T E A C H E R H A N D B O O K
BISON SCHOOL DISTRICT #52-1
MR. DON KRAEMER SUPERINTENDENT
2011-2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACCUMULATIVE FILES...... 6
ACTIVITY FUND...... 6
AUDIO VISUAL MATERIALS...... 6
BISON SCHOOL BOARD & ADMINISTRATION POLICIES...... 6
BULLETIN BOARDS...... 6
BULLYING POLICY ……………………………………………………………. 6-9
CARE OF CLASSROOM...... 9
CHURCH NIGHT...... 10
COMPLAINTPOLICY/HOMELESS POLICY…………………………………… 22
COMMUNITY EDUCATION...... 10
COMMUNITY RELATIONS...... 10,11
COMPUTER, NETWORK & INTERNET ACCESS...... 23-29
CONTRACTS BETWEEN SCHOOL & OTHER ENTITIES...... 11
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT...... 11
CREDENTIALS & PAYMENT OF TEACHERS...... 11
DAILY BULLETIN...... 11,12
DETENTION...... 12
DISCIPLINE...... 12
DUPLICATING EQUIPMENT...... 13
FACULTY MEMBERS…………………………………………………………… 4
FIELD TRIPS & EDUCATIONAL TRIPS...... 13
FIRE/FIRE DRILL...... 13
FUND RAISING...... 13
GRAMMAR...... 13
HANDLING MONEY...... 14
INCOMPLETES...... 14
INJURIES, ACCIDENTS AND SICKNESS...... 14
INSERVICE...... 14
KEYS...... 15
LESSON PLANS...... 15
MAILBOXES...... 15
NEGOTIATED STAFF POLICY...... 15
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY/DEPT. OF LABOR ……………………… 5
NOON DUTY...... 15
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES...... 15
PASSES...... 15
PROGRESS REPORTS…………………………………………………………… 16
PURCHASING...... 16
SCHEDULING OF EVENTS...... 16
SCHOOL CALENDAR…………………………………………………………… 3
SCHOOL CLOSING...... 16
SCHOOL EQUIPMENT...... 17
SECRETARIAL SERVICE...... 17
STAFF LEAVE PERSONAL...... 17
STAFF MEETINGS...... 17
STUDENT ABSENCES...... 17
STUDENT HANDBOOK...... 17
STUDENT RECORDS & HANDLING CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION...... 18
STUDENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES DURING SCHOOL DAY...... 18
STUDY HALLS...... 18
SUPERVISION OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES...... 19
SUPERVISION (GENERAL)...... 19
SUPPLIES...... 19
TEACHERS' ASSISTANCE TEAM (T.A.T)...... 20
TEACHER'S DAY...... 19,20
TEACHER LIABILITY...... 20
TEACHERS' LOUNGE...... 20
TELEPHONE CALLS...... 21
TESTING PROGRAM...... 21
TEXTBOOK ACCOUNTING...... 21
TICKETSELLING…………………………………………………………………… 21
TORNADO/TORNADO DRILL...... 21
VISION/MISSION…………………………………………………………………… 2
VISITORS...... 21
VOUCHERS (MILEAGE, MEALS, MOTEL)...... 22
BOARD OF EDUCATION – BISON SCHOOL DISTRICT #52-1
Eric Arneson
Dan Beckman, Jr.
Brooke Hershey
Colette Johnson
Dan Kvale
Bonnie Crow – Business Manager
IMPORTANT NOTE: This handbook contains information which is considered important to the daily operation of the school. It has been reviewed and adopted by the Bison School District Board of Education. Teacher familiarity with this handbook is essential.
WELCOME
Welcome to you as the teachers in the Bison School District. It is hoped that the year ahead of us will be filled with many new and pleasant experiences that will serve as guides for the future.
One of the chief aims of an education in a democratic society is to learn good citizenship. To succeed in life or school, a student must have a concern and consideration for his/her schoolmates. These traits must be learned early in life and polished often if they are to become the natural way of living. The school affords the student excellent opportunities to learn and practice good citizenship as they work together in the classroom, the sports areas and various other activities. Learning to get along is something that demands our attention and effort, above our personal interests.
As the main goal of the group progresses, we develop strength of character and a feeling of confidence and respect in our students and in ourselves. May we, as teachers, put forth every effort to help the students of the Bison Schools learn how to become good citizens in both the school and the community. May we, by example, set the standards that they will copy and learn to adopt as their standards of life. This, then, is the greatest challenge in the teaching profession – helping to build and mold the greatest, most complex machine ever created – the inquisitive mind of your students.
