Student and Family Handbook 2023-2024

Dear Students and Families,

Welcome to City Knoll Middle School! We look forward to working together to have a productive and positive learning experience. Our goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming learning community for our learners. In order to achieve our academic and social emotional goals, it is important that we share a common understanding of our school rules and expectations. Please review our Family Handbook and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We anticipate a great year ahead!

Sincerely,

The City Knoll Middle School Community

Download Student and Family Handbook 2023-2024

School Day

2023 - 2024 CKMS BELL SCHEDULE

Period 1	8:00 AM - 8:47 AM
Period 2	8:47 AM - 9:34 AM
Period 3	9:34 AM - 10:21 AM
Period 4	10: 21 AM - 11:08 AM
Period 5	11:08 AM - 11:55 PM
Period 6	11:55 PM -1 2:42 PM
Lunch	7th/8th Grade: 12:42 PM	6th Grade: 1:05 PM
Recess	7th/8th Grade: 1:05 PM	6th Grade: 12:42 PM
Period 8	1:33 PM - 2:20 PM
Dismissal	2:20 PM

Manhattan Youth After School: 2:20 PM - 5:00 PM

Transitions

City Knoll Middle School Students are expected to remain on the 4th Floor unless going to and/from the designated physical education class and the cafeteria/school yard during lunch. Students may not visit another floor unless directed by a CKMS staff member.
Students must sign in and sign out when leaving the classroom for any reason (bathroom, nurse, office, etc.) Hall passes must be carried by the student at all times.
Students will move to different classrooms throughout the day, including the gymnasium.
Teachers will ensure that students transition quickly and quietly.
Students will use the 53nrd street staircase when:
- Traveling to and from the cafeteria
- Exiting the building for dismissal

Arrival

Students may eat breakfast in the cafeteria from 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM. Students arrive at school between 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM.
Students must line up on West 53rd street against the wall leading to the main entrance. The line will extend East towards 9th Avenue.
Students will enter the building for 1st period at 7:57 AM.

Bathroom Protocols

One student will be allowed out of the room at a time.
No more than three students can be in the bathroom at a time.
Bathrooms will be locked the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes of every period.
Students are permitted to use the 1st floor bathrooms during 7th period lunch only

Lunchtime Protocol

6th period teachers will escort their classes to the cafeteria or school yard
- 7th and 8th grade: cafeteria
- 6th grade: school yard
- Teachers escorting classes to the cafeteria must ensure that all students are seated at their designated spots.
Seventh Period teachers will pick up students in the cafeteria or school yard
- 7th and 8th grade: school yard
- 6th grade: cafeteria
All health and safety protocols must be followed at all times

Dismissal

All students will be dismissed from the West 53rd Street exit
Students are expected to exit the classroom upon teacher direction and walk to the 53rd Street stairwell, down the stairs, and exit the building
Students are not permitted to stop of in any other rooms, including the bathrooms, at dismissal
Students are not permitted to wait for their friends at the exit or entrance to the school yard when they are dismissed.
Students who are waiting for a parent or guardian must cross over to the south side of West 53rd Street to wait (crossing at the corner of 10th Avenue and West 53nd)
Students attending the Manhattan Youth (MY) after school program will proceed directly to the cafeteria.

Metrocards and Transportation

Yellow school busing is only provided to Special Education students who have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) which calls for this service. Full-fare Metrocards are provided to eligible students as per NYC Department of Education Regulations. The requirements for eligibility vary as students progress from grade to grade. Generally, if a child lives less than 1 mile in the 6th grade, or less than 1.5 miles in the 7th or 8th grade, they are ineligible for full-fare Metrocards. If your child received a full-fare Metrocard last year, it does not mean that they will be eligible for a full-fare Metrocard the following year. CKMS does not, and cannot, make any decisions about who gets a full fare Metrocard. Metrocards are given to CKMS by the Office of Pupil Transportation on the basis of recorded home addresses. If a student loses his/her Metrocard, please contact the CKMS Transportation Coordinator – Sabrina Melendez. For additional information, see: NYC DOE Transportation Overview.

If your child is permitted to travel alone after school, a consent form must be on file giving permission.

