FAMILY HANDBOOK 2012-2013

625 West 133rd Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10027 Tel (212) 991-2622 kies@kippnyc.org www.kippnyc.org

2 Dear Families, Welcome to the KIPP Infinity Elementary team and family! This is our 3rd year, and as a team of families, students, and staff, we are continuing to build the foundation for early education and character together. We commit to helping our children develop the necessary character, academic skills, and habits necessary to succeed in middle school, high school, college, and the world beyond. We believe that by working together, we can provide opportunities to enable our children to grow up to have happy, healthy, and successful lives. Whether our KIPPsters are in the classrooms reading A Chair for My Mother, at the zoo discovering the needs of animals to live and survive, performing at our winter show, or practicing their UNITE values, they truly embody what it is to be a KIPPster. We practice the KIPP Philosophy: Be nice and work hard. Due to the tremendous grit, love, hope, communication, and support of their teachers and families, we know that our KIPPsters will do amazing things. We are excited about their infinite possibilities, and beginning the first KIPP elementary school in Harlem is one step towards achieving those possibilities. These are truly exciting times, and we are happy that you are part of it! We recognize that these efforts take tremendous discipline and dedication, which can only be done with the joint efforts of families, staff, and our students. Because we value open communication and access to information, we have prepared a handbook regarding the schools structure, attendance, schedule, culture, and academics, along with other pieces of information that we think you will find helpful. Hopefully, this handbook will serve as a useful resource to answer any questions that you may have. Please keep it handy so that you may refer to it when necessary. We look forward to an exciting and positive year! Once again, welcome to our KIPP team and family, which is filled with the promise of greatness, enthusiasm, love, and dedication. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your faith and support,

Stephanie Adams Co-Principal (917)-547-8725

Lindsay Fry Co-Principal (917)-547-8674

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ..........................................................................................................................3 WHO WE ARE ..................................................................................................................................4 KIPP MISSION .................................................................................................................................................. 4 OUR BEGINNING ............................................................................................................................................. 4 KIPP CREDO: .................................................................................................................................................... 4 KIPP INFINITY VALUES: .................................................................................................................................... 4 KIPP COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE .............................................................................................................. 5 SOME OF WHAT EVERY KIPPSTER LEARNS DURING WEEK ONE .........................................................6 GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................7 ENROLLMENT .................................................................................................................................................. 7 WHO SHOULD I ASK?....................................................................................................................................... 7 ATTENDANCE .................................................................................................................................................. 8 FOOD SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................... 8 TRANSPORTATION........................................................................................................................................... 8 FIELD TRIPS ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS & CELL PHONE POLICY ....................................................... 9 PERSONAL BELONGINGS ................................................................................................................................. 9 BIRTHDAYS & CELEBRATIONS & ORDERING T-SHIRTS .................................................................................... 9 HEALTH AND SAFETY ........................................................................................................................ 11 IMMUNIZATIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 11 REPORTING A CHILDS SICKNESS ................................................................................................................... 11 ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS ................................................................................................................. 11 COUNSELING SERVICES ................................................................................................................................. 11 CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE............................................................................................................... 12 START/END DATES......................................................................................................................................... 12 VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS .................................................................................................................................. 12 SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER) ............................................................................................................. 12 SUMMER SCHOOL ......................................................................................................................................... 12 SATURDAY SCHOOL ....................................................................................................................................... 12 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................... 12 ACADEMICS - WORK HARD......................................................................................................... 14 HOMEWORK .................................................................................................................................................. 16 CHEATING/PLAGIARISM ................................................................................................................................ 17 PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE ............................................................................................................... 17 FAMILY INVOLVEMENT .................................................................................................................... 17 WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED? .......................................................................................... 17 HIGH EXPECTATIONS & CHARACTER ................................................................................................. 17

WHO WE ARE
KIPP MISSION
KIPP Infinity Elementarys mission is to teach our students to develop the academic and character skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient, successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and for us all.