BISON SCHOOL DISTRICT’S VISION/MISSION
Bison School District holds the vision to promote a healthy environment fostering academic growth, instilling pride in rural living, and inspiring responsible life-long learners as citizens of a global world.
We will create an environment where all students feel confident and competent to meet the challenges of a technological society. We will provide an academic curriculum with high goals and expectations for all students provided by highly qualified teachers. We will develop respect, integrity, compassion, and responsibility within each student. We will prepare students to participate actively and successfully as productive, responsible citizens. We will appreciate and respect the historical uniqueness of the community, county, state and country.
FORWARD
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT NOT ALL OF THE GUIDELINES AND RESTRICTIONS THAT WE ENFORCE IN THE SCHOOL WILL BE FOUND IN THIS HANDBOOK. WE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH SOME OF THE MORE PREVALENT GUIDELINES THAT SEEM TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY THAN OTHERS. COMMON SENSE WILL NATURALLY DICTATE IN MATTERS WHICH ARISE AND ARE NOT FOUND IN THIS HANDBOOK. PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION AND STUDENT POLICIES OF THIS HANDBOOK, THEN KEEP IT FOR REFERENCE THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.
SCHOOL CALENDAR – 2011-2012
August 22-23 Monday & Tuesday – Local Inservice Days 24 Wednesday – First day of school 6 days
September 6 NO SCHOOL – Labor Day 9 Friday – School in Session 19 days 19-23 Homecoming Week – 5 day week 29 Students dismissed at 1:15 Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:30-7:00
October 20 End of First Quarter 17 days
November 7-11 5 day week 18 days 11 Veterans Day program 23 Last day before Thanksgiving-Early Dismissal @ 1:33 24 NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Day
December 21 Last day before Christmas-Early Dismissal @ 1:33 21 End of Second Quarter/First semester 12 days 22-30 Christmas Vacation
January 3 School Resumes after Christmas Vacation 18 days 6 Friday, regular day of school 26 Students dismissed at 1:15 Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:30 – 7:00 pm
February 18 days
March 8 End Third Quarter 17 days
April 17 days 5 Last day before Easter Break-Early Dismissal – 1:33 6 No School – Good Friday 9 No School – Easter Monday 13 Friday – School in Session
May 11 days 17 Last Day of School – Early dismissal @ 11:00 am 19 Graduation
The base figure is 1022 hours. The 1055.7 hrs/153 days adds 5 snow days. If weather days are missed on Monday or Tuesday, they will be made up on the next available Friday. The 5 built-in snow days will be used if school is closed, due to weather, on Wednesday or Thursday.
BISON SCHOOL STAFF
Donald Kraemer Superintendent 244-7559 Connie Aaker Head Custodian 244-5518 Sherry Basford Head Cook 244-5460 Kelli Birkeland Paraprofessional 244-5617 Julia Brixey K-6 Special Education 244-7772 Shawnda Carmichael Science/Guidance Coordinator 244-7573 Heidi Collins Paraprofessional 866-4492 Bonnie Crow Business Manager 244-5906 Camille Drown Assistant Cook 244-7167 Kalin Engle AD, Physical Education Travis Graf English/Social Science Lola Hedstrom First Grade 244-5930 Londa Hendrickson Paraprofessional 244-5450 Sara Holzer Paraprofessional 244-7564 Darren Jackson K-12 Music 244-7566 Darla Kahler Kindergarten 244-7794 Donna Keller Special Education 374-5556 Beverly Kopren Second Grade 866-4441 Heidi Kopren Third Grade 244-5524 Tarina Kopren 7-12 Art, Geog./SS 244-7292 Nina Loper Paraprofessional 244-7196 Joyce Matthews Family & Consumer Sciences 244-7158 Shelby Miles Fourth Grade/Fifth Grade 788-2817 Bristol Palmer Elementary Secretary 244-5995 Becky Peacock Assistant Custodian 244-5519 Nancy Reimer English/Business Christi Ryen Ag 244-7775 Roxanne Seaman Title I 866-4489 Michelle Stockert Sixth Grade 244-5657 Erin Titze 7-12 Math 244-7542 Joyce Waddell Librarian 244-5673 Joy Worm Secondary Secretary 866-4645
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY/DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
The Bison School supports the provision of Title IX of the Educational amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which commit all schools to the elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap to those programs and activities offered to provide equal opportunity for all students, free from limitations of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap.
This concept of Equal Educational opportunity will serve as a guide to the Governing Board, the Administration and staff in making decisions relating to the employment of personnel, school facilities, curriculum, activities and regulations affecting students and employees.
Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, Title VI, and Section 504, Affirmative Action, and The American With Disabilities Act, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap conditions, may be directed to Bison Public School, Superintendent, Mr. Don Kraemer, PO Box 9, Bison, South Dakota 57620. Telephone number 244-5271. Inquiries can also be made to the US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 10220 North Executive Hills Boulevard, 8th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1367.
The Bison School District provides its students, patrons and staff with information regarding the South Dakota and United States Department of Labor.
South Dakota Department of Labor; 700 Governors Drive; Pierre, SD 57501-2291 Phone # 605-773-3101; Fax # 605-773-4211
United States Department of Labor; Francis Perkins Building; 200 Constitution Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210. Phone # 1-866-4-USA-DOL; TTY 1-877-889-5627
ACCUMULATIVE FILES
Accumulative files for all of the students are kept as required by law. Teachers are encouraged to inspect the folders by going to the Superintendent‟s office and requesting a student's folder. It is imperative that information within these files be kept strictly confidential.
ACTIVITY FUND
All class money is part of the school Trust and Agency Fund and by state law must remain with the school after a class passes on from the school. All expenditures from the fund must be approved by the Superintendent in advance.
AUDIO VISUAL MATERIALS
Use of AV and computer software is encouraged since a multi-sensory approach has been proven to improve student learning outcomes. File catalogs and free film lists may be found in the library. Please work with your librarian on ordering. Each teacher is responsible for previewing materials for use with students. The district's copyright policy must be strictly followed.
BISON SCHOOL BOARD AND ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
Each staff member should have a copy of the updated Board policy. Familiarity with this material is important. Local evaluation policies are contained in this document.
BULLETIN BOARDS
Although bulletin board space is limited, that space which is available can prove to be useful in creating interest among students. Either students (with teacher supervision) or the teachers may use the boards for displays appropriate to their classes. Obscene language and pictures will not be tolerated. Teachers are encouraged to make their own displays rather than to purchase expensive, commercially made materials. Please do not use thumb tacks on walls, doors, or surfaces other than bulletin boards.
BULLYING POLICY
General Policy Statement It is the policy of this District to maintain learning and working environment that is free from bullying. The School District prohibits any and all forms of bullying because it violates the basic right of students and staff to be in a safe orderly learning environment.
BULLYING POLICY CONT.
It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or staff member to bully another while attending school or school-sponsored events. It shall also be a violation of this policy for any school staff member to tolerate bullying during school or at school sponsored events.
For the purposes of this policy, the term “school staff” includes board members, school employees, volunteers and other persons subject to the supervision and control of the District.
The District will promptly and thoroughly investigate reports of bullying, whether of a physical or a nonphysical nature. If it is determined that bullying has occurred, the District will act appropriately within the discipline codes of the school. It will take reasonable action to end the bullying.
Definition of Bullying For the purpose of this policy bullying consists of 7 elements: 1. A desire to hurt or harm motivates the perpetrator. 2. This desire to hurt or harm results in the hurtful or harmful actions taken by the perpetrator. 3. A formal or informal power imbalance exists between the perpetrator, the victim and a possible bystander. 4. The action(s) taken by the perpetrator are manifestations of the unjust use of power. 5. The perpetrator enjoys carrying out the actions. 6. The victim has a sense of being oppressed. 7. The perpetrator typically repeats the hurtful or harmful action against the victim.
Examples of Bullying Bullying may be physical or non-physical acts. Physical acts may include, but are not limited to the following:
Criminal Activity Assault with a weapon Grievous bodily harm Seriously threatening to kill or cause harm Serious theft Abuse/Sexual abuse
Non Criminal Activity Biting Hair pulling/shoving Hitting/Punching/Scratching
BULLYING CONT.
Kicking Locking in a room Pinching/grabbing Spitting Damage to victim‟s property
Nonphysical acts may include but are not limited to:
Verbal Abusive Language Extorting of money or possessions Intimidations/threats Name calling Cruel remarks Spreading false/mean rumors Gender-based put-downs
Non-Verbal Mean faces Rude gestures Systematically excluding Isolating Sending scary/intimidating notes Mean gender-based pictures
Reporting Students who experience bullying are encouraged to report it to any adult of the District. Any employee of the District who observes bullying or receives reports of it is required to act immediately to protect the alleged victim and to fill out an incident report and forward it to the Superintendent.
