McARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL 'Home of the Mustangs'
2015-2016 FACULTY HANDBOOK 2015-2016
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this handbook is to provide the faculty and staff of McArthur High School with a convenient reference guide for handling the flow of school business and to provide information that is relevant to the daily operation of the school. Throughout the school year, new and amended regulations may be received and should be inserted in the handbook.
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McArthur High School
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of McArthur High School is to ensure an optimum teaching and learning environment which enables students to become physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally strong. The curriculum provides experiences that allow students to develop competencies in preparation for accepting the responsibilities and challenges of adults in a changing society.
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2015-2016 SCHOOL CALENDAR-SYNOPSES THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FL
First Quarter Monday, August 17, 2015 Employee planning-1 Tuesday, August 18, 2015 Employee planning-2 Wednesday, August 19, 2015 Employee planning-3 Thursday, August 20, 2015 Employee planning-4 Friday, August 21, 2015 Employee planning-5 Monday, August 24, 2015 Start of 1st quarter (41 days) Monday, September 07, 2015 Holiday-1 Monday, September 14, 215 Day off Thursday, September 17, 2015 Early Release-1 Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Day off Thursday, September 24, 2015 Interim Reports issued Thursday, October 22, 2015 Early Release-2 Friday, October 23, 2015 Employee Planning-6
Second Quarter Monday, October 26, 2015 Start 2nd Quarter (40 Days) Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Holiday-2 Thursday, November 12, 2015 Report Cards Issued for First Quarter Thursday, November 19, 2015 Interim Reports issued Wednesday, November 25, 2015 Day off Thursday, November 26, 2015 Holiday-3 Friday, November 27, 2015 Day off Monday, December 21, 2015 Day off Tuesday, December 22, 2015 Day off Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Day off Thursday, December 24, 2015 Day off Friday, December 25, 2015 Day off Monday, December 28, 2015 Day off Tuesday, December 29, 2015 Day off Wednesday, December 30, 2015 Day off Thursday, December 31, 2015 Day off Friday, January 01, 2016 Holiday-4 Thursday, January 07, 2016 Early Release-2 Friday, January 08, 2016 Employee Planning-7
Third Quarter Monday, January 11, 2016 Start 3rd Quarter (47 days) Monday, January 18, 2016 Day off Thursday, January 28, 2016 Report Cards Issued for Second Quarter Thursday, February 11, 2016 Interim Reports Issued Monday, February 15, 2016 Holiday-5 Thursday, February 25, 2016 Early Release-4 Thursday, March 17, 2016 Early Release-5 Friday, March 18, 2016 Employee Planning-8 Monday, March 21, 2016 Day off Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Day off Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Day off Thursday, March 24, 2016 Day off Friday, March 25, 2016 Day off
Fourth Quarter Monday, March 28, 2016 Start 4th Quarter (52 Days) Thursday, April 14, 2016 Report Cards Issued for Third Quarter Thursday, April 28, 2016 Interim Reports Issued Friday, May 27, 2016 Employee Planning-9 Monday, May 30, 2016 Holiday-6 Thursday, June 09, 2016 Early Release-6 & Last Day School Friday, June 10, 2016 Employee Planning-10 Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Reports Cards Issued for Fourth Quarter
Board Approved 12/9/14
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ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENTS 2015 – 2016 SCHOOL YEAR
Mr. Correll English Reading Social Studies Dual Enrollment Credit Recovery
MR. HOWARD ESE Math
MR. ELDER Media Center Vocational
MR. SANTANA English ESOL Social Studies Ad Placement
MS. WILLIAMS Science Speech Elective World Language
GUIDANCE ASSIGNMENTS 2015-2016
Alvildia Williams Guidance Director 10th Grade Ellen Faulkner 9th Grade Chantal Morhaim 12th Grade Brandi Allen 11th Grade Pamela Aiken Brace Advisor Ms. Shannon-Goff ESE Specialist Tammie Hollis ESE Secretary/Attendance Clerk Alba Waggoner Guidance Secretary
DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSONS 2015-2016
ENGLISH Dr. Claire Norris ESE Mrs. Denise Pugh MATHEMATICS Ms. Jessica Beckford PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mr. Dave Segula READING/WORLD LANGUAGES Ms. Nicole Tirado SCIENCE Ms. Melody Johnson SOCIAL STUDIES Mr. Polanco VOCATIONAL Mr. Robert Derrick
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DIRECTORY OF SERVICES
9th Grade Discipline Mrs. Williams Accident Reports All Administrators/Nancy Alexander Activity/Duty Calendars Mr. Correll Advertising Mr. Correll Articulation Mr. Correll Athletics Mr.Howard Attendance (Student) All Administrators/Ms. Smith Attendance Accuracy/Student Tracking All Administrators/Ms. Hollis Audio Visual Ms. Woods Auditorium Usage Mr. Correll Bell/Clock Setting Mr. Elder Budget Mr. LaPace/Mr. Howard Building/Grounds Maintenance Mr. Elder Bullying/Harassment Mr. Elder Buses Mrs. Williams Field Trip Rentals Mr. Correll Cafeteria Mr. Howard Certification Mr. Correll Character Education Mr. Correll Child Abuse All Administrators/Ms. Allen Classroom Walk-Through All Administrators Clinic All Administrators/Ms. Rubino Club/Organization Handbook Mr. Correll Code of Conduct Books/Distribution/Collection Mr. Correll Computer Issues Mr. Elder Contracts Mr. Correll Curriculum/Scheduling Mr. Correll Custodians Mr. Elder Customer Survey Mrs. Williams Department Chairperson Meetings All Administrators Discipline All Administrators/Faculty/Staff Discipline Plan Mr. Santana Discipline Reports Mr. Santana Disposal of Equipment/Furniture Mr. Elder Early Release Schedule/Agendas Mr. Elder Emergency Crisis Kit (Red) Mr. Santana ESOL Certification Requirement Faculty Mr. Santana Evacuations/Routes/Maps/Drills Ms. Santana Exam Schedule Mr. Howard Extra Period Assignments Mr. Correll Facility Rental Mr. Correll Faculty Evaluations All Administrators Faculty Handbook/Updates Mr. Howard Federal Lunch Program Mr. Howard Field Trips Mr. Correll Fire Alarm System Mr. Santana First Day Plan Mr. Correll Freshman Invasion Mrs. Williams FTE Mr. Correll FTE/Class Schedules/Accuracy Mr. Correll Fundraising Mr. Correll Grade Collection Mr. Correll Grades/Grade Changes Mr. Correll Graduation Mr. Correll 5
Grants Mr. Correll Guidance Mr. Correll/Ms. Alvildia Williams Hall Passes Mr. Santana/Mr. Bush Hospitality Mr. Correll Interim Reports Mr. Correll Internal Suspension Mr. Santana Inventory-Equipment Mr. Howard JIF All Administrators Keys Mr, Bush L Panels All Administrators Lunch Duty Assignments All Administrators Maintenance Mr. Elder Master Schedule Mr. Correll Medication Mr. Howard Monitor Newspaper Mr. Correll Monitor Progress of < 30% All Administrators Movie/Video Approvals All Administrators/Department Chairs Multicultural Affairs Mr. Elder Mustang Roundup All Administrators New Student Registration Ms. Williams/Ms. Alvildia Williams Obligations All Administrators/Ms. Murray Open House Mr. Correll PA Announcements/Marquee/Weekly Bulletin Mr. Correll Parent Link Mr. Correll Parent Newsletter Mr. Correll Parking Mrs. Williams/Mr. Bush Partnerships Mr. Correll Permitted Absences All Administrators/Ms. Hollis PINNACLE Mr. Elder Professional Growth Plan All Administrators Professional Learning Communities (PLC) All Administrators Project Approval Forms Mr. Correll Property Inventory Forms Mr. Howard Public Relations/Clippings Mr. Correll Referrals All Administrators Report Cards Mr. Correll Room Utilization Mr. Correll SAC/SAF Liaison Mr. Howard SACS Accreditation Mr. Santana Safe School Team/Foundations Mr. Santana Safety Mr. Santana Safety Plan Mr. Santana School Advisory Council Mr. Howard School Advisory Forum Mr. Howard School Calendar Mr. Correll School Improvement Plan Mr. Howard/Ms. Beckford Second in Command Duties Mr. Howard Security Mr. Santana/Mr. Bush SIU Incident Report All Administrators/Mr. Bush Student Academic Records Mr. Correll/Guidance Counselors Student Activities Mr. Correll Student Activities Calendar Mr. Correll Student Discipline Records All Administrators Student Insurance Ms. Williams Student Schedules/Changes Mr. Correll Student Transportation Buses Ms. Williams 6
Substitutes Ms. Goldberg Take Stock in Children (TSIC) Mr. Correll Technology Mr. Elder Testing Mr. Howard Textbooks Mr. Santana United Way Mr. Santana Vocational Reports Mr. Elder Volunteers/Guest Speakers/Visitors Mr. Correll Website Mr. Elder Welfare and Attendance Cards Mr. Correll Withdrawals and Follow-Up All Administrators/Ms. Diosa Work orders Mr. Elder Xerox Ms. Cohen Youth Mentoring Program Mr. Howard
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McArthur High School Bell Schedule 2015-2016
REGULAR SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE Period 1 7:30 – 8:20
Period 2 8:26– 9:16
Period 3 9:22 – 10:12
Period 4 10:18 – 11:08
Lunch “A” 11:08 – 11:43 Rooms: 400; 600; 700; 800; 1100 (band); 1200, 1300 (Art); 2006, 2007, 2009 (ESE)
Period 5A 11:49 – 12:39
Period 5B 11:14 – 12:04
Lunch “B” 12:04 – 12:39 Rooms: 900; 2100 (Horticulture); 2200 (ROTC); Portables 1 – 5, 2003, Media Center
Period 6 12:45 – 1:34
Period 7 1:40 – 2:30
EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE Period 1 7:30 – 8:03
Period 2 8:09 – 8:42 33 minutes each Period 3 8:48 – 9:21 class Period 4 9:27 – 10:00 Period 5 10:06 – 10:39 Period 6 10:45 – 11:18 Period 7 11:24 – 11:57
Lunch 12:03 - 12:33
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE Period 1 7:30 – 7:59
Period 2 8:05 – 8:34 29 minutes each Period 3 8:40 – 9:09 class
Period 4 9:15 – 9:44 Dates: 9/3; 10/1; 11/5; 12/3; Period 5 9:50 – 10:19 4/7 Period 6 10:25 – 10:54 Period 7 11:00 – 11:29
Buses Leave at 11:40 am
400 Bldg - 40 and 41 ~ 1st floor; 42 and 43 ~ 2nd floor 900 Bldg - 90, 91, 92 ~ 1st floor; 93, 94, 95 ~ 2nd floor; 96, 97, 98 ~ 3rd floor 8
McArthur High School
Acknowledgement Form
FACULTY HANDBOOK 2015-2016 (Please sign this acknowledgement form and return it to Mr. Correll/Ms. Hernandez in the Main Office by Wednesday August 19, 2015)
I acknowledge receiving information about the location of the McArthur High School Faculty located on the server.
It is my responsibility to read/review this handbook and refer to it throughout the school year.
If I have any questions, I will ask my department chairperson. If my department chairperson is unavailable, I may ask my Administrator.
______Please print your name Signature
______Department Date
SELF-REPORTING POLICY (2405)
I have been informed of the requirements and/or received a copy of School Board Policy 2405, Self Reporting.
______Signature Date
CODE OF ETHICS BROCHURE
I have received a copy of the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professions Conduct Brochure.
______Signature Date
iOBSERVATION EVALUATION TOOL/PROCESS
I have received a copy of iObservation Domains 1-4, information about the iObservation Evaluation process, and the web address.
______Signature Date
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4212 4212 INTELECTUALPROPERTY
MATERIALS PRODUCED BY SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL BOARD, WHICH IS THE AUTHOR AND COPYRIGHT HOLDER AND PATENT OWNER OF THE WORK.
MATERIALS PRODUCED BY SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEES OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT AND WITHOUT THE USE OF SCHOOL BOARD PROPERTY ARE AUTOMATICALLY OWNED BY THE EMPLOYEE.
MATERIALS CREATED BY AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR HIRED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL BOARD, THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR IS THE AUTHOR AND THE CONTRACT WITH THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SHALL ASSIGN THE COPYRIGHT TO THE SCHOOL BOARD AND STATE THAT IT IS COPYRIGHT HOLDER OF THE WORK UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED UPON BY BOTH PARTIES.
MATERIALS PRODUCED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD IF REVENUE PRODUCING OR INTENDED FOR MASS CIRCULATION SHOULD BEAR THE PROPER COPYRIGHT LOGO, WHICH INCLUDES THE COPYRIGHT SYMBOL, THE YEAR IN WHICH THE WORK WAS FIRST PUBLISHED, AND THE NAME OF THE SCHOOL BOARD WRITTEN AS "THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA."
Authority: F.S.1001.41 Rules Adopted: 3/2172 Policy Readopted: 9/5174 Policy Rewritten and Adopted: 4120104
Definition Of Materials Created Products of creative effort are to be interpreted herein as any works that come within the subject matter of copyright or patent laws, such as dramatic presentations; computer generated slides; CD-ROMs, DVDs, or other multimedia productions; distance learning courses; web sites; motion pictures; videotapes; educational software; radio scripts; television productions; lectures; books; magazine articles; printed lessons; bulletins; guides; artwork; machinery; architecture; and apparatus, now known or later developed, and others not mentioned but not to be construed as omitted.
Authority To Assign Work The School Board of Broward County, Florida authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to assign employees full or partial job responsibility to develop educational materials, schedules, data processing programs, curriculum bulletins, and other products of creative effort which assist the basic instructional program or the various systems supporting that instructional program.
Exception Employees of the School Board in any of the following four described categories shall not participate in State or local textbook-adoption committees evaluating for either purchase or recommendation for purchase that apparatus, book, product, or other instructional material on which the School Board or the employee holds copyright, royalty, or patent rights.
Employee Categories Defined Employees of the School Board engaged in creative efforts are recognized as being in one or more of four categories:
Category 1 Employees hired to accomplish a certain creative effort with employment time of specific duration indicated by contract (such personnel are often legally termed "workers for hire," and the product is termed "work made for hire").
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Category 2 Employees hired in a capacity which leads to creative accomplishments and with time for such being given, with the creative effort not necessarily stipulated by name or description in the contract or assignment arrangement. Category 3 Employees who are planning to accomplish a creative effort on their own, outside of regular hours of employment, but whose creative efforts necessitate the use of School Board resources, such as duty time, classrooms, teacher, pupils, software, hardware, or other School Board property. Category 4 Employees whose creative effort is accomplished without recourse to or use of School Board property or time, and whose created product is not a portion of normal job responsibility.
RULES:
1. MATERIALS PRODUCED BY EMPLOYEES
A. Materials Produced During Regular Hours Of Employment All such products developed by employees in Categories I and 2 in the normal course of regularly prescribed duties and within the required period of duty should remain the property of the School Board, and that the School Board shall retain all rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining to the ownership thereof. In such "works made for hire" The School Board of Broward County, Florida shall be considered the author for purposes of ownership of copyright and the patent, owning all rights comprised in the copyright and the patent, unless all parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them. This applies to either individual or joint "works made for hire" and includes the rights of renewal of copyright as defined within the body of copyright law. While certain personnel in Categories 1 or 2 may have extension of contracts which permit additional remuneration for residual rights to certain creative works, it shall not be a requirement for Broward County Schools to initiate such contracts in all instances, nor shall the lack of such contracts be construed to affect any claim of ownership or copyright or patent which is retained by the School Board.
B. Materials Produced Outside Of Regular Employment Time But With Use Of School Board Resources
Procedures for Category 3 Employees Using School Board Resources Employees in Category 3, anticipating any use of School Board resources, should utilize the following procedures prior to proceeding with their creative efforts:
Prepare a notice to publish or produce and forward it to the appropriate administrator. Include the following:
Description of creative product A list of School Board resources which will be involved, with estimate of time- use Percentage of duty time, if any, of one's normal job responsibility being devoted to development/testing of the product Anticipated date of production/publication
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Upon review and approval of the administrator, the notice should be sent to a committee composed of a representative from the staff of the Superintendent of Schools, the Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum &Instruction/Student Support, the area superintendent or assistant/associate superintendent involved, and the Board Attorney who shall make a final recommendation to the Superintendent of Schools as to the legal interest, if any, of the School Board in such copyright or patent.