OUR BEGINNING
We founded KIPP Infinity Elementary in 2010. This is the first KIPP elementary school in Harlem, but we are not the only KIPP School. In 2005, KIPP Infinity Middle School opened in West Harlem serving 45 fifth graders. This year, KIPP Infinity Middle School will serve approximately 250 students in fifth through eighth grade. KIPP Infinity Elementary and Middle Schools are part of KIPP NYC which currently serves over 2,000 students and alumni at four middle schools, one high school, and three elementary schools. From the beginning, KIPP has focused on developing academic and character skills. Since day one, the key to our success has been the amazing teamwork of parents, students, and teachers all working together.

KIPP CREDO:
If there is a problem, we look for a solution. If there is a better way, we try to find it. If we need help, we ask. If a teammate needs help, we give.

KIPP INFINITY VALUES:

Understand Never Give Up Imagine Take a Risk Explore

5 KIPP Infinity Elementary Commitment to Excellence

Teachers Commitment:
Without taking shortcuts, we commit fully to Infinity Elementary School in the following ways: We will do whatever it takes to develop our students character and knowledge preparing them to be successful in life. We will always strive to improve our teaching abilities so your child has the best education. We will be available to students and parents by phone or in person. We will arrive at school every day by 7:15am Monday-Friday and remain at school until 5:15pm Monday through Thursday and 2:30pm on Friday. We will teach one Saturday school each month We will live and teach the UNITE values every day.

We understand that if these commitments are not met, we will receive consequences, including possibly termination. Parents/Guardians Commitment:
Without taking shortcuts, we commit fully to KIPP Infinity Elementary in the following ways: We will always help our child in the best way we know how and we will do whatever it takes to make sure that he/she is reaching Infinitys academic and character goals as part of the Infinity mission. We will be responsible for the actions of our child, and we will make ourselves available to our children and the school as needed. We will participate in one Saturday school per month, for 10 months, starting in September from 9:00-11:00am. If we are unable to attend Saturday School we will make sure a family member older than 18 years old attends with our child. We will read and check carefully all papers our child brings home, including homework, every night. We will always call the teacher when there are problems with homework We will ensure that our child arrives at Infinity by 7:40 a.m. (Monday Friday) and will remain at school until 4:00pm Monday-Thursday and 2:30pm on Friday. We will ensure that we pick up our children on time each day. We will ensure our child attends all Saturday Schools and Summer School (August 22-September 1). We will attend one performance every quarter. We will notify the school no later than the beginning of the school day if our child will miss school. We will allow our child to go on field trips. We will make sure our child follows the KIPP Infinity dress code. We will live and teach the UNITE values every day.

I understand that if these commitments are not met, we will receive consequences including my childs loss of privilege and possibly removal of my child from the school.

Student Commitment:
Without taking shortcuts, I commit fully to UNITE in the following ways: I will understand my classmates, teachers, family, community and the world around me. Understand I will never give up. Never Give Up I will use my imagination. Imagine I will take risks every day. Take a Risk I will explore new ideas and the world around me. Explore I will be nice and work hard every day. I will complete all my homework every night and call my teachers if I have a problem. I will tell the truth and accept responsibility for my actions if I make a mistake. I will always follow the directions of my teachers and other adults at KIPP. I will arrive at KIPP every day by 7:30am (Monday-Friday) and remain at school until 4:00pm (Monday-Thursday) and 2:30pm on Friday

I understand that if these commitments are not met, I will receive consequences, including loss of Infinity privileges and possibly even removal from the school.

What every KIPPster LEARNS during Summer School

We are committed to reinforcing common standards of character and academic performance to create a sense of team and family. We believe that these ideas serve as a great foundation to be carried beyond the five years at KIPP Infinity Elementary. During the first week of summer school, every KIPPster learns various songs, sayings, and acronyms to reinforce our mission. We constantly refer to these throughout their time at KIPP. Please review with your child and help reinforce these standards in and out of school.

I - Be Nice, Work Hard, Be Safe, Protect Property! II- We are a TEAM AND A FAMILY!!! III UNITE (Understand, Never Give Up, Imagine, Take a Risk, and Explore) IV - Track the Speaker- This means that students will always have their eyes and focus on that person. V - PETSYs (PLEASE, EXCUSE ME, THANK YOU, SORRY, YOURE WELCOME)

NON-NEGOTIABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR KIPP INFINITY STUDENTS

All KIPPsters receive general non-negotiable expectations. Please reinforce these with your child.

