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Elementary Family Handbook

Updated August 2026

Welcome!

We at the Johnstown Elementary schools believe that the faculty and staff must work together with students and parents to ensure a safe school community. The best learning environment is provided when all individuals involved in a child’s learning work together cooperatively.  We would like to take this opportunity to make you and your children aware of the rules and policies of the school. We ask that you review this handbook with your children. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation. We strive to partner with you to provide a comfortable and respectful learning environment for all of our Johnstown Elementary students.

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District Goals

The GJSD will provide and support diverse, quality academic opportunities in collaboration with our community in order to graduate citizens with the knowledge, skills, and ability to promote and succeed in a stronger society.

Goal 1. Johnstown graduates will be college, career, and civic ready. Students will be proficient and literate in the areas of communication, digital technology and cultural acceptance while exhibiting good citizenship.

Goal 2.  Students shall be engaged in rich and diverse opportunities that encompass personal, cultural, and varied learning experiences. Students should participate in the greater community, be encouraged to participate in goal setting, applied learning, personal expression, and citizenship.

Goal 3.  The Johnstown School District will foster a faculty experience that encourages student engagement through providing freedom and empowerment, access to resources, communication and collaboration, and efforts to allow them to feel supported and valued.

Goal 4.  The Johnstown School District will welcome parents and community members as respected resources for our schools. Effective two-way communication will be fostered among school, parent and community groups. The district will offer a range of opportunities for parent and community involvement.

Goal 5.  The Johnstown School District will maintain a balance between program services and citizens’ contributions. Creative approaches to increasing revenue will be encouraged while decreasing expenses and conservation practices remain vital.

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Student Expectations

At  Johnstown Elementary Schools We Will…

  • Provide students with a positive, safe learning community.
  • Treat students as individuals who are deserving of respect, fairness, & understanding. 
  • Create opportunities for each child to meet his or her potential. 
  • Foster learning as a life-long experience.

    Johnstown Elementary students are expected to attend school daily, be on time, and complete high quality work. Students are expected to be aware of all rules and behavioral expectations and to conduct themselves in accordance with those guidelines. Students are expected to treat teachers, staff, and other students with respect and consideration, follow directions, have respect for school and personal property, be responsible, and to follow all school rules. Students have a right to attend school and be treated fairly, be respected as an individual, and to be protected from intimidation, harassment, or discrimination based on their real or perceived race, weight, color, national origin, ethnic group, religion, or religious practice, sex, gender/gender identity, or disability, by students or employees on school property, or at a school-sponsored event or function. 

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Conscious Discipline

Conscious Discipline is an approach we use for classroom management and social-emotional practices.  This is a step in changing the culture to teach self-regulation among children. But really, it’s all about connection. Because connection brings willingness, and helps a child feel safe so they can learn.  

School Family Agreement

Be Safe

Be Helpful

Be a S.T.A.R.

The S.T.A.R. technique is an active calming strategy that teaches emotional regulation. It stands for Smile, Take a deep breath, and Relax. It shifts the brain from a fight-or-flight state to a calm, receptive state by encouraging deep belly breaths.  This pause creates the opportunity to respond instead of react when we feel upset.  We model, teach and have visuals that show what being safe and kind look like across the day.  We speak with a language of safety for behavior:  we say behavior is safe or unsafe rather than good or bad.

Bus Safety

Bus safety is extremely important.  It is important for students to understand that the driver must focus on the road when carrying so much precious cargo.  Please speak with your child about the importance of following directions on the bus.  When students ride the bus, they are expected to:

  • Follow directions given by the driver
  • STAY IN YOUR SEAT
  • Keep hands and objects to yourself and away from windows
  • Talk quietly and do not distract the driver
  • Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus

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Playground & Recess Guidelines

General Access & Supervision: The playground is reserved exclusively for students during school hours, with recess aides providing supervision and escorting classes to and from the area. Outside school hours, public play is welcome at your own risk.

Safety & Environment: Keep school grounds safe and pet-free at all times, including arrival and dismissal.

