Student Handbook

Parents/Guardians will be called using an automated calling system to contact you when your child is absent from school. You do not need to call the school to report an absence. Students are required to provide the school with a note upon return to school after an absence. Homework will be available upon request for excused absences (2 or more consecutive school days). However, homework/classwork due to unexcused absences may be provided at the teacher’s discretion.

We encourage students to use computers and technology available in our school facilities; however, with this use comes responsibility.  For a more detailed description of student computer and Internet use rights and responsibilities refer to your child’s agenda planner and to Board Policies: 

  #6470 Acceptable Use Policy #6470

  #7311 Loss or Destruction of District Property or Resources  #7311

  #7315 Student Use of Computerized Information Resources (Acceptable Use Policy) #7315

  #7316 Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day  #7316

  # 7317 District Technology Device Student Agreement Policy #7317

It is expected that all students and/or visitors show respect and proper conduct during assemblies, concerts, and events at William Street School.  Children live what they learn.  As adults we are role models through our actions everyday.  The following apply to assemblies, concerts, and events at William Street School:

• To eliminate distractions, it is expected, if requested, that audience members stay for the entire performance
• Refrain from distracting noises (whistling, yelling, etc.).
• Please silence cell phones and refrain from texting during the performance.  
• Young children should remain seated at all times.

The instructional day for William Street School students is 8:35 am to 3:10 pm. As a learning community, we value the time with your child.  Our teachers plan their instructional day to meet the educational goals of their students.  Excessive tardiness/early dismissals and absences negatively impact your child’s educational success at William Street School.  

In accordance with Board Policy (see LCSD Policy #7110 – LCSD Attendance Policy), the impact of attendance upon instruction and on student learning and achievement on a regular and continuing basis is an important element in an effective teaching/learning program.  Each and every student should attend classes on a regular basis and be a participant in the classroom programs, activities, and discussions.  Because of the information being disseminated and the expectation of student participation, class attendance is important.  Students’ prolonged absences will result in a loss of instruction; therefore, attendance is imperative.  Student attendance is reviewed by administration every 5 weeks.  Attendance letters are mailed home to the parent and/or guardian of the student when the educational process is compromised. 

At such times as a student’s lack of attendance is identified as a problem, every effort should be made to address the problem, utilizing the resources of the school and involving the student and his/her parents to resolve the attendance problem.  The school resources include both teaching and administrative staff as well as guidance staff.  When resources of the District have been exhausted and attendance patterns have not improved, other sources may be appropriate in an attempt to correct the problem.  

Allergen Safe Table
An Allergen Safe table is designated in the cafeteria.  Please contact the school nurse if you would like your child to be seated at the Allergen Safe table during their lunch period. An Allergen Safe table will also be available during any off-campus field trips.  Parents should notify the Health Office of any allergy your child may have.  We encourage students to be proactive in the care and management of their food allergies and reactions based on developmental level. 

Breakfast/Lunch Program
Breakfast is available to students every morning. Classroom teachers schedule a time for students who need to purchase and consume breakfast on a daily basis. Student breakfast will be provided free of charge.

Hot lunches, deli sandwiches, and Julienne chef salads are available on a daily basis.  A monthly calendar is posted online.  Food Service student lunches will be provided at no cost.

Additional food items such as a second entree or snack will need to be purchased. Lancaster Central School District’s Food Service Department provides parents a convenient, easy, and secure online prepayment service to deposit money into your child(ren)’s school meal account at any time.  This service also provides parents the ability to view account balance(s) through Linq Connect. Sign up for this service is available on our website.  You can also print out a copy of your child’s history report. This report will show all purchases made within the past 30 days.

Lunch Period
Student lunch periods are 33 minutes in length.  Tables are identified for each class and are monitored by one of three staff members assigned to your child’s lunch level.  It is expected that all students follow proper cafeteria etiquette:  

• Sit at their assigned seats
• Walk to and from the lunch/snack lines
• Clean up after themselves
• Throw out their garbage/return lunch trays
• Wait until they are called by their monitor to purchase snacks

Please refer to your child’s individual classroom procedures regarding holiday parties and birthday celebrations. Due to various allergies and other concerns, party treats must be store bought with ingredients listed. In keeping with William Street School’s motto, “It’s Cool to Care”, please refrain from sending out of school birthday/party invitations to school with your child unless all students are invited.

Students are prohibited from using personal electronic devices during the school day for any reason, unless approved by administration.  This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, smart watches, and/or internet-enabled devices.  Devices are to be “Off & Away All Day”.  All cell phones, smart watches, and personal electronic devices must be silenced and remain in the student’s locker for the duration of the school day.  If students need to contact parents, they must inform their teacher and then may use a school provided phone. In the event that a staff member confiscates a cell phone and/or personal electronic device, the family will be contacted and will be responsible for picking up the device in the main office.  