The Superintendent of Schools, upon request of the employee, may recommend release of all claims to copyright or patent rights, retaining the privilege of system-wide purchase without royalty payment; or the Superintendent of Schools will indicate in writing to the creator of the product such arrangements as are acceptable, following reasonable and customary practices. C. Materials Produced Without Use Of School Board Property Or Time The School Board makes no claim to ownership of products developed by School Board employees under conditions described in Category 4. II. SALE, LEASE, RENTAL OR REPRODUCTION BY COMMERCIAL AGENCIES OF PRODUCTS OWNED, COPYRIGHTED, OR PATENTED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD The school system does not wish to enter either the publishing or manufacturing field; however, in the event that any of the products of Categories 1 and 2 have commercial appeal, the Superintendent of Schools or an appointed designee may negotiate with the appropriate persons and agencies concerned. If any contract for payment of royalties or other compensation to the owner or to the holder of a copyright or patent is entered into, such compensations may be paid to the general fund of The School Board of Broward County, Florida; or rebudgeted in the department producing the materials to offset costs attributable to the sale, lease, rental, or production of the materials. In the event that a publisher or other agency, in negotiation with the Superintendent of Schools or a designated representative, requests revisions or additions to be made in the product, the Superintendent of Schools or the representative, may make arrangements to have such additional work completed. If it is judged to be in the best interest of the school system, the Superintendent of Schools may assign personnel to perform this task as a part of their regular employment. In the event that revisions are not essential to the program of Broward County Schools but the producers or publishers desire to have a revision made, the Superintendent of Schools may afford the opportunity for such works to be performed by a school employee outside regular employment hours. No School Board funds shall be used to remunerate an employee for this additional work, but the Superintendent of Schools is authorized to assign to an employee by contract with the producer or publisher a fee to be paid out of royalties or a percentage of royalties depending upon the extent of revisions to be made. If such an edition of which the copyright is held by the School Board becomes obsolete and the Superintendent of Schools does not recommend revision by Broward County Schools, the Superintendent of Schools may recommend transfer of copyright to the author(s), retaining only the privilege of District purchase for school use without royalty payment.
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2405 2405 Revised Policy
SELF-REPORTING RULE-ARREST/CHARGEZ AND FINAL DISPOSITIONS
All personnel shall self-report in writing to the Director of Professional standards and special investigative Unit within forty-eight (48) hours of any arrests, citations, or charges involving the abuse of a child or the sale and/or possession of a controlled substance or charges involving Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Battery, Possession (includes e-mail transmissions) or sale of Pornography involving Minors and Sexual relations with students. Such notice shall not be considered an admission of guilt nor shall such notice be admissible for any purpose in any proceeding, civil or criminal, administrative or judicial.
All personnel holding a Commercial Driver’s (CDL) License, as a condition of employment shall self-report, in writing, to the executive Director of Professional Standards and Special Investigative Unit within forty-eight (48) hours of any citations, arrests or charges involving Driving Under the influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
In addition, all personnel shall self-report, in writing to the Executive Director of Professional Standards and Special Investigative Unit any conviction, finding of guilt, withholding of adjudication, commitment to pre-trial diversion intervention program, or entering a plea of guilty or Nolo Contendere for any criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation (driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions are not minor and must be and maintain administrative procedures for implementing this policy.
Failure to comply with the self-reporting rule shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
RULES 1. When self-reporting an arrest or charge involving child abuse or sale and/or possession of controlled substance or sexual misconduct, the employee’s written statement shall include name, social security number, date of arrest/charges, specific charges, the arresting agency and employment status.
2. When self-reporting an arrest or charge of DUI/DWI by an employee who holds a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) as a condition of employment, the employee’s written statement shall include name, social security number, date of arrest/charges the arresting agency and employment status.
3. When self-reporting the final judgment of a criminal offense, the employee’s written information shall include name, social security number, date of arrest/charge, the arresting agency and a copy of the police report, the court disposition of the case and employment status.
4. Based on the review of all documentation and information related to a criminal offense the Superintendent shall make his/her recommendation for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment with the School Board of Broward County.
Authority: Florida Statute 231.26 State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.006(5)
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ACCIDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM
Faculty members are responsible for the supervision of students during school hours. If an accident or emergency arises, notify an assistant principal IMMEDIATELY via the Main Office. When calling the office, give a brief description of problem and the student’s name. Do not attempt to move a student who appears to have incurred serious injuries. Have other students move away from the ill/injured student and administrator will determine if students need to be moved to another room. If necessary, an administrator will transport the injured student from your teaching area and notify parents or request other medical services. *A written accident report must be filed in all cases of injury at school. These forms are available in the assistant principals’ offices/Main Office and must be completed for each accident. Additionally all injuries will be photographed as well as the accident scene.
ACTIVITIES CALENDAR
The school calendar is posted in the Main Office. ALL events scheduled are recorded on the activities calendar. Information about and advertisements for various events are published weekly. If teachers are planning a special event: *Check the calendar for available dates *Fill out the project approval form found on the server (and submit to Mr. Correll) When teachers have received the copy with the necessary signatures, the project has been approved for the date(s) indicated. *Obtain permission for any advertisement of activity in the announcements *See Mrs. Murray, the bookkeeper, if necessary for further information and direction
ACTIVITY FEES
Any course/class that receives a grade or course credit may not carry a fee or have required materials that cost the student/parent. (Examples: dues, clean-up charges, uniforms, supplies, etc.) Consequently, no penalty of any type will be imposed against the student based on failure to pay; no student shall be denied the right to participate based on failure to pay. For further information, contact Mr. LaPace.
ADMIT SLIPS
Late students are to be admitted to class with a pink slip from the office or a white pass generated from the Plasco system.
ADVERTISING
Schools are not to be used as agencies for the distribution of advertising materials. No materials from outside of school sources should be distributed to pupils without approval of the Superintendent. (School Board Policy 6300)
Alcoholic Beverages
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed by anyone during a school day or school function. Alcoholic beverages are NEVER allowed on a campus. School functions (such as picnics, banquets, etc.) must abide by this rule also: NO CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BY ANYONE AT SCHOOL OR SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ON THE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
1. All teachers are to maintain a quiet room during announcements. 2. No announcement will be made over the P.A. that is not printed or typed on the proper form. Forms are available on the server. 3. All announcements must have the Mr. Correll’s approval. 4. Announcement forms must be turned into the Student Activities Office by 1:00 P.M. prior to the day of the announcement. 5. Long lists of names will not be read over the P.A. system. If you wish to honor a large group for a special accomplishment, place their names on a list, which you may distribute to teachers for posting in the classroom. 6. With regard to athletic events, no long lists of names will be read, only the scores and outstanding participants.
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ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are considered a classroom activity and are to be supervised accordingly. Teachers are required to sit with their students and are responsible for the enforcement of school rules. Further information regarding assembly programs and sign-up will come in memo form from the Main Office.
5.9 Anti-Bullying Policy 5.9
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, IS COMITTED TO PROTECTING ITS STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES, AND APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION FROM BULLYING, HARASSMENT, OR DISCRIMINATION FOR ANY REASON AND OF ANY TYPE. THE SCHOOL BOARD BELIEVES THAT ALL STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES ARE ENTITLED TO A SAFE, EQUITABLE, AND HARASSMENT-FREE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE. BULLYING, HARASSMENT, OR DISCRIMINATION WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND SHALL BE JUST CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION. THIS POLICY SHALL BE INTERPRETED AND APPLIED CONSISTENTLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS AND THE BOARD’S COLLECTIVE-BARGAINING AGREEMENTS. CONDUCT THAT CONSTITUTES BULLYING, HARASSMENT OR DISCRIMINATION, AS DEFINED HEREIN, IS PROHIBITED. POLICY 400.1, NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT POLICY, ADDRESSES REQUIREMENTS FOR DISCRIMINATION AGAINST DEFINED FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PROTECTED CATEGORIES OF PERSONS.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT A BASIC UNIVERSAL PREVENTION CURRICULUM BE IN PLACESO THAT EVERY SCHOOL WILL RECEIVE A FOUNDATION OF PREVENTION UPON WICH TO BUILD A CULTURE OF HEALTH, WELLNESS, SAFETY, RESPECT AND EXCELLENCE.
The standards of this policy constitute a specific, focused, coordinated, integrated, culturally sensitive system of supports for all students, staff, families, and community agencies that will improve relations within each school. It is designed to ensure that every school has staff that have been trained and are supported in their school's efforts to provide awareness, intervention training, and instructional strategies on prevention, including violence prevention, to each staff, parent, and student in the District and to direct follow up when incidents are reported and/or occur.
I. Definitions
A. "Bullying" means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. It is further defined as: unwanted purposeful written, verbal, nonverbal, or physical behavior, including but not limited to any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that has the potential to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment or cause long term damage; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation, is carried out repeatedly and is often characterized by an imbalance of power. Bullying may involve, but is not limited to:
1. Unwanted teasing 2. Threatening 3. Intimidating 4. Stalking 5. Cyberstalking 6. Cyberbullying 7. Physical violence 8. Theft 9. Sexual, religious, or racial harassment 1. Public humiliation 11. Destruction of school or personal property 12. Social exclusion, including incitement and/or coercion 13. Rumor or spreading of falsehoods
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B. “Harassment” means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of technology, computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that:
1. Places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; 2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, or employee’s work performance, or either’s opportunities, or benefits; 3. Has the effect of substantially negatively impacting a student’s or employees’ emotional or mental well-being. 4. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school and/or school district work environment.
C. “Cyberstalking”, as defined in Florida state statute 784.048(d), means to engage in a course of communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at or about a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose.
D. “Cyberbullying”, is defined as the willful and repeated harassment and intimidation of a person through the use of digital technologies, including, but not limited to, email, blogs, texting on cell phones, social websites (e.g., MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), chatrooms, “sexting”, instant messaging, or video voyeurism.
Note: Per F.S 810.145, voyeurism, which may be utilized in cyberbullying, in and of itself, is a criminal offense.
E. Bullying”,“Cyberbullying:,and/or“Harassment” also encompass
1. Retaliation against a student or school employee by another student or school employee for asserting or alleging an act of bullying, harassment, or discrimination. 2. Retaliation also includes reporting a baseless act of bullying, harassment, or discrimination that is not made in good faith. 3. perpetuation of conduct listed in the definition of bullying, harassment, and/or discrimination by an individual or group with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause emotional or physical harm to a student or school employee by:
a) Incitement or coercion; b) accessing or knowingly and willingly causing or providing access to data or computer software through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of the District school system; or c) acting in a manner that has an effect substantially similar to the effect of bullying, harassment, or discrimination. F. "Bullying”, "Cyberbullying", "Harassment," and "Discrimination" (hereinafter referred to as bullying, as defined in Section A, for the purpose of this Policy) also encompass, but are not limited to, unwanted harm towards a student or employee in regard to their real or perceived: sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability (physical, mental, or educational), marital status, socio-economic background, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, linguistic preference, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or social/family background or being viewed as different in its education programs or admissions to education 19
programs and therefore prohibits bullying of any student or employee by any Board member, District employee, consultant, contractor, agent, visitor, volunteer, student, or other person in the school or outside the school at school-sponsored events, on school buses, and at training facilities or training programs sponsored by the District. For Federal requirements when these acts are against federally identified protected categories, refer to Policy 4001.1.
G. "Accused" is defined as any District employee, consultant, contractor, agent, visitor, volunteer, student, or other person in the school or outside the school at school- sponsored events, on school buses, and at training facilities or training programs sponsored by the District who is reported to have committed an act of bullying, whether formally or informally, verbally or in writing, of bullying . H. ."Complainant" is defined as any District employee, consultant, contractor, agent, visitor, volunteer, student, or other person who formally or informally makes a report of bullying, orally or in writing.
I. "Victim" is defined as any District employee, consultant, contractor, agent, visitor, volunteer, student, or other person in the school or outside the school at school sponsored events, on school buses and at training facilities or training programs sponsored by the District, who is reported to have been the target of an act of bullying during any educational program or activity conducted by SBBC.
II. Expectations: The Broward County School District expects students and employees to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and the care of school facilities and equipment.
A. The School District prohibits the bullying of any student or school employee: 1. during any educational program or activity conducted by SBBC; 2. during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or on a SBBC school bus; 3. Through the use of any electronic device or data while on school grounds or on a SBBC school bus, computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network of the SBBC. The physical location or time of access of a computer-related incident cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action initiated under this section. 4. Through threats using the above to be carried out on school grounds. This includes threats made outside of school hours, which are intended to be carried out during any school-related or school- sponsored program or activity, or on a SBBC school bus. 5. While the District does not assume any liability for incidences that occur at a bus stop or en route to and from school, a student or witness may file a complaint following the same procedures for bullying against a student and the school will investigate and/or provide assistance and intervention as the principal/designee deems appropriate, which may include the use of the School Resource Officer. The principal/designee shall use all District Reporting Systems to log all reports and interventions. However, if a student's ability to receive an education or a school's ability to provide an education is significantly impaired, as determined by the school district administration, disciplinary sanctions may be issued, see Section V. A. 1.a of this policy. 6. though an incident of alleged of bullying (cyberbullying or other) may occur off campus and may not entail threats of acts to occur during school hours, if a student's ability to receive an education or a school's ability to provide an education is significantly impaired, as determined by the school district administration, disciplinary sanctions may be issued.
B. All administrators, faculty, and staff, in collaboration with parents, students, and community members, will incorporate systemic methods for student and staff recognition through positive reinforcement for good conduct, self-discipline, good citizenship, and academic success, as seen in the required school plan to address positive school culture and behavior (aka Discipline Plan). C. Student rights shall be explained as outlined in this policy and in the Student Code of Conduct: Respect for Persons and Property. 20
D. Proper prevention and intervention steps shall be taken based on the level of severity of infraction as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, the Discipline Matrix, and this Policy. III. Stakeholder Responsibilities
1. Student Support Services' Office of Prevention: Student Support Services professionals, in collaboration with other District departments, will collaborate with school based staff members, families, and community stakeholders to utilize this Policy and associated procedures to promote academic success, enhance resiliency, build developmental assets, and promote protective factors within each school by ensuring that each and every staff member and student is trained on violence prevention. These trainings will work to create a climate within each school and within the District that fosters the safety and respect of children and the belief that adults are there to protect and help them. Additionally, students and staff (including, but not limited to, school based employees, administrators, area/district personnel, counseling staff, bus drivers) will be given the skills, training, and tools needed to create the foundation for preventing, identifying, investigating, and intervening when issues of bullying arise. 2. Schools: By August 2011, each school principal shall designate a Prevention Liaison who shall serve on existing teams that address acts of violence and school safety, e.g., threat assessment teams, SAFE Teams, and act as the Student Support Service's Office of Prevention contact. At minimum, this team should include staff members from administration, guidance, and instruction. These designees are the key school based personnel who will receive prevention training and assist in the dissemination of prevention methods, intervention, and curriculum, for bullying and other issues that impact the school culture and welfare of students and staff. 3. Community Resources: Student Support Services professionals, in collaboration with other District departments, will train a wide range of community stakeholders, profit, non-profit, School Resource Officers, and faith based agencies to provide the dissemination and support of violence prevention curriculums to students, their families and school staff. This collaboration will make effective use of available school district and community resources while ensuring seamless service delivery in which each and every school and student receives an equitable foundation of violence prevention.
4. Evidence-Based Interventions and Curriculum: Student Support Services' Office of Prevention staff members will serve as the coordinators and trainers of prevention for all designated school staff and outside agencies/community partners. Those trained in Prevention (e.g., Prevention Liaisons, Office of Prevention staff and Community Partners) will then collaborate as "violence prevention partners" to implement the evidence-based interventions and proven programs within each of their schools. Training will focus on prevention and evidence-based programs. 5. Parent Participation and Partnership: Student Support Services professionals, in collaboration with other District departments, will provide opportunities and encourage parents to participate in prevention efforts with their children in meaningful and relevant ways that address the academic, social, and health needs of their children. The District will offer parents and parent associations' trainings on violence prevention as well as knowledge of and/or opportunity to participate in any violence prevention initiatives currently taking place in their school via the District school website, Broward Education Communication Network (BECAN), open houses, and parent/school newsletters. Training will provide resources and support for parents by linking them with internal supports as well as referral to community-based resources as needed.
6. Evaluation of Service Effectiveness: Evaluations to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the services being provided will be conducted at least every three years and shall include data-based outcomes.
