Student Handbook

Please click here to view the new Arrival and Dismissal Procedures. 

School Day Schedule

9:20 a.m. Students begin entering the school

9:30 a.m. School day begins

11:30 a.m.  – 1:45 p.m. School lunches served

3:45-3:50 p.m. Students being picked up by a parent/relative are dismissed

3:50 p.m. Students are called to buses

Students may NOT be dropped off before 9:20 a.m.  There is no supervision for students before 9:20 a.m. 

The instructional day for Court Street Elementary School is 9:30 am to 3:45 pm.  Not only are students required by law to be in attendance every day that school is in session, we value the time with your child and our teachers plan their instructional day to meet the educational goals of their students.  Excessive tardiness, early dismissals, and absences all negatively impact your child’s educational success. 

Students are to be in their classrooms by 9:30 a.m.  Students arriving at school tardy (after 9:30 a.m.) will need to be signed in inside the vestibule before heading to class.

With the exception of Open House in September, dismissal will begin at 12:00 pm on half days. 

Procedures for Notifying the Main Office of an Absence

1. NEW THIS YEAR: The custodial parent will receive an automated phone call whenever their child is reported absent.  You do not need to contact the school on the morning of an absence.  It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that contact information is current through the Parent Portal each year.  The custodial parent is the individual listed as the first contact on the Parent Portal. If you have questions or concerns, please call the Main Office at 716-686-3241.
2. New York State law requires that any student absence must be accounted for by a written excuse from home.  Please send this note to school when your child returns from his/her absence.  Our attendance secretary can be reached at 716-686-3242 or ctattendance@lancasterschools.org.  This note should include the student’s full name, dates of absence, teachers, reason, and parent signature.  If no written excuse is received within five days, the absence is considered unexcused.
3. Parents should send a note stating the dates a student will miss school due to vacation at least one week in advance.  This is an unexcused absence.  The Attendance Clerk will issue a vacation letter.
4. As per Court Street Attendance Policy, class work/homework could be provided to a student based on teacher discretion.   One-week notice is required.
5. Advance notice of any lengthy absence is appreciated.

According to the Lancaster Board of Education Attendance Procedures, if a child has excessive absences the following procedures will be followed:

• The principal will be notified.
• A letter will be sent home (quarterly) identifying that there is a concern about absences and/or tardies.
• If appropriate, a referral will be made to Court Street School’s Multi-Tiered System of Support team.

If further absences occur:

• A parent conference will be scheduled with the principal and/or school social worker.
• The principal, social worker, and/or the district SRO officer will visit the home.

All students in Lancaster are eligible for bus transportation.  Students will be bused to and from the designated bus stop each day unless an Alternate Transportation Form has been submitted to the Transportation Department.  This would be needed when a child requires before and/or after school care at a location other than his/her own address.

If there is a temporary change, short in duration, the student should bring a note to school stating the temporary change.  A bus pass will be issued to the child stating the child’s drop-off address.  The pass is then given to the driver.

Legendary Bus Behavior

Students receive instruction in bus safety each year.  Students are required to follow the rules for bus behavior.

1. Students must remain seated at all times.
2. Students are to use “inside” voices.
3. When moving to the front of the bus, walk slowly.
4. Listen to the driver’s directions at all times.
5. Respect all other riders.

Appropriate bus behavior is reinforced throughout the school year.  If the bus driver has spoken to a child about inappropriate behavior and the behavior continues, a Bus Conduct Form will be written and sent to the principal.  After three infractions, there may be a loss of bus transportation for three to five days to and from school.

NO personal communication devices, including cell phones, SmartWatches/ Apple Watches, game players, ipads, etc. brought from home are allowed in school. If your child is found in possession of a personal electronic device, it will be OFF AND AWAY ALL DAY IN HIS/HER BACKPACK during school hours. 

Please note: Court Street is not responsible for any lost or stolen devices.