1) Adherence to the KIPP Commitment to Excellence 2) Adherence to the KIPP Credo: 3) KIPP Shirts remain tucked in at all times. 4) Be on-task and present at all times during class. While anyone is speaking, students must track the speaker (see above). a.

5) KIPPsters must complete homework daily to the best of their abilities. Each family and child has the teachers phone numbers. Please reach out with any questions. 6) Students and families should be reading together every night for 20 minutes. 7) Respond appropriately to all questions. Tone, reactions, and non-verbal actions matter. 8) Walk quietly and orderly while inside any building. 9) We must maintain integrity by doing the right thing without being told. KIPPsters are KIPPsters in and out of school. Our actions once we leave the building matter just as much as they do inside of the school building.

GENERAL INFORMATION
ENROLLMENT
Every year, beginning in the first week of January, KIPP Infinity Elementary will begin accepting applications for K-2 for the following year (although very few students are admitted after Kindergarten). In accordance with our state law, admissions preference will be granted to siblings as first priority and students living in District 5 as a 2nd priority. The lottery will be held the first week of April.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOL

Upon enrolling at KIPP Infinity Elementary, the following documents must be submitted for each student to Ms. Paulino, Office Manager:

New Student Enrollment Form Commitment to Excellence Lunch Forms Copy of Birth Certificate Proof of Address (Copy of a Phone Bill, Electric Bill, Lease, Gas Bill, etc) Immunization Records/Health Records IEP (individualized Educational Plan)/504 Accommodations (if applicable) Home Language Survey
WHO SHOULD I ASK?
At times, you may have questions about KIES. Below is a quick list of common concerns and to whom you should direct your call.
CONCERN Lunch Forms, Emergency Forms, Immunization Records, etc Lost Metro Card Ordering KIPP shirt I have concerns about my childs social adjustment My child has an IEP/504 Accommodations My child will be absent or late I have questions about my childs academic progress I have questions about school activities (permissions slips etc) I have overall concerns STAFF MEMBER Ms. Paulino (Office Manager) Ms. Paulino (Office Manager) Ms. Paulino (Office Manager) Ms. Stevenson (Social Worker) Ms. Jackson (Special Education Coordinator) Ms. Paulino (Office Manager) Your childs teachers Your childs teachers Ms. Adams and Ms. Fry (Principals)

ATTENDANCE and Being on Time

Attendance is extremely important at KIPP Infinity Elementary. Students and families should arrive to school on time. As the old saying goes, If youre five minutes early youre late. KIPP Infinity Elementary students arrive by 7:40a.m. Monday Friday, and remain at school until 4:00p.m. (Monday-Thursday) and 2:30pm on Fridays. On applicable Saturdays, school will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m. If your child is going to miss school because of an illness, please call the school as soon as possible. All absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. KIPP staff will call to verify all absences. Without a doctors note absences will be marked as unexcused. If your child is running late or will miss a portion of the day due to a doctors appointment, please call the school. Please arrange try to arrange annual checkups, dentist appointments, or non-emergency doctor visits outside of the school schedule. There are many days where students are not in school and these are the best days to schedule those appointments so that students are not missing learning. (Please speak to Ms. Fry or Ms. Adams if there are any concerns). Students who arrive late will be given a late pass. If your child is absent, Ms. Paulino will follow up with a phone call. All absences and latenesses are noted on report cards. Students are responsible for all missed assignments and parents must arrange a way to complete all missed assignments and homework. Since missing class affects academic achievement, repeated absences may be reflected in the students grades. If a student is repeatedly absent, he or she will meet with his or her teachers, Ms. Adams and Ms. Fry, and a parent/guardian to address the issue. In addition, students who have 10 or more unexcused absences (3 latenesses = one absence) run the risk of missing field trips and celebrations.

FOOD SERVICES
All families must fill out a federal free/reduced lunch form in September. Families that qualify will receive free/reduced pricing for lunch. The full price for lunch is $1.50 and is subject to change as New York City Department of Education policies change. Breakfast will take place from 7:15 7:40 a.m., Monday Friday. Students must arrive before 7:40am in order to receive a breakfast from the school cafeteria. If your child is a picky eater you can serve them breakfast at home or send a healthy breakfast or bag lunch to school. However, the school is unable to assume responsibility for refrigerating or warming lunch brought from home. Please inform the school if your child has any food allergies.