7. Accountability: The Superintendent, other district administrators, the Area Superintendents and their staffs, as well as school principals, share accountability for implementation of these student support services consistent with the standards of this policy. These administrators will take steps to assure that student support 21
services are fully integrated with their instructional components at each school and are pursued with equal effort in policy and practice.
IV. Training for students, parents, teachers, area/district staff, school administrators, student support staff, counseling staff, bus drivers, School Resource Officers/Deputies, contractors and school volunteers on identifying, preventing, and responding to bullying will be conducted.
A. At the beginning of each school year, the school principal/designee and or appropriate area/district administrator shall provide awareness of this policy, as well as the process for reporting incidents, investigation and appeal, to students, school staff, parents, or other persons responsible for the welfare of a pupil through appropriate references in the Student Code of Conduct, Employee Handbooks, the school website, and/or through other reasonable means. B. Disciplinary sanctions (consequences) and due processes for a person who commits an act of bullying under this policy. C. Concluding whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all of the facts and surrounding circumstances, followed by the determination of disciplinary sanctions appropriate to the perpetrator's position within the District.
1. Consequences and appropriate interventions for students who commit acts of bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to, but not limited to suspension, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, the Discipline Matrix, and this Policy. a. All steps necessary to protect the victim from further violations of this policy will be taken, and may include, but are not limited to, assignment of the perpetrator to a different school from that were the offense occurred. Only the Superintendent/designee may make such a reassignment. In such cases of reassignment, transportation will be provided by the District. 2. Consequences and appropriate interventions for a school district employee found to have committed an act of bullying will be instituted in accordance with District policies, procedures, and agreements (Policy 4.9, Employee Disciplinary Guidelines, Part I, Section b and Policy 2410, Workplace Violence, Rules) and the Education Professionals' Contract Agreement, Broward Teachers Union (BTU). Additionally, egregious acts of bullying by certified educators may result in a sanction against an educator's state issued certificate (Rule 6B-l.006 F.A.C.). 3. Consequences and appropriate intervention for a Visitor, volunteer, or parent/guardian found to have committed an act of bullying shall be determined by the school administrator after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials. 4. These same actions will apply to persons, whether they are students, school employees, parents/guardians, or visitors/volunteers/independent contractors, who are found to have made wrongful and intentional accusations of another as a means of bullying.
VI. Reporting an act of bullying A. At each school, the principal designee is responsible for receiving oral or written complaints alleging violations of this policy, as with all infractions from the Student Code of Conduct. B. Students may report complaints of bullying to any school district employee, faculty or staff. All District employees, faculty and staff are required and must report, in writing, any allegations of bullying or violations of this Policy involving students to the principal/designee or appropriate area/district administrator. Failure to report will result in action(s) or discipline, consistent with the collective bargaining agreement provisions, up to and including termination of employment (SBBC Policy 2410, section 1). Any District faculty or staff who suspects adult-on-adult bullying is strongly encouraged to report any concerns. C. Any other members of the school community who have credible information that an act of bullying has taken place may file a report of bullying, whether a victim or witness. D. Any student (and/or the parent on that complainant's behalf if the complainant is a minor) who believes he/she is a victim of bullying (or any individual, including any student who has knowledge of any incident(s) 22
involving bullying of students) is strongly encouraged to report the incident(s) in writing to a school official. Complaints should be filed as soon as possible after the alleged incident and noted on the specified data system, but must be filed within ninety (90) school days after the alleged incident (i.e., within 90 school days of the last act of alleged bullying). Failure on the part of the victim to initiate and/or follow up on the complaint within this period may result in the complaint being deemed abandoned. For protected categories covered under Policy 4001.1, a different timeline may apply. E. The principal of each school in the District shall establish, and prominently publicize to students, staff, volunteers, and parents, how a report of bullying may be filed and what actions may be taken. F. A school district employee, school volunteer, contractor, student, parent/guardian or other persons who promptly reports in good faith an act of bullying to the appropriate school official, and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth in this District Policy, is immune from a cause of action for damages arising out of the reporting itself or any failure to remedy the reported incident. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of bullying will not affect the complainant or reporter's future employment, grades, learning or working environment, or work assignments within the SBBC. G. Administrators/principal designee(s) shall document in writing and/or via the specified data system all complaints regarding bullying, as with all infractions of the Code of Student Conduct, to ensure that problems are appropriately addressed in a timely manner, whether the report is made verbally or in writing. H. Anonymous reports may be made utilizing the Broward County Public Schools Anonymous Bullying Report Form. This reporting form can be found on the School
District's website: www.browardschools.com (click on Special Investigative Unit; click on report anonymous tips), at each school's front office, or at each school's single point of entry Anonymous Reporting Box, or at each area/district/department site. Anonymous reports may be delivered to the school administration's front office, put in the school's Anonymous Reporting Box, or through the Special Investigative Unit (herein after to be referred to as SID) via their internet website www.broward.kI2.fl.us/siu/tips/ or Emergency/Silence Hurts Tipline at (754) 321-0911. Anyone wishing to file a bullying report can also make a report via email to [email protected] or via text message by texting 'SBBC' [space], plus the text message to CRIMES (274637). Administrators shall use the specified data system to log all reports and interventions. Formal disciplinary action may not be based solely on the basis of an anonymous report. VII. Bullying Complaints and Resolution A. The investigation of a reported act of bullying of a student, school-based employee, parent/guardian or other persons providing service to the school is deemed to be a school- related activity and begins with a report of such an act. B. The principal/designee and/or Investigative Designee shall document all complaints in writing and/or through the appropriate data system to ensure that problems are addressed in a timely manner. This process is to be followed with all anonymous complaints as well. Although this Policy encourages students to use the formal written complaint process, school officials "should investigate all complaints and reports of harassment, whether or not the complaint is in writing," as stated by the Office for Civil Rights in Protecting Students from Harassment and Hate Crime: A Guide for Schools, Part II (1999). C. If the complaint is about the principal or an area/district's staff member's direct supervisor, then the Area Superintendent’s Designee or appropriate district administrator shall be asked to address the complaint. D. The trained Investigative Designee(s) will make the determination if a reported act of bullying or harassment falls within the scope of the District. 1. If it is within the scope of the District, move to Procedures for Investigating Bullying and/or Harassment as outlined below. 2. If it is outside the scope of the District, and determined an alleged criminal act, refer to appropriate law enforcement, provide any applicable interventions, and document according to Policy. 3. If it is outside the scope of the District, and determined not a criminal act, inform parents/guardians of all students involved, provide appropriate interventions and document according to Policy.
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E. Informal Resolution - where the administrator, along with the alleged victim and the accused/student, may agree to informally resolve the complaint. Documented interviews of the victim, alleged perpetrator, and witnesses are conducted privately separately, and are confidential. Each individual (victim, alleged perpetrator and witnesses) will be interviewed separately, and at no time will the alleged perpetrator and victim be interviewed together. Each party's agreement to Informal Resolution must be in writing. The incident and the resolution must be documented on the appropriate data system. 1. If a mutual resolution has not been achieved, a formal written appeal must be filed within five (5) work days after the informal meeting and submitted to the principal or appropriate area/district supervisor. F. Formal Resolution - the alleged victim/complainant/student/employee or parent(s), on behalf of the student, may file a written complaint with the principal/designee or appropriate area/district administrator by utilizing the Broward County Public Schools Bullying Complaint Report Form. Said form is available on the School District's website www.browardschools.com, at each school's front office, or area/district/department site. 1. According to the level of infraction, parents will be promptly notified of any actions being taken to protect the victim via written notice, telephone or personal conference; the frequency of notification will depend on the seriousness of the bullying incident. G. The resolution, all interviews and interventions that take place and the corresponding dates shall be documented in writing and/or noted in the district specified data system.
VIII. Investigation requirements for reported acts of bullying under this policy A. The procedures for investigating school-based bullying must include the principal/designee and/or the Investigative Designee, in the case of student-to-student bullying. The principal, Investigative Designee and Prevention Liaison shall be trained in investigative procedures and interventions as outlined in this Policy. For incidents at the area/district level, or for school-based adult-on-adult bullying, the appropriate administrator will be responsible for the investigation as outlined in this policy and will run concurrently and in addition, to all agreed upon procedures for staff discipline. B. The investigator may not be the accused or the alleged victim. C. The principal/designee or appropriate area/district administrator shall begin a thorough investigation with the alleged victim and accused within two (2) school days of receiving a notification of complaint. (The Florida Department of Education requires that school administrators/designees provide immediate notification to the parents of both the victim and the alleged perpetrator of an act of bullying or harassment.) D. During the investigation, the principal/designee or appropriate area/district administrator may take any action necessary to protect the complainant, alleged victim, other students or employees consistent with the requirements of applicable regulations and statutes. 1. Documented interviews of the alleged victim, alleged perpetrator, and witnesses are conducted privately, separately, and are confidential. Each individual (victim, alleged perpetrator, and witnesses) will be interviewed separately and at no time will the alleged perpetrator and victim to be interviewed together. 2. At no time during the investigation will the name of the complainant be revealed by the investigator. 3. In general, student complainants and/or alleged victims will continue attendance at the same school and pursue their studies as directed while the investigation is conducted and the complaint is pending resolution. Any legal order of a court will prevail. 4. When necessary to carry out the investigation or for other good reasons, and consistent with federal and state privacy laws, the principal/designee or appropriate area/district administrator also may discuss the complaint with any school district employee, the parent of the alleged victim, the parent of the complainant or accused, if one or both is a minor (or has given consent or is an adult who has been determined to be incompetent or unable to give informed consent due to disability), and/or child protective agencies responsible for investigating child abuse. 5. During the investigation where an employee is the accused, the principal/designee or the appropriate area/district administrator may recommend to the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources/designee, any action necessary to protect the complainant, the alleged victim, or other 24
students or employees, consistent with the requirements of applicable statutes, State Board of Education Rules, School Board Policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
E. Within ten (10) school days of the notification as to the filing of the complaint, there shall be a written decision by the Principal/Designee or appropriate area/district administrator regarding the completion and determination of the investigation. The principal/designee shall make a decision about the validity of the allegations in the complaint and about any corrective action, if applicable, consistent with the Discipline Matrix. F. The Principal/Designee or appropriate area/district administrator will inform all relevant parties in writing of the decision and the right to appeal. A copy of the decision will be sent to the originating school and be noted in all relevant data tracking systems including, but not limited to the SESIR and the Statewide Report on School Safety and Discipline Data system. G. If the accused is an employee, discipline may be taken, consistent with any applicable collective bargaining agreement provisions, to resolve a complaint of bullying (Policy 4.9, Employee Disciplinary Guidelines). The supervisor/designee (e.g., principal/designee for school-based employees) of the employee shall discuss the determination and any recommended corrective action with the Area Director, for school- based actions, or the appropriate area/district supervisor, for area/district actions, and the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources. H. No retaliation of any kind is permitted in connection with an individual's having made a bullying complaint and if it occurs, it shall be deemed an additional act of bullying as stated herein this Policy. IX. Referral for Intervention A. Referral of a student to the collaborative problem-solving team (or equivalent school- based team with a problem solving focus) for consideration of appropriate services is made through the school problem-solving process by school personnel or parent to the principal/designee. Parent notification is required. When such a report of formal discipline or formal complaint is made, the principal/designee shall refer the student(s) to the collaborative problem-solving team for determination of need for counseling support and interventions. B. Referral of school or area/district personnel to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for consideration of appropriate services will be made by the administrator. C. School-based intervention and assistance will be determined by the collaborative problem-solving team and may include, but is not limited to: 1. Counseling and support to address the needs of the victims of bullying. 2. Counseling interventions to address the behavior of the students who bully (e.g., empathy training, anger management). 3. Intervention which includes assistance and support provided to parents. 4. Analysis and evaluation of school culture with resulting recommendations for interventions aimed at increasing peer ownership and support. D. Self-referral for informal consultation: District staff, students or parents may request informal consultation with school staff (e.g., school social worker, school counselor, school psychologist, Prevention Liaison, EAP, etc.) to determine the severity of concern and appropriate steps to address the concern of bullying (the involved students' parents may be included) orally or in writing to the principal/designee. E. Any investigations and interventions shall be recorded on the District specified data \system.
X. Incident reporting requirements A. The procedure for including incidents of bullying in the school's report of safety and discipline data is required under F.S. 1006.09(6). The report must include each incident of bullying and the resulting consequences, including discipline, interventions and referrals. In a separate section, the report must include each reported incident of bullying or harassment that does not meet the criteria of a prohibited act under this policy, with recommendations regarding said incident.
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B. The School District will utilize Florida's School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting (SESIR) Statewide Report on School Safety and Discipline Data, which includes bullying/harassment in its codes. C. Discipline, referral data, investigations, interventions, and actions of discipline shall be recorded on the specified data system, as with other infractions from the Code of Student Conduct.
XI. Process for referral for external investigation
A. If the act is outside the scope of the District, and determined a criminal act, referral to appropriate law enforcement shall be made immediately, the parent will be notified, and the referral documented by the principal/designee in the specified data system. B. While the District does not assume any liability for incidences that must be referred for external investigation, it encourages the provision of assistance and intervention as the principal/designee deems appropriate, including the use of the School Resource Officer and other personnel. The principal/designee shall use District Reporting Systems to log all reports and interventions.
XII. Appeals process
A. Appeal procedure for bullying by a student will follow the steps outlined in the Code of Student Conduct - "Right to Appeal Unfair Penalties." B. Appeal procedure for an accused/employee: 1. If the accused/employee wishes to appeal the action taken in resolution of the complaint, such appeal shall be filed either in accordance with SBBC Board Policy 4015 or pursuant to the relevant collective bargaining agreement. 2. For those employees not in a bargaining unit, the appeal shall be filed in accordance with SBBC Policy 4015. In reaching a decision about the complaint, the following should be taken into account: a) SBBC Policy 4.9, Employee Disciplinary Guidelines; and b) Case law, state and federal laws and regulations, and the Board's Policies prohibiting bullying and discrimination, including Policy 4001.1.
XIII. Confidentiality A. To the greatest extent possible, all complaints will be treated as confidential and in accordance with SBBC Policy 5100.1, F.S. § 1002.22(3)(d); the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"); the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") and any other applicable law, such as F.S. § 119.07(1); 1012.31(3)(a); or 1012.796(1)(c). B. Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation as described above. The District's obligation to investigate and take corrective action may supersede an individual's right to privacy. C. The complainant's identity shall be protected, but absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. D. The identity of the victim of the reported act shall be protected to the extent possible.
XIV. Retaliation Prohibited A. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment in connection with filing a complaint or assisting with an investigation under this Policy.
B. Retaliatory or intimidating conduct against any individual who has made a bullying complaint or any individual who has testified, assisted, or participated, in any manner, in an investigation is specifically prohibited and as detailed in this Policy shall be treated as another incidence of bullying.
XV. Additional Referral In all cases, the District reserves the right to refer the results of its own investigation to the State Attorney for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida for possible criminal charges, whether or not the District takes any other action.
XVI. Constitutional Safeguard
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This policy does not imply to prohibit expressive activity protected by the First Amendment of the United State Constitution or Article I, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution.
XVII. Preclusion This policy should not be interpreted as to prevent a victim or accused from seeking redress under any other available law either civil or criminal.
XVIII. Severability If a provision of this policy is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, that shall not affect the validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other provision of this policy.
• AUTHORITY: F.S. 1001.41(1), (2) AND (5) • LAWS IMPLEMENTED: F.S. 1006.147 • POLICY ADOPTED: 7/22/08, 6/15/10
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5.3 5.3
MANDATORY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE, ABANDONMENT, AND / OR NEGLECT
To comply with appropriate Florida law which makes mandatory the reporting of child abuse, abandonment, and / or child neglect, any teacher or other school employee who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been: • subject to abuse, abandonment, neglect or • A child is in need of supervision and care and has no parent, legal custodian, or responsible adult relative immediately known and available to provide supervision and care shall immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the Department of Children and Families at the statewide toll-free hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE. After the report has been made, reporters may notify the principal or the child abuse designee to ensure appropriate support. Principals and child abuse designees shall maintain the confidentiality of the reporter.
Concern that a child has been sexually or physically abused by a person who is not a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for a child's welfare shall be reported to law enforcement immediately.
If there are any questions related to child abuse, abandonment, neglect or a child in need of supervision and care, the school employee shall consult with the school-based child abuse designee.
