Important Phone Numbers                  Page 34

As you leaf through these pages of information and regulations, you may wonder, "How did it all begin?"

We must thank two factors -a wonderful lady, Jennie E. Hewitt, and a rapid growth period in Rockville Centre schools in the 1920’s. Miss Hewitt joined the school district in 1899 as a first grade teacher. She grew to become one of the best loved and most highly respected educators to serve the district.

The community, foreseeing a shortage of classrooms due to a rapid population growth in the 1920's, purchased a parcel of land on the corner of Hempstead and DeMott Avenues. The property formerly belonged to Lillian H. Funk of Schenectady, New York.

At a special meeting held January 11, 1927, a bond issue providing for the erection of a new building on the site was approved 321 to 12. Hewitt School was completed in the fall of 1928, with three tennis courts added to the playground in 1929.

With the untimely death of Jennie E. Hewitt, the new school was named in her honor. Today, you can view the plaque dedicating the school in her name in the school’s main entrance.

As Rockville Centre continued to grow, additions to Hewitt were added in October 1933 and February 1950. Our newest addition took place in 1998.

Q. How and when did Mrs. Joanne Spencer become our present principal?

A. In 1925 to 1934, Mr. Clifford Grimm served as principal for all Rockville Centre elementary schools.

After his death, Mrs. Amy Heisler, a teacher at Wilson School, replaced him. Mrs. Heisler served as principal of Hewitt until 1969, when she retired. Dr. David Long, who had been principal of both Watson and Riverside Schools since 1965, became principal of Hewitt. Dr. Long remained principal until he retired in 1988.

Our present principal, Mrs. Joanne Spencer, was appointed his successor. Mrs. Spencer taught for sixteen years in the Half Hollow Hills School District. She was an assistant principal for two years in the Three Village School District. In 1988, she replaced Dr. Long.

Q. What time does school start?

A. The school day officially starts at 9:00 AM with the first bell ringing at 8:50 AM in the morning. Children line up at marked locations on the DeMott Avenue side of Hewitt at 8:50 AM and are escorted to their classrooms by their teachers when that initial bell rings.

Q. How early can I drop off my child at school?

A. For grades K through fifth, two aides are on yard duty at 8:45 AM.

Q. Where does my child go to line up?

A. Classroom numbers dictate where the children line up. Classroom numbers 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,26,27,28,29 line up on the DeMott Avenue side of the building by the numbers indicated on the walkway. Classroom numbers1,2,3,4,5,6,21,22,23,24,25 line up on the Hempstead Ave. side of the building.

Q. Where does my child wait in the rain?

A. In the rain, children go directly into the building at the appropriate grade level door. They wait in the stairway lobby until the first bell rings and are supervised by an aide.

Q. What if my child is late?

A. A child is considered late after the second bell has rung at 9:00 AM. Between the initial bell and the late bell (8:50-9:00 AM), a child is permitted to enter the building at the appropriate grade level door and go directly to the classroom.

A child arriving after the last bell has rung should enter the school through the main entrance on Hempstead Avenue. The child will have to ring the buzzer in order to gain entrance to the building. That child should then go directly to the nurse's office so that he/she can be marked present on the class attendance card.

Q. What time will my child be dismissed from school?

A. The dismissal bells rings at 3:26 PM to end the school day. Children exit the school from the assigned doors closest to their classrooms. The kindergarten children leave through the main doors on Hempstead Avenue. Children, (grades 1-5) whose classrooms are on the DeMott side of the building, exit through the main entrance. Children, whose classes are on the Hempstead side of the school, exit through the front door adjacent to the auditorium.

It is the parents' responsibility to be at school to pick up his/her child at these dismissal times or to make alternate arrangements for each child. Children should be instructed to return to the main office if the person they are to go home with is not waiting for them at dismissal time.

Q. When the school is closed for half-day, what time is dismissal?

A. Dismissal time for half-days is 11:43 AM.

Q. How do I know if the school is open during inclement weather?

A. The PTA has implemented an optional phone chain whereby every parent will be notified early in the morning if the school has closed. Parents are NOT required to participate in the phone chain. Alternative information sources include the school channel (Channel 69), local television stations (Channel 12), numerous radio stations or the RVC School District website located at www.rvcschools.org/.