Daily Recess & Conduct: Students enjoy 20 minutes of daily outdoor recess. Walk carefully when exiting the building, follow the recess supervisor’s directions, use respectful language, and stay within designated playground boundaries unless given permission to leave.

Footwear & Attire: Wear sneakers to safely play on all playground equipment. In winter, bring a coat, hat, mittens, snow pants, and boots to play in the snow; students without snow gear will play on the blacktop.

Approved Items & Refreshments: Water is welcome on the playground. Personal electronics, toys, bikes, skateboards, hardballs, and bats should be left at home or in the classroom.

Care & Well-Being: Recess aides will send any injured students directly to the nurse’s office for assistance.

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Staff Directory

Pleasant Avenue

235 Pleasant Avenue, Johnstown, NY 12095
Phone: (518) 762-8610 Fax: (518)762-1217

To view a listing of Pleasant Avenue Elementary School faculty and staff, visit the Contact Us page of this website and type the word Pleasant in the box next to the words “Search For:”

Warren Street

110 Warren St., Johnstown, NY 12095
Phone (518) 762-3715 Fax (518) 762-8805

To view a listing of Warren Street Elementary School faculty and staff, visit the Contact Us page of this website and type the word Warren in the box next to the words “Search For:”

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Absences

View the Attendance Implementation Plan.

Greater Johnstown School District supports daily attendance for all students.  Regular school participation is important to your child’s academic success.  Good attendance in early grades lays a strong foundation for engagement and learning in later grades.  Regular and consistent attendance is one of the most important habits of success that parents/caregivers can help their child to develop for success throughout life.  The goal for Johnstown Elementary students is to have 5 or fewer absences for the year.  You will receive an attendance letter from the office, if attendance is a concern. 

If your child is absent, please complete the attendance information on Parent Square.  If your child will be late or will be leaving early, please send in a note to your child’s homeroom teacher.  

As per Board Policy #7410, in order for students to attend a school-sponsored function, it is necessary that students attend classes for at least half of the school day on the day of the activity, unless otherwise excused by the building administrator. One-half of the school day is defined as follows: from 9:00 a.m. until noon or from noon until the end of the school day. Students who are suspended from school on a day of an athletic game or practice session, party, school dance, or other school affair scheduled after regular school hours are not eligible for participation or attendance at such events. 

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Attendance and Vacation Procedures

Students must understand that missing school due to vacation is an illegal absence. Under no circumstances can the school condone or support illegal absences.

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Arrival

All elementary buildings will open doors at 7:15 a.m. There is NO supervision for students prior to 7:15  a.m. Do not drop off students prior to 7:15 a.m. All students not riding a bus should arrive between 7:15 and 7:50 a.m. Announcements will begin at 7:50 a.m.  Arrivals after 7:50 will be missing important information. Students who arrive after 8:00 a.m. must be signed in by a parent at the front door main office and receive a late pass. 

Pleasant Avenue

Arrival

Students should be dropped off in the Linden Avenue Loop between 7:20 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Homeroom begins at 7:55am.

Breakfast is served from 7:20 a.m. – 7:55 a.m. in the cafeteria. Students who arrive between 7:50 and 7:55 will be provided a grab and go breakfast to take to their classroom.

Warren Street

All students will enter the main doors by the office in front of the building.

Bus students will be dropped off in the back parking lot of JJSHS (near tennis courts).  Students will enter Warren through the front doors near the gymnasium.

Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria.  Students eating breakfast will remain in the cafeteria until they are done. All students that are not eating breakfast will go to the gym until 7:50 a.m.  At 7:50, all students will be released to their classrooms.  

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Awards

At the end of each school year in June, we will hold our Awards Assembly. If your child is receiving an award, you will be notified by your child’s teacher or the main office prior to the assembly. 

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Birthdays & Class Parties

If you wish to send in a special snack to celebrate your child’s birthday you may. All food MUST be store-bought for birthdays and class parties. Please do not send in home baked goods. If your child is having a birthday party, please do NOT hand out invitations in school unless your child is inviting the whole class. If you can only invite a small number of children, we ask you to hand out the invitations outside of school or through the US mail to eliminate hurt feelings. 