Discipline/Sanctions/Consequences A validated charge of bullying against a student will result in disciplinary action. These actions may include and not necessarily in any given order * Conference and/or Warning * Detention * In-school suspension * Out of school suspension * Expulsion
BULLYING POLICY CONT.
The District will also discipline any individual making false allegations of bullying.
Retaliation Retaliation against any person reporting bullying is prohibited. Any person, who engages in retaliation against a person for reporting bullying, will be disciplined in a manner that may include suspension or expulsion.
CARE OF CLASSROOM
The physical order of each classroom is indicative of the personal pride and habits of the individual teachers. Care should be taken in regard to:
a. Desk arrangement - Keep an orderly arrangement - try not to have student's desks placed immediately next to a wall or a chalkboard. This helps prevent students from writing on them.
b. Ventilation - Opening and closing windows is a responsibility of the teacher, not the students. Windows should be opened and closed only with the teacher's permission. Be sure to close them at the end of the day.
c. Shades - The shades should be raised or lowered only at the discretion of the teacher and then only as little as possible. Desk arrangement can solve most of the lighting problems.
d. Cleanliness - Keep paper off the floor and require neatness of students. A little housekeeping provides for an atmosphere which encourages study and attention and helps keep maintenance costs down.
e. Please report damage and vandalism to the Superintendent immediately.
f. Be on time to your classes, faculty meetings and other duties.
g. Equipment in Room - It is the teacher's responsibility to annually up-date the room inventory. Do not move or transfer from one location to another without approval of Administration. Computer equipment in your room will be on a master inventory and you will be responsible for equipment assigned to your room.
h. No pop, juice or candy by students, except as part of a scheduled party.
CHURCH NIGHT
Wednesday night has been designated church night and no activities will be scheduled after 6:00 p.m. for grades 7-12. Every effort will be made to avoid scheduling events causing students to be at school sponsored events on Sundays and other religious holidays.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
All adult classes are to be arranged through the Bison Education Association. Adult Basic Education is provided through the BEA.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The teaching profession as a whole is frequently and unjustly judged by the attitude and conduct of a teacher. Since all are judged by what only a few may do, it is important that each of us give considerable thought to our actions as they relate to the community customs.
Poor public relations can ruin the finest faculty in a good school. Please remember that students quite often do use particular teachers they admire as models for their own conduct, dress and behavior. In relating to community demands upon the faculty, we have the following suggestions:
Church - We suggest that each faculty member become a regular and active member of the church of their choice. Church attendance can also provide a ready source for becoming acquainted in the community.
Tobacco Use - The Bison School District has made smoking illegal in all its buildings and vehicles. Use of tobacco in front of students is to be avoided. Smoking on the school grounds is not prohibited but is to be avoided in the presence of students. Use of chewing tobacco is not permitted while on duty either while teaching or coaching.
Alcohol - We do not preach abstinence and yet we feel that the use of alcoholic beverages is a matter which should be approached with extreme caution. This does not mean that you are not allowed some degree of social drinking, but avoid it in excess. Drugs - Possession or use of illegal drugs will not be acceptable by any staff member in the Bison School System.
Civic Organizations - An individual teacher is frequently called upon to serve the community in various capacities. Membership in clubs and organizations, and service in time of community need is suggested as an excellent place for individual and school public relations. We recommend them heartily.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS CONT.
Dress - It is expected that each teacher, when on duty, will dress in keeping with the position they hold. Blue jeans will not be worn by professional staff members (administrators, teachers and teacher aides) unless approved for appropriate activities by the Superintendent. Teacher dress should always follow the highest standards of appropriateness, taste and modesty. Tattoos will be covered during school hours and school activities. Teachers and other school employees are expected to model the same appropriateness of dress that is required of students.
Confidentiality - In the school there are many things that should not be public property, among them the records of students, discipline problems, and teacher difficulties. Weaknesses in the school program, although we should try to correct them should not be given undue publicity. Unfortunate incidents that occur in school should be kept in the "family circle". Public confidence is easily lost and is essential to a smooth running school.
A TEACHER MUST BE A PROFESSIONAL IN THEIR PUBLIC RELATIONS.
CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND OTHER ENTITIES
No contract may be signed committing school funds or district resources without Board approval.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Corporal punishment is not allowed, however, you have the authority to use such physical force that is reasonable and necessary for supervisory control over students. This means to stop a student from hurting others or themselves.
CREDENTIALS & PAYMENTS TO TEACHERS
All certified staff must have valid South Dakota Teaching Certificates, current college transcripts and a personnel form on file in the Business Office. You must also have your Social Security number and your W-4 withholding exemption certificate on file in the Business Office in order to receive a pay check.
