From the Henry Hudson Intermediate School Parent Handbook
SCHOOL HOURS
Henry Hudson I.S. 125 is in session Monday through Friday from 8:40am to 3:00pm. Students report directly to their homeroom classes. Any student arriving after 9:00 must sign in and obtain a late pass before reporting to class.
ATTENDANCE
Good attendance is required of all students. Attendance is taken in the morning and afternoon homeroom as well as in each subject class, by all teachers. If a student is absent it is his or her responsibility to meet with teachers to establish a makeup schedule for work missed.
LOCKERS
All students are assigned a locker in their homeroom classes. It is recommended that students purchase locks to secure personal property. All outer clothing and hats should be placed in the lockers during the morning homerooms.
DRESS CODE
Allowance is made for personal taste, but students' attire is to be neat and appropriate for the occasion. Clothing that is too short or tight, or with inappropriate writing will not be permitted.
LUNCH
There is a 40 minute lunch period for each grade. Some students are eligible for free lunch, and an application will be given to each student upon admission to I.S. 125. Some students may purchase snacks and juice while in the cafeteria.
LIBRARY AND MEDIA CENTER
The Library and Media Center is available to individual students during morning homeroom with a signed/dated pass from the homeroom teacher. Students also have access during class visits with a subject teacher for instructional skills, use of multi-media resources, and recreational reading and circulation of materials. No library card is needed.
1. Books and magazines may be borrowed for two weeks with an
opportunity for renewal, if not needed by others.
2. All borrowed items are to be returned on or before the due date.
3. Students are required to pay promptly for lost or damaged books.
4. Reference resources are to be used only within the Media Center.
COURSES
Every sixth, seventh and eighth grader is required to take Communication Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science. Selected sixth, all seventh and eighth graders are required to study Spanish. A Spanish/English dictionary is required for foreign language classes. Physical Education is mandated for all students every year, and a gym uniform is required for this class. In addition, students are offered classes in vocal and instrumental music, art, home and career skills, technology, hygiene, creative writing and computer skills.
ACCELERATED COURSES
For those students who show special ability in mathematics, Sequential Math Course I is offered to eighth graders for Regent's Credit. This accelerated math course is very demanding, and students must achieve high scores on regular math tests and standardized tests to be placed in this class.
Selected eighth graders are offered Earth Science. Upon successfully completing this class and passing the New York State Earth Science Regents, students will receive 1 high school credit.
Eighth graders are offered an accelerated class in Spanish language. These students use a Level II high school text, as well as a separate literature book. The New York State Level I Spanish Proficiency Exam, an oral, audio logical and written test is given in June and upon passing the course and this test students enter high school with a year's credit of Spanish.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Academic services are offered in Communication Arts, Mathematics and English as Second Language, and are designed to provide additional instruction based upon a child's needs. Need is based upon the score a child has attained on recent standardized test or from information provided by the child's previous school. Students receive a minimum of 3 additional periods of instruction each week, which is provided in the regular subject area class or in a laboratory classroom. Additional school personnel and materials funded by the Chapter I/ P.C.E.N. program make this extra help available.
HOMEWORK
Homework is assigned regularly in all subject areas. It is designed to:
1. Give practice in skills learned in school.
2. Help the child organize time and develop good study habits.
3. Acquaint students with out of school resources
4.Make learning a continuing and integral part of the child's whole life
We hope that parents will provide the time and place for concentrated study and will express an interest in school work.
REPORT CARDS
All students receive a report card four times a year at approximately ten week intervals. Number grades are given; 65 is the minimum passing grade, however 75 is the minimum passing grade in all accelerated classes. In addition, students receive letter grades in conduct and effort. Mid-term examination grades are recorded on the mid-year report.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Two afternoons and one evening are set aside for formal conferences with teachers. However, this middle school works to maintain an open dialogue with parents and teachers and support personnel are always available to meet with parents. Mutually convenient meeting times can be arranged by telephone or written note.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
In September, parents are invited to visit the school and follow their child's program. They will meet the child's teachers and become acquainted with the curricular goals.
Middle schoolers need their parents' and guardians' involvement more than ever. Parents and faculty at I.S. 125 are "Partners in Excellence"
PARENTS" ASSOCIATION
The Parents' Association at I.S. 125 is a very active and dynamic organization. All parents and guardians are encouraged to join, membership is opened to all. They are the backbone of the school, and an integral part of many school activities. Every year they sponsor a book fair to further encourage our children to read. They hold several fund raisers each year, and the money they make goes directly back to the school. They help those in need buy school supplies, help with graduation, the prom and the Honor Society Induction, contribute to the yearbook and award U.S. Savings Bonds to deserving graduates.
The Executive Board of the Parents' Association is comprised of 8 parents who represent the school in the district (PAPEC), in the Parents' Advisory Council (PAC) and at community school board meetings.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
The I.S. 125 Parent Involvement Policy reflects the philosophy of District 8 with respect to promoting the achievement of every child. This policy, developed jointly with parents of participating children, Parent Association leaders, school volunteers and school staff, incorporates the goals of the I.S. 125 school/community.