TRANSPORTATION
Students living more than mile in distance from the school, but less than 1 mile, will receive a Reduced-fare Metro Card for public transportation. Students living greater than 1 mile from the school will receive a Fullfare Metro Card for public transportation. It is each familys responsibility to hold onto the Metro Card. Students will receive a transportation pass the Friday prior to Saturday school. Parents are expected to pick up or make special arrangements for students remaining after school for detention, tutoring, or special activities. Parents must provide contact information for any person authorized to pick up their child. If the person picking up the child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must (a) be given explicit written permission to pick up the child and (b) be 18 years or older. Please speak to Ms. Adams or Ms. Fry if there are any concerns.

FIELD TRIPS
Our students and families look forward to various opportunities, especially our field trips. Each year, KIPP teachers plan several field trips that complement the curriculum, including travels to the local museums and parks, the Statue of Liberty, Columbia University basketball games, ice skating, the Bronx Zoo amongst other New York City sites. Students earn these trips based on their behavior, attendance, and academic performance. In addition, the school reserves the right to remove a student from a trip or prohibit them from going for any reason that jeopardizes the physical or emotional well-being of themselves or others.

COMMUNICATING WITH STAFF AND TEACHERS

Part of the success of KIPP Infinity Elementary is the open communication between parents, students, and teachers. In an effort to facilitate this, we give parents telephone numbers of KIPP Infinity Elementary staff. Students and parents should feel free to call staff members for any reason. This is also a good chance to get help, if necessary, with homework. If you or your child is trying to call a teacher but they dont answer, please leave a message explaining the reason for the call, your full name and telephone number and allow time to return your call. Teachers cannot answer the phone while teaching but will return your call either during a break or after school. All teachers will return your call within twenty-four hours. In addition, in the event of an emergency, please feel free to call Ms. Fry or Ms. Adams.

CELL PHONE POLICY

Please be advised that cell phones are not permitted at school for any reason. If a child brings a cell phone to school, it will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. If you need a message relayed to your child please call the school directly or a KIPP Infinity Elementary staff member.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Students should ensure that any personal belongings they bring with them to school are appropriate and do not pose any type of physical or emotional risk to themselves or others. In addition, students are not permitted to bring soda, gum, candy, or toys of any kind to school without prior permission. All toys, cards, games, and electronics not specifically authorized by the PrincipalsMs. Adams or Ms. Frywill be confiscated and returned only to parents and guardians. Finally, please note that the school is not responsible for any personal belongings brought to school.

BIRTHDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS

There are many opportunities for families to help us celebrate throughout the year: publishing parties, reading to the class, birthday parties, and other fun events at the school. Please do not bring in or send food/gifts to celebrate a certain holiday unless the school sends home a letter or a request. If you would like to celebrate your childs birthday at school we ask that you only bring a juice/healthy drink and a small snack (i.e. cupcake, fruit cups, or a small cake). We reserve time at the end of the day (3:30pm) for birthday celebrations or a time when instruction will not be missed.

ORDERING T-SHIRTS
Part of the KIPP Infinity uniform is that all students must wear a KIPP shirt. Please use the Shirt Order Form to purchase any KIPP shirts that you would like. Once shirts have been ordered and money has been submitted, your child will receive the order within 24 hours. Please see Ms. Paulino for order forms. Please see the student dress code policy, below, for additional information.

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STUDENT DRESS CODE

1.