Local Businesses

Local businesses are partners in our community. Students visiting local businesses in the neighborhood are expected to engage in responsible behavior. Students who engage in irresponsible behavior such as loitering, using foul language, or rough housing, will not be permitted to frequent these establishments and parents will be notified.

Visitors

In accordance with the Department of Education School Visitor Policy, all visitors (age 12 and older) must show identification such as a driver’s license or passport to enter the school building.

In the event of an emergency and families must come to school the following protocols will be followed:

If a parent is called to the school to pick up their child, the child must be brought to the main lobby to meet the parent

Other visitors attending a meeting in the building must:

Sign-in at the main entrance security desk leaving their name and contact information
Receive a visitor pass from security
Be escorted to the 4th floor meeting destination by the person conducting the meeting
Be escorted to the main exit at the end of the meeting

Closures

School Building

School building closures due to weather conditions are communicated through the NYC Department of Education. Tune in to local radio and television stations for more information. When possible, information will be posted on the school’s website.

If school is closed, all learning will take place remotely.

Dress Code and School Uniform

City Knoll Middle School School adopted a school-wide dress code in 2019. The goals of the School Uniform policy are to:

Promote a positive learning environment
Cultivate school unity and school pride
Support student self-esteem
Improve student conduct
Enhance student academic performance

Students are required to wear a City Knoll Middle School shirt every day. Students wear a polo shirt with the CKMS logo or a CKMS sweatshirt. Students wear the polo shirt with any appropriate pair of bottoms (jeans, pants, knee-length skirt) and a pair of sneakers or shoes (no slides, flip flops or slippers). In the event that a student does not have a CKMS shirt, he/she should wear a gray or black polo shirt.

Students who fail to come to school in the required uniform will:

Be provided with a “loaner shirt” in exchange for the shirt they wore to school. Students must return the loaner shirt at the end of the day.
Have their parents contacted each time they come to school out of uniform.

Additionally, the general school dress code must be followed:

A student’s dress, grooming, and appearance, including hair style/color, jewelry, make-up and nails, will:

Recognize that extremely brief garments such as tube tops, net tops, halter tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, plunging necklines (front and/or back), clothing that exposes midsection of the body, mini-skirts, and see-through garments are NOT appropriate for school.
Ensure that all underwear is completely covered by outer garments.
Not include the wearing of hats in the building, except for acceptable documentation of medical or religious purpose.
Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, or denigrate others on account of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
Not promote or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.

Students who violate the dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item, or, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to cooperate may be required to return home with a parent/guardian.

Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing to Physical Education Class, which includes: sneakers, loose fitting pants, yoga pants, sweat pants, shorts (weather permitting).

Expectations for Learning

Attendance

There is a high correlation between school attendance and academic performance and success, while absence from school is often the greatest single cause of poor performance and achievement. Please review the following rules and guidelines regarding attendance. These guidelines extend to all students - those who are enrolled in remote learning and those who are enrolled in blended learning:

Students must attend all classes and complete all classwork and homework on time.
Schoolwork missed due to absence is the student’s responsibility to make up. An absence does not excuse a missed assignment or quiz. Classwork is posted in Google Classroom.
When a student is absent, a written note or an email from the parent/guardian explaining the absence must be brought to school/emailed on the day the student returns. Absences go on a student’s permanent record. Please also note that although an absence may be considered excused, it is still an absence and recorded as such on legal attendance documents. If a pattern of absences or lateness is noted, the family will be contacted. Please note that many high schools review middle school attendance and will not consider applications from students with a high number of absences - excused or unexcused.

Our phone system will automatically call you if your child has been marked absent or late. If your child comes in after our automated system has made absence calls, you may still receive an automated call that they were absent. We will adjust the attendance record in our system later in the day.
The system will call the number originally listed on the official emergency contact card, or blue card.

Curriculum

English Language Arts: City Knoll has partnered with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project to support students in developing their literacy skills. The mission of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project is to help young people become avid and skilled readers, writers, and inquirers. This goal is accomplished through research, curriculum development, and through working shoulder-to-shoulder with students, teachers, and school leaders. The organization has developed state-of-the-art tools and methods for teaching reading and writing, for using performance assessments and learning progressions to accelerate progress, and for literacy-rich content-area instruction.

