Family Handbook

• Girls Prep Lower East Side Elementary School | 442 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002 | 212-388-0241
  • Pre-K - 4, PrePrep: Joan Ganz Cooney Early Learning Program III 
• Girls Prep Lower East Side Middle School | 420 East 12th Street, Room 203, New York, NY 10009 | 212-358-8216
  • Grades 5-8 served
• Girls Prep Bronx Elementary School |682 Kelly Street, Room 205, Bronx, NY 10455 | 718-901-3855
  • Pre-K - 5, PrePrep: Joan Ganz Cooney Early Learning Program 
• Girls Prep Bronx Middle School | 890 Cauldwell Avenue, Room 120, Bronx, NY 10456 | 718-665-6090
  • Grades 6-8 served
• Boys Prep Bronx Elementary and Middle School | 192 East 151st Street, Bronx, NY 10451 | 718-860-8774
  • K - 8 served
• Girls Prep Bronx II Elementary School | 192 East 151st Street, Room 121, Bronx, NY 10451 (housed within Boys Prep) |718-742-8848
  • Pre-K (PrePrep: Joan Ganz Cooney Early Learning Program II) - 1st
• Public Prep Network Home Office | 192 East 151st Street Room 500, Bronx, NY 10451| 212-346-6000

Our school is founded on the expectation that all students will learn and achieve academic excellence. Teachers are
expected to differentiate instruction so that lessons are implemented in a way that meets each student’s individual
needs. A variety of student data, including both formal and informal assessment, is used by the teacher as she or he
plans instruction. Assessments may include:

STEP Assessment : 

• Measuring students’ reading growth over time and progress toward grade-level benchmarks
•  Informing and adjusting teachers’ instruction to meet the needs of all learners
• Assigning reading groups, interventions, and determining “just right” level independent reading books

Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA MAP Test)

• Providing data about how students compare to other students nationally in reading and math
• Measuring students’ reading and math growth over timeKindergarten & 1st Grade Math Progress Monitoring Quizzes

Interim Assessments in theHumanities, Math and Science (grades 2-8)

• We strive to measure students’ level of mastery of the Common Core State
• Standards and Next Generation Science Standards
• Informing action plans based on the identified sub-skills
• Tracking the growth in student mastery over time.

New York State Tests and Regents: Measuring mastery of content and skills developed over the course of the year in ELA
(grades 3-8), math (grades 3-7) and science (grade 4 and grade 8), and Regents (8th
Grade Algebra and Living Environment)

New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT): Measuring the proficiency level of speaking, listening, reading and writing in English. *Only administered to students who have been identified as English Language Learners

Teaching Strategies GOLD (PrePrep): 

● Measuring students’ readiness across six dimensions: socio-emotional skills,
physical, language, cognitive, literacy, and mathematics

Every Child Ready (PrePrep):

• Measuring students progress and growth in literacy, language, and mathematics.
• Informing and adjusting teachers’ instruction to meet the needs of all learners

Field trips are integral to the well-rounded education we aim to provide. Throughout the year, we will design learning
experiences around the city and beyond that deepen and broaden students’ understanding of academic content and the
world around them.

Although some field trips will be free for students, certain trips will require a fee to contribute to transportation costs
and entrance fees. We will make every effort to keep these fees to a minimum. In addition, when families are notified
about a field trip, we may send a list of items needed for the trip. We will try to minimize these requests, but we appreciate assistance from families when we do make these requests. Public Prep Academies makes every effort to ensure that our students receive the opportunities to experience their learning outside of the school building and will work closely with families to ensure students can experience these opportunities, there may be times that the school will request a family chaperone to ensure student safety. All students are required to wear their uniform on field trips, unless
otherwise noted.

For the 2021-22 school year field tips are on hold unless they are outdoors or virtual.

Public Prep is committed to providing all students with equitable and effective learning opportunities. We believe that
students develop at different rates, and thus provide a continuum of interventions and accelerations to meet students
where they are and help them achieve. We use an evidence-based, tiered framework of support to ensure positive
educational, socio-emotional, and behavioral outcomes for all students. Inclusive schools are places where students,
regardless of ability, race, language and income, are integral members of classrooms. All students feel a connection to
their peers, have access to rigorous and meaningful general education curricula, and receive collaborative support to
succeed.

As a network, our mission is to ensure the academic success of all students. The early childhood grades are critical for
preparing students for success in the later grades. We take a student-centered and individualized approach to grade
placement. In addition to getting to know each child’s social and emotional development (social maturity), we use a
variety of academic data in order to determine the grade placement that will put each child on a path to college
completion and success in life.

Pre-K
NYC Universal Pre-K students are not held to promotion standards. However, your child’s teachers will discuss
kindergarten readiness with you by assessing your child’s:
· Eagerness to learn
· Communication skills; ability to express him/herself and follow oral directions
· Independence
· Attendance
· Social maturity
· Fine motor skills
· Basic letter and number recognition

Elementary & Middle School
Each grade is critical for preparing students for success in the following grades. We take a student-centered and
individualized approach to grade placement. In addition to getting to know each child’s social and emotional
development (social maturity), we use a variety of academic data in order to determine the grade placement that will
put each child on a path to college completion and success in life. We spend an incredible amount of time and energy
consulting with each child’s teachers and reviewing student work and experiences in order to determine grade
placement. In some cases, we may determine that a student requires additional time in a grade in order to be fully
prepared for success in the next grade level and beyond. If we determine that this decision is in the best interest of the
child, it is because we believe this gift of time is the best choice for the child’s educational career.
When we believe that a student may benefit from an additional year of learning, we inform families by no later than
February 15th. Once notified that a student may need additional time, teachers will contact families to discuss their
child’s individual learning needs and the steps the school has taken and will take in order to fully support the child. On
the March report card, families will receive an update on whether an additional year of learning may be necessary. The
final decision will be made by the school principal and teams of teachers upon completion of the final marking period in
June. The principal reserves the right to exercise discretion at any time in the school year to place a student in the
environment that best supports his/her learning, including the most appropriate grade level.

Students who meet any of the below criteria at Mid-Year will receive letters indicating that they may benefit from an
additional year of learning. Families will be notified in writing if their students may be best served by an additional year of learning. Families are
encouraged to meet with the classroom teacher(s) following this notification.

Homework is an essential part of our program designed to reinforce skills taught in the classroom, help students develop
a deeper understanding of concepts, and promote disciplined study habits needed for college. In addition to nightly
reading, homework may be assigned every night, including weekends and school breaks. Homework must be fully
completed and reflect high quality work and effort.

The student’s family will receive a phone call or email from the point of contact if their child has missed several
assignments. We expect and need family support to make sure all the homework is done to the highest standard of
academic excellence.

We believe it is important for teachers and families to communicate regularly about student progress. During the middle
of each trimester, families will receive a progress report which outlines the student’s progress across all graded courses.
In addition to the progress report, families will participate in family-teacher conferences (elementary school)/ family -
student-teacher conferences (middle school). Families are expected to attend all family-teacher conferences. The
purpose of the conference is for teachers and families to have the opportunity to discuss the student’s progress during
the term and to discuss academic and behavior goals for the upcoming term.
At the end of the first, second and third trimesters families will receive a report card. The report card outlines students’
progress and performance in both academic and character skills.

