Faculty+and+Staff+Handbook

Faculty and Staff Handbook 2011 - 2012

** FACULTY AND STAFF HANDBOOK ** ** POLICIES AND PROCEDURES **





** CHARLESTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ** ** 550 Baltimore Street ** ** P.O. Box 120 ** ** Charlestown, MD 21914 ** ** 410-996-6240 **   ** FAX 410-996-6242 **

This handbook has been prepared for all staff members in matters dealing with school and classroom administration. The purpose is to specify policies and practices that pertain specifically to our elementary school. Each staff member is responsible for a careful study and working knowledge of this information as well as the Policies and Regulations issued by the Cecil County Board of Education. This handbook is a collection of policies, practices, and routines that have worked well in the past. As we work together, it is possible that better ways may be found to accomplish our purposes. If you have any suggestions that you think will be helpful to our school, please mention them during our faculty meetings or bring them to the administration’s attention.
 * __ INTRODUCTION __**

If you will be absent for __any reason__ (sick leave, personal leave, meeting attendance, etc__.)__, it is your responsibility to call the Substitute Calling System (800-942-3767) or use the website to report your absence as soon as possible. Please wait for the job number to make sure that the absence has been entered correctly. This system is used by payroll; if you are not sure what code to report please ask one of our secretaries. As in the past, you still need to complete a form to be approved by the principal for personal days. A Personal Leave form can be obtained from one of the secretaries. For professional leave, a formal request must be completed and sent to the elementary executive director. This application must first be given to the principal for approval. If you are requesting Leave Without Pay, a letter must be written to Mr. Robert Davis and first approved by the principal. You are responsible for having detailed plans (See **“Plans for Substitutes”**) and the appropriate materials in your room by 8:15 AM for a substitute. If you are relying on emergency plans, please call school to let someone know where the plans and materials are located. Please do not rely on e-mailing your lesson plans.
 * __ ABSENCE REPORTING FOR STAFF MEMBERS __**

procedures. Please discuss with your class the importance of reporting all accidents to you. __Our goal is to have no accidents__. Safety should be a topic discussed in all grade levels. Students should be informed as to the proper procedures to follow in reporting an accident. **Any accident** that occurs in the classroom or on the playground, no matter how minor it may seem, **must be reported** by the teacher to the office. This is for your legal protection. referral form. American Education Week is observed yearly in all Cecil County Public Schools. It is usually the last full week before Thanksgiving. Plans will be made to encourage parents to visit our school during that week. We should use this time to promote the many worthwhile activities taking place in our school.
 * __ ACCIDENTS AND SICKNESS OF CHILDREN __**
 * 1) Safety should be a topic for classroom discussion and students should be informed of safety
 * 1) Any student that requires medical attention should be sent to the Health Room with a health
 * 1) If applicable, an accident form will be filled out and signed by the supervising adult.
 * 2) If a child is ill, send him/her to the office with your observation(s) noted on the **//Health Referral//** form. Children will be sent home, when necessary, providing parent contact is available.
 * __ AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK __**

Every teacher is expected to accompany his/her class to any special events or assembly programs. __Special assemblies supersede the regular schedule, and all students are expected to attend unless prior arrangements with the principal have been made__. All adults are expected to be attentive and to refrain from grading papers, working on laptops, etc. If an assembly is scheduled during a specialist time, the specialist teaching the class will accompany the class to the assembly. If the specialist time ends during the assembly, the homeroom teacher is expected to join the class so the specialist can move to the next class required.
 * __ ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS __**

Each teacher will take attendance in the morning at 9:05 each day using Power School. Each homeroom teacher will have an attendance folder for notes and correspondence. When a student brings a note explaining his/her absence, the teacher should place these inside the folder so the absence codes can be recorded by a secretary. Any student who arrives after 9:00 a.m. (and before 10:30 a.m.) is considered tardy. Tardy students must report to the office to receive a pass to enter class. This pass lets the teacher know that the scan sheet has been corrected in the office. If a student arrives in your classroom without this pass, he/she must be sent back to the office. .   After the notes have been documented on Power School by the secretary they will be placed in the front of the attendance folder. The entire folder will then be put in the teacher's mailbox. The folders should **not** be removed from the mailboxes until after dismissal each day. Teachers should keep notes throughout the entire year! Each teacher will receive copies of approved family trip letters. These notes will be necessary for review if an attendance issue arises. **PLEASE NOTE: CHICKEN POX AND HEAD LICE WILL BE CODED AS 13 - APPROVAL BY THE PRINCIPAL. THIS WILL ALLOW THOSE DAYS OF ABSENCE TO BE EXCUSED AND NOT COUNTED AGAINST THE FIVE DAY LIMIT PER MARKING PERIOD FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO DID NOT VISIT THEIR DOCTOR.** The A-V equipment kept in the classroom should be included on the media inventory. When equipment is in need of bulb replacement (and you do not have the necessary bulb) or repair, please notify the media specialist. In turn, the media specialist will replace the bulb or inform the head custodian that a work order needs to be placed. Where extra equipment is available a replacement piece may be provided until repairs can be made. Students should operate equipment only under a teacher’s supervision. __Students are not permitted to move televisions or other large pieces of equipment.__
 * __ ATTENDANCE __**
 * __ AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT __**

Book covers are available free of charge for all texts assigned to students. Hardback books that are kept in the student’s desk should be covered.
 * __ BOOK COVERS __**

Charlestown qualifies for a federal grant supporting breakfast for all students. The breakfast will be distributed to each homeroom for consumption each day.
 * __ BREAKFAST PROGRAM __**

All bulletin boards should be attractive, neat, and up-to-date. Students’ work should be displayed. There should be evidence of the current units of study in the four main content areas of study. Spelling should be correct in all displayed work with exception of grade 1. The expectation is that the display space in the hallways will be used by the art teachers to display student work and by classroom teachers to display exemplary student work.
 * __ BULLETIN BOARDS __**