District-issued devices, like 1:1 Chromebooks, are the only allowable devices to be used during the school day. 

All classrooms have Chromebook carts and students are assigned a device for use during the school year.  Grade 5 students will receive a power supply to keep for the duration of their time in Lancaster Central Schools. There is no cost to receive these items as it is a primary educational tool. Students in Grades 5 and 6 may take the Chromebook home nightly when needed to complete work. They are expected to bring that device back to school charged the next day.  It is the responsibility of the student that has been assigned a device, to provide proper care and protection of the device.  Devices should only be used by the student to whom they were assigned.  As per LCSD Policy #7317, damage and/or loss of the device due to a failure to properly care and maintain the device will result in repair and/or replacement charges being levied to the student.  Device malfunctions from normal use will not incur a charge.

Violations of the following guidelines may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary actions or legal action in accordance with applicable laws and/or due process procedures.  Users are expected to:

• Respect the privacy of others.
• District devices will be utilized for school related use only.
• Cases must remain on the Chromebook at all times. Fees for lost or damaged cases will be the calculated cost of the case.
• Users will not try to gain unauthorized access to networked or stand alone systems.  
• Users will not modify or read files of individuals, however, it should be noted that system and/or district administrators have access to all files.  Privacy shall not be assumed in this case. 
• The district provides a chromebook to your child to use in school.  You will be held responsible for willful or unreasonable damage to the chromebook issued to your child, and it will be necessary for you to pay for repairs and/or replacement.
• The charge for a lost chromebook and/or chromebook damaged beyond repair will be the calculated cost of the device. 

The William Street School’s Code of Conduct is in compliance with the Lancaster Central School District’s Code of Conduct. Students and parents are required to be in compliance and follow the District’s and William Street School’s Code of Conduct. As partners in learning, parents/guardians are expected to use communication channels appropriately and respectfully.  Be courteous and respectful to faculty, staff, other parents and students. The Lancaster Central School District’s Code of Conduct is available on our website at the following link: https://www.lancasterschools.org/district/code-of-conduct

Bus Expectations

• Parents/Guardians - refrain from approaching school-sponsored transportation areas during arrival and dismissal.
• Follow all rules and regulations set forth by transportation/bus driver(s). 
• Conduct referral(s) may result in discipline/suspension from riding school sponsored transportation.

Consequences

Students who are found to have violated the District’s and/or William Street School’s Code of Conduct may be subject to the following penalties, either alone or in combination:  

• Classroom behavior/management plan
• Verbal warning
• Written warning (teacher warning plan)
• Phone call home
• Parent conference
• Individual behavior plan
• Referral to a social worker
• Referral to administration
• Lunch detention
• Detention
• In-school suspension
• Suspension from activities and other privileges in school
• Suspension from school
• Bus conduct report completed by driver 
• Administrative warning letter sent to parent/guardian
• Administrative letter informing parent/guardian of bus riding privilege suspension
• Cafeteria conduct report completed by cafeteria monitor(s)
• Administrative letter/phone call informing parent of cafeteria privilege suspension
• Superintendent’s Hearing (may result in suspension from school for lengthy period of time)
• Referral to School Resource Officer/Lancaster Police Department

DASA

DASA Coordinator: Rebeccah Roller (ext. 6782)

In accordance with the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), William Street School is committed to providing a safe and productive learning environment within its schools.  

DASA means Dignity for All Students Act.  The goal of DASA is to provide public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, on a school bus, or at a school function.  In accordance with DASA, School District policy and practice must ensure that no student is subject to discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or sex by school employees or students.  

*Bullying is defined among children as: a variety of negative acts carried out repeatedly over time.  The key component of bullying is physical or psychological intimidation that occurs repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse. Bullying can take four forms:

• Physical – including, but not limited to: hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing or taking personal belongings.
• Verbal – including, but not limited to: taunting, malicious teasing, name calling or making threats.
• Psychological – including, but not limited to, spreading rumors; manipulating social relationships; or engaging in social exclusion, extortion, or intimidating.
• Cyber-bullying – also referred to as “Social Media Bullying” including but not limited to the use of instant messaging, e-mail, websites, chat rooms, and text messaging when such use interferes with the operation of the school; or infringes upon general health, safety and welfare of District students or employees.

Dress Code                           

It is important that your child is dressed appropriately for school on a daily basis.  The safety and security of the students at William Street School are a main priority.  William Street School promotes a dress code that ensures a positive educational environment for your child.  

A student's dress, grooming and appearance shall:

• Be safe, appropriate, and not present a health or safety hazard to the student or others in the school.
• Not interfere with the educational process. Examples are included in respective building student handbooks.
• Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.
• Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard is not allowed.
• Not include headwear in the classroom except for a medical or religious purpose.
• Not include backpack or any bag of any kind. Personal bags must be stored in their locker and not on their person.
• Not include items, including personal protective equipment (e.g., masks), that are sexually explicit, vulgar, obscene, libelous, or which denigrate others on account of race, color, weight, religion or religious practice, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnic group, political affiliation, age, marital status, military status, or disability.
• Not include costumes or accessories deemed distracting to the learning environment, except for school-designated dress up days.