Social Studies: The NYCDOE K-8: Passport to Social Studies program is a comprehensive instructional resource that integrates the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) and the New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework to support strong Social Studies learning. Designed to support the NYC K-8 Social Studies Scope and Sequence, each yearly course of study is organized around newly developed units of study, each guided by essential questions.

Mathematics: Engage New York and Amplify Math are the core curriculum that we use to support students in developing a conceptual understanding of the grade level standards. Both Engage New York and Amplify Math are problem-centered curriculum promoting an inquiry-based teaching-learning classroom environment. Mathematical ideas are identified and embedded in a sequenced set of tasks and explored in depth to allow students to develop rich mathematical understandings and meaningful skills. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) and the Standards for Mathematical Practice are embedded within each problem.

Science: The Amplify Science Curriculum is the core curriculum that we use to support students in developing a conceptual understanding of the grade level standards in Science. Amplify Science blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. Units of Study are aligned to the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) and include some teacher created materials. Hands-on scientific inquiry is at the heart of our science classrooms.

Art: Art instruction is provided to all students and includes teacher-created units of study that incorporate elements and principles of art, as well as the integration of content area learning according to the NYC Blueprint for the Arts in Visual Arts. Partnerships with the Museum of Modern Art and the Morgan Book Arts Project support our commitment to the arts.

Physical Education and Wellness: A holistic approach to physical and health education is promoted in all grade levels, including team building games and activities that serve to strengthen positive interactions, collaboration, and healthy bodies and minds.

Student Support: Our students are supported through our Academic Intervention Services. The Academic Intervention Services will provide students with small group instruction designed to support students in developing their literacy and mathematics skills. Additionally, Academic Intervention Support will be provided daily during 8th Period. Teachers will use the IXL and iReady online programs to target student academic challenges and provide practice in areas of need.

Students are also supported by our Guidance Team, which includes our guidance counselor, part-time social worker, and part time school psychologist. Our team provides both individual and group counseling services to at-risk or mandated students or on an as-needed basis.

The Advisory Program will provide support to students in order to encourage academic success, navigate social emotional issues and create a positive school culture. During Advisory, teachers will follow the Circles 360 Curriculum. Students will have a safe learning space for them to share ideas, thoughts and concerns. The Advisory Program will also provide opportunities for student self-reflection and related activities. Students in their Advisory groups are expected to be respectful, actively listen, have an open mind, try their best to succeed and collaborate to help others be successful.

Timeline of Student Grades:

Report Cards will be distributed four times per year with number grades communicated for each content area (ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science, Art, Wellness, and Physical Education). Students will receive a grade of Pass or Fail for their Advisory class. Attendance and lateness are included on the Report Card. Unit tasks and criteria are averaged and percentage number grade is calculated. Major projects and culminating activities will be weighted according to individual teacher criteria, which is communicated to students at the beginning of a unit of study.

Progress reports are given out four times per year in between the distribution of Report Cards. Grades are a snapshot of students' progress in class and will be represented by a numerical average for each class (ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science, Art, Wellness, and Physical Education). Students will receive a grade of Pass or Fail for their Advisory class.

Make-up Assignments: Students who have been absent from class for valid reasons (such as illness, family emergencies, attendance at funerals, etc.) must be given a reasonable opportunity to make up missed work, including examinations and quizzes. Handwritten notes/emails from parents and/or physicians verifying legitimate absences will be accepted by teachers. Each teacher will establish a timeframe and method of support for absent students.

Grading Policy

At City Knoll Middle School a fair grading policy accurately reflects each student’s best effort achievement based on NYS Common Core Learning Standards. Grades are provided to students and families as periodic assessments of student progress, performance and achievement within a subject area. Students are supported by teachers throughout the learning process through scaffolded instruction, tiered activities, and student choice to achieve academic success. Ongoing feedback is provided to students through a variety of methods including conferencing, rubric scores, comments on writing assignments, and the use of checklists. Grades are based on objective criteria that include but are not limited to:

Assessments (formal and informal)	Projects
Homework	Laboratory Reports
Classwork	Portfolios
Class participation	Presentations
Research and reports	Performance Tasks
Student self-assessments and evaluations

City Knoll Middle School uses the following framework for determining content area grades:

Summative Assessments 40 %	Performance Assessments 40 %	Class Participation and Work Habits 15%	Homework 5%
Standards-based Unit Assessments Portfolio Tasks Unit Projects Research Papers Classroom Presentations Final Essays	Formative Assessments Quizzes Short Projects Short Presentations Classroom Assignments Exit Tickets	Student readiness Class participation Class discussions Class activities Collaborative teamwork Classroom expectations Student conduct	Given each night Reading logs Reading notebook Writing notebook Reflections Review questions Practice problems Writing prompts

Summative Assessments

40 %

Performance Assessments 40 %

Class Participation and Work Habits

15%

Homework

5%

Standards-based Unit Assessments
Portfolio Tasks
Unit Projects
Research Papers
Classroom Presentations
Final Essays

Formative Assessments
Quizzes
Short Projects
Short Presentations
Classroom Assignments
Exit Tickets

Student readiness
Class participation
Class discussions
Class activities
Collaborative teamwork
Classroom expectations
Student conduct

Given each night
Reading logs
Reading notebook
Writing notebook
Reflections
Review questions
Practice problems
Writing prompts

Summative Assessments: (40%)

All assessments are aligned with the NYS Common Core Learning Standards and are returned to students with constructive feedback and/or reflective questions to guide students in improving their understanding. The frequency and specific percentage value of examinations are established by each content area and rubrics for all students.

Performance Assessments: (40 %)

Quizzes, short projects/presentations, classroom and homework assignments are an essential way for teachers to gauge students’ understanding of materials and allow the teacher to inform instruction. Formative assessments prepare students for the next day’s lesson, reinforce former lessons taught, and develop critical thinking skills.

Class Participation and Work Habits: (15 %)

Classroom participation is determined by the quality and frequency of performance in class activities, including: written and oral assignments, presentations, as well as participation in group and individual activities, exercises, discussions, and projects in the class. Teachers utilize a rubric for measuring class participation and work habits.

Homework: (5 %)

Homework plays an important role in the development of responsibility and good study habits. Homework enables students to deepen their understanding of skills and concepts introduced in class, build independent learning skills, and prepare for the rigors of high school. Homework also provides opportunities for students to begin to develop the understanding that learning continues to take place outside of the school day.

The purpose of homework is to reinforce, extend, and enrich the instruction experience. Homework provides opportunities for students to utilize separately learned skills and concepts and integrate them in the completion of a project or interdisciplinary assignment. Homework assignments may also be designed to introduce or help students become familiar with material to be utilized in the instructional setting. Teachers use homework as one way to assess student understanding and to inform their practice in the classroom.

Chancellor’s Regulations require a minimum of one to two hours of homework daily for middle school students. All students are expected to read every day for at least sixty minutes after school. Homework, like classwork, should be done thoroughly, neatly, and carefully. Individual content area teachers should assign approximately 15 - 20 minutes of homework each night, and should have a consistent system of communicating homework assignments with students and parents as well as checking homework the following day.

Academic Intervention Services: Support services are available to students during the school day through AIS and the support/enrichment period at the end of the day. Study Lab, ELA & Math Interventions, and Book Clubs are provided after-school through Manhattan Youth. Students at-risk of failing are encouraged to attend tutoring sessions and office hours offered by content area teachers.

Opportunities to Discuss Student Progress: Parent Teacher Conferences Conferences will take place twice a year (fall and spring). Families may contact the teacher(s) via email or phone to make an appointment to discuss student progress.

Promotion Decisions

Promotion criteria is determined using multiple measures of student performance throughout the course of the school year, which includes content area coursework and standardized New York State exams in English language arts and math. If a student does not meet promotion standards for the grade, the family will get a letter recommending summer school attendance. (See Chancellor's Reg A-501)

Online GradeBook

CKMS uses the new DOE-created Grades, Attendance, and Messaging applications to replace PupilPath. These tools are designed to help you monitor your child’s progress, increase your ability to stay informed, and connect directly with CKMS staff. All the information from these new applications will be available to families in the NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) Portal. Currently, you can see your child’s report cards, view attendance, update important contact information, and more in NYCSA. Please ensure that you have created a NYCSA account. If you need support, please contact our main office at: 212-492-9062.