BUILDING SECURITY
It is the responsibility of all of Charlestown’s staff to make sure that our school is a safe place to work and learn. It is our #1 responsibility to provide a safe environment for our students. To accomplish this the following procedures will be in effect:
 * 1) Charlestown’s staff may enter the building through the main entrance if someone is in the office to provide access in or by using their security card at the other entrances.
 * 2) Anyone, other than staff, must enter Charlestown through the main entrance.
 * 3) Parents bringing students must come through the main entrance and bring the student to the office where they will be signed in.
 * 4) Visitors or volunteers to our school must come through the main entrance, register in the office, and be given a visitor’s or volunteer’s badge. CCPS employees must all be wearing photo ID badges at all times. If you see anyone in the hall without a badge, please stop them and send/escort them to the office. Let the office know if there is anyone in our building without a badge.
 * 5) At 8:45 AM the buses unload and all students enter the building through the main entrance. Students being dropped off in the car loop will enter the school through the main entrance side door. No student should be dropped off in the parking lot.
 * 6) During the school day, delivery people must use either the main entrance or the kitchen door. If they come through the main entrance, they must report to the office and identify themselves. If they have a delivery for the kitchen, they must ring the door bell and identify themselves.
 * 7) Staff members returning to do work in the evening should let the custodians know they are in the building.

Lunch is served at Charlestown daily. Students will be charged $ 1.10 for breakfast, $2.15 for lunch, and $ .50 for milk. Reduced price meals are $.30 for breakfast, $.40 for lunch, and $.50 for milk. Adults will be charged //A La Carte//. Milk is $.50 for everyone. The cafeteria will scan each child’s finger for identification into their computer system for documenting their purchase of breakfast/lunch/milk. Parents may pay into their child's cafeteria account. The office staff will make every effort to get late-arriving lunches to your classroom prior to your scheduled lunch shift. If a student is expecting a parent to bring his/her lunch or lunch money to the school, please have him/her check in the office prior to going into the cafeteria. The cafeteria has a specific procedure in place for students who do not have lunch money. Letters will be sent home for children with insufficient lunch accounts on Tuesdays.
 * __ CAFETERIA LUNCH PROGRAM __**

Food Services prepares a monthly menu for distribution to all students each month. Children should be lined up in the following order when they pass through the serving line: 1. Children buying milk or snack. 2. Children buying lunch. Children who are not buying lunch, milk, or snack may enter the cafeteria and immediately sit at their assigned tables. Each class/team is expected to: 1. Arrive on time to the cafeteria. 2. Move through the line in an orderly fashion. 3. Eat in a proper manner. 4. Return trays and food refuse according to established procedures. 5. Keep their table and floor area clean and leave the cafeteria in an orderly fashion. During the lunch period, several adults may be responsible for the supervision of the classes in the cafeteria. Each class should eat quietly, enjoy their lunch and time with friends, clean up the table when finished, and line up correctly when called. Each class will have an assigned table(s) in the cafeteria. The adults in charge are responsible for keeping classroom teachers informed about student behavior in the cafeteria. Teachers are responsible for a cooperative effort in improving inappropriate lunchroom behavior. Teachers should encourage students to use the restrooms before or after the lunch period. Children will not be permitted to leave the cafeteria during lunch time to go to the bathroom, unless it is an emergency or due to illness. The teacher is to return to the cafeteria to meet and escort the class back to the classroom. __Please adhere to your specific times for bringing and picking up your students. Even if you bring your class to the cafeteria late, you must pick them up at the regularly scheduled time.__
 * __ CAFETERIA PROCEDURES __**

All items such as trips, programs, trainings, meetings, staff development, etc. should be placed on the master calendar so there won’t be occasions where we are double scheduled on the same day. As soon as you know of a special activity please place it on the calendar. The tackle box is kept in the office work room and when using the colored magnets please use the overhead pen that is provided in the box. If you use the paper slips that slide into the magnet, any pen or pencil will do.
 * __CALENDAR (MASTER ONE IN THE OFFICE HALLWAY)__**

Children and adults are __not__ permitted to chew gum while in school or on school-related trips. We need the cooperation of everyone on this matter. Teachers should review this rule with their classes at the beginning of the school year.
 * __ CHEWING GUM __**

Attached at the end of this packet is a shortened version of the expectations for reporting suspected child abuse and/or neglect as well as the contact information.
 * __ CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT __**

Classroom parties will all be held on a day at the same time. You are encouraged to cooperatively plan with homeroom parents for each party. __A copy of any written communication regarding classroom parties should be submitted to the office for preapproval by the principal.__ __No one is permitted to pass out party invitations to their classmates; please bring any invitations to the principal so a parent can be properly notified. Invitations will be returned to the child to take home at the end of the day.__
 * __ CLASSROOM PARTIES __**

Parents are interested and anxious to know of their child's daily progress. Teachers should notify the home __as soon as a problem arises__. Please do not paint yourself or the school into a corner by failing to notify a parent promptly of a concern regarding behavior, homework, attitude, etc. In many cases a note or a phone call early in a situation can save time and trouble later on. If we as a school have failed to promptly notify a parent of a problem, we are vulnerable to criticism and attack. The value of most communication is in the correction of misconceptions. Care should be taken in grading daily work. Be sure that all papers, projects, tests, etc. that are sent home are carefully checked, appropriately graded, and preferably correct. Do not write cryptic negative notes that neither the student nor the parent will understand. All teachers will hold at least one conference with the parents of each pupil during the school year. Two full days in November have been scheduled in the school calendar for the purpose of holding parent conferences at the end of the first marking period. Please refer to the school calendar for these dates. The purpose of these conferences is to distribute progress reports, explain pupil progress, and identify needs and goals. Additional parent conferences may be scheduled to include the principal when deemed advisable. Students should be aware of the important outcomes of any conference. __Each teacher must record in the pupil's cumulative record "conference log" the date and persons involved in the conference__. Prior to a parent conference the homeroom teacher should be prepared to discuss the student's performance in all subject areas. However, where possible, the teacher involved in the instruction of a specific subject area should be included in the conference if specific questions need to be answered. A copy of all documents that are sent home must be three-hole punched and placed in the communication notebook in the office work room. All permission slips and class notes home need to be approved by the principal or the person in charge in the absence of the principal.
 * __ COMMUNICATION TO PARENTS __**

**__ Pertinent information concerning the child should not be discussed with anyone other than our professional staff __**__. __ Cumulative records are __confidential__ and teachers should be especially careful of the types of information they include in these records. Parents can request to see their child's records at any time. __Only certificated personnel are permitted to work on cumulative record folders__. Health issues are confidential information. Teachers must check cumulative records or talk with the school nurse to learn of any health concerns among the students in your classroom.
 * __ CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION __**

**__CONSERVATION OF HEAT AND LIGHT__**
Faculty and staff members are expected to conserve electricity by turning off all lights when the room is not occupied (i.e. directed play, lunch periods, etc.) This should apply to all areas in the school including the media center, workrooms, faculty room, etc. We are expected to use heat and light wisely. Do not open windows when heat or cooling systems are on. If your room is too hot or too cool, please notify the custodian. Also, keep all doors leading outside shut at all times.