Florida law provides penalties: "A person who is required to report known or suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect and who knowingly and willfully fails to do so, or who knowingly and willfully prevents another person from doing so, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree . "
Authority: F.S. 1001.41 (1) (2); F.S. 39. 201,205(1); F.S. 39.01(46) Policy Adopted: 9/5/74; 5/8/78; 11/1/84; 12/7/93; 9/15/98; 5/2/00; 9/3/03 Policy Amended: 7/24/07
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CHARACTER EDUCATION
October RESPONSIBILITY November CITIZENSHIP December KINDNESS January RESPECT February HONESTY March SELF-CONTROL April TOLERANCE May COOPERATION
CHILD ABUSE
All educators and child advocates are held legally responsible under Florida Statute 827.07 for reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Central Registry (1-800-96ABUSE). Florida Statute 827.07 indicates that any person including, but not limited to, physician, nurse, teacher, social worker or employee in a public or private facility serving children must report all suspicions of child abuse. If you suspect or observe signs of child abuse, you must report it to the hotline, fill out the necessary paperwork, and notify the principal or designee and the Child Abuse Liaison. Under the current law it is no longer possible for school officials to anonymously report child abuse, neglect or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline. The law requires that school educators provide their name when calling the hotline. The name of the public educator will be entered into the record of the report but shall be held confidential from public inquiry.
Visiting teacher/school social workers are available for consultation concerning the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect. Clinical social workers are available for providing school personnel with in-depth consultation on an individual student. They also assist in providing linkage between schools and community agencies, and in providing behavior management techniques for students who have been identified as being abused and/or severely neglected. According to the Florida Statutes, child abuse consists of any willful or negligent acts which result in neglect; malnutrition; sexual abuse; unreasonable physical injury; material endangerment of mental health; or failure to provide treatment, attention, sustenance, clothing, shelter or medical services. (See Florida Statutes Chapter 827).
The guidance department will coordinate any child abuse and sexual abuse incidents regarding students at McArthur High.
McArthur’s Child Abuse Liaison is Ms. Allen.
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CLASSIFICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (Grade Levels/Credits) To be considered a ninth grader, a student must be promoted from the eighth grade.
To be promoted to tenth grade, a student must have completed one year of high school.
To be promoted to eleventh grade, a student must have two years of high school.
To be in grade twelve, a student must have three years of high school.
If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to midyear promotions, please see Mrs. Williams.
CLASSROOM MAINTENANCE
Both assigned and floating teachers share responsibility for the general appearance of their classrooms. If there are physical needs, equipment malfunctions, safety problems, or replacement needs, they should be brought to the attention of the head custodian via a McArthur High School Facilities Repair/Maintenance Request Form.
The last teacher assigned to the room for the teaching day should see that the students remove trash from the floor and desks.
The building is maintained and cleaned on a regular basis by maintenance and the school custodial staff. Discrepancies in cleaning should be reported to Mr. Elder by completing and submitting a facilities request form. Damaged property, alterations, and/or additions should also be reported in writing. Please note that material to be discarded should be placed in the trashcan. Large boxes or bulky material should be placed in the immediate vicinity of the trashcan. Materials to be discarded but left on the teachers’ desks will not be “picked up” as these materials are thought to be of value.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
It is recognized that discipline problems are unlikely to occur in classes where a high level of student interest is maintained through effective teaching and leadership techniques. It is likewise recognized that when discipline problems occur, they may most constructively be dealt with by encouragement, praise, and emphasis upon the student’s desirable characteristics. Teachers are expected to contact parents and use other customary classroom discipline before referring students to the administration for non-emergency infractions. An employee may use such force as is necessary in protection from attack or to prevent injury to himself/herself or another person. Good classroom management requires constant attention. Teachers MUST remain with their students at ALL times during each class. Problems occurring in an unsupervised class are a professional liability for that teacher which cannot be defended.
CLASSROOM SUPERVISION
Teachers MUST remain with their students at ALL times during each class. This applies to class supervision during assemblies as well as in the classroom. Teachers are responsible for their students for the entire class period. If it is necessary to leave the class for an emergency, such as an illness, call the main office, or notify your department head who will notify the main office. On-campus errands should be completed during the teacher’s planning period rather than when class is in session. Assemblies are to be considered as a classroom situation and are to be supervised 30 accordingly. Assemblies/guest speakers do not provide a break time for teachers. Teachers are to remain in the classroom when guidance counselors or guest speakers are making presentations.
CLASSROOM TELEPHONES
Classroom telephones are for faculty use only. Students are NOT to be given access to classroom telephones for personal use. During class time teachers should refrain from personal telephone use including the use of personal cell phones.
CLERICAL/SECRETARIAL
NANCY ALEXANDER DATA PROCESSOR HELEN COHEN OFFICE MANAGER YISENIA DIOSA REGISTRAR DENISE GOLDBERG SUBSTITUTES/MAIN OFFICE TAMMY HOLLIS ATTENDANCE/CLERK PATSY MURRAY BOOKKEEPER BRANDI HERNANDEZ GUIDANCE BARBARA RUBINO MAIN OFFICE ALBA WAGGONER GUIDANCE MADELINE NASCIMENTO BUDGETKEEEPER
CLINIC/STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE
Since there is no school nurse on campus, teachers should only send students to the clinic for the following reasons:
1. Occurrence of minor injury 2. Need of minor medical attention/supplies – bandages, antiseptic, sanitary napkins, or ice 3. Illness requiring parent contact and sign-out from school 4. Dispensation of individual medication on file 5. If a student is in need of emergency medical care by paramedics, DO NOT MOVE THE STUDENT. Call the main office and ask for an administrator or security personnel and give student’s name and condition. Under no circumstances are you authorized to call 911; you are to notify the office immediately, and the office will handle the notification of 911 and the student’s parent/guardian.
Teachers should use discretion in sending students to the clinic. Only ill students who are waiting for their parents to pick them up from school will be allowed to remain in the clinic. Since over-the-counter medications cannot be dispensed in school, students complaining of headaches, cramps, etc. cannot be accommodated in the clinic/student affairs office.
COMMUNIQUE SENT HOME
Teachers are NOT to send written communiqués home with students without prior approval of the appropriate department head and the supervising assistant principal. This includes rules and regulations, grading scale, etc.
COMPENSATION TIME
Comp Time is not addressed in the teachers contract thus there is none . Any questions or concerns should be directed to Mr. LaPace. 31
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT
Accountability for Equipment All teachers are accountable for all computers and peripheral devices placed in the classrooms in which they teach. This includes, but is not limited to, computers, scanners, calculators, telephones, mice, keyboards, and remote connections.
Placement of Equipment Teachers are NOT to move or exchange any computer equipment or wiring OR ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT in any room within the school. All computers and peripheral devices are to remain in their designated rooms AT ALL TIMES. If the need to move a piece of equipment arises, the teacher is to contact the Technology Specialist, Mrs. Boegli.
Repairs Teachers are to notify Mr. Elder of any computer equipment in need of repair via email.
Sign-out of Equipment ALL COMPUTER EQUIPMENT IS TO REMAIN ON CAMPUS AT ALL TIMES with the exception of laptop computers which teachers may sign-out by completing an official Laptop Agreement (property pass) through the Technology Specialist. Any other request to sign-out computer equipment must be made through the administrator who oversees technology. In ALLCASES, the teacher must complete an official property pass.
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA Excerpts from: School and District Technology Usage Policy
Use of Computer Network and Online Telecommunication Rules
1. All use of telecommunication services and networks shall be consistent with the code of ethics for computer, network, and on-line telecommunications users. 2. Successful participation in a network requires that users regard the network as a shared resource and that members conduct themselves in a responsible, safe, ethical, and legal manner while using the network. 3. Staff and students who are exchanging communication with others outside the school are representing The School Board of Broward County, Florida, and should conduct themselves appropriately. 4. Use of these services shall be properly monitored and, to the extent reasonably possible, users of school sponsored telecommunication services and networks shall be protected from harassment or unsafe, unwanted or unsolicited contact. 5. Upon receipt of parental/guardian permission, student will be eligible to receive authorization to use computer network and online telecommunications from the appropriate supervisory unit (district office or school-based). 6. Technology owned or leased by the School Board shall not be used for advertising or otherwise promoting the interests of any commercial, religious, political or other non-district agency or organization except as permitted through board approved agreements, school board policies or state statutes with notification to the Chief Information Officer. 7. To implement this Acceptable Use Policy, it is necessary that all users read and document in writing their understanding and willingness to comply with the “Code of Ethics for Computer Network and Online Telecommunications Users.”
Code of Ethics for Computer Network and Online Telecommunications Users
1. All users are expected to read and understand the following privileges, rights, and responsibilities when using property or facilities (WAN, LAN, networks, Internet, Intranet, etc.) of Broward County public schools.
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a. Use of computer network and online telecommunications is a privilege and must support teaching, learning, and research. b. Students, parents, faculty, and staff in Broward County Public Schools will have access to web based educational resources in compliance with local, state, and federal laws. c. Authorized users shall be ultimately responsible for all activity under their account and password. Accounts shall be used only by the authorized user for purposes specified. d. Use of an identity for password other than the user’s own is prohibited. e. All network users shall adhere to the rules of copyright regarding software, information, and the attribution of authorship. Reposting communications of a personal nature without the author’s permission or bulletin board messages without proper attribution is prohibited. f. Any use of telecommunication services or networks for illegal, inappropriate, obscene, or pornographic purposes shall be prohibited. Illegal activities shall be defined as a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the intended use of the district’s mission, goals, policies, or procedures. Obscenity and/or pornography shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards for use of a publicly owned and operated communication vehicle, and as defined by School Board policy. g. All use of telecommunication services or networks for the promotion of an individual’s personal or political agenda or commercial initiatives shall be prohibited. h. Use of or engaging in offensive or inflammatory speech, profanity, or obscene language is not permitted at any time. i. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and other antisocial behaviors are not permitted. j. Users shall not intentionally spread computer viruses, vandalize the data, infiltrate systems, damage hardware or software, or in any way degrade or disrupt the use of the network. k. Any attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance may be viewed as criminal activity in accordance with applicable state and federal law. l. Files generated by district employees using School Board of Broward County property or facilities are the property of the School Board of Broward County and may be accessed by appropriate authorized system personnel.
2. Students and/or employees using School Board equipment or property, on-site or off-site, must conform to the requirements of this policy.
3. Users who knowingly violate any of the Acceptable Use Provisions or Code of Ethics for Computer Network and Online Telecommunication Users will receive disciplinary action and/or may even be denied future access.
COMPUTER USAGE
Teachers need to be vigilant regarding the computer sites students are visiting while in their classrooms. Students are to be using the computer for educational purposes only. At no time are students to be visiting inappropriate websites such as MySpace, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
Teachers should use caution when accessing and using websites such as MySpace and Face book. Please remember these sites are accessible to the public, and anything posted can be accessible to anyone on the web.
CONDUCT GRADES 1. An “S” is given for satisfactory conduct; a “U” for unsatisfactory.
2. A “U” on a report card can have serious consequences because it may prohibit the student from participating in:
a. Honor Roll b. Honor Society c. Student Council d. Athletics
3. A “U” should not be given for small or trivial things. 33
4. Students and their parent(s)/guardian should know why they are receiving a “U” and how they can improve.
DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETINGS
Department Head meetings will be conducted on the first Monday of the month in the principal’s conference room (Meeting Time TBA)
DETAINING STUDENTS
Under NO circumstances is a teacher permitted to keep a student from another teacher’s class without the prior approval of the scheduled teacher.
DISCIPLINE
There are many methods used by teachers in dealing with student conduct in the classroom. It would be difficult to legislate how each situation should be effectively handled, but one thing is evident: class activities that are organized and diversified enough to keep students constructively busy will assist you in maintaining classroom discipline.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS A TEACHER TO USE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OR ANY TYPE OF CORRECTION THAT DAMAGES THE DIGNITY OF THE CHILD. If it is found that after all other corrective measures have been exhausted and the student persists in displaying inappropriate behavior(s), the student should be referred to the appropriate AP for the discipline. Referral forms are to be completed electronically using the Discipline Management System and should be used when assistance is needed from an administrator in individual student cases.
POINTERS: Please take the following items into consideration in your class planning: Carefully plan class work in order to prevent situations that might provoke student disorder. Make sure class rules per McArthur High School Discipline Policy are posted in the classroom. Spend time explaining what conduct is expected from the students and what you will not tolerate. Sometimes individual, private conferences with students may deter overt behavior. If behavior problems continue with a student, call the parent. Be consistent in your application of class rules. Be consistent and fair when enforcing all school rules. Reinforce good behavior with a compliment. Check attendance and take care of other classroom routines promptly, accurately, and consistently. Set a positive example for your students. A well-organized classroom environment minimizes student misconduct.
It should be kept in mind that calling the parents on the telephone and giving an explanation of the student’s behavior can resolve most discipline problems. Please make every effort to call the parents when problems exist.
The alphabetical breakdown for assistant principals:
Mr. Correll Guidance Mr. Santana 12TH Grade Mr. Howard 11th Grade Mr. Elder 10th Grade Mrs. Williams 9th Grade
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A teacher should only have a student removed when the behavior of the student is so severe that it is disrupting the learning process in the classroom. In such cases, the teacher should contact the Main Office and request a security escort for the student. The teacher should immediately submit a referral via the Discipline Management System. If a teacher has exhausted all methods of dealing with a student, and the student behavior warrants a referral, a referral should be submitted via the Discipline Management System. Teachers should make every effort to keep the student in their classroom until the end of the period. The designated administrator will take action and report the disposition of the referral to the originator as soon as possible. Please feel free to consult with the administrator regarding the student in question.
DISCIPLINE PLAN (Tentative)
Discipline Committee:
TBA
McArthur high school’s discipline plan is comprehensive and proactive in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students. Our discipline plan is aligned to the Broward Schools District Discipline Matrix. School-site level administrators will follow the district’s matrix in accordance to the appropriate consequence(s) pertaining to the alleged offense(s). Below are the procedures, which the instructional staff must follow according to the offense committed by the student.
Cheating 1st offense Teacher will issue a detention, give the student a zero grade for the assignment, and contact parent. 2nd offense Teacher will write a referral to administrator, contact parent, and give the student a zero grade for the assignment.
Defiance of Authority /Serious Misconduct Teacher will write a referral to administrator immediately, call security to remove student from classroom, and contact parent. ADD AN EXAMPLE?
Disruptive Behavior 1st offense Teacher will contact parent. 2nd offense Teacher will issue a detention and contact parent.
Dress Code Violation Refer all offenses to administrator.
Graffiti, Vandalism, & Theft Teacher will write a referral to administrator and call security.
Leaving Class without Permission Teacher will write a referral to administrator.
Physical Abuse (fighting or assault) Teacher will initiate referral and call security immediately.
Possession of Audio and/or Telecommunication Devices 1st offense Teacher will confiscate the device, issue a detention, and call parent. 2nd offense Teacher will confiscate the device, write a referral to administrator, and call parent. Subsequent violations follow procedure for step number 2.
Note: Teacher must turn over confiscated articles to the appropriate administrator as soon as possible.
Profane Language I
1st offense Teacher will issue a detention and contact parent. 2nd offense Teacher will write a referral to administrator and contact parent. 35
Profane Language II (toward staff)
Teacher/staff will write a referral to administrator immediately, contact parent.
Sexual Harassment (verbal or physical)
Teacher will write a referral to administrator.
Skipping Class (reasonable suspicion)
1st offense Teacher will write a referral to administrator and contact parent. Note: Teacher will continue to write a referral to administrator for all subsequent violations.
Smoking on Campus
Teacher will write a referral to administrator.
Unauthorized Use of a Pass or Absence of Pass
Teacher will write a referral to administrator and contact parent.
Unexcused Absence (no reasonable suspicion)
1st offense Parent Link service will phone home and leave a message. 2nd offense Teacher will contact parent or mail non-attendance notification card home. 3rd offense Teacher will write a referral to administrator. 4th offense Teacher will write a referral to administrator whether absence is EXCUSED or UNEXCUSED. Note: Teacher cannot go to step 3 if step 2 has not been completed.
Tardy Policy
1st Period Tardy Guidelines – Teachers will monitor and assign consequences for students who arrive to class between 7:30 am and 7:40 am as follows:
Unexcused Tardies Per Grading Period
See Flow Chart and refer to Ms. Smith
DISMISSAL ROUTINES
Students are NOT to be dismissed early or released to the custody of anyone without clearance from the appropriate assistant principal and attendance office. Adults coming to remove children from school are asked to sign the student out in the Main Office with the appropriate assistant principal’s approval. Under no circumstances may a teacher release a student without following these procedures. Students should not line up at the door to wait for the bell. The bell is an indication to the teacher that the class has ended. The teacher should dismiss students. STUDENTS ARE TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSROOM UNTIL DISMISSED BY THE TEACHER AFTER THE DISMISSAL BELL.
