TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement

Accreditation

Admission

Governance

 

Attendance

            Arrival

            Absences

            Late Procedure

Dismissal

            Driving on Campus

            Early Dismissal/Delayed Opening

            Transportation

Visitors

 

Childcare Programs

            After-Care        

            Before-Care

 

Classroom Matters

            Acceptable Use Policy (Technology)

            Attendance

            Birthday Celebrations

            Birthday Parties Off-Campus

            Bringing Money to School

            Cell Phone Possession & Use

            Dress Code

            Dress Code Violation

            Gifts

            Lost & Found

            Lunch

            Recess

Office Hours

            School Pictures  

            Snack

            Student Observation Authorization

Tutoring

            Yearbook

 

Communication

            Appointments with Teachers

            Communicating

            Email

            Parent/Teacher Conferences

            Publications

                        August Packet

Academic Division Newsletters

                        Calendar

CDS News

                        Friday Folders

                        Handbook

                        Teacher Web Pages

 

Conduct & Discipline

            TAKE FIVE!      

            Early Childhood & Elementary Divisions

            Middle School Division

            Parent/Guardian Conduct

            Character Counts!

            Bullying Behaviors

 

Curriculum & Instruction

Academic Divisions

                        Early Childhood Divisions (PS - 1^st)

                        Elementary Divisions (2^nd - 4^th)

                        Middle School Divisions (5^th - 8^th)

            Enrichment Classes

            Field Trips

            Grading and Reporting

            Homework

                        HW During Family Observances

                        HW for Absentees

   

 

 

 

Food for Thought

            Food Allergies

            Food for Parties

            Opt Out Procedure

A-Z Snacks to Encourage Healthy Eating at CDS

 

 Health Matters

            First Aid

            Health Records

            Health Screenings

            Illnesses

            Medical Administration

 

Parents Association

            Class Parents

Faculty Mini-Grants

            Helping Hands Committee

 

Traditions & Special Events

            School Spirit Days

Halloween Parade & Parties

            Thanksgiving Celebration

Multicultural Day Exchange

            Valentines Parties

Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon

CDS Olympics

End-of-Year Picnic

           

Supporting Our School

 

Guidelines for Volunteering

 

 

MISSION

 

Chatham Day School celebrates and values each child as a unique learner with extraordinary potential. We offer an academically ambitious program that promotes intellectual achievement and emotional growth in a diverse and nurturing environment.

 

ACCREDITATION

 

CDS is accredited by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is a proud member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS).

 

GOVERNANCE

Chatham Day School, an independent school incorporated in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization, is administered by a Board of Trustees composed of parents and patrons of the school.  The Board is charged with executing the bylaws of the school and, in conjunction with the Head of School, works on establishing and monitoring the policies and developing long-range and strategic plans.  The Head exercises general supervision and control over the operation of the school and is responsible to the Board of Trustees for the execution of policies.

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Sonja Rickert – Chair

Michael Kula – Vice Chair

John Doucette - Vice Chair

Elisa Esposito – Treasurer

John C. Garde, Esq. – Secretary

Lynne C. Rathgeber, Esq. – Immediate Past Chair

 

Dr. Alfred Bentley, III

Jane Brody, Esq.

Christopher Cook

Eugene Huang, Esq.

Richard Marshall

Geoffrey Martin

Ilona Morvay

Robert Zaiser

 

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Pamela Canada Fiander, Ed.D.

 

TRUSTEE EMERITUS

Mary Beth Backof

David Bradford

 

 

ADMISSION

 

The admission process includes a tour, an interview with the parents, completion of the application, administration of a formal assessment, and a visit by the child.  The parent interview is an essential step in the process.  Screening usually takes place in January and February, and admission decisions are typically announced by early March. 

 

The specific admission procedures for each grade level vary slightly depending on student age and developmental stage.  For more information, contact the Admission Office (973-410-0400, ext. 15).