DAILY BULLETIN
A daily bulletin containing information pertaining to the school will be e-mailed from the Administration's Office through the school year. Included in this memo are announcements, coming events, student and faculty information and things to do. PLEASE READ STUDENT ITEMS TO THEM, EACH DAY, WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE BULLETIN.
DAILY BULLETIN CONT. If you have any items you wish to have placed in the daily bulletin have it in the administration's office no later that 9:00 a.m. each morning. Avoid use of this vehicle for non-school related, personal messages or messages which embarrass students or staff in any way.
DETENTION
Detention can be assigned by Administrator or teachers. Detention will be served after school or during the noon hour in 30 minute units. Individual use of detention by the teachers is permissible, but we do request that the Administrator be informed when it is used. If a student who rides the school bus is to be kept after school the parents must be notified so alternative arrangements for transportation can be made. Alternate dates may be used if deemed necessary by the Superintendent. Extracurricular practice will come after detention.
DISCIPLINE The administration of the school system is well aware that if we are to have a good school we must have a fair and efficient system of discipline. The students of the school will learn to respect authority. By proper administration of school rules and regulations, we will be able to teach them the necessity of obeying proper authority, be it parental, civil or school.
In most cases, discipline should and can be handled by the individual teacher. Only in the case of serious disrespect for authority or disregard for rules and regulations should the student be sent to the office. It would appear that the following warrant bringing the student to the office: 1. Flagrant disregard for teacher authority, this includes "sassing" teacher, impudence, or insubordination. 2. Marring or destruction of school property. 3. Violation of any school rules regarding the use of alcohol or nicotine products. 4. Offensive language. 5. Any need or suspected need to search a student.
In case it becomes necessary to dismiss a student from the classroom please call the office prior to sending the individual TO THE OFFICE. Send a brief note with the student stating the offense, time and date, and your signature. Don't just tell the student to "get out" and leave it at that. Do not leave the rest of your class alone. Fill out and turn in a Discipline Report before you leave for the day.
Teachers are expected to help monitor hallway conduct between classes, before school from 7:50 to 8:00 and after school until 3:50 p.m.
Each teacher is expected to have their own discipline plan posted in their respective rooms. Teacher discipline plans will be cleared through the Superintendent prior to posting. This becomes extremely important in handling disciplinary cases which are sent to the office.
DUPLICATING EQUIPMENT
Photo copiers are located in the offices. They are there for the use of the teachers and Administration but are NOT to be used at any time by the students under any condition other than permission of the office personnel. Use of these machines for personal use should be kept to a minimum and will involve a charge. Personal use for large quantities of copies is prohibited. Students must have a pink slip from a teacher authorizing them to make copies otherwise they will be charged for any copies they make.
FIELD TRIPS AND EDUCATIONAL TRIPS
Field trips can be an excellent aid to classroom work if planned and handled properly. The use of such a teaching aid is suggested but all such trips must have the approval of the Superintendent before they are to be used. One major field trip per year is all that will be authorized per year for any one class. Do not promise students to take them on a field trip someplace until you know it has approval.
FIRE/FIRE DRILL
The signal for a fire/fire drill will be the continuous ringing of the fire bell. When the alarm is sounded, all persons will exit the area as specified by the signs in each room. Students should not stop at their lockers and they should be quiet, so instructions may be heard. TEACHERS SHOULD BEGIN THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL BY INFORMING THEIR STUDENTS OF THE AREAS EXITS AND PROPER PROCEDURES. Teachers should be the last one out of the area. Make sure the lights are turned off, windows shut and the door closed behind you. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR GRADE BOOK. Once outside, gather your students, at least 20 yards from the building, take roll and inform the Administration if you are missing any one. TREAT EACH DRILL AS THE REAL THING.
FUND RAISING
All fund raising projects MUST have prior approval by the Administration.
GRAMMAR
Grammar should be taught by every teacher in the district. Insist on good grammar in every class and every activity. Call attention to obvious grammatical errors and make the students conscious of their grammar at all times. Written work should be neat and in your required format. Rough or abusive language will not be tolerated in any school setting.
HANDLING MONEY
The school has bonded personnel and all money should be presented to the office. You will be given a receipt and the proper fund will be credited. You are responsible for the money you handle. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY IN YOUR DESK. Warn students against leaving money or valuables in their desks or lockers. We will not be responsible for lost money or valuables.
INCOMPLETES
Please read about incompletes in the student handbook. Incompletes should be unnecessary except for students who have had several or frequent absences, otherwise grades should be averaged and turned in despite unfinished projects.