The following information should be checked and updated during the first month of school on __all__ cumulative records: 1. Be sure that you have a folder for each child in your homeroom. At the beginning of the school year each teacher will receive a list of the children who will be in his or her homeroom. Please check your list against your cumulative records in the office. **Report to the secretary the names of those students in your homeroom for whom you have no cumulative record in the office.** 2. In each folder there should be a complete set of record cards for each child. 3. __Names should be spelled correctly on all of the record cards__. If there is a difference or question about spelling, notify the office. 5. Only blue or black ink may be used. 6. Be sure that all record folders have been stamped with a "Conference Log" on the inside back cover of the folder. __Remember to record the date and nature of **all** conferences held during the year.__ When records are received for a student that has enrolled after the school year begins the lead secretary will send an e-mail to the teacher notifying that the records have been received and they are in the appropriate files. **__When records are signed out in the office be sure to complete the sign-out and sign-in notebook so records can be located easily if necessary.__** Each classroom area will be vacuumed/swept by the custodial staff daily. In addition, chalk trays, counter tops and windowsills will be dusted. __Any requests for other services must be__ __directed to the Head Custodian in writing__. __The teacher is responsible for cleaning the chalkboards, other dusting, watering flowers, feeding pets, keeping closets and bookcases orderly, and other general housekeeping duties__. Students are responsible for keeping their individual desks clean. Please direct all students who are assigned to clean erasers that unsightly stains result when chalk erasers are beat against the building. Please see that this practice is avoided. When it is necessary to attach items to the block walls in the classroom, please try to avoid using materials that will remove the paint. Masking tape should be used wherever possible. Nothing is to be taped to glass on doors and windows. Please do not use glue, glue guns, scotch tape, etc. to attach items. Do not use tape on the chalkboards. If you need assistance in this area, please contact the custodians. Good judgment and caution are required in providing play opportunities during wet weather conditions. Teachers must assure that classroom/building floors are not abused. Be sure to have students wipe their feet before entering the building. Each classroom area will be vacuumed by the custodian daily. Classrooms should be vacuum cleaner ready (no trash, no pencils, etc.) by dismissal time. If you have a spill, please notify a custodian so the stain in carpet does not set. Counter tops and windowsills will be dusted. Teachers are expected to conserve electricity by turning off lights when the classroom is not occupied (i.e. directed play, lunch, etc.). This should apply to all areas in the school, including the media center, work areas, cafeteria, etc. We are expected to use heat and air conditioning wisely. Do not open classroom windows when the heat or cooling system is operating. If your classroom is overly hot or too cold, please notify the custodians. __Each teacher is responsible for closing the windows, adjusting the window blinds and turning off the lights before leaving the classroom each evening. Students’ chairs should be stacked 4 deep at the end of each day.__ Periodically, classrooms will be inspected by the principal, the custodian, and a representative from the Cecil County Board of Education Maintenance Department.
 * __ CUMULATIVE RECORDS __**
 * 1) During the first week of school an **//Official Personal Data Worksheet//** will be sent home with each child. As these worksheets are returned, please send them to the office. The office will then update any information in the child's records and Power School. The cards will be kept on file in the Health Room.
 * __ CUSTODIAL SERVICES __**

Children are not to be kept after school to do make-up work or as a form of punishment without the parent's prior knowledge. Detentions must be preapproved by the Principal. Parents must be notified at least one day in advance before a child is to be kept after school for any reason. This will allow twenty-four hours for parents to arrange transportation.
 * __ DETENTIONS __**

