SBA FAMILY HANDBOOK

2023-24

Table of Contents

Sarah Beth Academy Contact Information

Calendar

Tuition and Tuition Payments

Parent Association

Club Activities

Late Fees

Field Trips

Unexpected Closures and Snow Days

Illness

Acceptable Food for Lunch and Snack

Special Events

Location Specific Procedures

Diaper Policy

Lockers and Locks

_________________________

Locations:

Bellmore-         2016 and 2018 North Jerusalem Rd, Bellmore NY

Merrick-        2138 Merrick Mall (Ave), Merrick NY

Hicksville-         161 C Levittown Parkway, Hicksville NY

Website: www.sarahbethacademy.com

Email:  sbacademy2008@gmail.com

Phone:  (516) 408-8403

Sarah Beth Academy 2023-2024 Academic Calendar

Fall Semester

Not Back to School Party - 9/6

Greeting Card Fundraiser- 9/6

BOOing Sign Ups - 9/6-9/30

First Day of Classes - 9/11

Picture Day (Hicksville Location) - 9/20

Yom Kippur - CLOSED - 9/25

Picture Day (Bellmore Location) - 9/26

Picture Day (Merrick Location) - 9/27

Fall Ball - 9/30

Popcorn Fundraiser- 10/1

Columbus Day- CLOSED - 10/9

BOOing - 10/15-10/29

Haunted House - 10/22

Trunk or Treat - 10/25

Veterans Day (Observed) - CLOSED- 11/10

ELFing Sign Ups - 11/10-11/20

Vendor Fair - 11/12

The Hunger Games Movie - 11/17

Trolls 3 Movie - 11/18

Thanksgiving Feast- NO Regular Classes - 11/20

Thanksgiving Break- CLOSED - 11/21-11/24

Cookies with Santa - 11/26

Book Fair - 11/26-11/29

ELFing - 12/1-12/20

Wonka Movie - 12/15

Holiday Break- CLOSED - 12/20-1/1

Winter Workshops - 12/27-12/29

Spring Semester

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - CLOSED - 1/15

Priority Registration - 1/15

Valentines Day Ball - 2/10

Winter Recess - CLOSED - 2/19-2/23

Tennessee Field Trip - 2/19-2/23

Easter Egg Hunt - 3/23

Prom/Formal 3/23

Rain Date Easter Egg Hunt - 3/30

Easter Break - CLOSED - 3/28-4/1

Spring Break - CLOSED - 4/22-4/30

Yearbook (K-12) - 5/13

Testing Week - Elective Classes ONLY - 5/20-5/24

High School Field Trip - 5/24

Memorial Day - CLOSED - 5/27

Field Day - 6/3

Last Day of Classes - 6/7

End of the Year Party - TBA

Pinewood Derby - TBA

Candy Bar Bingo - TBA

*Additional Field Trips and Movies TBA

Tuition Schedule 2024-2025:

1 time payment- July 1, 2024

11-Month Payments- July 1, 2024- May 1, 2025

Nursery and Preschool payments may be deducted as child care expenses when filing tax returns provided both parents work (ask your accountant!).

BELLMORE- CLASS CHART

CLASS-DAYS

YEARLY COST

11- MONTH PAYMENTS

Tot School, Science, or Music

Mommy and Me -1 Day

$400

$37

Nursery  (PL) **

(2 Year Olds)- 2 DAYS

$1400

$128

PRESCHOOL **

(3 Year Olds) -4 DAYS

$3300

$300

K4 (4 Year Olds)-4 DAYS**

$3300

$300

Kindergarten- 4 DAYS**

$3300

$300

3s, 4s, Kindy 5 Days

$4000

$365

CLASS-DAYS

YEARLY COST

11- MONTH PAYMENTS

Play and Learns- includes Lunch Club

$500

$46

Enrichment Class-includes Lunch Club

$500

$46

Themed Workshop- Includes Lunch Club

$500

$46

Elective 1pm-1:45pm- Includes Lunch Club

$350

$32

Elective 1:45-2:30

$350

$32

Stand Alone Morning Classes

45 Min

$350

$32

HICKSVILLE- SMALL GROUP CLASS CHART

CLASS-DAYS

YEARLY COST

11- MONTH PAYMENTS

KIndergarten- 3 DAYS***

$2750

$250

Kindergarten-4 Days

$3300

$300

1st-12th Grade- 3 DAYS***

$2750

$250

1st-12th Grade-4 Days

(3 hours on Thursday)