INJURIES, ACCIDENTS AND SICKNESS
It is important to stress the need for extreme care and caution in your procedure in handling accident cases and sickness which takes place under your supervision. Please follow the procedure below: 1. All accidents requiring medical attention must be reported by the teacher or coach immediately. Do so in the Superintendent's Office. Do not send the student home until they are checked by the proper authority.
2. Students who are included in the group insurance plan may be eligible for insurance reimbursement if injured while in a school activity under the supervision of a teacher. However, documentation of the date and circumstances is required. Use the accident forms in the office.
3. It must be understood that students are expected to be under supervision at all times. Absence from the area of supervision often does not relieve the teacher of responsibility. Teacher absence can often be proven as neglect and the liability then falls on the teacher and the school.
INSERVICE
All teachers and certified personnel are required to attend District inservice deemed necessary by the Administration and/or Board. Attendance is required whether staff member is full time or part time. Certified staff who have after school coaching assignments will be expected to be at the inservices unless excused from attendance by the Superintendent. These inservices may sometimes require the teacher to be present beyond the usual length of the school day. Attendance is often crucial to enabling us to understand and comply with ever changing state and federal rules.
KEYS
Keys to enter the school, your classroom, and areas locked that are used for advisory work in activities will be provided each staff member. At the end of the year, the keys will be turned back into the Superintendent's office. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE KEYS TO BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS UNLESS WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
LESSON PLANS Designated procedure and use by respective Superintendent.
MAILBOXES
Mailboxes are in the Administration Office. Check your mailbox daily.
NEGOTIATED STAFF POLICY
All negotiated staff policies will be honored in the best interest of students of Bison School District #52-1. A copy of this document may be obtained from your local BEA president.
NOON DUTY
Assigned noon duty supervision by staff will be made as needed for the school year. Please refer to the lists for elementary and high school duty.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
So that parents may have the opportunity to visit individual teachers about their children with reference to the progress of the student, there will be parent-teacher conferences the week following the end of the first nine weeks periods and at mid-term of the third nine weeks. In Bison, parents are very receptive to meeting the teachers to discuss the work of the student. It would seem advisable if teachers were to be able to discuss all pertinent matters of the classroom with the parents. Up-to-date records always facilitate justifying the student's grades. Evening parent-teacher conferences scheduled for 2 1/2 hours or more will be counted as 1/2 day of instruction.
PASSES
Passes will be required of the students any time they leave a class or study hall other than to go to their lockers or rest rooms. A sign-out sheet will be provided for this purpose. If at all possible, passes should be made out by the teacher to whom the student is going, prior to the time the student will be leaving the study hall or classroom. If a student must leave the building, they MUST get a pass from the office. EXCEPTION (Example) -Shop students may go to the lumber yard from the shop when the teacher lets the office know who is going. If vehicle use will be involved, the student must come to the office for authorization.
PROGRESS REPORTS
At the mid-term point of each nine-week quarter, Progress Reports will be sent to parents of students who have a grade of ‟D, F or Incomplete‟ in any subject (class). Students who have deficiencies may lose privileges of signing out of study hall until the grade is brought up to „C-„ or higher. Students with deficiency notices will not be allowed to play computer games in the lab.
To have privileges reinstated, a student will need to have all his/her teachers sign on a “Green Sheet” to verify that all grades meet the above standard. Teachers may send parents a deficiency notice at any time a student‟s grade has dropped to the point that parents should be notified, without waiting for mid-term. Positive Progress Reports may be sent for students who are doing exceptional work.
During the fall in-service and throughout the year, teaching staff will be reminded of the need for this regular, two-way communication between teachers and parents concerning the grades of students.
PURCHASING
When ordering supplies a PURCHASE ORDER must be completed and signed PRIOR to ordering. ITEMS MUST BE ORDERED AND USED IN THE SCHOOL YEAR THAT THEY ARE BUDGETED FOR. All purchases must have the Superintendent‟s approval and must go through the Administration Office in advance. All materials ordered for preview must be authorized by the Superintendent unless you want it for personal use, in which case the District will not pay for it. Purchase orders are to be filled out on all previews; and get back to the Business Manager on your decision to keep or return such materials within 20 days. Supplies purchased out-side of school must have receipts. Receipts must be turned in no later than the month following the purchase (e.g. September purchases must be turned in by Oct. 31, etc.) If you wait until later there will be no reimbursement available.
