Frank A Sedita

Elementary School #30

21 Lowell Place
Buffalo New York 14213
Phone: (716) 816-3220
Fax: (716) 888-2032

A student-centered environment that promotes life-long

learners.

Student/Parent
Handbook
2015-2016 School Year

Ms. Dawn DiNatale, Principal

Mr. Demario Strickland, Assistant Principal

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016

INTRODUCTION
Dear Parents,
This handbook has been prepared to assist you in becoming familiar with our schools
policies. It is our goal to offer your child the very best learning environment possible. A
quality educational program promotes active involvement and communication between home
and school. Our teachers and staff welcome you to School #30 and will assist you whenever
needed. Your constructive suggestions are always welcome.
Sincerely,
Dawn DiNatale
Building Principal

Demario Strickland
Assistant Principal

OUR MISSION:
The mission of School #30 Frank A. Sedita is to be a place where all are encouraged to learn in
a rigorous and demanding academic community and where faculty, students, and family take
ownership and are actively committed to the full development of citizens. FAS leaders and
teachers envision a high-performing school with a student-centered environment that honors
cultural diversity, creates critical thinkers, and promotes life-long learning.
OUR MOTTO
A student-centered environment that promotes life-long learners.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016

OUR SCHOOL
SIG (School Improvement Grant)
At the end of the 2014 school year, Frank A. Sedita was classified as a priority school and as a result, received a
SIG (School Improvement Grant). The primary purpose of the SIG is to provide Local Education Agencies
(LEAs) with an opportunity to support the implementation of a whole-school change model in their Priority
Schools. This grant allows for three federally-designated models to do so: Turnaround, Restart, and
Transformation. The requirements and parameters set forth in this Request for Proposals (RFP) will serve as the
quality standard for an approvable SIG plan. The SIG plans in this RFP must be designed to meet one of the
following intervention models. Frank A. Sedita School was required to adopt the Transformation model.
Transformation Model
Replace the principal, but without the requirement to replace at least half the staff. Rather, the implementation
of approved Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) plans would serve as the basis for rewarding
effective teachers and removing ineffective teachers after ample professional development opportunities.
As part of this model, the principal was removed, and a new one was appointed. The school has received
additional funding in order to turn around and raise test scores. Under this plan, we have 3 years to improve our
scores and become a school in good standing. Within these three years, we are monitored by the state and are
accountable to a certain criteria. We need to meet these requirements by the end of the three year deadline. If
we do not meet these requirements, the state will review our school again and make a determination based on
the school data.
Our Site Based Team that consists of stakeholders in the school will meet on a monthly basis to monitor
and review our SIG. We will make recommendations, and discuss areas of improvement that are
necessary to follow the SIG implementation.
You may view our complete SIG plan on our school website under the PARENT INVOLVEMENT tab.
Title I School
Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (ESEA) provides financial
assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children
from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Federal
funds are currently allocated through four statutory formulas that are based primarily on census poverty
estimates and the cost of education in each state. Frank A. Sedita School receives Title I funding that allows us
to have support in both Math and Reading.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016

PBIS & STUDENT CODE OF CODUCT

PBIS
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an integral and vital part of our school. This is a
program that rewards and recognizes students for being good! PBIS is an approach that tries to prevent
problems before they begin. By reducing behavioral problems in the building we create a safe atmosphere
where kids can learn better and teachers can teach more effectively.
HOW DOES PBIS WORK?
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible

PBIS MATRIX
CHARACTER EDUCATION
CONDUCT and DISCIPLINE
At Frank A. Sedita School, we follow the Buffalo Public Schools Code of Conduct. Please refer to the district
website page under the tab, District Code of Conduct for the complete policy.
Discipline is an attitude which begins at home, is reinforced at school and applied throughout life. Students will
act in a respectful and polite manner toward all adults and students inside and outside the building. Open
defiance to any staff member in any way will result in disciplinary action according to the Code of Conduct.
FIGHTING or BULLYING will not be tolerated in school or on school property. If a student has a
problem with another student, they are to ask an adult to assist them. If you are aware of a serious problem that
may result in a fight, please report it to a teacher or the office. Any student caught threatening, chasing,
bullying, or trying to scare other students will be disciplined.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
CELL PHONE/ELECTRONICS USE POLICY
1. The decision to bring an electronic communication device (including but not limited to cell phones, pagers, iPods,
iPhones, Blackberrys, etc.) or electronic game devices is a decision of the student and/or the students
parent/guardian. Students, parents and guardians are on notice that the District assumes no liability for the
damage, destruction, theft or loss of such devices on school property. When making the decision to bring such
devices to school, the student and parent/guardian jointly and severally assume the risk of potential damage,
destruction, theft or loss.
2. Upon entering the School all cell phones must be stored in the students locker. The cell phone must be stored
OFF or in non-operational mode.
3. Students may not carry about or operate cell phones in school buildings and school busses.
4. Any students carrying or operating a cell phone in a school building will be subject to having that item
confiscated by School District Administrative or Safety/Security Staff.
5. Such devices will be confiscated at the building. Parent/Guardian must meet with building administrator to
recover the item.
6. Use of Cell Phones, Pagers, two-way radios (FCC Licensed or unlicensed), and all other electronic devices with
wireless communication capabilities (i.e. handheld computers, PDA, Bluetooth etc.) are NOT PERMITTED by
students in any Buffalo Public School, except as authorized by the Superintendent.
7. Should a student be found to repeatedly violation this policy, the device shall be confiscated and delivered to the
District Safety/Security Office. The Parent/Guardian must make arrangements to pick up the item. Students may
be subject to discipline in accordance with these Standards for Community-wide Conduct and Intervention
Supports. Violation of the Portable Electronic Device Policy warrants either a Level 1 or Level 2 response;
students should not be suspended or otherwise removed from their educational program because of a portable
electronic violation.
8. The taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or
photographs, whether by electronic data transfer (wireless communication devices) or otherwise (commonly
called texting, sexting, emailing, etc.) may constitute a CRIME under State and/or Federal law. Any person
taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or
photographs will be subject to the disciplinary procedures of the school district and reported to law enforcement
and/or other appropriate state and federal agencies, which may result in arrest, criminal prosecution, and
LIFETIME inclusion on sexual offender registries.
9. Police, Law/Enforcement Officials of a Government Agency, School Safety/Security and School Administrative
Staff have authorization to possess and operate communication equipment for the conduct of appropriate business.
Note: The District may authorize appropriate use of a cell phone in class, when it is used for educational
purposes ONLY.

PHONE USE
Students are not allowed to receive personal phone calls during the school.
No phone calls will be passed on to the classrooms. A message will be taken and placed in the
appropriate staff members mailbox.
All emergency calls will be referred to the principal or assistant principal.
LAVATORY
When using a bathroom not located in the classroom, all students are expected to have a bathroom pass
that is signed by a teacher/teacher aide.
Students are expected to follow all bathroom rules communicated to them by their teacher. Failure to do
so may result in appropriate consequences.
LOCKERS
Lockers are to be used during morning entrance, and at dismissal.
Students who use lockers at any other times need a signed pass.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016

Buffalo Board of Education policy requires that each student to place his/her book bag in the locker
upon entering school and have it remain there until the school is dismissed from school
Female students may keep a small purse in their locker for personal items and access it from their locker,
during the day with a written pass.
Book bags cannot be carried around during the school day by students.
Gym/swimming clothes must be carried in a plastic bag.

PROHIBITED ITEMS
The classroom environment must be conducive to instruction and learning. The following items, which
are distractions are NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL: beepers, gym & candy, pop, cameras, toys, radios
or IPods, excessive money, cell phones (see cell phone policy), valuable jewelry or other items,
collectible cards, or any other distractible items.
Staff has been instructed to confiscate any such items. Only a parent will be allowed to retrieve the
item. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items or items your child gives or loans to
other students.

Possession of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, pocket knives or weapons of any kind is a suspendable offense
and subject to legal actions by the district.

SUPPLIES
Students are required to come to class with all supplies required by the teacher. Each student will have
his/her own writing tools.
Students will bring all the required supplies on a daily basis.
TEXTBOOKS
All students attending School #30 are provided with textbooks to use for their current courses of study.
These books are loaned to students and students are responsible for their return.
If the books are lost or damaged, the parent/legal guardian will be billed for the cost of a replacement
textbook.
LIBRARY
Students may borrow books from the school library when the Librarian is in attendance. These books
must be handled with care and returned in a timely manner.
Students are responsible for the return of library books and will be charged for lost or damaged books.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are distributed every 10 weeks for grades 1-8 and every 20 weeks for grades PK and K.
Report cards will be sent home with students in grades PK-2nd and mailed in grades 3-8. The final report
cards will be sent by mail.
Progress reports are sent home every 5 weeks within each marking period to grades 3-8. ?????
If you would like to check how your child is progressing, please view their grades through Parent Portal.
Parents can access this link through our school website under the Parent Involvement Tab. A username
and password is set up through our technology department.
PROMOTIONS
Pupil promotion is based on a childs academic achievement, attendance and evaluation of scores.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016
Conferences will be held when necessary with the parents, teachers and administrators to determine
promotion.
Parents will be notified should it become evident that their child may need to be retained in the present
grade level and will be kept informed of their childs progress as the school year progresses.
GRADING
Grades 3-6 will be utilizing a cohesive grading policy.
You can access the full GRADING POLICY for grades 3-6 and 7-8th under the Student Resources Tab
on our school website.
Please remember in grades 3-6th, passing is 70%
7-8th grade passing is 75%
HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is defined as the time students spend outside the classroom in assigned learning activities.
Frank A. Sedita believes the purpose of homework should be to practice, reinforce, or apply acquired
skills and knowledge. Skills and content that the students already know how to do will be given as
homework.
Please review our comprehensive homework policy on our school website under the Student Resource
tab.
If at any time your student is having difficulty with homework, please contact their teacher.
It is highly recommended that if your student is having difficulty with completing homework that they
sign up for our After School program.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016

GENERAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children attend school regularly. Research proves
that students with high attendance achieve higher in school.
When a student is absent from school or class, parents must contact the childs school to report the
absence. Please call 816-3220 before 9am.
In addition to calling, parents must submit a written explanation of the absence to the homeroom teacher
upon the students return to school. If a note is not received the absence is marked illegal.
Parents are expected to work collaboratively with school personnel, to attend meetings and to respond to
attendance concerns.
PARENTS AS VOLUNTEERS
It is strongly encouraged that parents get involved within our Sedita school community. We have many
events/activities that occur after during and after school.
If you would like to volunteer, please fill out our Volunteer application located on our school website, or
request an application in the office.
PTO/HOMEROOM PARENTS
We are always looking for members to join the Frank A. Sedita PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization)!
If you would like to volunteer your time and join our PTO, please contact your students homeroom
teacher or our Parent Facilitator. Even if you can spare a short amount of time, this makes a
difference in your childs academic success.
VISITOR POLICY/CONFERENCES
At Frank A. Sedita, we enjoy visitors. However, if you plan on visiting your childs classroom, you need
to arrange this with the teacher ahead of time via email, phone, etc.
Any persons visiting or entering the school must enter through the Lowell St. main entrance and report
to the office.
While we appreciate parental involvement and support, please be considerate and schedule your
appointment with the teacher when visiting a classroom. You MAY NOT walk to the classroom if you
DO NOT have an appointment, or have checked in with the office.
When entering the office, if you have an appointment, you will be issued a visitor pass, and escorted to
the classroom.
ARRIVAL
All students are required to arrive to school on time. The doors open at 9:00am. When students are late, they
miss instructional time. This means that students will not loiter in the halls before or after school and will be
seated and ready to work at the start of class by 9:31.
Breakfast begins at 9:00am in the classroom.
All walkers will enter the Vermont St. door at 9:00am and report directly to their homeroom. Please do
not send your child to school before 9:00am as there is no supervision until that time. Any students arriving to
their homeroom past 9:20 must report to the main office for a late pass.
DISMISSAL
3:15pm:
PRK-4 grade walkers will be dismissed and parents may sign out and pick up students at the Vermont St. door.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016
Grades 5-8 grade walkers will be dismissed through the Bremen St. Door
3:15-3:30- Bus students will be dismissed on the Lowell Place door. Bus students are escorted by a
teacher/teacher aide to their bus.
Be sure your child has his/her tag and knows their bus number.
When you call the school to inquire about your childs bus, please know their bus # and bus stop. If you
need to contact your childs bus terminal, the numbers are listed below.
They are listed by bus #s:
200- 874-05484 (0545)
300-400- 835-5410(0512)
500-826-4771 (4487)
600-896-1171
700/800/900 894-4778 / 894-4779
REMOVING STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL EARLY IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. This disrupts
the teacher and all of the students in the classroom. EARLY PICK UPS SHOULD BE FOR
EMERGENCIES ONLY AND APPOINTMENTS W/PROOF.
**If you need to pick up your child earlier than the dismissal, or need to have alternate dismissal plans,
notify the main office before 2:30pm. We will place your student on the bus unless otherwise notified. It
is very chaotic to take a student off the bus when loaded.
TRANSPORTATION
If you move, or need to make an address change, you need to notify the school immediately of your
change so that we can place your child on the appropriate bus.
Requests for short term transportation changes for emergency situations must be made to the office in
writing. This includes requests for students to walk home instead of riding the bus.
Please include a working phone number on the written request.
If you have any issues with transportation, contact them at: 878-9711.
Parents are asked to review the SCHOOL BUS SAFETY RULES with their children:
1. Get on the bus in a single line.
2. Sit while the bus in in motion.
3. Talk quietly
4. Obey the rules of the bus drive and aide.
5. Open windows with permission only.
6. Be courteous.
7. Respect yourself and others.
8. Keep the aisles clear.
9. No eating or drinking on the bus.
10. Do not touch emergency doors and windows.
11. Cross the street 10 fee in front of the bus.
12. Control yourself while waiting at the bus stop.
Please keep in mind that riding the bus is a privilege, not a right, and students may be suspended from
the bus for inappropriate behavior.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE
Parents are required to provide a current home address, telephone number, emergency number
and a list of adults to contact in case of emergency.
When telephone numbers or your address changes, you need to notify the main office and the homeroom
teacher.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016