Students are to wear a KIPP shirt every day. Their KIPP shirts must be fully visible at all times within the building. Long sleeve shirts may be worn underneath KIPP shirts. There will be KIPP long-sleeve shirts and/or sweatshirts available for colder weather. All KIPP shirts are to be tucked in and worn appropriately. All pants must fit around the waist, or students must wear a belt every day. (Belts should be of appropriate size and nature i.e.: no large-faced images or symbols which may pose as a distraction). Khakis are requiredstudents cannot wear jeans or sweat pants. Shorts may be worn during the summer months. Girls may not wear skirts that are inappropriately short (more than 3 inches above the center of their knee) or that have inappropriately long slits (above their knees). Girls are encouraged to wear shorts under their skirts as we sit on the carpet a lot. Students may not wear hats, caps, do-rags, or other head coverings in the school (except in the case of religious observance). For safety reasons, the following jewelry will not be permitted at KIPP Infinity Elementary: necklaces outside of shirt, chains, chokers, multiple finger rings, and dangle earrings. Earrings should not hang from the earlobe (studs are permitted). Students are permitted one bracelet and one ring to be worn in school. One necklace may be worn but must remain tucked in at all times. Students may not wear makeup, contacts, and hair with color or multiple colors. (Students may use lip balm, such as Vaseline, Chapstick, etc. to moisturize lips. As with any items, these may be taken away for inappropriate and excessive use). Students cannot wear shoes that show their toes or heels. Students must wear sneakers to school.

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In addition to the above uniform regulations, the following rules apply: a) Expensive jewelry or large sums of money should not be brought to school. If it is necessary for students to carry more than $20, the money should be given to a teacher for safekeeping. b) The following items may not be brought to school: beepers; cellular phones; iPods, Discmans, or radios of any kind; and electronic toys (PSPs, Gameboys, etc). c) Candy and soda are not allowed at school.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

IMMUNIZATIONS
New York State law requires that all children entering elementary school be immunized. In accordance with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, students entering kindergarten must have the following vaccinations: 4 DTaP or DTP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) - 3 Hepatitis B - 3 OPV or IPV (Polio) - 1 Varicella (Chicken Pox) - 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) Before a child can be permitted to enter and attend school (subject to the 14-day initial waiver requirement), parents or guardians must present documentation that their child has received all required doses of vaccines or that their child has received at least one dose of each of the required vaccines and is waiting to receive the subsequent doses at the appropriate time intervals. KIPP Infinity must receive a certificate of immunization no later than September 15, 2010. These requirements can be waived only if a properly signed health or religious exemption is filed with the school.

REPORTING A CHILDS SICKNESS

If your child is going to miss school because of illness, please call the school as soon as possible. All student absences should be followed up the next day with a note signed by a parent, guardian or doctor. KIPP staff will call to verify all student absences. Please let Ms. Paulino know if there are any medical concerns or special circumstances about which we should be aware.

ILLNESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS

If a child becomes ill or injured during the school day and is not well enough to stay in class, the parent/guardian will be called to pick the child up. It is necessary to have updated emergency contact numbers on file in the school office in case no one can be contacted at home. If the person picking up child is not the parent/legal guardian of the child, they must be (a) given explicit written permission to pick up the child and (b) be 18 years or older. If a child needs to take medicine at school, he/she must give Ms. Chung a written note from a doctor or parent with exact dosage and times for student to take medicine him/herself in the presence of school staff. Medicine needs to be in its original packaging/case. Staff at the school is NOT authorized to administer medication. If there are any concerns about medicine, allergies and overall health please let Ms. Adams or Ms. Fry know. Students with asthma should bring an inhaler prescribed by their doctor to school each day. Asthmatic students should notify a KIPP staff member as soon as breathing becomes difficult.

COUNSELING SERVICES
The counseling services at KIPP Infinity are available to help any student or parent address any social, emotional, or academic issue they may be facing. In addition, our social worker helps students work through and cope with personal and school related stress. At KIPP every student is entitled to counseling support and referral services. Counseling support is also extended to KIPP families in need. There are several ways in which students may be referred for counseling services: If a parent is interested in having their child seen by our social worker, please contact Ms. Fry or Ms. Adams Students are able to ask directly to speak with the social worker on staff

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A student may also be referred at the recommendation of a teacher, social worker, or principal

Please understand that we are required to respect the rights and privacy of our students and families and as a result all information and counseling services are confidential and cannot be shared (except in instances required by law).

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE

START/END DATES
Summer School will begin for all students on August 22nd at 8:00 a.m. and end on September 1st at 12pm. This year, school will resume for students on Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. The last day for students will be Friday, June 22nd, 2011 at 2:30 p.m.

VACATIONS/HOLIDAYS
With a few exceptions, KIPP Infinity Elementary will follow the same holiday schedule as the New York City Department of Education (see calendar for full details).