The health of our students is a primary concern for the Cecil County Public School System. Providing students with the opportunity to participate in meaningful movement opportunities that benefit their general well being is a priority. Directed play is one component of a comprehensive school activity program that promotes the development of healthy bodies and the enjoyment of movement for all students. Students should be offered options from a variety of activities in a safe environment during directed play. These activities should be well structured and require students to be physically active. The school should provide equipment for these activities. Appropriate supervision by school staff must be in place at all times during directed play. Please avoid scheduling directed play on days when students are dismissed early from school; particularly for students who have a movement activity (i.e. PE or IA) scheduled in their day. Directed play should be included in the daily schedule in a manner that does not disrupt or interfere with the academic schedule. Building principals are responsible for monitoring classroom schedules to ensure that time allocated for directed play is appropriate and well managed. Because directed play is acknowledged as an important part of a child’s development, participation in directed play is viewed as a necessary part of the school day and should not be used as a reward or punishment. Because the purpose for directed play is to provide students with opportunities to be physically active, indoor directed play is discouraged unless the teacher has access to a large group area that is conducive to movement activities. Teachers can utilize the physical education teacher and/or integrated arts teacher in their school for games and activities that can be added to the traditional favorites listed below: Supervision during directed play is necessary for the safety of all participants. As teachers accompany their class to the designated play areas, they must be involved in active supervision. Directed play should not be viewed as a “free period” for teachers. Directed play is a scheduled part of the teacher/student day and should be managed in this manner. Teachers should station themselves in a place that puts them in proximity to a majority of the children and allows all children to be in their line of vision. If more than one class is present in the play area at a time, teachers should coordinate to provide supervision in all areas where children are playing. =DISCIPLINE= Discipline is the responsibility of every teacher and staff member. Since all behavior is caused, when a child becomes a discipline problem it is wise to seek out the source of the problem while treating the behavior. Prevention of problems is easier and less time consuming than correcting them once they have occurred. Teachers should establish their rules and expectations with the class at the beginning of the school year and then enforce them fairly and consistently. Each child should be helped to accept his or her individual responsibility to the group. Discipline is based on the activities that develop __individual habits of self control.__ It is expected that each room will have an instructional program that is stimulating, appropriate for each student’s needs, and of sufficient interest that the behavior of the children will be within acceptable limits. Please use the resources of the principal, the LST, or the Counselor to help you solve a discipline problem should one arise. The principal, LST, or Counselor will be happy to talk with you at any time about individual cases or various disciplinary techniques. **It is assumed that all teachers realize that not every disciplinary situation is a crisis that can only be solved by sending the student immediately to the office**. The office staff is glad to help in emergency situations, but the classroom authority should not be given up easily. All that is requested is for each person to make an honest effort to solve the problem before referring it to someone else. **If a student must be sent to the office for discipline, he/she must have a Cecil County Public Schools Disciplinary Referral form completed**. **(NEW FORM 2011-2012)** It is also expected that all teachers will keep in mind an individual student's rights and responsibilities when administering discipline. **Children are not to be ridiculed, punished unjustly, or physically disciplined by a teacher**. **Teachers are not to isolate students by** ** having them stand in the hallway **. **Students should never be in a classroom unattended by an adult**. For some children, this is the freedom from the situation that they wanted. **Directed Play should not be taken as a consequence for a student’s behavior.** Each teacher is expected to discuss with his or her class the general rules of the school as well as the type of behavior expected from the children when the teacher is not with them. **(Please use vocabulary that is consistent with our Character Education Program to reinforce expected behaviors**.**)** __This would refer to their behavior with substitute teachers, general/instructional assistants, volunteers, on the playground, on field trips__ __ or while eating in the cafeteria __. The disciplinary atmosphere of the school is established cooperatively by the entire staff and is the responsibility of each staff person. __This responsibility is not necessarily relinquished when a teacher is not with the class.__ The conduct of all children in the hallways, cafeteria, playground, etc. is the responsibility of all staff members. A staff person should not ignore misconduct on the part of any child simply because that child is not assigned to that particular teacher. __Teachers are expected to assist with hallway behavior in the morning and afternoon at dismissal time when children are coming from or going to buses__.
 * __ DIRECTED PLAY (Guidelines from Dr. Teigland 2010-2011) __**
 * ** Individual and Group Jump Rope Activities **
 * American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart Skills Guide ( [] )
 * ** Kickball **
 * Many are familiar with the traditional version. Use PE Universe: []
 * ** Small sided sports games (3-3 soccer, basketball, etc.) **
 * ** Walking, jogging or running on a designated course **
 * ** Use of playground equipment **

Before each child leaves the classroom, the chairs should be stacked to the side and the floor around the desks should be checked for litter. The class should be well organized and quiet by 3:35 PM (1:55 PM on Wednesday) in order to properly hear the end of the day announcements. Any Faculty/staff members without a homeroom or an assigned duty should help monitor the hallways and the front sidewalk during the dismissal process. All dismissals will be announced over the intercom. Homeroom teachers for grades 2-5 should remain at their doorways to monitor departing students.
 * __ DISMISSAL __**
 * 1) Each teacher should dismiss his/her class promptly when walkers/car riders and busses are called.
 * 2) Staff members should be at their assigned post during the dismissal period.
 * 3) Students in grades 2-5 will be dismissed from their homerooms and are not to congregate in the hallways.
 * 1) Students in grade 1 will be escorted by their teachers when called at the end of each day.
 * 2) Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be dismissed from their specialist area each day except Wednesday; their homeroom teachers should come to the special area to take the lead for dismissal. Prekindergarten and kindergarten students will be escorted on Wednesdays.

The duty day is 8:15 AM to 3:45 PM for all certified staff members. The duty day for paraprofessionals and support staff members varies depending upon the job description and school needs. Staff members should contact the school by telephone as early as possible if they are going to be late. Children will be dismissed to homerooms at 8:45 AM and teachers are expected to be in their classrooms to receive these students. A request should be made to the principal well in advance if there is any need to deviate from this schedule. ***If you need to alter your duty day for a particular reason please discuss your need with the principal and complete the “Alteration of Work Day” form found at the end of this packet.
 * __ DUTY DAY FOR STAFF MEMBERS __**


 * __ EMERGENCY DRILLS __**

Each teacher must have a set of fire drill rules and regulations posted in the classroom along with an exit map. These items must be posted next to the fire exit. It is the responsibility of each teacher to be totally familiar with these rules and to acquaint the students with the regulation. The signal for a fire drill will be a continuous ring of the fire alarm buzzer. The following procedure must be followed: 1. Immediately upon hearing the fire alarm signal, the children are to exit their classrooms through the nearest door leading to the outside. They should walk in single file and not stop to get coats or other personal items. 2. No child may hold doors for the others. 3. Strict discipline must be maintained - __NO TALKING__. 4. Walking rapidly is permitted; however, __NO RUNNING__. 5. __Teachers are to be the last one out of each room__. The teacher will take with him/her a class list and the two-way radio turned on. 6. All classroom doors must be closed. 7. Classes are to go in single file approximately 50 yards from the building and line up   facing the building. 8. The class is to remain in line quietly. 11. If your students are with a specialist when the fire alarm sounds, it is your responsibility to meet your class where they are lined up outside. It is the specialist's responsibility to evacuate the children and take attendance. 12. If a class is on the playground when the fire alarm sounds, they are to immediately stop their activities and line up with the teacher in charge. 13. An all clear hand signal will be given by one of the office personnel. Do not rely on a   bell as an all clear signal as it could short out in an electrical fire. 14. Children may not stop for a drink of water when returning to the building from a fire drill. 15. We are required to have ten (10) fire drills each school year. We will notify each teacher before the first practice drill so that the teacher will have time to go over the fire drill rules with the class. ** __A fire drill will be held the first week of school.__ ** 16. Students in transition situations (i.e. running an errand or at the restroom) should leave the building at the nearest exit and locate their assigned group outside immediately! 17. Students in small group assignments (i.e. breakfast, instrumental band, G/T, school   job helpers) should leave the building at the nearest exit and locate the nearest staff member who will escort them to their classes.
 * __ FIRE DRILLS __**
 * 1)  Attendance __must__ be taken.
 * 2)  Once all students have been accounted for, the class should be moved to the grassy area beyond the blacktop.