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Calendar

The 2026-27 school calendar can be found on the Calendar page. Please note: dates are subject to change.

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Cell Phone Policy and Electronics

While we understand that some students have a reason to carry a cellular phone to contact family members before or after school, we ask that while in school, students have their phones turned off so instruction is not disrupted. Cell phones must be kept in students’ book bags and are not allowed to be brought on the playground. Students in violation of this policy, after being provided a warning, will have their cellular phone confiscated. The phone will be returned to the child at the end of the school day. Electronic toys, I-Pads, I-Pods, remote control cars, video games, etc. are not allowed in school unless a teacher has requested a specific item, e.g. an I-pod for an instructional purpose. If items are to be used after school, they must remain in the child’s book bag during the school day. The school will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

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Code of Conduct

The Board of Education of the Greater Johnstown School District is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment, where students may receive, and District personnel may deliver, quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, administrators, other District personnel, parents, and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal. The District has a long-standing set of expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. These expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty, and integrity. These expectations are clearly defined in the District’s Code of Conduct. The Code applies to all students, school personnel, parents, and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function. A summary is included at the back of this handbook but, if you would like to read a full copy you may obtain one from the main office of each school building or from the District Central Office.

View the complete District Code of Conduct.

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Dignity for All Students Act & Character Education

The Board of Education recognizes that teaching students respect, civility, and understanding toward others, as well as the practice and reinforcement of appropriate behavior and values is an important function of the school system. The district wishes to foster an environment where students exhibit behavior that promotes positive educational practices, allows students to grow academically and socially, and encourages healthy dialogue in respectful ways. By presenting teachers and staff as positive role models, the district stresses positive communication and discourages disrespectful treatment. Through our Character Education Program provided by our school counselor, we will be instructing students on the topics of honesty, tolerance, responsibility, respect, awareness and sensitivity to discrimination and harassment, civility, observance of laws and rules, and courtesy. As part of the DASA policy, the district will investigate all complaints of harassment and discrimination and take prompt corrective measures as necessary.

Acts of discrimination and harassment including bullying, taunting, or intimidation are detrimental to student learning and achievement. Harassment can include, among other things, the use, both on and off school property of information technology, including but not limited to email, instant messaging, blogs, chat rooms, pagers, cell phones, gaming systems, and social media websites to deliberately harass or threaten others. This type of harassment is referred to as cyberbullying. Such behavior affects not only the students who are the target, but also the individuals who participate in and witness such acts. The Dignity Act defines harassment as the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that interfere with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional, or physical well-being, and conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably cause or would be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her safety. Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves real or perceived power imbalance.

THE DIGNITY ACT EXPECTS PARENTS “to help by teaching their children respect and dignity for themselves and other students. Please send your child(ren) to school, ready to learn! Help your child(ren) understand that rules are required to maintain a safe school, be supportive towards education and the District, work with our school to maintain open and respectful communication, help your child(ren) deal effectively with peer pressure, provide a safe place for study where homework assignments can be completed, and lastly, please inform the school if there is a change in your home that may affect your child’s conduct or performance”.

WE ASK OUR TEACHERS to maintain a climate of mutual respect in their classrooms, be familiar with our school policies and rules and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner, communicate to parents and students, confront issues of discrimination and harassment and report incidents to the building administrator or one of the Dignity Act Coordinators. Teachers will be prepared to teach and are enthusiastic to work with the students at Pleasant Avenue and Warren Street Elementary. Everyone wants our students to be successful. Pleasant Avenue and Warren Street Elementary have established clear school-wide and classroom rules about bullying and discrimination. We will continue to raise awareness among school staff through training and will provide adequate supervision in less structured areas. Students will participate in a character education program offered by Catholic Charities once per week for 12-15 weeks. We will use every available opportunity to lead by example, teach positive behavior choices, and create a positive school climate.

View Board Policy 7553 Dignity for All Students

DASA Coordinators are appointed by the Board of Education annually. Contact information for DASA Coordinators can be found on the Policy, Procedures & Annual Notifications page of this website.