SCHOOL CLOSINGS (BAD WEATHER)

If the NYC public schools close due to bad weather, KIPP Infinity Elementary is closed. Listen to the radio (e.g. 1010 WINS news) or television for the announcement of closings/delays for NYC Public Schools. Or, check the Department of Education website (http://schools.nyc.gov). Once the school day has started, school will not be cancelled early due to weather conditions. Parents should feel free to pick their children up early in the case of serious weather conditions.

SUMMER SCHOOL
Summer school is a critical time to get a head start on the coming school year and as a result all students at KIPP Infinity Elementary must attend school during the summer. Summer school is usually two weeks long. Please note that unexcused absences in the summer may result in a child being unable to attend one of the schools annual fall field trips. Summer school 2010 will be held August 20 August 30, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

SATURDAY SCHOOL
On appropriate Saturdays, all KIPP Infinity Elementary students are expected to attend Saturday school from 9:00-11:00 a.m. with a parent/guardian or a sibling over the age of 18. Students do not have to wear their KIPP uniform to school. During this time, families and students will participate in a workshop and then classes of their choosing. Attendance at all Saturday Schools is mandatory and we ask that all families arrive on time.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All KIPP Infinity Elementary students participate in various extra-curricular activities. Students will have dance/theater, gym, music, and art on alternating days throughout the school year.

RECESS
Each day the students are taken outside for recess on our playground for 30 minutes to play. We will play outside every day with weather permitting. The playground is open during the winter so please send your children to school with gloves, hats, scarves, sneakers, and a heavy coat on cold days. If a student does not have appropriate outerwear they will not be allowed outside.

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Recess is also a time where students will have time to reflect on their choices of the morning. Students will be asked to sit out if they have not been safe or have not worked hard so that they can make up any missed work.

SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Starting September 4th, all students will start school at 7:40 a.m. and will remain until classes are dismissed at 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 2:30 p.m. on Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

SAMPLE OF A KIPPSTERS DAILY SCHEDULE--Kindergarten

7:15-8:00 am 8:00-8:30am 8:30-10:15am 10:15-11:00am 11:00-12:00pm 12:00-12:30pm 12:30-1:00pm 1:00-2:00pm 2:00-3:30pm 3:30-4:00pm Breakfast and transition to Classrooms Morning Meeting Literacy Instruction Theater and Movement Math Lunch Recess Nap Science, Social Studies, and Centers Community Meeting and Dismissal

SAMPLE OF A KIPPSTERS DAILY SCHEDULE1st-2nd Grade

7:15-8:00 am 8:00-8:30am 8:30-10:15am 10:15-11:00am 11:00-12:00pm 12:00-12:30pm 12:30-1:00pm 1:00-2:30pm 2:30-3:30pm 3:30-4:00pm Breakfast and transition to Classrooms Morning Meeting Literacy Instruction Writing Instruction Math Lunch Recess Specials Classes Science, Social Studies, and Centers Community Meeting and Dismissal

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KIPP INFINITY ELEMENTARY CALENDAR 2012-2013

AUGUST Thursday, August 16 OR Friday, August 17 Monday, August 20 Wednesday, August 22 Thursday, August 30 Family Survey Days (8:00am 1:00pm) 1st Day of Summer School (Kindergarten) 1st Day of Summer School (1st Grade & 2nd Grade) Last Day of Summer School (All Grades) *Please note Summer School hours are 8:00am 1:30pm

SEPTEMBER Friday, September 2 Monday, September 3 Tuesday, September 4 Friday, September 7 Friday, September 14 Monday, Sept 17 & Tuesday, Septe 18 Thursday, September 20 Wednesday, September 26 OCTOBER Monday, October 8 Friday, October 12 Saturday, October 13 NOVEMBER Friday, November 2 Tuesday, November 6 Wednesday, November 7 Saturday, November 10 Thursday, November 15 Friday, November 16 Monday, Nov 19 Friday, Nov 23 Monday, November 26 DECEMBER Thursday, December 6 Saturday, December 8 Friday, December 14 Wednesday, December 19 Thursday, December 20 Friday, December 21 Tuesday, January 1 Winter Performance at 3:00pm Saturday School Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL) Progress Reports Distributed Early Dismissal at 1:30pm WINTER RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED) 1st Quarter Ends Election Day (SCHOOL IS IN SESSION) Picture Day (ALL GRADES) Saturday School Report Card Day No School for Students KIPP NYC Data Day (SCHOOL CLOSED) THANKSGIVING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED) School Resumes Columbus Day (SCHOOL CLOSED) Progress Reports Distributed Saturday School Labor Day (SCHOOL CLOSED) First Day of School for Students (7:40am 4:00pm) Friendly Reminder: We dismiss at 2:30pm on Fridays Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL) Rosh Hashanah (SCHOOL CLOSED) KIES Open House Yom Kippur (SCHOOL CLOSED)