OTHER EMERGENCY DRILLS
In addition to ten (10) fire drills, each school is also responsible for three (3) bus evacuation drills, two (2) civil defense drills, two (2) code red drills and two (2) code yellow drills. The bus evacuation drills should take place as soon as school opens (September), in October, and the last one in January. Office staff and those without homerooms are responsible to assist with these.

CIVIL DEFENSE DRILLS
The purpose of this drill is to provide maximum protection for students and employees in response to any emergency or major disaster. Depending on the emergency this plan may be put into effect by alerting the entire school by the use of the intercom system. If there has been a power failure, an alternate method such as a whistle may be used**. It is the responsibility of everyone to listen carefully for instructions.** The following procedures will be followed: take attendance. classroom teachers. 3. Students will leave their classrooms and move quickly and silently to their assigned shelter location. Their heads should be facing downward. to the classrooms and proceed with normal activities. Special instructions will be given to office, custodial, and kitchen employees depending on the extent and nature of the expected disaster. Personnel may be assigned the following duties: their homeroom students. duties as determined by the nature of the disaster. Assigned duties may include, but will not be   limited to: Messengers, Communication, First Aid, Food and Water, Weather Information, Individual Student Concerns, Specific Areas of Safety, and Utilities. the hallway wall in the safety position. If there is not sufficient time to go to the assigned shelter areas students should move to an inside wall within their classrooms away from windows. They should sit/squat on the floor with their backs to the wall keeping their heads down or get under a desk or table either by sitting or lying face down. If a book is handy they can hold it over their head. Guide them to remain calm.
 * 1) When an alert is given, students will immediately return to their homerooms and teachers will
 * 1) When the civil defense drill is in effect all talking will stop. Instructions will be given by the
 * 1) Any handicapped children will be given special attention as needed for safety.
 * 2) Teachers will be required to account for all students upon reaching the assigned shelter location.
 * 3) Students should sit or squat with their hands locked at the back of their neck and their backs facing the wall.
 * 1) All individuals will remain in their assigned shelter areas until a signal has been given to return
 * 1) The principal (or person in charge) will be in charge of the civil defense drill.
 * 2) Teachers who have assigned homerooms will be responsible for the complete supervision of
 * 1) Teachers and support staff who do not have homeroom responsibilities will be given specific
 * 1) Students and adults will go to their assigned shelter areas. They will live up with their backs to

LOCK DOWN – SECURE STATUS
If for any reason the principal or the teacher in charge, deems it necessary for the building to go to a secure status (lock down), the agreed upon signal will be given and the following procedures should follow: The end of a secure status will be signaled by the announcement, “The secure status is over,” followed by a compliment or other pleasant remark. If the announcement is not followed by a compliment or pleasant remark, you will know that it is false. A **Modified Secure Status** may be necessary in less serious situations**.** In this situation keep all of your students in the classroom and close your classroom door. Lessons may go on while you wait for further instructions. Each teacher is requested to have emergency plans available. The plans should include fire drill, civil defense procedures and lock down procedures, location of your walkie talkie, list of students with health problems and restricted custody and names of students who leave for speech, band, etc. Also include your class schedule, specialist schedule, and lunch schedule. **__Plans for Substitutes__**: Detailed plans must be available by 8:15 on the day the substitute works. Your substitute folder should be housed in your room. It should include the following: daily schedule, attendance procedures, bathroom procedures, lunchroom procedures, students with health problems, students with special behavioral plans, students who attend special classes, fire drill procedures, a class list, etc. **DO NOT LEAVE PLANS WHICH ASK SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS TO USE SMARTBOARDS.**
 * 1) Move quickly and quietly into your classroom if you are out in the hallway. If you are not near your classroom go to the nearest secure area.
 * 2) Lock the door if possible. As you are closing and locking the door, scan the hallway. If you see any students, pull them into your room. Turn on your two-way radio.
 * 3) Take attendance and be ready to report the information when you are asked to do so.
 * 4) Cover the window in the classroom door. However, exterior windows should remain uncovered so emergency response people can see in.
 * 5) Gather the students in an area of the room away from doors and windows.
 * 6) Keep students calm. Be prepared to read to the students or otherwise keep them calm and quiet.
 * 7) Wait for further instructions. Do not open your classroom door to anyone. If the fire alarm goes off, ignore it.
 * 8) Open classroom doors only when you know that the secure status has been lifted or you are sure that the person at the door is an authorized emergency response person.
 * __ EMERGENCY PLANS __**

Please refer to the handbook distributed by central office pertaining to the policies and procedures for conserving energy. Also, you may refer to the website for updates and recognitions: [].
 * __ ENERGY AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION __**

A committee comprised of at least three elected teachers and the principal will serve as a Faculty Advisory Committee. All concerns related to the operation of our school not handled to a person's satisfaction should be directed to this committee.
 * __ FACULTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE __**

Faculty meetings will be called throughout the year as the need arises. Whenever, possible, ample notice will be given. All staff members are expected to attend. These meetings will usually be held on Wednesday afternoons or during a morning time block from 8:15 until 8:45. __Requests to be excused from any professional meeting must be made to the principal in advance.__
 * __ FACULTY MEETINGS __**

