STUDENT HANDBOOK
GENERAL INFORMATION
BELL SCHEDULE
There are eight periods in the instructional day. Each subject class lasts for 44 instructional minutes. At
the end of classroom instruction the bell rings, which indicates that it is time to leave the room and
proceed to your next period class. There is a two-minute period for you to travel to your next class. You
are expected to be in your classroom by the time the late bell rings.
BREAKFAST 7:40-8:00 AM
STUDENT ARRIVAL 8:00- 8:06 AM
AM PASSING 8:06- 8:10 AM
Class Time Passing Late Bell
Period 1 8:10-8:51 8:51 8:54
Period 2 8:54-9:35 9:35 9:38
Homeroom 9:38-9:48 9:48 9:51
Period 3 9:51-10:32 10:32 10:35
Period 4 10:35-11:16 11:16 11:19
Period 5 11:19-12:00 12:00 12:03
Period 6 12:03-12:44 12:44 12:47
Period 7 12:47- 1:28 1:28 1:31
Period 8 1:31-2:12 2:12 2:15
Homeroom 2:15-2:25
Dismissal /Regular Time 2:25
Extended Time 2:25-3:02 MONDAY-THURSDAY
BREAKFAST-LUNCH PROGRAM
The breakfast program is available to students between 7:40 A.M. and 8:00 A.M. in the Cafeteria.
Breakfast is free for all students. You should enter through the main school yard entrance at the rear
(35th Avenue side) of the building. Free or reduced prices for lunch are based on completion of a
standard form distributed annually. All students must return the completed lunch form, and those who
are eligible will receive a free or reduced price for lunch. Students may also bring a bag lunch from
home. You can purchase milk, juice drinks, pretzels and snacks during lunch period. During warmer
weather, students are permitted in the schoolyard after eating their lunch.
You are never permitted to leave the school grounds during lunch. All students are expected to follow
these cafeteria procedures:
All students must go to the cafeteria and must sit at assigned tables when entering the cafeteria.
At the signal of the cafeteria supervisor, all students are silent. Students remain silent to hear any
announcements before lunch begins. When your table is called, walk to the designated lunch line.
Students arriving late must have a pass.
You must swipe your ID card to obtain lunch.
Students must request permission to use the bathroom facilities.
Upon finishing lunch, you must dispose of all trash. All garbage and recyclables must be placed
in the recycle and trashcans located in selected areas of the cafeteria.
You are not allowed to bring food into the school yard.
If you forget your I.D. card, you must wait until you are called by the lunch room supervisor or
school aide, who will swipe you in with a generic card labeled with your meal code.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Students receive METRO card based on the distance from their home to school. Special buses
following the Q13, Q28, and Q76 routes are available immediately at dismissal time along Francis
Lewis Boulevard. You are expected to board the buses in an orderly fashion. Lost or stolen METRO
cards must be reported to the attendance office in room 225. Students must complete a form for any
lost or stolen cards. The form must be submitted to the Transportation Coordinator. There is a wait
period to be issued a new METRO card. Be careful and take care of your card.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PROGRAM CARDS
You will receive a computerized program card at the beginning of the school year. Your program is
individualized and may vary from day to day. It takes time to remember all the different classes and
rooms you will be attending each week. It is suggested that you make several copies for your reference
and that you review your program each evening to be sure that you are prepared for your classes on the
following day. A copy should be available at home for your parent/guardian.
ARRIVAL
Students should arrive in the schoolyard by 7:57A.M. Students enter the school building at 8:00 A.M.
and go directly to their lockers and then to their first period class, which begins at 8:10 A.M. All students
should be seated by the time the late bell rings. Attendance is taken every period. Lateness is
unacceptable and is recorded.
