7 –Deputy Superintendent (364-5656)
STEP 8 – Superintendent (364-5605)
SCHOOL PERSONNEL CONCERNS/QUESTIONS
STEP 1 – Building Principal
STEP 2 – Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
(516-364-5648)
STEP 3 – Deputy Superintendent (516-364-5656)
STEP 4 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
BUILDING USE PERMITS
For Fields & Gymnasiums
STEP 1 – District Facilities Oce (516-364-5661)
STEP 2 – Director of Athletics (516-364-5748)
STEP 3 – Deputy Superintendent (516-364-5656)
STEP 4 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
For General Use
STEP 1 – Building Main Oce
STEP 2 – District Facilities Oce (516-364-5661)
STEP 3 – Executive Director of Operations
(516-364-5671)
STEP 4 – Associate Superintendent for Business
(516-364-5651)
STEP 5 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
MEDICAL CONCERNS/QUESTIONS
STEP 1 – Building Nurse
STEP 2 – Guidance (Secondary only)
STEP 3 – Assistant Principal (Secondary only)
STEP 4 – Building Principal
STEP 5 – District Lead Nurse (516-364-5627)
STEP 6 – Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
(516-364-5648)
STEP 7 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
ATHLETIC CONCERNS/QUESTIONS
STEP 1 – Coach
STEP 2 – Director of Athletics (516-364-5748)
STEP 3 – Assistant Principal
STEP 4 – Building Principal
STEP 5 – Deputy Superintendent (516-364-5656)
STEP 6 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
TRANSPORTATION CONCERNS/QUESTIONS
(Have your child’s bus route number available)
STEP 1a – Transportation Specialist, 8am - 4pm
(516-364-5840)
STEP 1b – Huntington Coach, after 4pm
Large Buses (631-271-8995)
Vans – (631-271-7225)
STEP 2 – Assistant Principal (Secondary Only)
STEP 3 – Building Principal
STEP 4 – Associate Superintendent for Business
(516-364-5651)
STEP 5 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
STEP 1 – Activity Advisor
STEP 2 – Assistant Principal (Secondary only)
STEP 3 – Building Principal
STEP 4 – Districtwide Subject Coordinator
STEP 5 – Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction,
& Assessment (516-364-5662)
STEP 6 – Deputy Superintendent (516-364-5656)
STEP 7 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
BUDGET CONCERNS/QUESTIONS
STEP 1 – Associate Superintendent for Business
(516-364-5651)
STEP 2 – Superintendent (516-364-5605)
SCOPE CONCERNS/QUESTIONS
STEP 1 – SCOPE Oce (631-360-0800, ext.123)
STEP 2 – SCOPE Child Care Supervisor (516-804-6521)
J. Irving Baylis School
516-364-5798
580 Woodbury Road, Plainview
Clara Kang, Principal
Berry Hill School
516-364-5790
181 Cold Spring Road, Syosset
Mary C. Kolkhorst, Principal
Robbins Lane School
516-364-5804
157 Robbins Lane, Syosset
Christopher Meyers, Principal
South Grove School
516-364-5810
60 Colony Lane, Syosset
Mi Jung An, Principal
Village School
516-364-5817
90 Convent Road, Syosset
Dr. Sari Goldberg McKeown, Principal
Walt Whitman School
516-364-5823
482 Woodbury Road, Woodbury
Chad M. Snyder, Principal
A.P. Willits School
516-364-5829
99 Nana Place, Syosset
Kelly Morgan, Principal
School Hours: 9:15am – 3:15pm
Oce Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
School Hours: 8:04am – 2:50pm
Oce Hours: 7:30am – 4:00pm
School Hours: 7:39am – 2:21pm
Oce Hours: 7:30pm – 4:00pm
H.B. Thompson Middle School
516-364-5760
98 Ann Drive, Syosset
Kevin Bonanno, Principal
Assistant Principals:
Christian Harrigan
Paul Naraine
Joanna Waters
South Woods Middle School
516-364-5621
99 Pell Lane, Syosset
Michelle L. Burget, Principal
Assistant Principals:
Theresa C. Berke
Elizabeth Burke
Jessica Tam
Syosset High School
516-364-5675
70 Southwoods Road, Syosset
Dr. Giovanni Durante, Principal
Assistant Principals: Raymond Gessner, Matthew Loew, Christopher Runi,
David Steinberg
Administrative Assistant: Shai Fisher
Central Administration oces are located in the South Woods Middle School.
During the school year, all Central Administration oces are open from
8:00am to 4:00pm on days the District is open for instruction and/or operation.
During July and August, these oces are open from 8:00am to 3:00pm Mondays
through Thursdays, and from 8:00am to 12:00pm on Fridays.
District Main Switchboard.........................................................................................516-364-5600
The District Transportation Oce can be reached at 516-364-5840 during regular
business hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm. For information regarding busing outside
regular school hours, parents may reach Huntington Coach by calling:
Large Buses: 631-271-8995
Vans: 631-271-7225
Fine and Performing Arts Department ................................................................. 516-364-5724
Athletics Department ................................................................................................. 516-364-5748
English and Secondary ENL Department ............................................................ 516-364-5700
Guidance Department ................................................................................................ 516-364-5686
Health Department ..................................................................................................... 516-364-5675
Mathematics and Business Department .............................................................. 516-364-5705
Occupational Education Department ................................................................... 516-364-5675
Physical Education Department ............................................................................. 516-364-5749
Science and Technology Department .................................................................. 516-364-5711
Social Studies Department ....................................................................................... 516-364-5714
Special Education Department ............................................................................... 516-364-5695
World Language and Elementary ENL Department ........................................ 516-364-5704
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources .............................................. 516-364-5648
Executive Director of Operations ........................................................................... 516-364-5671
Director of Facilities ..................................................................................................... 516-364-5661
Director of Security .................................................................................................... 516-364-5847
Director of Athletics, PE & Recreation ................................................................... 516-364-5748
K-12 Coordinator of Instructional & Administrative Technology ................ 516-364-5600
Continuing Education ................................................................................................. 516-364-5738
District Clerk .................................................................................................................. 516-364-5600
Public Information Ocer ......................................................................................... 516-364-5836
Transportation Specialist .......................................................................................... 516-364-5840
Treasurer .......................................................................................................................... 516-364-5669
Instructional Materials Center ................................................................................. 516-364-5835
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 5
MIDDLE SCHOOLS GRADES 6 THROUGH 8
HIGH SCHOOL GRADES 9 THROUGH12
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OFFICES
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
DISTRICT CURRICULUM OFFICES
DISTRICTWIDE SUPPORT SERVICES
DIRECTORY OF ADMINISTRATION AND SCHOOL OFFICES
17District Website: www.syossetschools.org
18
TWOHOUR DELAY
A two-hour delay may be implemented to provide crews with additional time to prepare roadways
and facilities for student arrival. Weather and road conditions will be monitored closely during the
delay to determine if a closure is necessary.
• Morning SCOPE and before school activities will be canceled. Afternoon SCOPE will continue
as scheduled.
• Buses will operate on a two-hour delay in the morning only. Bus pick-up times will be
approximately two hours after the normally scheduled pick-up time. Afternoon drop-o times
will not change.
• Afternoon and evening activities will continue as planned unless otherwise indicated.
Parents are asked to continue to monitor their emails, the District website and Facebook page as
well as remain alert for additional communications throughout the morning. If weather conditions
deteriorate and/or if the roads aren’t adequately cleared in the time frame anticipated, it may be
necessary to close schools for the day. In these instances, a decision to close may be determined as
late as 8:00 a.m. School will be in session only if the bus drivers can safely transport students.
SCHOOL CLOSURE
If weather conditions are severe enough that transporting students to or from school is
determined to be unsafe, school will be canceled for the day.
• Morning and afternoon SCOPE will be canceled.
• All activities before and after school will be canceled.
• Any activities planned to take place at District school buildings will be canceled or postponed.
• If necessary, parents will receive a separate communication regarding rescheduling of events/
activities.
ACCELERATED DISMISSAL
If weather conditions deteriorate throughout the day, an accelerated dismissal may be
implemented in the interest of safety. High school students will be dismissed early and middle
and elementary level students will be dismissed promptly at their regular dismissal times.
• The high school will be dismissed at 12:30pm.
• The middle schools will be dismissed promptly at 2:46pm. Please be prepared for buses to arrive
slightly early at their designated stops.
• The elementary schools will be dismissed promptly at 3:15pm. Please be prepared for buses to
arrive slightly early at their designated stops.
• All afternoon and evening activities will be canceled.
• If necessary, you will receive a separate communication regarding rescheduling of events/
activities.
• There will be no late bus.
CANCELLATION OF AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
After school activities may be canceled in the event of inclement weather occurring late in the
day. The normal school-day hours and operations will not be impacted. SCOPE will continue as
planned, though parents and guardians are asked to pick up their students as soon as feasible.
• Afternoon SCOPE will continue as scheduled.
• All afternoon and evening activities will be cancelled unless otherwise noted.
• If necessary, parents will receive a separate communication regarding rescheduling of events/
activities.
• There will be no late bus.
RELOCATION
In the event inclement weather conditions impact building conditions, such as interrupted
electricity or heat, relocation may be necessary.
• A communication will be sent out to parents/ guardians immediately, and additional
communications will be sent frequently to keep everyone apprised of the situation. During
relocation, there is no process for signing out students until they have arrived at the alternate
location. For everyone’s safety, and so that relocation operations run smoothly, please refrain
from coming to the school building that your students are leaving.
• Once students have safely arrived at the alternate location, the instructional day will continue.
