PS 65 School Policies

As per Chancellor's Regulations A-413 each school must establish a school-based policy regarding the use of cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems on school property that is consistent with this Regulation.

Below you will find PS65’s Electronic Device Policy (i.e. cell phones) that was established in consultation with the School Leadership Team (“SLT”):

• • Possession of cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems is permitted in schools. Students may bring these devices to school, but they may not be turned on or used at school (i.e. in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, recess, school events, field trips, etc.)

• Students may NOT use these devices to take photos,  videos or voice recordings of other students or staff members. 

• These devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test, examination, during school fire drills, or other emergency preparedness exercises. 
• These devices may not be used in locker rooms or bathrooms. 
• Students who uses a device in violation of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“IAUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code. 
• If a school confiscates a device for violation of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s IAUSP, the principal/designee must contact the student’s parent. 
• Devices confiscated from a student will be stored in a secure location and returned to the parent/guardian.

• Students are not allowed to use their phones to call or text parents/guardians, during school hours.  If a student needs to contact their parent/guardian, they may request to use the telephone in the main office.  If a parent needs to relay a message to their child, please call the main office.
• PS65 is NOT responsible for loss, destruction of, or damage to any personal devices.
• All students are expected to be responsible digital citizens.  https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/school-environment/digital-citizenship

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the main office.

Improving attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism is a priority for every school this 2023-24 school year.  In accordance with the DOE’s attendance policy, it is the responsibility of each school to monitor student attendance and ensure children have the support and resources they need to attend school regularly.

Attendance matters. Missing a day of school means missing hours of instructional time. Research shows that students who attend regularly achieve greater success in school and in life. Our school’s collective goal for attendance remains the same. We want every child attending school every day or at least 95% of the school year.  Addressing chronic absence is essential to long term education recovery from the aftermath of the pandemic. There is no education success without consistent attendance

A few friendly reminders:

• School begins at 8:00AM.
• Early arrival is from 7:40AM-8:00AM.  Students have the option to eat a “hot breakfast” in the cafeteria.
• After 8:00AM, students have the option to receive a “Grab and Go” cold breakfast and eat in their classrooms.
• Late passes are distributed to students entering the building after 8:10AM.

If there is any way we can help support your child in improving his or her attendance, please reach out to our Attendance Team (Assistant Principal Kelly Newman, Attendance Teacher Jessica Marsicano, School Counselor Liz Rodriguez, Social Worker Felisa Mark or Parent Coordinator Norma Santaliz.  Together we can ensure our PS65 Dolphins are on the road to academic and social-emotional success.

In our continuous dedication to fostering a safe, secure, and inclusive learning environment, the PS65 Birthday Celebration Policy has been updated in consultation with the School Leadership Team (SLT).

This policy was revised to ensure a uniform and thoughtful approach to birthday celebrations within our school community. 

Please take a moment to acquaint yourself with the following guidelines:

• Celebrating your child’s birthday with the class is optional.

• Schedule a date and time with your child’s teacher in advance.

• Nut-free, simple treats (such as cookies, cupcakes, donuts, and muffins) should be store-bought with a list of ingredients included.

• Individual beverages (water and juice) are optional.

• Items can be dropped off in the main office by 12:00 PM.

• Goody bags are optional. Please do not include edible items such as candy.  Beginning in September 2024, goody bags will not be allowed.

• Parents are welcome to join birthday celebrations in PreK classrooms only.

• Invitations to a birthday party at a separate location cannot be distributed in class unless all students are invited.

Questions/Concerns: Please email Ms. Santaliz at nsantaliz@schools.nyc.gov

As per Chancellor's Regulations A-665, each school must establish a school-based policy regarding the use of uniforms that is consistent with this Regulation.

Below you will find PS65’s Uniform Policy that was established in consultation with the School Leadership Team (“SLT”):

• Since the school’s opening in 2008, PS65 has maintained a uniform policy as an important aspect of its mission and vision.  The uniform policy is intended to help schools promote a more effective learning climate; foster school unity and pride; improve student performance; foster self-esteem; eliminate label competition; simplify dressing and minimize costs to parents; teach children appropriate dress and decorum in their “work” place; and help to improve student conduct and discipline. 
  
  
• The uniform items for PS65, including navy blue bottoms, plain navy blue sweaters, and plain navy blue sweatshirts, can be purchased at stores such as Kids Place, Target, and Old Navy. These items do not need to have the PS65 logo on them, but they should be in line with the school's uniform policy in terms of color and style.
  
  
• In addition to the regular uniform, PS65 also allows students to wear special shirts such as Field Day shirts, kindness shirts, and other items from PTA Spirit Wear fundraising sales. These special shirts are added to the acceptable list of tops to wear and provide students with an opportunity to show school spirit and participate in special events.
  
  
• At PS65, appropriate shoes are required daily, and shoes or sneakers with laces or velcro are highly recommended for safety and practicality. Flip-flops, sandals, and slides are not permitted as they can increase the risk of injury, especially during recess or physical activities. PS65 places a priority on student safety, and the shoe policy is an important aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.
  
  
• PS65 encourages families to write their child's name on the tags of their clothing, including their uniform and any other items they bring to school, to help prevent them from getting misplaced or lost. This makes it easier for school staff and other students to return any lost items to their rightful owner.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the main office.

Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities and the Discipline Code Book