Conference Dates for the 21-22 School Year:
● Thursday October 28th - Evening conferences
● Friday October 29th - No school for students - full day conferences
● Thursday February 3rd - Evening conferences
● Friday, February 4th - No school for students - full day conferences
● May Family Conferences will be by appointment

Our school hopes to nurture a deep love of reading. There is a strong correlation between reading and academic success;
therefore, students are expected to read every night. Through nightly reading, students will gain knowledge, strengthen
their vocabulary, and improve their writing skills. Families can support this expectation by providing a quiet reading space
at home and asking their child about what he/she is reading. Students are required to log their reading daily.

Public Prep is committed to providing all students with equitable and effective learning opportunities. We believe in
meeting the needs of students, and thus provide a continuum of interventions and accelerations to meet students where
they are and help them achieve. We use an evidence-based, tiered framework of support to ensure positive educational,
social-emotional, and behavioral outcomes for all students. Inclusive schools are places where all students are integral
members of classrooms. All students feel a connection to their peers, have access to rigorous and meaningful general
education curricula and receive collaborative support to succeed.

Students entitled to additional services receive classroom-based and related services aligned with the specific mandates
on his/her Individualized Education Program (IEP). Public Prep is committed to partnering with families and the district
Committee on Special Education (CSE) to ensure that all students receive high quality services. If you believe your child
needs to be evaluated for special services, please speak directly with school leadership to begin the referral process.
Additionally, our school will collaboratively develop 504 plans to ensure that individuals with medically diagnosed needs
are accommodated in the school environment. These require annual renewal and a visit to a physician. Families can
initiate the process of developing a 504 plan by contacting school leadership.

Multilingual Learners
We value the linguistic diversity of our multilingual learners and ensure they have access to a rigorous standards-based
curriculum, while simultaneously receiving intensive support to build English language skills.

Our Core Values of scholarship, merit, community (brotherhood/sisterhood) and responsibility are woven into all that we
do. We are certain that through hard work, dedication and a strong belief in success, we will achieve our mission.

We are committed to providing a safe and responsive school community where students feel safe and can develop the
skills and confidence to compete at the highest academic levels and display the character traits needed to enter and
complete college. We partner with families to reinforce academic, behavioral, and socio-emotional expectations and
systems. Our goal is to empower our students to do the right thing at all times, reinforce their ability to develop the skills
needed to be successful, and celebrate the good things that happen in their lives as a result.

Attendance

The first step toward academic success and achievement for your child is arriving to school on time and recognizing
that every day counts. Research and our own experience has shown that students with excellent attendance in school
perform better academically. We also want to promote our core value of responsibility as we help them develop the life
skill of punctuality. This is a key life skill that they will need throughout their academic career, especially entering
adulthood. Our attendance policy is designed to support you and your child with developing great attendance habits.
Living and or commuting in New York City, we experience a variety of unforseen or unpredictable delays on a daily basis,
please note that tardies or absences will not be excused due to transportation delays. Please make sure to check the
status of your commute daily and make adjustments for your travel time.

If your child will be absent from school, you must call the school on the same day of the absence and notify the school
of the reason for the student’s absence and the expected date of return.

It is important to note that ALL ABSENCES and ALL TARDIES, excused and unexcused, are considered absences or tardies.
However, we recognize that there are legitimate times when coming to school or coming to school on time is not
possible. Appropriate documentation is required to excuse an absence or tardy.

Excused Student Absence due to Illness
Scholars absent for illness will have up to nine days for excused absences without a doctor's note. If a scholar is absent
for more than three consecutive days, families will need to provide a doctor's note to excuse the absences. In order for
an absence due to illness to be excused, families must notify the school via phone call or email on the day of the
absence. Absences will not be excused if the school is notified after the date of the absences. All doctors notes for
excused absences must be submitted within 5 school days upon the student’s return so that records can be updated in a
timely manner.

Note: A doctor’s note is required for students who have been absent for three or more days due to illness.
We encourage you to refer to the Academic Calendar when scheduling routine medical appointments and family
vacations, as these are not legitimate reasons for being absent.

In cases of truancy, our staff must meet with the student and parent in order to determine needed support and an
appropriate course of action, which may include, but is not limited to: guidance intervention, referral for counseling,
and/or referral to Time Management Tutoring. As mandated reporters of educational neglect, and other areas of
neglect and abuse, we will refer families who continue to struggle with truancy to preventive services through the
Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). Additionally, students who miss 18 or more instructional days (10% of
days in session) may jeopardize their promotion to the next grade.

The school may contact ACS upon five consecutive unexcused absences where no contact has been made regarding the
whereabouts of the student. Upon 20 unexcused consecutive absences, the family forfeits the student’s seat, and it is
given to the next student on the waitlist.

Recognition for Perfect and Outstanding Attendance
Each month, the end of trimester and end of year, students and families are celebrated for the perfect and outstanding
attendance. Perfect attendance is 100%, zero absences zero tardies. Outstanding attendance is 98% for the time period.

Late Pick-Up
All Public Prep schools have a specific start and end time and each team is dedicated to an orderly and consistent arrival
and dismissal process each day for students and staff. While the majority of our students are picked up on time, each
day, a few students remain in the building at times up to 90 minutes after dismissal with no clear communication from
families to the school. Late pick-up has a negative impact on our students and our staff, who are not able to attend
professional development and complete work tasks and on students, who are eager to end their day. Late pick-up also
prevents our staff from reuniting with their families in the evening. Beginning October 1st, there will be a $10 charge for
families for late pick-ups 20 minutes past the dismissal time. The fees collected will support families in need of uniforms
and other services deemed necessary by school personnel.

We understand that family emergencies arise from time to time, so we grant one free late pick-up per trimester. To
receive this one-time waiver of the $10 charge, you must contact the school and share the reason you will be late and
the time you will be able to pick up your child. After that, the $10 fee will go into effect for pick-ups starting 20 minutes
past dismissal. After 60 minutes past dismissal time, students who are not picked up will be taken to the local precinct.
The school will contact you when they are en route to the precinct so that you can arrange for an individual to pick up
your scholar. If balances have not been cleared at the end of the trimester, the school reserves the right to withhold
participation from extra curricular paid activities. In addition, school verification letters will not be printed until the
balance has been cleared.

Should you have any questions about after school services in the area, please reach out to the main office.

Birthdays
Birthdays are recognized as a school community monthly at Unity Meetings and as a classroom community in their
classrooms during Morning Meeting and Advisory. Birthday parties, however, are not permitted during the school day or
on school property.

● During the 21-22 school year, families will NOT be able to bring in a shared snack or distribute party invitations to
classmates.

Classroom Visits
Please see guidelines for COVID 19 updates for in person visits to the school.
Families are welcome to visit their child’s classroom. Families must make an appointment with the classroom teacher at
least 24 hours prior to their visit to ensure that classroom instruction will not be interrupted and to avoid any scheduling
conflicts. Families must check-in at School Safety and the Main Office prior to proceeding their child’s classroom. We
invite you to take advantage of the various opportunities the school offers to come in and observe or take part in student
learning.

Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive Learning Environment
Public Prep Network is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, healthy learning environment. All community members
are expected to follow their classroom charters and live our Core Values. Public Prep believes that fair is not always
equal and is prepared to meet our scholars’ needs to the best of our ability.

Progressive Discipline and Restorative Practices
Public Prep Network follows a progressive discipline system where, with support and high expectations from adults,
students are expected to view logical consequences as a learning opportunity to make better choices in the future. We
believe that any disruption to the learning community is unacceptable. In instances when the learning community is
disrupted, our schools will take into consideration the student’s age, maturity, and previous disciplinary record, as well as
the circumstances surrounding the incident when issuing consequences for a discipline infraction. In an effort to
promote our core values and address student behaviors that disrupt the learning community, we will exercise the range
of disciplinary responses listed below.