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JANUARY Wednesday, January 2 Saturday, January 12 Friday, January 18 Monday, January 21 FEBRUARY Friday, February 1 Saturday, February 9 Friday, February 15 Monday, February 18 Friday, February 22 MARCH Friday, March 8 Saturday, March 9 Friday, March 15 Thursday, March 21 Monday, March 25 Tuesday, April 2 APRIL Wednesday, April 3 Thursday, April 4 Friday, April 5 Friday, April 12 Saturday, April 20 MAY Saturday, May 11 Monday, May 27 JUNE Saturday, June 8 Thursday, June 20 Friday, June 21 Wednesday, June 26 End of Year Saturday School (All Grades) KIES End of Year Celebration Early Dismissal at 1:30pm Last Day of School Saturday School Memorial Day (SCHOOL CLOSED) School Resumes & the Lottery Closes Admissions Lottery 3rd Quarter Ends Report Card Day No School for Students Saturday School Progress Reports Distributed Saturday School Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL) KIES Performance at 3:00pm SPRING RECESS (SCHOOL CLOSED) Report Card Day No School for Students Saturday School KIPP NYC Data Day (SCHOOL CLOSED) MID-WINTER BREAK (SCHOOL CLOSED) School Resumes & the Lottery Opens Saturday School 2nd Quarter Ends Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)

PLEASE NOTE: All dates in this calendar are subject to change. If there are changes, the school will send updated notification to families in advance. Summer School 2013 will take place in mid to late August, please plan your family vacations for July and/or the beginning of August - Summer School is MANDATORY for all students. Our monthly school calendars are updated on our website at http://www.kippnyc.org/schools-aprograms/kipp-inf-elementary-school/family-documents

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ACADEMICS - WORK HARD

HOMEWORK
A key part of the academic program of KIPP Infinity Elementary is the homework that every KIPPster will receive every night. Homework must be completed the night before it is due. Students will not be allowed to complete homework during breakfast unless given explicit permission by their teacher. No student is excused from any assignment without the permission of his or her teacher prior to the due date. If a student discovers that s/he will be unable to complete an assignment, s/he must contact the teacher by phone no later than the night before it is due. If the student is unable to contact their teacher for some reason, they must bring a written note from their parents/guardians. Homework is counted as complete when all the work is done and turned in on time. Homework is an opportunity to practice learning at home. One of the most important components of homework is the reading log. Each child must read for 20 minutes each night, either independently or with an adult, and write down the title of the book with a parent signature. Students who do not complete homework will have to miss either recess or centers in order to complete the homework assignment or reading log. KEY HOMEWORK POINTS There are many points we review with students. Below are constant messages we send to our KIPPsters as we reinforce the importance of homework. Please review with your child and continue to reinforce accurate, thorough, and timely completion of homework. As always students and parents can call teachers with homework questions. Because we are committed to our mission of preparing our students for middle school, high school, college, and the world beyond, we strongly emphasize the accurate and thorough completion of homework. Homework helps students develop grit, self-control, desire, discipline and dedication all of which are important tools for success. Each night, students will come home with their homework folder. There is a section that says Stays at Home. This is graded work for you to see or important notices that the school is sending home. You will see another section of the folder, which says return to school. This is the homework that needs to be completed that night and sent back to the school in this folder. Our children are still developing their homework and work skills; they will need your support at home. At times, many of the assignments will require you to complete them with your child. Please reach out to the teacher if you need more clarification. Homework completion and effort is logged into Powerschool, which is used to determine grades in each class. A. MAKE-UP WORK ON DAYS STUDENT IS ABSENT Students who are absent are expected to make up the class work and homework when they return to school. All missed, incomplete or incorrect work must be completed. It is the student and parents responsibility to check with each of his/her teachers to make sure s/he is aware of all assignments. The time generally allowed to complete this work will be the number of days the student was absent. For example, if a student was absent for one day, then s/he will have one day to make up any missed work. Late, incomplete, or missing assignments (for unexcused reasons other than absences) must be made up by the next day.