Field trips are an opportunity for student learning to be extended beyond the classroom. Field trips should relate to the instructional program and have specific outcomes for student learning. Trips are selected and planned by teachers to support the instructional program when the teacher considers a particular trip to be a positive and appropriate learning experience for a specific group of students. Teachers must know the educational worth and services available at the site, cost of admission, mileage and tolls, length of tour, reservation procedures and safety considerations. Principal approval for field trips is required, as well as a parental permission slip. A copy of the permission slip must be housed in the office notebook. Trips may or may not go beyond the duty day; that would be up to the teachers. A permission slip does not release you from a liability suit. Most suits are a result of negligence. To avoid such a suit, proper pre-planning must have occurred. As a leader of a trip you should (a) visit the site at least once before your trip; (b) write out a detailed lesson plan of what you are going to do and see, including maps, time and potential danger spots. Such information should be shared with your Principal and chaperones. As with all learning experiences, field trips are to be “planned successes.” Therefore, when a teacher plans a field trip for a class or group of children, it is with the understanding that a teacher considers that the trip will be a safe, positive learning experience for all students within the limits/circumstances expected by a wise/prudent individual. Field trips are not an opportunity for the teacher to be child-free/duty-free for the day. Teachers should always be involved with their students. Since control of the group and individuals within the group are important to meeting the above conditions, there may be times when considerations should be given to inviting the student’s parent to accompany the student. The major reasons are: If a teacher and the Principal determine that a pupil should have a parent chaperone, the parent should be contacted well in advance. Only under extremely rare conditions and with the approval of the Principal are students to be excluded from a field trip. If a student has a particular health concern and his/her parent need to attend to administer medication, etc it is important that this parent be invited to attend the field trip. It is always important to consider student’s health issues when planning your trip. Please see the nurse a week in advance so that student medication can be prepared ahead of time. You should also be aware of any student’s dietary concerns so that you can be prepared to meet their needs. **On the day of the field trip, please give to the main office a list of students and adults who will be riding on each bus. Please make sure that the main office has your cell phone number and that your cell phone remains on during the trip. It is also wise to take your two-way radios for communication with each other during the trip.**
 * __ FIELD TRIPS (Request form at end of packet) __**
 * 1) Behavior that illustrates lack of self-control (impulsive behavior) in various social situations.
 * 2) Behavior that shows lack of concern for his or her own or other students’ safety.
 * 3) Behavior that shows disrespect for authority and following regulations.
 * 4) Behavior on previous field trips that was not acceptable.

Food and drinks are allowed in the classrooms as necessary and as scheduled by the teachers with the approval of the administration AND during designated class parties. Students with water bottles may not refill them during the school day; once they are empty they are finished for the day unless they follow the classroom rules and go to the drinking fountains. Exceptions to this expectation would be when we are experiencing extreme heat and our air system in not working properly. This is in compliance with the Cecil County Board of Education - Maintenance Department Policy. At times, food items are necessary for lessons. These should be stored in sealed containers. If you do notice //critters// in your classroom, please notify the head custodian immediately. **Do not spray anything yourself.**
 * __ FOOD AND DRINK __**

If a child becomes ill while at school, every effort will be made to contact the parents and have the child go home. The Health Room is equipped with a bed and children can remain there until the parent comes for them or school is dismissed. Teachers should not permit an ill child to remain in the classroom. The teacher is to send the sick child to the Health Room with a completed **//Health Referral//** form. Teachers may ask another child to accompany an ill child to the Health Room if necessary.
 * __ HEALTH ROOM __**

Homework plays an important role in the development of students. It provides an opportunity for students to develop self-reliance and self-direction. Homework also helps students establish work habits that will influence their use of time throughout life. It should be smoothly graduated from an assignment of several minutes in the first grade to a total maximum for all subjects of two hours a night in grades nine through twelve. Homework assigned to students should be the outgrowth of learning activities that have taken place in the classroom. Therefore, it should be meaningful, and the child should understand what is expected and exactly how it is to be done. Homework assignments must not be used as a punishment. Extra homework may not be used as a form of extra credit to raise a student’s grade. Homework must be checked to see that it has fulfilled the purpose for which it was given. For more guidelines on homework, refer to the CCPS Grading and Reporting policy and the CCPS Attendance Policy.
 * __ HOMEWORK __**

Each teacher is provided with a plan book. The plan book contains sections for daily planning, long range planning, grading criteria, grades, class roster, school/class schedule, and appendices. Information of value such as the school calendar, progress reporting calendar, credit union, etc. may be found in the Appendix in the back of the plan book. The plan book should be available upon request. If you choose to use another means of organization please make a note of it for any observer that comes into your classroom. Also, please have plans readily available for an observer; this will keep lessons moving without interruption. The following information pertaining to lesson plans is taken directly from the current Negotiated Agreement with the CCCTA (Article VI Teaching Conditions, Section P):
 * __ LESSON PLANS __**

“Evidence of long-range planning which will provide for continuity in the instructional program will be made available by the unit member upon request. This evidence shall be provided by the unit member in accordance with his/her preference. Written daily lesson plans will be available in the school. These daily lesson plans shall be written in a form and detail determined by the unit member and as a minimum these plans will conform to the following standards: day’s lessons, the current day’s lessons, and for the next day’s lessons. activities that will bring these to fruition, and how student achievement of the curricular outcomes/indicators/objectives will be evaluated. The unit member’s teaching performance in the implementation of lesson plans should provide observable evidence that these daily lesson plans are adequate. If, during the observation of a unit member, there is a lack of observable evidence as determined by the observer, the unit member may be required to develop more details in the daily lesson plans to address areas of need.” The following list of requirements is provided so that the plan books within our school will be functional and adhere to County and State guidelines: 1. Top of page should indicate the week by date (ex. Week of Sept. 6th). 2. The day should be accounted for in time blocks by subject areas. 5. Please be reminded that children are to be provided with Directed Play activities each day except Wednesdays and the day the students have PE with the PE/IA teacher. The plan book should also contain: 1. A complete list of all children and their bus numbers. 2. The names of children in each subject and their grades by marking periods. 3. Your daily class schedule and seating chart, if applicable. 4. Specific information relative to student health or dismissal restrictions, if pertinent.
 * 1) By the opening of school each morning, lesson plans will be available for the previous
 * 1) Plans will specify the curricular outcomes/indicators/objectives, the instructional
 * 1) Be certain that all areasof curriculum are listed.
 * 2) Lesson plans should follow CCPS recommended time allocations as closely as possible.