SCHEDULING OF EVENTS
Events to be put on the school calendar shall be presented to the Superintendent at least one week ahead of the monthly calendar. This includes all traditional events such as concerts, plays, sports events, pep rallies, etc. Only the Administration shall authorize placement of items on the activities calendar.
SCHOOL CLOSING
Listen to KOTA radio-TV, KEVN-TV, (Rapid City); radio KBJM (Lemmon); radio KNDC (Hettinger); radio KBHB (AM) (Sturgis) and KZZI (Spearfish). Bristol and Joy will also be providing information via phone to staff.
SCHOOL EQUIPMENT
From time to time, it is necessary or convenient to take out or borrow school equipment. At all times when equipment is removed from the school, the Administration must be notified. The person taking the equipment is responsible for its loss or damage.
SECRETARIAL SERVICE
Secretarial service is restricted to the athletic director and the Superintendent. If teachers wish to have work done by the secretarial staff it will be necessary to have the school office personnel's approval.
STAFF LEAVE - AS PER NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT
STAFF MEETINGS
Staff meetings will be scheduled as deemed necessary by the Administration. All teachers are expected to be present. If it is necessary to be absent, your courtesy in informing the Superintendent will be appreciated. Part-time personnel are expected to attend and coaching staff need to arrange to either delay practices or cover with assistant coaches so they also can attend faculty meetings and after school in-services.
STUDENT ABSENCES
It is the student's responsibility to contact each teacher for work missed due to any absence. You must keep accurate records of work missed and work made up.
Due to the new emphasis placed on student absences, you MUST keep accurate records of each student's absences for EACH period you have students. Please take lunch count and 1st period roll. Be sure you post your absences for each period of the day by 4:00. Each teacher that has students in grades 7-12 must take roll each period, regardless of the class. If you count a student tardy during the day but don‟t send them to the office, you must mark if it is excused or unexcused. Elementary teachers should take roll in the morning and afternoon.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
A handbook outlining the general policy in regard to school procedures and activities has been prepared. All teachers are expected to read it and become familiar with its contents, as all staff members will be expected to help enforce rules and follow policies found in it. Each year there will be some changes. Staff should be uniform in enforcement of the school rules.
STUDENT RECORDS/CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Student records are kept confidential and only those having "legitimate" and educational interests or interest in the health and safety of students will see the records.
Parents have the right to inspect and review the educational records of their children and to obtain copies of records where necessary. It is also the parent's right to receive an explanation of the records if they desire. If a parent believes school records to be inaccurate or misleading, they should request a meeting with the Superintendent to find out what can be done about it.
Directory information such as the student's name, address, phone number, date and place of birth, field of study, sports, activities, dates of attendance, awards received and similar information will not be held confidential unless the parent informs the school in writing that they wish it to be confidential
STUDENT RECORDS/CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION CONT.
The School Office Personnel should be contacted regarding student records and the Special Education Director should be contacted about records pertaining to students having special educational needs.
It is the nature of the teacher's daily task to work with confidential information. As professionals we are obligated to use extreme care in the handling of such information. There is a very real difference between a pertinent discussion of a student's problems and gossip.
STUDENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Each teacher will have an office or classroom as a home base. Student-teacher conferences will be held there rather than the faculty lounge.
STUDY HALLS
Please read the section on "study halls" in the student handbook. Remember not to allow study halls to become an environment where study is difficult. Games, card playing, etc. are not allowed. Candy, pop and juice are not to be permitted, except for a scheduled party.
SUPERVISION OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All faculty are governed by the following: a. Practice sessions for school activities will be held during designated periods of the school day or after school in conformance with current board policies. Practices or activities will not be held on Wednesday evenings past 5:45 p.m., or on weekends without prior approval of the administration. b. Insist on promptness. Set a meeting time, then carry out your business as rapidly and efficiently as possible. c. Demand sportsmanship and courteous conduct in extracurricular activities. d. If the meeting or practice is in the evening or on a weekend, the teacher should arrive approximately 15 minutes before the students are expected. e. Do not allow non-participating students to enter the school building. f. It should be firmly understood, that students are never to be allowed in the building unless properly supervised. The term "School Building" applies to all of the school plant, including the grade building, the shop, the bus barn and the athletic complex. g. It should also be understood that when a meeting or practice is scheduled the TEACHER should be the FIRST TO ARRIVE AND THE VERY LAST TO LEAVE. h. The teacher, as stated above, should be the last to leave after any practice, meeting or event. All lights should be turned out and all doors should be locked by the teacher after meetings and practices. i. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL KEYS TO ANY PART OF THE BUILDING BE GIVEN TO ANY STUDENT WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE ADMINISTRATION. j. "Open Gym" or unofficial practices are prohibited as a means of circumventing a canceled official practice due to weather or other circumstances.