Parents/guardians will be provided with instructions for picking up and signing out students
should they choose to do so.
• Bus transportation home from the alternate location will commence at the regularly scheduled
dismissal time.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
• Make sure your child’s emergency contact information is up-to-date and accurate.
• Please avoid calling the schools so that the phone lines can remain open. If your student’s
bus is late, please call Transportation at 516-364-5840, and someone can locate the bus with
equipped GPS tracking.
• Have a backup childcare plan if necessary. Review any alternate arrangements you have made
with your child in the event inclement weather prevents you from being home or picking them
up.
• If your child/children are normally bused home, please do not pick them up at schools during
inclement weather. The roadways need to be as clear as possible for snow removal purposes.
On occasions when schools must be closed or school openings will be delayed, parents/ guardians
will be notied by the District’s automated telephone/text/email system and messages will be
posted on the District’s website and Facebook pages.
SCHOOL DELAY / CLOSING GUIDE
The Syosset Central School District is committed to providing a safe environment
for students, sta and visitors. The District will invoke procedures for delayed school
openings as necessary when inclement weather or other emergency conditions
result in potentially hazardous roads or facilities.
In the event of inclement weather, the Superintendent will determine if a change
to normal operating procedures is required after evaluating weather conditions,
road and building conditions, and consulting with the District Transportation sta
to determine if buses can safely transport students.
In a commitment to provide timely information, the District makes every eort
to arrive at a decision prior to 6:00am. in order to adequately notify our community.
The District uses email, phone and text to communicate directly with parents and
guardians. Information is also made available online on the District’s website and
Facebook page and through local media outlets, such as radio stations and regional
television stations.
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
19
The District works closely with area law enforcement, re department, EMS and the
Nassau County Oce of Emergency Management to ensure our schools are well-prepared
in the event of an emergency. Each school conducts several drills throughout the school
year to help students and sta prepare for possible emergencies. Each year, the District’s
Emergency Plan is reviewed and updated to meet or exceed NYS regulations. The District-
Wide School Safety Plan is posted on the District website. Building-level plans are
condential for security reasons.
In the event of an accident, rst aid is administered immediately, and every eort
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 a change in home or business
telephone numbers.
In the event of an emergency, it is important to be familiar with the following protocols
that may be implemented by the District.
LOCKOUT
A lockout takes place if a threat is identied outside a school. A lockout secures the building
perimeter, recovers all students from outside the building if necessary and locks all exterior
doors. No visitors will be admitted to the building, and no one will be permitted to leave the
building. The normal instructional day continues inside the building. Students will not be
released during a lockout.
LOCKDOWN
A lockdown takes place if a threat is identied inside a school. Students are kept in rooms or
areas that are secure and locked. Entry to and/or exit from the building will not be allowed until
an “all-clear” directive is given by emergency responders. Students will not be released during
a lockdown.
EVACUATION
In the event of certain building emergencies, students will be relocated to a pre-determined,
safe location outside the building. Students will be released to authorized adults through a
formalized family reunication process to ensure the safety of all children.
HOLDINPLACE
A hold-in-place may be issued during a non-threatening event such as a medical emergency
or maintenance issue. Hallways are cleared, students are kept in classrooms and instruction
continues.
SHELTERINPLACE
A shelter-in-place may be issued when it is safer to remain inside the building due to exterior
hazards, such as severe weather. Students are kept in a safe space inside the building until the
situation has been resolved.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN EMERGENCY
• In the event of an emergency, please be assured that the District has an emergency
management plan in place and that the District, school building and rst responders will act
accordingly.
• The District is committed to providing factual and timely information in the event of an
emergency and will use email, phone and text to communicate directly with parents and
guardians. Please monitor phones and email regularly.
• Updates may also be posted to the District website and the District Facebook page.
REUNITING WITH YOUR CHILD
• In the remote event that you will need to pick up your child, parents and guardians will be
directed by the District via phone, email and/or text to their child’s specic location.
• Students will only be released to a parent, guardian or other adult listed as an emergency
contact. Photo identication will be required. The individual picking up the student will be
asked to complete a Student Release Form (available on-site). This procedure is designed for
your student’s protection.
• Please be aware the reunication can be time-consuming, and we appreciate your patience.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN EMERGENCY
• It is important to remain calm as children are greatly inuenced by their family’s sense of well-
being.
• Provide reassurance that your child is safe.
• Families need to be compassionate listeners when their children speak of the crisis. Listen to
and acknowledge your child’s concerns.
• Please seek help from your child’s school, District or other mental health professionals if you or
your child have any concerns.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
• Make sure your child’s emergency contact information is up-to-date and accurate. If your child
requires medication, please be sure it is supplied to the school nurse.
• During an emergency, please do not come to the school as this could hinder the actions of
rst responders.
• Please do not call the school. In a crisis situation, school phones are needed to manage the
situation, and lines must remain open. Please also refrain from calling your child. Sta and
students are discouraged from using cell phone communication for safety reasons.
• Review with your child any alternative arrangements you have made in case an emergency
prevents you from being home or picking up your child.
Please note that standard operating safety procedures require that all exterior doors be locked
at all times. Visitors must provide a government issued photo ID, which will be scanned into the
Visitor Management Database, prior to entry. All visitors must have an appointment in order
to be admitted to any school building. All sta are required to wear photo identication. High
school students are required to wear student identication badges and scan in as they enter
their building.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION GUIDE
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
20
Syosset Central School District has a national reputation for academic
excellence. Niche.com ranks Syosset as the 5th Best School District in
America, the 3rd Best School District in New York, and Syosset High School as
the 9th Best High School in New York.
Syosset High School has a 98% graduation rate, with 99% earning Regents
diplomas. The co-curricular program includes musical performing groups,
publications, service and subject area clubs, plus nearly 100 athletic teams.
Each of the District’s three secondary schools – H.B. Thompson Middle
School, South Woods Middle School, and Syosset High School – and four of
our Elementary schools have received the “No Place for Hate” designation
from the Anti-Defamation League. Our secondary schools have also been
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as “Blue Ribbon Schools of
Excellence.” Syosset has been named one of the country’s “Best Communities
for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation for the 22nd year.
The District is committed to providing a well-rounded education that
cultivates inquiry, excitement, and innovation in order to amplify students’
intellectual agility and cultural competency. Syosset has made signicant
investments in technology tools designed to enhance students’ learning
experiences for all students grades K through 12.
District and Board of Education communications are shared throughout
the year by mail and e-mail. Important news about the District is also
available in weekly and daily newspapers. Ocial legal notices are published
in the Syosset Advance and the Syosset-Jericho Tribune.
The District maintains a website at www.syossetschools.org, as well
as a social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. School
events, closings, and delayed openings are posted on our website and social
channels.
WKWZ 88.5 FM is a student-operated radio broadcast sponsored by
Syosset High School. District announcements, as well as other items of
public interest, are carried by WKWZ during programming hours beginning
at 2:30pm.
Facebook: Syosset Central School District
Instagram: SyoStrong
YouTube: Syosset Central School District
DISTRICT AT A GLANCE
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
21
The Board of Education has invited community representatives to participate on
advisory committees organized to discuss topics such as school budgets and nance,
recreation, school-community relations, security and building projects. This involvement
is part of the important partnership between the community and the schools.
a. Each of the owners must be at least 65 years of age on or before December 31 of the year in
which they apply, except where the property is owned by a husband and wife, or by siblings, only
one needs to be 65 as long as that individual’s name is on the deed.
b. The combined income threshold amount was not available at the time of this printing. This
amount can be obtained by calling the Exemption Department, Nassau County Department of
Assessment. Where the property is owned by a husband and wife only, the combined income
must meet the specied threshold amount. Income means money received from all sources,
both taxable and non-taxable. It includes Social Security, but does not include welfare payments,
supplemental Social Security income, veterans’ disability compensation, gifts or inheritances. It is
gured for the calendar year preceding the date of the application.
c. The owner of the property has been the owner for one year, or has owned a previous residence
in the State of New York for one year prior to making application.
d. The property must be used for residential purposes only.
e. The property must be the legal residence of, and must be occupied by, all of the owners of the
property, unless a non-resident owner, who is the spouse of the resident owner, is absent from the
residence due to divorce, legal separation or abandonment.
NOTE: A child residing on the property who attends a public school disqualies the exemption.
Application must be made each year between September 1 and December 31. The tax relief
will then be applied to the tax year beginning the following July 1. Residents who believe they
are qualied or who wish further information should contact:
Senior Citizens’ Division
Nassau County Department of Assessment, Exemption Dept.
240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501
516-571-1500
2. Senior Citizen’s I.D. Card: District residents 60 years of age or older will be issued a “Senior
Citizen’s I.D. Card” for free admission to ocial student plays and shows at the high school or
middle schools and to intra/interscholastic home sports events. These nontransferable passes will
be available at each school oce to qualied senior citizens appearing in person. A Nassau County
“Leisure Pass” may be used in place of the Syosset card.
3. Free Tuition: Senior citizens, 60 years of age or older, are entitled to discounted or free tuition
for some classes in the Continuing Education for Adults program. Please see the Continuing
Education brochure for additional information.
Additional information on activities for senior citizens can be obtained from:
Town of Oyster Bay Department of Community and Youth Services
Maureen A. Fitzgerald, Commissioner
Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, NY 11758
516-797-7900
Nassau County Oce for the Aging
Jill D. Nevin, Commissioner
516-227-8900
Syosset’s Continuing Education program conducts a comprehensive schedule of fall
and spring sessions. Please see the District website at
www.syossetschools.org/continuinged for more information and for a list of current
oerings.