The following are examples of inappropriate clothing, but not limited to:

• Short-shorts or shirts that cover your shorts completely
• Midriff tops
• Tops with spaghetti straps
• Bathing suits (physical education swim class exception)
• Backless footwear                                  

Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item.  The penalty for infractions against the dress code policy may be, but are not limited to:

• Teacher warning
• Opportunity to change clothing and/or footwear in school or by calling home for replacement clothing/footwear
• A call home by an administrator for subsequent violations
• Subsequent offenses may result in disciplinary action                             

General School Conduct

Students will refrain from activities that disrupt the educational process.  These activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Violence/fighting
• Use/possession of weapons and/or objects to include but not limited to threaten/intimidate
• Bullying *
• Physical threats
• Verbal threats 
• Insubordination
• Inappropriate language/notes
• Prejudicial slurs and/or jokes
• Stealing
• Academic dishonesty
• Vandalism
• Misuse of computer/electronic communication devices
• Leaving school without permission
• Dress code violation
• Excessive absences/tardiness
• Disruptive or inappropriate classroom conduct
• Disruptive or inappropriate hallway/common area conduct
• Inappropriate lunchroom behavior
• Lying
• Gum chewing

Items Prohibited in School: 

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Expensive items/valuables
• Excessive amounts of money
• Latex balloons
• Perfume/cologne/aerosol cans
• Distracting items
• Inappropriate books/magazines
• Medication (Arrangements must be made with the Health Office)
• Explosives
• Weapons (i.e. knife)
• Items for the purpose of trade or sale
• Any other item deemed inappropriate by administration
• Chewing gum

The items will be confiscated and may be returned only when picked up by a parent/guardian.

Sandy Hook Promise 

Sandy Hook Promise’s Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) is a holistic program combining education about the warning signs of potential violence or self-harm with the tools to safely report concerns. This is the only anonymous reporting system in the U.S. that provides training along with a mobile app, website, and hotline – exclusively for schools. 

Student Conduct 

Students are expected to behave with dignity and treat others with respect and courtesy.  Students should respect their peers, teachers, and school staff.  Individual behavior should not interfere with the rights of others.  Students are expected to use language that is appropriate in demonstrating respect for self and others.  At William Street School, we strive to instill the motto: “It’s Cool to Care” throughout the day.  

Discipline is most effective when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs and in a way that students view as fair and impartial.  School personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the students’ ability to grow in self-discipline.

Disciplinary action will be firm, fair, and consistent so as to be the most effective in changing student behavior.  As a general rule, discipline will be progressive.  In determining the appropriate disciplinary actions, school personnel authorized to impose disciplinary penalties will consider the following:

• The student’s age
• The nature of the offense and the circumstances that led to the offense
• The student’s prior disciplinary record
• The effectiveness of other forms of discipline
• Information from parents, teachers and/or others as appropriate
• Other extenuating circumstances (disability or suspected disability)

Art
Students in grades 4 and 5 are scheduled for a ½ year art course and students in grade 6 are scheduled for a 10-week art course aligned with the New York State Standards for the Art.  Their classroom experience will encompass the use of many different media in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of art as well as art history. Some examples of different media may include: Tempera paint, watercolor paint, pencil, colored pencil, marker, mixed media, paper, clay, and fiber arts.  In addition to their classroom experience in art, William Street School offers a variety of art enrichment activities that include but are not are limited to:

• Annual STEAM Show - April 30, 2026 - 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• District Art Festival and Show
• Art Academy

It is our hope that by the end of their instruction at William Street School students will have acquired a well-balanced understanding of the production and appreciation of Art.  

Creative Writing – Grade 4
Students in grade 4 are scheduled for a ½ year creative writing course aligned to the Next Generation Standards. Students will receive writing instruction in their ELA class, and will complete additional creative writing activities in this course to move towards the goal of being lifelong writers. 

Curriculum Committees
William Street School has the following committees comprised of teachers and administrators that meet regularly to review state guidelines, write and revise curriculum and assessment, and analyze data to drive instruction:

• Building Planning Team
• Common Leaders
• Crisis Management Team
• De-Escalation Committee
• ELA Committee
• FastBRidge Committee
• Kindness Committee
• Lancaster Youth Bureau Tutoring
• Math Committee
• Mentoring
• Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
• Orientation
• Safety Committee
• School Climate Committee
• Science Committee
• Social Studies Committee

Grading
Student report cards are posted to the parent portal.  Please log into your child’s portal to access your child’s individual report card.  In addition to the core subjects (ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies), quarterly averages in grades 4 and 5 will include Physical Education and Art or Writing (Grade 4), or Art or Technology (Grade 5).  Grade 6 will include Physical Education, math lab/accelerated math and the 10-week course (Argument and Debate, Art, Health, or Leadership). The weight of each course (core and special) is based on the number of days per week the student is scheduled to attend.  Music (General music, Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and Voice Lab) will be included in the final average for quarters 1, 2, 3 and 4.  