Any unclaimed articles should be turned in to the office. A child may come to the office before school in the morning to claim any missing items. Please encourage your students to mark their possessions with their name. Such items as combs, bobby pins, and handkerchiefs will not be kept because of health concerns. Do not send children to the office to turn in or inquire about such items.
 * __ LOST AND FOUND __**

Each teacher should remove the mail from his/her mailbox __daily__. It is suggested that the __mail be removed in the morning__, __after lunch__, and __prior to leaving__ at the close of the day. This is important to avoid missing a notice which should be taken care of before you leave school for the day. If a 'flyer' or notice of importance is received between noon and school dismissal it will be delivered to your classroom. __Teachers are not to delegate students to get the mail from their box in the faculty room.__
 * __ MAIL __**

If a child is restricted from any physical activity, a doctor's certificate to this effect must be renewed each school year. In order for a child to be excused from physical activity on any particular day, the child must bring a note to this effect. The note should be brought to the office where it will be signed by the nurse. The child will then take the note to the physical education teacher at the beginning of his/her P.E. class. If a child is to be excused from physical activity for more than one day, a doctor's certificate is required. Teachers should talk to the nurse to be aware of anyone in their classes who may have a potential medical problem. Please be sure to check with the nurse before any field trips to make sure that you have the proper medication and instructions for students with health concerns.
 * __ MEDICAL INFORMATION __**

If a teacher is collecting money for any school activity the teacher is responsible for the money until it is turned in to the secretary in the office. Each teacher will receive a receipt for all money turned in to the school office, and these receipts are to be kept until the end of the school year. The collection and handling of money must be done in accordance with current bookkeeping procedures. ** The classroom teacher is responsible for the collection of all money. At no time are parents permitted to work with money. **  Teachers must place all money in the appropriate envelope with the completed collection information documented. This envelope must be sealed and sent to the secretary each morning with the attendance folder. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE TEACHERS TO LEAVE MONEY IN THEIR CLASSROOMS! The cafeteria manager and cashier are not permitted to give credit to teachers when purchasing lunch or to cash personal checks for teachers. ** __See the Lead Secretary to discuss money collection prior to your first collection of money.__ **
 * __ MONEY - DO NOT LEAVE MONEY IN THE CLASSROOM!! (Faculty and Staff Reference for Collecting Money is at the end of this handbook.) __**

**__ MORNING NEWS __**
Each day “Morning News” will be published via e-mail. It is your responsibility to check your e-mail at least twice daily. If you have items for the “Morning News” please send or turn them into our 10-month secretary by 8:45 AM. It is important that you sign your name to the announcement.

The school requires notes from the home under the following circumstances: 1. When one child goes home with another, __a note from the parents of both__ __children is required__. 2. When a child is to travel on a bus other than the one he customarily rides or get off his regular bus at a different stop. 3. When a child has been absent. 4. When a child is to be released to any person other than the parent(s) or legal guardian. 5. In the case of a regularly scheduled activity, such as Scouts, one parental note for the entire year will suffice. (This note should be retained by the teacher for the entire school year.) When a parent comes to the school to pick up the child, the office will notify the teacher to send the child to the office to be dismissed. **UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A** **CHILD BE RELEASED DIRECTLY FROM THE CLASSROOM OR PLAYGROUND WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE OFFICE. THERE ARE MANY LEGAL REASONS FOR THIS PROCEDURE.** Each teacher will receive a list of all students who have 'known' dismissal restrictions. Please familiarize yourself with this list and keep it handy for quick reference.
 * __ NOTES FROM HOME __**

Opening exercises will be held daily at approximately 9:00 AM. Any announcements will be made at that time. You may have announcements made by turning them into the media center by 8:50 AM of the day they are to be made but preferably the day before. The announcements will begin with the pledge. It is each teacher’s responsibility to utilize the in-school news program.
 * __ OPENING EXERCISES/ANNOUNCEMENTS __**

It is critical that we follow the CCPS policy in regards to portable electronic devices. Please read the county expectation very carefully to ensure a working knowledge of it. It is our expectation that all cell phones are turned off during your instructional time and any duty time when you are with students in the classroom, hallway, and directed play. You may use your cell phone during your lunch time and planning time if you are not part of a team planning session. Emergency contacts can be taken care of through the main office phone line; please notify your family of this expectation.
 * __ PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES __**

The Board of Education of Cecil County seeks to foster high academic achievement, promote good citizenship, provide an environment conducive to learning, and prepare students for a lifetime of success. The Board believes that employees serve as role models to students and should exercise good judgment by presenting an appropriate, professional appearance in the workplace. Just as overall attitude and instructional competency contribute to a productive learning environment, so do dress and grooming. Dressing appropriately makes a positive statement to students, parents, and the general public and engenders their respect.
 * __ PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE __**

All employees shall: Next-in-line administrators shall have the final determination of appropriate dress and appearance for employees working under their supervision.
 * Reflect and model standards that will encourage student understanding and compliance with the student dress code.
 * Dress appropriately according to position and work setting, or environment.
 * Present a clean, modest and professional image.
 * Avoid clothing or accessories that distract or disrupt the educational process and/or administrative setting.


 * L  ||   J   ||
 * Beach flip flops || Dressy sandals ||
 * Spaghetti strap tops/tank tops || Sleeveless tops under a jacket, sweater, or sleeved cover ||
 * Knee length shorts/Bermuda shorts/pedal pushers/skorts || Dressy capris which fall below the knee ||
 * Low-cut blouses or tops || Blouses/tops with modest neckline ||
 * Jeans or denim apparel || Dress slacks / jackets/skirts ||
 * Short skirts or dresses/mini skirts || Dress skirts/dresses modestly above the knee ||
 * Hawaiian design/tee shirts || Collared shirts - solid color or modest print ||
 * Visible undergarments || Camisole/slip ||

The interpersonal relationships between members of the faculty should be guided by the code of ethics which all members of our profession are obligated to observe. A respect for the work being done by all members of the faculty and an effort to cooperate in any way to make this work more successful is bound to result in a closer understanding between faculty members. All staff members should guard against inadvertent remarks to students, parents, community members, or any one else, which might be construed as criticism of another faculty member. A staff that presents a united effort to provide a good educational program for its students is, of necessity, comprised of people of integrity and will result in greater individual satisfaction for all. If a staff member is having a problem with a situation or a particular staff member and does not feel that they can resolve the problem on their own, the principal’s door is always open. All concerns are kept confidential, and together perhaps a professional solution can be found.
 * __ PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS __**

The **Parent Teacher Association** supports the educational goals of the school and works to enhance the educational programs for all children. It meets monthly to conduct its business. These meetings are open to the public. The PTA sponsors various activities and fund raisers throughout the year. Please try to attend or volunteer at as many events as possible. While it is not mandatory, it is good to try to show your support. You can also show your support bybecoming a member of the PTA each year. The membership fee is nominal.
 * __ P.T.A. MEETINGS __**