-Parents will be provided opportunities to be actively involved in establishing school-based policies and recommendations by serving as members of 100.11 Planning Team and SWP Committee.
-Parents will be notified in timely fashion and encouraged to attend our Annual Title I meeting to review the status of programs and to request their involvement on the in-school Parent Advisory Council.
-Workshops will be held to provide opportunities for parents to assist their children at home in their academic studies. Workshops may include Family Mathematics, Family Science, Challenge 24, Reading and Magic Circle.
-Regular written communication reflecting on-going day to day activities in the school will be disseminated to the parents. Communication to homes on a regular basis will reinforce the home/school connection.
-Workshops will be held to review individual student data and the Annual School (city/state) Reports regarding student and school achievement.
-The school will encourage parents to share in student success through attendance at award ceremonies, which encourage students to succeed to the highest possible level. To wit: National Junior Honor Society, Scholarship Breakfasts.
-Parents will be provided a District approved "Code of Behavior" and will review the code and have students adhere to it's principles.
-Parents will provide a quiet setting at home for students to complete homework, and read each day to the students.
-Parents will communicate with their child's teachers regarding educational needs through:
a) review of student's homework on a daily basis, and signing work when appropriate after parental review.
b) attending regularly scheduled parent/teacher conferences
c) meeting/communicating with teachers throughout the school
year to keep apprised of ongoing student progress.
-Parents and community will be encouraged to assist in the school through a volunteer program. Parents may work in classrooms, offices, library, cafeteria etc. to supplement and complement the efforts of the school
-The parents and other members of the community will be encouraged to be involved in providing enriching educational and arts experiences
-Parents will be involved in cultural heritage celebrations during the school year and will work with children in the development of these special programs. Cultural heritage celebrations will assist in heightening students' self-esteem, and by having them gain a greater appreciation of themselves and others
-A School/Parent Compact will be disseminated to all parents to ensure that the school and the home are working cooperatively to provide for the successful education of the children at I.S. 125
-Parents will be active participants in our annual Career Day, Law Day and Health Day workshops and conferences
-Parents will assist the pedagogical staff in supervising a school store
Parents will help conduct an annual Needs Assessment
-Parents will consult on the administration of funds allocated from Title I for Parent Involvement
15 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD BECOME A BETTER STUDENT
1. Become your child's most enthusiastic cheerleader.Build self esteem with frequent reminders of his or her specialness and intelligence.
2. Never withhold love from your child based upon his or her disagreeable behavior. Emphasize that it's the behavior that you dislike, not the child. Affection and love are as vital to children as air, water and food.
3. Reward good grades, positive behavior and a child's effort.
4. Maintain a regular routine that includes a nourishing , well-balanced breakfast and adequate rest.
5. Make learning a priority in your home by setting aside a time and a place to study.
6. Encourage curiosity and create a climate where learning is fun. Discuss school assignments on a daily basis and help when you can with homework
7. Encourage your child to read by reading to him or her daily.
8. Always speak correct English, use complete sentences when addressing your child and insist that he or she does the same when speaking to you or others.
9. Use a dictionary to teach your child at least three new words a day
10. Practice open, honest, non-judgemental conversation with your child. Be willing to talk about school or any other subject that is important to him or her.
11. Set limits on television, interactive computer games and monitor his or her choice of music.
12. Communicate often with your child's teachers. Discuss with them any problems at home that may affect your child's academic performance.
13. Don't speak negatively in front of your child about his or her teachers or school. Support the school's rules, regulations and discipline.
14. Encourage and support extracurricular activities.
15. Be acquainted with your child's classmates and friends and their parents.
EXECUTIVE BOARD 1998-1999
President-Jane Budram
1st Vice President- Carmen Semidey
2nd Vice President- Jacqueline Rossy
Treasurer- Sandy Pagan
Recording Secretary- Faye Singh
A MESSAGE FROM OUR P.T.A. PRESIDENT-JANE BUDRAM
The Parent's Association is the backbone of the school. Every school should have a good Parent's Association. We always speak for all of those who cannot speak for themselves.
I was first introduced as a volunteer in March of 1989 by Ms. Aurora Carrion. I had previously worked with her in P.S. 119 Since then I.S. 125 has become part of my life. Over the years, I.S. 125 has improved tremendously. Three of my children have graduated from this wonderful school.
Presently we have an excellent I.A. Principal, hardworking assistant principals and dedicated deans. With the help of our trained staff our students are performing very well. We have the best Academic Olympic team in all of District 8.
We have no complaints about safety and security in our building since our officers are doing their jobs quite efficiently. We also have approximately ten trained parent volunteers who are in the building everyday. They assist the teachers in the classrooms, in the girls' locker rooms and in the bathrooms and in the lunchroom. We also have two qualified nurses and one assistant who are in the building almost everyday.
Parents, I can assure you that your children are in safe and caring hands. We always have an open door policy, you are free to come and voice your opinions anytime. Once again, thank you.