ATTENDANCE AND LATENESS
If you are to do well in school, good attendance is most important. Attendance is monitored very
carefully. All absences and lateness are reported to parents/guardians and will be recorded on
student records. Attendance is taken during HOMEROOM and by each subject teacher during the
course of the day. If you are ill or must be absent from school, your parent should call school before 8:
30 A.M. Upon your return, you must bring a note from home explaining your absence to the attendance
office in room 225. Students arriving late to school must complete a late pass in triplicate and check
their coats in the late room closet. Coats are to be picked up at the end of school in the same room. To
avoid a delay in your afternoon departure, prompt arrival to school each day is necessary. 90%
attendance is the promotional standards. Every student is issued a picture ID card. As students enter
the building, through their assigned doors, they swipe their card for attendance. Every grade has their
own entrance into school and may only enter through their own door.
IDENTIFICATION
All students will be issued a picture ID card which must be carried at all times. You must swipe your ID
card to obtain lunch and to enter the building. Lost card costs $1.00 to replace.
HALLWAY AND PASSING
Safe movement in the halls is extremely important. Running or pushing in the hallways can cause
serious accidents. At the end of each period, students are required to move to their next class during a
two minute period of hallway passing. Your movement should be quick, direct and as quiet as possible
using designated up and down staircases during hall passing.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important part of the learning process. Teachers assign homework in order to
supplement class work or give you an opportunity to practice new skills. Write down all homework
assignments. You should exchange phone numbers with homework buddies. It is your responsibility
to get the homework assignments on days that you are absent from class.
EMERGENCY HOME CONTACT CARDS
ALL students must submit a completed Emergency Home Contact card every year which includes your
telephone number and address where we can locate your parent/guardian in case you are ill or injured.
Keeping this information current and up to date is extremely important.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
During inclement weather, students enter the school through entrance #7 & 8. Seventh grade students
report to the auditorium. 8th grade students report to the cafeteria.
WEATHER RELATED EMERGENCIES
Procedures for school closings and delayed openings on storm days, determined by the Chancellor,
are as follows:
Parents and students should listen to information broadcast by news radio stations, such as
WINS (1010AM) and WCBS (880). If district numbers are used, please remember that I.S. 25 is in
District 25, region 3.
The Chancellor's decision to close or delay the opening of schools during stormy weather will be
communicated to radio and television stations prior to 6:00 a.m.
In case of a delayed school opening, field trips will be canceled.
It is expected that regular dismissal time will be adhered to. In the event that a storm intensifies
during the school day, the Chancellor may authorize an early dismissal. Please make emergency
arrangements now with a friend, relative or neighbor who may be home during the day in the event that
an early dismissal is announced.
Please do not call I.S. 25 to find out if school is open or not. It is very difficult for our office staff to
handle the numerous calls that we receive during inclement weather.
You cannot be released from school during inclement weather without an adult (who is indicated
on your Blue Emergency Contact Card ) present to sign you out.
FIRE DRILLS/SHELTER DRILLS
Fire drills are held regularly throughout the school year, approximately twice per month. Students are
expected to line up in their classroom and walk silently outside or to an alternate location in the
building. Everyone must leave the building during a fire drill.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
In case of an emergency closing, parents will receive a phone call through the schools auto dialer.
HEALTH
The school maintains a health office for students who feel ill and, when necessary, for the
administration of first aid. If, under exceptional circumstances, you are required to take oral medication
during school and a parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, the school nurse or
nurse's designee will supervise the administration of medication in compliance with the following
regulations:
The medication must be brought to school in a container labeled by the pharmacy or physician.
Written orders and instructions from the student's physician must be on file in the school.
A 504 form must be completed and kept on file in the school.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
You should not bring large sums of money or expensive items of clothing or jewelry to school. Coats
should be kept in the locker you are assigned and secured with a lock. You are only allowed to visit
your locker before and after school. Electronic devices such as i-pods, cell phones, electronic games,
sunglasses, toys, etc. are not allowed in school. Lockers are school property. Therefore, when
appropriate, school lockers will be opened for inspection.
If you need to go to your locker during the day, you must have permission from your Assistant Principal
or Dean.
PHONE USE
Phone calls will be allowed in an emergency only at the discretion of your assistant principal. Students
are not permitted to use the pay phone, cell phones, or the phone in the general office without
permission.