Public Prep Network is invested in restorative practice through which stakeholders create an equitable learning
environment, nurture healthy relationships, repair harm, and transform conflict. At Public Prep we build community and
cultivate relationships with all stakeholders focusing on equity, understanding, and true accountability. We address the
harms and needs of our community and believe that everyone will acknowledge their responsibility to humanity and
make a commitment to putting things right when they have caused harm. Restorative justice is not an alternative to
punishment; it is a way of life.

By law, Public Prep Network is required to refer to a student’s IEP, behavior intervention plan, and 504 Accommodation
Plan, when applicable.

The following behaviors will be immediately addressed by our school based teams, using a range of possible logical
consequences and restorative practice related to the matter. All consequences are in an effort to repair the harm to the
community and introduce the student back into the learning community safely. Infractions and their consequences are
tracked in our student database.

Suspension & Expulsions (includes Due Process)
Administration will proactively work with families and students to prevent a suspension or expulsion. We depend on
families, as our partners, to support their son/daughter in adhering to school expectations and character development.

Suspension
Suspension is the temporary removal of a student from the regular school program because his or her behavior presents
a clear and present danger of injury to his or herself or others, prevents the orderly operation of classes or other school
activities, or negatively affects the health, safety, welfare and/or morals of others. For severe or repeated violations of
our core values, students may be assigned to in-school or out-of-school suspension. If a student is assigned in-school
suspension, the student is not allowed to participate with classmates in any part of the school day. Classwork and
alternative instruction will be provided. The student will be separated and supervised throughout the day. If a student is
assigned to out-of-school suspension, he or she may not come to school for the period of the suspension, except for the
designated time for alternative instruction.

Alternative instruction (not just homework) is live instruction, provided by a certified or highly qualified teacher, 1 hour
for elementary school students and 2 hours for middle school students. During the time of an out-of-school suspension,
the student, can come to an assigned room within the school for instruction. Students who attend alternative instruction
will not be marked absent. The suspended student and his or her family will be informed of the reason for any planned
suspension in writing, and a copy of the suspension letter will be placed in the student’s file. Whenever possible,
notification will also be provided by telephone. While on suspension, in-school or out-of-school, students are not
permitted to participate in any after school activities or events that are sponsored by the school.
Short-Term Suspension (5 days or less)

Students will be presented with the information about the incident and potential consequences for their actions and
given an opportunity to give their version of what happened before any suspension. A written notice will be sent to the
legal guardian within 24 hours of the suspension. There will also be an attempt to notify by telephone the day of the
suspension and, if possible, send the student home with parent permission or ask for a parent to pick the student up to
begin the suspension immediately. The notice will describe the incident, the rules violated and will inform how long the
student will be suspended. The letter will explain that the guardian can request an informal conference. Every attempt
will be made to have a discussion with the parent before the suspension begins. However, this may not always be
possible and, if not, the conference will take place as soon as possible after the incident.

Long Term Suspension or Expulsion Hearing
In instances where the school seeks a long term suspension or expulsion, the school will hold a formal hearing and
provide a Hearing Officer, appointed by the Principal or Superintendent, who will decide, (1) if the student has done
what the notice says she or he did; and, if so, (2) what the appropriate response should be for the student’s conduct (this
must be in line with the school’s discipline policy). The Hearing Officer can accept the school’s recommendation for a
long-term suspension or expulsion, reject the recommendation and allow the student to return to school, or decide that
a shorter suspension or less severe consequence is appropriate.

Long-Term Suspension (6 days or more)
Students will be presented with the information about the incident and potential consequences for their actions and
given an opportunity to give their version of what happened before any suspension. As per due process policy, within 24
hours of seeking a long-term suspension, the school will provide the student and his or her guardian written notice of
the proposed suspension and information about the incident and consequences for his or her actions. The notice will
inform the guardian of his or her right to have a suspension hearing (including the date and time for the suspension
hearing), his or her right to have an attorney present, his or her right to call witnesses and present evidence at the
hearing, to confront witnesses and challenge evidence put on against the student, to receive a recording of the hearing,
as well as information about the alternative instruction the student will receive while suspended.
The guardian or family and student has a right to a suspension hearing within five days of the proposed suspension. If
the family needs more time to obtain an attorney, the guardian may request to reschedule the hearing. The student may
remain in alternative instruction until the hearing occurs and the Hearing Officer makes a decision about the suspension.
The Hearing Officer will make a written ruling within three days of the hearing. If the student’s presence poses a
continuing danger to persons or property, an informal family conference shall take place as soon as possible after the
suspension.

Expulsion
Expulsion is the permanent removal of a student from the school.
The following behaviors may result in a recommendation by the school officials for immediate student expulsion: selling,
using, or possessing fireworks or contraband (Items unrelated to school) ; selling or transferring alcohol, drugs, or other
controlled substances or drug paraphernalia (lighters, matches); possession of a weapon; assault; serious violation of the
code of conduct; any act which school officials reasonably conclude warrants an expulsion; repeated offenses that have
resulted in short- or long-term suspensions.
An expulsion may be imposed by the school administration (or Board of Trustees, in the absence of the CEO,
Superintendent, Principal, or otherwise) after the student has been found guilty at a formal hearing and the expulsion is
confirmed by a vote of the Board of Trustees.
A guardian will be notified in writing within 24 hours of the decision to impose an expulsion. A short-term suspension will
be issued until the expulsion hearing can take place. At the formal hearing, the student and/or guardian shall have the
same due process protections as apply in a suspension hearing (see above).
The notice to the guardians of the expelled student will include instructions regarding the need to comply with state
compulsory education laws (the period of time during which a student must be enrolled in school by law) by enrolling
the student in a district or other SED approved school, as well as the process and contact information that school will use
to receive the student’s records from our school.

Appeals
Should a student seek to appeal a disciplinary ruling, he or she may do so by submitting to the school’s Board of Trustees
a written request for appeal within three school days of the ruling. Upon receipt of such a request, a panel comprised of
no less than three trustees who were not involved in the initial hearing [PTO5] will promptly hear the appeal. Each party
will have twenty minutes in which to make a statement. The scope of the appeal will be limited to positions and the
record established during the original disciplinary hearing. In rendering its decision, the panel may consult the transcript
of the disciplinary hearing and any evidence submitted in connection with it. The panel will provide a written ruling
within five school days. In situations where the student/family believes there has been a violation of the school’s charter
or applicable law, they may further appeal to the school’s authorizer, the State University of New York (SUNY). If not
satisfied by SUNY’s ruling, they can appeal to the State Board of Regents.
The school is committed to ensuring that the rights of students with disabilities are protected in accordance with
applicable federal and state law and regulations. The school shall comply with sections 300.530-300.536 of the Code of
Federal Regulations and the following procedures, except that in the event that the following procedures are inconsistent
with federal law and regulations, such federal law and regulations shall govern.