$3300

$300

SBA Electives (Depends on Elective)

$350-$400

$32-$37

MERRICK SMALL GROUP CLASS CHART

CLASS-DAYS

YEARLY COST

11- MONTH PAYMENTS

1st-4th Grade 4 days **

$3300

$300

1st- 4th Grade 5 days

$4000

$365

SBA Electives (Depends on Elective)

$350-$400

$32-$37

**FULL TIME STUDENTS CONSIDERED BEFORE PART TIME REQUESTS. *In Grades 6-12 there is a non refundable material fee due July 1st in the amount of $250, Grades 1-5 there is a non refundable material fee due July 1st in the amount of $200 and for Kindergarten there is a non refundable material fee due July 1st in the amount of $100. The rest of the cost of students' curriculum materials are covered by annual fundraising.

Withdrawal From Classes Fee:

Should you withdraw from a class after October 1st (2024) or 2 weeks after your start date- there is a 10% withdrawal fee per class.

Parent Association

What we are looking for: A parent representative from each “core block” to be the Class Parent and assist with:

Collecting Funds from Parents for:

  • Class Parties

  • Creating the Class Basket for our March Raffle Basket/Bingo Fundraiser (with help from the class)

  • Making the end of the year Class Gift for the students in their class- if they want to do one

  • Field Day

Participating/Assisting/Organizing/Rallying for:

  • Trunk or Treating

  • Thanksgiving Feast

  • Yearbook

  • March Bingo Fundraiser

  • Field Day

  • Moving Up Ceremony

Parent Liaison:

  • Share ideas for activities, future classes, field trips between the SBA School Board and the parents

* The Head of the Parent Association may attend select Board Meetings.

Looking for class Moms/Dads/Grandparents for:

Bellmore:

  • 2’s

  • Preschool

  • K4

  • Kindergarten

Merrick:

  • 1st-4th Grade

Hicksville:

  • Kindergarten-2nd

  • 3rd- 7th

  • 8th-12th

Club Activities: Some activities such as Chess, Dance, Girl Scouts and Musical Theatre are not run through SBA, and must be registered for through the separate organization. Likewise, the SBA Calendar may not always apply to these “club” activities.  These clubs are held adjacent to SBA classes as a convenience to our SBA families.

Late Pick Ups: Late pick up fees in the amount of $1 per min are applied (from dismissal time) for any pick up that is 10 min late or longer.

Late fees for tuition

  • Tuition payments not received by the 10th of the month are subject to a $40 late fee.

  • If payment is not received for two consecutive months, your account will be referred to the SBA Board of Directors for review, and your child(ren) will be removed from Sarah Beth Academy.

  • In the case that your account is referred to collections, an additional 35% fee will be added.

  • Binding Arbitration: You agree that any claim or dispute regarding this contract, the literature concerning the school, the attendance of your child at the school, or anything that relates to the school experience itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in Nassau County, New York, according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. In any such arbitration the substantive (not procedural) law of the State of NY shall apply. The arbitrator and not any Federal, State, or local court agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable.

Field Trips

  • Field Trips are always optional and usually require coordinated carpooling/chaperones. To attend SBA field trips, the children must wear the SBA Field Trippin T- shirt or Sweatshirt. There are no exceptions. The style of shirt is always the same- so it is not necessary to purchase every year.

  • Should a field trip be offered and not all the students in a class attend- said classes may be merged for the day. (I.E. a Preschool 3s class may merge with a Pre-K 4s class for the day).

  • A bigger family oriented field trip may be offered (optional)- and is usually found on a private facebook page. (2023 was Disney, 2024 is Tennessee) For these field trips a “special edition” field trippin shirt is offered for purchase, but is optional to wear.

Unexpected Closures and Snow Days

In the case of inclement weather, we generally follow the surrounding school districts. An announcement is made on our social media accounts, as well as email.

In the event of an emergency- notice will be given via our social media accounts, robo-text and robo-emails.

Illness:

If your child is sick, please keep them home. We are very happy to send you any work that is missed.

We are a homeschool co-op… so… if you are going on vacation during the year and will be missing class…. Have so much fun and we will see you when you get back! There is no need to do work while you are away, we will catch you up when you return. (If you want the assignments while you are away, we will give them to you).