DISMISSAL
You are permitted to return to your lockers after you are dismissed from period 8. Immediately following
this, students must exit the building. You cannot, under any circumstances, be released from school
early without an adult who is indicated on your Blue Emergency Contact Card to sign you out.
TEXT AND LIBRARY BOOKS
Books are a valuable and costly school resource. Anyone who borrows books from the school library is
expected to take care of them and return them in a timely manner. Fines are imposed for late books.
Each class textbook that you receive should be covered to protect it. Students are expected to pay for
lost books, and may not receive their report card and /or diploma if their book accounts are not cleared.
URBAN ADVANTAGE
Our eighth grade science students participate in a city-wide exploration program in partnership with
The Bronx Zoo, The Museum of Natural History, and The NY Botanical Gardens.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
We are participants in the C.H.A.M.P.S. athletics program. Our volleyball, fitness, tennis and basketball
teams have won several tournaments over the past few years.
TECHNOLOGY
All 8th grade students create their Social Studies Exit projects as a POWERPOINT presentation and
electronic portfolio through internet research in our computer labs.
Our students also participate in the city-wide THINKQUEST technology competition.
Many content area teachers integrate technology into their curriculum.
SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMS
You may volunteer to participate in various service learning programs that are offered. Service learning
is a method by which you learn and develop through active participation in organized service
experiences within our school and community. Programs include peer tutoring, service in local
elementary schools or specialized schools including P.S. 233 housed in our building.
KAPLAN TEST PREP
We offer tutoring and enrichment programs in ELA and Math free of cost to our students through the
Kaplan Learning Center.
We also offer tutoring in Science, Social Studies, Spanish, and regents exams.
QUEENS CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER
Operates an after-school sports and recreation program that operates Mondays through Thursdays
and during some school vacations and holidays. The program includes homework help and
counseling services. Please visit the Queens Child Guidance Center located in Room B20 on the
lower level of the school for more information.
YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
Our SAPIS worker provides information and education concerning alcohol and drug abuse to
individuals and groups of children. The educational program develops an awareness of alcohol and
drug abuse problems in our community and assists students and parents by providing family
assistance, crisis intervention and referral to health services. The goals of the program include
improving self-image, developing decision-making and coping skills to more effectively deal with peer
group pressure.
GUIDANCE
The guidance counselors are available to assist students, teachers and parents in areas of school
achievement and adjustment. You can meet with guidance counselors individually or in groups to
discuss matters of difficulty or concern. Guidance counselors can offer support or make referrals with
regard to social or academic concerns. They provide regular counseling services for many students.
Assistance is given to students regarding the selection and application process to high schools.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Students are encouraged to join the Student Government and have an opportunity to participate in
Student Government activities. Each class elects a representative for Student Government and each
grade has a single grade representative. Class representatives poll their classes about proposed
school activities such as movies, dances and fund raising events.
Student representatives meet periodically with the principal or assistant principals to discuss student
concerns.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
English as a Second Language classes are provided for students who are English Language
Learners (ELL) based on a Language Assessment Battery test. Students learn to read, write and
speak English in group instruction based on their level of proficiency. In addition, ESL classes strive to
help students share, preserve and celebrate their own cultural traditions and heritage.
LIBRARY
The school library is available to students during the school day during lunch periods or instructional
periods with their teacher. You must have a pass to use the library during lunch periods.
WORKING PAPERS
Students who are 14 years old and wish to work after school must secure working papers from the
General Office. In addition to the working papers, you need a social security card, parent/guardian
approval and a doctor’s note to gain employment.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
I.S. 25 has a large and active PTA. Parent Involvement plays such an important role in the middle
school experience. Parents are strongly encouraged to join and participate in all meetings and
activities. Our PTA has an office in our building in Room 236.
PARENT COORDINATOR
Our Parent Coordinator also has an office located in Room 109 across from the Main Office.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year. Parents should make every effort to attend. If
parents need to meet with teachers at other times during the year, please call the office (718 961-3480)
to set up a meeting.