Growing Healthy
The 5th grade Growing Healthy curriculum provides students with the knowledge, understandings, and skills to develop positive attitudes towards the physical, mental/emotional, and social changes that they will experience during puberty. Topics include basic body systems and changes during puberty, promoting healthy adolescent development, analyzing the multiple influences which affect health decisions and behaviors, as well as communication and stress management skills to maintain good health. 

Guidance Meeting (Grade 6)
The New York State Education Department’s regulation (100.2(j)(2)(i)(b)) requires a certified guidance counselor to meet annually and conduct a progress review of the student’s educational and career plans.  If you have questions or concerns please reach out to Mr. Marchese.  

Library Media Center
The library media center (LMC) is a place of trust and sharing.  Flexible scheduling allows students to do book exchanges, research, reading, and small group activities throughout the day. Teachers arrange book exchange times for their students so that each child has the opportunity to come to the LMC regularly.  While in the LMC, students are expected to be respectful and courteous of both the library materials and others.  

Individual students coming to the LMC must bring a pass from their classroom teacher and sign in on one of the library attendance Chromebooks. Throughout the year, classroom teachers schedule read-alouds, research projects, book talks, and other library activities in collaboration with the librarian. 

Students check out materials at the circulation desk using their student number. Students may have up to four items checked out at any time.  The LMC has books, audiobooks, and magazines available for students to check out.  Materials circulate for two weeks.  The LMC does not charge late fees for overdue items, however, a replacement cost may be charged for lost or damaged materials.

The LMC also offers electronic resources including online databases, ebooks, and digital audiobooks.  Digital audiobooks and ebooks are available through the SORA app or website by logging in with a student’s school username and password.  The library’s catalog, Destiny Discover, can be used to search for all LMC materials. Online databases can be accessed through the Library Google Classroom.

Math Olympiad (Students in Grades 4, 5 & 6)
Goals:

• To simulate enthusiasm and love for mathematics
• To teach major strategies for problem solving
• To develop mathematical flexibility in solving problems
• To foster mathematical creativity and ingenuity
• To provide for the satisfaction, joy, and thrill of meeting challenges

Criteria:

• Self-motivated
• Creative thinker
• Demonstrate perseverance
• Exhibits ability and interest in higher-level math

Structure

• Five monthly contests from November to March
• Recommendation from classroom teacher required

Music
William Street School provides General Music instruction once a week for Grades 4, 5 and 6.  Students participating in band, orchestra or chorus in Grade 6 are not scheduled to take general music.

Through active participation (journaling, listening, singing, recorder, and classroom instrument playing), students will learn the basic fundamentals of music theory as well as music history.  This is a participation class, therefore, students need to be prepared each time they come to music.  General music supplies are needed by the second class of the school year.  Students will need a pencil, two-pocket purple folder with lined paper and a recorder (may be purchased at Twin Village Music, 683-4879).  Only 4th and 5th Grade General Music classes will need a recorder.  The recorder that was used in 3rd Grade General Music can be used in 4th and 5th Grade General Music.

BOCH (Band/Orchestra/Chorus) is scheduled during the day as follows: 

Concert Attendance and Concert Attire

By participating in the instrumental/choral program at William Street School, your child has made a commitment to all concerts associated with their performing ensemble.  Concert attendance is required except in situations where a student would legally be excused from school.  The music teacher needs to be notified within two weeks after the concert schedule is posted on the website and/or sent home if the student is going to be on vacation and/or has a conflict.  Black and white concert attire is required for all performances.  Concert attire needs to adhere to the dress code outlined in the student handbook.  It is recommended that students wear flat shoes(no high heels or flip flops).  

William Street School is fortunate to provide an instrumental program in addition to general music to students.  Making the decision to participate in the instrumental/choral program at William Street School requires commitment and attendance at the Winter and Spring concerts.  Please refer the following guidelines:

In addition to General Music, William Street provides Instrumental music instruction and Chorus for all interested students in grades 4-6.  

Chorus meets once a week for 45 minutes and prepares music for concerts that will take place throughout the school year.  Sixth Grade students who only participate in chorus will also be signed up for Vocal Lab.  Vocal Lab meets once a week.  Students will work on singing technique, vocal skills and music theory.