The School District cooperates with the New York State Department of Labor in
issuing working papers required by law for students under the age of 18 who are
seeking employment. All elementary and nonpublic school children residing in the
District may obtain working papers from the Guidance Oce of the high school and
both middle schools. Secondary students may contact the Guidance Oce of their
respective schools.
To secure working papers, a student must:
• Obtain and complete an application
• Be checked by the school doctor or family physician
• Submit proof of age
(birth certicate, baptismal certicate, hospital record, or passport)
To secure working papers to deliver newspapers, a student must:
• Be 11 years of age
• Obtain and complete an application
• Submit proof of age
225 South Oyster Bay Road, Syosset, NY 11791
516-921-7161 www.syossetlibrary.org
Library Director: Christine Belling
Board of Trustees: Robert Glick, President
Reid Goldsmith, Vice President,
Bill Akunevicz Jr, Alene Shorin and Sam Sochet
Library Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9am to 9pm
Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
*Closed on Sundays, July 1 through Labor Day
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR ADULTS
WORKING PAPERS
SYOSSET PUBLIC LIBRARY
COMMUNITY SERVICES
1. Tax Exemptions: A senior citizen is entitled to a partial exemption from School District taxes, up to
50% of the assessed valuation, under the following conditions:
SENIOR CITIZEN PRIVILEGES
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
22
Nutritionally balanced meals that meet federal guidelines are oered at all Syosset
schools. Meals are prepared within strict guidelines for caloric content; amounts of
trans-fat, saturated fat and sodium; whole grain content; servings of fruits, legumes
and leafy vegetables; and fat content of milk. The District oers a service that allows
for online prepayment/ replenishment of student accounts for meal purchases.
Menus and additional information can be found on the District website in the Food
Services section. Questions may be referred to the Director of Food Services at
516-364-5849 or by emailing [email protected]g.
The Board of Education, in conjunction with the National School Lunch Program,
makes free lunch and breakfast and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches available
for students whose families qualify under federal income eligibility guidelines.
Condentiality is assured for all participants in this program. Applications are
emailed annually for all students, and may also be obtained from the District website
as well as at the main oce of each school building. Residents wishing to apply
or these programs should contact the Associate Superintendent for Business at
516-364-5651.
FOOD SERVICE / FREE AND REDUCEDPRICE LUNCH POLICY
FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM
In accordance with Federal Civil Rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies,
oces, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA
programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national
origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in
any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape,
American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the agency (state or local)
where they applied for benets. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or
have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service
at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in
languages other than English.
To le a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027), which can be found online at found
online at: www.usda.gov/oascr, or at any USDA oce. You may also write a letter
addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all information requested in the
form. Call 866-632-9992 to request a copy of the complaint form.
Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Oce of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: 202-690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.in[email protected]
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For translations and
additional information, please visit www.syossetschools.org/foodservice and click
on Free & Reduced Price Meal Information.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
23
CHILD CARE PROGRAM
SCOPE provides a school-age child care program for children of parents residing in the
District. The program, for students in grades K through 5, runs in all seven District elementary
schools. Parents pay tuition, which covers the cost of operating the program. SCOPE oers
childcare from 7:00am to the start of the school day, and from 3:15pm to 6:30pm in the
evenings. Families of currently registered SCOPE students may also avail themselves of child
care services on elementary school half-days at an additional fee. Further information and
registration materials are available on our website, or through the the SCOPE oce at
631-360-0800, ext. 123.
VISITORS
Visitors are welcome in any District school with a pre-scheduled appointment. Visitors are asked
to check in upon arrival to curtail the interruption of classes and prevent unauthorized persons from
entering the halls or classrooms. Upon entering a District building, visitors will be asked to present a
valid government-issued ID, which will be scanned into an electronic visitor management system. A
badge will be generated which the visitor will be required to wear while remaining in the building.
USE OF FACILITIES
Qualied not-for-prot, nonsectarian organizations, 50% of whose membership is comprised
of District residents, may be granted the use of school facilities. An online application form must be
led at least 10 work days prior to the date on which the facility is needed. Use of school facilities
will not be authorized unless a permit is issued and, depending upon the activity, the District
must be designated as an additional insured on the outside organization’s general liability policy.
Information regarding fees and insurance requirements may be obtained from the Syosset Central
School District website. It shall be noted that the District reserves the right to change locations
or revoke permits without notice. Organizations using school facilities will be held liable for any
damage to buildings and grounds. For any other questions, please contact the Facilities Oce at
516-364-5661, or visit the Facilities Usage page under the “Community” tab on the District website.
ASBESTOS NOTICE
In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations, all Syosset
Central School District buildings have been inspected for the presence of asbestos-containing
building materials. Copies of inspection reports are available for review in each school and in
the oce of the Asbestos Designee. All questions may be referred to the oce of the Asbestos
Designee at 516-364-5661.
The District is committed to ensuring that appropriate precautions are maintained when
handling any building materials which may be suspected of containing asbestos. Ongoing
activities include training, operation and maintenance, and periodic inspections.
POLICY PROHIBITING USE OF PESTICIDES
Education law 409-h requires that all public and private schools in New York State establish a
pesticide notication procedure to inform parents about school pesticide practices, and provide
them the opportunity to be notied when pesticides are applied in their children’s schools. It is
the intent of Syosset Central School District to continue to practice Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) methods that do not employ the use of pesticides at your child’s school whenever
possible. For additional questions, please contact the Director of Facilities at 516-364-5661.
ADMISSION TO SCHOOL
The School District shall provide a public education to all persons residing in the School
District between the ages of ve and twenty-one who have not received a high school
diploma. Residence is established by one’s physical presence as an inhabitant within the
district and intent to reside in the district. The child’s residence is presumed to be that
of his/her parent/guardian. No person shall be refused admission into or be excluded
from the School District on account of any legally protected status as enumerated in
Policy 0100 (Equal Opportunity), including race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender (including
gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, weight, religion, marital status, disability, or
predisposing genetic characteristic.
REGISTRATION
Parents or guardians may enroll their children in the School District either online via the
School District’s website or in person. Registration is required prior to enrollment. Registration
forms are available in English, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. Translation is available for in-
person registration. The application will be completed in English by the resident or translator.
CENSUS
State Education Law permits each school district to conduct a census to identify all children
from birth to the age of 18, the total population of the district, and the number of buildings within
the district. All residents are urged to complete the attached census form (found as an insert in
this calendar) and return it using the prepaid mailer. It is important to return the form even if you
do not presently have children in your household.
HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION
According to New York State law, students will not be permitted to continue attending school
or school-sponsored programs if they have not met the immunization requirements.
While it is recommended that all students have annual health and dental examinations, NYS
mandates health exams for students entering grades Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th,
and 11th in addition to any new entrants. If a student requires prescribed or over-the-counter
medications during the school day, the following must be provided:
1. Completed District form for Administration of Medication During the School Day, signed by
a parent/guardian and signed/stamped by the student’s physician. If the medication can be
self-carried (as per school policy), a separate district form is required.
2. Completed form must include the student’s name, name of medication, dosage, frequency,
and route.
3. Medication must be supplied in its original, professionally labeled container with the
student’s name, medication name and expiration date.
District health forms and requirements can be found on the District’s website under the
“Parents” tab.
GENERAL INFORMATION ADMISSIONS AND REGISTRATION
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
24
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM SERVICES
ENRICHMENT AND GIFTED SERVICES
All elementary and middle schools have enrichment specialists. Enrichment
specialists plan and coordinate school-wide enrichment activities as well as support
classroom teachers in dierentiating instruction as a consultant teacher or by working
directly with classes. Project Beyond is the District’s program for identied gifted and
talented students in grades three through seven. Students admitted to the program
spend part of the week engaged in special activities in a designated setting in their
home school.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Syosset’s special education program includes consultant teacher, integrated co-
teaching, resource rooms, special classes, and related services including but not limited
to speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Initial provision of special
education services is considered through referral to the District Committee on Special
Education (CSE). Referrals can be made to the building principal, psychologist, or the
CSE chairperson. Referrals of preschoolers who may need special education services
may be made to the Chairperson of the Committee on Preschool Special Education.
As required by Section 4402 of New York State Education Law, you are hereby
notied of your right to initiate a referral of your child for the purpose of determining
the need for special education services for the child. You are directed to the following
webpage to access Special Education in New York State for children Ages three to 21:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed. For additional information please contact the
Oce of Pupil Personnel Services at 516-364-5616.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENTAL NOTIFICATION
As required by Section 4402 of New York State Education Law, you are hereby
notied of your right to initiate a referral of your child for the purpose of determining
the need for special education services for the child. You are directed to the following
webpage to access Special Education in New York State for children Ages three to 21:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed. For additional information please contact the
Oce of Pupil Personnel Services at 516-364-5616.
HEALTH SERVICES
The registered nurse is a resource person for the planning, coordination and
implementation of an eective school health program which meets all the requirements
set forth in the laws and Commissioner’s regulations. These include assessments of
vision, hearing, scoliosis and emergency care procedures. A cumulative health record
is maintained for all students. Registered nurses are available for consultation in all
matters pertaining to the health and well-being of the students.
GUIDANCE
Guidance personnel in the middle schools and high school include the principal,
assistant principals, and counselors. They are assisted by teachers, psychologists, social
workers, registered nurses, and other sta members. Sta is available to help students
make decisions regarding their educational program, as well as to assist with their
individual growth and development. Conferences address educational, vocational,
social, ethical or other guidance issues. Such conferences are encouraged and may be
initiated by the student, parents, teachers, advisers, or counselors.
ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION
An adaptive physical education teacher is assigned to the elementary schools to
provide individual alternate activities for students identied as having physical or motor
impairments which preclude participation in the standard physical education program.