Discipline for Students with Disabilities
Schools can expect that all students, including those with disabilities, follow the code of conduct of the school and
violations of the code are subject to the school’s discipline procedures. However, there are specific federal policies and
regulations that apply when suspending students with disabilities and these must be adhered to in addition to the due
process rights required for all students. Specifically, charter schools must comply with the requirements of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the discipline procedures set forth in 34 CFR Sections
300.530-300.537. These protections apply to students who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and students for
whom the school is deemed to have knowledge of a disability.
Due process provides that if a student with a disability, or known to the school as having a disability, is being suspended
the school must provide the following: § If the student is being suspended for less than or equal to 10 consecutive or
cumulative days the student is subject to the same due process requirements as short term removal (see above). § If the
student is being suspended for more than 10 cumulative days throughout the school year the school must determine if a
pattern of removal exists that constitute a change of placement. If the school determines there is a pattern of removal, a
Manifestation Determination Review is required. § If the student is being suspended for more than 10 consecutive days,
a Manifestation Determination Review is required. Because the New York City Department of Education is the Local
Education Agency (LEA) for special education students in charter schools, a representative from the Committee of Special
Education (CSE) must be involved if a student with a disability is being suspended for more than 10 cumulative or
consecutive days.
During any period of removal of a student with a disability, services must be provided to the extent determined
necessary to enable the child to appropriately progress in the general curriculum and to achieve the goals of his or her
IEP. In these cases, school personnel, in consultation with the child's special education teacher and CSE, shall make a
determination of the services to be provided to the student.
During any removal for drug or weapon offenses, services will be provided to the extent necessary to enable the child to
appropriately progress in the general curriculum and in achieving the goals of his or her IEP. These service
determinations will be made by the CSE of the district where the school is located. The CSEwill place students in interim
alternative educational settings as appropriate and in accordance with federal law and regulations.

Health and Safety

Medical and Immunization Records
Upon enrollment, families are asked to alert school administration of any allergies from which their children suffer.
Families are also asked to advise school administration if they grant the school permission to take their child to a hospital
in the event of an emergency during school hours.

All students must be immunized, in compliance with New York State Law. Students who do not have the proper
immunizations will be denied access to school until the immunizations are administered. As of June 2019, NY State no
longer allows religious exemption from mandated vaccinations

2021-22 School Year New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance1
NOTES: Children in a prekindergarten setting should be age-appropriately immunized. The number of doses depends on
the schedule recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Intervals between doses of
vaccine should be in accordance with the ACIP-recommended immunization schedule for persons 0 through 18 years of
age. Doses received before the minimum age or intervals are not valid and do not count toward the number of doses
listed below. See footnotes for specific information for each vaccine. Children who are enrolling in grade-less classes
should meet the immunization requirements of the grades for which they are age equivalent.

 

 

Please see your pediatrician for a complete record of your child’s immunizations to date and those required for enrolling
and attending school.

Order of Protection
If a family has obtained an order of protection and requires the school not to release the student to any particular
person(s), you are required to provide a copy for the main office and one for School Safety. Orders of Protection that are
outdated will not be honored; they must be current.

Safety Drills
Safety drills occur throughout the school year and are coordinated across all schools in the building (if applicable). Drills
are scheduled in advance and are announced over the public announcement system as drills to avoid causing any alarm.
We do our best to avoid scheduling drills during family events.

For the safety of our students, we practice the following safety drills:

Evacuation (formerly referenced as “fire drills”):
It is our duty to instruct our students to evacuate the building in the shortest possible time without confusion or panic in
the event of a sudden emergency inside the school building. During evacuation drills, the expectation is that students are
silent, facing forward at all times as they walk out of the building, and listening for the teacher’s instructions. Students
and any other visitors in the building must follow school staff instructions on how to exit the building.

Shelter-In:
This safety procedure is used when there is a threat outside of the school building. During a shelter-in drill, or an actual
shelter-in, no one is allowed to enter or exit the building. Student instruction continues as scheduled.

Soft or Hard Lockdown:
In the event of imminent danger within the school building, we teach our students to quickly remove themselves from
harmful situations and to remain silent and out of sight. During these drills, the expectation is that students are secured
in a safe space, are silent, and are following teacher instructions. Soft and hard lockdown procedures are the same for
students and visitors. Staff are knowledgeable about the slight differences in soft and hard lockdown procedure.
Students and any other visitors in the building must follow staff instructions on how to safely secure themselves in the
building. During a soft lockdown or drill, a School Safety Agent will stand outside of the main entrance to prevent visitors
from entering the building. During a hard lockdown, the main entrance will not be secured since School Safety Agents
will have also retreated to safety.

Please note that it is important for family members to follow school rules and to be a model for positive, safe behavior. It
is our expectation that every person within the school building participates in the drills while at the school and observe
all building safety policies, i.e., observing posted safety signs, signing in within School Safety, showing ID. If you are found
to violate safety procedures, you will be issued an initial warning letter, followed by a letter of limited access if the
behavior continues (see Limited Access Policy).

Speaking with your child about the importance of safety is a great way to support the work we are doing in the school.

Student Illnesses
If your child requires medication during school hours, only the school nurse may administer medication. However,
medication may not be given without the completion of an approved 504 Form required by the State Health
Department. 504 policies will be approved at the nurse’s discretion. This policy applies to all medicine, including aspirin,
Tylenol, and other over-the-counter medicines.

 

All student medicines will be kept in a locked file cabinet in the nurse’s office. The school nurse will keep a detailed log of
all medicines that are administered.

The following symptoms will be referred to the school nurse and may require a student to be sent home:
● Persistent fever greater than 100.4° orally, including a fever that requires control with medication such as Tylenol
● Vomiting and/or diarrhea
● Severe cough that makes a child feel uncomfortable or disrupts the class
● Sore throat that is severe along with fever and feeling ill for more than 48 hours, OR after known exposure to a
confirmed case of Strep throat infection
● Honey-crusted sores around the nose or mouth or rash on other body parts; OR a rash in various stages including
boils, sores and bumps that may be chicken pox; OR a significant rash accompanied by other symptoms of illness
such as fever
● Large amount of discolored nasal discharge, especially if accompanied by facial pain or headache
● Severe ear pain or drainage from the ear
● Severe headache, especially if accompanied by fever
● Live head lice
● Diabetes patients with elevated blood sugar levels despite medication, or inadequate supplies to treat in school
nurse office
● Asthma symptoms that do not respond to prescribed medication or no prescribed medication is available in
school nurse office
● Any condition that may be serious or contagious to others

Family Engagement

Community Council
Public Prep believes in the power of partnership between our school and families. A high level of family engagement will
lead to greater scholar success and confidence in their education. The Community Councils at each of our schools are
critical drivers in creating the partnership for family engagement. In order to do so, the Community Councils have 3
explicit goals:
1. Recruit families to be active participants in the school community through the support of the school’s
academic initiatives, engagement in community events, and structured volunteer opportunities.
2. Provide feedback to school and home office leadership to support decision-making.
3. Connect families to community resources and deepen relationships in the neighborhoods we serve.
All families are members of the Community Council and are encouraged to engage in meetings, volunteer opportunities
and social activities at the school. . Community Council officer elections are held annually. Positions on the Community

Council include:
● President
● Vice President
● Secretary
● Treasurer

As outlined in our Charter, one senior officer from all Public Prep Academies Pre-K through 8th grade school (GP LES, GP
Bronx or BP Bronx) will be selected to serve a one-year term on the Board of Directors.