 

CDS prohibits discriminatory practices in employment or educational opportunity against any person by reason of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or an atypical hereditary trait of any individual, disabilities, social or economic status, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related disabilities, parenthood, or family status. CDS shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Chatham Day School shall admit students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

 

ATTENDANCE

Arrival - Students may arrive after 8:15 a.m.  Homeroom begins at 8:20 a.m., and first period begins at 8:30 a.m.  School personnel greet students as they are dropped off in the front driveway.

 

Absences - Please call the school (973-410-0400, ext. 18) by 8:00 a.m. to report your child’s absence.  If no contact has been made, the school nurse will make an effort to reach you.  For important appointments that cannot be made after school hours (e.g., medical), the classroom teacher is to be notified in writing.  After being signed out by a parent at the front desk, children may leave the school. 

 

Late Procedure - The front door of the school closes at 8:30 a.m., and faculty members leave the drop-off area.  After this time, parents must accompany their children into the building and sign-in at the front desk. 

 

Dismissal - Students are dismissed at 3:20 p.m. daily.  Any student who has not been picked up by 3:30 p.m. will be escorted to the After-Care Program.

 

Driving on Campus – School personnel are on duty to greet and dismiss children.  Parents are to drive their cars to the designated location and observe a maximum speed limit of 5 M.P.H, while in the pick-up area.  Cell phones are not to be used, and CDS is a “NO IDLING ZONE.” If someone other than a regular driver is picking up a child, a written notice is to be sent to the child’s homeroom teacher.

 

Emergency Closing-Delayed Opening - Snow or another emergency may require the closing of school or a 2-hour delayed opening.  The administration will notify staff members, and parents will be notified by an automated telephone service and postings on the web site, and via email.  If the school remains open, parents are encouraged to make their own decisions based on local conditions as to bringing their children to school or not.

 

In the event of bad weather or other emergency that causes an early dismissal, the school will make every attempt to notify all parents by phone, and students will be supervised until they are picked up by a parent or designated adult.

 

Transportation – Bus/van service is available for an additional fee.  Parents must arrive at the designated pickup spots on time, and if late, the parent is responsible to get the child(ren) to school.  The bus will not stop anywhere except at designated locations, and parents are expected to stay with their child(ren) until the bus arrives. The bus driver will release a child only to a parent or authorized adult. The school must be notified in advance if someone other than the parent is picking up the child, and the school will notify the bus company.  Safety belts must be worn at all times on the bus. Behavior on the bus should be the same as that expected at school.

 

Visitors - Visitors are welcome at Chatham Day School.  They must sign in at the front desk upon arrival and receive a visitor’s badge. School personnel are not to release a child from the classroom to go with a parent.  The child is to be taken to the front desk to meet the parent there.

 

CHILDCARE PROGRAMS

 

After-Care (3:30 – 6:00 p.m.) offers a comfortable setting for children who keep extended hours at our school.  It is a time to complete homework assignments, play board games, read books, and make crafts under the supervision of faculty members.  Children may enroll on a day-to-day basis.   

 

Please call the office in advance (973-410-0400, ext 10), and your child will be placed on the list. 

 

Before-Care morning session (7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.) is a flexible time, consisting of indoor activities dependent upon each child’s interest and time availability.   Drop-in service is available.  

 

(Fee: Parents are billed $4.00 per quarter hour for childcare services.)

 

 

CLASSROOM MATTERS

 

Acceptable Use Policy – We require that the students in grades three through eight sign a Technology Use Agreement to ensure that the students are aware of the rules when using technology at CDS.  We also ask that parents/guardians sign the Acceptable Use Policy.  By signing the policy, you state that you understand that the school technology is for educational purposes only and that the school has taken reasonable steps to safeguard the access for all users.

 

Attendance - Students learn best and learn the most when they are on time and regularly attending school. In Middle School, absences negatively affect grades. 