The adaptive physical education teacher works closely with other physical education
teachers to include the student whenever possible in class activities. In addition, the
student may perform individual activities which promote endurance, coordination, ne
and gross motor skills, and other skills necessary for group sports inclusion.
SPORTS AND ATHLETICS
In addition to regularly scheduled classes, the physical education department
supervises a full program of athletics for students in grades seven through 12. Students
trying out for team sports are examined by the school doctor to qualify for interscholastic
competition.
DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING
Each District school has a developmental learning teacher who is a specialist in
reading and learning problems. Students are screened to determine needs for remedial
help. Students needing extensive remedial assistance receive those services in their
individual schools.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
School psychologists are assigned to each building and use their specialized skills
to evaluate and help students with academic achievement, classroom functioning, and
personality development. In addition, conferences are held with parents, guidance
counselors, and faculty members regarding students’ individual needs. The psychologist
also serves on the multi-tier system of support (MTSS) team of each building. Through
classroom observation and consultation with students, teachers and parents, the
psychologist is able to recommend comprehensive programs to help students in
overcoming problems in learning, executive functioning, and social-emotional
regulation. Formal referrals to the MTSS team are made by members of the professional
sta. Psychologists are available to parents wishing to discuss their child’s academic and
personal development.
SPEECH
Specialists are employed to help students in need of speech therapy for articulation
defects, stuttering, organic speech diculties, or loss of hearing. Students receive
special assistance on a scheduled basis. Speech therapists also provide services to
students who are language-impaired with serious communication diculties.
SUMMER SCHOOL
Summer school oers a program of remedial and enrichment courses for students in
grades three through 12. A detailed brochure describing oerings will be available on
the District website during the annual registration period.
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
CODE OF CHARACTER, CONDUCT, AND SUPPORT PLAIN
LANGUAGE SUMMARY PARENTS
25
The Board of Education, its ocers and employees, shall not discriminate against
any individual on the basis of actual or perceived age, race, creed, color, national
origin, sexual orientation, military status, gender (including gender identity), sex,
disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence
victim status.
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.
Inquiries regarding the application of this policy may be directed to: Syosset
Central School District, P.O. Box 9029, Syosset, New York 11791
Title IX Coordinator
(sex discrimination)
Human Resources
516-364-5648
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
For more information, please refer to the newly adopted policies on the District’s
website: http://www.syossetschools.org/BOE.
The Board of Education recognizes that harassment of students, sta and certain
“non-employees” (which includes contractors, subcontractors, vendors, consultants
and other persons providing services pursuant to a contract, or their employees) on
the basis of sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation
is abusive and illegal behavior that harms victims and negatively impacts the school
culture by creating an environment of fear, distrust, intimidation and intolerance.
The Board of Education further recognizes that preventing and remedying
such harassment in schools is essential to ensure a healthy, nondiscriminatory
environment in which students can learn and employees and “non-employees” can
work productively.
The Board of Education is committed to providing an educational and working
environment that promotes respect, dignity and equality and that is free from all
forms of sexual harassment. To this end, the Board of Education condemns and
strictly prohibits all forms of sexual harassment on school grounds, school buses and
at all school-sponsored activities, programs and events including those that take
place at locations outside the School District. Since sexual violence, dating violence,
and stalking are forms of sexual harassment, the term “sexual harassment” in this
policy will implicitly include sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking even
if not explicitly stated, or outside the school setting if the harassment impacts the
individual’s education or employment in a way that violates their legal rights.
To view the District’s full Equal Opportunity and Sexual Harassment Policies,
please refer to the District Policies section of the Board of Education page at
www.syossetschools.org/policies.
PROHIBITION AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY 0110
SELECT DISTRICT POLICIES
This is the parent summary of the Syosset Central School District Code of Character,
Conduct, and Support. It was written by parents for parents to highlight sections of
the Code most relevant to supporting students in developing positive relationships,
becoming good citizens, and demonstrating responsible behavior. The full Code can be
found on the District website under Board of Education – Board Policies.
CORE PRINCIPLES
The District’s Code of Character, Conduct, and Support is adopted by the Syosset Board
of Education and required by the NYS Department of Education. The District’s current
Code ensures all students’ right to an education in a safe, civil, caring, and supportive
learning environment. It serves as a guide to good citizenship for students and all adults
(teachers, principals, administrators, school sta, parents, and the larger community).
The goal is for all adults to fulll their obligation to help students become citizens who
lead productive lives by modeling positive behaviors and cultivating those behaviors in
students.
Student discipline, and support policies and practices, will hold individuals accountable
while focusing on restorative solutions in order to support the foundation of a positive
school climate. They will be implemented in a manner that is caring and equitable,
respectful, and based on trust among administration, sta, students, and families. Ideally,
this will help students learn from their mistakes, acknowledge the harm caused or the
negative impact of their actions, take responsibility, and learn strategies that promote
positive interactions.
The District’s Code has been modied to highlight the social and emotional learning
vision, which aims to create collaborative school environments built on positive
relationships and a growth mindset. Social and emotional learning contributes to
improved academic and personal outcomes. Students can learn and practice how to
manage their emotions, feel and show empathy, and make good choices.
Every reasonable eort should be made to correct student behavior through
interventions that are accountable and restorative. Parents are encouraged to promote
participation in restorative practices and support their child to achieve the best outcome
for this type of intervention. Interventions are essential when infractions of the Code may
be symptomatic of a more serious problem that students are experiencing.
The District’s Code has incorporated the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which was
created to give students and educational environment free of discrimination, bullying
and harassment.
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
Section 504 Coordinator
(handicap discrimination)
Erin Goldthwaite
Assistant Superintendent for
Pupil Personnel Services
516-364-5616
26
STUDENT BEHAVIOR
It is expected that all students conduct themselves in a manner that supports the
intent of the Code of Character, Conduct, and Support; creating a safe and supportive
school environment free of discrimination, bullying/cyberbullying, and harassment in
school, on the bus, and at after school activities.
(Behavior outside of school that has the potential to impact the learning environment in
school will be addressed by school administration.)
Students can learn to assume and accept responsibility for their own behavior, as
well as the consequences of their misbehavior. Students are expected to comply with
the reasonable direction of teachers, support sta, and administrators, demonstrate
kindness toward each other, and use technology appropriately. Should students fall short
of this expectation, consequences will be applied. Students will be asked to reect on
their behavior and identify how to correct behavior in the future. For a full explanation of
expected behavior and consequences, consult the full Code of Character, Conduct, and
Support.
VISITORS TO SCHOOL
Anyone who is not a regular sta member or student of the school must make an
appointment with the school secretary and will be considered a visitor.
If a visitor is dropping something o for a student or sta member at the elementary
schools, the visitor will place the item on a table designated for this purpose and will
report to the security vestibule. If they must enter the school, they must show proper ID
and sign in. If a visitor is dropping o an item at the Middle Schools or High School, the
visitor will bring the item to the security vestibule, show proper ID, and sign in if they
must enter the building.
Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to security and the
Principal or his/her designee. Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave. The police may
be called if the situation warrants.
(If you are volunteering for a PTA sponsored activity, please respect the guidelines your PTA
puts forth for volunteer activities.)
The full Code of Character, Conduct and Support can be found on the District website
at www.syossetschools.org/code.
CODE OF CHARACTER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS
1. Recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of the
parents and the school community. Collaborate with the School District to
optimize their child’s education opportunities.
2. Send their children to school ready to participate and learn.
3. Ensure their children attend school regularly and on time. Contact your building
principal for support services available.
4. Ensure absences are excused. Refer to attendance policy for details and
denitions.
5. Insist their children be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the
student dress code.
6. Help their children understand that basic societal norms are required to
maintain a safe, orderly, and supportive environment.
7. Know school rules and help their children understand them so their children
can help create a safe, supportive school environment.
8. Convey to their children a supportive attitude toward education and the School
District.
9. Build positive constructive relationships with teachers, other parents, and their
children’s peers.
10. Help their children deal eectively with peer pressure by utilizing tools such as
PTA programs, school hotlines, school psychologists, and teachers.
11. Inform school ocials of changes in the home situation that may aect student
conduct or performance.
12. Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are acknowledged.
13. Tell school ocials about any concerns or complaints in a respectful and timely
manner.
14. Model respectful and considerate behavior to sta, other parents/guardians,
and students in all interpersonal communications.
15. Be open to active participation in resolving conicts through a restorative
process.
SELECT DISTRICT POLICIES
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
27
STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY 5100
The Board of Education recognizes that regular school attendance is a major
component of academic success. The Board of Education seeks to minimize the level of
unexcused absences, tardiness, and early departures (hereinafter referred to as “ATEDs”),
encourage full attendance by all students, maintain an adequate attendance record
keeping system, identify patterns of student ATEDs and develop eective intervention
strategies to improve school attendance.
The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee will communicate the student
attendance requirements set forth herein:
• The attendance policy will be mailed to the parents/guardians (or persons in
parental relation to the student) in the School District calendar, will be made
available via the School District’s electronic student management system and will
be reviewed with students at the start of the school year.
• Parents will be able to retrieve a plain language summary of this policy via the
School District’s electronic student management system, or by mail if the parent or
guardian does not have Internet access.
• Parents/guardians (and/or persons in parental relation to the student) of a student
entering the school district for the rst time will be provided with a copy of this
policy.
• Copies of this policy will also be made available to any community member upon
request and at the buildings, and will be posted on the District Website.
