HEAVENLY MIRACLE ACADEMY SERVICES
ABOUT US
We are a school that believes that touching a child's life now will affect their outcome in the future.We are a Christian based Academy and we know God is the reason for all of our success and the future success of your child.
We are located at;
533 Blake Ave
Brooklyn, NY
11207
1-(718)-495-9383
WE LOVE YOU HERE AT H.M.A. Services!!!
Parent Handbook
Our Mission Statement:
Heavenly Miracle Academy’s mission is to nurture, motivate and challenge students to reach their potential intellectually, artistically, emotionally and socially
Our Motto
“Excellence is the Key”
“Dedicated to Excellence”
Christian Pledge of Allegiance
"I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag
and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands.
One brotherhood, uniting all mankind,
in service and love."
Administrative Staff Responsibility:
Please be aware of Administrative Staff Responsibilities and respond appropriately.
Director / CEO – Jacqueline Mendoza
Oversees entire program & staff
Ensure that the program meets its mission & State standard
Liaison with outside agencies
NYS department of Education
Board of Health
NYS office of Children & Family Services
Plans and develops staff/Parent Group meetings
Writes and develops curriculum
Extends students activities * programs
Meets with parents/Parent Group
Buildings & Grounds
Equipment / Supply needs or repair
Lunch Program
Health and Safety
Administrative Assistant
Assistant to the Director
Monthly/Yearly Calendar
Parent Association Liaison
After School activities
Phone use & messages
Metro Cards
Trips
Staff files
Admissions/Office Manager
Head of General Database
Student files & records
Assist with the Open House and the entire Registration process
General administrative supervision and functioning
Bookkeeping
Fundraising
Extra Areas – Special Events Coordinator
Field Day
In House competitions (Spelling bee, Science Fair, etc.)
Caroling Night
Assemblies and Decorations
Academic Supervisor
Book orders and education supplies
Evaluation/Observation
Lesson Plan/ Report Cards
Student Academic needs/issues
Discipline/Uniform Check
All Testing – state and standardized
Daily Schedule
Babies 3mths – 18mths & Toddlers (2 years old)
Class Hours/Instructional Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm.
Students may arrive between 7:00am & 9:00am
Dismissal is between 4:00pm & 6:00pm
Any child arriving after 9:00am will be marked late (Subject to change)
Pre-School (3 – 5 years old):
Class Hours/Instructional Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm.
Students may arrive between 7:00am & 9:00am
Dismissal is between 4:00pm & 6:00pm
Any child arriving after 9:00am will be marked late (Subject to change)
Kindergarten:
Class Hours: 8:30am – 2:45pm
Students may arrive between 7:00am & 8:30am
Dismissal is between 3:00pm & 6:00pm
Any child arriving after 8:30am will be marked late
LATENESS
Punctuality is expected. No grace period is given; therefore any pre-school student arriving after 9:00am will be marked late. (Parents are mandated to bring a note when a child is late, for attendance purposes)
Any grade school student that has not been picked up by 3:00om will automatically be places in the after-school program, and parents will be billed accordingly. Pre-School and Kindergarten students pay for a full day and therefore are not charged additional fees for after-school programs. (If you will be late for pick up, inform Center ahead of time. Otherwise you will be charged for after-school)
H.M.A’s after-school program is scheduled to close promptly at 6:00pm. (Insurance Regulation)
(See contract supplement for more details)
We understand that there will be extenuating circumstances from time to time. We strongly agree you to form buddy systems with other parents or family members to accommodate such situations.
DROP OFF
For safety and security purposes, we enforce the following policy for students being dropped off and/or picked up.
Parking is not permitted in front of the building. If there are other matters to be handled at school, kindly park accordingly in order to avoid parking violation tickets. Please note that double parking is not permitted and you are at risk of being ticketed.
*Pre-School students must be escorted into the school by an adult, taken to their cubbies to put away their belongings, and then taken to the supervising staff member.
Under no circumstances should the child be allowed to enter the school alone.
H.M.A is responsible only for children left in direct care of the appropriate staff member.
Please Note: Security Camera’s are located throughout the facility.