Court Street has adopted a new SEL curriculum called Second Step. The Second Step program is a school-wide social-emotional learning curriculum designed to help students build essential life skills like emotional regulation, empathy, and positive problem-solving.  Through engaging, age appropriate weekly lessons and daily activities taught by classroom teachers, students learn how to focus their attention, manage frustration, and navigate social conflicts constructively.  

By fostering a safe and supportive learning environment, this program empowers our students to succeed both academically and socially. 

Our school social worker also pushes into classrooms to reinforce social-emotional learning for our students.  Some of the topics may include recognizing our feelings (anger, anxiety, and sadness) while finding strategies for managing feelings with confidence, happiness, and flexible thinking.  

Erin’s Law

In August 2019, New York State became the 37^th state to sign Erin’s Law into legislation. New York State’s Law (Chapter 187 of the Laws of 2019) known as Erin’s Law requires public schools to teach children sexual abuse and exploitation prevention to students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

At the start of each school year, students may be issued a device and power supply for use during the school year.  There is no cost to receive these items as it is a primary educational tool.  It is the responsibility of the student that has been assigned a device, to provide proper care and protection of the device.  Devices should only be used by the student to whom they were assigned.  As per LCSD Policy #7317, damage and/or loss of the device due to a failure to properly care and maintain the device will result in repair and/or replacement charges being levied to the student.  Device malfunctions from normal use will not incur a charge.

 The LCSD encourages students to use computers and technology available in our school facilities; however, with this use comes responsibility.  For a more detailed description of student computer and Internet use rights and responsibilities refer LCSD Policy #7315 – Student Use of Computerized Information Resources (Acceptable Use Policy).

Our teachers play an integral part in placing children.  Grade level meetings take place to discuss the best educational setting for each child.  We examine academic factors, social skills, physical requirements, class make-up, and parent concerns. 

It is important to get input from parents who would like to share information about their child’s learning.  Parents will be invited to complete a Parent Input Sheet in the spring.  Please refrain from requesting a specific teacher by name.  We believe all teachers have strengths and children benefit from exposure to many different teaching styles and personalities.

DASA means Dignity for All Students Act. The goal of DASA is to provide public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, on a school bus, or at a school function.

For more information about DASA, see page 2 of the LCSD Code of Conduct.

Court Street Elementary School’s administration and faculty take great pride in providing its students with an inviting, positive environment. The student’s behavior plays an important role in maintaining a positive atmosphere.

At Court Street Elementary School, students should:

1. Be respectful.
2. Demonstrate responsibility by completing work neatly and in a timely fashion.
3. Follow classroom, cafeteria, gymnasium, and library rules.
4. Walk to and from classes.
5. Take pride in our school by keeping it clean, orderly, and in good condition.
6. Speak politely while using proper manners.
7. Lastly, put forth their best effort in all areas.

On occasion, it may be necessary for a teacher/staff member to request that a student who has misbehaved see the building principal. At Court Street Elementary, we follow a progressive disciplinary policy. The following steps are possible consequences for inappropriate behavior:

• Visit with Building Administrator
• Call placed to Parent(s
• Conference with Parent(s)
• Lunch suspension
• Suspension from activities
• Bus suspension
• Suspension (in or out of school)
• Visit with school social worker

On occasion, the building administrator may be out of the building during the school day. There will be a well-experienced and pre-trained staff member in charge. This staff member will follow the same discipline steps and document the information for the building administrator’s return.

For more information about the Code of Conduct, see LCSD Code of Conduct under the heading Student Conduct.

The dress code for Court Street Elementary School is one of practicality and in compliance with Lancaster Central School District Code of Conduct.  Students should be appropriately dressed for the school day and weather conditions.

A student’s dress, and appearance shall:

• Not create a distraction that interferes with the educational process.
• Be appropriate (no short shorts, low hanging jeans, or no bare midriffs)
• Include footwear (sneakers are recommended) (no flip-flops) 
• Not include headwear in the classroom except for a medical or religious purpose (hats and baseball caps are not allowed)
• Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs and/or encourage illegal or violent activities.