Q. How are parents notified if the school has to close early in emergency situations?

A. The school channel broadcasts emergency information. Wherever possible, parents would be called to inform them. Under NO circumstances would students be released without proper adult supervision available.

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Q. How will I know if my child is eligible for bus transportation or not?

A. Transportation by bus will be provided for those children who live more than 8/10 of a mile from Hewitt School. After registering your child at Shepherd Street, you will automatically be notified by mail in August if your child qualifies for bus service. The letter will inform you of the bus stop nearest your home and the approximate time for pick up at that stop. If you have any questions, you may call the Director of Transportation at 255-8931.

Q. How will my child know what to do when he/she gets off the bus on the first day of school?

A. Hewitt personnel will greet each arriving bus on Hempstead Avenue. Your child will be directed to line up with his/her class.

Q. How does Hewitt dismiss bus children?

A. Bus children leave class and report to the art room, auditorium or library. They are supervised by an aide and teacher assistants and dismissed in an orderly fashion when the buses arrive. Pick up is also on Hempstead Avenue. For safety reasons, therefore, no cars are permitted to park on Hempstead Avenue.

Q. What if I want to pick up my child myself or if he/she wants to go home with a friend?

A. Children who ride the bus will need written permission from a parent if they are not going to take the bus home at dismissal. This note should be given to the classroom teacher. Children may only ride the bus to which they are assigned.

Q. If my child will be walking to and from school, are there any crossing guards to help him/her to cross-busy streets?

A. There is a crossing guard before school, at lunchtime, and after school to cross the children at the DeMott and Hempstead Avenues intersection.

Please review the importance of crossing DeMott Avenue at East Gate or Hempstead Avenue. It creates a very dangerous situation if children walk between cars to cross the street.

Q. If I want to drive my child to and from school, where do I drop off and pick up him/her?

A. Caution and courtesy should be exercised when parking near Hewitt. Please be aware of our neighbors’ property. Do not block driveways or park on the curb. Parents should not use Hewitt's rear parking lot as it is closed from 8:40-9:00 AM and from 3:20-3:30 PM. With children walking through that area at arrival and dismissal times, moving vehicles would be dangerous. The limited numbers of parking spaces in that area are for the faculty and staff who arrive earlier and leave later than the students.

Please remember to refrain from using the cut-ins in front of Hewitt during arrival and dismissal times because they are created for our buses. Finally, please avoid driving into the dead end streets adjacent to the school to drop off and/or pick up students.

Q. Is there a drop off zone at Hewitt?

A. A Drop Off Zone exists along DeMott Avenue.  Cones will mark each of the outer borders. School staff members will be responsible for the area to insure the safety of the children as parents pull to the curb, allowing children to exit the vehicle, and escort them to the line area behind the fence by School Safety Leaders in the fifth grade. There is no parking in the Drop Off Zone in the morning.

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Q. Where should I drop off something my child forgot at home (i.e. his/her lunch)?

A. You will need to gain entrance through the rear entrance by ringing the buzzer. There is a table there where you may drop off any labeled items that your child expects. Children are directed to check the table for any missing items like lunch or musical instruments before the scheduled event. Otherwise, report to the front desk where an aide will assist you in getting your item to your child.

Q. What happens if I should need to talk to Mrs. Spencer about a particular subject?

A. Call Mrs. Voigt at 255-8913 to make an appointment to speak to Mrs. Spencer in the office. If you wish her to return your call, give the relevant information to the staff member answering the telephone and she will return your call as soon as possible.

Q. What is the policy of entering the building to report to a classroom with teacher permission for a planned event?

A. Color-coded badges will be available at the desk in the hallway. Report to the staff member at the desk, sign in, and you’ll be assisted so you can get to your destination on time.