Homework

Homework enables students to deepen their understanding of skills and concepts introduced in class, build independent learning skills, and prepare for the rigors of high school. Chancellor’s Regulations require a minimum of one to two hours of homework daily for middle school students. All students are expected to read everyday for at least sixty minutes after school. Homework, like classwork, should be done thoroughly, neatly, and carefully. Homework and other assignments are posted in the Google Classroom where digital copies of assignments can often be downloaded at home, if necessary.

Academic Honesty

CKMS students are expected to complete their own assignments to the best of their ability with integrity and academic honesty. The following activities will not be tolerated:

copying homework or test answers from others
telling peers what to write
Using other students’ notes on tests and quizzes
writing and turning in an assignment that someone else has published without acknowledging the work of the author.

If it is determined by the administration or teachers that a student has copied work from classmates or others, the following procedures will be followed:

On the first offense, a meeting will be convened with the parent, student, teachers and administration. At this time, the student will provide an explanation as to why the choice was made to copy work. This is communicated so that the school can determine what supports, if any, are needed in order for the student to demonstrate the content understanding or skill required by the assignment.
A grade for the work will not be given by the teacher.
The assignment must be re-done with any necessary support for a grade no higher than 85%.

CKMS strongly encourages students to consult with teachers if confused about whether or not a piece of work should be cited and the correct format for doing so, or if an assignment or lesson is not understood. Teachers are available for students at lunch and after-school to support. Study Labs through the Manhattan Youth after-school program are available every day.

Good academic habits that do not violate the academic honesty policy include:

Using your own class notes and/or homework assignments as a reference to study for a test or complete current assigned work or homework
Studying with a peer by questioning one another about the material being reviewed
Thinking aloud by talking through homework and assignments by explaining your thinking and asking peers to explain their thinking

Guidance

Our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Levine will be available throughout the school day to support the individual academic and social needs of every student, as needed. Ms. Levine (alevine@cityknollms.org) can be reached by telephone or email.

Textbooks and Technology

Textbooks, classroom library books, computers, and iPads are considered school property and are to be treated with respect. Textbooks and classroom library books that go home will be signed out. If textbooks are returned in poor condition, families will be charged to replace the text at its full cost. If any student alters or manipulates school technology, he/she will lose the privilege to use it.

Behavior Expectations

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

City Knoll Middle School believes that a safe and supportive environment for all students is necessary for learning.

At City Knoll Middle School students have the right to be treated fairly with respect from all. Students have the right to an education with the highest of expectations and academic challenges. Students can expect to be a part of a learning community that cultivates growth, learning, and well being.
Students are expected to comply with all state, local, and school rules and regulations.
Students are expected to participate in all school functions, field trips, and learning experiences.
Students are expected to come to all classes and learning experiences prepared to learn, with materials, assignments, and an open mind.
All students are expected to review and abide by the Chancellor’s Regulations, school rules, and classroom norms.
Student infractions will be recorded and families will be contacted by the Dean and/or teacher depending on the levels described below:

CITY KNOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE CODE

Students are expected to be Ready, Respectful, and Responsible every day in the school community and to behave in an appropriate manner at all times and to all people (i.e. teachers, community members, support personnel, safety agents, custodians, counselors, office staff, administrators, etc.).

City Knoll Middle School follows the Citywide Behavioral Expectations Code to Support Student Learning. It is imperative that teachers, students and families review this information: Discipline Code.

Reading the City-wide Behavioral Expectations Discipline Code to Support Student Learning will help families to understand the ladder of discipline and consequences for inappropriate actions. All unacceptable behavior will lead to disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to a conversation, a parent conference, exclusion from activities (ex. ceremonies, trips), a referral to community agencies, or even suspensions. Students are responsible for their actions, whether a child is acting alone or as a member of a group. If a pattern of behavior persists, parents will be notified.