 

Birthday Celebrations - Birthdays are often celebrated at school during snack or lunch time.  Please contact homeroom teachers at least three days in advance when sending in a special treat to be served to the class. For a variety of health reasons, other parents may wish to provide alternative treats for their children for special celebrations. Treats should not include any peanuts or nut products. In addition, because candy has no nutritional value, contributes to obesity and displaces healthier foods, candy may not be served, sold, or distributed on school property during school hours, including birthday celebrations. 

 

Birthday Parties Off-Campus – With small classes, consideration for the feelings of all classmates is requested.   Invitations for out of school parties may be distributed in school only if every classmate is invited.   When hosting a birthday party off-campus, parents are asked to consider one of three types of parties:

 

1.    All students in the class are invited;

2.    All students of the same gender are invited; and

3.    Only one or two classmates are invited. 

 

Bringing Money to the School - Money that is sent to school should be placed in a sealed envelope and identified with the child’s name, grade, the amount enclosed, and its purpose. 

 

Cell Phone Possession & Use - Students may have a cell phone while on school property.  However, they are not allowed to use cell phones during school hours, and Middle School students’ cell phones must be checked in at the front desk before school begins and checked out at the end of the day.

 

Dress Code - CDS students are expected to be neat, clean, and ready to learn.  Students are to wear collared shirts, including polos and button-downs. Turtlenecks and hemstitched shirts (that are not t-shirts) are also permitted.   Shirts with tails are to be tucked into pants.  Students are permitted to wear sweaters and dresses that do not require a collar.  All dresses, skirts, and shorts are to be no shorter than fingertip length.  Fully zipped fleece jackets are permitted, as are rubber-soled shoes (sneakers). Jeans or denim of any kind, t-shirts, tank tops, sweat clothes (including sweatshirts worn as jackets), and flip flops are not permitted except on days designated by the Head of School. 

 

Dress Code Violation – If a student is found to be in violation of the dress code, the Homeroom Teacher or Division Head will speak with the student, and a note will be sent home that day.   If there is a second violation, a note will be sent home and the parent will be telephoned.  (The school maintains a variety of sizes of collared shirts in the Nurse’s Office for use by a student who is not dress code compliant.)

 

Field Trips - Field trips are provided for educational enrichment.  Students must have a signed permission slip to participate. 

 

Gifts - It is appropriate to express appreciation to a faculty/staff member.  It is most meaningful to write a letter or to share a gift made by your child. Gifts of significant monetary value are discouraged because they may have the unintended effect of diminishing the professional relationship with the teacher. 

 

Lost & Found - Lost and found articles are located in the faculty/staff mail room.

 

Lunches - Meals may be purchased or students may bring lunches. Anne Marie’s Elegant Taste provides lunches. For health reasons, students should not share food at snack or lunch time. 

 

School Pictures – A professional photographer takes individual and class pictures in the fall.  Prints are made available before the winter break.

 

Snacks - Healthy snacks are always encouraged. If a child is allergic to any foods, parents are asked to provide the homeroom teacher with a supply of snacks for the child to enjoy.

 

Student Observation Authorization – Periodically, parents request permission for outside professional consultants to observe their child in the classroom/ school setting. It is the school’s policy to frame such observations within a 45- minute period that is determined by the classroom teacher.

 

Tutoring - If a student works with an outside tutor or therapist, parents are asked to provide the school with the professional’s name and phone number. CDS teachers may tutor students privately, but may not tutor their own students.

 

Yearbook – The school annually publishes and makes available a yearbook that includes individual pictures, special activities, and autograph opportunities to capture the memories of the school year.

 

 

COMMUNICATION

 

Appointments with Teachers - Parents who wish to meet with teachers should contact the office (973-410-0400 ext 10) to arrange a mutually convenient time.   All student issues should be addressed first with the classroom teacher and, if not satisfactorily resolved, taken next to the Division Head and, if not resolved, to the Head of School.