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Devices

Pleasant Avenue

Students will be provided a 1:1 device to be used at school. Students and families must abide by the Technology Agreement guidelines set forth in Board Policy #7314 Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

Warren Street

Students will be provided a 1:1 device that is to be used for school work. These devices must be brought to school every day the child is on campus. Students are to ensure that their devices are fully charged for their in-person instruction. Students and families must abide by the Technology Agreement guidelines set forth in Board Policy #7314 Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

Technology Device Agreement

Damage, loss, or failure to return a 1:1 assigned or loaner device and/or charger when requested will result in charges up to the full replacement value of the equipment.

Core Practice: 

  • Technology is to be used for schoolwork and school-related activities.
  • Websites visited must be appropriate for school. 
  • Devices will be carried with care and used responsibly. 
  • Food and liquids will be kept away from devices.
  • No stickers on the devices (with the exception of district tags/labels).
  • Students will ensure their device is fully charged for school each day.
  • Students will take care of the device as if it were their own.
  • All school-owned devices are filtered and browsing is monitored by the district.  However, these systems do not replace supervision.
  • Students will keep passwords private.

Out of Bounds Behavior: 

  • Using the device for activities not related to school work.
  • Visiting websites that are inappropriate for school.
  • Carelessness that may result in accidental damage to the device.
  • Stickers/Magnets on the device.
  • Failure to charge the device; loss or damage to the charger.
  • Deliberate damage or physical changes to the device. 
  • Cyberbullying or other inappropriate online behavior.
  • Food and drinks near or on the devices. 
  • Inappropriate videos, sites or content that violate the Greater Johnstown School District Code of Conduct.
  • Using the device for activities not related to school work.
  • Failure to return a loaner device or charger.
  • Unmonitored/Unregulated use of AI services. 

Loss or Damage:

  • If the device or charger is damaged, lost, or stolen, the family is responsible for the full cost of the repair or replacement, up to FULL REPLACEMENT VALUE.
  • Any damage, loss or theft of the property must be reported to school as soon as possible; no later than the school day following the occurrence.
  • The District may pursue legal action against any student who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages, destroys or steals a District-owned device.

By receiving and utilizing a school-issued technology device, the student attests to the following:

I have read, understand, and will abide by the guidelines stated above in the Student Technology Sign-Out Agreement, in addition to the official Greater Johnstown School District Acceptable Use Policy: Student Use of Computerized Information Resources, Policy #7314.

I understand that any violation of the regulations defined in the aforementioned guidelines and policies is unethical, and that violations may constitute the following actions:

  • My family and I may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.
  • My access privileges may be revoked.
  • School disciplinary action may be taken.
  • Appropriate legal action may be initiated. 

By receiving and allowing the student to utilize a school-issued technology device, the parent/guardian attests to the following:

I have read the Student Technology Sign-Out Agreement and official Greater Johnstown School District Acceptable Use Policy: Student Use of Computerized Information Resources, Policy #7314.

I understand that technology access is designed for educational purposes. The Greater Johnstown School District has filters in place to control access to the Internet, but cannot guarantee that all controversial information will be inaccessible to students.  I agree that I will not hold the Greater Johnstown School District responsible for materials acquired on the device or network.
I accept full responsibility for supervision when my child’s use is not in a school setting.

I understand that any violation of the regulations defined in these aforementioned guidelines and policies is unethical, and that violations may constitute the following actions:

  • I may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.
  • My child’s privileges may be revoked.
  • School disciplinary action against my child may be taken.
  • Appropriate legal action may be initiated against my child or me.

For more information about the device and applications that will be used for schoolwork, and for a listing of chargers for lost or damaged devices, please visit www.johnstownschools.org/departments-services/technology/ and click on the “Tech Help for Students” button.

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Discipline

Our goal is for discipline to be firm, fair, and consistent. With each incident/referral, the following items are taken into consideration before consequences are assigned – the age of the student, the severity of the incident, disabilities or health concerns of the student, the number of prior referrals, and victims (if any). Students who bring a weapon to school will be automatically suspended for a minimum of three days. Parents will receive either a phone call or notice from the office the day of the referral/incident. Consequences usually build upon one another. Legally, we can only discuss the actions or consequences of a student with their legal parent or guardian.