CITYWIDE STANDARDS OF DISCIPLINE AND INTERVENTION MEASURES

The steps outlined below are designed to align with New York City’s “Citywide Standards of Discipline and Intervention Measures”:

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR LOW-LEVEL AND DISORDERLY BEHAVIORS
reflection essay/worksheet/assignment	apology letter
seating switch/separation from group	brief teacher talk in the hallway
loss of classroom privileges	loss of certain hallway privileges
community service (speak to Principal first)	meeting with ETAL or a group of the student’s teachers
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR DISORDERLY BEHAVIORS
letter home/phone call home	behavioral conduct sheet
detention (with permission from the family)	loss of privileges (i.e. participation in field work/trip)
parent meeting with student and teacher(s)	Invitation for the parent to observe his/her child in class
administrative meeting	meeting with the social worker
community service (speak to Principal first)	Principal suspension

Level	Infraction	Range of Possible Responses
Level 1: Infractions that are handled by individual teachers in class	Unexcused absence from school or class Being late for school or class Failing to follow school-wide policies (i.e. dress code, rules around electronics, food and gum, etc.) Failing to be in one’s assigned place on school premises (detours) Behaving in a way that disrupts the educational process but does not require a removal from the classroom Using school equipment without permission	Verbal warning; admonishment by teacher Choice or invitation to correct behavior or adhere to the consequences established Student/Teacher conference Phone call home Detention at lunch or after school with teacher Administrative detention In person parent/student/teacher conference Loss of privileges, e.g. recess, field trips
Level 2: Infractions that are handled by individual teachers, with administrative support	Engaging in verbally disrespectful behavior, or making inappropriate gestures. Leaving class or school without permission or without a hall pass. Being insubordinate; defying or disobeying the lawful authority of school staff or school safety agents Engaging in scholastic dishonesty, i.e. cheating, plagiarizing, or colluding Behaving in a way that disrupts the educational process that requires a removal from the classroom Disrupting another class while in the hallway Lying to, giving, false information to, and/or misleading school staff Engaging in a pattern of persistent Level 1 behavior	Administrative detention Phone conference with parent, teacher, and administrator Removal from assigned classroom to another classroom Removal from assigned classroom to the in-school suspension room In person conference with parent teacher, and administrator Loss of privileges Other individualized behavior improvement plans In-school Principal’s suspension of 1-3 days Out-of-school Principal’s suspension of 1-3 days
Level 3: Infractions that are handled by the administration, with teacher support	Using slurs based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship/ immigration status, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or disability Engaging in vandalism, graffiti, or other intentional damage to school property or property belonging to staff students, or others Knowingly possessing property belonging to another without authorization (stealing or helping to steal) Making sexually suggestive comments, innuendos, or propositions or similar remarks, or engaging in nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Making threats of physical or emotional harm Engaging in an altercation and/or physically aggressive behavior Bringing a weapon (knife, gun), or illegal substances to school. Engaging in a pattern of persistent Level 2 behavior	Administrative detention Phone call home by teacher and administrator Removal from assigned classroom to another classroom. Removal from assigned classroom to the in-school suspension room. In person parent/student/teacher/administrator conference. Loss of privileges Other individualized behavior improvement plans In-school Principal’s suspension of 2-5 days Out-of-school Principal’s suspension of 2-5 days Superintendent’s suspension

Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment

According to Chancellor’s Regulation A-832, bullying, cyber-bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. Consequences are leveraged according to the infraction, the regulation and the discipline code.

Social Media

Families must be involved in the decision to allow their children to establish an account with social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram and others. Instagram and Facebook require a user to be 13 years old to establish an account. Therefore, families MUST monitor their child’s social media interactions. CKMS takes the use and abuse of social media very seriously. If your child receives something inappropriate electronically from a classmate or someone else, please take action. If you need assistance in facilitating a conversation, please contact the school social worker, guidance counselor, or administration. CKMS urges you to carefully consider whether or not your child is mature enough to monitor their own internet activities. Posts on the internet become permanent digital record and can be re-posted beyond the originally intended audiences. These sites are blocked on school technology. Inappropriate and/or offensive posts will be handled by CKMS in a serious way with strict consequences.

Code of Online Conduct

Students may not engage in any of the activities prohibited below when using or accessing the Department of Education’s Internet Systems.

Causing harm to others, damage to their property or Department of Education property...
Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to the Department of Education’s Internet Systems, or to any third party’s computer...
Engaging in criminal or other unlawful activities…

In addition, students must adhere to the Bill of Student Responsibilities in the Citywide Behavioral Expectations as outlined above. Please review the NYC DOE guidelines on Digital Citizenship.