• The principal of each building, or his/her designee, will be responsible for reviewing
pupil attendance records and initiating appropriate action to address unexcused
pupil absence, tardiness and early departure consistent with the comprehensive
Attendance Policy.
• A back-to-school event will be held at the beginning of each school year to explain
this policy and stress the parent’s responsibility for their child(ren) to attend school.
• School newsletters, publications and/or electronic communications will include
periodic reminders of the components of this policy.
• The School District will provide a copy of the attendance policy and any amendments
thereto to faculty and sta. New sta will receive a copy upon their employment.
• All faculty and sta will meet at the beginning of each school year to review the
attendance policy to clarify individual roles in its implementation.
• Copies of this policy will also be made available to any community member, upon
request.
EXEMPT, EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
ELEMENTARY
Exempt absences are those that are dened as necessary by the school, i.e. school
eld trips, music section. Excused ATEDs are dened as absences, tardiness, and early
departures from class or school due to personal illness, with accompanying parent’s/
guardian’s note, death in the family, religious observance and court appearances. In
school Excused ATEDs include absences excused by the Nurse. In school Exempt ATEDs
include absences excused by teachers, school psychologist(s) or administrators and
absences due to assignments to Alternate Educational Placements.
All other ATEDs are considered unexcused absences.
All ATEDs must be accounted for. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to call
the school oce the morning of the ATED and to provide written documentation upon
the student’s return to school.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 67
Exempt absences are those that are dened as necessary by the school, i.e. school
eld trips, music section. Excused ATEDs are dened as absences, tardiness and early
departures from class or school due to personal illness, with accompanying parent’s/
guardian’s note, death in the family, religious observance and court appearances. If a
student is absent three (3) or more consecutive days, a doctor’s note will be required.
In cases where a student has a recurring illness or medical condition, a parent or
guardian may provide documentation to be kept on le and will not be required to
provide a doctor’s note for each occurrence. In school Excused ATEDs include absences
excused by the Nurse. In school Exempt ATEDs include absences excused by teachers,
school psychologist(s) or administrators and absences due to assignments to Alternate
Educational Placements.
All other ATEDs are considered unexcused absences.
All ATEDs must be accounted for. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to call
the school oce the morning of the ATED and to provide written documentation upon
the student’s return to school.
SECONDARY 812
Exempt absences are those that are dened as necessary by the school, i.e. school
eld trips. Excused ATEDs are dened as absences, tardiness, and early departures from
class or school due to personal illness, with accompanying doctor’s note, death in the
family, religious observance, approved college visits by students in grades 11 and 12
where request includes proof of the planned visit in writing (which may include an
email or letter from a college or university conrming attendance at an open house or
scheduled visit to the school) and court appearances.
In school Excused ATEDs include absences excused by the Nurse. In school Exempt
ATEDs include absences excused by a guidance counselor, teacher, school psychologist,
or administrator and absences due to assignments to Alternate Educational Placements.
All other ATEDs are considered unexcused absences.
All ATEDs must be accounted for. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school
oce, within at least 24 hours of the ATED, and to provide written documentation upon
the student’s return to school.
SELECT DISTRICT POLICIES
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
TARDINESS
Students are expected to arrive to school and to all classes on time.
GENERAL PROCEDURES/DATA COLLECTION
• Attendance will be taken during each class period in grades 6 through 12. In
grades Kindergarten through 5 attendance will be taken on a daily basis.
• At the conclusion of each class period or school day, all attendance information
shall be compiled and provided to the building principal or his/her designee.
• The nature of an ATED shall be coded on a student’s record and indicate whether the
ATED is Excused, Unexcused, or Exempt consistent with the following descriptions
of Excused, Unexcused and Exempt absences.
• Student ATED data shall be available to and will be reviewed by the building
principal or his/her designee.
• Where additional information is received that requires corrections to be made to
a student’s attendance records, such correction will be made immediately. Notice
of such change will be sent to appropriate school personnel subject to applicable
condentiality rules.
• Attendance data will be analyzed periodically to identify patterns or trends in
student absences.
• Continuous monitoring will be conducted by the Building Principal or his/her
designee to identify students who are absent, tardy, or leave class or school early.
• For homeless students, the homeless liaison, if necessary, will assist the student
in obtaining proper documentation concerning the student’s return to school
following an excused absence. If a student will be leaving school prior to the end
of the day, a parent or legal guardian (a) must provide prior written approval for a
student to leave school early or (b) the parent or legal/guardian must contact the
school to advise the main oce that the student will be signed out of school early.
ONLINE/DISTANCE/REMOTE LEARNING
Students learning remotely will need to show daily school participation, which
is to be recorded by teachers and reported under the provisions of this policy. Such
participation will vary depending on the type of remote learning taking place. This
can include, but is not limited to, documented participation in online or virtual classes,
completion of assignments, documentation of daily school activities and learning, or
correspondence via online platform, email, and telephone. Teachers are also expected
to pay particular attention to the educational progress of students learning remotely,
and initiate appropriate interventions with the student and their family if a student
does not show adequate engagement or growth.
ATTENDANCE INTERVENTIONS/STRATEGIES
Prior to the denial of course credit and in the event student absences place the
student in jeopardy of being denied course credit, the School District will implement
intervention strategies to address identied patterns of student absence, tardiness,
early departure, and/or attendance problems. These may include, but are not limited
to:
• Monthly Innite Campus Attendance Reports by grade level reviewed by
Administrator and Guidance Counselor
• Student meetings with Teacher/ Coordinator/ Administrative Assistant/ Guidance
Counselor
• Parent meeting with Guidance Counselor and Administrative Assistant
• On-line monitoring with real-time attendance available to parents via the Parent
Portal
• Response to Intervention Strategies Attendance/Behavioral Intervention process
(detention/ASC)
• Close monitoring of attendance and lateness; teacher phone contact for a specic
class; attendance secretary phone contact to follow-up late arrival to school
• Follow-up of attendance/lateness patterns by Administrators, Counselors, and/or
Nurse. Follow-up includes:
• Meetings with Students;
• Additional phone contact with parents;
• Letters to parents;
• Parent meetings, if necessary.
ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES
The School District will design and implement systems to acknowledge a student’s
eorts to maintain or improve school attendance. These may include, but are not limited
to:
• At the classroom levels, teachers are encouraged to assign special responsibilities
(distribute and collect materials, lead groups, assist the teacher, etc.) to students
who may need extra motivation to come to school
• Report Card comment for quarterly perfect attendance
• Comments for perfect attendance/no tardiness added to report card for each class
or for all classes
• Congratulatory letter for obtaining perfect attendance
CONSEQUENCES FOR ABSENCES
SECONDARY 812
Designated sta member(s) will contact the student’s parents and the student’s
guidance counselor when attendance issues arise. Such sta member(s) shall remind
parents of the requirements for attending school pursuant to this policy. In addition,
the sta member will explain the ramications associated with absence from school
and, stress the importance of class attendance and discuss appropriate intervention
strategies to correct the situation.
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District Website: www.syossetschools.org
ATTENDANCE/GRADE POLICY
SECONDARY 612
The Board of Education recognizes an important relationship between class
attendance and student performance. Consequently, within each marking period,
a student’s nal grade may be based on classroom participation as well as his or her
performance on homework, tests, papers and projects.
Students are expected to attend scheduled classes. Consistent with the importance
of classroom participation, absences may aect a student’s class participation grade for
the marking period.
At the middle and high school level, any student who has more than seven (7)
absences in a marking period or has more than four (4) absences for a course meeting
on alternating days may receive a grade of “I” (incomplete). For the purposes of quarterly
grades these absences are not cumulative from one marking period to another.
Assigned activities will be provided to students in order to alleviate class participation
deciencies. A student will be given up to ten (10) school days from the ocial end of
the marking period to successfully complete the make-up assignment. Completion of
the assigned activity means the absence will not be counted against the student for
purposes of determining the student’s eligibility for course credit.
ATTENDANCE/AWARDING OF CREDIT
SECONDARY ALL CREDIT BEARING COURSES
When a secondary student (grades 8 through 12) exceeds a cumulative total of twelve
(12) unexcused absences in a credit bearing course he/she will not receive credit for a full
year course. Students exceeding a cumulative total of six (6) unexcused absences will not
receive credit for a half-year course or an alternate day course.
Properly excused student absences shall not be counted as an absence for the
purpose of determining the student’s eligibility for course credit. Unexcused lateness or
early departures will count as unexcused absences.
Information will be available for parents by electronic communication or by mail
regarding their child’s cumulative absences. This attendance notice will report the
student’s absences period by period. If a student exceeds a cumulative total of twelve
(12) unexcused absences for a full year course, or six (6) unexcused absences for a half
year or alternating day course, the guidance counselor will meet with the student to
make any necessary adjustments to the student’s schedule.
MIDDLE SCHOOL REGENTS COURSES ATTENDANCE POLICY
The high school minimum Attendance Policy shall apply to all students taking
Regents courses in the middle school.
SUMMER SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. When a student in a credit-
bearing summer school course exceeds a cumulative total of three (3) absences he/she
will not receive credit for that course. An absence is dened as missing more than 15
minutes of a class and one-half (1/2) absence is dened as missing up to 15 minutes of
a class.
APPEAL PROCESS
A written appeal may be made to challenge the accuracy of the record of the student’s
attendance in a particular course or on the basis of extenuating circumstances. The
written appeal together with any supporting documentation must be led no later
than ten (10) school days from the date of the initial denial of course credit with the
Superintendent of Schools, provided, however, that the Superintendent may designate
another administrator to review and decide the appeal. The decision on appeal shall be
issued within ve (5) school days of ling. The decision of the Superintendent of Schools
or his/her designee shall be nal and appealable only to the New York State Commissioner
of Education pursuant to §310 of the Education Law.