Special Events

  • Picture Day

  • Takes place at all 3 Locations and takes place during class time. Pictures must be ordered prior to being taken (goes straight to the photographer). Only children who have purchased photos take individual pictures.

  • Pictures of K-12th graders are included in the yearbook.

  • There are no make up photo days- however, if you are unable to make your designated location day, you may go to another location!

  • School Dances

  • There are 3 school wide (K-12th grade) dances per year- Fall Ball, Valentine’s Day Ball, and the End of the Year Party. Those children graduating K4 are also invited to the End of the Year Party. Parties usually are held in our Hicksville location and include dancing, photo ops, games, food and fun. Events are Drop Off Only.

  • Prom

  • Our 2024 Prom is being held in January this year and is open to 8th graders and up. You do not have to be an SBA student to attend.

  • Booing

  • Children are matched up to deliver a Halloween (or Fall) surprise. (It’s like Ding Dong Ditch)

  • Sign ups are during the Month of September

  • Trunk or Treat

  • Trunk or Treat is $10 per child and all proceeds go to The United Methodist Church of East Meadow- who graciously let us use their parking lot in this fun SBA tradition.

  • Teachers and Families are invited to decorate their trunks for a chance to win prizes.

  • All are welcome to come trunk or treat- there is a costume parade, crafts and games also included in admission.

  • Haunted House

  • Located at our Bellmore location. Register early or at the door. Upstairs is a Halloween Party with Games and Crafts….

  • Students and teachers participate in creating an eerie scene- stick to just the party if you scare easily- or have younger children.

  • Thanksgiving Feast

  • Thanksgiving Feast takes place in lieu of regular classes. It is a chance for the entire SBA student body and their families to come together in celebration. It is open for all Mommy and Me- 12th grade.

  • Potluck Style event -  sign ups are via sign up genius prior to the event.

  • There is no fee to participate other than bringing an item to the party.

  • Event also includes crafts and games.

  • Scholastic Bookorders and Book Fairs

Scholastic book orders

  • Scholastic Book Fairs

  • We have a book fair scheduled in Bellmore for the end of November and is open to everyone to attend. The fair helps raise funds for new books for each classroom and the school libraries.

  • Cookies with Santa

  • Located at our Bellmore location- Step into a winter wonderland with cookies and cocoa, Santa and Photo Ops. Pre-registration is a must. This year Santa will make a short stop at our Book Fair!

  • Elfing

  • Similar to boo-ing, children are matched up to deliver a holiday surprise. (It’s like Ding Dong Ditch….but holiday themed (Christmas or Hanukkah)

  • Sign ups are during the Month of November

  • Egg Hunt

  • $15 per child. Includes Egg Hunt, games, visit from the Easter Bunny, Crafts, and Fun! Bring your own baskets. The hunt will be split by ages. Walking- Age 15.

  • Thousands of Eggs. Event is indoor and outdoor- with plenty of photo opportunities.

  • Takes place behind our Hicksville location.

  • Field Day

  • Open for Grades K-12, usually held the last full week of school at our Hicksville location. Children are put on teams and compete for ribbons

  • SBA Derby

  • Open to the entire Student Body. Pre-registration is required - event is during the second semester. Students/Families create their own derby car and race on an official derby track.

  • Yearbook

  • Yearbooks are for grades K-12 and are purchased directly through the yearbook company. Students receive them at the end of the year moving up ceremony. Inside the yearbook includes class photos, individual photos and photos from events throughout the school year. It is a great keepsake and includes all students grades K-12. Notices go home with directions on how to purchase the yearbook.

  • Moving Up Ceremony

  • Moving up (and Graduation -Preschool, K4, Kindy, 8th and 12th grades) is school wide for classes preschool through 12th grade. There are no regularly scheduled classes on this day. It is usually broken down into 2 or more ceremonies and includes presentations.  Students in Grades K and up receive their “Varsity” SBA school letters and pins.

Location Specific Procedures

Bellmore

2016 and 2018 North Jerusalem Rd, Bellmore NY

  • Classes start at 9:30 am- drop off is at the front doors and begins at 9:25 am.

  • Drop off at the SBA storefront for the Preschool and Kindergarten Classes (Also for Mommy and Me Classes this is the side to enter)

  • Drop off at the Dance storefront for Both Nursery 2s and K4 Classes

  • Lunch and Snack- Lunch is eaten after  the morning class session at around 12:30 pm. Please pack a nut free lunch. Snacks are eaten mid morning for the morning classes. Please pack a nut free snack.