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Dismissal

To ensure a safe, smooth dismissal for every student each day, please keep a consistent dismissal routine.  Please limit any changes in dismissal to rare emergency situations only.  You must notify the main office, the transportation office, and your child’s teacher by 12:00 p.m. if your child’s schedule changes. For your child’s protection, all students being picked up early are dismissed directly through the main office.   

Please do NOT enter the bus loop during dismissal time. Please do not drive on the grass. Please use caution as students are going to vehicles for pick up.  Students should not congregate on campus before or after school hours.  There is no supervision after 2:45.  If you have a child in both buildings – pick up your child at Pleasant Avenue before picking up your child at Warren Street.

Pleasant Avenue

Parents/guardians are not permitted to come down to classrooms during dismissal. If you have a scheduled appointment with your child’s teacher, please come into the office after dismissal and sign in. 

Dismissal for students begins at 2:15 pm. Due to the young age of Pleasant Avenue students, it is our practice to release students only to individuals on the pick up list with proper ID, that are over the age of twelve, and we do not permit students to be released without appropriate supervision.  

Car Loop – Families using the car loop will need to contact the office for a loop tag. In the car loop you should stay off your cell phone and follow all directions. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE. 

Bus Students – Students will be escorted to their buses.

Warren Street

Bus Students:

Will be released to the gym at approximately 2:30 p.m. to wait for their bus.  The bus will pick up students in the parking lot at the high school (same as arrival).  School support staff will escort students to the bus pick up location.

Walkers/Riders:

Each grade level is dismissed at 2:30 from their own designated door.  Each grade level will have support staff assisting and supervising students:

2nd Grade– Side Loop

3rd Grade– Front of the building down by the gym

4th Grade– Front of the building at the main entrance

Please think carefully before deciding to let your child(ren) walk home without adult supervision. Once children leave school grounds, the district/school staff is unable to provide oversight. Therefore, it is difficult for us to help when you have a concern about your child not making it home on time or if you have concerns about the behavior of other children during the walk home. 

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Dress Code

Each year many teachers and parents ask us to share our guidelines for appropriate attire for students. We call them guidelines because in most cases, it is a judgment call. By having guidelines in place, it tends to clarify our expectations and it will hopefully help parents to support our position. The difficult scenarios regarding dress occur mostly in warmer weather and usually involve the definition of appropriate which will vary depending on age, physical development, and gender. Clothing worn with offensive language or inappropriate comments is strongly prohibited. If you have any suspicions that what your child is wearing may not be suitable for school, you can rest assured that we would most likely agree and we would encourage you to persuade your child to choose something different to wear. We would ask that you discuss this situation with your child, review what he/she is wearing to school and make a decision accordingly. We hope that you understand our position and don’t find our guidelines to be intrusive. 

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Emergency Conditions/Closing

In the event of a snow delay or weather emergency, you will be notified via Parent Square. If you are not yet signed up to receive these messages via phone, please call (518) 762-4611. In the event the school practices a fire drill or other emergency drill, the campus will be closed and visitors will not be allowed to enter the school building until each child is accounted for and students and staff have returned to the building.  You will be notified of lockout/lockdown drills. 

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Essentials

Students will have at least one 30 minute essential daily.

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Food Service & Snack

Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all students at no cost for the 2025-2026 school year.

*If a student would like seconds/doubles their lunch account must have funds available.*

Students are provided with a 50 minute lunch & recess period along with a snack time daily. Please check with your child’s teacher in regard to what types of snacks/drinks are permitted if your student doesn’t want the vegetable or fruit snack provided.  Students are permitted to have water bottles.  

Students who go through the lunch line will be encouraged to take all of the items offered for lunch.  They must take 3 of 5 items offered when going through the lunch line; they must take ½ cup of fruit or ½ cup of vegetables or a combination of those two items. This includes condiments and dressings. 

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Grading

Report cards will be standards based K-4.   Report cards are sent home each trimester.