In the elementary setting, we promote physical activity including Physical Education, recess and/or outdoor play, and indoor play/brain breaks.  We highly recommend students wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes for safety in play.  Sneakers are required for Physical Education and on the playground for all students.  Flip-flops are also not appropriate footwear for school and will not be allowed during school, after school, or during evening events. 

Personal Electronics/Items in School

No personal communication devices including cellphones, SmartWatches/AppleWatches, game players, Ipads, etc. are allowed at school. If your child is found in possession of a personal electronic device, it will be off and away in your child’s backpack during school hours. Please note that Court Street is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Weapons in School

Lancaster Central School District has instituted a Zero Tolerance Policy toward students bearing weapons, toy weapons, or items resembling weapons on school property (including school buses).  Weapons are defined as any object, which may do bodily harm to others or may appear to do bodily harm to others.  The building principal will investigate the situation and consult with the superintendent of schools as to consequences and resolution of the incident.

Students requiring an early dismissal should bring a note stating the student’s full name, date, time, reason, name of person picking them up and parent signature.  In the event of an unplanned change to dismissal, please contact the Main Office prior to 12:00 p.m.  The early dismissal information will be noted on the student’s attendance record.  Students having an early dismissal during the school day (before 3:30 p.m.) are signed out in the vestibule in front of the Main Office.  Parents will wait in the vestibule as the students are called down to be dismissed. The adult picking the child up will be required to present a photo ID.

Dismissal of Students

Students being picked up by a parent or other adult at dismissal should submit a note including the student’s full name, teacher, by whom and day/days child will be picked up.  The student’s name will be added to the Daily Pick-Up List.

Students being picked up are dismissed starting at 3:50 p.m.  The person picking the child up should report to the side exit near the gymnasium no earlier than 3:45. The adult picking the child up must have a photo ID.

Walkers are also dismissed at 3:50 p.m.  Those students wishing to walk need a parental note and approval from the School Principal.  This note may be sent to school at the beginning of the year for the duration of the school year.

Returning to School after Dismissal 

NO ONE will be allowed back in the classroom after the teacher has left the classroom at the end of the day, or in the evening.  School doors will remain locked for security reasons.  Cleaners and custodians are not allowed to let students or adults in any room unless the teacher is present.  

Court Street Elementary School has developed a Crisis Plan in conjunction with the guidelines of the Lancaster Central School District Crisis Intervention Committee.  The school currently has organized three intervention teams: (1) Medical Response Team; (2) Emergency Response Team; and (3) Crisis Intervention Team.  

The Medical Response Team is composed of the building principal, school nurse, and select faculty trained in first aid.  In the event of a serious medical emergency involving a student, staff, and/or visitor, a “Medical Emergency” call is placed throughout the building to notify the Medical Response Team.

The Emergency Response Team is composed of the building principal, front office personnel, school nurse, school social worker, and faculty.  In the event of a safety concern, we have instituted the following emergency procedures:

• Shelter-in-Place/Shelter
• Hold-in-Place/Hold
• Evacuation/Evacuate
• Lockdown
• Secure Lockout

Our Crisis Intervention Team is composed of the building principal, school nurse, school social worker, school psychologist, and select trained faculty.  In the event of a death of a student, parent or staff member, this team would follow procedures to implement necessary support programs.

Each year field trips are made available to classrooms courtesy of the Court Street PTO.  Fundraising done by the PTO supports necessary transportation and total cost of dues, fees, or tickets required for field trips.

We do not have a preset number of field trips.  The classroom teacher and/or grade levels determine field trips.  Most often parents are asked to serve as chaperones.  Younger siblings, however, are not allowed to travel with the chaperones.  The individual classroom teacher determines the number of chaperones.  

In the event a parent or teacher requests a child not attend the field trip, instructional plans will be made for the child to complete in another classroom while his/her class is away.

Parent conferences are scheduled during the month of December at which time your child’s progress will be discussed.  Additional conferences may be scheduled by contacting your child’s teacher.