Q. What is the policy of parents helping out at school related PTA functions during school hours (i.e. lunch helpers)?

A. Parents are welcomed to help at PTA functions. However, they are asked to follow the procedures outlined above. No preschoolers may accompany the adult in large group events such as lunch helpers. If you’re uncertain about when preschoolers can attend events, by all means ask school personnel. The school is responsible for a safe, orderly environment for their students and visitors alike.

Hewitt will develop a list of expected guests (i.e. pizza volunteers, etc) to expedite their sign-in. It has been requested that if groups of volunteers are needed in the school during school hours (i.e., class mothers, PTA programs, etc.), the days and times be cleared with the main office or Mrs. Spencer a few days prior to ensure that there are no conflicts with testing days or other school functions.

Q. Does the Rockville Centre School District have a website address?

A. You can view the RVC School District website at www.rvcschools.org/. The Hewitt’s PTA website is available at www.oocities.org/hewittpta. Please feel free to use this site as it contains lots of useful information on events and act ivies for the current month, as well as printable forms that you might require for your child.

Q. What happens when a child breaks a school rule?

A. Hewitt has a zero tolerance for fighting, inappropriate behaviors towards other children and/or adults, and bullying. Student consequences are determined by the severity and frequency of the interaction. A letter is sent home to the parents informing them of the problem.

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Q. What is the six-day cycle at Hewitt?

A. This is the pattern of days that your child will follow to know what days they have special classes. Always check your school calendar to determine what number day of the cycle it is. The dates are numbered one through six respectively.

Q. What are special classes?

A. Special classes are gym, art, music, library book exchange, STELLAR and musical instruments.

Q. How often does my child have these classes and how will I know?

A. At the beginning of the school year, your child will receive either a written or oral report on which days they have each of their special classes. Their classroom teachers provide this information.

Gym is held three days in every six-day cycle. Music is conducted two days in every six-day cycle. Art classes occur one day in every six-day cycle. Library and stellar schedules vary in length and may consist of both small or entire group instruction.

Q. Is there any special equipment my child will need for these classes?

A. Yes, in gym they are required to wear a tee shirt, shorts without buttons or zippers, white socks (preferred) and sneakers (laces or Velcro closure). On cooler days, they are permitted to wear sweat suits or long shirts. No clothes with buttons or zippers are allowed. No jewelry is to be worn to gym class.

For art, a smock or old shirt is needed.

Q. At what grade level does my child start these classes?

A. All specials are held for first through fifth grades. Kindergarteners will receive all special instructions in art, music and physical education by their regular classroom teacher.

Q. Are there additional supplemental programs?

A. There is reading recovery, guided reading and writing and math support.

Q. What composes the music program?

A. First grade through the fifth grade, students receive general music classes. Third grade students receive recorder lessons in addition to general music. Fourth and fifth graders sing as part of the chorus in the winter and spring concerts.

Q. When may my child learn to play a musical instrument?

Starting in third grade, your child will be given the opportunity to learn a string instrument (cello, bass violin, viola). In fourth grade, your child will be able to learn a band instrument (brass, woodwind or percussion). The school provides instruments with a nominal rental fee. Instructions are given to the child on one assigned day during the six-day cycle. The child leaves the classroom for the instruction. Given the child’s level of expertise he/she may join the school orchestra or band. Two evening concerts (winter and spring) are presented to the parents along with the fourth and fifth grade chorus. There are also an annual All District Concerts for Orchestra, Band and Chorus for students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency.

Q. What is "NYSSMA" and how does my child apply?

A. NYSSMA stands for New York State School Music Association. The NYSSMA program provides staudents with the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in vocal or instrumental music before a judge. The judging takes place once each year in the spring. Applications will be provided by your child's music teacher for submission well in advance of the performance dates. See the NYSSMA website at http://www.nyssma.org or speak to your child's music teacher for more information.

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Q. What grades are included at Hewitt? 

A. Students in grades kindergarten through fifth attend Hewitt.

Q. How many classes of each grade are at Hewitt?

A. Presently, there are three or four classes in each grade at Hewitt. This increases or decreases, depending on school enrollment.