Online Posting

In accordance with City Knoll Middle School’s Student Code of Online Conduct and Responsibilities, students should adhere to the following guidelines when sharing and commenting on posts:

Refrain from using, posting or distributing profane, lewd, vulgar, threatening, or abusive language in e-mail messages, group chats, classroom web pages, or social media sites;
Refrain from accessing, using, posting, or distributing information or materials that are obscene, advocate illegal or dangerous acts, or advocate violence or discrimination. If students inadvertently access such information, they should immediately contact their teacher, dean or school principal;
Refrain from accessing, posting or distributing harassing, discriminatory, inflammatory, or hateful material, or making damaging or false statements about others;
Refrain from obscene and defamatory communication in speech, writing, and other modes of electronic expression (emojis, pictures) in their interactions with the school community;
Express themselves in speech, writing, and other modes of electronic expression in a manner which promotes cooperation and does not interfere with the educational process;
Be polite, courteous, and respectful toward others

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

SCHOOL-BASED POLICY OF CITY KNOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR USE OF CELL PHONES, COMPUTING DEVICES, AND PORTABLE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are permitted to bring the following electronic items to school: 1) cell phones; 2) laptops, tablets, iPads and other similar computing devices (“computing devices”); and 3) portable music and entertainment systems, such as iPods, MP3 players, PSP, and Nintendo DS. While students are free to do so, we continue to urge parents to consider not having their children bring these devices to school.

School Policy

Cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems are not to be used while on school property and must be turned off and secured out of sight prior to entering the school building.

Cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes and with the explicit permission and approval of the teacher.

Cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during after-school programs or field trips, unless with the explicit permission and approval of a teacher, administrator or other school staff.

Cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.

Use of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and other electronic devices during the administration of state standardized examinations is governed by State Education Department Rules.

Confiscation and return of cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems

If students use cell phones, computing devices, and/or portable music and entertainment systems in violation of the school policy the device will be confiscated and returned as described below:

First Violation: Confiscated until dismissal, and returned to student at the end of the school day.
Second Violation: Confiscated, returned to your child at the end of the next school day and parent/guardian will be contacted.
Third Violation: Confiscated and returned only to the parent/guardian in person.
Fourth Violation: Privilege to bring devices to school will be revoked.

NOTE: Each time a device is confiscated it will be recorded on file and secured in the administrative office.

NOTE: The school is not liable for lost, stolen, and/or damaged cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems.

Discipline

Students who use cell phones in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“ISUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.

Health & Safety

School Nurse

The nurse’s office is on the first floor in Room 111. The nurse can be reached by dialing extension 1113. If a student is feeling sick, a staff member will escort him/her to the nurse’s office to be evaluated by the nurse.

In the case of a serious medical emergency, CKMS staff members will:

● Call 911

● Call a parent/guardian, and continue to call the list of numbers on the blue card until contact is made.

● Wait for the ambulance and EMTs.

● Call a parent to let you know what hospital your child will be taken to. You should then go immediately to that hospital. School personnel will wait for the EMTs to tell us which hospital, which sometimes is not determined until they are ready to leave the building.

● Escort your child to the hospital and wait until you arrive before departing.

Medication Taken During the School Day

As per NYC Department of Health regulation school staff and teachers are not permitted to administer medicine to any student nor are they allowed to assist a student in taking medication. If your child needs to take medication regularly during the school day, please contact the nurse, who will provide 504 forms that are required in order for your child to take medication at school.

Immunizations

New York City has updated the school immunization requirements for the 2022-2023 school year. Before the school year begins, you must submit proof of immunization for your child if they are attending childcare or school.

All students in childcare through grade 12 must meet the requirements for:

• The DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis), poliovirus, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), varicella and hepatitis B vaccines.

Children in grades 6 through 12 must also meet the requirements for:

• The Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) booster and MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate) vaccines.

Please review your child’s immunization history with your child’s health care provider. Their provider can tell you whether additional doses of one or more vaccines are required for your child to attend childcare or school this year. Please note: If your child received doses of vaccine BEFORE the minimum age (too early), those doses do NOT count toward the number of doses needed. If you have questions about these 2022-2023 requirements, please contact the school.