 

Communicating – Communication is a hallmark of Chatham Day School.  Many issues that might develop can be addressed through good communication.   Teachers are to make sure that parents are kept informed of patterns of behavior, accomplishments, concerns, etc., through timely emails, telephone calls  and personal connections.

 

Email – All school personnel have CDS email addresses.  A school email address consists of the first initial and last name.  For example, Mr. Joe Smith’s address would be:     jsmith@chathamdayschool.org

 

Parent/Teacher Conferences – Two-way communication is one of the most effective forms of working together on behalf of children.  To that end, formal conferences are scheduled three times during the school year.  For the 2011-2012 academic year, parent-teacher conference weeks include:

Publications

·         August Packet – A compilation of important information, calendar, and forms to be completed

·         Calendar – Informs families of holidays, vacation days, and special events

·         CDS News – To subscribe to the email broadcast news, write to: chathamdayschool@aol.com 

·         Email - Routinely from school personnel  

·         Friday Folder – Each Friday, students take home the Friday Folder containing notices, etc.   

·         Handbook – Used to facilitate communication about policies and procedures 

·         Teacher Web Pages - Contain classroom information and news

 

CONDUCT & DISIPLINE

 

TAKE FIVE - Adapted from Stephen Covey’s book, The Leader in Me, CDS educators instill lifelong skills of self-discipline, self-reliance, and self-confidence.  The “Take Five” principles teach students:

 

1.     Put First Things First: I spend my time on things that are most important.  This means I say no to things I know I should not do.  I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan.  I am disciplined and organized.

 

2.     Be Considerate: I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want.  I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings.  I try to see things from their viewpoints.  I listen to others without interrupting.  I am confident in voicing my ideas.  I look people in the eyes when talking.

 

3.     Be Proactive: I am a responsible person.  I take initiative.  I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods.  I do not blame others for my wrong actions.  I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

 

4.     Work as a Team: I value other people’s strengths and learn from them.  I get along well with others.  I work well in groups.  I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than any one of us alone.  I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.

  

5.     Aim High: I plan ahead and set goals.  I do things that have meaning and make a difference.  I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision, and look for ways to be a good citizen.

 

Early Childhood and Elementary Divisions – If a student violates a school rule, this process is followed:

•  1st Offense - The teacher talks with the student about the violation.  The first offense is treated as a mistake.
• 2nd Offense - The student meets with the Division Head.  The student’s parents are notified and the student may lose a privilege.
• 3rd Offense – The student meets with the teacher, Division Head, and Administrator of Academic Affairs.  Parents are notified, and a consequence is determined, which may include a loss of privilege.

 

Middle School Division - Middle School students serve as leaders in the student community. They are expected to abide by rules while on campus and on school-sponsored trips. Any student who chooses not to adhere to the rules and regulations of the school faces disciplinary action. 

 

Offences - This list of offences is not intended to be all inclusive, but it is an example of behaviors that are not acceptable at Chatham Day School. 

 

• Verbal/ Non-Verbal- Any ethnic or racial slur or any profane, disrespectful, harassing statement, or verbal emotional threat.    
• Physical- Violating another person’s space, hazing, or physical intimidation. Intentionally damaging school property or another student’s property.  
• Academic Dishonesty - Including cheating and plagiarism, and lying.  Includes unauthorized assistance on assignments.  Students who do not cite a source or cite a source properly may face disciplinary action for plagiarism.   
• Dangerous Materials - Students are not allowed to bring dangerous items or materials or drug paraphernalia to school or to school sponsored events.  (With the sole purpose of ensuring the safety of the community, authorized school personnel may inspect student lockers, book bags, equipment bags, and other personal items when there is a perceived need to do so.)   

 

Consequences – The following steps are used as a means of enforcing behavioral expectations. In general, the Middle School Division Head will seek to match the severity of a determination with the severity of the infraction.