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY ON STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
In accordance with Regulations of the Commissioner of Education of the State of New York, district
wide standards for student conduct and discipline have been developed so that all students may
understand what acceptable behavior is and may learn in a safe and healthy educational environment.
Teachers, supervisors, administrators, school service professionals, students and parents developed
these policies. Students and parents receive a written copy of the Policy on Student Conduct and
Discipline each year and should discuss it at home.
THE DEAN’S OFFICE
The Dean responds to student and teacher concerns regarding school safety and discipline. If you
wish to speak with your team Dean, request a pass from your classroom teacher.
BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE POLICY
You are expected to behave and comply with the Department of Education Discipline Policy, which is
distributed to all students each year. Adherence to this code of behavior will provide a positive
environment for every student to achieve the optimum intellectual, social, emotional and personal
development.
GUM/CANDY
Gum chewing is not allowed in school. Gum and candy remnants cause serious sanitation and
cleaning problems.
DRESS
You are expected to dress appropriately for school in clothing that is not revealing or distracting to
others. Bare midriff tops and short shorts are unacceptable. Clothing which is disruptive, or whose
written message is contrary to the positive educational mission of our school is not allowed. Your
parent will be asked to bring alternate, appropriate clothing to school for you to change into if your
clothing falls into these categories. Hats are not permitted to be worn (either on your head or on a belt
loop) in school.
You are required to participate in the physical education program to enhance your physical well being
and develop skills, which produce a feeling of satisfaction and achievement. You should wear the
physical education uniform that can be purchased at the school. . You must change your clothing in the
gym locker room and secure the locker with a combination lock during your gym period. Do not leave
money, jewelry or other valuables in your locker. Lockers are to be emptied at the end of each gym
period. Students who do not feel well enough to participate in gym class, but who attend school on a
gym day, must bring a note from home. Students who are unable to participate due to a medical
exception must bring a doctor’s note. The doctor’s note must contain the reason and the length of time
you are unable to participate.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
You are expected to enter the classroom, take your assigned seat, and start the "Do Now" class work
immediately. Every student has the right to work undisturbed by others. You are responsible for your
own good behavior. Infractions of classroom rules may cause disciplinary action including a teacher
submitting a Dean’s Referral report. All students who are granted permission to leave the classroom
must carry a room pass. Students may not use the bathroom during change of class.
LEAVING THE ROOM
You must request the class pass when leaving the room. Students are not permitted passes during
period 8 or the period after their lunch. Valuable instructional time is lost when students leave the
room. Students who leave the room without a pass are considered to be "cutting" and will be subject to
disciplinary action.
CUTTING
Students are expected to follow their program and report for every class. Attendance is taken during
every period. Students who are present in school, but do not arrive at their class are considered to be
"cutting". There are no exceptions to this rule. This is unacceptable and will be subject to disciplinary
action.
DETENTION
Students who have a pattern of lateness will be subject to after school detention. Parents will be
notified prior to date of detention by letter. Students who have a pattern of lateness to class will serve
lunchtime and/or after school detention.
SUSPENSIONS
Students are suspended for serious infractions of the Board of Education discipline code. At the
conclusion of a principal’s suspension, a hearing will be held to plan a successful return to school.
PROMOTIONAL POLICIES/REPORT CARDS
Student promotion is based on satisfactory scholarship, behavior and attendance. If a student is a
potential holdover, parent and student are notified after the second marking period. Computerized
report cards are issued after each of the four marking periods. Report cards are distributed in
November, February, April and June. Promotion is earned by every student every year, and should not
be considered automatic. Report card grades are based on class work and recitation, regular tests,
midterm tests, quizzes, homework, special reports and/or notebook work. A grade of 90 or higher is
considered superior work, 80-85 above average, 70-75 average, 65 below average but passing and
below 65 is a failure. A separate conduct grade is given by each of your classroom teachers for each
class. Lateness and absences are also listed on your report card each quarter.
The goal of this handbook is to provide our students and their families with the guidelines and
expectations of our school community so that together, we can continue to provide a safe, fun learning
environment for all.
REMEMBER:Together
Everyone
Achieves
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