Illness and Absences  

If your child is absent due to illness or injury, the Attendance Office needs to be notified. If your child has a serious illness, has been hospitalized, or will be hospitalized, the Health Office will need a note from the physician stating the reasons for the absence and restrictions, if there are any.  

In the event a child becomes ill or injured during the school day, the school nurse will immediately contact the parents/legal guardians of the child.  If unavailable, calls will be made to those individuals listed on the Emergency Form.

Injuries

When a student breaks a bone or suffers another type of injury that will restrict physical education, contact sports, or recess time, there must be a note from the attending physician or family physician stating the physical education restrictions and the length of time the child will be out of physical education.  A note is also needed when the child is released from gym restrictions.  A student will not be allowed to participate in gym class unless there is a note from the physician.  A note from a parent may not be accepted as release notes.  The school has a fax number to accept a physician’s fax.  The number is 716-686-3306.

Medication in School

New York State Education Law has specific laws regarding the handling of medication in school.  The mandates are:

• Any medication given in school, whether it is over the counter or prescribed medication, must have a written note from the physician stating the dosage, time for the medication and duration.
• The parents must sign a permission slip giving the school nurse permission to administer the medication.  The medication must be in a labeled bottle and the parent and/or guardian must deliver the medication to school.   Students are not allowed to transport medications to or home from school.  A physician may fax his order to the school.

Physicals and Screenings

All students new to the building MUST have a physical by their private physician or completed by the school physician.  All students in grades Kindergarten, second, fourth, seventh, and tenth must also have a physical.

Students in grades Kindergarten through tenth will have an annual hearing exam.  All students will receive an annual eye exam. Scoliosis screening is mandated for students ages 8 to 16.

If at any time a parent has a concern regarding their child’s vision or hearing, they may request a screening by the school nurse.

Homework is an important component of a child’s education because it provides an opportunity for students to practice a skill.  The content covered in a homework assignment is not new material, but rather reinforcement of what was learned in class.

School Guidelines

• Court Street Elementary teachers will assign homework that is purposeful.
• Court Street Elementary teachers will provide effective feedback about the skills being reinforced in the homework assignment.

Home Guidelines

• Help your child establish a consistent and organized place for homework to be completed without distractions.
• Help your child establish a consistent time for homework to be completed.  
• Encourage, motivate, and prompt your child, but do not complete the homework for him/her.  The purpose of the homework is for your child to practice the skills learned in school.
• Encourage your child to read directions and begin homework independently.
• If your child attempts to complete the homework and struggles with a particular skill and/or homework assignment, send a note to the teacher explaining the struggles.

Our mission is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of information and resources.  

The Court Street Elementary School Library Media Center strives to meet the needs of the entire school population.  Classes are scheduled for an instructional period and a separate book exchange time.  

The library curriculum is fully integrated within the classroom curriculum.  This is accomplished through cooperatively planned research projects, literature appreciation (i.e., reading and storytelling), and other classes and special projects.  We have a well-rounded, extensive print and non-print collection.  

Library Book Loan Periods

Library books are due every week.  Students who forget to return their book during their weekly class receive a reminder notice.  Other late notices may be sent by mail.

*If material is lost or irreparably damaged, a bill for replacement of the item is mailed.

*There is no charge for overdue material.  Instead, we hope to instill in our students a sense of responsibility regarding proper care and return of library items.  We hope that this will be reinforced at home.

If you have any questions regarding the status of overdue material or lost books, please call the Library Media Center.

The Lancaster Central Food Service Department designs the breakfast and lunch program and predetermines our cafeteria menu. During the 2026-27 school year breakfast and lunch is free for all students.    

Breakfast Program

A free grab-and-go breakfast is available for children immediately when students exit the buses. 

Daily Lunches

Every month the lunch menu is posted online.  The menu lists the items available for the children to buy on a daily basis.  Milk is available every day.  (Skim, 2%, whole milk, and chocolate milk.)  Snack items are also available for purchase every day.  Parents can access and pay accounts on LINQCONNECT.com or send in cash in an envelope to their child’s teacher.   