 

• Warning – Faculty and staff members initially attempt to resolve a problem internally without resorting to the next step.  A conversation is held with the student and a warning slip is sent home. 
• School Improvement Participation (S.I.P. Time) – In the case of repeated infractions, the Middle School Dean of Students assigns and supervises service time which may include, but not limited to, cleaning the school grounds or specific building areas, weeding the garden, etc. 
• Detention – For repeated infractions or infractions of a more severe nature, the Middle School Division Head may issue a detention.  

 

If a student chooses to continue to make inappropriate choices or, if a student commits an egregious act, the Division Head will recommend to the Head of School that the student either serve in-school suspension, be temporarily suspended from or, in extreme cases, be dismissed from school.

 

CDS reserves the right to determine if attendance in school is in the best interest of the student and the school, and to, if necessary, dismiss the student and recommend his/her transfer. 

 

Parent/Guardian Conduct – Parents and guardians play an integral role in the overall educational program.  Their understanding, support, and cooperation are critical to the success of the school and the achievement of its mission, goals, and objectives. Conversely, the conduct of a parent that is uncooperative, disruptive, disparaging, disrespectful, or abusive may lead the school to conclude that continued involvement is not in the best interest of the student or the school. 

 

  

CHARACTER COUNTS

 

Research on child development makes it clear that the only one way to truly combat bullying behaviors is to purposefully teach children how to be good to one another, how to cooperate, how to defend someone who is being picked on, and how to stand up for what is right. Essential to the CDS curriculum are programs, activities, and events that inculcate this training, including:

 

• “Take Five” – Based on Stephen Covey’s work, The Leader in Me
• “Bully Busting” – Provided by the New Jersey Bar Association, with training by the School Counselor
• Community Service - Creating a culture of altruism by integrating community service into the educational program
• Reading & Science Buddies – Older students to serve as role models for younger students
• School Service - Students volunteer as peer tutors, teacher assistants, and on the yearbook staff.
• Student Government – Enabling students  to develop civic awareness and responsibility and hone leadership skills

  

Bullying Behaviors:

 

CDS provides an educational environment in which bullying behaviors, including cyber bullying, are not tolerated.  Anyone who engages in bullying behaviors or cyber bullying is subject to disciplinary action. 

 

 

Definitions:

 

Bullying behaviors are unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct directed at a student by another student and cyber bullying includes, but is not limited to, these misuses of technology:  harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student or staff member by way of any technological tool, such as sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings (including blogs) which has the effect of:   

 

·         Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a student;

·         Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical, emotional or mental harm;

·         Placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property; or

·        Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities. 

 

Notification Complaint Procedure:

• A student shall report a complaint orally or in writing to a staff member
• Any staff member who receives a notice of a bullying behavior will notify the School Counselor and Division Head within 24 hours
• In collaboration with the reporting staff member, the Counselor and/or Division Head will complete a Bullying Incident Report Form. They will determine if a bullying behavior occurred and develop an action plan. The action plan will include a timeline for additional interviews and informing parents when warranted.
• After the information has been gathered, the Division Head will determine the need for further investigation or the appropriate intervention, which may result in administrative discipline to ensure that the conduct ceases.
• The offending student is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include detention, suspension, expulsion or notification to the appropriate authorities. 

 

Academic Divisions – Chatham Day School is structured into academic divisions and members meet, at minimum, one time per week.

 

Early Childhood Division (PS – 1st) provides an individualized, developmentally appropriate setting to foster emotional, physical, and intellectual growth.  The program stimulates the natural curiosity of children through experiential learning.  Here, the foundation is set for all future academic pursuits.  Social development is a top priority, and there are opportunities and support to navigate the terrain of interpersonal relationships.  Hands-on activities help to develop fine and gross motor skills, which have an effect on the brain’s ability to learn.

 

Elementary Division (2^nd – 4^th) provides students with individualized attention during the critical years of skill acquisition. Our low student to faculty ratio guarantees that every student is an active participant in his or her education and also helps to fosters self-awareness.  Students are increasingly expected to take personal responsibility for their actions in preparation for Middle School. An interdisciplinary thematic approach, coupled with an extensive related arts program, provides a well-rounded course of study.