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B. PARENT SIGNATURE ON TESTS Parents must sign all tests and graded assignments, which includes daily reflections. Daily reflections come home with the student every day and should be signed and sent back to the school. This will help us to communicate how your child is doing in working hard and being nice. CHEATING/PLAGIARISM Cheating is a serious offense. If a student copies another students work or if a student gives another student his/her work, it is considered cheating (Academic Dishonesty), and the student will receive a serious consequence for this behavior. Plagiarism involves the stealing of someone elses ideas or words as ones own or the imitation of the language, ideas, and thoughts of another author (or person) and then passing them off as the students own original work. If a student plagiarized and forges a signature, this is also considered Academic Dishonesty. Students will receive a serious consequence.

PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE

Students may be retained in their grade at the end of the year for any one of, or combination of, the following factors: Failure to meet academic standards of readiness for the next grade: Students who fail (earn below 70%) a core subject (Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science) may be retained. Students who fail either the reading or math standardized test at the end of the year may be retained as well (when applicable). Failure to meet adequate standards of attendance and lateness: Excessive absences and tardies may result in retention. Please note that every 3 days late counts as one day absent. Failure to meet behavioral standards of readiness for the next grade level: Students whose behavior has not shown adequate growth or improvement, or is not at a sufficient level, may be retained.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
As already mentioned, one of the keys to the success of KIPP Infinity Elementary is the strong working relationship between parents, teachers, and children. The key to this relationship is constant communication. It is for this reason that all KIPP Infinity teachers give out their phone numbers and it is also the reason that we have an open door policy. All KIPP families are welcome to visit the school at any time. In addition to phone conversations, school visits, and home visits by staff, KIPP Infinity Elementary also has quarterly conferences between parents, teachers, and children.

WHAT ARE A FEW WAYS I CAN GET INVOLVED?

Our families are always asking for ways to get involved. Below are a few ways in which you can do so.

Chaperone and participate in our community service activities Get involved in parent-literacy activities with your child Join our pot-luck dinners, concerts, and other events Attend student in-class performances (poetry caf, in class speeches and presentations, cultural celebrations, and others depending on specific classes)

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Attend quarterly awards ceremony Chaperone school trips Attend parent-meetings Stop by the school to sit in on classes (no amount of time is too short) Invite us to your homes for home visits Sit in on panels Inform us of community events or activities we should be participating in Help with Picture Day Carpool with other families

Attend parent-teacher conferences

Volunteer with enrichment classes and Saturday school classes

And of course we are always available to sample delicious home-cooked meals

Help teachers make copies and laminate class materials Help translate documents

And if there are additional volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact Ms. Adams or Ms. Fry directly.

High Expectations and Character

At KIPP we focus on more than just academics. We also work hard on our character and hold high expectations for student behavior. At KIPP Infinity we expect students to be nice to each other, work hard at school, be safe with their actions, and protect property around the school. When a student does not meet that expectation, there is a logical consequence. Some consequences include: missing part or all of recess, having to sit in another room, taking a time out, or working on incomplete work during centers. At KIPP Infinity our goal is that everyone is safe physically and emotionally. If a student chooses to be hurt another student (i.e. hitting, kicking, fighting, bullying, etc) the school principals or deans may choose to remove that student from class for longer portions of the day or choose to suspension as an appropriate consequence. The school will immediately communicate with the family if such a consequence is deemed appropriate. We also reward students for making good choices or living the values of UNITE. KIPPsters could become the KIPPster of the week and be celebrated at our Friday assembly or they could earn a Leadership sticker for working hard during math. Classes will celebrate students will special cheers or reward students with a popcorn party when they see teammates working hard together. We know that when you make good choices good things happen, so we reward students often for their hard work.

UNITE
Understand. Never Give Up. Imagine. Take a Risk. Explore