Q. How many students are in each class?

A. This varies according to enrollment, but the district attempts to use the following guidelines for class size:

Kindergarten                                25 students

First Grade                                   25 students

Second Grade                               25 students

Third Grade                                  27 students

Fourth Grade                                28 students

Fifth Grade                                  28 students

Q. When will my child bring home a report card?

A. Look on your district calendars for the specific dates that report cards are sent home.

Q. What do I do with the report card after I review it?

A. The progress report comes in an envelope. It is the envelope that gets signed and returned with your child for the marking periods. The actual report is for you to keep.

Q. When do I meet with my child's teacher to discuss his/her progress?

A. Parents have a right to request a conference with their child's teacher at anytime during the year. However, formal conferences are scheduled at the end of the first and third marking periods.

Q. Is there any help with homework after school for students?

A. "Homework Helper" is a program staffed by high school volunteers. The program is open to first grade students by teacher recommendations.

The goal of the program is to provide students in need with structure and other assistance with homework. It will not be a tutoring session but may help provide better understanding of and insight into homework for children and/or parents.

The school has implemented the following drills in guidelines with New York State/RVC District policy:

1. Fire Drills

2. Disaster/Emergency Drills

3. Stranger Drills

Certain Hewitt procedures, such as sign-in policies fosters safety in our schools for all students. For further information about the above drills, please contact the school principal.

Q. What does it mean when the school is in a “lock-down” situation?

A. If there is a dangerous situation in the vicinity of Hewitt, all entrances to the school are locked and visitors will not be permitted in the building. If an intruder enters the building, all students are brought into classrooms and all doors are locked.

Q. When can my child ride his/her bicycle to school?

A. Children in the 4th and 5th grades are permitted to ride their bicycles to school. Helmets are mandatory.

Q. Where would my child keep her/his bicycle during the school day?

A. Bicycle racks are located on the DeMott Avenue side and the back of the school. Children should bring their own locks and be capable of securing their bicycles.

Q. Are scooters or roller sneakers permitted in the school?

A. Scooters and roller sneakers are not permitted in the school.

A group of 5th grade students has been chosen at random to participate in this program, which includes both bus students and walkers. Bus Safety Patrol assists younger students to their assigned seats, reminds riders to use seatbelts and encourages order on the buses. Walker Safety Patrol assists aides at arrival/dismissal time and also encourages safety and order.

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Q. When and where do the children eat lunch?

A. One of the unique features of Hewitt School is that it does not have a cafeteria. In order to provide a safe and pleasant lunchtime experience for your child, lunchtime periods are staggered. There will be two lunch periods scheduled for the new school year. Period 1 is from 11:00 to 11:50. Period 2 is from 11:55 to 12:45.

A mandatory 20-minute minimum lunchtime is required of all students before they are released for recess.

Q. Who supervises my child during lunchtime?

Aides supervise the children during lunchtime. This year, we have lunchroom aides and playground aides.  The same aide is responsible for your child during recess each day.

Q. May I take my child home for lunch?

A. The child should come to school with a note signed by a parent or guardian stating the child will be going out for lunch. The child will be released through the main school entrance. The child should return at the end of their lunch period through the same entrance.

Q. Can my child buy lunch at school?

 A. There is no food preparation facility at Hewitt School and therefore, lunch is not sold on a daily basis. The children should bring their lunch from home. However, low-fat and regular milk is sold on a monthly basis. A milk order form is sent home two weeks prior to the start of the new month.

PTA does offer special lunch days including pizza, bagels, hot dogs, chicken tenders, ice cream, and cookies. See the PTA monthly calendar for further details. A new order form is available on a monthly basis. Click me to go to the Lunch Menu.

Q. Who has snack time?

A. Snack is left to the discretion of the classroom teacher. It is always recommended that the snack be a fruit, vegetable or other healthy snack.

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Q. Is there a school nurse and how can I reach her?

A. Hewitt does have a school nurse who is located in the Health Office on the first floor. Her phone number is 255-8914.

Q. What do I do if my child is too ill to attend school?

A. Call the nurse's office before 9:00 AM to inform her of your child's absence. Parents can also call illness or absences in on the Absentee Hotline # 393-5202 (any time day or night). When your child is ready to return to school, send him/her in with an excused absence note addressed to the classroom teacher.