 

Community Service – CDS promotes a culture of altruism and actively integrates community service into its educational program. 

 

Enrichment Classes - The After-School Enrichment Program complements the curriculum by providing a wide array of classes in the arts, science and technology, sports, music, and more. 

 

The classes are taught by members of the faculty, as well as independent contractors who specialize in specific fields.  Students choose from a variety of classes to embark on a voyage of exploration and discovery.   

 

Classes are held once a week from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., and the course selections are rotated in the fall, winter, and spring trimesters as follows:

·         Fall Trimester – 9/12 – 12/2

·         Winter Trimester – 12/5 – 3/9

·         Spring Trimester – 3/26 – 6/1

 

 

Grading & Reporting - There are three reporting periods (trimesters). Parents receive detailed assessments in core subjects, related arts, affective areas, and learning goals. 

 

Progress Reports:

• October 14, 2011
• January 27, 2012
• April 27, 2012

 

Report Cards:

• December 2, 2011
• March 9, 2012
• June 1, 2012

   

Homework - Teachers give homework assignments in accordance with the school’s overall educational philosophy.  Homework is to provide practice in developing skills and techniques that have been taught in class.  Homework is not meant to be busy work, and an assignment should be no longer than necessary to reinforce the classroom lesson.  The amount of time spent on homework varies according to grade level, and the following are general guidelines:

 

o    K –10 minutes (twice weekly)

o    1^st Grade – 15 minutes

o    2^nd Grade –20- 25 minutes

o    3^rd – 4^th Grade-  25- 45 minutes

o    5^th – 8^th Grade – Homework is based on short and long-term assignments and subject to variable time frames.

 

As each student is different, the time guidelines may vary.  Should a parent feel that his/her child is spending an excessive amount of time on homework or not enough time, the teacher should be notified as soon as practical.

 

Homework During Family Observances – Teachers are respectful of the range of religious and cultural holidays that our school families observe, and are not to assign homework on those important days.  Should there be a religious or cultural holiday of which the school is not aware, parents may request a waiver from homework, and the parental decision will be respected without penalty to the student.

 

Homework for Absentees - When a child is going to be absent, parents are asked to call the office and leave a message requesting homework. When parents are aware of impending extended absences, one week advance written notice is requested to obtain assignments. Students are responsible for completing and submitting all missed assignments.

 

Food Allergies – There are many students with life-threatening allergies to a variety of foods.  Parents of children with known allergies are to provide detailed medical information to the school nurse and provide the school with necessary prescriptions and medications.   CDS cannot control the ingredients of all foods brought in for snack and student lunches. It is strongly recommended that children with known anaphylaxis only eat foods brought from their own homes.  The school will store food items for the students.  Due to the serious nature of peanut and tree nut allergies, CDS attempts to keep the Academic Building and the Estate House safe from foods containing these ingredients. If a child is consuming a food deemed contaminated from nuts, the food will be discarded and the parents notified. 

 

 

Food for Parties - At celebratory times during the year when food is distributed to students, the food to be shared must be nut-free, as well as free from contamination from nuts.  The homeroom teacher is responsible to clear celebratory food at least three (3) days prior to distribution with the respective Class Parent. If there is a question regarding a certain food, the school nurse may be consulted. In the event a contaminated food is brought into the school, the food will be returned to the provider. Some children also have sensitivities to food dyes, artificial flavors or preservatives, and high quantities of added sugar. Please consider healthier alternatives to the traditional frosted cupcake or sheet cake, such as mini-muffins, fruit kebabs, smoothies, berries, or granola bars. 

 

 

No Candy - Since candy has no nutritional value, contributes to obesity and displaces healthier foods, candy may not be served, sold, or distributed on school property during school hours—this includes class parties, holidays, birthdays and other celebrations.