Students who participate in Instrumental music are scheduled for one small group, 30-minute lesson per week.  The lesson is scheduled on the same day during the week.  The lesson time rotates on a weekly basis to avoid missing the same area of instruction each week. Due to the commitment and cost required for the instrumental music program students are required to attend their weekly lesson. Lessons are rescheduled for swimming, AIS, speech and resource.   Students need to notify the lesson teacher to reschedule in this case and to see what work was missed.  If there is a conflict with a student's lunch period and their lesson, students should go to lunch either before or after their lesson. Students who have a late lunch should eat before their lesson. Due to lesson rotations, this could possibly happen only a few times per school year. The time students leave their classroom can be worked out between the student and their classroom teacher.  In the event that a lesson is scheduled during a test, the teachers involved will make every attempt to help keep the scheduled lesson, meaning the test will be rescheduled.  In some cases, the lesson may need to be rescheduled due to necessary testing accommodations.  This  will need to be worked out on a case by case basis.

Physical Education
William Street students receive 135 minutes of physical education per week.  

Swimming:
Students receive six weeks of instruction in William Street’s pool.  Students are tested with our deep end test before they are allowed to swim in the deep end. Classes include front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke.  In addition to a physical education teacher, William Street School has an adult lifeguard-certified second set of eyes on deck to assist with lifeguard duties.

Attire:

• If a dress is worn to school, shorts must be worn underneath the dress
• T-shirt or sweatshirt [no spaghetti straps]
• Athletic sneakers with socks - no backless shoes
• Bathing suit and towel (No two-piece bathing suits)
• No jewelry
• Be prepared with a sweatshirt or light jacket. In the Fall and Spring students will be going outside (weather permitting).

Locks:
Locks are not issued for PE. Students are permitted to bring their own lock to use during their PE class. All locks must be removed after every class.  Students should not bring valuables to PE class. William Street School is not responsible for lost items. 

Physical Education Events
Physical education will be holding various events throughout the school year.  Students will be notified about the activities.

Science Investigations 
The Elementary- and Intermediate-level Science Tests will be administered in Grades 5 and 8, respectively, for the first time in Spring 2024. These tests are designed to measure knowledge and skills contained in New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards.  In order to prepare for these tests with authentic, hands-on laboratory experiences, students in Grades 4 and 5 will participate in a series of required activities called Investigations. Like the written tests, the Investigations are aligned with the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards but provide the opportunity for performance-based assessment of student science knowledge and skills. (NYS Education Dept.) 

Stem - Grade 4
Students in Grade 4 are scheduled for lessons with the technology teacher. During the school year, students are introduced to the principles of design through science, technology, engineering and mathematics.   

Technology Education – Grade 5
Students in Grade 5 are scheduled for a ½ year technology course.  Students earn credit toward middle school (5-8) requirements.

Accessing Google Classroom from Home (on a non-school issued device): 

Step 1:  Sign in to your Google account by typing in accounts.google.com  into your web browser and clicking the blue sign in button in the upper right corner of the screen. 

Make sure you are in the correct student account.

Username= lastnamefirstnamemiddleinitial

For example: John Thomas Smith is smithjohnt

(if @lancasterschools.org is not already filled in you must include that as well ex:smithjohnt@lancasterschools.org)

K-3 Password= Student ID number (located in the Parent Portal)

Grades 5-12 use the same password as last year.

*If information is already filled in, or if you are having trouble logging in from home, make sure all other Google accounts are signed out before you log in. If they aren’t, you won’t be able to log in. To do this click on the Google Account Icon in the upper right corner and choose “Sign out of all accounts”.  Then proceed to log in with your Lancaster School credentials. 

Step 2:  Access Google classroom by typing classroom.google.com or choosing Classroom from the Google Apps ‘waffle’ located in the upper right corner of your screen.

Step 3:  Select the class you would like to access.

An evening Award Assembly (June 11th - 5:30 pm & 7:00 pm - students are assigned by their last name) is held in June for Grade 6 students and their parents. Parents are notified through the mail if their child is invited to attend. This event is by invitation only.  We are unable to accommodate changes in assigned times.

Fever and Illness
Please refrain from sending your child to school for 24 hours after a fever of >100.5 is resolved without the use of fever reducing medications, or after vomiting. 

Health Questionnaire and Emergency Form
Forms are distributed during the first week of school (upon entrance for new students during the year).  Please fill each form out in its entirety.   It is important to list emergency contacts that are available during the day if parents are not reachable.  If there are changes of address, phone numbers, health status, etc. during the school year, please notify the Health Office.

Immunizations
6th Grade:  Students who are entering 6th grade and who are 11 years of age or older must receive an immunization containing tetanus toxoids, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap). This is required by the first day of school.  Students who are 10 years old and entering 6th grade will not be required to receive the Tdap until they turn 11 years old.  At that time, they must provide documentation of a booster dose of Tdap or provide proof of an appointment for the booster dose within 14 days.  Your child will be excluded from school if not immunized by the appropriate date, until he/she is in compliance. Please check with your child’s pediatrician to be sure they are up to date.  