Volunteer Opportunities
See COVID 19 Updates for in person activities.
All Public Prep Academies want families to be engaged in our school communities. Opportunities to get involved include:
● being an active member on the Community Council
● helping to chaperone a field trip, assisting your child’s teachers                                                                                                                                             ● volunteering at breakfast or lunch
● attending some of the many family workshops and educational events offered throughout the year
● attending Unity Meetings
● supporting school wide events (i.e. Book Fairs)

Virtual Home Visits
A strong family-school connection is vital for student success. This connection begins and is reinforced each year through
our home visits. The purpose of the home visit is to strengthen the family-school partnership, ensure that proper
supports are in place for the family and the student, review school systems and expectations, and hear from families and
the student about anything important they want to share.

Point of Contact System
Public Prep Academies believe that strong, regular and respectful communication with parents and guardians is
critical to our schools’ short- and long-term success. This connection begins and is reinforced through annual virtual
home visits, Monthly Newsletters, Monthly Curriculum Highlights, family events, family-teacher conferences and
through our active Community Councils. All Public Prep families will have a point of contact at their school that
they communicate with regularly when the school year starts. Families will receive monthly communications from
their point of contact for the entire school year.

Policy:
Public Prep Academies place a strong emphasis on good nutrition and making healthy food choices. Research shows that
diet has a big influence on health. Eating healthy provides our students with the fuel their bodies and minds need to help
them remain focused in their classes. Packed lunches are allowed as long as it follows our policy. Please read the
following regarding our healthy food policy at Public Prep Academies.

Given the needs of our scholars with food allergies, Girls Prep and Boys Prep are peanut free zones. Peanuts pose a
life-threatening risk for some students. Peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oil and any other product that may contain
trace amounts of peanuts are NOT allowed in the building.

Food allergies can lead to life threatening situations therefore Public Prep Academies does not allow students or staff
to share or trade breakfast, lunch or snack items with community members.

Public Prep Academies follow the federal and New York State regulations for meals provided by our school food providers
in all of our buildings. In order to continue to support our students and families to build healthy eating habits we
enforce a Smart Snacks expectation for all students during school hours. If families choose to pack a snack or lunch for
their student, we recommend the foods meet the regulations listed below. Regulations are aligned with the following
policies Institute of Medicine National Standards For Foods In Schools, 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and
ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Beverages:
1. Approved beverages include water, 100% juice, low-fat milk, fruit smoothies or vegetable smoothies.
2. Beverages cannot be carbonated or caffeinated.
3. Beverages containing artificial sweeteners, other natural non-nutritive or very low-calorie sweeteners (e.g.
stevia, erythritol), artificial flavors or artificial colors are not permitted.
4. Outside beverages other than water must have calorie and ingredient information on the packaging.

Recommended Smart Snacks:
1. Approved snacks include food items with a fruit, vegetable, whole grain or dairy as the first ingredient.
2. Any snack with fructose, maltose, sugros or sugar as one of the first three ingredients is not allowed.
If a student brings a food item that is not approved as a Smart Beverage or Smart Snack, a staff member will notify the
student of the regulation and communicate with the family. The food item will be held for the student until the end of
the day. If the food item needs to be discarded, the staff member will notify the student and family at the time.

 

*If you send mayo or yogurt, please include an ice pack in your child's lunch box. Lunches and snacks will NOT be
refrigerated. 100% vitamin C is not the same as 100% juice. Many items with 100% vitamin C are made with a small
amount of fruit and a substitute such as fructose. Make sure to read the labels carefully. If you are unsure about an item,
we encourage you and/or your scholar to ask if the item is recommended. 

Resources:
Smart Snacks Calculator
Food Bank for New York City

Our school recognizes that celebrations are learning and social opportunities that are meant to be inclusive and reflect
our core values. Therefore, celebrations that respect a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin,
ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex, in accordance with the Dignity for
all Students Act, are acceptable.

Our school does not promote specific cultural, religious or personal beliefs; however, teachers may expose students to
holidays, cultural events, and traditions for educational purposes. If families choose not to have their scholars participate
in specific celebrations or require more clarification, they may request a meeting with a teacher or administrator so that
the student can be provided with an alternative educational activity, if necessary.
Across Public Prep Academies, our schools traditionally celebrate heritage and diversity. We also recognize
accomplishments and success of our namesakes during our Unity Meetings.

● September - Hispanic Heritage Month and Community
● October - Responsibility
● November - Gratitude and Community
● December - Scholarship
● January - Wellness and Scholarship
● February - Black History and Merit                                                                                                                                                                                                          ● March - Women's History and Merit
● April - Scholarship
● May - Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Responsibility
● June - LGBTQ+ Pride, Juneteenth and Community

Unity Meetings
Unity Meetings are an important part of our school culture. During Unity Meetings our school community gathers
together to celebrate our four core values: Scholarship, Merit, Sisterhood/Brotherhood, Responsibility. Unity Meetings
are focused around the development and demonstration of our core values and may be used to teach or reinforce a
particular value and/or recognize student effort and achievement. In addition to celebrating scholar success we learn
about and celebrate the accomplishments of our namesakes. Families are welcome to attend Unity Meetings! Please
refer to the monthly calendar and the Family Newsletter for more information about upcoming Unity Meetings.

Inclement Weather
School Closings
Public Prep Academies generally follows the same school closing schedule due to inclement weather as the New York
City Public Schools. You can listen to 1010 WINS or watch NY1 for NYC public school closing information. If our school is
scheduled to be open on a day when NYC Public Schools are closed and there are warnings for inclement weather,
families will receive a text and robo-call to the primary number on file if the school will be closed. Depending on the
circumstance, Public Prep, in accordance with NYC DOE Policy reserves the right to utilize remote learning during
inclement weather. This will be decided on a case by case basis.

Recess Procedures
Just like reading or math, recess is a critical part of the school day. Students need an opportunity to take a break from the
rigors of classroom instruction in order to exercise and to socialize with other students. Our students will go outside daily
except in the event of inclement weather (winter weather or heat advisories). Please make sure your child has the
appropriate outerwear during the winter months. Students are only excused from recess if a doctor’s note is provided
that states the student may not participate in outdoor activities.

To maximize learning and academic achievement, students should only bring materials needed or required by teachers
for learning. Anything unrelated to academic work and not explicitly required by staff should not be brought to school.
These items include but are not limited to iPods/iPad, tablets, e-readers, PSPs, Gameboys, magazines, makeup, dolls,
baby bottles, pacifiers, games, playing cards, toys, jewelry (see uniform and dress code policy), large sums of money, and
snacks to be eaten outside of the cafeteria. Such items can be very distracting during classes. If a student brings such
items to school, the school will not be responsible for any lost items. Teachers will confiscate the items and will only
return them when and if an authorized adult comes to the school to claim the item. All items not collected by the end
of the term will be donated to charity.

 

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices
Cell phones and other electronic devices not part of the educational program, will not be allowed during the school day.
Cell phones must be completely powered off and kept in the student’s backpack or locker. Students will not be allowed to
use cell phones during the school day to make or receive calls, texts, email, or access any other social network service. If
you need to reach your child, please call the main office. Please do not call your child’s cell phone.
If a cell phone and/or other unauthorized electronic device is visible and/or heard, it will be confiscated and returned at
the end of the day to an authorized adult. If a student fails to comply with the cell phone policy, that student may lose
the privilege of bringing a cell phone to school.

The school will not be responsible for cell phones (including confiscated cell phones), or other electronic devices that are
brought to school. Public Prep Academies have the right to create school based policies, agreements and supports for
scholars regarding cell phones and other electronic devices.

Lost and Found
Our school will keep a lost and found box of items that have not been labeled. You may come to the main office to
request to search the lost and found box during school hours. Unclaimed items will be discarded, donated or re-used by
the school at the end of each trimester.