 

 

Opt Out Procedure – Parents who do not wish for their children to receive food for celebrations / classroom parties are welcome to provide their own snacks.    Parents are asked to notify their child’s homeroom teacher in advance so that arrangements can be sensitively made. 

 

  

A-Z Snacks to Encourage Healthy Eating at CDS

 

• Applesauce / Avocado
• Banana / Broccoli
• Carrot and Celery Sticks / Cheese
• Dried Fruit
• Edamame (fun to eat from pods)/ Eggs
• Fruit Salad or Fruit Kabobs / Fruit Smoothie
• Granola Bars / Guacamole with Multigrain Chips
• Hummis and Sliced Veggies
• Ice Pops from Frozen Fruit or Smoothie
• Kiwi
• Mangoes
• Oranges
• Pretzels (try whole wheat and pumpernickel) / Popcorn
• Quesadillas
• Rice Cakes
• Salsa with Baked Chips / Seeds (sunflowers, pumpkin, etc.)
• Tomatoes (cherry and grape are great finger foods) / Trail Mix
• Veggies (can be served with a dip)
• Whole Grain Crackers
• Yogurt (plain with sliced fruit or honey)
• Zucchini Bread

 

HEALTH MATTERS

 

First Aid - In the event of an emergency, the nurse, teacher, or member of the administration initiates first aid measures.  A diligent effort will be made to immediately contact parents/guardians or other designated emergency persons if a serious injury occurs.  If no one can be reached and the child needs immediate attention, an official of the school will accompany the child to the emergency room. 

 

It is essential that the Medical Release/Emergency Contact information form is completed and returned to school before the beginning of the school year.  Please advise the office of any changes during the school year.

 

Health Records - New students are required to have a recent (less than one year old) physical examination prior to admission.  Parents/Guardians are required to have the physician complete the Universal Child Health Record, as well as provide the most recent immunization record. 

 

Families of returning students are sent a Returning Student Health Record that is to be completed and returned before the beginning of school.  If, during the school year, your child is scheduled for an examination, obtain the Universal Child Health Record from the Nurse’s Office.

 

Health Screenings - Height, weight, and blood pressure measures will be taken and tracked yearly beginning in kindergarten. Vision and hearing tests will be given yearly (kindergarten and up) and referrals sent home if necessary. Students aged 10 and up are checked for scoliosis.

 

 

Illness - It is required that parents/ guardians contact the school if a child will be absent.  For the well being of all children, it is important that a child who is sick stay at home. A child who has had a fever (100.5° or above) must remain at home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal (without a fever reducing medication). After three consecutive days of absence, a doctor’s note is required.

 

A child who has vomited may not return for 24 hours after the last episode. A child who becomes ill at school will be attended to appropriately and the parent will be called. Children may be sent home as determined by the school nurse. Parents will be notified by letter of significant, communicable diseases in the school.  Parents must notify the school of any exposure to a contagious disease.

 

• The school nurse (RN)
• The student’s parent or guardian
• A substitute nurse (RN)
• A student who is approved to self-administer medication

 

The school nurse, on a daily or as-needed basis, can administer medication. However, proper medical authorization must be provided in all cases.  Each medication must be in its original packaging with the child’s name.  School employees who have been trained and designated in the administration of an EpiPen may administer an EpiPen in an emergency situation.  If an RN is not available, a staff member will be on campus that is trained in an EpiPen administration. 

  

PARENTS ASSOCIATION

 

The Parents Association (PA) supports CDS with activities and events for students, faculty, and families. The PA promotes a sense of community and encourages parents’ interest and participation in the school.  The PA sponsors such events as:

·         Annual Gala

·         Educational Speakers through Common Ground II

·         Faculty & Staff Appreciation Event

·         Faculty Mini-Grants

·         Meet Me in the Morning . . .