Children wishing to get a school lunch sign up for their selections in their classrooms each morning.  When a child comes in late, please tell the front office what he/she will be ordering.  

Forgotten Lunches/Lunch Charges

If a child forgets his/her lunch, a school lunch may be ordered by their teacher.

Legendary Cafeteria Behavior

In our cafeteria, we expect students to demonstrate Legendary Cafeteria Behavior which includes:

• Legends use a quiet, indoor voice.
• Legends stay seated, with their feet on the floor.
• Legends raise their hands and walk when out of their seat. 
• Legends leave the space cleaner than they found it.
• Legends keep their hands to themselves and use kind words. 

In the event a child is displaying inappropriate behavior, he/she will be spoken to by one of the cafeteria monitors.  If inappropriate behavior continues, a student may be asked to sit at a separate table.  If additional action is warranted, the principal will also talk with the student.

The daily lunch is thirty minutes.  Students should wash their hands and use the bathroom prior to arriving at the cafeteria.  In the event of an emergency, students may request to use the lavatory.

Allergen Safe Table

An allergen safe table is designated in the cafeteria.  Please contact the school nurse if you would like your child to be seated at the allergen safe table during his/her lunch period.  An allergen safe table will also be available during any off-campus field trips.  Parents should notify the Health Office of an allergy your child may have.  We encourage students to be proactive in the care and management of their food allergies based on developmental level.\

Parent Lunch Guests

Parents may join their child for lunch two times during the school year for a special occasion at the tables provided outside of the cafeteria.  If a parent would like to eat with his/her child, a call is made to the main office to reserve a day and time. There are 8 seats available.  If seats are filled, you will need to choose a different day and time. Outside foods may be brought in.  Upon arrival, parents should sign in at the main office.  You may not invite other children to join you.  Unless you are coming in to celebrate your child’s September or October birthday, lunch visits do not start until November.

School pictures are taken in the fall and spring of each year.  Picture Day is scheduled so that pictures are available for holiday gifts.  A flyer is sent home explaining packages available and yearbook availability.   Parents are under no obligation to purchase packages.  All students will have their pictures taken to be in the yearbook.  If needed, retakes may be taken.  Yearbooks are distributed at the end of the school year.

The Court Street playground is designed for 5-12 year old children.  It is not recommended for children under the age of 5 without adult supervision and is not available during school hours for under-age children.  The playground is closed to everyone except classrooms during the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

During the school day, classroom or physical education teachers may use the playground for instruction or recess time.  Students are welcome to use the playground after school once they have gone home to notify their parents as to their whereabouts.  

Playground Rules

1. There is to be no running on the raised wood chip area of the playground.
2. Students are not to jump off the swings.
3. Slides are to be used properly.
4. Students should not stand on parallel bars or climb along the top bars.
5. Students should keep hands and feet to themselves.

Additional guidelines may be added at classroom teacher’s discretion.

Each PTO council member must be a Court Street parent, and each member serves a one-year term.  Please check the district calendar for PTO meeting dates.  The PTO holds two primary fundraisers a year: fall and spring.  These fundraisers provide funding for special events, field trips, field trip transportation, and student incentives and rewards. 

Becoming a member of the PTO is very simple.  When school opens, the PTO holds a membership drive.  Membership dues are $10.00.  This money also funds school activities.  A membership is not a time commitment.  Parent participation in special events is on a volunteer basis.

Each year the PTO sponsors many family-oriented events such as Haunted Hallways, Snowflake Social, Book Fairs, Field Day and more.

Due to severe storms or other emergencies, the Superintendent of Schools may find it necessary to close the school.  Once the decision to close the school has been made, you should receive an automated phone call, email, and/or text message.

Building Planning Team (BPT)
A committee of teacher and parent representatives that meet monthly with the building principal. The shared decision-making team goals are established in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development. 

Literacy/Math Committees
A committee of teachers meet to review curriculum and instruction, in order to make school-wide decisions about programs.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
A non-profit organization of current parents and teachers led by a seven-person council that organizes all special events for students.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
A team of educational professionals that meets weekly to discuss appropriate interventions and support services for students. The team includes the building principal, the school psychologist, the school social worker, the school nurse, classroom teachers from each grade level, a special area teacher, Academic Intervention specialists, and the speech/language teacher.