Medications
All medications that students take in school (prescription or over the counter) require physician’s orders and written parent permission to be on file in the Health Office.  All medications must be brought in to the Health Office by a parent and picked up at the end of the school year by a parent. Students are not allowed to carry or transport medications on them unless specified by a Medical doctor to self-carry.  

Physical Education Notes/Crutches/Wheelchair/Elevator 
Parents may write a note for medical reasons for their child to miss up to three consecutive days of physical education class.  If there is a need for the student to miss more than the three days, a physician note will be required.  The physician should specify the reason and the duration that he/she will be out of physical education class. Please instruct your child to bring these notes directly to the Health Office.  Physician notes are required for the use of any ambulatory aid, wheelchair, or elevator.  The physician should specify the reason for and the duration of that equipment. Students not participating in physical education will not be allowed to participate in outdoor activities that include but are not limited to: field, track meet, and/or recess.

Physicals
New Student - Every new student entering the district is required to submit documentation of a current physical conducted by a NYS MD/NP or PA. A current physical is one dated within a year of the first day entering the new school.  If documentation is not submitted within 30 days, the student will be scheduled to receive a physical by the school physicians in November or in the Spring.  

5th Grade Physicals
New York State Education Law requires that a physical be done on all students entering 5th Grade in the Fall. A current physical is one that is dated within one year of the first day of school.  If a physical is not submitted, the school physician will give the student a physical in school in November.

6th Grade Sports Physicals
New York State Education Law requires that a physical be done on all students entering 7th Grade in the Fall.  In addition, to be eligible to participate in the interscholastic sports program at the Middle School, all students must have a current physical on file in the health office prior to the start of the season. All physicals, including sports mandated or working paper physicals MAY be done by your child’s private physician. Physicals are valid for a period of 12 months through the last day of the month in which the physical was conducted.  No student will be allowed to try out for any sport without a valid physical on file – no exceptions.  

During the month of June, Grade 6 students are scheduled to participate in the Impact/Concussion Test during one of their physical education classes. This test fulfills one of the requirements for students participating in a Modified/JV and/or Varsity sport at Lancaster Middle/High School.

ImPact is a computerized exam utilized in many professional, collegiate, and high school sports programs across the country to successfully diagnose and manage concussions. The computerized exam is given to athletes before beginning contact sport practice or competition. If a concussion is suspected, the athlete will be required to retake the test.  Both the preseason and post-injury test data is given to our Chief School Physician to help evaluate the injury. the administration, coaching and athletic training staff are striving to keep your child’s health and safety at the forefront of the student athletic experience.

Students who fail to provide a current physical and complete the in school and Impact/Concussion Test will not be allowed to participate on any interscholastic team.

Screenings

Students are not permitted to be dropped off before their assigned time. Advisors will designate the drop off location and time.  Due to safety and security, students are prohibited from going to their locker before their scheduled morning class/activity.

Live announcements are posted on our school’s website under the activities tab Live Announcements. William Street School’s newsletters are emailed on a monthly basis through school messenger. Parents who do not have access to a computer can pick up a copy in the main office, if needed.  District approved informational flyers from the school, PTO, and community organizations are available online through our Virtual Backpack located in the activities tab. Additional information can be found on the following:  District Calendar, William Street School Twitter and William Street School Facebook Page -  The Sanctioned William Street School.

Each commons, as well as the hallways near the gymnasiums and main entrances, will have labeled “Lost & Found” totes. When students realize they’re missing something, these totes should be the first place to check. Commons totes will be emptied weekly, with items being transferred to a centralized school-wide lost & found location (location TBD). The centralized lost & found  shelves will be emptied at the end of each quarter, with unclaimed items in suitable condition being donated to the Lancaster Youth Bureau.

William Street School students participate in the following NYS Assessments:         

All NYS Assessments are Computer-Based Testing.

The Parent Portal provides you with 24/7 access to your child’s academic information.  The following information is available: report card (most recent report card that was sent home) and attendance for the current school year. Your child’s student identification number is required to register. The student identification number can be found on your child’s ID card and is located on your child’s report card.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for December 4th (12:05 PM - 7:30 PM) and December 5th (8:00AM- 3:25PM). These conferences are a valuable opportunity for you to discuss your child's progress, ask questions, and collaborate with the teachers to create a plan for continued success.

Online Sign-Up Information: To make the scheduling process convenient for you, we have set up an online sign-up system. The sign-up window will open on September 12th at 9:00AM and will close on November 26th.    Please visit our school website and use the provided links to select your preferred time slot. This ensures that you have the opportunity to choose a time that best fits your schedule. 

To schedule a conference time, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the Lancaster Central School District website.
2. Navigate to the "Schools" section and click on William Street School.
3. In the upper right-hand corner, select "Updates" to access the sign-up information.

For conference scheduling:

• Grades 4 and 5: Please schedule a time with your child's homeroom teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
• Grade 6: Use this time to meet with any of your child's teachers if you have questions or concerns.