PICK UP
Authorized Pickups: The names of those authorized to pick up your child must be listed on the application. Only those persons listed will be allowed to pick up your child. The authorized person is required to sign out the student. H.M.A will not release students to any unauthorized person. Where there are legally binging custody rights, such information must be on file. H.M.A must be kept updated as changes occur.
Urgent/Emergency Pickup: When a student needs to be picked up early from school, as in the event of an illness H.M.A must be able to reach an individual. This individual must e available anytime and be able to respond immediately. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep all emergency number or pertinent information updated & current.
TRANSPORTATION: See Pastor Jacqueline Mendoza (Executive Director)
EARLY PICKUP & ABSENCES
If it is necessary to pick up a student before dismissal, parents must send a note or call the front office informing us of the early pickup time.
If a child needs to be taken out of school due to illness in the family, death, early vacation, r observation of a religious holiday, a written notice must be submitted to the office.
SHCOOL CLOSING
School closings ad half-days are indicated on the annual calendar. On half days the H.M.A after-school program will be cancelled; on those days when Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled. Late fees will e assessed for any students picked up after the scheduled time.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
This program is administered independently. The parent will be notified of cancellations directly by that department. Upon conclusion of the lesson, children picked up later will be [laced in the after-school program and late fees will be assessed.
DRESS CODE
For Pre-School, complete uniforms are mandatory on a daily basis. Parents will be called if student shows up without correct uniform. Should it continue, it will reflect in report card grades regarding rules and regulations.
*For Uniforms – Contact school administration*
GYM DAY
Attire for gym days for students is as follows: School T-shirt or sweatshirt and blue sweatpants.
No other attire is acceptable, except Uniform.
DRESS DOWN DAYS
During the school year, students will participate in a variety of “dress down” days. These days will have a central theme and will be indicated on the monthly calendar.
PLEASE NOTE: Please pay attention to your child’s appearance, ensuring they are well groomed and neat.
Boys hair: Braids/Locks must be kept neat at all times
No DU-Rags can be worn in the school
Please do not allow your child to wear expensive jewelry or bring valuable items/toys to school (unless directed by teacher for activity, where it will be monitored.
H.M.A is not responsible for items lost or stolen.
LUNCH PROGRAM/SNACK – Provided by Facility (Questions or Concerns see Pastor Jacqueline Mendoza or Personnel in charge.
Snacks: Ages 3 – 6 years old are required to have two (2) snacks for each day.
*Please be advised some children are allergic to nuts. Do not send in any snacks. Lunch, birthday cakes that contain any type of nuts. Also do not send any foods containing peanuts, peanut oil, or nut products such as peanut butter, etc. (For parties PLEASE consult class teacher)
No junk food, candy, soda or gum is allowed. For students with special diets or allergic reactions to various foods (e.g. dairy products, peanut butter, sea-food etc.), food can be brought from home, if you are not comfortable with food provided by H.M.A
LIBRARY USE
Books are borrowed by our staff only for class. Student’s should have a library card and visit their local library regularly. Starting October we are going to have a book drive to set up our own Library
MULTI-CULTURAL THEMES
Students are introduced to a variety of cultures through our multi-cultural curriculum.
The following cultural themes are discussed throughout the school term:
The Caribbean
Asia
Africa
Native America
Europe
Latin America
All cultures recognized throughout out the school year are celebrated in International Day, which is observed in May. The themes of the month are posted on the monthly calendar.
ACADEMIC ROUTINE
Homework: All parents are expected to oversee and check assignments sent home with their child, including those whose complete homework in the after-school program,. Please keep in mind that homework is to be completed by the child, not the parent. Students must assume responsibility for the completion of any missed assignments. Incomplete homework assignments will warrant disciplinary action.
Time Frame: 3 – 6 years: (Pre-K / Kindergarten – 15 – 30 minutes)
Report Cards: Report cards are issued to pre-school students twice during the school year. Report cards will not be issued and records will not be forwarded to other school if tuition payments are in arrears. Toddlers and babies will be assessed 3 times per year.
Awards: To encourage scholastic success, the following awards are issued during and at the end of the school year.