COVID RESPONSE PROTOCOL

Vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to reduce Covid-19 risk. You may visit the Covid-19 Vaccination Finder Page or call: 877-829- 4692 to find a location near you. Being up-to-date with Covid-19 vaccinations includes boosters for those who are eligible and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.

Illness

Students should stay home if they show any symptoms of Covid-19 or other illnesses and get tested for Covid-19.

Positive Covid-19 Case

All students who test positive for Covid-19 should stay home for at least 5 days. They must wear a mask for 10 days after symptoms began (or 10 days after positive test results, with no symptoms)

Covid-19 Symptoms/Exposure

Students with symptoms of Covid-19 should get tested and, if test positive, should follow protocol (see above). Students who are exposed to someone who has Covid-19 wear a mask for 10 days after exposure. Please review the NYC guidance on Covid-19.

Masks

Students, especially those with a medical condition that puts them at risk for severe COVID-19, or if they are around others who are at increased risk for COVID-19, should consider wearing masks.

Masks are an important layer of protection to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
- Always wear a mask when sick and unable to separate from others, and, if you have COVID-19, for 10 days after symptoms began (or 10 days after positive test with no symptoms). Please review additional information about isolation and exposure for Covid-19.
- Always wear a mask for 10 days after being exposed to someone who has Covid-19.
- Wear a high-quality mask, such as KN95, KF94 or N95 for the best protection from Covid-19.

Please review NYC DOE Health Guidance and Resources for Families for additional information.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Evacuation Drills

During an evacuation, students must move quickly and quietly in a single file.
Classes are escorted single file following their designated evacuation route to the staging area outside (10th avenue and 52nd or 53rd Street).
All students are expected to cooperate with staff members during fire drills and leave the building in a silent, orderly manner. Misbehavior will be subject to teacher or administrative disciplinary action, according to the Discipline Code.
Students must remain with their teacher.
Under no circumstances should one class cut off another class when exiting the building.

Lockdown Drills

All students remain in their seats and remain silent
All instruction and movement in the classroom must cease until the lockdown drill has been lifted.

Shelter-In Drills

No one leaves the school building until the Shelter-In is lifted.

Hold Drills

All students remain where they are until the “All Clear” announcement is made.
All students must remain in place until the Hold is lifted.

Home School Partnerships

Email

CKMS establishes e-mail accounts for each student through our Google Apps for Education account: @cityknollms.org. Students will be provided with an e-mail address and advised as to when they will be able to log-in. E-mail usernames are in the format of first name, last initial, and graduation year. Example: michaelr2023@cityknollms.org.

Website

Our CKMS Website is updated regularly and includes a school calendar. Information about our school can be found there, as well as additional resources.

NYC Department of Education calendars can be found on the DOE website: http://schools.nyc.gov

Instagram

Follow CKMS on Instagram:

@cityknollms933

Monthly Newsletter

CKMS publishes a monthly newsletter which is distributed on the first day of the month and posted on the Student and Families page of our website.

Communicating with Teachers

Teachers can best be contacted by e-mail, but you can also leave a message for a teacher by calling the main office. Teachers will make every effort to respond to emails within 24 hours. If you would like to meet with your child’s teacher, please schedule an appointment so that teachers can prepare for the meeting by reviewing your child’s academic progress in order to respond to your concerns. Parent/Teacher Conferences are held three times each year. Families are encouraged to maintain contact with teachers throughout the school year. Please check xxx for current student grades, assignments, and homework.

School Leadership Team (SLT)

The SLT is made up of an equal number of parents and faculty who serve for 2 consecutive years. The election of parent representatives is held at a PTA meeting. SLT meetings are held monthly and regular meeting times are established for the entire year at the beginning of the school year. The purpose of the SLT is to develop a Comprehensive Education Plan that meets the school’s academic needs according to the analysis of data and is aligned to the school’s budget.

CKMS Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

All parents and guardians are considered members of the CKMS PTA during the duration of the time their children attend City Knoll Middle School. The CKMS PTA works together to support activities that enliven and enrich the educational environment of the school by promoting relationships among all constituents – students, families, teachers, staff and administrators, as well as the community at large. Activities include fundraising, workshops, social events for the school community, forums, among others. Please support our school by becoming involved in PTA meetings and activities.