Additionally, all parents of students in grades 4-6 may schedule extra conference times with special area teachers (AIS, Art, Music, Physical Education, Special Education providers, Technology, and Writing). Please keep in mind that the following courses are offered as half-year (grades 4/5) or 10-week courses (grade 6), and your child may not currently be enrolled in them:

• Grade 4: Writing & Art
• Grade 5: Art & Technology
• Grade 6: Art, Argument and Debate, Health, and Leadership

We want to ensure your time is valuable, so please choose the meetings that are most relevant to your child’s current courses. In addition, our social workers and psychologists are available if you have any concerns or would like to meet with them.

Your active participation in these conferences is highly encouraged as it fosters a strong partnership between home and school. We value your insights and look forward to discussing your child's achievements and areas for growth. We understand the significance of these meetings in addressing your child's progress and growth.

Fall Photos for all grade levels will be taken on October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Students will have their individual photos taken during their regularly scheduled Physical Education class.  Retakes are scheduled for November 18th. This day is intended for students who were absent during the original photo days or who require a retake.

Spring Photos are scheduled for March 25th and March 26th, 2026.

The William Street Parent Teacher Organization [PTO] is a committee of parents, administrators, and faculty representatives.  The primary goal of the PTO is to act as a facilitator in fostering positive relationships between families and the school.  The secondary goal of the PTO is to raise funds to enhance student experiences and help make the William Street School the great place it is for our children.  The PTO Executive Committee consists of a treasurer, parents, a teacher representative from each grade level, and William Street School Administrators. The PTO tries to limit the number of fundraisers throughout the year to include the Membership Drive, the Fall Sale and the Spring Sale.  Funds raised have enabled the PTO to provide financial assistance for some class activities and school-wide events.

2025-26 PTO Meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Media Center on the following dates:

• September 16th
• November 18th
• January 13th
• March 10th
• May 12th

Parent Volunteer Application:  Volunteer Application

Alternate Transportation
The purposes of the transportation program is to transport students to and from school, field trips, and to transport those requiring such other transportation services as may be necessary to fulfill clearly identified needs related to the educational goals of the District.  

Long Term Alternate

• The students must be eligible for transportation services.
• In the case of a non-licensed day care center, the alternate address must be within the attendance area of the child’s school.
• Only one alternate address will be accepted in addition to the residence.
• Alternate addresses must utilize an existing stop on an existing bus route.
• Space must be available on the bus.
• A request must be filed at the school of attendance at least five days prior to the effective date.

Daily or Emergency Alternate

• This request must be in writing and approved by the Principal or designee of the school the child attends.
• The request will include name, address, and phone number where the parent can be reached as well as name, address, and phone number of the person at the alternate address.

Note: Daily alternative transportation should be reserved for emergency purposes only.  Please refrain from requesting transportation to accommodate after school play dates.  Your cooperation is appreciated.  

E-Door Pick Up Procedure
Parents are not permitted to enter William Street School grounds/parking lots prior to 3:00 pm when picking up their child for end of the day dismissal.  Parent(s) are permitted to park in the “D” lot after 3:00 pm.  All parent(s) picking up their child(ren) are required to remain in their vehicle until the end of the day when the bell rings (3:10 pm).  At the sound of the bell or 3:10 pm, parent(s) are directed to proceed to the door corresponding to their child’s grade level for pick up:  Grade 4 # 39 and Grades 5 & 6 # 38.  Parent(s) are required to wait outside during the pick up process and must show identification to the school staff when requested prior to staff releasing the child to their parent(s).  William Street School will not release a student to a non-custodial parent without the custodial parent’s consent.  It is the parent’s responsibility to inform the school if and when the child may be released to an individual other than the custodial parent. 

Upon entering WSS: 


Upon exiting WSS: 

Early Dismissal
To assist with dismissing your child, please submit a note ahead of time or contact the main office prior to 2:00 pm to identify to whom the child will be released. Remember:  Identification is required.  Parents picking up children between the hours of 8:40 am and 2:45 pm should use the main office entrance.  Parents picking up children for dismissal from 3:10 pm – 3:15 pm, please use the E-door entrance.

Report Cards are available ONLY on the Parent Portal Website.  We encourage all parents to take part in the parent portal. First time Parent Portal user registration can be completed via: https://parentportal.wnyric.org/Register.aspx 

Please visit the Parent Portal Information page on the William Street School site for more details: https://www.lancasterschools.org/registration/parent-portal-information

William Street School has a school-wide Safety Team.  The Safety Team meets during the school year to review procedures, update, and educate members on current guidelines, and plans/implements safety drills.  Faculty, staff, and students will participate in the following drills during the school year:

Who makes the decision?
The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for the final decision based on factors and recommendations from the director of transportation.