Dealing with the public and parents in particular should be conducted in a professional manner. Many exciting and worthwhile projects take place at school during the year. We should be actively bringing these to the public's attention through publicity activities. Please bring these projects to the attention of the office so that they may be included in newsletters, publications, etc. Any pictures that you take of classroom activities are welcome. Please make every effort to establish an area for your classroom for recycling paper items only. Recycling stations will be set up throughout our building to support our recycling efforts. Also, when possible keep extra paper with blank backs for additional copies to be made and copy on both sides of the paper when appropriate.
 * __ PUBLIC RELATIONS __**
 * __ RECYCLING __**

Report cards are issued four times a year. Each teacher will receive a new report card schedule that coincides with Power School that includes the necessary details regarding the preparation of report cards. Please remember that if a student receives a “D”, “E” or “Having Difficulty” there must be a comment number in the comment column. Mid-term reports will be sent to each student each marking term. It is important that we recognize positive items as well as needs to improve items.
 * __ REPORT CARDS __**

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM The School Improvement Team is made up of members from the faculty, support staff, parent and school community. It is the instructional decision making body of the school. To guarantee continuous school improvement the SIT is constantly analyzing multiple data sources, writing and revising the School Improvement Plan, and supervising the implementation of the SIP.

Each teacher should submit to the office by the end of the first week of school a copy of his or her schedule. When you have an official schedule change; please send the principal a copy of your revised schedule with the date of change included. ****An uninterrupted block for Language Arts is a goal**. The teacher’s daily schedule should clearly list all four components of the Language Arts block and the amount of time allocated to each area.
 * __ SCHEDULES __**

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in school buildings and it is not permitted on school property during the school day. **__ SHREDDING (Updated Information from Mr. Wood) __** Our county does provide a shredding service for confidential papers that need to be discarded. Please use this service appropriately. Be sure the material you place in the shred box is sensitive/confidential enough to warrant shredding. The county pays by the minute for the shredding service. Non-confidential documents that do not need to be shredded should be placed in the recycling containers – not the shred box. If you are unsure as to whether or not certain items should be shredded touch base with an administrator or a secretary.
 * __ SMOKING __**

Specialists are provided for Art, Media, Music (vocal and instrumental), Physical Education and Integrated Arts. __Classroom teachers should see that students are ready at the designated time and should accompany their class to and from the specialists’ classes__. __Specialists will dismiss classes at the designated times__. __SPECIALISTS' SCHEDULES WILL NOT BE CHANGED DUE TO FIELD TRIPS, SPECIAL ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS, AND/OR SCHOOL WIDE TESTING UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY THE PRINCIPAL__. Also, use of specialists' areas for classroom purposes should be discussed with the specialist far enough in advance to allow for the specialist to organize his/her area.
 * __ SPECIALISTS __**

As a Faculty we should set high standards of dress for our students. It is our goal that student dress is tasteful, does not create a health or safety concern, is appropriate for the weather, is appropriate for the day’s activities, and does not cause a classroom disruption. Please refer to the CCPS dress code.
 * __ STUDENT DRESS __**

STUDENT SERVICES TEAM The Student Services Team is made up of teachers, administrators, our building coordinator, our nurse, our counselor, our psychologist, and our pupil personnel worker. As a team we meet at least twice a month and try to assist students who are not being successful either for academic, behavioral, or social and emotional reasons.

Insurance information is available upon request from the lead secretary.
 * __ STUDENT SCHOOL INSURANCE __**

Teachers should notify the office immediately when they learn that a student will be transferring. At the time a student withdrawals, the teacher should be certain that the student has returned any textbooks, library books, school materials, etc. The office will send the Transfer Card to the homeroom teacher so that the appropriate information may be completed. After the teacher has completed the information, the card should be returned to the office to be signed by the principal and given to the student on his/her last day. The teacher should also forward to the office the report card, portfolio, math workbook, and any other materials that need to be sent with the student.
 * __ STUDENT WITHDRAWALS __**

The school will seek to provide each teacher with supply items necessary to the successful operation of the instructional program. The long-term availability of these items depends on how wisely we use them. Additional requests for supply items must be made in writing to the office. Requested supplies will be forwarded according to their availability by the office. Many items are very limited. Do not send students to the office for supplies. It is your responsibility to fill out the Supply Request Form and turn it in to 10-month secretary. A need for materials not on hand such as textbooks and workbooks must be in the office at least two weeks in advance of the time needed so that we can be sure to have a sufficient number on hand. This is most **important** in order that you may have the materials when you need them. Teachers will not be reimbursed for supply items purchased with their own money without prior approval from the office. We will attempt to have the necessary materials available for instruction. Please check with the principal if you need additional supplies.
 * __ SUPPLIES __**

In the event that the principal is not in the building, a staff member will be established to assume this responsibility.
 * __ TEACHER IN CHARGE __**

Staff members who receive incoming calls will be notified by a note in a mailbox. __Only in the case of an emergency or immediate need will the staff member be connected to an incoming call.__ Cell phones are not to be on or out on your desk during instructional times in your classroom. Personal cellular phones should be turned off during the student day; and, they should not be out on a desk. Emergency calls can be handled through our secretarial staff. __The office phones are not to be used for parent/teacher phone conversations. Children and visitors to our building should not be present when calls are being made at any time and never in the main office arena.__
 * __ TELEPHONE MESSAGES AND USAGE __**

All visitors to the school __must__ report to the office before visiting any classroom, student or faculty member, according to Maryland State Law. Visitors must log in and be given a visitor’s badge. Parents are encouraged to visit their children's classrooms. They are asked to call ahead and let us know they are coming; however, a call is not required. When the proper procedure has been followed, visitors to the classroom should be greeted cordially and invited to sit with the class. If you see someone in the building without an I.D. badge, please ask them to report to the office and let the office staff know.
 * __ VISITORS __**

Teachers are encouraged to have volunteers in their classrooms. When properly used, a volunteer can be a welcome addition to a teacher's instructional program. Before a volunteer may serve, he or she must attend a training session held at school. If you are interested in having volunteers in your classroom, please discuss your plans with the LST.
 * __ VOLUNTEERS/MENTORS __**