Required Notifications Home

Good attendance is important. At all grade levels, students are more likely to succeed in academics when they attend school consistently. However, there may be times when your child must be absent.

Parents/guardians are asked to call the attendance office when a child is absent from school. If no phone call is received, we will contact parents/guardians via our automated calling system (ParentSquare) to verify the child’s absence. State law requires a written note or e-mail to follow the phone call. If a written note/e-mail is not submitted, the absence will be considered unexcused.

Visit our web page for information on attendance and reporting absences.

The Board of Education, working with administrators, teachers, parents and students, has approved a Code of Conduct. These expectations, based on a philosophy of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity are outlined below. The unabridged, full-text Code of Conduct is available in each school’s main office, by contacting the Deputy Superintendent’s Office at 315-434-3006 or on our website (visit Parent/Guardian Page).

Discipline of Students with Disabilities: ESM will comply with all State and Federal laws and afford required procedural protections in disciplining students with disabilities. Staff members or District personnel who observe a violation of the Code of Conduct should report it to a school administrator.

Behavior-Related Offenses and Consequences – Students: The Code of Conduct is intended to focus on safety and respect for the rights of others. Students who do not accept this responsibility are subject to disciplinary consequences. As a general rule, discipline will be progressive or increase in severity as the behavior increases in seriousness. 

Visitors to the School and Public Conduct: Visitors must sign in and report to the main office upon arrival at a school building. If a visitor is judged by the administration not to have an appropriate reason for the visit, the visitor will be asked to leave. No smoking or drinking alcohol is allowed on district property. Violence and direct/implied threats of violence are prohibited and should be reported immediately to school officials.

Dignity for All Students Act: The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), effective July 1, 2012, is integrated with the Code of Conduct and contains similar requirements for maintaining a positive learning environment for all students. Also included are provisions for reporting and intervening in cases of discrimination, harassment or bullying. Any related complaints should be brought to the attention of the building principal, who is designated as the Dignity Act Coordinator to assist in implementation of the DASA. Meghan Thomas, Director of Counseling,  Youth Development and Leadership provides district coordination of the DASA.

DASA Complaint Form: Use this form for DASA Complaints.

Use this form for complaints including incidents of alleged discriminating or harassing conduct. Civil Rights Complaint form.

Transparency and responsible financial stewardship are key priorities in our district. On our District Financial Information web page, you will find comprehensive information about our budget, expenditures, revenues, and financial reports. Our goal is to ensure that our community stays informed about how resources are allocated to support student success, maintain our facilities and invest in the future of our schools.

ESM uses electronic progress reports and report cards available on a system called Schooltool. Parents and students are able to review and, if they choose, print a copy of the progress report or report card.

When the reports are available, the district sends out e-mail notifications. Parents who would still like a paper copy sent home can call their school to make the request.

Please note that Schooltool users must have a valid e-mail address on file with the District to log-in. To submit your e-mail address, please Send us a message for assistance.

For further information, a user guide is available online. It describes how to log-in for the first time, obtain a password, and how to navigate the site. Using the SPP, students and parents can e-mail teachers, check grades and state test scores, view attendance, review contact information and more. Visit our SchoolTool Resources page.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act gives parents (or legal guardians) of students under 18, or students who are 18 and older, several rights. One is the right to inspect, review, challenge and/or amend official school-related student records, files and data relating to that student. Parents or eligible students may submit a written request to the school that identifies the records they wish to inspect. Other rights include:

• ESM may release directory information without parental or stu­dent consent, unless the District is notified in writing. This includes a student’s name, parents’ names, participation in recognized school organizations (including positions held, achievements, athletic records and other matters of public knowledge in the community), height and weight of athletes, dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards. Directory information can be shared with third parties such as military recruiters and/or institutions of higher educa­tion.
• Use of Video/Photographs and Student Work: The District provides the community with news, photos and videos from our schools as well as information about events, activi­ties and achievements. At times we also share student work. ESM provides this information through a variety of mediums including, but not limited to, printed materials (bulletins, newsletters, etc.), the District website and “social media” (Twitter/Facebook, etc.) as well as information shared with the media (TV/radio/newspapers/magazines, etc.) for their use.
• Consent: As part of FERPA, parents/guardians of students under age 18 and students 18 and older may prevent the release of directory information to third parties and/or the use of photos/videos of their child or his/her work. The District must be notified in writing and requests can be indicated on your child’s information verification form, which will be sent home at the beginning of the year. Requests must be received by September of each school year.
• Student privacy (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment): Parents/guardians have rights regarding ESM’s conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams. This includes the opportunity to opt a child out of participation.

• Administration of Medications: Whenever possible, medication should be given at home. If a medication must be given at school, New York State law mandates the process to follow before any medication, including over the counter medications eg. Tylenol/ibuprofen, can be administered. An “Authorization for Dispensing Medication” form must be completed and may be obtained from any school health office or online.
   
• Physical examinations are required for students in grades Pre-k, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and those participating in sports. It is recommended children receive the physical from their own physician, but school physicians can perform the exams.
   
• Meningitis vaccine: NY State requires this vaccine before returning to school for students entering grade 7, 8 and 9 (1 dose) and 12 (booster shot).
   
• Dental certificates are requested for students in grades Pre-k, K, 2, 4, 7, 10 and all new entrants to the District.
   
• Student Health Privacy: Parents and guardians are reminded that under FERPA (Family Educational Right to Privacy Act), the school nurse may disclose health alerts involving students to individuals who have a “legitimate educational interest” or that “need to know” the student's health situation.

School districts in NY State are required to test water supplies for lead. More lead testing information and results.

ESM's Data Security and Privacy Policy.

Parents' Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security

The Common Core Implementation Reform Act enacted in 2014 requires school districts to publish a “Parents' Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security” on their websites:

1. A student’s personally identifiable information (PII) cannot be sold or released by the District/BOCES for any commercial or marketing purposes.
2. Parents have the right to inspect and review the complete contents of their child's education record including any student data stored or maintained by the District/BOCES. This right of inspection is consistent with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In addition to the right of inspection of the educational record, Education Law §2-d provides a specific right for parents to inspect or receive copies of any data in the student’s educational record. NYSED has developed regulations pertaining to this.
3. State and federal laws protect the confidentiality of PII, and safeguards associated with industry standards and best practices, including, but not limited to, encryption, firewalls, and password protection, must be in place when data is stored or transferred.
4. A complete list of all student data elements collected by the State is available for public review at NYSED's website or parents may obtain a copy of this list by writing to the Office of Information & Reporting Services, New York State Education Department, Room 863 EBA, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234.
5. Parents have the right to file complaints with the District/BOCES about possible privacy breaches of student data by the District’s/BOCES’ third-party contractors or their employees, officers, or assignees, or with NYSED. Complaints regarding student data breaches should be directed to  Executive Director of Planning, Development & Technology, at 407 Fremont Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or 315-434-3008. Complaints to NYSED should be directed in writing to the Chief Privacy Officer, New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12234, email to privacy@nysed.gov. 
6. Parents may ask questions through the Parent Portal or by calling 315-434-3008

Student Privacy Information about vendors that ESM does business with.
 

 It is the policy of this District to provide, through a positive and effective program, equal opportunities for employment, retention and advancement of all people regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, sex, age, marital status, veteran status or disability. The compliance officer for the District is the Executive Director of Employee Engagement and Accountability, 407 Fremont Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057.

NYS Education Law requires that all persons in parental relations, faculty and staff be notified regarding the potential use of pesticides periodically throughout the year. ESM is required to maintain a list of persons who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications. The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements: application of a non-exempt pesticide when a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72 hours following the application; anti-microbial products; non-volatile rodenticides and insecticidal baits in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children; silica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-use pastes, foams, or gels in areas inaccessible to children; boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; the application of EPA designated biopesticides; the application of EPA designated exempt materials under 40CFR152.25; and the use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals from an imminent threat from stinging and biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps, and hornets. In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. If you would like to receive 48-hour notification of pesticide applications that are scheduled to occur in your school, please contact the Director of Facilities at 315-434-3001.
 

Memo from NYS Education Department regarding Testing Transparency.
 

Introduction: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires schools that receive federal Title I funding adopt written procedures for resolving complaints filed.

Definition: A “complaint” is a written, signed statement filed by an individual or an organization. It must include: A statement that a school has violated a requirement of federal statute or regulation that applies to Title I. The facts on which the statement is based. Information on any discussions, meetings or correspondence with a school regarding the complaint. Visit the NYS Education Dept. for further guidance on the ESSA complaint resolution process.

Complaint Resolution Procedures:

Referral – Complaints should be referred to the: Superintendent of Schools, East Syracuse Minoa Schools, 407 Fremont Rd., East Syracuse NY 13057

Notice to School – The Superintendent will notify the Principal that a complaint has been received. A copy of the complaint will be given to the Principal with directions given for the Principal to respond.

Investigation – After receiving the Principal’s response, the Superintendent will determine whether further investigation is necessary. If necessary, the Superintendent and/or his/her designee may do an onsite investigation at the school.

Opportunity to Present Evidence – The Superintendent may provide for the complainant and the Principal to present evidence.

Report and Recommended Resolution – Once the Superintendent and/or his/her designee has completed the investigation and the taking of evidence, a report will be prepared with a recommendation for resolving the complaint. The report will give the name of the party bringing the complaint, the nature of the complaint, a summary of the investigation, the recommended resolution and the reasons for the recommendation. Copies of the report will be issued to all parties involved. The recommended resolution will become effective upon issuance of the report.

Follow up – The Superintendent will ensure that the resolution of the complaint is implemented.

Time Limit – The period between the Superintendent receiving the complaint and resolution of the complaint shall not exceed thirty (30) calendar days.

Right to Appeal – Either party may appeal the final resolution to the New York State Education Department. Appeals should be addressed as follows: Title I School and Community Services Office, Room 320 EB, NYSED, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234

Many families spend time at pools, lakes and beaches, so the ESM School District is sharing this guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to help keep our students safe around water.

Under New York Education Law Section 926, effective July 1, 2026, school districts are required to share water safety information with parents and guardians.

Supervision Saves Lives

• Always swim with someone else and keep an eye on each other — nearly half of all drownings happen when a person is swimming alone.
• Kids and teens have the greatest risk of drowning. Always keep little ones within arm's reach, even in the shallow end.
• Lifeguards and life jackets don't take the place of close adult supervision. When children are in or near water, designate one adult as the water watcher. This person's only job is to watch the water — no reading, no phone, no alcohol — even when a lifeguard is present.
• Make sure your pool has a secure enclosure that makes it inaccessible to children.

Know the Signs of Drowning

Each year, hundreds of New Yorkers drown. It can happen to anyone, anywhere there is water. Drowning occurs quickly and silently. Someone drowning may appear to be splashing or waving when they are struggling to stay afloat.

Reduce your risk. Learn basic swimming skills. Consider taking a CPR class. Rescue breathing, first aid and calling 911 could save a life.

Where and How to Swim Safely

• The safest place to swim is at a public beach or at a pool with lifeguards.
• At beaches, swim only within the designated swimming area and be aware of undertows, currents and sudden drop-offs. 
• Pay attention to the weather and never swim during storms or lightning.
• Before swimming in a pool, make sure you can clearly see the drain at the bottom — if you can't, the water is too cloudy to swim in safely. 
• In lakes and other open water, avoid areas with surface scum, dense plants, or an oily sheen, as these can signal a health hazard.
• Avoid water that is greater than chest deep if you can't swim.
• Don't use alcohol or drugs if you plan to swim.
• Don't dive into water less than eight feet deep or of unknown depth — diving into shallow water is a leading cause of spinal cord injuries.
• Consider your health. Medical conditions like a seizure disorder or heart condition can put people at greater risk of drowning.

Life Jackets and Water Gear

Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved (I-III label) life jacket when boating or in open water. These are required by law for children under 12 on boats and recommended for all weak or non-swimmers in open water. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings and floats, should never take the place of an approved life jacket. Always follow safe boating practices.

Health and Hygiene

Germs can spread through water. Avoid getting sick by not swallowing water, rinsing off before and after you swim, and washing your hands before eating. Never swim in cloudy or discolored water.

Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea, or if you have open cuts or wounds. Don't pee or poop in the water. Take children on frequent bathroom breaks.

Backyard and Inflatable Pools

Backyard and inflatable pools holding more than 24 inches of water are regulated under New York State building codes. A permit is required, and the pool must have a secure barrier, self-latching gate and pool alarm to prevent unsupervised access by children.

More Information

Additional water safety resources (link).

Source: New York State Department of Health, Safe Swimming (3112, 8/25, PDF Link)