Meals
The Office of School Food and Nutritional Services of the New York City Department of Education (OSFNS) will provide
each child with a free and nutritious school lunch each day. Families will be required to complete a Free and Reduced
Lunch Application (whether or not their child will participate in the school lunch program) prior to October 15th.
Families who do not fill out an application will continue to be billed for lunch, as missing school lunch forms result in a
decrease of critically important federal funding to the school.

Vegetarian meals are available for those students who have special dietary requests. Any food allergies will be honored if
we receive documentation from the student’s doctor. Students should not bring meals that need to be heated or
refrigerated, as these services will not be available to them.
 

Breakfast
Breakfast is provided by OSFNS. Breakfast is free and is served daily to all students. Please see the school campus
breakfast schedule for information about the time when breakfast is served. If students buy breakfast on the way to
school and will eat it in the cafeteria, it must adhere to our healthy food policy (no fast food or junk food). The breakfast
must be eaten during designated breakfast times. We ask our families to support our students in developing morning
routines that will allow them ample time to eat a healthy breakfast.
 

Student Records
The school administration is in charge of keeping student records. Student records include, but are not limited to, grades,
evaluations, disciplinary actions, and health records. Student information that is personally identifiable is considered
confidential. In most cases, confidential records will not be made available to any non-school personnel without consent
by the parent/legal guardian. Otherwise the school will inform the family of the request and subsequent release of such
information to any such authorized entity (such as the State Education Department, a juvenile court, a school into which
the child is transferring). See the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and Student Directory Information sections of
this handbook for more information on obtaining copies of some or all of your child’s student records and to see what
information may or may not be shared with others.
 

Verification letters
The main office staff will process student record requests, including enrollment verification letters. Please allow two
school days for completion of your request. Letters will be sent home in the student’s book bag if no specific instructions
are provided within 48 hours. Only parent/legal guardians can request this documentation.
 

Transportation/MetroCard
Our students may be eligible for a MetroCard to support transportation to/from school by the Office of Pupil
Transportation (OPT). Students who live within the borough of the school, more than 1⁄2 mile in distance from the school
but less than 1 mile may receive a Reduced-Fare MetroCard for public transportation. Students who live in a NYC
borough outside of the borough of the school or greater than 1 mile from the school may receive a Full-Fare MetroCard
for public transportation. Students who live within the borough of the school, less than 1⁄2 mile in distance from the
school are not eligible for a MetroCard. It is each student’s and/or family’s responsibility to hold onto the MetroCard.
Please note carefully that a half-fare MetroCard contributes half of the normal bus fare and allows for one free transfer
to any other NYC bus. A half-fare MetroCard, however, does not provide a free transfer from the bus to the NYC train.
 

Replacing a Lost MetroCard                                                                                                                                                                                                           Requests for the replacement of MetroCards must be completed in writing (either written request or e-mailed request)
and addressed to the Operations Associate, in the main office. Lost MetroCards take a minimum of one week to
process/arrive from the OPT and must be logged before re-distribution to students. In the event that your child’s
MetroCard is lost, you must cover the cost of student transportation until the replacement card arrives.
 

Bussing
Bussing is only provided for students who are eligible at Boys Prep and Girls Prep LES Elementary, those at any other
Public Prep Academy for whom it is mandated through their IEP (subject to approval by the NYC Dept. of Education), and
eligible students in temporary housing (inquire in the main office for more information).
 

Family Newsletter
Each school is required to send home a newsletter, which contains important information about school events, messages
from the Community Council and the latest news. Teachers may use this as a communication tool as well.
 

Monthly Calendar
Each month, families receive a calendar that outlines important events, such as early dismissal and parent-teacher
conference dates. Teachers may inform the Administrative Associate of any important dates you would like placed in this
calendar (field trips, publishing celebration).
 

Curriculum Highlights
Each month, the Public Prep Academic Team will be sending out grade level specific curriculum highlights with family tips
and strategies to support their student at thome.

Complaint Policy

It is our goal to address any family concerns promptly and focus on resolving the issue in a professional and respectful manner. Families are encouraged to follow the guidance provided below when presenting complaints.

Informal Complaints

Complaints that are not violations of law or charter (i.e., teacher or class assignment) are considered to be informal and handled at the school level. Families with informal complaints should:

1. Make the informal complaint directly to the student’s teacher.

2. If the issue is not resolved at the teacher level, then it may be taken to a member of the SFA team or Community Council President depending on the nature of the concern.

3. If the issue is not resolved at the previous level, then the complaint may be taken to the Principal.

4. If the issue is not resolved with the Principal, the complaint may be brought to the attention of Public Prep via the Superintendent. Families may email FamilyAffairs@publicprep.org.

Formal Complaints

A Formal Complaint is a complaint made when the law or charter is violated. If the law or charter is not violated, the formal complaint process is not the appropriate avenue to seek a solution and families should refer to the informal complaint process above.

Complaints that are regarding violation of law or charter must be addressed to the Chairman of the Board Trustees c/o Public Prep (may be emailed to FamilyAffairs@publicprep.org or via U.S. mail 192 East 151st Street, 5th Floor, Bronx, NY 10451.

Complaints received at least five business days in advance of a board meeting will be dealt with at that meeting; those complaints not received within that time period will be dealt with at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. Every effort will be made to respectfully address the matter to the satisfaction of the individual or group who present the complaint. The Board, as necessary shall direct the Principal or other responsible parties to act upon the complaint and report to the Board. The Board shall render a determination in writing, as necessary.

Appeal 
 

If, after presentation of the complaint to the Board of Trustees, you determine that the Board has not adequately addressed the complaint, you may present the complaint to our authorizer, the SUNY Charter School Institute (CSI). CSI will require the complainant to submit the school’s decision on the complaint. Families may complete the SUNY Formal Complaint Form and email it to charters@suny.edu or mail it to the Institute at: 353 Broadway, Albany, NY 12246. If CSI as the authorizer of the school does not satisfactorily resolve a formal complaint, families can appeal CSI’s written determination to the New York State Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department by submitting written appeals by mail to:

Charter Schools Office Room #5N EB

Mezzanine

89 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12234

Dangerous Weapons on School Grounds

Any student who is determined to have brought a weapon to school may be expelled from school for at least one year. Only the principal may modify such expulsion requirements on a case-by-case basis. A weapon includes, but is not limited to, items described in the New York Penal Law 265.01. IDEA, due process still apply.

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

Our school creates a safe and supportive environment for all community members; we abide by the New York State Dignity for All Students Act. This law seeks to “provide students with a safe and supportive environment from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying (including cyber bullying) on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.” Discrimination and harassment is prohibited by employees or students based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and sex.

Our Core Values of Responsibility, Sisterhood/Brotherhood, Merit, and Scholarship are infused throughout our school and are incorporated into the day-to-day instruction that occurs in each and every classroom. Students are expected to demonstrate sisterhood/brotherhood in all of their interactions with Public Prep community members. When a core value is not shown or is broken, there is a clear protocol for all staff members to follow to address issues both in the classroom and outside the classroom when necessary. Each school has a social emotional curriculum where each classroom provides lessons that help foster an environment free from discrimination and harassment. All grades follow a scope and sequence that includes safe touch lessons.

All staff participates in at least one DASA workshop during the year. Additional professional development opportunities also occur throughout the year in response to staff needs. Each school has a DASA Coordinator. Please reach out to the Student and Family Affairs Office for questions or to report an incident related to DASA.