·         Spring Picnic for Students

·         Thanksgiving Feast

·         Welcoming &  Social Events

 

Class Parents – Class Parents assist homeroom teachers in planning the Halloween Parade & Party, Multicultural Day, and Valentine’s Day activities, seek volunteers to assist with the parties, manage class dues, coordinate year-end gifts for teachers/teacher assistants, and attend scheduled meetings each trimester. 

 

Faculty Mini-Grant Program- The Parent Association is proud to sponsor the Faculty Mini-Grant Program that is designed to fund innovative projects and programs (ranging from $100- $500 each) that are not typically provided through the current operating budget. 

 

Helping Hands Committee - The PA extends a helping hand to CDS families caught in emergency situations. 

If you have a need for assistance with meals, transportation, childcare, or another service, please do not hesitate to confidentially contact the School Counselor who will arrange for a confidential CDS parent volunteer to assist.

 

TRADITIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS

 

School Spirit Days - Along with SPIRITWEAR DAYS, typically held every Friday, CDS hosts:

 

*September 30 - Hat Day

*January 27 – Pajama Day

*February 24 – Favorite Sports team Day

*April 27 – Beach Day

*May 25 – Red, White, & Blue-Jean Day

 

Halloween Parade & Parties – 10/31

Students participate in a Halloween parade and weather permitting, parents/ guardians are welcome to attend.  Careful consideration is requested in selecting costumes.

 

Thanksgiving Celebration – 11/22

Just prior to the Thanksgiving vacation, the Parents Association sponsors a fabulous feast for the students, faculty, and staff. 

 

Multicultural Day Classroom Exchange – 12/16

As part of a rich tradition, on the day before the winter break, the school engages in Multicultural Day.  This is a culmination of thematic studies that includes traveling with passport in hand, feasting on native cuisine, learning about specific cultures, and heading home with a bit of jet-lag.  

 

Valentine’s Parties – 2/14

Students enjoy exchanging Valentine’s cards and special treats during this annual celebration. 

 

Faculty & Staff Appreciation -2/21

Sponsored by the Parent Association, an annual commemorative luncheon is held to recognize faculty and staff members.

 

CDS Olympics: The Friendship Games – 6/4

CDS Olympics is celebrated as a school-wide field day.

 

End of Year Picnic – 6/8

Sponsored by the Parents Association, students enjoy a wonderful morning of rides, games, music, dancing, and delicious refreshments to celebrate successful completion of the school year.

 

 

 

We respectfully ask all those within our community -- parents, trustees, faculty and staff, grandparents, and friends to participate. A gift to the Annual Fund is a significant way of showing your support for Chatham Day School and for your child's education.

 

Your participation is essential to the success of the Annual Fund, and the Annual Fund is essential to the success of Chatham Day School.

 

For more information, contact the Office of Advancement (973- 410-0400 ext 16), or go to nleach@chathamdayschool.org.

 

Thank you for your support.

  

Guidelines for Volunteering

 

Living up to the mission of CDS means that we work in relationships of collegiality.  It is reasonable to insist on a high degree of mutual professional and personal respect and for a high level of mutual support.  We are dedicated to conducting ourselves in a manner which manifests respect, confidence, and trust among the entire CDS community.  Our conduct, as volunteers, is a direct reflection of the school.  We are role models of appropriate behavior for the children, and we follow the rules that are set down for them.

 

Because we represent CDS in our relations with others, whether they are parents, faculty, staff, or children, we are asked to be courteous, tactful, and fair, and to carry out volunteer assignments completely and work cooperatively with fellow parents in making everyone’s job easier.

 

Being a genuine community requires respect for individual privacy.  This means, among other things, a high degree of attention to confidentiality.  We will not gossip or share information about one another.  If there is a problem to be resolved or communication to be had, it is expected that it will be done directly with those involved.  If that is not possible or effective, the matter will then be handled with the Head of School.

 

In the event that these standards are not met, the Head of School may request a meeting with appropriate volunteers to work out a viable solution.  It is always in everyone’s best interest to work out every situation with a win-win solution and keeping the best interest of the school and its students as the top priority