Trimester 1: Friday, December 4, 2026

Trimester 2: Friday March 19, 2027

Trimester 3: Friday, June 25, 2027

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Health and Safety

The following are helpful suggestions to keep your child safe and healthy at school:

Please keep your contact numbers up to date. If your child is ill or has been injured, we need a way to contact you immediately.  You may send in a note to either the Main Office or the Health Office at any time or you may request to stop in personally. Also please keep your child’s medical information current, such as a change in allergies, a new diagnosis, or medication they may be taking. Medication given at school on a long-term basis must have paperwork completed by both you and your child’s physician before given at school.  The medication must be brought in by a parent or parent designee to the Health Office – Please do not send it in with your child. In the event that your child has head lice, please let the nurse know that as well. Our nurse is a good resource to help with both treatments of your child as well as for your home. To determine if your 

child should come to school when he/she is feeling “under the weather,” please do not send them if they have the following:

  • A temperature over 100 – they should be fever free for 24 hours without any medication.
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

In most cases if an antibiotic has been started at home please wait until they have had three doses before sending them back to school.  This can be especially important in the case of Strep Throat or Conjunctivitis (pink eye).

When in doubt, contact the Health Office and let our nurse help you determine if it is safe for your child to be at school. In the case of injury or illness where your physician restricts your child from PE, please provide the Health Office with a note from his/her office.  This will ensure that your child will not participate in PE or recess until they are able.  Without a note they will be expected to participate.  If you have any questions or concerns for your child, please feel free to contact the Health Office at any time and speak with our nurse.

Few conditions seem to cause as much concern in schools and homes as an infestation of head lice in children. Recent medical recommendations from both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) do not treat head lice as an illness that necessitates an absence from school and have shown that the contagion does not spread as easily as once thought. In order to control infestations of head lice (Pediculosis), the Board of Education has adopted the following protocols:

  1. Whenever there is a possibility that a student is infested, staff will contact the student’s parents. An infested student will not return to school unless corrective treatment has been given and the student is free of active lice. Current treatment protocols make this possible in less than twenty-four (24) hours. Parents may be asked to have a physician prescribe medication for treatment.
  2. A student who has been infested will be readmitted to school after successfully completing an examination by the nurse.
  3. School staff will work with parents to minimize student absence caused by exposure to head lice. An infested student is not sick and is not a danger to other students. Excessive and unnecessary absences affect a student’s educational progress.
  4. School staff will protect student privacy and maintain confidentiality of medical information when infestations are detected.
  5. School staff will also work to minimize the social stigma that is unfairly attached to victims of head lice infestations. Head lice are not caused by poverty or unsanitary conditions.
  6. Students will not be separated from their peers or singled out as infected. All staff will learn proper precautions to prevent further spread of the infestation. Regulations will be developed to provide guidelines on the detection and treatment of head lice, as well as classroom procedures for dealing with affected students. (BOE policy 7515)

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Lead in School Drinking Water

Water and Lead Testing – Greater Johnstown School District

Students will be educated on which water outlets are to be used for drinking purposes and those that are not to be used.

hands being washed under a faucet with a check mark and a water bottle under a faucet with a do not use mark over it

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Water Safety & Swim Education (NYS Law § 926)

New York State law requires school districts to share essential water safety and drowning prevention information with families every year. Please review these vital safety habits with your children:

  • Constant Supervision: Always watch children closely near any water.
  • Stay Close: Keep young children and non-swimmers within arm’s reach.
  • Buddy System: Teach children to never swim alone.
  • Lifeguard Zones: Swim only in areas with active lifeguards.
  • Safe Floating: Use only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • No Substitutes: Never rely on water wings or pool noodles for safety.
  • Healthy Swimming: Shower before swimming and do not swallow pool water.
  • Weather Alert: Exit the water immediately at the first sign of thunder or lightning.

For more detailed safety tips, please visit the New York State Department of Health SwimSafe Page at health.ny.gov/SwimSafe.