Honor Roll (Grade School)
Gold – On honor roll for all 3 report cards
Silver – On honor roll for 2 report cards
Bronze – On honor roll for 1 report card
Student of the month (Pre-K – Kindergarten)
Extra Help
H.M.A offers “Extra Help” 1 day per week from 4 – 5:00pm. This is a period when students who desire enrichment or need additional help understanding school work can obtain one-on-one or small group assistance from their teachers.
Foreign Language: We are reviewing at least one foreign language for students (e.g. Spanish)
Music: All students have music twice each week. In addition to singing and movement, basic music theory will be included with music lessons.
Computer Lab: We are working on putting computers in all Pre-K rooms. Pre-school will have access to computers in the classroom and will be taught by their classroom teacher.
Textbook & Supplies: These are provided by Administration for the faculty. However parents are free to make donations to the school or to the class of their child
School Assemblies
All classes will have an opportunity to perform during the course of the school year. Please check your monthly calendar for dates and times of performances. At each assembly and program, the students sing the Black National anthem and the Star Spangled Banner as well as recite the United States of America Pledge of Allegiance and the Christian Flag Pledge of Allegiance
The Black National Anthem
Lift ev'ry voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring.
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise,
High as the list'ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.
Star Spangled Banner
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
U.S.A. Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation under God, indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all.
Christian Flag Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag
and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands.
One brotherhood, uniting all mankind,
in service and love.
STUDENT FILES
It is mandatory for all students to have the following forms and information on file before the start of the school year:
Application (or application update)
Birth Certificate
Current Medical
Consent Form (applies for the duration of a child’s enrollment)
List of authorized pickup persons
Signed Contract
Picture (New students)
ILLNESS
Sick children pose a health hazard to other children and staff members. Please do not send your child to school if he/she is exhibiting and of the following symptoms:
A temperature of 100 or above (children need to be free of a temperature for 24 hours before returning to school)
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Earache
Sore throat
Persistent Coughing
Severe Cold
Unexplained rash
A doctors note is needed before returning to school after any absence of 3 or more days. However H.M.A reserves the right to bar a student from school.
Staff members are not authorized to administer medication to the children. Therefore, a parent/guardian must come in to administer the medication. *An authorized staff member can administer medication to children. H.M.A. has such a person (Ms. Navana Chislom)*
DISIPLINE
ALL students are expected to conduct themselves in line with the school rules. Our basic tenet is “Respect yourself and others”
Listed below are behaviors that will not be tolerates:
Class disruptions
Destruction of school property
Stealing
Improper or incomplete uniform/attire
Abusive language, obscenities and/or disrespect toward staff and/or students
Fighting or general aggressive behavior; e.g. biting, pinching, shoving, etc.
Lewd or suggestive acts or language
Time out is the main form of disciplinary action used in all our classes. The length of tome may vary depending on the age of the student. Teachers maintain all infractions and will advise parents either verbally or in writing of any behavioral transgressions that may occur. If there are no improvements in behavior, a parent/teacher conference will be required to determine further disciplinary action. If behavioral problems persist, a meeting with the parents and Administration will be schedules to determine the next course of action – probation, suspension, or expulsion. Any disciplinary action taken will be reflected in your child’s permanent records.
Appropriate action for serious infractions will be determined at the discretion of Administration and may warrant immediate suspension or expulsion, circumventing aforementioned procedures. Any child that is physically aggressive to others will be dismissed from the school.
Progress Reports: Progress reports are issued throughout the year when warranted. These reports are issued for the following reasons:
Incomplete homework assignments
Deterioration in class work performance
Failing grades
Persistent classroom disruptions
FEES
Tuition fees are payable as indicated on the contract. Payments should be made by check, credit card, money order (cash optional). The school will withhold all student records including report cards, if any outstanding balances exist. Also, no records will be sent to other schools. The tuition is a yearly fee, which can be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, weekly or bi-weekly. *Vouchers accepted)
ACCIDENTS
Parents will be notified immediately if a child has an accident in school. The school must have your correct address and telephone number (home & business) at all times. It is the responsibility of the parents to keep all information current. An accident log book is kept on premises.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
A private school
S survival depends on the interest and participation of not only its students but its parents as well. Parents are requested to provide support and encouragement to the student, the teacher, and the school in general. Parent participation is mandatory and requires each family to donate ten (10) hours per academic year, to help in your child’s academic growth.