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DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, Public Law 100-6900, and School Board Policy # 2400 (Drug-Free Workplace), the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance, including alcohol, is prohibited, Disciplinary action will be taken against any employee who violates this directive, up to and including termination, or require the affected employee to participate satisfactorily in a state licensed drug abuse assistance program. Employees who violate the School Board policy and this directive are subject to referral for prosecution. You are also required to notify your supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction. The board offers drug counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (754-322-9900.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES/OPEN FLAMES
Electric appliances such as coffee pots, hot plates, microwaves, baking machines, toaster ovens, refrigerators, etc. are not allowed in classrooms. In addition, candles and/or any other device with an open flame are prohibited in classrooms. This is a violation of Risk Management and Safety’s policies and is for the protection of students and staff. Injuries and fires have resulted from such practice and liability is a concern for the teacher not following safety policies.
All faculty are expected to check their e-mail twice daily, once in the morning and once near the end of the day. E-mail will be used regularly as a communication avenue with faculty and staff. Please note that E-Mail is to be used for official School Board business ONLY. Any advertisement for the sale of personal items (i.e. tickets, household items, etc.) except on the designated CAB site constitutes inappropriate use of the Electronic Mail System. Bear in mind that the equipment and software used to run E-Mail is owned by the School Board of Broward County and should not be treated as personal property. Items that have been lost or found should be reported to the principal and should not be announced through E-Mail. Remember that using E-Mail is like sending a letter without an envelope. Your message is available for anyone to read. Do not include anything that you would not like to see on the front page of the newspaper. Teachers are cautioned to be circumspect when e-mailing students. Be careful of confidentiality laws regarding discussing students through e-mail.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
Evacuation of the school building is important at times of emergencies to insure the safety of all personnel within the building. The signal for an emergency evacuation (fire drill/tornado evacuation) is the fire alarm. Verbal commands may be utilized as well over the PA system. In case the fire alarm system is inoperative, a series of short bells will be used.
Teacher responsibility:
Post a school map in your classroom with the emergency exit clearly marked. Instruct each class in emergency procedures. Sound the NEAREST alarm in case of fire. Escort your class to the assigned area out of the building as outline on the emergency evacuation map. Insure restrooms are cleared of students. Classes are to be assembled away from building to allow for a fire lane.
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Teachers must remain with their class at all times.
Procedure:
Teachers must make sure they have a current class roster attached to the clipboard next to the door at all times. Keep your students together in your designated area. Keep your students at least 100 feet from the building. Keep all students off and out of cars. No smoking. Have your students take all of their materials with them that they normally would not leave in the classroom.
*Signal for classes to return will be one long ring of the school bell. *Teachers unassigned to classes during emergencies must be familiar with exit routes and will assist in evacuation procedures. *Teachers assigned to portables should familiarize themselves with surrounding terrain.
Bomb Threat Procedures – In the event that a bomb threat is received, administration will advise both faculty and staff as to the specific procedures that will be followed. If an evacuation of the school is needed, please move ALL students as far from the building as safety permits. Specific evacuation routes will be given to each teacher.
EMERGENCY CODES
CODE RED: Full Lockdown of all Classrooms Gather students and bring them inside your room Lock Doors and Windows Move away from windows Place Green card in the window of the classroom door if everyone is safe and uninjured Place Red card in the window of the classroom door if there is a problem Code Green will end this code
CODE YELLOW: Full Lockdown of all Classrooms Follow Code Red Guidelines Some classes will be moved to alternate locations Listen to Announcements for alternate assignments
CODE ORANGE: Evacuation-Possible Fire Alarm Bell Do NOT lock doors Have students take valuables and backpacks Teachers take class rolls and gradebooks Your normal evacuation routes may be changed-due to the situations If you hear the announcement over the intercom, Code Orange, EVACUATE NOW, please take your students out. If the announcement says Code Orange EVACUATE NOW EAST, please take your students to the east side of West Hollywood Elementary. If the announcement says Code Orange EVACUATE NOW WEST, please take your students to the softball field.
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CODE BLACK Bomb Threat Turn off all walkie-talkies, cell phones, pagers, and radios Leave on all lights, fans, etc. May be followed by a complete lockdown, CRT activation, or evacuation
CODE BLUE Medical emergency such as asthma attack, choking, fainting, etc.
EMERGENCY LESSON PLANS
Each teacher must submit 5 days of emergency lesson plans to Ms. Hernandez/Mr. Correll to keep on file for use in case of an emergency that requires the teacher to leave campus.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee Assistance Program is intended to help employees who are suffering from persistent problems that may tend to jeopardize an employee’s health and continued employment. The School Board shall not assume any financial responsibility for treatment of employees in the program. This program assists and advises employees who develop behavioral/medical problems in an effort to prevent their condition from progressing to a degree at which they cannot work effectively.
EMPLOYEE SELF SERVICE All staff is to update personal information using the Employee Self Service (ESS). Every employee has access via the intranet. Log onto the intranet at web/erp, and click on the Employee Self Service link. You will be able to view your own personal information as well as enter your phone numbers and information. Log on information is available on the web page.
EXAMS
School Board policy requires that examinations be given at the end of each semester. On the Straight 7 Period Schedule, exams will be given at the end of 18 weeks. One half credit will be issued each semester. The testing time for each exam is 120 minutes in accordance with Broward County requirements. Tests should be written using the FCAT/EOC question stem format. Each student shall be provided opportunity to give self-expression in the form of a written explanation of knowledge attained. Therefore, one half of the time allotted to each examination should be devoted to essay, similar types of open-ended, or multiple choice examination questions. EOC exams will be administered on the computer. The grade earned on the exam shall be averaged with the grades earned during each 9 weeks in order to determine the final grade. Students are permitted to take the exam regardless of whether they are failing the course or not. Additionally, Broward County School Board policy prohibits the administering of exams prior to the official testing date.
EXCUSING STUDENTS FROM CLASS
Students should not be allowed to leave any classroom during the class period without a pass from the teacher and then ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY. Students in the hall without a pass from the teacher for that student will receive disciplinary action. Students needing to use the restroom are to be directed to the nearest one (on the same floor if in 400 or 900 building). Students are not to be released from class the first ten minutes or the last ten minutes of class. If an emergency occurs requiring a student to leave during those time periods, the teacher must contact the Main Office and request a security escort for the student. The student must remain in the classroom until the security escort arrives. Teachers are not to dismiss their students from class early for any reason.
EXTRA PERIODS All teachers with 7 classes have a planning period of 1 hour. Planning periods may be scheduled before or after school and teachers working the extra period must give their planning period times in writing to Ms. Cohen.
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FACULTY AND DEPARTMENT MEETINGS
Faculty meetings will be scheduled by the principal the second Wednesday of the month. The appropriate department chairs will schedule department meetings. Teacher attendance at all faculty, departmental, and specified district educational meetings held on school time as required by the Superintendent or principal, is mandatory. (School Board Policy 4208)
FACULTY DRESS
The proper dress for faculty members should be in accordance with standards established by School Board policy. Teachers should dress in an appropriate and professional manner on planning days as well as on regular school days. Shorts are not appropriate for teachers in the classroom, excluding Physical Education teachers.
FACULTY PLANNING AREA
The faculty planning area is for use by faculty and staff. Students are not to be sent to the faculty lounge or work area on errands.
FACULTY TARDIES
Teachers are expected to report to work on time. If you are not in your classroom and have not notified the office that you are going to be late, you will be considered absent.
FLORIDA SEXUAL PREDATORS ACTION INFORMATION
PART A – FLORIDA SEXUAL PREDATORS ACTION INFORMATION The State of Florida Sexual Predators Act requires that, “each predator register within 48 hours after entering the county of permanent or temporary residence. Temporary residence includes a stay of two or more weeks. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) must notify the sheriff of the relevant county within 48 hours after registration of the sexual predator. The sheriff must notify the police chief of the municipality where the sexual predator resides within 48 hours.”
The Broward Sheriff’s Office will notify the school district’s Special Investigative Unit (SIU) when a sexual predator is living or relocating to Broward County. Implementation guidelines are as follows:
Upon notification from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, SIU will confer with the Student Assignment Office to determine the nearest school(s) and immediately notify the Department Superintendent of School Operations. The Deputy Superintendent of School Operations will disseminate the information to the Superintendent of Schools, the affected Area Superintendent(s) and the Community Relations Department. The Community Relations Department will inform all School Board Members. The Area Superintendent(s) will immediately notify the affected area director(s) and principal(s) as well as participating schools in the innovation zone. The affected principal(s) will: a. Communicate the information to the faculty, staff, and school resource officers. b. Develop a letter for distribution to parents to be approved by the Area Superintendent. c. Redirect all available staff to enhance the supervision of students during all school activities. d. Refer all media inquiries to the Community Relations Department to assure clear and correct information. Members of SIU will render assistance to principal, staff, and work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies where appropriate.
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PART B – POLICE CRIME INFORMATION The following procedures have been developed to enhance communication between local police departments, schools and parents. These procedures will be incorporated into the safety and security component of School Improvement Plans. The following steps are to be included in the procedure:
1. Upon notification from the police department, the principal will review the information and contact the area office. 2. The area superintendent will then direct the principal to complete the following tasks: a. Communicate the information to the faculty, staff, and school resource officers. b. Develop a letter for distribution to parents to be approved by the Area Superintendent. c. Redirect all available staff to enhance the supervision of students during all school activities. d. Refer all media inquiries to the Community Relations Department to assure clear and correct information. 3. The Area Superintendent will immediately notify the Deputy Superintendent of School Operations. 4. The Deputy Superintendent of School Operations will disseminate the information to the Superintendent and the Community Relations Department. The Community Relations Department will then notify all School Board Members. 5. Members of SIU will render assistance to principal and staff and work collaboratively with local law enforcement agencies where appropriate.
FOOD
When students are present in the classroom, teachers are requested not to consume food or beverages. Please do not send students to obtain drinks or food for you. Students are not to be allowed to bring food or drinks into the classroom. These items necessitate additional cleaning burdens for our custodial staff and add to the pest control problems. Teachers are NEVER to send students off campus to get breakfast or lunch for them.
GRADEBOOKS
Gradebooks will be maintained in PINNACLE.
1. A minimum of two 1 grade per week must be entered into pinnacle per student 2. Grades entered into pinnacle must be within 72 hours of the assigned activity (quiz, homework, project, etc.) 3. Teachers are expected to provide daily re-teaching/remediation, and interventions to students to reduce the number of students receiving Ds and Fs to at or below an overall combined average of thirty-five percent.
***Please refer to PINNACLE notebook for direction***
GRADING SCALE
‘A’ 90-100 ‘B+’ 89-87 ‘B’ 80-86 ‘C+’ 77-79 ‘C’ 70-76 ‘D+’ 67-69 ‘D’ 60-66 ‘F’ 0-59
GUEST SPEAKERS
Guest speakers are welcome at McArthur High School, but must have clearance under the Jessica Lundsford Act. When coordinating a guest speaker visit, please see Mr. Correll at your earliest convenience so the necessary approval and volunteer paperwork can be completed. This is essential since we must list the total number of school volunteer 41 hours in year-end reports. Outside organizations wishing to make a classroom presentation must be approved by the Superintendent’s Screening committee. If they have been approved, they will have written verification that should be submitted to you.
GUIDANCE:
CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS Teachers should be cautious to maintain confidentiality of student records. At no time should a student, parent, or guardian see the grades of other students. Teachers are not to post or orally repeat to the class any grade(s) earned by students. It is important that only the grades and attendance records of the specific student with whom a conference is being conducted be displayed for viewing.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher conferences are arranged through the student’s guidance counselor. Teachers should contact the student’s guidance counselor to set up a teacher-initiated conference. If a parent calls for a conference, (1) the counselor will arrange a telephone conference with teachers; and, (2) teacher will hand in the follow-up form, which will be filed by the counselor. If a teacher does not make telephone contact with the parent or if the issue is not resolved, a face-to-face conference with the teacher, parent, and counselor will be arranged in Guidance at 7:00 a.m. or during the teacher’s planning period. Teachers are expected to attend all conferences.
PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS
As a part of the scheduling and registration process at McArthur High School, teachers are asked to make recommendations for student placement in many courses. Counselor and teacher recommendations are based upon the observed performance of each student and test scores. When this process is followed carefully, it ensures a very high degree of accuracy in appropriate student placement and provides students with reasonable opportunities for success.
PROCEDURE FOR MAKING A SCHEDULE CHANGE
The proper procedure to follow when a student wishes to make a schedule change is as follows: 1. The student is to get his/her parent and teacher to sign the “Request for Schedule Change” form. There is a space on the form for “Teacher Comments”. 2. The student brings the request form back to the Guidance Department. 3. The counselor will either approve or deny the schedule change.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
At registration time, students were asked to make course selections with the advice of teachers, parents, and counselors. Open counseling was made available to all students and parents. Students were asked to give serious consideration to final course selections and advised that any late changes were to be made in courses for which they had previously received credit resulting from summer school or night school courses taken after the pre-registration period. Therefore, schedule changes are to be based primarily on correcting obvious scheduling errors such as: 1. Students who are scheduled for two (2) classes of the same subject. 2. Students who are in classes without the needed preparation/prerequisite. 3. Students who are in a class that they have passed and received credit for either in summer school or in a previous grade.
HALL SUPERVISION
It is required that teachers position themselves at their classroom doors between the change of classes in order to provide supervision of students and greet students as they enter your class.
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HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION OPTIONS
There are three options for high school graduation. Students and parents should select the graduation option that will most appropriately prepare the student for his or her chosen postsecondary and career path. The following options are:
A four-year, 24-credit standard diploma A four-year, 24-Credit career diploma A three-year, 18-credit standard college preparatory program
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROCEDURES
*Please refer to memo in front of faculty handbook.
INTERIM REPORTS ***Please refer to your PINNACLE notebook for further direction***
1. An interim report concerning each student’s classroom work and behavior is issued 4 ½ weeks after the beginning of each nine-week grading period. 2. After interims have been issued, parents should be notified of any unusual situation in regard to classroom work or unsatisfactory behavior of a student. (if a student drops 2 letter grades or behavior changes drastically.) You must use an individual Interim Report to satisfy this requirement. (Document this conference, parent notification letter or Interim report.) 3. Problems of students should be discussed with the appropriate administrator or guidance counselor.
TEXTBOOKS
Every student in core academic classes will be issued a textbook or Textbook CD for home use. Each teacher will be assigned a class set of textbooks for daily use when possible. Students are to complete a textbook obligation card at the time textbooks are issued. See your department chair for textbook obligation cards.
JURY DUTY
Teachers on jury duty will not incur any loss of salary. Upon receiving notification to serve jury duty, teachers are to give a copy of the summons to the office manager who will attach it to a Certificate of Absence and file it with the payroll.
KEYS
Mr. Bush will issue all room keys. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE TEACHERS TO GIVE THEIR KEYS TO STUDENTS. Security of the building is the responsibility of every staff member. Keys should not be duplicated.
LAPTOPS FOR FACULTY USE
Laptops for faculty use will be available through the Technology Specialist. All faculty must complete a McArthur High School Technology Agreement before each laptop checkout period whether the laptop is to be used on or off campus. See Mr. Elder
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LEAVING CAMPUS
All teachers who leave campus during their workday must sign out and obtain administrative approval on their sign in/out sheet that is located in the front office. Teachers must also sign in when returning for insurance purposes and school records. No sign out is required for lunch on teachers’ workdays. If any emergency situation arises for which a teacher must leave campus during the school day, the teacher is to contact the administrator in charge of substitutes and class coverage. Teachers who sign out of school for non-school related business during the 7.5 hour workday are subject to incur a payroll deduction for the time they are off campus. When signing out, teachers should ask the secretary to call security to unlock the gate.
LOSS OR THEFT OF SBBC PROPERTY
It is the responsibility of every staff member to be security conscious regarding loss of materials, equipment and general supplies used in the total education process. Losses are to be reported to Mr. Santana immediately. If items are stolen off campus, please make sure to call the police and request a report.
LOST AND FOUND
All lost and found articles should be turned in to the school security office. Students wishing to claim lost personal property should see security personnel before or after school.