Q. What should my child do if he/she feels ill during school hours?

A. Your child should tell the classroom teacher he/she is ill. The teacher will suggest a visit to the school nurse. The nurse will talk to the child and take his/her temperature. Perhaps she will have the child rest. If she feels it is necessary, she will phone you to come pick up your child. Emergency contact cards are on file for each child for this purpose. The alternate names listed will be contacted if you cannot be reached. When you come into the school, stop in the entrance desk to fill out the sign-out sheet. Then proceed to the Health Office.

Q. If my child has a contagious disease, is there something special I should do?

A. When you call to notify the nurse of your child's absence, let her know the nature of the illness and ask her about the recommended period of absence. If applicable, she may need to notify the parents of the other children in the class.

Q. If someone in my child's class has a contagious disease, will I be notified?

A. You will be notified for some cases, such as chicken pox. It is important for you to let the nurse know when your child has a contagious disease.

Q. What about head lice?

A. If you find head lice on your child, do not panic! Call the school nurse. The nurse keeps the identity of the student confidential. She will not notify the other parents but she will examine all the children in your child's class. If necessary, she will then advise parents of the appropriate treatment. This procedure would apply to siblings and their classmates as well.

Q. Are any medical forms needed by the nurse?

A. When your child first registers at school, the main office will give you a green physical form, an immunization card, and an emergency card to be filled out and kept in the Health Office. New York Education Law requires a physical examination of all newly enrolled students and students in first, third, fifth, seventh and tenth grades. All of these examinations may be done by your own medical provide. However, if not, the school physician or the school nurse practitioner will provide this service

An updated emergency card also needs to be completed each year.

Q. Are any tests performed by the school nurse?

A. Before your child enters kindergarten, the nurse will test his/her hearing and eyesight.

In the third, fourth, and fifth grades, the children are screened for scoliosis during their gym period. If there are any problems, you will be notified immediately either by phone (for hearing problems) or by mail.

Q. What should I do if my child needs to take medication during school hours?

A. The nurse has a special form that needs to be completed by your physician. It requests the name of the medication, the indications and the dosage. The parent also must write a note asking the nurse to administer the medication. All medication must be in the original bottle with the name and dose label. All medications must be kept in the nurse's office.

Q. What should I do if my child needs to be exempt from gym for a while?

A. If your child cannot participate in gym activities due to a cast, stitches, etc., a note from your doctor and you is required. More importantly, when the child is to resume activities, he/she must have a note from your physician.

Q. Does the school offer any program regarding human sexuality?

A. Yes. In the fifth grade, you and your child will be able to participate in a program entitled "Growing Up and Feeling Good".

Q. Is there any other information the Health Office should have about my child?

A. The nurse tries to keep detailed records on your child's growth and development. If there is any information you feel is pertinent to your child (i.e.: divorce, death in the family), please let the nurse know.

Remember, the nurse is your resource in the school building for any medical questions or concerns.

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Q. How does Hewitt School celebrate Halloween?

A. Hewitt students have a traditional Halloween Parade. The children dress up in their costumes after lunch. Some children carry their costumes to school, while others go home for lunch and return fully costumed. Both students and teachers march the parade route, consisting of the streets circling the school. Parents are encouraged to come watch the parade, which begins after lunch. Following the parade, there may be individual parties in the classrooms at the teacher’s discretion.

Q. May my child celebrate his/her birthday in school?

A. Yes, you may bring in cupcakes, or another snack, along with juice, cups and napkins on any grade level. Please let your child's teacher know of your intentions a few days in advance.

Q. What other celebrations are held in school?

A. Any other class parties (such as Thanksgiving, Winter Holidays, Spring Holidays, etc,) are left up to the discretion of the individual teachers. Parties are planned in conjunction with the class parents.

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Q. What after school activities and clubs are available at Hewitt?