Lancaster Central School District Automated Call System/Email
Lancaster Central School District has subscribed to School Messenger. The Lancaster Central School District may use the alert system to communicate with the public in cases where prompt notice to protect life, health, or property is advantageous. Upon registration through the district, primary residential phone numbers are listed in the system.   Please contact the District Office to add/delete phone numbers for this system. To receive up to date information through school messenger parents are responsible for maintaining correct email addresses and phone numbers.

Parents are not permitted to enter William Street School grounds/parking lots prior to 8:00 am when dropping off their child for morning drop off at the E-door. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance. If you need assistance with school-sponsored transportation please call (716) 686-3290.

Students arriving after 8:45 am are tardy and a note is required prior to going to class and must enter through the main front door, #1. 

All students are assigned a school locker for their personal items. Students are required to purchase a lock from William Street School if they lose/misplace their school lock provided by their K-3 PTO.  New students to Lancaster Central School District are required to purchase a lock. Please remind your child to refrain from sharing their combination as well as to keep their locker locked at all times. William Street is not responsible for items lost and/or stolen from unsecured lockers. Replacement locks cost $6.25 and can be purchased in the Main Office.

Information regarding your child’s educational and emotional needs is collected and analyzed to ensure your child’s placement is appropriate.  The process is timely. However, all placements are made in the best interest of the child.  Please refrain from requesting a specific teacher for your child. Student placement can be accessed through the parent portal the first week of August. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

With every right comes a responsibility:

Academic Intervention Service
Academic Intervention Services [AIS] are designed to help students achieve the New York State Learning Standards.  This is accomplished through additional instruction that supports the general curriculum or by addressing barriers to improve academic performance.  In addition to NYS Assessments, to qualify a student for AIS the following steps are taken prior to receiving services:

• Individual classroom teacher refers a student to an initial MTSS meeting
• Classroom teacher implements research-based strategies and interventions to address student concern [academic / behavioral / social / emotional]
• Classroom teacher documents progress through data and additional information
• Classroom teacher revisits student at MTSS meeting
• MTSS Team recommends referral to MTSS Tier II meeting
• MTSS Tier II meeting recommends higher intensity of services, if warranted

Multi -Tiered System of Supports
Multi-Tiered System of Supports [MTSS] is a process which includes the provision of systematic, research-based instruction and interventions to struggling learners. 

MTSS is designed as an early intervention to address academic, behavioral, and/or social concerns. The MTSS process begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening of all children in the general education classroom.  Once a child has been identified as struggling they will receive specialized intervention(s) in his/her classroom. If the child hasn’t shown growth the teacher and the MTSS team will meet to problem-solve more intense interventions. The MTSS team will suggest increasingly intense interventions and even work to identify a learning disability if the child doesn’t show progress. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher if you are concerned or have questions regarding your child’s progress at William Street School.

School Social Workers
The school social worker is a vital member of the student support team who helps promote the academic and emotional well-being of all students.  They provide consultation and support to staff, students, and families around a wide range of needs including cognitive, developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional concerns.  School social workers collaborate with teachers and caregivers to develop strategies that foster student success both in and out of the classroom.  They also assist with referrals to our Family Support Center, helping connect families with community-based services and outside resources as needed.

Your child’s teacher has a supply list and/or welcome letter specific to their classroom.  To access the supply list/welcome letter, please go to www.lancasterschools.org and select William Street School.  Supply lists are located under the “Our School” tab.  All teacher supply lists/welcome letters are also available in the main office. 

Supplies may be available for those experiencing financial hardship by contacting the Lancaster Youth Bureau at 716-684-4444.

The following rules apply to visitors to the schools:

• Anyone who is not a regular, district staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.
• Any visitor who wishes to enter the school must call ahead and obtain prior approval to enter the building.  
• In case of student illness, the Health Office will notify parents directly.
• Visitors are required to “buzz” the main office (buzzer located on the right side of main entrance doors).  Visitors are required to state their name and purpose of the visit prior to being “buzzed” into the main foyer.
• Once in the main foyer, Visitors are required to produce and submit photo identification to be held by the main office staff during your visitation.  Visitors will be required to sign the visitor’s register, wear a dated visitor badge, and follow specific building procedures.  Visitors are to immediately report to the area of their stated business and promptly leave the building through the main entrance where, at that point, photo identification will be returned when visitation is completed.  Signs notifying visitors to report first to the school office shall be prominently posted in each school building in the District.  

The William Street School’s policies and procedures on visitors and public conduct on school property are in compliance with the Lancaster Central School District’s Code of Conduct. For the complete Code of Conduct please refer to The Lancaster Central School District’s Code of Conduct at the following link:https://www.lancasterschools.org/district/code-of-conduct

We encourage students to use clear/shatterproof water bottles with a top that closes completely.  Water bottles should not have straws and should not exceed 24 oz. of water.  Water bottles must contain water only. Students that have water bottles that do not comply with these guidelines or interfere with the educational process may be asked to store them in their lockers.