MAILBOXES Located on the south wall of Faculty Planning
1. Teachers should check their mailboxes before, during and after the school day. 2. Phone messages will be put in your mailboxes. 3. DO NOT SEND STUDENTS TO THE MAILBOXES. Teachers are to retrieve and box their mail themselves.
MAINTENANCE OF GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS
It is everyone’s responsibility to help maintain school grounds and buildings. Please report any problems in this area to Mr. Elder.
MOVIES AND VIDEO TAPES
Movies and videos must be approved by the subject administrator and department chairperson prior to being shown in the classroom and should be a part of your lesson plans. Movies and videos shown in the classroom must be of a G (General Audience) rating and must have obvious educational value directly linked to the curriculum of the course. The department head and the subject administrator must approve all movies and videos beyond a clip. No feature length films are permitted.
OBLIGATIONS
No student shall participate in student activities or athletics with outstanding obligations. It is the responsibility of the coach/sponsor to check the obligation list to verify participants’ eligibility. Ms. Murray will keep an updated obligation list in her office. In addition, teachers are to submit student obligations in a timely manner to ensure the reliability of the obligation list.
OPEN HOUSE/”BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT” Open House will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. The impact of a well-prepared, positive message leaves a powerful impression with the parents who visit your classroom the night of Open House and leaves them with high expectations for their child’s learning. Be positive and confident when greeting parents Be enthusiastic when presenting an outline of your curriculum Speak about some of the classroom projects that will occur 44
Provide parents with specific classroom requirements Always answer parents’ questions clearly Assure the parents that you are available for parent/teacher conferences which can be scheduled through Guidance Four Essentials of communications: be prepared, make the audience comfortable, show your commitment, and be interesting
Remember that ‘Back to School Night’ is a live commercial for the school and its faculty and staff. It sets the stage for the year’s home/school communication.
PARKING
Unless otherwise instructed, all faculty & staff will park on the WEST SIDE of the campus in the parking lot facing Hollywood Blvd. Students will park on the north side of the campus.
PASSES
1. Only a SBBC pass is to be used to release a student from the classroom.
2. When using a SBBC pass only one student’s name is to be on the pass and all information is to be completed.
3. Teachers are NOT to issue passes during the first or the last ten minutes of class. If an emergency occurs during that time period, please call the Main Office and they will send security to your classroom to escort the student.
4. Students should go to the nearest restroom (on the same floor) in relation to their classroom.
5. Teachers are required to keep students in their classroom with the door closed until the bell rings.
PAY DAY
Teachers on the 196-day calendar will receive their paychecks on the AA pay cycle. See attached schedule in front of handbook.
PLAN BOOK
Planning is an integral part of the teaching process in all areas of education. To standardize our procedures concerning plans, please adhere to the following:
1. It is suggested that a 9-week course outline be prepared and given to all students. 2. All teachers should have a Lesson Plan Book with plans kept at least one week in advance. All plans should be formatted using one of the two templates supplied by administration. This book should be made available upon request to any administrator observing your class. Plans should include objective(s), learning goals, benchmark, scale/rubric, number of days for the lesson, “Do Now,” mini lesson, ESOL/ESE strategies, Secondary IFC, WOD, activity, assignments such as homework and/or examinations. 3. LESSON PLANS NEED TO BE DAILY. 4. Lesson plans, roll books, and all instructional materials are to be available to substitute teachers, department chairpersons, or administrators. 5. Five-day emergency plans should be maintained and checked by the department chairperson. 6. Plan books must follow the standards set forth by the State of Florida objectives.
PLANNING PERIOD
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All secondary instructional personnel are assigned one planning period. Teachers who are teaching an additional class will have their planning period before or after school and must submit to the office manager the specific times. The following are recommended uses of the period: 1. Preparing instructional materials. 2. Keeping plan book up to date. 3. Grading papers. 4. Preparing reports. 5. Consulting with principal, assistant principals, counselors, etc. 6. Consulting with the Guidance Department personnel and checking permanent records for additional information about students in classes. 7. Exchanging viewpoints and information with other faculty members having the same planning period. 8. Conferring with parents. 9. PLC meetings 10. Staff development. 11. Consultations with principal/designee. 12. ASSIST WITH TESTING
HOW TO USE COMMON SENSE AND PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT TO AVOID LEGAL COMPLICATIONS IN TEACHING
A. INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS 1. Maintain a professional barrier between you and students. You are the adult, the teacher, and the professional; act like the expert not like another one of the “kids.” 2. Keep the classroom door open when talking with students. 3. Refer students to the appropriate resource person for counseling and/or discussions about personal matters. 4. Do NOT flirt with students. 5. Do NOT discuss your personal life or personal matters with students. Do NOT discuss your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, or dates with students. 6. When transporting students, coordinate transportation ahead of time and use school or mass transportation if possible. If necessary, call a taxi for the student. If you must transport a student in your vehicle, ask a co- worker to accompany you. 7. Do not leave your students unsupervised. 8. Keep your hands and other parts of your body to yourself. 9. Use verbal praise and reinforcement. 10. Know your school policies and district and state laws about socializing with students. If you chaperone a field trip, put in writing what your responsibilities will be. Do NOT drink alcoholic beverages in front of students. Do NOT take children home with you. Do NOT socialize with students. 11. Chaperone only school-sponsored functions and do not attend non-school sponsored student activities. Your presence there makes you a chaperone. 12. Do NOT make telephone calls, write notes or E-mail of a personal nature to students. 13. Do not harass students; do respect their differences. What you intend as humor may, in fact, be cultural bias or humor.
B. RECORDKEEPING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES 1. Know the laws, school board policies, and school rules and follow them. 2. Know your school policies and district and state laws regarding collecting money, purchasing materials and equipment and follow them. Work in pairs when collecting large amounts of money. 3. Establish a policy regarding your grading system consistent with school and district policies, where applicable. Give a written explanation of it to students and parents at the beginning of the year or when they begin your class unit of instruction. 4. Establish a policy regarding your behavioral management system. Give a written explanation of it to students and parents at the beginning of the year or when they begin your class unit of instruction.
C. PROFESSIONALISM 1. Keep your co-workers and supervisors informed: work and communicate as a team: plan and teach together. 46
2. Communicate with parents and document your communication. 3. Dress and act appropriately and professionally. You are a role model in the community as well as in the school: be a good example for students. 4. Use common sense and good judgment. Ask yourself how someone else could perceive your comments or actions. Ask yourself if your comments or actions could be taken out of context and/or misinterpreted. 5. Avoid putting yourself in a position where you have to defend, explain, or justify your behavior or actions. Avoid putting yourself in a position where it’s your word against another person’s word. Maintain a professional reputation in the community. When you “party,” be discreet.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH PLANS
Every teacher is required to develop a professional growth plan for each school year. Please submit the first part of your PGP to your subject administrator by August 29, 2015. Further information will be provided to you to continue with the PGP process as the school year progresses.
PROPERTY AND INVENTORY CONTROL School Board personnel may take home certain School Board equipment if it is needed to complete their job assignments and if proper procedures are followed. (Only the principal or designee, can approve any equipment leaving this location). When school personnel take equipment home, it is important that it is documented and that signed receipts are obtained. The documentation must be maintained in a file for audit purposes. See Mr. Howard/Mrs. Boegli regarding this procedure.
Lost or stolen equipment and school property must be reported IMMEDIATELY to Mr. Howard. Also, teachers are not to move equipment from one location to another location in the school. If equipment needs to be moved, contact Mrs. Boegli or Mr. Howard in writing and include the School Board Inventory number.
Do not discard any equipment or send any equipment for repair unless the proper form has been completed in the front office. A form is available from Mrs Boegli to request county pick up of discarded equipment. Audiovisual equipment requiring repair should be reported to Ms. Woods in the Media Center.
REFERRALS
A. Referrals should state observed behavior only.
B. Referrals must indicate what previous teacher action has been taken to solve or correct the discipline problem. Refer to the McArthur High School Discipline Policy for appropriate teacher interventions and timelines required before referring students to administration.
C. YOU MUST MAKE CONTACT WITH A PARENT PRIOR TO YOUR REFERRAL BEING SERVICED.
D. Referrals should be submitted in a timely manner to the appropriate assistant principal utilizing the mandatory discipline management system.
E. Each administrator will strive to address each referral received in a timely manner.
SAFETY GLASSES
Safety glasses must be worn in certain activities including, but not limited to, vocational/industrial arts, shop, or laboratories and at any time when the individual is engaged in or observing an activity involving the use of hazardous substances likely to cause injury to the eyes.
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THE SCHOOL DAY
Instructional personnel are required by law to work 196 days, 180 of which must be devoted to full-time instruction. Instructional personnel must be on duty a minimum of seven and one-half (7 1/2) hours daily. The workday for instructional personnel is 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
SECURITY
It is the responsibility of all individuals associated with McArthur to assist in providing a safe, secure educational environment. School security personnel and administrators need the assistance of faculty in maintaining order in the hallways between classes. If you observe an unusual and/or unsafe behavior or notice trespassers, please notify the office via the intercom. IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF OUR FACULTY, TEACHERS ARE REQUESTED TO LOCK THEIR CLASSROOM DOORS WHEN WORKING OUTSIDE OF NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS.
SELF-REPORTING OF ARREST ANY TEACHER WHO IS ARRESTED FOR ANYTHING MORE SERIOUS THAN A TRAFFIC CITATION MUST REPORT THIS IMMEDIATELY TO THE PRINCIPAL AND FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM EMPLOYMENT. (ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE SELF-REPORTING FORM FOUND IN FRONT OF HANDBOOK).
SENDING STUDENTS OFF CAMPUS
TEACHERS ARE NOT TO SEND STUDENTS OFF CAMPUS FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER.
SICK LEAVE 1. Four days of sick leave will be credited to each permanent employee at the time of employment or the beginning of the contract period. 2. An additional day will be added to the sick leave record at the close of each calendar month. Total sick leave to be earned in any year shall not exceed one day per month. 3. Personal leave – Six days, not cumulative. When used, days shall be charged to available sick leave.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted on school grounds. All Broward County Public Schools are Smoke Free.
STANDARDS OF ACCEPTABLE CONDUCT FOR STAFF MEMBERS
All staff members are expected to conduct themselves as professionals to ensure the efficient, orderly operation of the school and to provide a safe learning environment for students. Listed below are some examples of standards of acceptable conduct for all staff members. 1. Report to work on time and refrain from leaving before the established time. 2. Perform assigned duties. 3. Attend staff meetings. 4. Follow reasonable administrative directives. 5. Refrain from engaging in sexual harassment of students and/or staff. 6. Refrain from any sexual conduct with students. 7. Refrain from using abusive, insulting, and/or profane language toward students. 8. Refrain from coming to work under the influence of alcohol/drugs or being in possession of a controlled substance. 9. Refrain from leaving students unsupervised. 48
10. Refrain from excessive use of the school telephone for personal calls. 11. Refrain from removing any school-owned equipment or supplies without written authorization of the principal. 12. Refrain from sleeping during duty time or in class while supervising children. 13. Refrain from using corporal punishment as defined by state statutes and board of education policy. 14. Refrain from using racial slurs toward student(s)/staff. 15. Maintain a professional working relationship with other staff members at all times. 16. Refrain from arguing or fighting with another staff member in the presence of students. 17. Refrain from distributing any flyers or other materials that are profane or vulgar or that have racial or gender slurs. 18. Refrain from conducting personal or other business during the workday. 19. Refrain from using influence over students or your position for profit. 20. Refrain from bringing guns or weapons to school.
If staff members fail to abide by these standards of acceptable conduct, including, but not limited to, the examples provided above, they may be subject to disciplinary action.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE / STUDENT ABSENCES
Audits are conducted by the State and District in regard to student attendance records as they apply to F.T.E. requirements and participation in certain grants.
In order to comply with the State F.T.E. regulations and to establish a consistency in all schools, a common code for student attendance must be used in teacher grade books/Pinnacle. The following is a method constructed to meet the needs of the county attendance policy, as well as, implement the suggestions of the audit team.
1. All attendance must be recorded in Pinnacle the first fifteen minutes of class. Attendance Codes are as follows: a. AU= Unexcused Absence b. A=Absent Excused c. T=Tardy d. TU=Tardy Unexcused
2. If you use a backup grade/attendance book, all entries must be in ink. 3. This is Board Policy.
Each teacher is responsible for keeping an accurate attendance record for each class. The aim of the administrative office is to assist the teacher by encouraging good attendance and notifying the teacher as to the status of absences. In the event of an excused absence, the student is allowed to make up the work missed (2 days for each day of absence not counting the day of return). Any unexcused absence that falls within the student’s first 30 hours of absences per marking period, the student will be allowed to make up work for full credit and grade. Students have the right to receive make-up work for any absence whether it is excused or unexcused even though he work may not count for a grade. All students may make up final exams.
**Teachers MUST record absences EACH PERIOD on Pinnacle***
All day absences (excused/unexcused) will not require admit slips. Students signing in late to school after first period attendance (end of period) must receive an admit slip from an Assistant Principal’s office/Main Office prior to entering class. Please advise students of the following:
1. Students must have parents call or submit a note to the attendance office, the day before, the day of, or within two (2) days after the absence in order for an absence to be excused in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook. 2. Student must sign out of school through the Main Office, with appropriate assistant principal’s permission and parent present for pickup. Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence. Students will be given a sign out pass denoting clearance to exit campus.
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES:
ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE OVER THE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM 1. Announcements will be made daily via the P.A. daily. 2. No announcement will be made over the P.A. that is not printed or typed on the proper form. Forms are available on the server. 3. Emergency lunch announcements to be made over the P.A. must be approved by Mr. Correll by 8:00 A.M. of that day, as they will be read at 9:00 A.M. 4. No long lists of names will be read over the P.A. system. If you wish to honor a large group for a special accomplishment, place their names on a list that may be distributed via cab to teachers for posting in the classroom. 5. With regard to athletic events, only the scores and “outstanding” participants' names will be read over the P.A. 6. When students win awards, teachers are asked to submit an announcement regarding these accomplishments to be read during the morning announcements.
ASSEMBLIES
We will be having assemblies throughout the year in the auditorium and gymnasium. Teachers are required to stay with their students and are responsible for the enforcement of the following rules of conduct for all assembly programs:
1. Students from your room must stay together as a group and return to your room as a group. 2. All students are to be directed not to walk on the gymnasium floor. 3. Teachers should instruct their students thoroughly in proper behavior and courtesy during assembly programs.
COLLECTION OF MONIES
* Monies collected for any reason (fundraising, book fines, etc.) shall be forwarded to the bookkeeper in accordance with standard procedures and must be accounted for on the proper forms. * No money should be left in desk drawers or cabinets. * Monies collected should be deposited with the bookkeeper DAILY. * Tax must be paid on all fundraising activities. * Be sure to have the treasurer and sponsor sign all forms: purchase orders, check requisitions, financial forms, etc. * All money for a deposit must be accompanied by a monies collected slip, receipt book, or monies collected envelopes. * All money must be submitted to the bookkeeper in the same form it was received from the students. * All checks must be made out to McArthur High School. No two-party checks will be accepted. * All deposits must be made before 2:00 PM daily. This is especially important on the last school day of the month and the last day before a holiday. * All coins must be rolled; coin wrappers are available from the bookkeeper. * Checks are to be made in the exact amount. Do not give change for a check that is in excess of the amount collected. * Deposits will be accepted from the club sponsor and/or treasurer only. No money may be replaced by a personal check. * Expenditures from the accounts of student clubs and organizations must be approved by the members and reflected in the organizational minutes.
FIELD TRIPS
Teachers must demonstrate educational value for a field trip to be approved. No field trip is to be discussed with students without prior approval by principal’s designee.
The State of Florida and the School Board of Broward County, Florida, have published a list of approved vehicles for all school-sponsored trips. 50
Students are not allowed to transport ANY OTHER STUDENT in their vehicle when on a school-sponsored activity unless proper paperwork is completed and on file. Students can drive their own automobiles ONLY on rare occasions with the specific approval of the ADMINISTRATION.
APPROVALS:
The principal must approve all In-Tri-County Field Trip Authorizations.
All Out-of-Tri-County (Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) & All Overnight Field Trip Authorizations must be approved by the principal and the area superintendent no later than forty-five (45) school days prior to the trip.
All Out-of-Country Field Trip Authorizations must be approved by the principal, area superintendent, and superintendent of schools no later than forty-five (45) school days prior to the field trip. Exceptions will be made for unforeseen field trips (i.e., state athletic series competitions, etc.)
Except for competitions, no field trips will be approved for the last five (5) days of a quarter or during district mandated blackout days.
