Safe Schools Plan
Under the New York State Project SAVE law (Safe Schools Against Violence in Education), the Niskayuna Central School District has adopted a district-wide safe schools plan. Approved by the Board of Education, the plan consolidates many existing district safety procedures as well as new information required by Project SAVE. Items in the comprehensive plan include: district-wide safe schools plan, information about building-level safety plans, codes of conduct, emergency response plans, a character education plan, crisis response procedures and building safety team responsibilities. View the District-Wide School Safety Plan
Emergency Preparedness Plan
In accordance with section 155.13 of the New York State education commissioner’s regulations, the district has a plan for preventing and reacting to an emergency or disaster, and has coordinated these plans with local emergency management agencies. The district will conduct one drill every year to test the emergency plan. As part of this drill, dismissal will occur approximately 15 minutes earlier than normal dismissal time. For more information, call the school district’s safety officer (Director of Student and Staff Support Services) at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50740.
Child Abuse Hotline Information
If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and maltreatment is available online from the state Office of Child and Family Services. http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/.
Body Mass Index
As part of a required school health examination every other year, a student is weighed and their height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’. The state requires BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. A sample of school districts will be selected to take part in a survey by the State Department of Health. If our school is selected to be part of the survey, we will be reporting information about our students’ weight status groups. Only summary information is sent; No names and no information about individual students are sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report. Please contact your school nurse if this is the case.
Asbestos Management Plan
In accordance with the EPA Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act, the district has in place an asbestos management plan to identify and manage asbestos building materials. The Asbestos Management Plan for the district is available at the District Office, 1239 Van Antwerp Road, Niskayuna. Information about required inspections and any scheduled asbestos project occurring this school year is contained within the Asbestos Management Plan.
Use of Pesticides and Request for Notification
The Niskayuna Central School District uses an Integrated Pest Management approach to control structural and landscape pests and to minimize pesticide exposure to students, employees and visitors. While infrequent, in the event that conditions warrant a pesticide application, it is performed by state-licensed applicators and the district maintains a copy of the label of each pesticide used. Notification to the school community of potential pesticide applications is a key component of an integrated pest management (IPM) program. The district maintains a registry of all individuals who request to receive 48-hour prior notification of pesticide applications on school property. If you would like to receive these notifications, or for more information about the district’s approach to Integrated Pest Management, please contact Emily Burkhard in the district’s Communications Office (1239 Van Antwerp Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309) , eburkhard@niskyschools.org, or (518) 377-4666, ext. 50707.
Information Regarding Sex Offenders
New York State Law permits law enforcement authorities to share certain information with school districts relating to paroled sex offenders who take up residence in a school district. Parolees are tracked through the New York State Sex Offender Registry and regularly monitored by the Schenectady County Probation Department. The parolee is classified by New York State at different risk levels: Level 1 (least risk to community); Level 2 (moderate risk of re-offending); or Level 3 (greatest risk). Depending upon the risk level, the Department of Justice Criminal Services permits the release of different information: Level 2 (name, photograph, description and zip code) and Level 3 (name, photograph, description and specific address.)
Insurance
School district accident insurance covers students for accidents that occur during school activities. It is non-duplicating coverage, meaning the family must first file with its own health and accident insurance plan. Forms for medical expenses that are not thus covered may be obtained from the school nurse at the child’s school.
Idling of Vehicle Engines on School Grounds
State law requires school districts to take steps to minimize the idling of the engines of school buses and other school vehicles on school grounds. While students are boarding and departing school buses, the engine should be turned off. Students should be instructed about the importance of getting on and off buses in an orderly and efficient fashion to minimize loading and offloading time. Bus engines should also be off while parked at sporting events and other school activities. Exceptions can be made in cases of emergency, mechanical issues or for necessary heating.