FIELD TRIPS
Parents will receive a parental permission slip for all field trips. This should be signed and returned to
school.
Your childs teacher must receive written parent permission prior to a field trip in order for the child to
attend. We will not take permission over the phone.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
The school offers a nutritious breakfast and lunch program. Cafeteria prices for snacks are sent home at
the beginning of the school year. Each student at Frank A. Sedita receives a free lunch and breakfast.
Breakfast is served in the classroom from 9:00-9:20 am daily. Students are required to take the
necessary food group items.
Lunch is served during your students lunch period in the cafeteria.
No POP or glass bottles are allowed in school at any time!
Students are expected to follow our Cafeteria rules and procedures! These rules will be
communicated to them the first day of school by their teacher and lunch monitors. Not following these
procedures may result in disciplinary action.
FOOD ALLERGIES
If any child has a food allergy or diet restriction, a current physicians order (2009) must be submitted
each school year. Please bring a copy to the school nurse and cafeteria manager. Special dietary needs
will not be honored unless proper documentation is received.
SCHOOL STORE
Frank A. Sedita operates a school store from 9:00-9:25 when the schedule permits. A list of items
available and their prices is sent home with students at the beginning of the year.
All proceeds from the school store will be used for our PTO events and activities.
FUND RAISING
All fund raising activities must be approved by the principal. Ongoing fund raising activities include a
donut night, cookie dough sale and the collection of Box Tops for Education.
Parents will be notified of approved fund raising activities. Direct sales to students will not be allowed
with parent knowledge and approval only.
ILLNESSES/MEDICATION
Communication is very important when a child has a chronic illness such as asthma, epilepsy, sickle cell
anemia or allergies. Parents are urged to notify the school of a chronic illness and to confer with the
nurse and teachers about special needs or concerns.
If you or your child becomes ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore
throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, please contact your health care provider. Your child should remain
home and away from others for 7 days if they are diagnosed with the flu.
If a student requires medication during school hours for temporary or chronic medical conditions, a
student WILL NOT be permitted to administer medication to themselves. Medication will be
administered by a school nurse or designee under the following conditions:
1. The parent/legal guardian must complete the school form authorizing school personnel to administer
medication. Teachers or staff will not dispense medication. The office administration will dispense
medicine in the event that a full-time nurse is not available.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016
2. The childs doctor must complete the schools form stating the amount of medicine and the time it is
to be administered.
3. The medication must be delivered to school by the legal parent/guardian in the original pharmacy
container labeled with the students name, the medication name and dosage, the physicians name
and the name, address, and telephone number of the pharmacy. DO NOT send medicine to school
with a student.

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Student/ Parent Handbook 2015-2016

DRESS CODE POLICY

FAS #30 community wants students to be known for their knowledge and talents. Wearing uniforms helps to
place a stronger emphasis on academic performance and learning. Uniforms also are shown to promote a sense
of respect and security and reduces absenteeism. Parents needing assistance with school uniforms are to call the
Student Family Resource Center at 816-3220.
The uniform policy for the 2015-2016 school year will consist of the following:
GIRLS:
Uniform jumper or skirt: Khaki or Black. Skirts and jumpers are to be no shorter than 3 inches above the
knee.
Slacks: Khaki or Black dress pants No jeans of any type or color, no pants with big pockets, or brads, rivets,
and no cargo pants are to be worn. No rips or tears in any pants.
Blouses/Skirts: Navy Blue tailored blouse with collar (short or long sleeve), 3 button navy blue knit shirt with
collar. Shirts must be tucked in.
Sweaters: Pullover or cardigan solid navy blue sweater may be worn during winter months. (NO HOODIES!)
Footwear: Comfortable shoes or sneakers may be worn. (No flip flops or backless sandals!)
BOYS:
Slacks: Khaki or Black dress pants NO JEANS OF ANY TYPE OR COLOR. No pants with big pockets,
or brads, rivets, and no cargo pants are to be worn.
PANTS MUST BE WORN AT WAIST WITH A BELT.
Shirt: Navy blue dress shirt with collar, 3 button navy blue knit shirt long or short sleeve. Shirts must be
tucked in.
Sweater: Solid Navy blue or black pullover sweater over uniform shirt. (NO HOODIES!)
Footwear: Comfortable shoes or sneakers may be worn.
Students who violate the Dress Code will be required to modify appearance to meet the Code.
Administration will have the final say as to whether clothing is acceptable or unacceptable. Students
refusing to do so may be subject to discipline for insubordination.