ANNUAL REVIEW
The Board of Education shall provide for the annual review of the building-
level student attendance records. The Board of Education shall annually review
this comprehensive attendance policy and make any revisions to the plan it deems
necessary.
STUDENT RECORDS POLICY 5500
The Board of Education recognizes its legal responsibility to maintain the
condentiality of student records. As part of this responsibility, eligible students and
parents/guardians will have the right to inspect and review education records, the
right to seek to amend education records and the right to have some control over the
disclosure of information from the education record in accordance with law.
The Board of Education also recognizes its responsibility concerning the orderly
retention and disposition of the School District’s student records. The School District
will use reasonable methods to provide access to student educational records only
to those authorized under the law and to authenticate the identity of the requestor.
The School District will document requests for and release of records, and retain the
documentation in accordance with law.
DEFINITIONS
Authorized Representative: an authorized representative is any individual or entity
designated by a State or local educational authority or a Federal agency headed by
the Secretary, the Comptroller General or the Attorney General to carry out audits,
evaluations or enforcement or compliance activities relating to educational programs.
Education Record: means those records, in any format, directly related to the
student and maintained by the School District or by a party acting on behalf of the
School District, except:
(a) records in the sole possession of the individual who made it and not accessible
or revealed to any other person except a substitute;
(b) records of the School District’s law enforcement right;
(c) records of treatment created or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist,
psychologist or other professional/paraprofessional acting that capacity.
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District Website: www.syossetschools.org
Eligible student: a student who has reached the age of eighteen (18) or its attending
postsecondary school.
Legitimate educational interest: a school ocial has legitimate educational interest
if they need to review a student’s records in order to fulll his or her professional
responsibilities.
Personally identiable information: is information that would allow a reasonable
person in the school or its community, who does not have personal knowledge of the
relevant circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty. Such data
might include social security number, student identication number, parents’ name
and/or address, a biometric record, etc.
School ocial: a person who has a legitimate education interest in a student record
who is employed by the School District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor
or support sta member (including health or medical sta and law enforcement
unit personnel); a member of the Board of Education; a person or company with
whom the School District has contracted to perform a special task (such as attorney,
auditor, medical consultant or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an ocial
committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school
ocial performing his or her tasks.
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION
At the beginning of each school year, the School District will publish
a notication that informs parents, guardians and students currently in
attendance of their rights under FERPA and the procedures for exercising those
rights. This notice may be published in a newspaper, handbook, the School
District’s website or other school bulletin or publication. This notice will also be
provided to parents, guardians, and students who enroll during the school year.
The notice will include a statement that the parent/guardian or eligible student
has a right to:
1. inspect and review the student’s education records;
2. request that records be amended to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading
or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights;
3. consent to disclosure of personally identiable information contained in the
student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure
without consent; and
4. le a complaint with the United States Department of Education alleging failure of
the School District to comply with FERPA and its regulations.
The annual notice will also inform parents/guardians and students:
1. that it is the School District’s policy to disclose personally identiable information
from student records, without consent, to other school ocials within the School
District whom the School District has determined to have legitimate educational
interests.
2. that, upon request, the School District will disclose education records without
consent to ocials of another school district in which a student seeks to or intends
to enroll or is actually enrolled.
3. that personally identiable information will be released to third party authorized
representatives for the purposes of educational program audit, evaluation,
enforcement or compliance purposes.
4. that the School District, at its discretion, releases directory information (see
denition below) without prior consent, unless the parent/guardian or eligible
student has exercised their right to prohibit release of the information without
prior written consent.
5. that, upon request, the School District will disclose a high school student’s name,
address and telephone number to military recruiters and institutions of higher
learning unless the parent or secondary school student exercises their right to
prohibit release of the information without prior written consent.
6. of the procedure for exercising the right to inspect, review and request amendment
of student records.
The School District will provide translations of this notice, where necessary and to
the extent practicable, to parents, guardians and students in their native language or
dominant mode of communication. In the absence of the parent or secondary school
student exercising their right to opt out of the release of information to the military,
the School District is required to, under federal law, release the information indicated
in number ve (5) above.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
The School District has the option under FERPA of designating certain categories
of student information as “directory information.” The Board of Education directs that
“directory information” include a student’s:
• name
• address
• degrees and awards received
Notwithstanding the foregoing, directory information will only be disclosed to third
parties without the consent of the parent where such disclosure would benet students
and the School District. Under no circumstances will social security numbers or other
personally identiable information be considered directory information. Students who
opt out of having directory information shared are still required to have their student
ID cards with them at all times that they are on school grounds or attending a school-
sponsored event.
Once the proper FERPA notication is given by the School District, a parent/guardian
or eligible student will have fourteen (14) days to notify the School District of any
objections they have to any of the “directory information” designations. If no objection
is received, the School District may release this information without prior approval of
the parent/guardian or eligible student for the release. Once the eligible student or
parent/guardian provides the “opt-out,” it will remain in eect after the student is no
longer enrolled in the School District. The School District may elect to provide a single
notice regarding both directory information and information disclosed to military
recruiters and institutions of higher education.
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District Website: www.syossetschools.org
PARENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS FOR DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY
The Syosset Central School District is committed to protecting the privacy and
security of each and every student’s data. Parents should be aware of the following
rights they have concerning their child’s data:
1. A student’s personally identiable information cannot be sold or released for any
commercial purposes.
2. Parents have the right to inspect and review the complete contents of their
child’s education record.
3. The condentiality of a student’s personally identiable information is protected
by existingstate and federal laws, and safeguards such as encryption, rewalls,
and password protection, must be in place when data is stored or transferred.
Third party contractors are required to employ technology, safeguards and
practices that align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Cybersecurity Framework.
4. A complete list of all student data elements collected by the State Education
Department is available for public review by writing to the Oce of
Information & Reporting Services, New York State Education Department,
Room 863 EBA, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234 or by visiting:
http://www.nysed.gov/data-privacy-security/student-data-inventory
5. Parents have the right to le complaints about possible breaches of student
data. Parents may submit a complaint regarding a potential breach by the
District to the Data Protection Ocer at dataprotectionocer@syossetschools.
org. The School District shall promptly acknowledge any complaints received
and commence an investigation into the complaint, while taking the necessary
precautions to protect personally identiable information. The School District
shall provide a response detailing its ndings from the investigation no more
than sixty (60) days after receipt of the complaint. Complaints pertaining to the
State Education Department or one of its third party vendors should be directed
in writing to the Chief Privacy Ocer, New York State Education Department,
89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234, or email to [email protected].
6. In the event of a data breach or unauthorized disclosure of students’ personally
identiable information, third party contractors are required by law to notify the
School District within seven (7) days of discovery of the breach or unauthorized
disclosure.
7. If the District enters into a contract with a third party in which student, teacher,
or principal data is shared with a third party, supplemental information for each
such contract will be appended to this Parents’ Bill of Rights.
8. Parents may access the State Education Department’s Parents’ Bill of Rights at:
http://www.nysed.gov/data-privacy/security
DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT DASA POLICY 0115
The Board of Education is committed to providing a positive, safe and supportive
learning environment where students are free from bullying, harassment and
discrimination.
“Harassment” and “Bullying” are the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or
by threats, intimidation or abuse, including cyberbullying, that (a) has or would have
the eect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational
performance, opportunities or benets, or mental, emotional or physical well-being;
or (b) reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for
his or her physical safety; or (c) reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to
cause physical injury or emotional harm to a student; or (d) occurs o school property
and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the
school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or
abuse might reach school property. Acts of harassment and bullying shall include, but
not be limited to, those acts based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight,
national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation,
gender or sex. For the purposes of this denition the term “threats, intimidation or
abuse” shall include verbal and non-verbal actions.
“Cyberbullying” shall mean harassment or bullying as dened above, where such
harassment or bullying occurs through any form of electronic communication.
The Board of Education aims to foster an educational setting wherein all students
are treated with respect and dignity.
The Board of Education acknowledges that bullying and other forms of harassment
or discrimination are disruptive and harmful to our students. Because bullying
and other forms of harassment or discrimination are detrimental to our learning
environment, our sense of community, and an individual’s well-being, the Board of
Education does not and will not condone bullying, harassment or discrimination of
any kind. The School District strictly prohibits all forms of bullying, harassment and
discrimination of students by District employees or students on school property or
at school functions, regardless of whether they are conducted on the premises of the
School District. The School District also prohibits all forms of o-campus bullying,
harassment or discrimination including, but not limited to, “cyber-bullying,” which may
include the use of instant messaging, e-mail, websites, chat rooms and text messaging
or other form of electronic communication, or other acts in violation of this policy
when such acts occur o school property and create or would foreseeably create a risk
of substantial disruption within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that
the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property.
The Dignity Act Coordinator is the school employee charged with receiving reports
of harassment, bullying and discrimination.
Any student who believes that he or she is being bullied, harassed or discriminated
against, or who has knowledge of bullying, harassing or discriminating behavior
should report it. Students may make oral or written reports of bullying, harassment or
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District Website: www.syossetschools.org
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SELECT DISTRICT POLICIES
discrimination to any sta member.
All School District personnel are responsible for taking action if they become
aware of any bullying, harassment or discrimination against a student. Sta members
must make an oral report promptly of all complaints of bullying, harassment, and
discrimination that they receive from students or others, whether oral or written, as
well as any instances of bullying, harassment or discrimination that they are aware of, to
the Dignity Act Coordinator not later than one (1) school day after receipt of a report or
witnessing an incident and must le a written report with the Dignity Act Coordinator
not later than two (2) school days after making the oral report.