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Homework Policy

It is our EXPECTATION that parents check their child’s purple communication folder each night. The communication folder is a useful tool to not only communicate with your child’s teacher but also understand what assignments are due and when. In most grade levels, homework will be assigned daily. Homework is used to practice skills taught that day in class. Depending on the grade level of the child, the time homework should take, the subject areas of the homework, and the type of homework will vary. We recommend that you contact your child’s teacher to discuss their homework policy.

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Assessments

The iReady Math and DIBELS assessments are given to all students at least three times per year. The assessments are a computer-adapted test designed to give us accurate, reliable, and valid data so teachers can make good decisions about instruction and interventions. Parent reports will be provided to you at fall conferences in order to inform you of your child’s progress. If your child receives Academic Intervention Services (AIS), their progress will be monitored periodically using both assessments. Although the assessments give us valid data, we, as educators, realize that not one single data point should drive instructional decisions. In addition to these assessments, we are taking into consideration your child’s classroom progress, the outcomes of classroom assessments, and the use of other informal/formal assessments in order to provide the highest quality instruction to your child.

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JEPTA (Johnstown Elementary Parent Teacher Association)

We welcome parent involvement in our classrooms and at school events. The PTA brings many wonderful programs and opportunities for our students. Meetings will be held virtually each month. The JEPTA meeting dates and officers are listed on the JEPTA page. If you would like to become involved in the PTA, please call the main office at 518-762-8610.

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Parent-Teacher Conferences

Generally, Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November. April conferences will be scheduled as needed. It is strongly recommended that you meet with your child’s teacher at these times. Your child’s teacher will be responsible for setting a conference schedule. It is important that we are all on the same page regarding your child’s success. Of course, you may arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher whenever you feel necessary. Dates for Parent-Teacher Conferences are listed on the following page with the report card dates.

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New York State ELA and Math Assessments

The NYS assessments are designed to measure how well students have mastered the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards and necessary grade level skills, and also to monitor the effectiveness of instructional programs.  Please make every effort to have your child attend school on testing dates.

New York State tests give students low-stress practice for big exams, helping them build confidence and skills without hurting their grades.  Why the Tests Help:

  • Good practice: Kids learn how to handle big tests with less worry.
  • No grade impact: School scores do not change because of these exams.
  • Growth mindset: Children see they can do hard things and feel proud.

Specific testing dates and guidance will be sent through ParentSquare.  You will get a score report in early fall.

  • Grade 3-4 ELA Test April 5 – May 14
  • Grade 3-4 Math Test April 5 – May 14

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Transportation

If you need to request a permanent transportation change, please complete a transportation form (available in the main office or on our website), which takes up to two weeks to process. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students safe!

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Volunteering & Visitors

All visitors must have prior approval from the principal and be approved through the Raptor System.

Access a volunteer letter and application.

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Questions

The unvoiced problem cannot be solved. If you have a concern or question, please call us! Please contact your child’s teacher first if you have a classroom concern; otherwise contact the main office or the health office.

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Resources

Mental Health Association in Fulton & Montgomery Counties
Phone: (518) 762-5332

Family Counseling Center
Phone: (518) 725-4310

Mountain Valley Hospice
Phone: (518) 725-4545

St. Mary’s Mental Health Children’s Clinic
Phone: (518) 843-7520

Four Winds Saratoga
Phone: (518) 584-3600, 1-800-888-5448
Admissions 1-800-959-1287

Catholic Charities-Johnstown
Phone: (518) 762-8313

Department of Social Services
Phone: (Services) (518) 736-5600

Lexington Family Service
Phone: (518) 773-2014

Public Health
Phone: (518) 736-5720

Youth Bureau
Phone: (518) 736-5505

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Pleasant Ave. Elementary

235 Pleasant Avenue
Johnstown, NY 12095
Phone: (518) 762-8610
Fax: (518) 762-1217
Principal: Kristin Michaels

Warren St. Elementary

110 Warren Street
Johnstown, NY 12095
Phone: (518) 762-3715
Fax: (518) 762-8805
Principal: Andrea Polikoski

Elementary Family Handbook Signature of Understanding Form

Review the Elementary Family Handbook with your child. Then print and sign the Signature of Understanding Form. Return the signed form to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Signature of Understanding Form.