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SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES

STUDENT/FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
The Student/Family Resource Center is located in Room 128. It is a place where students and their family
members can go to access all types of services which include:
Counseling and Behavior Modification: Child and Adolescent Treatment Services
Advocacy and Case Management: Child and Adolescent Treatment Services
Academic Assistance: WNY United Achievement Mentor Program
Grief and Loss Counseling: Life Transitions Center
WRAP Services: New Directions Youth and Family Services
Crisis Intervention, Support and mediation.
IEP referrals, testing, and support.
Act as liaison for Speech, OT, and PT services.
It is our hope that by addressing issues and concerns families might have, we will help to create a more
positive environment where kids can learn better and easier.
AFTER SCHOOL EXTENDED LEARNING PROGRAM
Frank A. Sedita is happy to announce that we have an after school program. This program will be designed to
help children with their homework for the first hour, then the second hour will consist of project based
learning to enhance English Language Arts and Math skills. These programs will allow your student to create
or finish a project within a session that also coincides with the NYS Common Core curriculum. Examples
included, but are not limited to Readers Theaters, Running group, Arts & Crafts, Guitar group, dancing, etc.
Please be sure to fill out an application and hand it in to school as soon as possible so that we can make
arrangements for bussing. Your childs homeroom teacher will send home an application and you can also
download one from our school website. After school starts on September, and ends on May, 2016.
Grades K-4th program will run for 3 days weekly on Tuesday-Thursday from 3:35-5:35.
Grades 5-8th will run for 4 days weekly, Tuesday-Friday from 3:35-5:35.
ESL ADULT CLASSES
This year we will have classes offered to our parents in English, and possibly other content. These will be in
session on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:35-5:35, which is the same time as our after school
program for students. Please fill out an application as soon as possible and return this to school. Your students
homeroom teacher will be sending these home and you may also download one from our school website under
the ESL tab.
SCHOOL NURSE
The school nurses hours are from 8:30am-3:30 am. If you need to contact her, please call 816- 3220

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HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
CALLING A TEACHER
There may be times you need to speak to a teacher. Call the main office at 816-3220 and you will be
connected to that teachers voicemail where you can leave them a message.
The teacher should respond to your message within 24 hours.
EMAIL
At any time, you may email a teacher. The email addresses are listed on our school website under the
STAFF DIRECTORY tab.
The teacher should respond within 24 hours.
REQUESTING A CONFERENCE
It is vital for parents to be involved in their childs education. If you have any concerns, please feel free
to contact the teacher for a conference. You can email, phone, or leave a message in ClassDojo to set-up
a conference ahead of time that works for both you and your childs teacher.
If you DO NOT have an appointment, you may not be able to meet with your childs teacher until a time
has been scheduled.
After scheduling a conference time, you are to check in with the office where you will be issued a pass
and escorted to the conference area.
CLASSDOJO
ClassDojo is a wonderful communication device that we have set-up that allows you to send your
students teacher a message through a computer or Smartphone.
This also allows you to review their behavior for the week and address any concerns. At the beginning
of the year you and your student will receive instructions on how to set-up your Dojo account along with
a username and password. Please make every effort to use this as it is an excellent communication tool
with the teacher!
SCHOOL WEBPAGE
Frank A. Sedita has a school webpage that you can access information such as parent events, our School
Calendar, the Parent Portal, and other important information.
Access our school website through the BPS District homepage: http://www.buffaloschools.org/, then
clicking on the OUR SCHOOLS tab, and then Elementary Schools, then clicking on School #30.
Or you can access our school page at: http://www.buffaloschools.org/SeditaElementary.cfm
WEATHER/SCHOOL CLOSINGS/CANCELLATIONS
In the event that our school is closed or any activities are cancelled, please check the Buffalo Public
Schools District Website.
You may also check your local News station.
FACEBOOK??
MONTHLY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER??