NFCSD 2020 - 2021 School Re-Opening Plan

A student’s ability to learn and meet high academic standards is compromised by incidents of bullying and harassment.  Incidents may come in many different forms such as taunting or intimidation.

A state law called the “Dignity for All Students Act” protects all public elementary and secondary students. The law prohibits the harassment and discrimination of students.

Our parents and guardians should be aware that the District has a Positive Behavior and Character Education Program in place at every school. Schools have 'Bully Boxes" or “Safe Lockers” where students can anonymously report incidents of bullying or other negative behavior. A Step-Mentoring program is also in place at NFHS that pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen to help younger students navigate the adjustment to high school life. The Power of One, Key Club, Increase the Peace and other student organizations reinforce the message that tolerance and respect are required life skills.

If you know of a child being bullied, you are encouraged to contact the school that child attends. The sooner adults have information, the sooner they can address it.

The District takes seriously the responsibility we all have, as adults in children’s lives, to model appropriate behavior, to be a resource for a child in need, and to hold accountable those who harm others. We thank the greater community for supporting and joining in this work.

Key Terms

Harassment/Bullying is the creation of a hostile environment by conduct, threats, intimidation, or abuse that would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student's academic performance, their mental/emotional/physical well-being or cause a student to fear for her/his safety.

Discrimination is the denial of equal treatment and/or access to programs and facilities. 

Cyberbullying is defined as harassment or bullying which takes place through any form of electronic communication.

If you suspect your child is a victim of harassment/bullying, discrimination, or cyberbullying, please locate the appropriate contact included on the site.

Parent Resources

Click HERE to view the NY State Education Department Dignity Act

Click HERE to view parent resources for cyber-bullying

District Code of Conduct

District Comprehensive Improvement Plan 2020-2021

District Comprehensive Improvement Plan 2019 - 2020

District School Safety Plan

Notice of Non-discrimination

NY State Child Abuse Hotline 

New York State requires that each public school post the phone number for the state's child-abuse hotline in a prominent location where students can see it.  The District is happy to provide this information for the safety of all children

The statewide toll-free number is 1-800-342-3720

Visit the Office of Children and Family Services HERE

Nueva York está exigiendo que cada escuela pública publique el número de teléfono de la línea directa de abuso infantil en un lugar prominente donde los estudiantes puedan verlo. El Distrito se complace en proporcionar esta información para la seguridad de todos los niños. 
 
El número de teléfono gratuito del estado es 1-800-342-3720. 
Visite la  Oficina de Servicios para Niños y Familias 

Niagara Falls City School District

DISTRICT CONDUCTS WATER TESTING

To protect public health, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) requires that schools test drinking water for lead. If lead is found at any water outlet at levels above 15 parts per billion (ppb), the NYSDOH requires specific action be taken to reduce the lead. The District is happy to comply with this law, and ensure the health and safety of all students and staff.

The District has been conducting this testing in all its schools; a small number of water outlets initially show a cause for further testing. State protocol requires every site indicating a higher than acceptable level of lead be retested and remediated if a second test confirms the presence of lead in unacceptable levels. In any case where more than 15ppb are found in any location in a school, parents will be notified and re-testing will occur.

At Hyde Park, 77 water samples were tested; 10 showed lead levels above the 15 parts per billion (ppb) action level. In other words, 87 percent of the water outlets tested did not have any lead problems. The 10 water sources were taken out of service until further testing or remediation; these sources are indicated with signage. After the second round of lead testing, all Hyde Park School water sources have been cleared and fall below the 15 ppb threshold.

At Henry J. Kalfas Magnet Elementary School, had only one out of the 63 taps exceed a threshold of 15 parts per billion. The lone sink that tested above is located in the kitchen. After a second lead test on the one water source at Kalfas, all sources are below the 15 ppb threshold.

At Maple Avenue School, one of 33 water outlets showed ppb of above 15; at Cataract Elementary School, six of 65 outlets showed ppb of above 15. These will be retested according to State protocol.

At 79th Street, out of 82 samples taken, 12 showed ppb of above 15. Again, those water sources were taken out of service until further testing or remediation; these sources are indicated with signage. At Abate, 18 of 158 samples tested above 15 ppb. These will be retested according to State protocol.

At Niagara Street School, three samples out of 140 samples tested above 15ppb. These will be retested according to State protocol. At GJ Mann School, three samples out of 105 samples tested above 15ppb. These will be retested according to State protocol. Testing on a building used by the Maintenance Department (maintenance barn) showed no levels above 15 ppb. At the Community Education Center, seven samples of 45 tested above 15ppb.

At the Administration Building, 11 of 239 samples tested above 15ppb. In each case, affected sinks are labeled with visible signs and the Health Department has been notified. A letter indicating such will be mailed to parents.

Is Our School’s Drinking Water Safe?

Yes, our schools’ water is safe. The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at Hyde Park School include: A sink in the bathroom of classroom 2. It had a reading of 78.1ppb. The bubbler in classroom 3. It had a reading of 22.7ppb. The sink in the handicapped bathroom. It had a reading of 39.7ppb. A sink in classroom 11. It had a reading of 18.4ppb. The drinking fountain in the Boy’s gym. It had a reading of 23.5ppb. The sink in the PEG kitchen. It had a reading of 156ppb. The drinking fountain in the corridor outside the gym. It had a reading of 17.4ppb. The sink in the men’s restroom outside the Speech room. It had a reading of 105ppb. The sink in the Speech room. It had a reading of 26.1ppb. The hose bib outside of classroom 5. It had a reading of 30.7ppb.

The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at Kalfas School include: Kitchen sink adjacent to hallway It had a reading of 25ppb. The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at Maple Avenue School include: Kitchen, Far Left Corner from café doors. It had a reading of 18.2ppb. The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at Cataract Elementary School include: Kitchen Hand Washing Sink. It had a reading of 22.0ppb. Cafeteria Drinking Fountain Drinking Fountain. It had a reading of 29.4ppb. Drinking Fountain, Hall Outside Room 184. It had a reading of 40ppb. Hose Bib Outside Room 120 Hose Bib It had a reading of 20.5ppb Hose Bib Outside Main Entrance. It had a reading of 380ppb. Hose Bib Outside Room 178 Hose Bib. It had a reading of 128ppb. The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at 79th Street Elementary School include: Classroom 101, Bathroom Left Sink. It had a reading of 15.5 Basement, Bathroom Small Sink. It had a reading of 19.7 First Draw Basement, Bathroom Large Low Sink. It had a reading of 337 First Draw Girl’s Coach Office, Adj to Gymnasium Sink. It had a reading of 16.6 First Draw Wmn’s Bathroom, Adj to Classroom 212 Sink. It had a reading of 19.4 First Draw Guidance Office, Adj to Library Sink. It had a reading of 37.5 First Draw Ext of Cafeteria / Storage Room Hose Bib. It had a reading of 97.6 First Draw Ext of Classroom 105 Hose Bib. It had a reading of 34.6 First Draw Ext of Classroom 102 Hose Bib. It had a reading of 1030 First Draw Ext of Classroom 107 Hose Bib. It had a reading of 89.8 First Draw Ext of Classroom 109 Hose Bib. It had a reading of 1600 First Draw Ext of Clinic / Classroom 111 Hose Bib. It had a reading of 733. The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at Abate Elementary School include: First Draw Room 105 Sink. It had a reading of 15.5 First Draw Room 110 Sink. It had a reading of 38.6 First Draw Room 122 Sink. It had a reading of 65.4 First Draw Room 124-D Sink. It had a reading of 47.3 First Draw Room 158 Sink. It had a reading of 36.8 First Draw Room 157 Sink. It had a reading of 271 First Draw Room 157 Bubbler. It had a reading of 95.4 First Draw Room 163 Bubbler. It had a reading of 18.1 First Draw Room 175/176 Sink. It had a reading of 75.7 First Draw Room 248 Sink. It had a reading of 23.5 First Draw Room 202 Bathroom (south end of room). It had a reading of Sink 53.0 First Draw Room 202 Bathroom (north end of room) Sink. It had a reading of 15.9 First Draw Exterior East Courtyard Hose Bib. It had a reading of 20.2 First Draw Exterior South Wall Hose Bib. It had a reading of 41.6 First Draw Exterior Door 1 East Hose Bib. It had a reading of 196 First Draw Exterior Door 1 West Hose Bib. It had a reading of 393 First Draw Exterior Northwest Wall Hose Bib. It had a reading of 277 First Draw Exterior South Wall Hose Bib. It had a reading of 67.0

The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at Niagara Street Elementary School include: First Draw Kitchen Sink Closest To Employee Room C106 Sink. It had a reading of 15.9. 111.8-122 First Draw Kitchen Sink Closest to the Door Adjacent to the Dry Storage Room C107B Sink. It had a reading of 112. 111.8-127 First Draw Generator Area Hose Bib Hose Bib. It had a reading of 23.4. A second round of testing at NSS indicates no levels above 15ppb. The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at GJ Mann Elementary School include: First Draw Custodian’s Office Sink. It had a reading of 19.0 ppb 111.3-97 First Draw Kitchen, Brown Sink. It had a reading of 78.4 ppb 111.3-99 First Draw Kitchen, Steamer Sink. It had a reading of 20.4 ppb The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at CEC include: Men’s Lavatory Sink Across the Hall from Office. It had a reading of 144 Sink 28.5. Room 104 Sink. It had a reading of 299. Room 104 Bubbler Bubbler. It had a reading of 142. Room 109 Left Sink. It had a reading of 18.6. Storage Closet Next to Room 102 Sink. It had a reading of 47.7 Room 201 Library Sink. It had a reading of 17.6. Basement Slop Sink. It had a reading of 53.4.

The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at the Administration Building include: Room 212 Sink. It had a reading of 26.7 Room 214 Sink. It had a reading of 35.8 Room 214 Bubbler. It had a reading of 17.3 Room 106 Sink. It had a reading of 29.1 Room 109 Sink. It had a reading of 194 Room 109 Bubbler. It had a reading of 60.9 Room 109 (bathroom north side of room) Sink. It had a reading of 15.5 Room 109 (bathroom south side of room) Sink. It had a reading of 38.0 Sign Shop Sink. It had a reading of 55.3 Copy Room Sink. It had a reading of 17.9 Exterior (north exterior) Hose Bib. It had a reading of 1190 The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at Gaskill Prep include: The sink in room 406. It had a reading of 22.3ppb. The hose bib in room 405. It had a reading of 18.7ppb. The sink in room 322. It had a reading of 24.6ppb. The Well Fill in the Cafeteria. It had a reading of 20.2ppb. The Sprayer in the Kitchen. It had a reading of 19.1ppb. The sink in room 101. It had a reading of 16.2ppb. The sink closest to the door in room 105. It had a reading of 24.7ppb. The sink furthest from the door in room 105. It had a reading of 34.0ppb. The sink in room 107. It had a reading of 20.0ppb. The areas where lead levels exceeded 15ppb at LaSalle Prep include: Room 320, sink to left as entering room Sink. It had a reading 20.0 ppb Room 201A, closest to the door Sink. It had a reading 38.4 ppb Room 201, farthest from the door Sink. It had a reading 67.5 ppb Room 215B Sink. It had a reading 75.7 ppb Room 119 Sink. It had a reading 20.1 ppb Football Room, first sink on left as entering the room Sink. It had a reading 31.9 ppb At NFHS, 36 of 379 tested sites had above 15ppb. The areas where high lead levels were found include: The sink in the Copy room 320. It had a reading of 15.7ppb. The sink in room 131 (hood, east side of room). It had a reading of 59.2ppb. The sink in room 141 (hood, north side of room). It had a reading of 54.1ppb. The sink in room 111 (hood). It had a reading of 106.0ppb. The sink in room 111 (back room). It had a reading of 49.0ppb. The sink in room 121. It had a reading of 293.0ppb. The hose bib outside room 115. It had a reading of 16.5ppb. The hose bib outside room 117. It had a reading of 23.1ppb. The hose bib outside room 116. It had a reading of 17.0ppb. The hose bib outside room 122. It had a reading of 140.0ppb. The hose bib outside room 126. It had a reading of 47.9ppb. The hose bib outside room 127. It had a reading of 278.0ppb. The hose bib outside room 121. It had a reading of 109.0ppb. The hose bib outside room 137. It had a reading of 205.0ppb The hose bib outside room 136. It had a reading of 34.4ppb. The hose bib outside door 8. It had a reading of 221.0ppb. The hose bib outside room 146. It had a reading of 100.0ppb. The hose bib outside room 147. It had a reading of 318.0ppb. The hose bib outside exterior door 6. It had a reading of 50.7ppb. The water main flush in the hot box. It had a reading of 63.3ppb. The sink in room 211 (hood). It had a reading of 98.5ppb. The sink in room 221 (hood). It had a reading of 29.5ppb. The sink in room 260. It had a reading of 36.4ppb. The sink in room 231 (hood). It had a reading of 87.6ppb. The sink in room 231 (back room). It had a reading of 16.0ppb. The sink in room 331 (hood). It had a reading of 46.5ppb. The sink in Women’s Restroom near room 320. It had a reading of 18.6ppb. The sink in room 320 (hood). It had a reading of 31.5ppb. The sink in room 311 (storage). It had a reading of 37.2ppb. The sink in room 321 (left side window sink). It had a reading of 291.0ppb. The sink in room 321 (center left door sink). It had a reading of 16.8ppb. The sink in room 321 (hood). It had a reading of 16.7ppb. The sink in room 441 (hood). It had a reading of 71.2ppb. The sink in room 440 (hood). It had a reading of 115.0ppb. The sink in room 431 (prep room). It had a reading of 152.0ppb. The sink in room 421 (hood). It had a reading of 45.6ppb.

Superintendent Mark Laurrie points out that results from all District buildings are still coming in. “As we get the results of testing we will take the appropriate action to comply with State laws and, more importantly, to ensure the health and safety of students and staff,” he said. “We are encouraged that so far we see a relatively low number of areas of concern and many of those are sinks and hoses—places that are not used for drinking or cooking.”

“Of those testing above the threshold, so far we do not see any drinking fountains or other areas of student contact that greatly exceed the threshold.”

Testing will continue in coming days. NOTE: all water sources tested for lead are now clear and appropriate for use. 

Smart Schools Bond Act Phase II