Bullying, harassment or discrimination of a sexual nature, as dened by the School
District’s sexual harassment policy, must be reported to the School District’s Title IX
ocer. Bullying, harassment or discrimination which involves criminal activity, or where
there is reasonable belief that criminal activity may occur, must be immediately reported
to the Principal. If the Principal believes that any harassment, bullying or discrimination
constitutes criminal conduct, he/she shall promptly notify the appropriate local law
enforcement agency. To the extent possible, allegations of bullying, harassment or
discrimination will be kept condential; however, the School District reserves the right
to disclose the identity of the parties and witnesses in appropriate circumstances to
individuals with a need to know.
The Dignity Act Coordinator will lead the investigation of all reports of harassment,
bullying and discrimination and will complete each investigation promptly after
receipt of any written report. All reports of bullying, harassment or discrimination
will be thoroughly investigated and prompt action will be taken by the school where
the incident occurred to address the veried allegations, including the imposition of
appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with applicable law and the School
District’s Code of Conduct. Actions will be reasonably calculated to end the harassment,
bullying or discrimination, eliminate any hostile environment, create a more positive
school culture and climate, prevent recurrence of behavior, and provide for the
safety of the student(s) against whom the bullying, harassment or discrimination was
directed. Actions shall be consistent with the guidelines created by the School District,
in accordance with law and this policy, for measured, balanced and age-appropriate
responses to instances of harassment, bullying and discrimination.
All Principals and Dignity Act Coordinators shall make regular reports to the
Superintendent of Schools on data and trends related to harassment, bullying and
discrimination in their schools.
The School District expressly prohibits any retaliation against complainants, victims,
witnesses and/or any individuals who initiate, testify, participate or assist in the
investigation of any allegation or report of bullying, harassment or discrimination. The
School District’s administrators will monitor participants in investigations and victims of
bullying, harassment or discrimination to determine that the behavior has ceased, no
retaliation has occurred and support or counseling has been aorded to the involved
individuals, as needed.
The School District will create guidelines for training and will provide training to
sta, in accordance with the requirements of state law and the Regulations of the
Commissioner of Education, which will include, but not be limited to: raising awareness
and sensitivity to potential bullying, harassment or discrimination and the eects of
bullying, harassment or discrimination, including cyber bullying, on students; enabling
sta to prevent and respond to incidents of bullying, harassment or discrimination;
addressing social patterns of harassment, bullying and/or discrimination, the
identication and mitigation of such acts, and strategies for eectively addressing
problems of exclusion, bias and aggression in educational settings; eectively
implementing school policy on conduct and discipline; and including safe and
supportive school climate concepts in curriculum and classroom management.
The School District will include in the course of instruction in grades kindergarten
through twelve a component on civility, citizenship and character education. Such
component shall instruct students on the principles of honesty, tolerance, personal
responsibility, respect for others, with an emphasis on discouraging acts of harassment,
bullying and discrimination, observance of laws and rules, courtesy, dignity and other
traits which will enhance the quality of their experiences in, and contributions to, the
community. The component shall support the development of a school environment
free of harassment, bullying and discrimination and shall also include instruction on
the safe, responsible use of the internet and electronic communications. For purposes
of this policy, “tolerance,” “respect for others” and “dignity” shall include awareness
and sensitivity to bullying, discrimination or harassment and civility in the relations
of people of dierent races, colors, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions,
religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, genders and sexes.
In accordance with State law, the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee will
designate at least one (1) sta member at every school as a Dignity Act Coordinator who
is approved by the Board and who will be instructed in the provisions of the Dignity
for All Students Act; thoroughly trained to handle human relations in the areas of race,
color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual
orientation, gender and sex; and provided training: (1) which addresses the social
patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination, including but not limited to those
acts based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic
group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and sex; (2)
in the identication and mitigation of harassment, bullying and discrimination; and
(3) in strategies for eectively addressing problems of exclusion, bias, and aggression
in educational settings. Each Coordinator shall be employed by the School District
and be licensed and/or certied by the Commissioner as a classroom teacher, school
counselor, school psychologist, school nurse, school social worker, school administrator
or supervisor, or Superintendent of Schools. The name and contact infor
mation of
the Dignity Act Coordinator shall be disseminated in accordance with state law and the
Commissioner’s Regulations.
The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall develop and implement a
school strategy to prevent harassment, bullying and discrimination as well as procedures
and guidelines, as needed, to fulll the purpose of this policy in the School District,
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
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SELECT DISTRICT POLICIES
including intervention and non-discriminatory instructional and counseling methods
and guidelines relating to the development of measured, balanced and age-appropriate
responses to instances of harassment, bullying or discrimination by students, with remedies
and procedures following a progressive model that make appropriate use of intervention,
discipline and education, vary in method according to the nature of the behavior, the
developmental age of the student and the student’s history of problem behaviors, and are
consistent with the School District’s Code of Conduct.
The School District will maintain current versions of this policy on its website and require
that at least once during each school year, each school provide its employees, students
and parents with a written or electronic copy of this policy, or a plain-language summary
thereof, including the notication process by which students, parents and school
employees may report harassment, bullying and discrimination.
The School District shall report material incidents of discrimination, bullying
and harassment of students to the Department of Education as mandated by the
Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, but in no case less than on an annual
basis.
20232024 SCHOOL DIGNITY ACT COORDINATORS
Baylis ..........................................Jean Gallo, Jocelyn LaBianca
Berry Hill ..................................Tara Sheridan, Suzanne Tesoriero
Robbins Lane .........................Je Biener, Catherine DaSilva, Melanie Spiegel
South Grove ............................Chris Harned, Christina Mancuso, Christina Tudisco
Village ........................................Sari Ginsberg, Laura Ferri
Walt Whitman ........................Lori Levien, Candance Nupp
Willits .........................................Anthony Roche, Kate Sullivan
South Woods MS ...................Stephanie Russell
H.B. Thompson MS ..............James McAleer, Allison Mills-Carroll
Syosset High School ...........Richard Faber, Patricia Haddow
INTERNET SAFETY POLICY 4526.1
The Board of Education is committed to undertaking eorts that serve to make safe for
children the use of School District computers for access to the Internet and World Wide
Web. To this end, although unable to guarantee that any selected ltering and blocking
technology will work perfectly, the Board of Education directs the Superintendent of
Schools to procure and implement the use of technology protection measures that block
or lter Internet access by:
• adults to visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography, and
• minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to
minors, as dened in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Subject to sta supervision, however, any such measures may be disabled or relaxed
for adults conducting bona de research or other lawful purposes, in accordance with
criteria established by the Superintendent of Schools or his /her designee.
The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee also shall develop and implement
procedures that provide for the safety and security of students using electronic mail,
chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; monitoring the
online activities of students using School District computers; and restricting student
access to materials that are harmful to minors.
In addition, the Board of Education prohibits the unauthorized disclosure, use and
dissemination of personal information regarding students; unauthorized online access
by students, including hacking and other unlawful activities; and access by students
to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web. The Superintendent of
Schools or his/her designee shall establish and implement procedures that enforce
these restrictions.
The computer network coordinator designated under the School District’s policy on
the acceptable use of School District computers shall monitor and examine all School
District computer network activities to determine compliance with this policy and
accompanying regulation. He or she also shall be responsible for providing sta and
students with training on the requirements set forth herein.
All users of the School District’s computer network, including access to the Internet
and World Wide Web, must understand that use is a privilege, not a right, and that any
such use entails responsibility. They must comply with the requirements of this policy
and accompanying regulation, in addition to generally accepted rules of network
etiquette, and the School District’s policy on the acceptable use of computers and the
internet. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to,
the revocation of computer access privileges.
As part of this policy, and the School District’s policy on acceptable use of School
District computers, the School District shall also provide age-appropriate instruction
regarding appropriate online behavior, including:
1. interacting with other individuals on social networking sites and in chat rooms,
and
2. cyberbullying awareness and response. Instruction will be provided even if the
School District prohibits students from accessing social networking sites or chat
rooms on School District computers.
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
DISTRICT COMPLAINT PROCEDURES FOR FEDERAL PROGRAMS
POLICY 0130
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, as amended by the No
Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB); and Section 100.2 of the regulations of the New
York State Commissioner of Educationgovern the District’s administration of federal
programs.
Section 8304(a)(3)(c) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (“ESSA”) require the Board
to adopt written procedures for the receipt and resolution of complaints alleging
violations of ESSA . The Board of Education, therefore, directs that the procedures set
forth below be followed to resolve complaints alleging violations of the ESSA.
The School District shall receive, review, and resolve complaints under the ESSA for
which no other procedures or remedies are available. These complaints must involve
an allegation that the School District as a Local Educational Agency (LEA) or a sub-
grantee has violated a federal statute, regulation, or interpretive rule. The interpretive
rule must aect those federal education programs listed in CFR Title 34 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
A. Any person(s) who believes that grounds exist for ling a complaint may le a
written complaint with the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services.
The complaint must:
1. be signed by the person(s) making it;
2. show who has violated a specic federal requirement;
3. explain how the requirement has been violated;
4. state the facts upon which the complaint is based; and
5. state what relief the person is seeking.
B. If the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services receives a complaint,
he/she shall contact the person making it and explain the requirements for a
valid complaint.
C. The Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services shall send the complaint
to the appropriate sta for review and response. If the complaint involves a sub-
grantee, the department shall send the complaint to that sub-grantee.
D. The Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services may, in his/her
discretion, permit the person, to appear and present evidence.