BOARD POLICY:
Teachers planning local field trips shall (1 month prior to trip):
1. Schedule each trip with the assistant principal; specifying the destination, the method of transportation, and the period of absence from school. 2. Complete all necessary arrangements with the organization, firm, and/or owner of the property to be visited. 3. Obtain from parents all students who are to participate in a field trip, written permission, on county- approved forms, for their children to be away from school during the time required for the trip. 4. Make provisions for proper supervision.
In order to request a field trip, a Field Trip Authorization form located on Mustang Corral must be completed and submitted to Mr. Correll for approval. After you have received notice that your field trip request has been approved, you must complete required items located on the Teacher Field Trip Packet. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS PACKET MUST BE COMPLETED BY YOU AND SUBMITTED TO MR. CORRELL IN ENTIRETY PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DISCUSS ANY QUESTIONS AND/OR CONCERNS REGARDING FIELD TRIP PROCEDURES WITH MR. CORRELL.
Before you begin to discuss a local, overnight, out-of-county, or out-of-state field trip with students, parents, and community, it is essential that you have received approval for the trip from Mr. Correll and/or Mr. LaPace. Only after the trip has all the necessary approvals, the teacher or sponsor shall proceed with the necessary arrangements as outlined for local trips.
On all overnight field trips, a list of all participating students and chaperone(s), dates of departure, and return itinerary and mode of travel must be submitted to Mr. Correll at least 72 hours in advance of the field trip. The list of students participating must be submitted to Mrs. Nascimento prior to any field trip.
It shall be the responsibility of the faculty member in charge to advise the chaperones of their responsibilities on the trip. It is advisable for the faculty member in charge to discuss with an administrator the duties/responsibilities expected of chaperones prior to meeting with these individuals.
CHAPERONES:
To be used as a guideline:
One-day field trip within tri-county:
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Two adults are recommended as a minimum for a field trip, one of who must be the teacher in charge of the class. Parents may be permitted to assist in such supervision. Level One Chaperone Clearance is required for all chaperones.
Other field trips require more supervision, as per board policy. When the student group is co-educational, there shall be at least one chaperone for each sex. On all such trips, K-12 students shall be accompanied by chaperones in accordance with the following formula:
10 students or fewer…………2 chaperones 11 to 20 students…………….3 chaperones One (1) additional chaperone for every additional twenty-five (25) students or portion thereof. Additional chaperones may be required if the principal deems necessary.
OUT-OF-TR-COUNTY ONE-DAY FIELD TRIPS:
Follow the same rules as for local one-day field trips except chaperones must meet the requirements above. The principal shall send the Area Superintendent notification and information about all such out-of-county field trips prior to the event. For out-of-county one-day field trips to such distant places as Disney World and Everglades National Park the required number of chaperones shall be the same as those for overnight out-of-county. Level One Chaperone Clearance is required for all chaperones.
OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS:
The principal or his designee shall be contacted before the teacher or sponsor begins to discuss any overnight student field trips. If the principal should feel that such a trip would be a project worthy of pursuing, a detailed plan of the projected trip, its objectives, the number of chaperones required, and cost(s) should be presented to the appropriate Area Superintendent for approval before it is discussed with students, parents, or community. Any trip outside of the United States also must have the approval of the Superintendent. A cover letter indicating the principal’s approval of the project and having his signature shall accompany this presentation. Once the trip has all the necessary approvals, the teacher or sponsor shall proceed with the necessary arrangements as outlined for local trips. Level Two Chaperone Clearance is required for all chaperones. The Policy requires that the Director of Risk Management receive a list of all participating students and chaperones, dates of departure and return, itinerary, and mode of travel at least one week prior to the departure date for all overnight field trips. Further details regarding chaperones and insurance coverage may be found in Board Policy 6303.
LOCAL TRIPS:
Student trips shall be permitted which have value in meeting educational objectives, or which are necessary to the fulfillment of obligations to the interscholastic athletic and other interscholastic activity programs. School transportation vehicles may be made available for all trips sponsored within the spirit of the above statement. Such trips, however, must not interfere with the regular bus schedules. If the use of the school's activity bus is desired, see Mr. Correll. An alphabetical list of participants must be e-mailed to Mr. Correll, to the attendance secretary, and to all teachers prior to departure on the field trip.
Refer to the Sponsor Handbook for detailed procedures regarding field trips.
THERE ARE TO BE NO UNAUTHORIZED FIELD TRIPS. ALL FIELD TRIPS MUST HAVE PRIOR ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL.
FUNDRAISING DRIVES
Students and faculty members representing classes, clubs, or departments may not engage in money-raising drives (solicitation or advertising, selling material things or services, vending machines, etc.) unless prior approval is given by the principal. No such approval will be given if the proposed project in conflict with sound educational philosophy, nor will approval be given if the proposed project is to be sponsored by a group of students who would be the direct
52 beneficiaries thereof. Students and faculty members are not permitted to solicit sales from other faculty/staff members. If a faculty/staff member elects to support a fundraiser, the individual will approach the selling representative.
Sponsors of organizations conducting money-raising drives are responsible for proper supervision of funds, sales, and accounting. A Money-Raising Drive Financial Report will be filed immediately upon conclusion of the drive and a monthly report should be filed if it is of a continuing nature. Sponsors should check monthly with the bookkeeper to determine financial status of the club. All sponsors and club treasurers must complete the training program provided by the bookkeeper. Refer to the Sponsor Handbook for detailed procedures regarding Fundraisers. Failure to use the proper accounting practices and procedures will cause the organization to have their fundraising activities suspended and/or the activity cancelled.
No one may “panhandle” on behalf of McArthur High School or any of its constituent organizations at anytime or place. This is a policy of the School Board.
PROJECT APPROVAL FORM DEFINITIONS
1. FUNDRAISING - any project, the intent of which is to add funds to the council treasury. This could also include projects intended to raise funds for charity.
2. COMMUNITY SERVICE – any project, the intent of which is to benefit the community outside of the school. Projects that benefit hospital, humane societies, homes for abused children, or the environment are just a few included in this category.
3. MEMBERS MOTIVATION – projects intended to motivate the members of the organization/club or increase participation in the organization/club. Lock-ins, workshops, speakers, and individualized slide shows are a few that may pertain.
4. FACULTY RELATIONS – projects intended to raise faculty morale or improve relations between the faculty/staff and the council.
5. CITIZENSHIP DEVELOPMENT – projects intended to foster better behavior, patriotism, or the acceptance of citizen responsibilities. Projects designed to reduce absenteeism, provoke multicultural understanding, and voter registration drives are examples of this category.
6. SCHOOL SERVICE – projects intended to be of direct benefit to the school clean up or beautification. Tutoring, orientation and new student buddy programs are examples that could fit in this category.
7. SCHOOL SPIRIT – probably the easiest projects to define. Projects intended to raise school pride or to increase involvement in school activities.
NOTE: MANY PROJECTS CAN FIT IN MORE THAN ONE CATEGORY. WHEN CATEGORIZING, IT MAY BE BEST TO LOOK AT THE PRIMARY GOAL OR INTENT OF THE PROJECT.
SHIRT SLOGANS
Coaches and sponsors MUST have all slogans for T-shirts approved by administration. All T-shirts shall be free from any inappropriate or suggestive slogans.
STUDENT DRESS
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Students must meet the dress requirements included in the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook. Teachers are to send any student(s) who does not meet this standard to the appropriate administrator.
STUDENT PERMITTED ABSENCES
A parent who indicates that a child is to be absent due to a family trip should be referred to their assistant principal’s office. The student assumes the responsibility for completing this work.
STUDENT TARDINESS
It is the teacher’s responsibility to encourage students to report to class on time. Any student who arrives late to class without a pass from an Assistant Principal or other verified pass should be considered tardy. A student is to be logged as absent only when the entire class period has been missed. Students who are tardy are to be coded as such regardless of the amount of class time that has elapsed prior to their arrival. On the 5th tardy and every tardy thereafter in the grading period, the student is to be referred to the grade level administrator. Four (4) tardies no longer equals one absence as in the past.
SUB SEARCH
Sub Central is responsible for securing substitute teachers. As soon as a teacher knows of the need for a substitute, he/she should access Smart Find Express and report the absence via the internet. Smart Find is available 7 days a week – 24 hours a day to report absences. It is highly recommended that the teacher report his/her absence as soon as possible. The teacher has the option to prearrange his/her own substitute, request a specific substitute, or have the system secure a substitute using the school’s preferred list of substitute teachers. Please remember that every absence must be reported to Smart Find whether a sub is needed or not.
SUBSTITUTES
In order to render assistance to the substitute teacher, the regular classroom teacher will make available the following information for a substitute:
1. Attendance records 2. Updated class rosters for attendance 3. Lesson plans 4. Indicate any students who are ESOL, ESE or on a 504 plan and require modifications to the day’s assignment or routine 5. Sufficient materials to keep students on task until the end of each class period 6. Updated seating charts for each class 7. Classroom rules 8. Name of Department Head 9. Several names of helpful teachers. 10. Names of several dependable students in each class.
All teachers must submit 5 days of emergency lesson plans to their department heads. The department heads will submit the emergency lesson plans to Ms. Goldberg by Friday August 28, 2015. If the plans have been utilized, the teacher must submit a new set immediately.
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TEACHER HANDBOOK UPDATES
The administration may update information contained in the McArthur High School Teacher handbook throughout the school year. Teachers will be notified of updates.
TEACHER LIABILITY
The primary test for determining if a teacher is liable for injury to a pupil is FORESEEABILITY. If a reasonably prudent person could have foreseen the harmful consequences of an act, it is determined that a teacher, if disregarding the foreseeable consequences, is liable for negligent conduct. When a teacher is doing anything in which a person of ordinary prudence can foresee danger or harm to others, the law imposes upon the teacher a duty to exercise reasonable care. Because of the teacher/pupil relationship, the test of foresee ability for a teacher should be based on what a reasonable prudent person could have foreseen under the circumstances.
If a teacher is negligent in the performance of duties, there is no legal power that can protect that teacher from the consequences of his negligence. However, if a teacher exercises due care to foresee harmful consequences and to provide reasonable safety measures, the burden of proof of negligence is placed on the accuser. The courts have supported teachers who exercised reasonable care in handling students under their supervision.
There is no statute in Florida that grants immunity to teachers from suits for injuries sustained by pupils. However, the courts have interpreted the law to mean that a teacher is not liable for injuries to a pupil unless the teacher is negligent in his duty. The best course of action for any teacher to take is to follow known safety rules, to instruct his students as to the best way of carrying out a specific assignment and to exercise reasonable caution in the performance of regular school duties whether they are in the classroom, on the playground or on a field trip. In other words, teachers should use sound judgment and exercise initiative.
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
State Board of Education Rule
6B-1.006, FAC
THE PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR THE EDUCATION PROFESSION IN FLORIDA
1. The following disciplinary rule shall constitute the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida. 2. Violation of any of these principles shall subject the individual to revocation or suspension of the individual educator’s certificate or the other penalties as provided by law. 3. Obligation to the student requires that the individual: a. Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or safety. b. Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning. c. Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view. d. Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student’s academic program. e. Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement. f. Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights.
55 g. Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination. h. Shall not exploit a professional relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage. i. Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional services, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.
4. Obligation to the public requires that the individual: a. Shall take reasonable precautions to distinguish between personal views and those of any educational institution or organization with which the individual is affiliated. b. Shall not intentionally distort or misrepresent facts concerning an educational matter in direct or indirect public expression. c. Shall not use institutional privileges for personal gain or advantage. d. Shall accept no gratuity, gift or favor that might influence professional judgment. e. Shall offer no gratuity, gift, or favor to obtain special advantages. 5. Obligation to the profession of education requires that the individual: a. Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings. b. Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization. c. Shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities. d. Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual’s performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment: and further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination. e. Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague. f. Shall not use coercive means or promise special treatment to influence professional judgment of colleagues. g. Shall not misrepresent one’s own professional qualifications. h. Shall not submit fraudulent information on any document in connection with professional activities. i. Shall not make any fraudulent statement or fail to disclose a material fact in one’s own or another’s application for a professional position. j. Shall not withhold information regarding a position from an applicant or misrepresent an assignment or conditions of employment. k. Shall provide upon the request of the certificated individual, a written statement of specific reason for recommendations that lead to the denial of increments, significant changes in employment or termination of employment. l. Shall not assist entry into or continuance in the profession of any person known to be unqualified in accordance with these principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida and other applicable Florida Statutes and State Board of Education rules. m. Shall self-report within 48 hours to appropriate authorities (as determined by district) any arrests/charges involving the abuse of a child or the sale and/or possession of a controlled substance. Such notice shall not be considered an admission of guilt nor shall such notice be admissible for any purpose in any proceeding, civil or criminal, administrative or judicial, investigatory or adjudicatory. In addition, shall self-report any conviction, finding of guilt, withholding of adjudication, commitment to pretrial diversion program, or entering of a plea of guilty or Nolo Contendere for any criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation within 48 hours after the final judgment. When handling sealed and expunged records disclosed under this rule, school districts shall comply with the confidentiality provisions of Sections 943.0585(4) (c) and 943.059(4) (c), Florida Statutes. 281.28(1). n. Shall seek no reprisal against any individual who has reported any allegation of a violation of the Florida School Code or State Board of Education Rules as defined in Section 231.28(1), Florida Statutes. o. Shall comply with the conditions of an order of the Education Practices Commission imposing probation, imposing a fine, or restricting the authorized scope of practice. p. Shall, as the supervising administrator, cooperate with the Education Practices Commission in monitoring the probation of a subordinate.
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TEACHER WORKDAY
The teacher workday is 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. This includes a 30 minute duty free lunch period, during which faculty members are expected to remain on campus. Teachers teaching an additional class work 8.5 hours a day and must give Ms. Cohen the times they want for their planning period. If a situation arises on particular employee planning day where employees find they have no other option for childcare, they are permitted to bring their children to work with them. However, their children MUST be enrolled in a Broward County public school in order to qualify for this provision.
Employees’ children are to be supervised at all times, with planned activities. Parents are expected to schedule and share supervision times of the students.
TEACHING DIVERSE STUDENTS
Schools must accommodate a diversity of student abilities, disabilities, interests, cultural backgrounds and other factors that affect student performance in school. It is important for all educators to be aware of the characteristics of their students and vary their teaching strategies to meet students’ individual needs. Many instructional strategies that have been developed and used by teachers for interacting with students with special needs have proven effective for other students as well.
Increasing ethnic and cultural diversity promises to continue enriching life in the United States. This has important implications for education. As diversity in the school population grows, it becomes more and more evident that all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, and class, must acquire the knowledge and competencies necessary for functioning effectively with one another. All students must develop the knowledge and competencies necessary to participate successfully in their communities, in the workplace, and in society.
Adapting Instruction for the Diverse Needs of Learners Given the focus on creating learning-centered classrooms, the unique characteristics of individual learners must guide curriculum planning and affect both the learning environment and the teacher’s role in facilitating the learning process. As curricula and learning environments are redesigned, and as teachers plan and teach, it is important to keep in mind that learners
Come to the educational setting with unique knowledge, experiences and explanations about the world; Come from many cultures and backgrounds; Have diverse needs and values; Actively participate in learning; Have a variety of interests; and Have a variety of opinions and ideas about school, language arts, and the world.
Creating an effective learning environment that can address these diverse needs, backgrounds and learning styles starts with understanding those needs.
Accommodating Students with Disabilities Teachers who believe that all students can learn create a supportive learning environment for students with disabilities. In addition, modifications in assignments, courses, instructional methods, instructional materials and resources, and assessment methods can help enhance the learning experience for these students. Course modifications may be made to basic or vocational education courses in the regular classroom or in the exceptional student education classroom; 57 these modifications are described in the State board of Education Rule 6A-6.0312,FAC. Educators may modify a course by increasing or decreasing instructional time, that is, adjusting the time allotted for completing an assignment or a course or adjusting the length of class assignments. The format of the instruction can also be adapted or changed. This might include the use of hands-on materials, audio-visual media, instructional technology (including computers), and the use of specially designed materials.
Quite often modifications that are effective for students with disabilities work well for other students in the class. Specially designed teaching strategies can be easily integrated into the classroom to enhance the content being presented, to assist with assignments content being learned. Testing modifications, such as flexible scheduling, recorded answers, use of mechanical aids, or revised formatting is helpful for all students.