A. Hewitt offers a variety of activities that may be of interest to your child. They include:

1. After School Athletics - are available to children in grades four and five. The gym teacher meets with them after school for athletics in the gym. A late bus is available for children who participate in this activity.

2. Newspaper/Technology Club – Open to 4th and 5th graders. The Club collects literary pieces written by the Hewitt students. They publish and distribute their newspapers to the entire school.

3. Drama Club – Students perform a play in June. Practices and tryouts are announced by the advisor.

4.Student Council - Open to first through fifth grade students. The emphasis is on fundraising activities to meet the needs of those less fortunate than we are.

5. Math Olympiads – This program is a problem-solving program that teaches creative thinking to fourth and fifth graders.

Q. Do classes go on field trips?

A. Each class has approximately two field trips a year. Parent participation is always appreciated. Inform your child’s teacher if you are interested in accompanying the class on a trip. Written permission as well as fees for transportation is required for each trip.

Children must wear their Hewitt T-shirts on all class trips, unless otherwise instructed.

Q. What is "Project GREAT"?

A. "Project GREAT" stands for "General Response to Enhance After-School Time". It is a before and after-school child care for working parents run by the school district. It provides supervised child-care for working parents of elementary school age children.

Hewitt children in grades K-5 will be able to attend school at 7:00 AM until the start of the regular school day. A.M. Great will be open every day that school is open. A small breakfast will be supplied each day as part of this program. There is a monthly fee for the program based on the number of days per week that your child attends. Registration is limited.

"PM GREAT" operates from the close of the school at 3:26 PM until 6:30 PM. Its purpose is to provide a safe, caring environment for those children who might otherwise be faced with going home to an empty house. For a detailed brochure and/or registration forms for either of these programs call 255-8953 or inquire at the main office.

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Q. What is the function of the PTA?

A. The aim of the Parent Teacher Association is to establish a good home, school, and community relationship in order that parents and teachers can effectively work together for the complete development of the child. It strives to ensure adequate laws for the protection of our youth. It enables parents to become familiar with the educational policies of the school as well as with the curriculum and personnel of the school.

Q. How can I become a member of PTA?

A. You can become a member of PTA at any time.

Contact any officer of the PTA. On "Back To School Night" there are PTA representatives available to answer your questions and to provide you with the opportunity to enroll in the PTA. All individuals (male or female) are welcomed to join.

Q. How often does PTA meet?

A. The PTA usually holds its meetings once a month in the school library. Check your school calendar for the exact date and time each month. Everyone is always welcomed to attend.

Q. I may be interested in becoming an officer of the PTA. How can I get the necessary information? How often are elections held?

A. If you are interested in becoming an officer, contact any present officer. Elections are held annually in order to fill any available vacancies.

Q. How does the PTA raise money to attain its goals?

A. The major fundraisers for the PTA include but are not limited to:

1. The Hewitt Fair held every year on the school grounds

2. School pictures

3. Book Fair

4. Lunch food days

5. Flower sales

6. Membership

Q. What PTA committees can you join?

A. Please refer to the Hewitt PTA Committee Directory for a list of committees that interest you! A copy of the directory can be found at the main desk.

Q. How do you get information to the PTA for school wide distribution?

A. The PTA distributes a monthly packet to the school community with upcoming event information as well as a school monthly calendar highlighting important PTA events.

Q. What is the procedure for getting something included in the monthly PTA packet?

A. Speak to a PTA executive board member. The PTA uses the administration copy center to Xerox materials. The copy requires 5 days lead time for copy work from the time it is submitted at Hewitt School.

Q. I have heard that the fifth graders enjoy a trip each year. How is the money raised?

A. The parents of the fifth graders, in conjunction with the PTA, have many fundraisers throughout the year. These fundraisers include pizza days, as well as many other events during the year. Their goal is to raise funds to pay for the entire cost of the trip for each child.

Q. I have heard of SEPTA. What exactly is it?

A. SEPTA (Special Education PTA) is a district wide PTA separate from the school PTA. It concentrates on the needs of the children in the special education program. SEPTA holds its own fundraisers during the year in order to provide the children with materials specific to their needs.