The emphasis on our Core Values throughout the day by all staff members has helped to create a safe and supportive environment for all students. A clear protocol for staff has been established and all staff members are expected to address all low level infractions as well as more serious incidents. Students know what the expectations are, and logical consequences are used when students do not meet these expectations, both inside the classroom and with the assistance of school leadership. If someone is not treated appropriately, the student who hurt the community or other community member works to make amends with the hurt party. That student also works to develop his/her individual skills so s/he can make a different choice in the future. Families serve as partners throughout this process. To read the full Dignity for All Students Act, please visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/.

Education and Support of Homeless Students

A homeless child is defined as a child who does not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or whose primary nighttime location is in a public or private shelter designated to provide temporary living accommodations, or a place not designed for, or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings. The school will determine whether there are homeless students within the student body by contacting our local department of social services. We also requests that families complete a “Designation/STAC-202” form that asks for a description of the current living arrangements of the child to determine whether the child or youth meets the definition of a homeless child under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act and New York Education Law in order to provide the child with access to all of its programs, activities and services to the same extent as they are provided to resident students. Our school has designated a local liaison for homeless children and youth ("McKinney-Vento liaison"). The McKinney-Vento liaison serves as one of the primary contacts between homeless families and school staff, district personnel, shelter workers, and other service providers. The McKinney-Vento liaison coordinates services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed academically. For a full description of our policy on the education of homeless students, please request a copy from the main office.

Electronic Information Systems and Acceptable Use Policy

Since the use of Technology is intended for educational purposes, students shall not have any expectation of privacy in any use of Technology. Public Prep and School staff reserve the right to monitor and record all use of Technology, including, but not limited to, access to the Internet or social media, communications sent or received from Technology, or other uses. Such monitoring/recording may occur at any time without prior notice for any legal purposes including, but not limited to, record retention and distribution and/or investigation of improper, illegal, or prohibited activity. Students should be aware that, in most instances, their use of Technology (such as web searches and emails) cannot be erased or deleted. As a courtesy, Public Prep hereby notifies Student and Student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) are advised that Public-Prep intends to install monitoring software on Public Pre/School-issued Technology for the purposes of monitoring usage for compliance with the foregoing. All passwords created for or used on any technology are the sole property of Public Prep. The creation or use of a password by a student on Technology does not create a reasonable expectation of privacy.

The use of technology provided by Public Prep Charter School Academies (“Public Prep”) for students enrolled at any of the schools operating under the Public Prep umbrella (the “Schools” or singularly, the “School”) is a privilege permitted at Public Prep’s discretion and is subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in applicable Public Prep policies, and administrative regulations. The School reserves the right to suspend access at any time, without notice, for any reason. Public Prep expects all students to use technology responsibly in order to avoid potential problems and liability. The Schools may place reasonable restrictions on the sites, material, and/or information that students may access through the system.

IT Resources:

The School’s IT Resources include, but are not limited to, campus computers, networks, servers, telephones, and other infrastructure, whether utilized on- or off-campus; laptops, tablets, disks, other physical devices or media owned or provided by the School, and all devices and storage media attached to the network; digital systems, websites, and other digital services utilized by the School, whether hosted on- or off-campus; files, folders, documents, web pages, and other digital information; e-mail, voicemail, SMS, IM, or other digital or analog communications; account names, passwords, or related information or settings; and systems, settings, and configurations. Acceptable Use: The School’s IT Resources are intended for School use, to support activities that support learning and teaching. The School strictly prohibits the use of the School’s IT Resources for purposes that may be disruptive, offensive to others, or harmful to morale. Users may not send, display, access, or download messages, text, files, or images in violation of any laws. At all times, our Core Values must be applied. The following are unacceptable uses of the School’s IT Resources. This list is not exhaustive.

Harassment or Discrimination:

In accordance with the Dignity for All Students Act (“DASA”), the School will provide an environment that is free of discrimination, bullying (including cyberbullying), and harassment. Unless required for academic or other School-related purposes, Users may not view, display, or transmit in digital or physical form any of the following: sexually explicit information or images, ethnic slurs, racial epithets or anything that may be construed as discrimination, harassment or disparagement of others based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local law. The School’s policies against harassment, discrimination, and bullying all apply fully to use of the School’s IT Resources. All reports of violations to this policy will be investigated, documented, and may result in loss of technology and/or Internet privileges as well as further disciplinary consequences, in accordance with the Family Handbook. The administration of the School reserves the right to monitor any and all activity generated by student use of technology equipment.

Unauthorized Use of Intellectual Property:

Users may not violate the rights of any person or company protected by copyright, trade secret, patent, or other intellectual property, or other proprietary rights. Even if used or received in a class under Fair Use guidelines, copyrighted materials remain protected and may not be used in other ways that would violate the U.S. Copyright Law. Users may not conduct academic dishonesty or plagiarism, illegal or fraudulent activity, or any other activity prohibited by the School’s policies. 

Misuse of the School Network, Software, and Computers:

Users may not intentionally introduce malicious programs into School computers, tablets, networks, servers, or hosted services; inappropriately use or share School-authorized IT 35 privileges or resources with anyone outside the School; bypass the School’s firewall; host or access file-sharing services for any illegal or inappropriate purposes; play, stream, or download games, video, multimedia, or other large files for non-academic purposes; modify another User’s password, files, or permissions; copy or download software from School IT Resources without permission; install software on lab or office computers without permission; or use the School’s IT Resources for any private purpose for personal gain, commercial enterprise, or non-School-related fundraising.

Misuse of Websites:

The School’s websites may only be used for School-related academic purposes. Use of the School’s websites, including publicprep.org and any other systems and services provided by the School, are subject to this policy as well as Public Prep Network’s User Agreement posted on the website.

Misuse of E-mail:

Users may not send unsolicited e-mail messages, spam, chain letters, or advertising materials; impersonate others’ e-mail address, internet address, electronic signature, or other personal identifying information; or use e-mail in any way that would cause disruption, harassment, or harm. E-mail is not a secure method of information transmission, so Users must take reasonable precautions to protect privacy and security. Home addresses, telephone numbers, passwords, and other personal information should not be included in e-mail signatures. Students’ personal or identifying information must never be shared outside the @publicprep.org, @girlsprep.org, and @boysprep.org domain without permission.

Social Media:

When used inappropriately, social media can transform from a powerful educational tool that allows students to connect, communicate, and access a wealth of informational resources into the source of serious long-term consequences. College admissions officers and prospective employers will not hesitate to use any social media missteps — even those made when a scholar is quite young — when considering an individual’s candidacy for admission or employment. Social Media as defined in this policy includes any and all web-based technologies used to broadcast messages and participate in dialogues. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, YouTube, emails, texting, blogs, message boards, personal websites, chat rooms, group discussions, etc.

According to this Policy, the School expects that its resources are used only for teaching and learning. The School has the right (and exercises that right) to monitor user’s electronic usage, without further notification than set forth in this policy.

This policy extends the right to monitor your use of social media sites if you use any electronic equipment, servers or services provided to you by the School. In our ever-expanding world of technology, students may run into staff members’ personal pages on sites like Facebook and Instagram. In the same way that certain lines should not be crossed between students and school employees in real life, they also should not be crossed in the virtual world. Please note that no employees at our School may accept or initiate friend requests with current students, and should exercise caution and careful judgment about former students or alumni.

