What are the visitation guidelines for PS/IS 116?

All visitors must enter through the main entrance, sign in at the School Safety Desk with photo identification, obtain a visitor's pass, check in at the main office, and proceed to their destination. Parents/guardians may only interact with their own child unless they have written permission from other parents or have passed NYCDOE security clearance as a volunteer. Teachers are not expected to discuss individual matters during class time. Classroom observations must be arranged in advance with the Parent Coordinator and/or teacher, then approved by the Principal.

What is the cellphone policy for elementary school students?

Students are permitted to bring cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems to school. However, these electronic devices MAY NOT BE USED OR TURNED ON on school grounds including hallways, auditorium, playground, school yard, stairwells, gymnasium, cafeteria, bathrooms, during school hours, before and after school programs, morning lineup, dismissal, lunch, recess, or on school trips. Computing devices may not be used during quizzes, tests, or examinations except where explicitly authorized or contained in an IEP or Section 504 Plan.

What is the birthday celebration policy?

Parents must request permission from the classroom teacher at least 2 days before the celebration. Approval must be received verbally or in writing. Celebrations can only occur from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm. Siblings from other classrooms are not allowed to attend. No more than 2 family members may attend the classroom celebration. All snacks must be peanut-free, and parents should consult with the teacher before sending any food-related items.

Can parents film and take photos in the school?

FERPA, the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act, strictly limits filming, videoing, or voice recording of students without parent or guardian permission, unless the student is over 18 or has been emancipated, at which point the students themselves must give permission.

School Policies

PS/IS 116 School Policies

VISITATION GUIDELINES & POLICIES

The safety of students and staff is the school's top priority. We want to make visits to our school building pleasant and welcoming experiences in a safe environment for everyone, in accordance with NYCDOE policies and regulations. Please read below for our school Visitor Policy.

The school's main entrance will serve as the single point of entry for all visitors.
ALL parents guardians/family members MUST adhere to the following check in procedure:
- At the School Safety Desk, sign in and present photo identification to obtain a visitor's pass. Every visitor is required to wear a badge while on school grounds.
- Check in at the main office as a visitor to be announced to the receiving teacher.
- Proceed to destination.
- Exit the school building at the main entrance. Do NOT detour and roam around the school
Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as parent-teacher organization meetings or public gatherings, are not required to sign in at the Main Office.
Parents/guardians/family members who are visiting our school or our cafeteria are NOT allowed to speak with or interact with any student other than your own child unless we have a signed note from their parents/guardians giving them permission for you to speak or interact with their child. The only exception to this rule is if a parent/guardian/family member is volunteering in the classroom or on a field trip and that person has passed through NYCDOE security clearance process.
PS/IS116Q staff members and/or administration reserve the right to intervene and remove children from visiting parents/guardians/family members who are interacting with students without permission.
Teachers are not expected to discuss individual matters with visitors during class time. Parents may request an appointment with their child's teacher.
Parents who wish to observe a classroom while school is in session are required to arrange such visits in advance with the Parent Coordinator and/or classroom teacher(s). Then approved by the Principal, so that class disruption is kept to a minimum. Advanced arrangements can include an email, a mailed Letter, or a phone call which notifies the school employee of the exact day and time you are requesting to visit.
All parents/guardians/family members are hereby notified that if any of these policies or guidelines are not followed, the person or persons in violation will be asked by Principal or the Principal's designee to leave and not return to the school.
All parents/guardians/family members are further notified that the Principal or the Principal's designees reserves the right to close the cafeteria or any other area of our school building to all visitors to preserve the safety of all students.
Can you film and take photos in my child's school?

FERPA, the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act, strictly limits filming, videoing, or voice recording of students without parent or guardian permission, unless the student is over 18 or has been emancipated (legally declared adult before age 18), at which point the students themselves must give permission.

While some of these measures may be perceived as creating an inconvenience or delay, they are necessary to ensure that we foster the safest, most secure learning environment possible. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.