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A.I.M. Acronym for the Arts in Motion committee, which is co-sponsored by the P.T.A. and the Board of Education. The purpose of the A.I.M. Committee is to enrich the cultural education of all students within RVC school district.

AM GREAT A before school site-based program that provides a safe environment for children grades K-5. The program runs from 7:00-9:00 AM.

COMPACT A site-based team composed of parents, students, teachers, support staff and principal who gather approximately once per month to address issues concerning the curriculum, communication, student assessments, building policies and procedures, and allocation of school resources. Meetings are open to all.

CORE I A self-contained class of children with special needs that provides a small student teacher ratio in a mainstream educational setting.

C.P.S.E. Acronym for Committee on Preschool Special Education. The purpose of this committee is to determine the educational needs of students, ages 3-4 years old, within the district that are suspected of having or have been identified as having disabilities.

C.S.E. Acronym for Committee on Special Education. The purpose of this committee is to determine the educational needs of students, grades K -12, within the district who are suspected of having or have been identified as having disabilities.

E.L.A. Standardized New York State tests given to students in the 4th grade.

E.S.L. Acronym for English as a second language.

GUIDED READING Guided Reading is a program to develop decoding and comprehension strategies in the primary grades. Each class comes to Guided Reading every other day for 40 minutes. The children are placed in small groups with other children at the same instructional level. Students work on their reading, writing, and spelling skills.

GUIDED WRITING The Guided Writing program is a small group, ability-based, instructional model provide three times in a six-day cycle. Within this program, 1st and 2nd graders have numerous opportunities to develop their writing skills in a variety of genres.

MEDIA CENTER Formerly known as the library, now also includes the computer lab.

O.T. Acronym for occupational therapy. These services are provided to students within the district through C.P.S.E./C.S.E..

GREAT PM An after school site-based program which provides a safe environment for children grades K-5. The program runs from the end of the school day until 6:30 PM. Children have the opportunity to work on homework, projects and are provided with a snack.

PULL OUT A term used to define when special educational services such as O.T., P. T., speech, etc., are provided in an environment other than the classroom.

PUSH IN A term used to define when special education services such as O.T., P.T., speech, etc., are provided within the classroom setting.

P.T. Acronym for physical therapy. These services are provided to students in the district through C.P.S.E./C.S.E.

P.T.A. Acronym for the Parent-Teacher Association. The P.T.A. aims to establish a good home-school relationship so that parents and teachers can work together effectively for the complete development of the child. P. T .A. has multiple committees that work towards accomplishing these goals. Hewitt P.T.A. is open to the entire Hewitt community.

READING RECOVERY Reading Recovery is an individualized reading and writing program for first graders who need additional support. Children work with one of the Reading Recovery teachers for 30 minutes every day. The children read books to practice strategies, make words, and write in journals to develop their literacy skills.

ROADDS Acronym for Rockville Centre Deficit Disorder Support. Originated as a support group for ADHD and currently encompasses all families with children with special needs. Starting this year in 2001/2002, SEPTA and ROADDS will be a joint venture.

RUBRIC A rubric is an assessment tool that is usually based on a four-point scale. Predetermined criterions are measured on this scale with four points being the highest score. A rubric is used to determine strengths and weaknesses in any subject area or any assignment.

S.E.P.T.A. Acronym for Special Education Parent-Teacher Association. S.E.P.T.A. is the P.T.A. which specifically focuses on children who need the additional support of special educational services. S.E.P.T.A's purpose is to support it's members by promoting a greater awareness of the special educational process, encouraging the understanding of individual student's needs, and striving to discover and implement ways of best meeting those needs. RVC S.E.P.T.A. is open to all members of the RVC school district.

STELLAR  Acronym for Success in Technology, Enrichment, Library, Literacy and Research. Library/Media Center works with each grade level on special projects.

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Hewitt School offers many special services for our children. Listed below are some of the services available.

Remedial Services

School Psychologist

Speech and Language Services

ESL (English As A Second Language)

Special Education

Social Worker

For detailed information on these services, you may refer to the Parent Handbook provided by the school district.

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