Accommodating the needs of students with disabilities may include many other modifications. For example, there are students who need special communication systems in order to participate in classes. Students with hearing impairments may need the assistance of an interpreter or note-taker, or both. Computerized devices can help students with disabilities perform written and oral communication. Students with visual disabilities may require access to Braille and other adaptive technology.
When the needs of learners with disabilities are accommodated by modifying instructional methods, assessment methods, and the physical environment and by providing a supportive environment, such students are able to excel. They can develop a greater capacity to take an active role in the learning process and focus on their strengths, which helps them achieve a higher level of knowledge, skills, and competencies in the language arts.
Accommodating Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students
Limited English Proficient (LEP) students are similar in most ways to students whose heritage language is English: they learn at different rates, have various interests and characteristics and different personalities, and bring vast differences in background knowledge and experiences to the learning situation. All are unique. However, language and culture add other dimensions to their uniqueness.
Problems may surface because these learners may use another language at home as they are learning English at school. Thus there may be a psychological “pull” between two worlds; these students often feel that their native language is “wrong.” Because self-concept is influenced by the attitudes of others, negative attitudes from family, friends, and school personnel may result in LEP students feeling isolated and overwhelmed with the new environment, new sounds and the new culture. Many cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and multiple meanings of words that are known to most literate English-speaking students may be foreign to LEP students. An example might be the sign, “Fine for Loitering.” If the LEP student has learned the meaning for “fine” as “it is all right to do something.” The sign would convey an entirely different meaning than the idea of having to pay money for loitering. All of these concerns may cause barriers to learning.
From the perspective of the teacher, teaching a multilingual class requires more time and more effort because all students may not have similar background knowledge. Teachers must be flexible, willing to learn and grow, be able to adapt and accept LEP students, and value others’ languages and cultures. Many cultures have an entirely different view of education, including the role of the teacher and the student, the environment for learning, and materials used.
***Please use the Bilingual/Foreign Language/ESOL Education Department – ESOL Instructional Strategies Matrix found at the front of this handbook***
TELEPHONE CALLS/FAX MACHINE USAGE
The county office holds each school responsible for payment of FAX machine usage and long distance telephone calls. Long distance telephone calls require prior approval of the principal. Once approval has been obtained, a long distance form must be completed. This form can be obtained at the front desk. No personal FAX transmittals or long distance calls are to be made from the school.
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TEMPORARY DUTY ASSIGNMENT (TDA)
Any teacher requesting a Temporary Duty Authorization (TDA) must have Mr. LaPace’s prior approval. After Mr. LaPace has issued approval verbally, the TDA form must be obtained by you from Mustang Corral, completed and returned to Ms. Cohen for Mr. LaPace's signature. Teachers attending workshops, conferences, meetings, inservice programs, or other school business which occur in Broward County and do not require the use of additional funding, must file a TDA with the principal at least three (3) days in advance of the event to be attended. If the TDA is for an event outside Broward County but within the United States or one which involves the use of additional school funds, it must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the event for the principal’s approval. A TDA request for travel outside the United States MUST be approved by the Deputy Superintendent (designee). A TDA will be denied if it cannot be processed within this time period. All TDA’s must be approved by the principal and Area Superintendent before the teacher/staff member will be permitted to leave. After a TDA is approved, teachers must utilize Smart Find to request a substitute and notify Ms. Hollis that a sub has been obtained.
Teachers need to contact Ms. Goldberg on the morning of the TDA to assure that a substitute is available. If one is not available, the teacher must contact Mr. LaPace personally to receive his permission to attend the scheduled TDA.
TEXTBOOKS All textbooks, students and teachers, will be checked out by the textbook coordinator. A book room schedule will be posted outside the book room and emailed on CAB conference at the beginning of each year and periodically throughout the year. STUDENTS Students will receive books prior to classes beginning and will be required to return books on the day of final exams Students will be required to show a schedule and/or student ID to obtain books Student with textbook obligations will not be able to receive books until the books are returned or the fine is paid Students will ONLY return books to the book room
TEACHERS Department chairs will be given an inventory to match with the master schedule to determine shortages and if classroom sets will be given to teachers. Any shortages must be emailed to textbook coordinator and the AP over textbooks (Ricardo Santana). Department chairs will notify the textbook coordinator of the number of student editions and the type of teacher edition each teacher should receive via email. Textbooks will not be given to teachers without the department chairs approval. Teachers are responsible for the student edition books they have checked out. Please do your best to ensure that books are NOT removed from your classroom. Teachers are responsible for all teacher editions they have checked out. These teacher materials must be returned before the textbook coordinator can sign off on the end of year sign out sheet. If you should have to issue a book to a student from your class set you need to record the barcode that is on the inside back cover of the textbook and the students name/number. Then email the information to the textbook coordinator.
OFFICE STAFF After the initial 2 weeks of school all new student book requests must be emailed to the textbook coordinator and students will get their books during the school day. Collection of books: Students should only return books to the front office or the book room. If they must return books to the front office then a textbook return form must be filled out with the barcode numbers included. Students will keep this paper as their receipt that books were returned.
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PLEASE ENCOURAGE ALL STUDENTS TO CARE FOR THEIR TEXTBOOKS AND RETURN THEM AT THE END OF THE TERM.
*Please note – Whenever possible, students will be issued textbooks to be used at home.
TORNADO WATCH (FORECAST)
BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOL PROCEDURES Tornado drills should be conducted once during the first two weeks to familiarize all students and faculty with the procedures. Should a tornado strike Broward County, the drill procedures could save the lives of many youngsters and we encourage teachers to ask students to develop similar plans for their homes.
TORNADO DRILL INSTRUCTIONS 1. Teachers should completely familiarize themselves with shelter assignments for their classes. If you have questions about your shelter, please see the administrator in charge of evacuations. 2. Teachers who remain in their classrooms should have students line up against the designated wall and prepare for the command, “Everybody down, crouch on elbows and knees! Hands over back of head!” Please demonstrate this protective technique to your classes before the drill to avoid any misunderstanding. Remind your students that most tornado deaths result from head injuries. 3. Security personnel will clear the physical education fields and portables and will patrol the perimeter of the school directing students to the appropriate shelter areas. 4. After the drill, return to your classrooms and resume class activities. 5. If you have suggestions on ways to improve future tornado drills, please see the administrator in charge; your recommendations are appreciated.
TUTORING – PRIVATE INSTRUCTION School Board Policy 4202
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES are teachers to tutor for a fee any students enrolled in their classes. A teacher may not receive compensation for tutoring a student while that student is assigned to one of his/her classes.
A music instructor may give private lessons to his/her own student(s) when other qualified tutors are not available in that area.
Work completed under private instruction shall not be accepted for credit unless strictly in accordance with Accreditation Standards for Florida School, State Board Regulations, and/or Florida statutes. Parent shall be advised that individual tutoring shall not provide credit. If parent(s) persist in such assumption, the teacher shall not be responsible.
VISITORS
All visitors are required to sign in and present identification to security at the security checkpoint located at the front of the school. Parental visits are encouraged. However, students are not allowed to bring visitors - friends, relatives, etc. – to attend school with them.
WITHDRAWALS
Withdrawal forms are issued by assistant principals. Teachers will be notified when a student will be withdrawn. The student withdrawing will come to your classroom with the withdrawal slip requesting his/her grade. If you are not in class when the student arrives, Mrs. Diosa, the Registrar, will place a copy of the withdrawal form in your mailbox. Please complete the form as soon as possible and return it to the Registrar.
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WORKER’S COMPENSATION INJURY
The School Board is subject to the provisions of the Worker’s Compensation Act, the same as any other employer. The Act requires ALL on-the-job injuries to be reported AT ONCE. If the employee has an accident and is injured on the job, he is to complete a Worker’s Compensation Injury Information Form (WC 962) IMMEDIATELY regardless of whether or not the employee goes to a doctor. If the employee has an injury that requires medical attention, a completed Worker’s Compensation Medical Authorization must be taken with him/her to the doctor/hospital and must be signed by the principal. NOTE: ANY PERSON GOING TO A DOCTOR NOT AUTHORIZED WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER OWN MEDICAL EXPENSES. The above forms and approved medical list are on file with the office manager.
XEROX MACHINE SERVICE TO TEACHERS
Teachers are responsible for xeroxing their own materials. Teachers are not to send students to the office to have items reproduced.
Please note: All employees should be extremely cautious about reproducing or otherwise using copyrighted materials without first obtaining written permission from the owners. Please review the copyright issues as described below, for your own protection.
COPYRIGHT ISSUES In 1978 Public Law 94-533 took effect; for the first time since 1909 there was a copyright law. The law has enormous implications for school library media specialists and teachers. It has affected what were standard operating procedures and many educators raise questions about dealing with copyright issues, the school district’s policy and guidelines to be followed.
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
6318 COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS – REPRODUCTION AND USAGE ALL SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEES SHALL CONFORM WITH ALL EXISTING FEDERAL AND STATE COPYRIGHT LAWS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO PUBLIC LAW 94-533, THE COPYRIGHT ACT. Authority: F.S. 230.22 (1) (2) Policy Adopted: 2/19/91
NEW BOARD POLICIES
4413 ANTI-FRAUD AND WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION 4002.10 NEPOTISM/EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENT OF RELATIVES 5010 SBBC POLICY AGAINST STUDENT DATING VIOLENCE OR ABUSE 3.2.1 UNIVERSAL-FREE BREAKFAST PROGRAM (80% magic number) 2401. TOBACCO FREE ENVIRONMENT
REVISED 5.8 STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 5.9 ANTI-BULLY 5006 SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS 6303 FIELD TRIPS
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RULES a. The regular legal and/or liability insurance protection provided by the School board shall not be extended to board employees who knowingly violate copyright laws. b. To avoid violation of copyright laws by board employees, the superintendent’s designee(s) shall make available to employees appropriate guidelines, training and assistance with copyright law compliance.
iOBSERVATION TOOL
The web address for the iObservation tool is https://www.effectiveeducators.com/
Art and Science of Teaching Framework
The Art and Science of Teaching Framework provides a research-based model of instruction to develop effective teaching in every classroom. It identifies 41 key competencies connected to student achievement and learning gains and establishes a common language or model of instruction.
These 41 strategies must be used during the appropriate part of the lesson in order to maximize student achievement and learning. To help identify which strategies should be used and when, Dr. Robert Marzano has organized them into three broad categories or types of lessons. Each type of lesson is further divided into subcategories or Design Questions (DQ):
Lesson Segments Involving Routine Events o DQ1: Communicating Learning Goals and Feedback o DQ6: Establishing Rules and Procedures Lesson Segments Addressing Content o DQ2: Helping Students Interact with New Knowledge o DQ3: Helping Students Practice and Deepen New Knowledge o DQ4: Helping Students Generate and Test Hypotheses Lesson Segments Enacted on the Spot o DQ5: Engaging Students o DQ7: Recognizing Adherence to Rules and Procedures o DQ8: Establishing and Maintaining Effective Relationships with Students o DQ9: Communicating High Expectations for All Students
TYPES OF OBSERVERATION
Formal, Informal, Classroom Walkthroughs
*The expectation is that all teachers will review the iObservation Tool and the evaluation process.
SAFETY PLAN
STUDENTS WALKING TO McARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL
The safety of our students getting on and off campus is crucial. The following steps have been taken and are ongoing in order to insure the safety of all of our students: 62
Student Drop Off Video posted on website
Parent Link reminders concerning driving and walking safety to and from school
More efficient entrance/exit routing for both walkers and drivers in the student lot that is monitored by security and administration
Periodic PA announcements outlining safe procedures for exiting campus
Visible presence of security, administration, and SRO in all exits routes leaving campus
Continued spot checking by Pembroke Pines Police on Pines Blvd after school to reinforce school zone safety guidelines for walkers and drivers
Periodic jay-walking citations issued to students not following crosswalk rules
Periodic traffic citations for drivers who do not yield to pedestrians or follow school zone rules
*These steps are monitored by administration to maximize their effectiveness.
Code Yellow
Code Yellow: Lockdown - No movement in the building other than SAFE Team members and others specifically Specifically authorized.
Classroom doors should be already be locked. Do not cover doors and windows. Do not turn off Lights. Do not leave for any reason. Teacher must account for all students in their classroom. If the student has left the classroom place the red card with student missing facing towards hallway or outside. If all students areaccounted for place the green card facing towards the hallway or outside. If there is imminent concern in the classroom place the red card facing towards the hallway. Carry on regular class routines and lessons. Do not move students away from windows and doors. Wait for code green to be announced indicating that conditions are back to normal. Once code green is announced all green or red cards are removed from the doors or outside. If code red is announced move to code red procedures.
**If Code Yellow occurs during lunchtime: Classroom teachers will immediately report to the cafeteria to assist with the lockdown and assume responsibility for their class.
*** If Code Yellow occurs while in transition: Safe Team personnel will move all students to the nearest classroom or other supervised location. All other school staff will report to the closest available classroom and assist with supervision. Report your location to the office and any known missing students. P.E. will immediately collect all students and report to the nearest available classroom and/or gymnasium. P.E. teachers will notify the office of their location and any missing students.
Code Red
Code Red: Full Lockdown - No movement in the building other than police/fire officials and persons designated by them.
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Classroom doors should already be locked. Do not cover doors and windows. Turn off lights. Do not leave for any reason. Move students away from windows and doors and have them sit on the floor. Students must remain silent. If possible, seat students against an interior wall to provide optimal protection and concealment. Teacher must account for all students in their classroom. If the student has left the classroom place the red card with student missing facing towards hallway or outside. If all students areaccounted for place the green card facing towards the hallway or outside. If there is imminent concern in the classroom place the red card facing towards the hallway. If the fire alarm is activated during a code red do not leave the classroom unless instructed to by the intercom system. The teacher is to use their personal computer to communicate with the front office via email.
**If Code Red occurs during lunchtime: Classroom teachers will immediately report to the cafeteria to assist with the lockdown and assume responsibility for their class.
*** If Code Red occurs while in transition: Safe Team personnel will move all students to the nearest classroom or other supervised location. All other school staff will report to the closest available classroom and assist with supervision. Report your location to the office and any known missing students. P.E. will immediately collect all students and report to the nearest available classroom and/or gymnasium. P.E. teachers will notify the office of their location and any missing students.
Code Black Code Black: Bomb Threat – Turn off all walkie-talkies, cell phones, and radios immediately. Leave all lights, fans, etc, as they are On or Off.
Do not use any electrical signals as they may cause bomb devices to detonate. Contact will be made through landlines. Doors should be locked and blinds closed. Quickly glance around your area. If you notice anything suspicious alert the office. Keep students calm and quiet. Teacher must account for all students in their classroom. If the student has left the classroom place the red card with student missing facing towards hallway or outside. If all students areaccounted for place the green card facing towards the hallway or outside. If there is imminent concern in the classroom place the red card facing towards the hallway. Await further instructions from the office and follow other codes if they are called or wait for the all clear to be signaled. You will be informed whether to remain in your location or evacuate the building.
If evacuation is needed: Follow the evacuation procedure Code Orange
Classroom teachers: Keep the students calm and quiet. Students should take their house keys with them but leave their backpacks in the classroom. Take a class roster with you for attendance. Walk students out to your designated areas. Do not turn on walkie-talkies or cell phones.
Code Orange Teacher Responsibilities and Procedures
Demand student silence. Students should immediately line up to exit the classroom as soon as the alarm is sounded. Proceed with evacuation: Classes will evacuate to the same locations as a fire drill. 64
Teachers should have an accurate class list to account for present students. Supervise student’s en-route to designated area. Make a roll call check at the assembly point. If a student is missing notify the closest security or administrative personnel immediately.The following links allow direct access to information you may need:
NewTeacherHandbook
Info/Instructions for reporting an absence
Broward Teachers Union
Broward Schools
Employee Relations
Personnel Matters
CTACE
On the next page you will find the Safety and Security Plan Layout
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Principal Mr. Todd Lapace
Intern Principal Mr. Howard
Student Parent SAFE Team Leader First Aid Facility Materials Student Supervision Reunion Mr. Santana All Administrators Mr. Elder Mrs. Williams Mrs. Morhaim
Guidance Counselor Campus Monitor School Nurse Head Custodian Guidance Director Mrs. Allen Mr. Pugh TBA Mr. Skula Mrs. Williams
Guidance Couselor Security Specialist Nursing Teacher Custodian Guidance Counselor Mrs. Faulkner Mr. Bush Mrs. Boone Ms. Nora Mrs. Waggoner
Head Custodian ESE Specialist Security Specialist (Night) Mrs. Goff Mr. Cruz Mr. Gallego
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