Elementary Art

Art students in Kindergarten through third grade focus on the elements of art, while learning about different artists.  Students discuss line, shape, color and texture.  After students have been introduced to a new idea or topic they are involved in an art project to help reinforce concepts and encourage self-discovery.

Students work with a variety of art media and explore different art processes.  Projects offer independent and cooperative learning experiences.  Students also develop a basic understanding and appreciation of the visual arts.  We offer a multitude of problem-solving experiences.  This allows students to be both creative and expressive.  Students in grades K-3 receive two 40-minute class periods per week. 

Elementary Music

All students in grades K-3 receive general music instruction.  This is a full year program.  Students study a wide variety of composers, compositions and elements of music theory.  Third graders also participate in chorus twice a week for thirty minutes.  They perform in a winter concert in December/January and a spring concert in April/May.  Students in grades K-3 receive one 35-minute and one 30-minute class period per week. 

Elementary Physical Education

Areas of interest to be included:

• New York State requires that all students participate in 120 minutes of Physical Education each week.
• Students must come prepared in order to safely participate in the activities.  All students need only bring or wear a pair of sneakers.  The sneakers must have a stable, rubber sole, no higher than one inch. 
• Reminder notices are sent home with any child who comes unprepared for PE.  Students who are not prepared will not participate in any activities.  Worksheets and journal writing assignments will be completed during PE class time.  These assignments always pertain to the day’s lesson so the student is not missing any information.
• Excessive unprepareds (three or more during one marking period) will result in a lower grade.
• The Physical Education curriculum follows the guidelines set by the NYS Standards. This curriculum incorporates activities that encourage all aspects of movement.  Students are taught various skills and introduced to different games and activities that promote positive attitudes towards exercise.
• If a student is unable to participate in PE due to a medical reason, the following guidelines have been set:
  • If the child will be out of PE for less than three days a note from a parent should be sent in to school and given to the school nurse or Physical Education teacher.
  • If the child will be out of PE for more than three days a note from a physician should be given to the school nurse.
  • Activities can be modified for students who have temporary illnesses.  Simply send in a note describing that certain activities should be modified so as not to aggravate an existing condition.  

Weekly Physical Education Schedule

• Kindergarten and First Grade Four 30-minute periods
• Second and Third Grade Three 40-minute periods

The following rules apply to visitors to the schools:

1. Anyone who is not a regular District staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.
2. All visitors to the school must report to the main entrance and buzz the intercom upon arrival at the school and state the purpose of their visit.  Visitors will be required to have Photo ID, sign the visitors register, and take a visitor badge.  The badge must be visible throughout the visit.  Visitors are to immediately report to the area of their stated business and promptly leave the building when their business is completed.
3. Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as parent-teacher organization meetings or public gatherings are not required to register.
4. Visitors are expected to refrain from taking class time to discuss individual matters with teachers
5. Visitations will occur in a way that avoids or minimizes distribution to the normal learning process and the ordinary classroom routine.  The building administrator may accompany visitors during the visit when appropriate.  Visitors are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding information acquired during the course of the visit.
6. Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to the Principal or his or her designee.  Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave.  The student resource officer or police may be called if the situation warrants.
7. Before a child may be released from the building with a visitor, a note must be submitted to the Main Office.  The visitor will wait in the main office for the child to come from the classroom.
8. All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property contained in the LCSD Code of Conduct.

Parents may participate in school as volunteers in many ways.  At the beginning of each year, the PTO sends out a special event listing.  Parents may choose to volunteer for any of the events.  A PTO Council member will be coordinating each event and contacting volunteers.  

Some of our classrooms use parent volunteers during the day to assist with classroom activities.  The individual teachers organize the classroom volunteers.  

Every volunteer in our building is requested to complete a Volunteer Application, which is available from your child’s teacher or in the main office.