Richard E. Byrd School - School Announcements

	District Announcements Parent Contact Information New student registration 2012-13 HIB Information (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying) Safety Guidelines for Bicycling to School Byrd School Announcements Automatic External Defibrillator Fundraiser Please refer to the AED Flyer for information pertaining to the upcoming team jersey themed "Play it Safe" fundraiser taking place at Byrd School. April 30th Fire Alarm Memo Please refer to the April 30th Fire Alarm Memo for information pertaining to the events surrounding the fire alarm and evacuation that took place earlier this week. Byrd School named a "Reward School" Please refer to the following Ridgewood-Glenrock Patch article link discussing the NJ DOE's recent labeling of Byrd School as a "Highest Progress" performer in the state. Congratulations to Byrd School! Byrd Teacher of the Year Congratuations to Mr. Karcher, Byrd School's Teacher of the Year! Peanut Allergy Letter Please refer to the following Byrd School Peanut Letter for information pertaining to Byrd School snack policies. Integrated Pest Management Notice Please refer to the Byrd School Integrated Pest Management Notice for information regarding district protocal in compliance with the New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management Act. Recent Attempted Abductions Dear Parents, Please remind your children about what they should do if ever approached by a stranger. Over the past two weeks, there have been incidents in local towns in which an unidentified white male has attempted to lure female juveniles into his vehicle. The suspect descriptions from both incidents are very similar and are most likely related. The first incident occurred in Allendale on October 25, 2011 at approximately 3:30 pm. Two fifth grade girls were walking home from school on Dale Avenue, just off of West Orchard Street, when they were approached by a male operating a black vehicle. The operator of the vehicle was described as follows: a white male; 30 years old; short, dark hair; no facial hair. The male drove next to the girls and stated "I will give you $1000 for .....". The girls replied no thank you and the male stated, "Are you sure?" The male asked them several more times before they ran to their house and their parents contacted the police department. One of the girls described the suspect's vehicle as a black SUV "Suburban" type vehicle. The other girl described it as a black pick-up truck with a silver roll bar. The second incident occurred in Montvale on November 7, 2011 at approximately 3:30 pm. In this incident, an 11 year old girl was walking home from school on Akers Avenue, near Grand Avenue. She was approached by a white male operating a black, newer SUV. The driver was described as follows: 40 years old; thin build; scruffy beard; and wearing sun glasses. The suspect offered the girl $1000 for sexual favors, and then said "I promise you will like it." The girl then ran home and the police were contacted. If any school staff members or parents observe this vehicle, or report a similar incident, immediately report the incident to the Glen Rock Police Department via 911 or 201-3652-3800. For your own safety, do not approach this vehicle, but if it can be done safely, please write down a license plate if possible. Please consider taking proactive steps with your children and making this a learning opportunity. Unfortunately, an incident such as this can occur 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Therefore, we must reinforce, with our children, appropriate precautionary measures that should be taken at all times, not just the day after we receive a report. Tuesday, it was a black SUV, but tomorrow it could be a white sports car, and the next day somebody on foot. We must be smart at all times and not just heighten our alert for 48 to 72 hours. I encourage you to use this incident as an opportunity to speak with your children in an age-appropriate manner that will prepare them on how to react and how you feel it's suitable for your child to handle each and every situation. To help you with this conversation, I have included advice tips from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. Walk the route to and from school with your children, pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they're being followed or need help. Remind your children to go with a friend whenever they walk or bike to school. Caution children never to accept a ride from anyone unless in each instance you have told them it is OK to do so. Take your children on a walking tour of the neighborhood and tell them whose homes they may visit without you. Remind your children it's OK to say NO to anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused and teach your children to tell you if anything or anyone makes them feel this way. Teach your children to ask permission before leaving home. Remind your children not to walk or play alone outside. Teach your children to never approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they know the owner and are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult. Practice "what if" situations and ask your children how they would respond, for example: "What if you fell off your bike and you needed help? Who would you ask?" Teach your children to check in with you if there is a change of plans. During family outings, establish a central, easy-to-locate spot to meet for check-ins should you get separated. Teach your children how to locate help at theme parks, sports stadiums, shopping malls, and other public places. Also, identify those people who they can ask for help, such as uniformed law enforcement, security guards and store clerks with nametags. Help your children learn to recognize and avoid potential risks so they can deal with them if they happen. Teach your children that if anyone tries to grab them, they should make a scene and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting. Genesis Portal Request Form Please refer to and fill out the Genesis Portal Request Form to gain access to the Genesis Parent Portal. School Fusion Student Guide Please refer to the School Fusion Student Guide for information on how to access your child's School Fusion account and affiliated class pages. Byrd School’s Anti-Bullying Specialist Mr. Karcher is the Byrd School’s Anti-Bullying Specialist. Glen Rock Bicycle Permission Form Please refer to the following Glen Rock Bicycle Permission Form for important information pertinent to any student interested in riding his or her bicycle to school. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Talking Points Please refer to the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Talking Points for information on policies and required actions concerning the new HIB law taking effect at the start of the school year. Student and Parent Handbooks Please refer to the 2011-2012 Student Handbook and 2011-2012 Parent Handbook for information regarding Byrd School policies for the upcoming school year. Above the Line Behavior Please review the Above the Line Parent Letter from Dr. Weber regarding the new "Above the Line Behavior" guidelines for the new school year. Five Year Program Review Parent Surveys Please refer to the Parent Survey Letter for information and links regarding sharing parent input on existing and future social studies and world language programs. Delayed Opening and Early Dismissal Schedules Please refer to the schedule of student dismissal times for changes regarding dimissal times for early closing or and the schedule of delayed opening arrival times for delayed opening days. Byrd Student Council Information Byrd School Mayor 2011-2012: Dylan Jorgensen The first Friday of every month is Byrd - Wear Day - please dress accordingly! Byrd School Jersey Day will be Friday, January 27th - remember to participate by wearing your favorite jersey!