Ask The Superintendent
I would like my child to attend summer school. What are the next steps?
The development of your child’s IEP is the responsibility your CSE and you are part of this committee. The committee determines if your child requires a six week summer program to avoid significant regression of skills. A recommendation for a summer school program will be made by the academy staff in which your child is enrolled. I highly recommend consideration of summer school should be addressed during your child’s annual review meeting.
How do I ensure my child is prepared for college once he graduates from one of your academies?
Our academies begin the transition process to post-secondary placements the minute your child enrolls. Post-secondary placements include college as well as vocational training schools, the military, supported employment and eventually competitive employment. The IEP dictates the focus of your child’s educational program and post-secondary placement after graduation. More specifically, the type of diploma drives the schedule of classes your child will take during his enrollment with us. Thus, for those students working toward a local diploma, Regents Diploma, or an Advanced Regents diploma college is a possibility. There are several ways you can check on your child’s progress in regard to preparing for college. They are as follows: report cards, IEP quarterly updates, conferences with the guidance counselor and the annual review meeting. I strongly recommend you contact your child’s guidance counselor immediately for a summary of their status of courses, standardized testing, financial reports, college tours and applications.
My child attends REACH Academy and he enjoys athletics. Are there any opportunity for him to participate on a team sport?
Yes. There are several opportunities for students enrolled at REACH Academy to participate on a team sport. In the fall there is a flag football team that participates in the Special Act Public School League. In the winter we offer both boy’s and girl’s Section 2 JV and Varsity bowling. In the spring a co-ed softball team will be fielded that will compete in the Special Act Public School League. In addition, for those student athletes who have a desire and the skills, there are additional opportunities in the District. Please contact me at 914 357 1334.
Do you recommend I speak with my child regarding the flu?
Yes and the following are suggestions that could frame your conversation with your child:
It is time to prepare for the annual flu season, which runs from October through May. The flu is a viral respiratory infection, easily spread from person to person, which usually comes on suddenly and can cause some or all of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, fatigue and in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea. Illness can vary from mild to severe.
The following are everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs (recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
My child is a day student at Greenburgh Academy and is interested in participating in after school sports. Who is responsible for after school transportation?
All students have access to after school activities including sports and your home school district is responsible for the transportation. The coach and in some cases the athletic director will work with you to make these arrangements.
How are the District schools funded?
Each of the three District academies are funded by tuition paid by the school district in which students live. The tuition is used to support the cost of each academy that includes salaries, insurance, materials, supplies, equipment, maintenance, etc.
How many students are permitted in each classroom?
The three academies have different student to teacher to staff ratios. REACH Academy has a a ratio of 6:1:2; meaning each classroom has six students, one teacher and one teaching assistant. Kenneth Clark Academy has a 6:1:1 ratio and Greenburgh Academy has a 8:1:1 ratio. The Individual Education Plan (IEP) dictates the ratio for each student.
What do I do if I am dissatisfied with my child’s transportation arrangements?
If you are dissatisfied with your child’s transportation arrangements contact your school district’s Committee on Special Education (CSE). They will direct you to the contact person in the district that will address your concerns.
