Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the following frequently-asked questions are taken directly from A Handbook to The Manhattan School for Children, 2000-2001. Copies are distributed to all MSC families, and are available in the school office on the fifth floor. Please see the Handbook for a complete list of school policies and procedures.

• When does the school day begin and end? • What are the arrangements for lunch and snacks? • How will I be notified of school closings? • What if my child is ill? • How will I know what and how my child is doing in school? • When are PTA meetings held? May I bring my child? • How much homework will be assigned? • May my child check books out of the school library? • Does the school celebrate holidays or birthdays?

When does the school day begin and end?

School begins at 8:20 a.m. Students who arrive late for must wait in the reception area until morning meeting is concluded. School ends at 3:10 p.m.

What are the arrangements for lunch and snacks?

The children in the lower grades eat lunch in their classroom family style. Lunch is available from the school. Some families choose not to use the school lunch program and instead send a lunch prepared at home for their child. The Upper school students eat café style in the building cafeteria. Lunch is served on half days (11:30 dismissal). Parents take turns bringing snacks for the class: juice and a healthy food like crackers or pretzels would be appreciated. A snack sign-up sheet is posted on the classroom door.

How will I be notified of school closings?

The school follows the calendar of holidays maintained by the Board of Education. In addition, there is early dismissal on the first Friday of each month (11:30 a.m.) for staff development. A school calendar is distributed at the beginning of the year. A more detailed calendar appears on our Web site (www.manhattanschool.org) and is reproduced in the monthly newsletter. Snow days are determined by the Board of Education, and are publicized on radio, television and the Web. Our Web site offers links to school closing information from the Board of Education and 1010WINS.com.

What if my child is ill?

If a student will not be in school, please call the office by 9:00 a.m. so that the appropriate teacher may be notified. The school must be notified immediately if your child has a communicable disease or condition such as chicken pox, measles, or lice. Please inform your child's teacher as soon as your child is diagnosed to permit the school to alert the other families in he school. The school nurse is located on the fifth floor. If your child becomes ill during the day, we will call you and request that you come for him or her as soon as possible. In the event that you cannot be reached, we will contact the person you identified on your emergency card to act as your backup. Parents are asked to keep children home during the early infectious period of a cold or when any other infectious condition is present. Students who have had a fever should remain home until 24 hours after the fever has ceased.

How will I know what and how my child is doing in school?

Orientation Evening / Curriculum Night is held as part of the first Family Meeting. Parents meet with teachers in the classroom to discuss the year's curriculum. Family conferences are scheduled twice a year, and twice yearly parents receive a report describing their child's progress. Additional meetings with staff may be scheduled by leaving a message with the school office or asking a teacher to call. A school newsletter, which includes a detailed calendar of events, is distributed monthly. Most school communications are sent home with your child; be sure to check your child's backpack for announcements.

When are PTA meetings held? May I bring my child?

Family Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of each month. Child care is generally available for MSC students during this time. A small fee is charged. An informal "Coffee with Susan" is held one morning a month in the Library. Check the calendar for dates.

How much homework will be assigned?

All students are expected to read or to be read to each night. Regular assigned homework begins in Grade 2. By Grade 3, your child can expect weekly assignments with a deadline.

May my child check books out of the school library?

All MSC students are listed in the library computer and may sign out books. No library card is required. Students are responsible for the library materials they borrow. If the librarian is present, students may use the library before and after school. Extended library hours are posted on the web page calendar and in the library. Please contact our librarian, for more information about using the library and internet access in the library.

Does the school celebrate holidays or birthdays?

Although religious and institutional holidays are not celebrated at MSC, families may share their own special traditions with their child's class. If parents wish to celebrate a child's birthday or special day--if a birthday does not fall during the school year--they should make arrangements with the teacher a few days before the date. A special snack should be individually portioned. Parties given outside of school should include all members of the class or a very small number of the group. Invitations must not be delivered in school, and parties should convene off the school premises. Are gifts to teachers permitted? Personal, rather than group gifts are permitted. The preferred gift is a hand-made memento or card.