Parents can offer their support in any or all the following ways
Attending general meetings and parent group meeting organized by the administration at the beginning of the year and when necessary
Assisting the Parent Group with Special Events.
Volunteering to be class parent. Can volunteer time where needed.
If parents can assist with extra copying, please let the teacher know
Parent Teacher Conferences: This is an opportunity to meet one-on-one with your child’s teacher and to work cooperatively to enhance and enrich your child’s productivity and learning experience. You will learn not only about your child’s academic progress but also about their social and learning behaviors, special aptitudes, and/or emotional concerns.
Fundraisers: H.M.A is funded solely by tuition. The school relies heavily on its fundraising efforts to meet the accelerating costs of providing an enriched academic program. Parents are obligated to participate in fundraising activities and make their best effort to meet the goals set. Parents who choose not to participate must donate $80 per year per family.
Class Trips: Parents are encouraged to attend class trips especially parents of pre-schoolers. To attend, please discuss availability with the teacher prior to the scheduled date of the trip. Students enrolled in the 3 year old group must have a car seat in order to attend any trip scheduled.
COMMUNICATIONS: Ask Questions!
Notices: Notices are distributed frequently. For Pre-schoolers, notices are posted either on their cubby or in their homework notebooks on Wednesday’s
Appointments: Parents are encouraged to meet with teachers. To meet with a teacher, please send a note to your childs teacher. The teacher will contact you at his/her earliest convenience.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
The hours of our after-school program are 3 – 6:00pm. Pre-K must do their homework at home with parent supervision
OUTDOOR PLAY
The Board of Health requires that all children experience outdoor play, even during cold weather. Therefore children must be dressed appropriately for each season.
*PLEASE NOTE: Any child not physically fit to go outside shouldn’t be in school.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Parents are allowed to celebrate their child’s birthday in school. However the child’s teacher must be given two (2) weeks advance notice. In addition the parent must provide all supplies (i.e. paper plates, cups, napkins, spoons, knives, candles, matches, etc.), remove all leftovers and restore the classroom. Parties should last no longer than 45 minutes.
*NO ENTERTAINMENT ALLOWED*
Large Donations: H.M.A /Day Care would be extremely appreciative of any donations offered to the school that might be appropriate for an academic environment. Suggested items include office supplies , paper (including scrap paper), books, toys, play equipment, computer, etc.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event of extreme weather conditions H.M.A will post notices to inform parents of the point of contact. Our voicemail may provide you with pertinent information. Or we will give you a contact number for your child’s teacher.
CHILD ABUSE
The State of New York requires all schools to report incidences of child abuse and neglect. In keeping with these regulations, H.M.A is obligated to investigate and questionable injuries or bruises. If your child has suffered any noticeable injury, please inform his/her teacher to quell possible suspicions.
CONTACT SESSION
Teachers should not receive personal calls from parents during formal teaching sessions. For emergencies, leave message at office. If urgent, the teacher will be notified immediately.
LOST AND FOUND
H,M,A is not responsible for any lost items. All items must be clearly labeled. Items not claimed at the end of the school year will be discarded. The “Lost and Found” bin is located on the first level of the building and should be the first resort when attempting to locate lost or missing items. Please keep in mind that items are placed in bin the following day, check with class teacher.
FIRE DRILLS
To comply with regulations stipulated by the NY State Fire Department, practice drills are conducted during the course of the school year.
LICENSES/PERMITS
We are in compliance with the rules and regulations issued by the Fire Dept. of NY, the NYC Building Dept. and the NYS Dept. of Health.
The NYS Board of Health licenses and oversees our pre-school
Student Recommendations/Records
All requests for student recommendations must be submitted to the Academic Supervisor and not the teacher. (Supervisors will inform teachers)
A written request for student records must be sent to admissions and the files will be sent directly to the school, unless otherwise directed.
Please note: Files will not be given to parents. Also, parents must allow a two-week window for recommendations and records to be processed
*Request must be made in writing*