Students are responsible for their own behavior when communicating with social media and will be held accountable for the content of the communications that they transmit or post. Students are responsible for complying with the School’s conduct requirements. What would be considered inappropriate in the school or classroom is inappropriate online.

Examples of inappropriate conduct include, but are not limited to:

●Posting or publishing any insensitive or inappropriate information or content on any social media and from viewing any insensitive or inappropriate social media content.

● Communicating with teachers or administrators via personal social media. The only permissible electronic method of email communication with a teacher is through emailing the teacher or administrator at his or her School email account.

● Impersonating or assuming the identity of any other individual while using social media.

● Posting or publishing any information about themselves or another individual that is confidential or of a private nature. This includes posting information such as last names, school names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, other contact information, or any other information a scholar might reasonably expect another individual to want to keep private.

● Using any device capable of capturing video, pictures, or audio to record or take pictures of any other individual without their express consent and permission. In addition, use of such recording devices on School grounds is strictly prohibited. Moreover, no such recordings or pictures shall be posted on social media unless they are 36 educationally related. Also, students are not allowed to “tag” an individual in a picture or recording without their express consent and permission.

Students must immediately comply with any request that infringing materials be removed from any social media platform. The use of social media is a privilege, not a right, and the violation of any provision of this policy will result in the restriction of a scholar’s social media access and/or the imposition of additional appropriate consequences. Students should always be mindful of the fact that material posted or published online will be public for a very long time and may perhaps become a permanent part of their record. Students should be sensitive of others, should avoid posting or publishing anything distasteful, and should not post or publish anything they would not be willing to say to an individual in person.

This social media policy applies any time students are on school grounds, using school property, under the supervision of school authority, or using social media in a manner that endangers a scholar’s or staff member’s physical or emotional safety, security or well-being and materially and substantially interferes with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school.

 

Excessive Non-Priority Use of IT Resources: Priority for the use of the School’s IT Resources is given to activities related to the School’s missions, and for the exchange of information to assist in education and information gathering. In shared computing environments such as labs, Users with academic work shall be given priority. Individual Users may be required to halt non-priority use of the IT Resources, such as recreational and non-academic activities, to allow academic use by others. Student Personal Technology: With continued introduction of internet capable devices, it is important for the School to articulate clear expectations about their use. Please note that:

Classroom

● Teachers will make their expectations around device use clear. There are many reasonable uses for technology - including portable devices - in the classroom. Teachers are the decision makers for whether or not a device can / should be used for any given experience / activity, unless the student has received an accommodation from the Committee on Special Education (CSE) or the School’s Student Support Team (SST).

● Permission to use a device at one time does not imply that permission is ongoing.

● Teachers may choose to collect personal devices (phones / internet capable watches) at the beginning of class to prevent distractions.

Exams

● Personal technology devices, with the exception of approved calculators in appropriate moments of an exam, are never to be used during exams.

● When assessments/exams are being administered, students are responsible for ensuring that their devices are stored in a backpack or other inaccessible location, unless the teacher has chosen to collect the devices at the beginning of class. Any student found with an unapproved device available during an exam will be subject to an academic penalty and disciplinary action.

 

Access to Information and Privacy:

Users of the School’s IT Resources may access only the confidential or proprietary information for which they are authorized and may use that information only for the purposes for which it is intended. Users are responsible for knowing and following School policies regarding use of confidential information. The School reserves the right to review and disclose all digital information, including word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases, e-mail, voicemail, instant messages, and any other electronic documents or communication, including any documents and messages that do not pertain to School business, that are stored or processed on the School’s IT Resources. Authorized representatives of the School and their delegates may review such information for any purpose required by the School, at any time, without notice to the User. These purposes may include, but are not limited to, retrieving School information, maintenance of the School’s IT Resources, troubleshooting hardware or software problems, preventing system misuse, School investigations, health and safety emergencies, compliance with legal and regulatory requests for information, or compliance with local, state, and federal laws. 37 The School therefore does not guarantee the privacy of any electronic information stored or processed on School IT Resources, even if password protected. The School reserves the right to retrieve, examine, and remove files or logs from School IT Resources without the User’s consent. Users of the School’s IT Resources waive any right to privacy with regard to any use of the School’s equipment and systems.

Access to Information and Privacy: Users of the School’s IT Resources may access only the confidential or proprietary information for which they are authorized and may use that information only for the purposes for which it is intended. Users are responsible for knowing and following School policies regarding use of confidential information. The School reserves the right to review and disclose all digital information, including word processing documents, spreadsheets, databases, e-mail, voicemail, instant messages, and any other electronic documents or communication, including any documents and messages that do not pertain to School business, that are stored or processed on the School’s IT Resources. Authorized representatives of the School and their delegates may review such information for any purpose required by the School, at any time, without notice to the User. These purposes may include, but are not limited to, retrieving School information, maintenance of the School’s IT Resources, troubleshooting hardware or software problems, preventing system misuse, School investigations, health and safety emergencies, compliance with legal and regulatory requests for information, or compliance with local, state, and federal laws. 37 The School therefore does not guarantee the privacy of any electronic information stored or processed on School IT Resources, even if password protected. The School reserves the right to retrieve, examine, and remove files or logs from School IT Resources without the User’s consent. Users of the School’s IT Resources waive any right to privacy with regard to any use of the School’s equipment and systems.

User Security:

Users are responsible for the security of computer system passwords, personal account passwords, and personal identification numbers and will be held accountable for any violations of acceptable use that are traced to their accounts or use of School IT Resources. Users must employ security practices established by the School. Users must follow School policies established for maintaining and managing passwords. Users have had unique passwords created for their use on School-issued devices, and must create secure passwords on non-School-issued devices that access School IT Resources. Passwords should be changed frequently and should never be written down or told to anyone. Users should password-protect computers when leaving their desk or room, and should ensure the physical security of IT Resources by storing computers and other devices in locked locations. Effective security practice includes a prompt and appropriate response to a security breach. Users must immediately report incidents in which they believe computer or network security has been jeopardized.

Use of Likeness and School Work:

The School may, with a User’s prior consent, make use of photographs of the User or other likenesses and of such User’s work (written, artistic, etc.) on the School’s website and in other promotional materials. Each User must ensure that he or she has obtained the necessary permissions before publishing any names or photographs of students or student work. Under no circumstances are Users allowed to publish student photographs accompanied by students’ full names. In case of any uncertainty whether permissions would be required for publication of student information, Users should consult the Director of Operations. Users must receive prior approval from the Director of Operations or Public Prep’s Development Associate before posting material or publishing links.

Liability:

The School's IT Resources are provided "as is" and "as available." The School disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, of any kind with respect to the IT Resources and the content including warranties of, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights. Without limiting the general disclaimer, the School does not warrant the availability, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, functionality, reliability, sequencing, or speed of delivery of the School's IT Resources. The School shall not be responsible for actions of individuals outside of the school constituency, or for the quality and content of information they make available actively or passively. The School shall not be responsible for any advice received from any outside source or any damage or charges associated with this advice. The School shall not be held liable for damage to, or disruption of, external networks and/or computer systems as the result of activities initiated by Users of School IT Resources.

Enforcement:

Any User who becomes aware of a misuse of the School’s IT Resources should immediately report the matter to the Director of Operations and the Public Prep Director of Technology. Violations of this Policy will be investigated, documented, and may result in suspension or revocation of computer, network, or service access; discipline, up to and including suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment; and/or legal prosecution, in accordance with School Policy and the law. The administration of the School reserves the right to monitor any and all activity generated by student use of technology