SUPERVISION (GENERAL)
Please do not permit students to leave your immediate supervision during a class unless it is to go to the bathroom, water fountain, lockers, library or office unless they have a note from the teacher who is expecting them. The teacher who is requesting release of a student from class should only do this if: a. they have approval of the Superintendent. b. they will be there to provide supervision. Release no more than one student at a time to bathroom and/or drinking fountain.
SUPPLIES
Paper, marking pens, manila folders, note pads, etc. may be requested from the Administration office. These items will be issued by the Superintendent‟s secretary upon request.
TEACHERS' ASSISTANCE TEAM (T.A.T.)
Bison School District acknowledges that occasionally the best of teachers will have students who are difficult to reach or work with by a particular teacher due to a variety of factors. The T.A.T. team is established, in compliance with State Requirements, to help teachers deal with problem students. Referrals should be made to the administration or team coordinator. Members are: Michelle Stockert, Coordinator; Bev Kopren; Roxie Seaman; Shawnda Carmichael and Superintendent.
TEACHER'S DAY
The teacher's work day for Bison School Faculty members is 7:50 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. The teacher is requested to be at the school at 7:50 in the morning and to be present in the hallways at 7:50 and may leave the building at 3:50 except the day before vacations and holidays when teachers may leave upon school dismissal. Please wait until the buses have departed.
If a teacher has a reason to leave the building before 3:50 p.m., the school office personnel must be notified. Staff who leave the building during free periods or lunch time for business must leave word with the office personnel. Teachers must, on occasion, anticipate I.E.P. meetings, faculty meetings and in-services going slightly beyond the normal work day. These occasions will be kept to a minimum unless a teacher is involved assisting students before or after school or engaged in meetings.
TEACHER LIABILITY
While district insurance coverage generally protects teachers if legal action is brought against them in the performance of their work, there are exceptions. Teachers must be especially careful not to act contrary to Board Policy in the performance of their jobs. It is important not to leave students unsupervised. Teachers must take care not to exceed the authority given them under existing policies and guidelines. Become familiar with policies contained in the Student Handbook, Teacher Handbook and District Policy Manual.
TEACHERS' LOUNGE
Elementary teachers' lounge is located in the elementary building and the secondary teachers' lounge is located in the secondary building. The appliances and machines will be kept clean. Please keep this room neat and well organized.
Tobacco use is not permitted in the school building or in school vehicles.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Be certain calls are recorded on the Long Distance Calls log provided in the office. No personal long distance calls. If personal long distance calls are made, staff members are to use credit cards or call collect. Do not charge personal calls to the school.
TESTING PROGRAM
In the interest of an ongoing educational program determined by the needs of individual students, a testing program is conducted throughout Bison Schools for Grades K-12. Bison School will follow the state testing program. School testing will be arranged by the Test Coordinator with assistance of the Superintendent and faculty.
TEXTBOOK ACCOUNTING
Each staff member is obligated to keep record of all materials (non-consumable) given to students for use. Have this record as a part of your grade book information.
TICKETSELLING
Teachers will sell tickets at the sporting events. Compensation will be at $25.00 a night. Teachers will sign up for concession advisors. Compensation at $35.00 a night.
TORNADO/TORNADO DRILL
TEACHERS SHOULD BEGIN THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL BY INFORMING THEIR STUDENTS OF THE AREA'S EXITS AND PROPER PROCEDURES FOR TORNADO DRILLS. The signal for a tornado/tornado drill will be a series of ten (10) short rings of the class bells. All persons are to exit the area to the proper area. The students need to be quiet. Teachers must have grade books with them. Teachers take roll and inform the administration if anyone is missing.
VISITORS
All visitors, salesmen and others are to be directed to the office. This is for student protection and classroom order.
VOUCHERS FOR MILEAGE, MOTEL, MEALS AND SUPPLIES
When traveling your mileage, motel, and meal vouchers must be turned in no later than the month following your trip. (e.g. September trip must be turned in by October 31. October trips must be turned in by November 30, etc.) If you wait until later there will be no reimbursement available.
Supplies purchased out side of the school must have receipts. Receipts must be turned in no later than the month following the purchase.
Use of school vehicles must be requested on the forms provided.
ADD COMPLAINAT POLICY/HOMELESS POLICY-FEDERAL PROGRAMS ADD COMPUTER USE POLICY FROM STUDENT HANDBOOK