E. The Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services shall issue a nal
written resolution of each valid complaint to each party involved within thirty
(30) business days of receipt, unless he/she nds good cause for an extension.
F. The resolution shall include:
1. a summary of the facts involved;
2. a statement of the federal requirement involved;
3. the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel’s ndings of fact and a
summary of the evidence it considered;
4. the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel’s conclusions regarding
each allegation and a summary of her reasons for them; and
5. the Assistant Superintendent Pupil Personnel’s order for any negotiation
or corrective action that must occur and when those actions must be
taken.
PROCEDURES FOR FILING COMPLAINTS/APPEALS WITH THE NEW
YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
A. The New York State Education Department will review complaints when the
complaint pertains to:
1. The State’s administration of the ESSA Title I Basic Grant, Migrant Education,
or;
2. Neglected or Delinquent Program;
3. An appeal from the decision of the School District regarding an action by
the School District.
B. Complaints that do not meet any of the above criteria, including complaints
concerning the School District’s administration of its Title I program, will be
referred for possible resolution to the School District. Appropriate New York
State Education Department sta will complete an on-site review (if necessary)
and / or records examination and will notify all parties of its ndings within sixty
(60) working days of the receipt of the complaint/appeal.
Complaints / appeals should be sent to:
New York State Education Department
Oce of ESSA Funded Programs
89 Washington Avenue, Room 320 EB
Albany, New York 12234
34
SELECT DISTRICT POLICIES
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
C. The sixty (60) working day limit for the New York State Education Department’s
review of complaints and appeals may be extended under exceptional
circumstances, which need not be limited to such occurrences as:
1. illness of involved parties;
2. cancellation of scheduled on-site reviews due to unscheduled school
closings;
3. the need for extended review activities beyond those specied in the
written notication; and / or any other mutual agreement to changes in
review scope or activity.
D. When exceptional circumstances are identied, the revised date for the
completion of the complaint review will be provided in writing to all parties
involved in the complaint or appeal. Each party to the complaint has the right to
initiate a request for an extension beyond the sixty (60) working day complaint
resolution period based on exceptional circumstances. All such requests must
be presented to the New York State Education Department. An appeal must be
requested and postmarked within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the
School District’s response to the original complaint.
E. The Title I representative in the New York State Education Department oce
who is assigned as the program manager for the School District against which
the complaint is made and other New York State Education Department sta, as
may be appropriate, shall conduct the review of complaints or appeals.
F. The Department’s response to the complaint shall contain:
1. names of persons interviewed;
2. records or other evidence examined;
3. relevant dates / times / locations / events;
4. summary of ndings; and
5. nature of corrective action to be taken including applicable timelines.
G. Failure of the School District to take corrective action within the time period
stipulated in the complaint resolution shall be cause to withhold all, or a
portion of, the ESSA Title I allocation to the School District.
H. Copies of correspondence, related documents, investigative reports, and
summary reports involved in the complaint / appeal resolution will be
maintained by the New York State Education Department for ve years.
I. Records will be made available to interested parties in accordance with the
provisions of the New York State Freedom of Information Law.
J. Parties dissatised with the New York State Education Department’s complaint
resolution may le an appeal directly with the United States Department of
Education (USDOE) at:
United States Department of Education
Compensatory Education Programs
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Room 3W230, FOB#6
Washington, DC 20202-6132
35
SELECT DISTRICT POLICIES
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
CUALIFICACIONES DEL VOTANTE
Residentes elegibles son animados a que ejerzan su derecho al voto en el presupuesto
de la escuela y cualquier otra votación que sea traída al consejo de administradores.
Residentes de Syosset que hayan vivido por lo menos 30 días antes de la fecha de
votación, quienes sean ciudadanos americanos, que tengan por lo menos 18 años
o más de edad y quienes están actualmente y apropiadamente registrados podrán
votar.
INSCRIPCIONES DEL VOTANTE
El Consejo de Educación de Syosset ha adoptado un proceso permanente que va de
acuerdo con las leyes del estado. Las fechas para nuevos votantes son anunciadas
por el servicio publicado y también por el correo masivo del distrito. Residentes que
están actualmente inscritos para votar en elecciones generales son automáticamente
registrados para votar en el distrito escolar, no necesita volver a inscribirse nuevamente.
Las matrículas preparadas para las elecciones Anuales del Distrito serán archivadas
en la ocina del distrito y serán inspeccionadas por votantes calicados del Distrito
durante las 9 a.m. y 1 p.m. durante cinco días antes de la elecciones excepto por los
domingos.
INFORMACIÓN SOBRE EL PRESUPUESTO Y LOS IMPUESTOS
Hay reuniones públicas anuales antes de las votaciones de mayo.
SITIOS DE VOTACIÓN
Actualmente hay tres lugares electorales para las votaciones del Distrito Escolar de
Syosset. Estos son diferentes a los sitios de votación para votaciones generales. Los
tres sitios para votaciones Escolares son basados en las escuelas elementales.
Elementary School Attendance Zone Voting Site
Robbins Lane and South Grove Robbins Lane Elementary School
157 Robbins Lane, Syosset, NY
A.P. Willits and Baylis H.B. Thompson Middle School
98 Ann Drive, Syosset, NY
Berry Hill, Village and Walt Whitman Syosset High School
70 Southwoods Road, Syosset, NY
Escuelas Elementales Sitio Electoral
Robbins Lane and South Grove Robbins Lane Elementary School
157 Robbins Lane, Syosset, NY
A.P. Willits and Baylis H.B. Thompson Middle School
98 Ann Drive, Syosset, NY
Berry Hill, Village and Walt Whitman Syosset High School
70 Southwoods Road, Syosset, NY
36
VOTER QUALIFICATIONS
Eligible District residents are encouraged to exercise their right to vote on the school
budget or other matters brought before the community and for Board trustees.
Syosset residents who have lived in the District at least 30 days prior to the voting
date, who are United States citizens, 18 years of age or older, and who are currently
and properly registered may vote.
VOTER REGISTRATION
The Syosset Board of Education has adopted permanent personal registration
procedures in accordance with state law. Registration dates for new voters are
announced through public notices and through School District mailings. Residents
currently registered to vote in general elections are automatically registered to vote
in the School District and need not register again. The reverse, however, is not true.
The Register prepared for the Annual District Election will be led in the oce of
the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by qualied voters of the District
between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on each of the ve days prior to the election except Sunday.
BUDGET AND TAX INFORMATION
Public meetings are held each year before the May voting date.
VOTING SITES
There are currently three polling sites for Syosset Central School District elections.
These are dierent than the election districts for general elections. The three voting
sites for School District elections are based on elementary school attendance zones
as follows:
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
REGISTRATION, VOTING, AND
BUDGET INFORMATION
INFORMACIÓN SOBRE REGISTRACIÓN,
VOTACIÓN, Y PRESUPUESTO
ELEMENTARY:
November 7 – Full Day Conferences
November 14 – 3:45 to 4:15pm
November 16 – 3:45 to 4:15pm
March 13, 2024 – 5 to 8pm
March 19, 2024 – 3:45 to 4:15pm
March 21,2024 – 5 to 8pm
March 26,2024 – 3:45 to 4:15pm
HIGH SCHOOL:
October 17 – 5 to 8pm (A-L)
October 26 – 5 to 8pm (M-Z)
November 7 – Full Day Conferences
March 5, 2024 – 5 to 7pm
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
November 7 – Full Day Conferences
November 8 – 5 to 8pm
February 7, 2024 – 5 to 8pm
February 15, 2024 – 5 to 7pm
37
20232024 SCHOOL CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
July 4: District closed - Fourth of July
August 29-31: Superintendent’s Conference Days
September 4: District closed - Labor Day
September 5: First day of classes
September 25: District closed - Yom Kippur
October 9: District closed - Columbus Day
November 7: Superintendent’s Conference Day & Election Day
Schools closed to students
November 10: District closed - Veteran’s Day
November 23-24: District closed - Thanksgiving Recess
December 25 to January 1: Schools closed - Winter Recess
January 15: District closed - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 19-23: Schools closed - Presidents’ Week
March 28-29: District closed - Holy Thursday & Good Friday
April 10: District closed - Eid al-Fitr
April 22-30: Schools closed - Spring Recess
May 23: Snow make up day #1
Schools closed if no snow days
May 24: Snow make up day #2
Schools closed if no snow days
May 27: District closed - Memorial Day
June 17: District closed - Eid al-Adha
June 19: District closed - Juneteenth
June 26: Last day of school
POSSIBLE EMERGENCY MAKEUP DAYS
In the event school is closed for more than three days due to inclement
weather, the District will need to schedule additional make-up days. The
following days have been identied as possible make-up days: May 23
and May 24.
Schools will be closed on these days if no make-up days are needed.
Parents are urged to take this into consideration when making any plans,
especially for the Memorial Day weekend. If schools are to be closed on
any of these days, an announcement may be expected in April 2024.
MARKING PERIODS
Elementary and Secondary schools are on the same grading schedule
End of First Marking Period: November 9, 2023
End of Second Marking Period: January 26, 2024
End of Third Marking Period: April 5, 2024
End of Fourth Marking Period: June 26, 2024
CONFERENCE DATES
District Website: www.syossetschools.org
Syosset Central School District
Syosset, New York 11791
Dated Material
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 36
Syosset, NY 11791
Board of Education
Carol C. Cheng, President
Brian J. Grieco, Vice President
Lynn Abramson
Lisa A. Coscia
Susan Falkove
Anna Levitan
Jack Ostrick
Shany Park
Thomas A. Rotolo
Dr. Thomas L. Rogers
Superintendent of Schools
ECRWSS
Resident of
Syosset Central School District