  • FOOD GUIDELINES

  • We have snack time during our morning classes and you also pack a lunch if your child stays for electives in the afternoon. Please label which is the snack if packing for both.

Safety is our #1 priority

  • - Nut free!

  • - cut grapes in half lengthwise

  • - cut carrots in thin strips

  • - mini marshmallows are allowed, not whole

  • - cut hot dogs in lengthwise bite size pieces

  • - no popcorn

  • - no hard candy

  • - no gum

  • - no lollipops

  • Diaper Policy- an opt in policy, YOU ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED.

SBA is not a daycare, so we are not required to have changing tables in our restrooms.  If your child wears a diaper, and is in our care for over two hours, we are now instituting the following charge (diaper fee):

  •         $45 per month for children up to 3.5 years; and

  •         $65 per month for children 3.5 years and above.

  • Diapered children are required to wear pull-ups so that we may change them standing up.  We will check diapers every two hours.  If your child is wet, we will change their pull-up.  If your child poops at any time, you will be called to come and change them.

  • Please provide pull-ups and extra changes of clothes in the backpack everyday.  If your child becomes potty trained, the fee will stop being charged the following month.  If your potty trained child has more than one accident per week, we will ask that they be put back into a pull-up.

Merrick

2138 Merrick Mall (Ave), Merrick NY

  • Classes start at 9:45 am- drop off is at the back door on Smith Street, between Merrick Ave and Hewlett Ave and begins at 9:40 am.

  • Upon arrival, your child will remove their street shoes and put on their SBA shoes (these are shoes that have never been worn outside and will live at SBA for the year) Crocs are recommended.  

  • Lunch- Lunch is eaten during the morning class session at around 11:45 am. Please pack a nut free lunch or you may purchase pizza on Wednesdays for $4 a slice. Money for pizza must be given upon arrival at the door.

  • FOOD GUIDELINES

Safety is our #1 priority

  • - Nut free!

  • - cut grapes in half lengthwise (As Age Requires)

  • - cut carrots in thin strips (As Age Requires)

  • - mini marshmallows are allowed, not whole

  • - cut hot dogs in lengthwise bite size pieces

  • - no hard candy

  • - no gum

  • - no lollipops

  • Library Procedures

  • The Library is easy to use and is geared towards Grades K-12. Each book is labeled and leveled making it easy to find the perfect book to read. In order to take out a book, the Library permission slip must be signed acknowledging that should the book be lost or destroyed- you will pay for a replacement. Otherwise the library is completely free to use for the students who are enrolled in a SBA class.

Hicksville

161 c Levittown Parkway, Hicksville NY

  • Classes start at 10am- drop off is at the front door for ALL classes. Pick Up is also at the front door.

  • Late Arrival and Early Pick up- If you are arriving after the drop off time or picking up before the scheduled pick up time, please come to the front door/lobby.

  • Lunch- Lunch is eaten during the afternoon class session at around 1:10 pm. Please pack a nut free lunch or you may purchase pizza for $3 a slice. Money for pizza must be given upon arrival at the door.

  • FOOD GUIDELINES

Safety is our #1 priority

  • - Nut free!

  • - cut grapes in half lengthwise (As Age Requires)

  • - cut carrots in thin strips (As Age Requires)

  • - mini marshmallows are allowed, not whole

  • - cut hot dogs in lengthwise bite size pieces

  • - no hard candy

  • - no gum

  • - no lollipops

  • Library Procedures

  • The Library is easy to use and is geared towards Grades K-12. Each book is labeled and leveled making it easy to find the perfect book to read. In order to take out a book, the Library permission slip must be signed acknowledging that should the book be lost or destroyed- you will pay for a replacement. Otherwise the library is completely free to use for the students who are enrolled in a SBA class.

  • Lockers and Locks

  • Lockers are available for our 3rd-12th graders on a first come first served basis. They are a 1 time $25 fee which is good through your student’s duration at SBA. They are optional and in no way mandatory. Upon payment, a locker will be assigned to the student. Every effort will be made to assign a locker in their home room’s vicinity.

  • Lock’s are available for $10 for the year (a rental free). Lock’s must be turned back in at the end of the year. A director of Hicksville will have a master key to the lock in case of emergency. Locks are not mandatory for those that have lockers… but if a student chooses to use a lock on their assigned locker… it must be one from SBA.